Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce Holds 1st Annual Regional Gala

On Thursday, Jan 26., numerous people gathered together for the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce 1st Annual Regional Gala at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. The theme of the evening was “growth in the Inland Empire” and featured keynote speaker Kelly Fredericks, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority. During the gala, new chamber board members raised their right hand and gave the oath of office, promising to take on the duties of their respective titles. Chairman Bruce Atlas, COO of Ontario International Airport Authority; Senior Vice Chair Joe Schumacher, general manager of Costco Wholesale; Vice Chair of Government Affairs Jeff Bott, general manager of Transportation Corridor of Toll Roads and Director Chris Baker, President of Les Schwab Tires, Margie Miller, Owner/Publisher of City News Group, were all administered the oath of office. Fredericks also spoke about the improvements that are being made at the Ontario International Airport including: development of airport related businesses, increased air service and e-commerce, reducing airport costs and an enhanced customer service experience. The mission of the IERCC is: “together, we will lead the Inland Empire Region to become the most economically prosperous region and the most desirable place to live and work in California.” The IERCC’s purpose is to promote economic prosperity by leading economic development, driving improvements in the workforce and education sectors, influencing public policy and catalyzing and advocating for regional partnerships. The chamber’s website states it works to ensure that the Inland Empire region will continue the most economically prosperous region — and the most desirable place to live and work — in California. The chamber is a not-for-profit organization comprised of businesses which represent all facets of the region's business communities. The Inland Empire Regional Chamber has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to provide its members with valuable new programs and services. Chamber members of the IERCC will also receive the benefits of a U.S. Chamber membership. With a strategic partnership, all benefits are provided at no additional cost to the members of the IERCC. The IERCC offers various investment packages that each have specific opportunities to help businesses grow. For more information or to join the IERCC, visit iechambar.org.