Well here it is—my first President’s message. After a year as President-elect—sort of a bride in waiting, I am so surprised at how quickly this time passed. First and foremost I’d like to thank the Santa Fe Springs Chamber Board for placing their trust in me by electing me President, and Rick Landis and the chamber staff for their continued support.

Before I share my goals with you, I’d like to highlight the Regional Chamber Alliance’s recent trip to Sacramento for the annual California Chambers Legislative Summit. Details and pictures from this trip will be reported in another article in this issue. My intent is to urge you to participate in this committee. The Regional Chamber Alliance, an alliance of five local chambers that include Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, Pico Rivera, La Mirada and Norwalk is dedicated to “unifying and strengthening the voice of the business community in order to respond to legislation affecting it” and “to educate the business community on the importance of legislative advocacy, providing opportunities for grassroots involvement in order to preserve each business person’s right his or her business in a productive and profitable manner.” This committee meets the first Wednesday of every month at noon for a brown bag lunch with refreshments provided by our host, Southern California Edison.

I am proud to introduce the new executive board. Marc Essensa of McKesson who will serve as President-elect, Paul Hesse of Penta Pacific Properties who will serve as Vice-President of Public Affairs, Mike Becker of Miller Giangrande, LLP who will serve as Vice-President of Member Services, Wendy Meader of Tangram Interiors, who will serve as Vice-President of the Youth Enrichment Fund, Lisa Boyajian of Ansa Insurance Services who will serve as Vice-President of Special Events and lastly our former President Rick Landis, Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet who will continue to serve on the Executive Board as immediate-past president. They are all talented and dedicated leaders and I am very pleased that they have agreed to help me lead this chamber.

The theme for my presidency this year is, “Chamber, City and Community---Partners in Business”. We will focus on three areas, first and foremost continuing to grow and nurture the exceptional relationship our chamber shares with the City of Santa Springs, explore a workforce readiness program with Rio Hondo College and lastly a strong focus on membership retention.

See you at the next chamber event!

Sylvia Southerland
PRESIDENT