By MAGGIE MCMURRAY
Moapa Valley Progress
The Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce kicked off the new year on Wednesday night with its annual mixer and membership drive. The meeting was held at the Old Overton Gym and was open to the general public.
“We love this event every year,” said outgoing president Teresa Holzer.
“It is a great opportunity for old members to come back and for new members to come see what being a member of Chamber can do for them.”
The food for the meeting was a Taste of Moapa Valley, a new idea introduced by 2016 Chamber President Stoney Ward. All local restaurants were invited to contribute to the meal so attendees could sample what local foods are offered.
Holzer recapped the accomplishments of the Chamber over the past year. “The purpose of the Chamber is to help improve businesses in the area sustain and support themselves by bringing business into the valley,” she said. “We also want to help the local population by providing an environment where they can have fun on weekends without having to drive somewhere.”
The Chamber had been instrumental in working with other volunteer organizations in growing the recently started “Moapa Valley Days” in the spring, Holzer said.
The Chamber also sponsored the July 4th community dinner, the Veteran’s Day picnic, and the October Car Show, Holzer said.
Holzer introduced the new 2016 board members. This included Stoney Ward as New President, Jeff Jones as Vice President, Pam Duvall as Secretary, Bret Staley as Treasurer, Marjorie Holland and Mary Kaye Washburn as Board Directors.
Stoney Ward stressed that his main priority was to get local businesses and organizations to support each other and work together for the benefit of Moapa Valley.
“I believe in cross-promoting each others’ businesses,” Ward said. “Together as a team, we can help everyone succeed.”
He acknowledged the great help the Chamber receives from volunteer organizations such as Partners in Conservation, Rotary, and the Moapa Valley Revitalization Project.
“I’ll work hard this year and my board will work hard,” Ward said. “We are committed to you and we all need to be committed to each other. We need to be positive and make positive changes happen.”
The Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes anyone who wants to join. It is open to home-based businesses as well as store front businesses. The Chamber meets every 3rd Wednesday at noon at the Old Overton Gym for a lunch meeting. Lunch is provided for a $5 donation and there is usually a speaker.
More information on Chamber membership benefits can be found at www.moapavalleychamber.com.
