GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: The purpose of the Governmental Affairs Committee is to review local, state and federal legislation that affects the membership, then make recommendations to the Board to either support or oppose those pieces of pending legislation. The committee may sponsor one or more lunch programs with speakers of interest. It establishes and strengthens a mutually beneficial working relationship between the military, its members, and the business community.
(Back to top)

SACRAMENTO TRIP: The Chamber of Commerce plans annual trips to Sacramento to learn about ways to make our chamber stronger and increase the contacts our chamber has in State politics. In 1992 and 1993, the Ridgecrest Chamber planned the annual trip in conjunction with the California Chambers annual conference in order to increase our exposure. The Volunteers Summit provides an opportunity for networking and learning for Board Members, Ambassadors and Committee Chairpersons. The Legislative Conference provides an opportunity to network with legislators, department heads, other chambers, and interested individuals.
(Back to top)

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: The Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of the environment and environmental issues to the quality of life in our city, valley, and state. Such issues as air quality, groundwater management, earthquake preparedness and any other subjects deemed to be pertinent will be monitored and studied by the Committee. Various levels of expertise and knowledge will be utilized to provide the Chamber with recommendations based on evidence in order that intelligent decisions may be reached.
(Back to top)

COMMUNITY BUSINESS RECRUITMENT CONSORTIUM: The Consortium members are Cerro Coso Community College, Ridgecrest Redevelopment Agency, City of Ridgecrest, IWV2000/IWV2000 Business Recruitment Committee, and the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce. The original five organizations that formed the Consortium worked together to develop an advisory board to provide communication between the organizations involved in business recruitment. The result is a process that would eliminate duplication of efforts while maximizing resources, such as funding for national and regional media advertising. The Consortium has added the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division and Kern County.

History Note: The Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce has been involved with the development and implementation of the Consortium since May 1997. The members of the Consortium signed the contract in October 1997 and each member has one representative that sit on the advisory board. The key to the business recruitment process and the success of the Community Business Recruitment Consortium is the involvement and support of all sectors of the community.
(Back to top)

ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION: Utilizes the talents of Chamber members to define, analyze, and address the issues and opportunities that affect the economic growth potential of Ridgecrest and the Indian Wells Valley. It promotes business with, and between, members firms and provides guidance and the resources of the Chamber to members wishing to expand their operation.
(Back to top)

RETAIL DEVELOPMENT: One of the cornerstones of a healthy economy is a strong retail industry and it gives the Chamber value to provide programs that will make it's members able to profitably stay in business.
(Back to top)

WE CARE PROGRAM: In May 1995, the Chamber kicked off the "We Care Program" as part of an on-going education effort to encourage consumers to shop locally and teach local businesses how to earn customer loyalty. The program includes an eye-catching logo poster which is hung in each participating business and the member must sign a pledge to provide excellent service.
(Back to top)

IWV 2000 - STANDING CHAIR: The Chamber was involved in the development and implementation of IWV 2000 when it began as a response to the 1992 Congressional activity under the Base Realignment and Closure Act, BRAC. Once successful in fending off any closure activity, the organization refocused it's efforts to address the need to diversify the economy and attract new industry. The Chamber has a standing position on the Executive Board of IWV2000. This person is responsible for attending meetings and providing reports to the Board of Directors of the Chamber.
(Back to top)

BALLOON FESTIVAL: In 1997, Ridgecrest hosted the first community Balloon Festival which has become an annual event. This committee will work with the coordinators of the community wide event to develop ways the Chamber can support and participate in the balloon festival.
(Back to top)

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: To direct recruitment and retention of Chamber members; to develop and monitor services and benefits for members. The committee works to ensure the source of life blood of the Chamber, dues paying members, is continuously kept primed.
(Back to top)

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Continued membership growth is vital to the Chamber's continued success and membership drives work to increase the volunteer and financial resources needed to maintain programs and services. This committee will plan and implement the membership drives for the organization. In addition, they may assist the Chamber by contacting membership accounts that have become past due to encourage continued involvement in the Chamber.
(Back to top)

