Monthly Chamber Luncheon and Business After Hours
The Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce provides opportunities for members to expand business contacts, gain interesting and relevant information for operating a business, and make new friends through its Membership Luncheon and its Business After Hours mixers.
* Membership Luncheons are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at noon at Victoria's at the Heritage (in courtyard at Heritage Inn). Reservations are necessary, since our topics often attract overflow crowds. Reservations may be made by calling 760-375-8331 by the day before each luncheon.
* Business After Hours are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 5:30 pm. Contact the Chamber office for more information on the participating business.
IWV Outlook Conference
The IWV Economic Outlook Conference and Business Expo has appeared annually in Ridgecrest since 1988. The intent of this half-day conference is to provide information about the current economic and social position of the Indian Wells Valley while forecasting what the future will bring. Typically takes place in February of each year at the Kerr McGee Center.
Community Star Follies
The Ridgecrest Community Unity Star Follies were started in 1993 as a fundraiser and a way to build better relationships with members of the city, county, base and community. The basic premise is that communication can begin only once you've broken down the barriers that separate us.
The Follies take place each spring at the Desert Empire Fairgrounds, with the early show at 6:30 p.m. and the late show at 8:30 p.m. both usually packed with showgoers looking forward to seeing brightly costumed community leaders lipsynch and cavort their way through showtunes and other popular melodies.
Casino Night
This fun evening out, one of the Chamber's major fund-raisers, includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, a no-host bar and great prizes. Included are Texas hold-em, craps, roulette, blackjack and more - you too can be a high roller with only the tiniest dent in your pocketbook! Business can participate by sponsoring a table, donating a door prize or buying tickets!
Small Business Expo
The Small Business Expo, which began in 2004, is truly a growing tradition as local merchants have discovered the benefits of displaying their goods and services to sizable crowds. This annual marketing event, held each July at the Desert Empire Fairgrounds, provides small businesses with an inexpensive opportunity to showcase their products and services.
"Remember Speed" Bowling Tournament
Myrlan D. "Speed" Handeland and fun -- those two terms became virtually interchangeable for the many members of the Chamber who had the pleasure of working with him during his many volunteer activities on behalf of Ridgecrest's business community. After Speed died in July 2003, the Chamber initiated a bowling tournament in his memory, with the proceeds to go toward a scholarship fund.
The tournament(Nine pin, no tap) is usually held in August or September, with applications available at both the Chamber office and Sierra Lanes. If bowling isn't your thing, you can still participate by contributing a door prize or to the scholarship fund itself. Cash prizes, door prizes and fun are in store whether you know how to bowl or are one of those "drop-the-ball-on-the-lane-and-see-where-it-goes" types of bowlers.
Murder Mystery Dinner
An evening of intrigue, laughter and great food, the Murder Mystery Dinner was initiated in November 2009 to raise funds for the Chamber's political advocacy program. For $100 each, enjoy dinner, wine, dessert, and prizes .
As the evening unfolds, you'll need to sharpen your sleuthing skills. Scheming and bribery are definitely part of the experience! To learn more call the Chamber at 760-375-8331.
Seminars and Workshops
Labor Law Update Seminar - Each January the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce sponsors a seminar to help employers avoid common mistakes by learning how new laws are likely to affect their businesses. Attorney Daniel K. Klingenberger (Dowling, Aaron and Keeler, Inc.), who presents the seminar, has litigated hundreds of stage and federal employment law cases, defending employers against both single and multiple plaintiffs.
Sexual Harrasment Training - Periodic interactive instruction by attorney Daniel K. Klingenberger is designed to meet the requirements of AB 1825, which mandates that employers with 50 employees or more give training to prevent sexual harassment to new supervisors within six months of starting their supervisory job.
Other Training Opportunities - The Chamber offers other training as the need or the opportunity arises. Examples of seminars given in recent years are an online series on Internet marketing procedures, starting a child care business workshop and a class explaining the state's food facility grading ordinance.
For more information on these or any classes, please call the Chamber office at 760-375-8331 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
FAX (760) 375-0365