R-C publisher takes over as president of chamber

Staff Reports

Publisher of The Record-Courier, Janet Geary, was sworn in as president of the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Authority on June 21.

The new chamber president-elect is Nick Pchelkin. Carson Valley Golf Course owner Tom Brooks is the immediate past president, former county commissioner Don Miner is the treasurer, Sam Slack of Ridge Tahoe was named vice president and Bing Pit owner Jerry Bing continued on as director emeritus.

Geary said it was an honor to be president of the Valley business board.

"The Chamber has really evolved over the last couple years into a very active and involved organization," Geary said. "This is due in a large part to the volunteers that make up the board of directors and the many committees within the chamber, such as Membership Services/ Ambassadors and Tourism."

She credited the chamber's staff, Skip Sayre, Lisa Voss and Cathy Colbert, with allowing the chamber to extend its reach and influence both Carson Valley and the rest of Northern Nevada.

"In order to increase tourism to this area, we need to look at the Valley with different eyes," she said. "Why should people come here? What amenities do we have that will make them stop and visit? What will make them come back and tell their friends about us? How do we do this and also maintain the quality of life we all enjoy? We are working with professionals to answer these questions. It's very important for our future to develop a comprehensive plan that considers all the aspects of our tourism businesses and our community as a whole."

Geary said Valley businesses and residents should have a say in the direction the community takes.

"They can do this by joining the chamber and learning more about what is going on in our community," she said. "The chamber can be your voice for addressing the issues and concerns you believe are most important to the future. Come to one of our meetings and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the level of interaction that takes place. One person can definitely have an influence. It's a challenging time for our chamber and our area. I urge you to get on board Ð the ride will be exciting."