By: Jo Moreland
Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
For The Alpine Sun
ALPINE —- It was all about good business, communities and fun at the Sept. 16 installation dinner of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce!
With musician William Young in delightful keyboard control, Chamber members enjoyed a relaxing evening with a gorgeous sunset from the VFW Bert Fuller Post 9578 balcony at 844 Tavern Road. Post Quartermaster Carla Silva welcomed everyone.
By: Jo Moreland
Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
For The Alpine Sun
ALPINE —- It was all about good business, communities and fun at the Sept. 16 installation dinner of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce!
With musician William Young in delightful keyboard control, Chamber members enjoyed a relaxing evening with a gorgeous sunset from the VFW Bert Fuller Post 9578 balcony at 844 Tavern Road. Post Quartermaster Carla Silva welcomed everyone.
Emcee and realtor Jeff Campbell of Jeff Campbell & Associates, a Chamber Ambassador and former Chamber director, invited the new and renewing directors to describe their Chamber goals in a single sentence.
“I would like to continue to open up opportunities for the businesses in Alpine,” said Board Chairman Ben Everhart of Comfort Keepers.
Vice Chairman Bob Ring of Barons Market stressed community service. Director of Finance Virginia Fellows of Virginia Fellows, CPA, opted for Chamber problem solving.
“I really want to try to organize the businesses here so we can speak with one voice,” said Director Joseph Perricone of The Canvas Makers.
Director Richard Edwords of Kamps Propane urged people to “shop local.” Alpine still has many important things to do, noted Director Al Haven of KnewSpace.
Director Ray “Bear” Cuero of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians said Viejas wants to continue to “grow with the community.”
“My North Pole line is make Alpine greater,” said Director Darryl Bush of Keller Williams Realty.
Bush is the leader of the Chamber Ambassadors, Everhart, Ring, Edwords and Campbell are also Ambassadors who help serve the community.
Director of Proceedings Becky Kirkwood of the Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group and Director Bill Paskle, Alpine’s Fire Chief, were unable to attend.
All the board members received Certificates of Recognition from the offices of U.S. Congressman Duncan D. Hunter, State Assemblyman Brian Jones and East San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. State Senator Joel Anderson presented his certificates in person.
“You can tell I love you all, because I’m giving up watching the (Republican presidential candidates’) debate to be here,” Anderson said with a smile.
Describing Alpine as a “serene escape,” Campbell talked about the Chamber directors’ mission to help businesses and communities, how businesses can help themselves and volunteerism.
He also introduced 2016 Alpine Honorary Mayor candidates Perricone and Vincenzo Croce of the Mediterraneo Italian Bistro & Bar. They made campaign speeches.
The annual Chamber race encourages community members to raise money for charities by seeking Honorary Mayor dollar “votes.” The candidate who raises the most money wins.
Perricone is fund raising for furnishings for the new Alpine Library. Croce supports nonprofit Shelter Dogs to Dream Dogs.
“This is one of those elections where you can ‘vote’ often . . . Chicago-style,” Campbell said.
Call (619) 445-2722 or visit www.alpinechamber.com for information about Alpine’s style.
(Photos by Pene Manale, Manale Media & Graphic Design)
