Luck Be a Lady: Chamber Hosts Casino Night, Installs 107th Board of Directors

It was a three-in-one last Friday night as guests joined the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce for a night of networking, the installation of the Chamber's new board of directors and Casino Night merriment. The combined Casino Night, 107th Installation of Officers ceremony and business expo brought dozens together in support of the Chamber. With tables lining the walls, the evening opened with the business expo where visitors were encouraged to talk with local business representatives about their services and provided ample networking opportunities. Business Expo display booths included those from Big Mike's Plumbing, Amsoil, Inland Empire Job Corps, Alta Vista Credit Union, Security Bank of CA, the San Bernardino Employment & Training Agency, Welcome Wagon, Legacy Full Circle Financial & Insurance Services, Azusa Pacific University's IE Regional Center, the IE Small Business Development Center, Club Center Events and Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery. San Bernardino County Assessor Bob Dutton, introduced by Chamber President & CEO Judi Penman, swore in the Chamber's newest Board of Directors in a brief swearing-in ceremony that also included the installation of Board Chairman John Nolan of Gresham, Savage, Nolan & Tilden. "Certainly the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce has always been a great friend to me, and I want to congratulate all the board members, both former board members as well as those that are continuing on, as well as the ones we are installing tonight, for being willing to devote your time and energy to really make it a great day in San Bernardino," Dutton said in a brief speech before the installation. As board chairman last year, Nolan said he wanted to continue on with the Chamber's programs and efforts to support business and talked about what he hoped would be a turning point for both the city and its businesses. "I think the city has sort of turned the corner and is coming out of a bad time, but I think we'll provide some programs for businesses," Nolan said, emphasizing the importance of encouraging new businesses to settle in the area. Nolan shared he felt the Chamber has helped support businesses through tough economic times in the city; events including weekly coffee networking meetings, various ribbon cutting ceremonies, after hours business mixers, annual golf tournaments and more help provide business development information and networking opportunities to chamber members. Nolan also credited Penman for her work in bringing new members to the Chamber and noted the event sponsors for championing the Chamber. "These are all members of the chamber and they're very loyal. They feel that the chamber provides a benefit to them and this is sort of their way of giving back," said Nolan. Guests that night sampled cuisines provided by Chili's Grill and Bar, The Mexico Cafe, Sundowners Family Restaurant, Outback Steakhouse and Miss Charlotte's Web Cuisine before enjoying an evening of merriment filled with live music and a margarita bar. Most tried their luck at the several blackjack, roulette and craps tables, turning their chips in for raffle tickets at the end of the evening when the raffle took place. Raffle prize sponsors included Arrowhead Country Club, the IE 66ers, Inland Center mall, Hangar 24, Chili's Grill & Bar, Big Mike's Plumbing, Awesome Casino Events, Cheeley Chiropractic, Incl, Colin and Dael Strange, Hub Plaza Dental Group, City News Group, Alta Vista Credit Union, Devi Clothing The Beautiful, Le Rendezvous Restaurant, Trendsetter Salon & Day Spa and Garner Holt Productions. There was also a $2,500 grand prize drawing. Burrtec Waste Industries, Inc. and Kiyan Optometric sponsored the wall banners while the game tables were sponsored by Burrtec Waste, Trophy House, Inland Empire Glass, Athens Services, San Bernardino Raceway, Cliff's Pest Control, Inland Presort & Mailing SErvices, Jack Black Dealer School, Crafton Hills College, Volkswagen of San Bernardino, Dennis M. Craig Real Estate Group and Bethel Estate Sales - Teresa Craig. Minuteman Press sponsored the program printing. The Chamber also thanked ABO Enterprises, Inc.; Gresham, Savage, Nolan & Tilden; Arrowhead Mechanical; and JKS Investment Group, LLC, as well as the volunteers who helped put on the event.