Chairman’s Message

CHAMBER STAFF

Mark Creffield, President/CEO Ruby Clark, Director of Member Relations Jenny Flores, Special Events & Graphics Coordinator Sonia Miranda, Internal Services Coordinator

CONTENTS

3 Chairman’s Message

5 Virtual Mixer Sponsors

6 State of Education/State of the Chamber Sponsors

8 Ribbon Cuttings

10-11 New Chamber Investors

12 Surviving The Great Resignition

14 Chamber Calendar

15 Chairman’s Circle

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. I hope this note finds all members of the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce prospering in business and in fun as we continue inching toward normalcy. First, as I’ve said multiple times in person and on Zoom in the last several months, thank you so much for your continued membership, your support of our chamber and your efforts to help our local economy rebound. There is still a long way to go, but our region’s resilience is proven in your commitment — time and time again. Second, let’s keep the momentum! We’ve now had multiple in-person events, beginning with our inaugural Coffee Break in June. It’s so wonderful to see so many faces igniting conversation, sparking ideas and building relationships that are the core of our chamber. But there’s plenty of room for more faces and new relationships! Invite a new business in town to join us for a Coffee Break, or bring a friend with you to the next Valley Morning Insight. The more our membership base grows, the greater the opportunities for networking and promotion, and the louder our voice can be in Sacramento. Lastly, I am honored to be your Chair of the Board of Directors over the next several months. My mission is to raise the banner for local chamber membership and High Desert economic prosperity higher than ever before. I also aim to encourage you to help me — help all of us — raise that banner and voice. We’ve come so far already, and as we continue to move forward as a united front, I’m confident we’ll see the fruits of that labor abound in our desert. Please feel free to get in touch with me with ideas, comments, concerns or anything else related to our chamber (or our air quality). I’m easy to reach!

Martial Haprov

Mojave Desert AQMD 2021-2022 Chair of the Board

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2020 - 2021

Martial Haprov – Chair of the Board – Mojave Desert AQMD Sharon Page – Immediate Past Chair – Sharon R. Page Consulting Mike Thrapp – Chair Elect - ICR Staffing Services, Inc. Lisa Lamb - Vice Chair - Finance - Lewis Center for Educational Research

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020 - 2021

Clinton Alford – Farmers Insurance-Clinton Alford Agency Casey Armstrong – Armstrong Fairway Insurance Agency, Inc. Jan Gonzalez – Victor Elementary School District Eddie Hernandez – Desert Valley Hospital/Medical Group Randi Hunt – Inland SoCal United Way Aaron Korn – Pacific Refrigerator Company Arsalee Morales - Apple Valley Communications Sarina Muhammad - Goodwill Career Resource Center Pat Orr – Individual Member Shannon Shannon – SaddleRock Reverse Mortgage Sam Thatte - State of the City Presentations Bob Tinsley – B.R. Tinsley Inc.

BOARD ADVISORS 2020 - 2021

Mark Austin – C-Me Promotions & Embroidery David Greiner – Greiner Buick GMC Janice Moore – Retired

Love

ADELANTO

Executive Committee

Matthew Souza – Chair of the Board – Desert Community Bank James Janecka – Secretary/Treasurer – GEO Group, Inc.

Director

Manny Serrano – Jet Room, Inc. Stuart Young - SAY Marketing & Promotions

APPLE VALLEY

Executive Committee

Keith Shannon – Chair of the Board – Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Jessica Borzilleri – Secretary – Kindred Hospice Lisa Kiplinger Kennedy – Treasurer – Boisset Collection

Director

Carol Thomas Keefer – Liberty Utilities Sabrina Schneider – Off the Grid Brewery

HESPERIA

Executive Committee

James Needham – Chair of the Board – Affordable Technology, Inc. Niru Vangala – Treasurer – Foremost Retirement Resort

Director

Jessica Carrillo – A Magic Moment Custom Cakes

VICTORVILLE

Executive Committee

Stacy DeVoll – Chair of the Board – DeVoll Rubber Mfg Group, Inc. Chris Lamoreaux – Secretary – Coldwell Banker Home Source Gwen Bedics – Treasurer – Alaska USA Federal Credit Union

Director

Laura Andre – The Mall of Victor Valley Randy Castillo – Providence St. Mary Medical Center Karen Engelsen – Victor Valley College Eddie Hernandez – Desert Valley Hospital / Desert Valley Medical Group Yvonne Cox – Mojave Water Agency Ryan Orr – Mojave Desert AQMD