Chamber installs new Board of Directors

BY Ariana Shah

A revitalized Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce took its first major step toward its rebirth last week when it formally installed its new Board of Directors at a virtual swearing in ceremony at Canyon Lake City Hall.

Canyon Lake Mayor Kasey Castillo did the honors of conducting the ceremony. Installed were Jeanne O’Dell, President, Kelly Smith, Treasurer, Debby Gagnon, Secretary and as directors, Kellie Welty, Director of Membership, Shari Blair-DiMond, Ambassador, Kristina Rasband, Director of Marketing & Communications, Sonja Kehnt, Director of Community Events and Joseph DeCasperis, Director of Member Events.

The chamber still needs to fill vacancies of Vice President, Director of Sponsorship and Donations, Director of Volunteers and another Ambassador, Jeanne, the president, said.

In the meantime, the chamber is actively recruiting new members. Existing members from before the pandemic will need to renew their membership and should contact the chamber for details.

Those joining the chamber now can join as founding members. Businesses that have recently joined are founding members Canyon Hills Plumbing, JDI Dance Company, The Urban Craft Eatery, The Canyon Cowboy, The Canyon Lake Jr. Women’s Club and City of Canyon Lake. The chamber has brought on 44 founding members and more are joining regularly, Jeanne said.

To become a founding member, businesses must join the chamber prior to March 31. Joining by then also earns a $50 discount in first-year dues. Members also receive the perks to network with each other at monthly Chamber networking events, advertise through social media platforms and hold meetings designed to inform a thriving business culture.

Those interested in joining the Chamber of Commerce can obtain more information by sending an email to CanyonLakeChamber@outlook.com or by going to the chamber’s new website, CanyonLakeChamber.org.