Historic First Multi-Chamber Business Mixer at Golden Era Golf Course

More than 100 business leaders, community members, nonprofit organizations, and public officials gathered at Golden Era Golf Course for what is believed to be the first-ever Multi-Chamber Business Mixer held in the San Jacinto Valley, marking a milestone in regional cooperation and economic partnership.

Hosted through the combined efforts of six Chambers of Commerce, the event united representatives from Beaumont, Banning, Yucaipa, Moreno Valley, San Jacinto, and Hemet with a common purpose: strengthening relationships, sharing ideas, creating new business opportunities, and demonstrating that communities are strongest when they work together.

What began as a simple conversation about holding a joint business mixer between two chambers quickly evolved into something much larger. During the planning process, organizers proposed inviting additional chambers to participate. That single idea grew into an unprecedented regional gathering that showcased the power of collaboration over competition.

The event also attracted elected officials and representatives from the Cities of Hemet, San Jacinto, and Banning, including the Mayor of Hemet and members of the Hemet City Council, along with representatives from Riverside County and state and federal legislative offices.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies, a Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce Board member, Dan Goodrich welcomed attendees with an inspiring message about the purpose of a Chamber of Commerce. He reminded the audience that chambers exist to strengthen local businesses, support economic development, and improve the quality of life within their communities. His message emphasized that when neighboring communities work together, everyone benefits.

Dan Goodrich said, "Great things happen when cities, businesses, and leaders chose collaboration over competition. A Multi Chamber of Commerce turns shared vision into shared prosperity."

The San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Veronica Hawkes, welcomed guests, coordinated registration, and ensured every attendee received a free raffle ticket, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere from the moment guests arrived.

One of the greatest measures of the event's success was not simply the attendance, but the number of meaningful relationships that were formed throughout the afternoon.

The newly elected President of the Hemet-San Jacinto Interfaith Community Council, LeeVale Butler, later shared the following reflection:

"Your support gives me great hope that, together with other leaders of the interfaith council, we can faithfully fulfill our mission of building a healthier, stronger, and more compassionate community through service, understanding and collaboration."

Grandfathers for Golf hosted a putting contest that generated excitement while introducing attendees to the organization's mission. As a direct result of conversations during the mixer, the nonprofit connected with a company interested in providing financial support, while a representative from the Riverside County Supervisor's Office began exploring grant opportunities to assist the organization.

The Valley Community Pantry also reported immediate benefits. Executive Director Phil Burch established several valuable new contacts, including an introduction to a congressional representative who is now arranging a tour of the pantry to learn more about its impact on the community.

Throughout the afternoon, additional partnerships continued to emerge. Representatives from the Hemet and San Jacinto Chambers discussed opportunities to collaborate on future projects that will benefit businesses throughout the valley. Members of the Yucaipa Chamber commented that the event inspired them to become even more engaged in serving their own community, while one Beaumont Chamber representative became emotional, saying the gathering had exceeded anything she had imagined and was far beyond her expectations.

One of the afternoon's most memorable moments came as a surprise to the representative of the Golden Era Golf Course. Representatives from Congress, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, and the City of Hemet presented Certificates of Recognition honoring the golf course for its longstanding commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations and community events by generously providing its facilities for charitable fundraisers and community gatherings.

The Congressional Certificate of Recognition, presented on behalf of California's 25th Congressional District, praised Golden Era Golf Course for its continued generosity and recognized the meaningful and lasting impact its support has had on nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

The recognition served as a fitting reminder that strong communities are built through partnerships—not only among businesses and civic organizations, but also through local businesses that invest back into the communities they serve.

Organizers believe the event accomplished far more than simply bringing people together for an afternoon of networking. It established new partnerships among businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and civic organizations while demonstrating what can be achieved when neighboring communities unite around shared goals.

Given the overwhelming response from participants and the immediate collaborations already underway, organizers are optimistic that the Multi-Chamber Business Mixer will become an annual regional tradition.

The event concluded with a clear sense that something significant had begun. More than a successful business mixer, it represented the start of a new chapter of regional cooperation among the communities of the San Jacinto Valley. If the relationships formed during the event continue to grow, the benefits will extend well beyond any single organization and strengthen the entire region for years to come.