Chairman’s Message

CHAMBER STAFF

Mark Creffield, President/CEO Ruby Clark, Director of Member Relations Jenny Flores, Special Events & Graphics Coordinator Luis Urgilés, Director of Workforce Development Chelsea Sullivan, Internal Services Coordinator

CONTENTS

3 Chairman’s Message 4 Board of Directors/Business Councils

5 2022 Year In Review

7 Employee Rest Breaks by HRWatchdog 8-9 Ribbon Cuttings/Groundbreaking 10 Accolade Award Recipients/Sponsors 12-13 Get Into Gear for the New Year

14-15 Mayors’ Messages 17 Business Card Spotlight/Referral Thank Yous 18 New Chamber Investors

20 ShopHD Campaign 22 Chamber Calendar

23 Chairman’s Circle

*LOOK FOR FUN QUOTES THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE

Published by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce 15428 Civic Dr. #310, Victorville, CA 92392 Tel: (760) 245-6506 Fax: (760) 245-6505 e-mail: mark@ghdcc.com Visit us on-line at www.ghdcc.com

MANUSCRIPTS: The editor welcomes articles for possible publication. The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce assumes no responsibility for the care or return of any manuscripts. Articles are subject to editing and are included on an “as space permits” basis. ADVERTISING: Advertising will be accepted from outside sources at the current member/non-member rates. The Chamber reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and/or sponsorship. The printing of an advertisement and/or content does not constitute or confer an endorsement of a product, business or service. DISCLAIMER: All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in Insight Magazine. The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce accepts no responsibility for damages arising directly or as a consequence of the use or publication of inaccurate information. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own, and are not necessarily shared by Insight Magazine, its staff, the Greater High Desert Chamber or advertisers. Editorial content is intended as general information, and not as specific legal or financial advice; for such, readers are advised to consult professionals in the appropriate field. The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce assumes no liability resulting from advertising contained in this publication. Welcome to 2023! I am eager for the new year and all that it holds - successes, challenges, changes, and new opportunities. But where did 2022 go, or for that matter 2021, or 2020...? Maybe some of you can relate, as a child, that the most dreaded day of the year was the day after Christmas. The build-up and anticipation for Christmas has come and gone, the gifts have all been opened and now we wait...for a whole year. Next Christmas couldn’t have seemed further away.

If only we could recapture the perception of time we had as children. For an interesting read, search for a short blog post by Harvard University titled, No, It’s Not Just You: Why time “speeds up” as we get older, March 27, 2019. In the case of time, I believe perception truly is reality – we have less of it as we get older. To the younger group of up-andcoming business and community leaders, don’t take it for granted. Make the most of your youth, your energy, and your agility. For those of us with a few more years under our belts, we know that time is the single most valuable commodity we have; we can’t buy, borrow, or make more.

Whatever you plan to spend your time on in 2023, make the most of it. Whether it’s more time with family, or time traveling the globe. Maybe it’s time to launch a new business or lead your established business through a time of change. If it’s family, you are to be commended. If it’s travel, we’re jealous and look forward to some amazing pictures and stories. If it’s business and community, look no further than to your Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce. Let the Chamber give some of your time back. We’re here to help market your new business, to connect you with customers and community. We’re here to connect you with resources to lead your business through a time of change. As a member of the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce we are solely focused on supporting your success. Contact the Chamber today, to share your goals and learn how we can help you achieve them.

All the best for health, happiness, and continued success in 2023.

Mike Thrapp

ICR Staffing Services, Inc. 2022-2023 Chair of the Board