PROGRAMS: The Committee is responsible for luncheon programs and special activities designed to attract new members to the Chamber of Commerce and to retain current members by demonstrating the value of their involvement in the organization.
(Back to top)

PUBLICITY COMMITTEE: The publicity committee for the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce will provide a vehicle for the distribution of information about the chamber to it's members and the public at large. It will work closely with the Board to develop a multi-level program to ensure the publication of announcements and information.
(Back to top)

WEB SITE: Market the Chamber through media enhancements, improved advertising, and value added programs using the Internet as a tool for growth. Develop a program that will give Chamber members an opportunity to expand their customer base and generate income for the Chamber.
(Back to top)

NEWSLETTER: This monthly publication is designed to inform members of business and legislative matters, to interest the community in Chamber events and to provide members the opportunity to promote and advertise their products and services.
(Back to top)

NEWSLETTER ARTICLE COORDINATOR: To facilitate the collection of articles and information for the monthly newsletter, this individual will routinely contact Division Vice-Presidents, Committee Chairs and other individuals.
(Back to top)

BOOTH COORDINATION: This committee will be responsible for the coordination and scheduling of volunteers for the various committee activities.
(Back to top)

AMBASSADORS: The Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are goodwill representatives of the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce. Their primary function is to provide information to members, act as a liaison between the Chamber membership and the Board of Directors, and provide publicity for the Chamber.
(Back to top)

PAST PRESIDENTS: The former presidents of the Chamber are a valuable resource and through special programs continue to participate and contribute to the organization.
(Back to top)

BY-LAWS: The Board of Directors will ensure the review of the Bylaws and procedures annually and to update the documents as necessary.
(Back to top)

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY EDUCATION: The committee has two primary targets: member businesses and the relationship between business and education. First, this committee works to provide educational and training opportunity for business owners and managers. It arranges seminars and events that will expose the membership to new ideas and creative ways to do business. Secondly, it works to address the important issue of a qualified work force by bringing business resources into the classroom and recognizing the need for business to work with educators. The Business & Community Education Committee assists in programs aimed at providing better schools and higher educational standards in Ridgecrest. It promotes better understanding between educators and the business community.
(Back to top)

ADOPT-A-SCHOOL: Adopt-A-School is a program that brings local schools together with businesses, service organizations, clubs and government to provide, volunteer support and when possible, additional resources for our schools and students that are not available through regular budget allocations. The program was officially formed in June 1991. Over twenty businesses and organizations were involved in the founding effort. They adopted fifteen public and private schools in the Indian Wells and Searles Valleys. Emphasis was placed on volunteerism and donation of excess resources.
(Back to top)

SCHOLARSHIP: In 1995, the Education Committee of the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce established a scholarship which was funded by a variety of activities of the Chamber membership, including direct donations of funds and fifty/fifty drawings.
(Back to top)

SEMINARS: The Committee assists member businesses through the sponsorship of business improvement, management, motivational and advertising seminars. Reviews proposals for seminars presented to the Chamber.
(Back to top)

BUSINESS EXPO '99: Members of this committee plan, promote and execute this annual member marketing event. The affair provides Chamber members with an inexpensive opportunity to showcase their products and services.
(Back to top)

CASINO NIGHT: Is one of the major fund raisers for the Chamber. The evening includes good food, no host bar, lots of fun and great prizes. This committee requires lots of coordination and volunteer help and is a great way for the employees of Chamber members to get involved. The membership has lots of advertising opportunities due to sponsorships and table sponsorships.
(Back to top)

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK CONFERENCE: This state of the valley program provides information about the current economic and social position of the Indian Wells Valley while forecasting what the future will bring. This popular half day event gives community and business leaders useful information to use in their long term planning efforts. Past events have spotlighted the Base Commander's presentation outlining the status and goals of the local military base. Future events will place more focus on efforts to diversify the economy and business recruitment.
(Back to top)

COMMUNITY UNITY FOLLIES: The Ridgecrest Community Unity Follies was started in 1993 as a fund raiser and a way to build better relationships with members of the city, county, base, and community at large. The basic premise is that communication can only begin once you've broken down the barriers that separate us.
(Back to top)