Hollister
– The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce is looking for a few
good men – and women – to fill vacant seats on the nonprofit’s
Board of Directors and help shape the future of the local
economy.
Hollister – The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce is looking for a few good men – and women – to fill vacant seats on the nonprofit’s Board of Directors and help shape the future of the local economy.
“It’s a great chance to get in-volved,” said Chamber Executive Director Liz Sparling. “And we’re looking for people to represent a broad cross-section of San Benito County Businesses.”
The chamber is designed to organize and promote local business owners and encourage local residents to do business with them, as well as serve as a networking hub for Hollister professionals.
The Board of Directors is responsible for setting policy as well as making general decisions about the direction of the organization. Directors also volunteer to serve on various subcommittees planning local events and publications. Terms are three years each.
“Our board can be as small as 11 people or as big as 16, and at the end of January we’ll have three seats open, so we’re looking for some new people,” Sparling said.
The ideal candidate, according to both Sparling and Board President Frankie Valent-Arballo, is someone who can meet the time obligations involved with board membership, including monthly meetings and work on the side for events and planning.
“We’re looking for someone with a passion for serving the community and who can honor the time commitment, because we’re very much a working board,” Valent-Arballo said. “Some boards you just show up once in a while and fill out some paperwork, but we’re very involved. It’s all enjoyable, though.”
The position is ideal for anyone who has a fresh perspective on local business issues and needs, said chamber officials.
“This is a great opportunity for people who are new to town and are just getting their business off the ground,” Valent-Arballo said. “And it’s a great place to network.”
Interested applicants are appointed by the board of directors based on a number of criteria. Ideally, candidates will be selected in November, appointed in December and participate in their first meeting in January.
“When you’re just starting out, you have time to get your feet wet and be as involved as you want,” Sparling said. “You can be on a smaller committee like our california.calm publication, a big one like our annual dinner dance, or wait and see.”
All chamber members are invited to stop by the Chamber office at 615 San Benito St., Suite 150 to pick up an application or call the office at 637-5315. The application deadline is Oct. 20, 2006 at 5pm.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or ds****@fr***********.com
