Preparing for the Future

In January the CV Chamber had its installation of officers and board members. Not a fancy affair, the swearing in was overseen by CV Sheriff’s Station Captain Robert Hahnlein at our regular board meeting. 

In addition to saying goodbye to longtime board member and former president Mike Riley, we bid farewell to CVHS principal Christine Benitez and teacher Win Saw (all cited personal reasons for their departure though all will support the Chamber in any way possible). Our board is also short a member. Rev. Dr. Beverly Craig died in November and her loss is felt profoundly by our board.

We also welcomed onto our board Tiffany Lau of ServPro – Burbank. With her enthusiasm and love of community, Tiffany brings a lot to the board.

The chamber board is knee-deep in preparing for our Hometown Country Fair, which is taking place on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CV Park. Though few things are set in stone, I’d like to share with you some of those things that attendees can look forward to: our traditional pie-eating contest. This staple is always a big draw as contestants sit on chairs, ready to attack pudding pies and whipped cream, hands at their sides. A messy affair to be sure!

Another popular event is our puppy parade, which sees dogs of all sizes (many dressed in a variety of costumes) winds its way through CV Park. This always brings a smile to my face.

In addition, plenty of vendors will be on-site with what I call “fair ware” – items not typically found in brick-and-mortar stores but instead at outdoor events like the Hometown Country Fair. Local non-profits and businesses will be represented, too, offering information on their organizations. 

And the food! There are few things as delicious as fair food and the offerings at the Hometown Country Fair won’t disappoint! So come with an appetite!

There will be plenty of entertainment, too, including local bands, dance performers and more who will fill the day and amaze attendees.

I want to take this opportunity to thank 44th District Assemblymember Nick Schultz who spoke to local citizens at an event hosted by the CV Chamber on Jan. 30. He offered some thoughts on the current state of affairs in Sacramento and bills he will be proposing. He also took time to answer a variety of questions from attendees that ranged from changes in the entertainment industry to recovery from the recent wildfires. This was after flying in from Sacramento! Thanks to Assemblymember Schultz (and his district director Diane Rana, who drove him) for taking the time to meet with our citizens.

Finally, our next mixer is being held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at Bob Smith Toyota. Hosted by the Mary Pinola/CV Chamber Educational Fund not only does this mixer celebrate the upcoming Smart-A-Thon on March 14, the event will also see the distribution of grants from the Educational Fund. The cost to attend is $15 for chamber members, $20 for non-members. Plan now to attend!

I look forward to seeing you around town and at our mixer on Feb. 18 and at the Hometown Country Fair on April 26!

Robin Goldsworthy, President
CV Chamber of Commerce