I recently read an article titled “Have Chambers of Commerce Jumped the Shark?” It got me thinking about whether the Crescenta Valley Chamber is relevant and serving its community. After witnessing an amazing event at the chamber office this past week, my answer to this question is a definite, “Yes.”

All it took was one email blast. We asked members to support a hastily pulled together plan to send home-baked treats and other goodies to an Air Force squadron stationed in the Middle East. Stephen Beck, a graduate of Crescenta Valley High and husband to local girl Amy Yeghiayan-Beck, is stationed with other young men and women in the Middle East. They’ll be spending the holidays there, far from their homes. Plates of cookies, loaves of banana bread, jars of peanut butter, handmade scarves, boxes of Boston Baked Beans, handmade cards, beef jerky, even hometown news in the form of the Crescenta Valley Weekly were stacked into 25 boxes.  Community members filled our office, happily bagging and boxing, making sure each soldier had homemade treats waiting for him or her come Christmas.

As I saw those boxes leave the office, I thought this is ultimately what a chamber is about: bringing community members together to support other members of the community. This morning, Phil Downs came in to renew his CV Chamber residential membership (yes, individuals can be members of the chamber!). He told me how important the chamber is to him.

“If we didn’t have a chamber of commerce,” Phil said, “we community members would all be standing alone out here. The chamber and other organizations pull us together and help us understand the value of belonging.”

That being said, as executive director, I am committed to hearing new ideas and ways the chamber can better serve the business community. What interests you? How can we help improve the business and cultural climate of the Crescenta Valley? I would love to hear feedback from members and non-members alike as to what works with the chamber and what improvements you’d like to see. Email me at info@crescentavalleychamber.org.

According to our mission statement, the purpose of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce is to promote the civic, economic, industrial, professional and cultural welfare of the Crescenta Valley. We seek to educate all citizens on the role and importance of a healthy economy to a community’s existence. So while I am committed to coming up with new, fresh ideas, I feel confident in the good work we are already doing. Keep apprised of our activities by subscribing to our bi-weekly e-newsletter at
www.crescentavalleychamber.org. And consider becoming a member!

  Lisa DUPUY