As we look ahead, it causes us to remember those who have gone before us. Our Chamber has a history over of 70 years in the community with an all volunteer board and staff. Within that history many outstanding public servants have graced our board. I wish to take a moment to thank all past board members for their contribution in helping to make this organization what it is today. Many of those same folks who have served on our Chamber Board also participate in other local organizations, such as the City Council, the Community Connection Center, the Dunes Center, the GETA Lab, the Guadalupe Education and Cultural Arts Center, and the Senior Citizens Center to name a few. We appreciate the continued efforts of all the organizations in our community that help to make Guadalupe the historic small town community that it is.

Our new Board will be installed on February 26, 2004 at 6pm during the Guadalupe Chamber of Commerce 2004 General Meeting at the Far Western. Past Board members who will continue on the Board include myself, (serving as Past President), Ashley Hall (Domino’s Pizza), Brenda Kelsch (Grower Shipper Vegetable Association), and Earlene Raguz. We are looking forward to working with the new Board Members and Officers. We also give our sincere thanks and appreciation to departing board members for their unselfish service. These include Past President Beverly Chapman (The Eclectic Connection), Treasurer Molly Ruedas (Prudential Hunter Realty), Bill Walker and Randy Torres (Far Western). We wish them continued success!

I must also take this opportunity to thank our volunteer staff. Our Visitor’s Center is staffed 40 hours a week, completely by volunteers. They keep our facility looking great and are always ready to receive visitors with a friendly smile. These are people who believe in this community and don’t just talk about it – they do something about it. My special thanks go to Betty Aja who staffs our Visitor’s Center and serves as receptionist several days a week. She is an intelligent, lovely person who is committed to serving others and working for the betterment of this community. I would also like to take a moment to thank Beverly Chapman for her tireless spirit of volunteerism. Beverly is just a kind person who goes out of her way to help people.

During the upcoming Guadalupe Chamber of Commerce 2004 General Meeting on February 26th, we will also be presenting three categories of Community Awards of Recognition. Any person is eligible to be nominated for the Special and Humanitarian of the Year awards. The Business Person of the Year Award is open to any Guadalupe business people. A nomination is included in this mailing and needs to be returned by Friday, February 20, 2004.

As the historic Guadalupe Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to continue to be Guadalupe’s official “voice of business.” We strive to be an advocate for local business people and were happy to help mediate situations that came about as a result of the recent earthquake. We were able to hold some very constructive meetings and helped generate support for affected business owners. We continue to be receptive to your interests and vision for the community. And in response to member requests and through the support of the County of Santa Barbara, we are working on some new promotional materials that will help put Guadalupe on the map.

It has been a pleasure serving you!

Rhonda Walker
President