Chamber Celebrates 60 Years with a Face-Lift

At 60, it was time for a face-lift.

The Poway Chamber of Commerce celebrated 60 years of advocating for small businesses Tuesday morning with an office makeover.

Overcoming three recessions and maintaining a significant reserve are accomplishments the chamber celebrated as the three staffers welcomed business leaders and the public to join them in “cutting the ribbon” to the revamped office.

“This chamber has been here as others have come and gone,” said CEO Luanne Hulsizer. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of the community.”

Since opening its doors in 1951—29 years before Poway was incorporated into a city—the chamber has come a long way.

Hulsizer, who has led the organization for three years, said the chamber has established programs such as “Shop Local,” works directly with the city of Poway on economic development, hosts events such as “Earth Day” and “Poway Day” and maintains a membership of 470 business people.

Not only that, the chamber has a steady reserve of $240,000—a little more than what the chamber needs to operate annually.

“Sustainability is always the first word that comes to mind when talking about the chamber,” she said. “We are here and we are strong.”

The 60-year anniversary means just as much to board member Vern Marsten. Marsten, who moved to Poway in 1972 and opened California First Bank in 1977 in a trailer, said the chamber is his “heart.”

Marsten, who served as chairman of the board in 1981, said though he has been retired for years now, it’s important for him to help the small businesses in the city. And he has become more active since his wife passed away from cancer 13 years ago by visiting every business in Poway every six months to “shake hands and say ‘hello.’ ”

“We represent the businesses in town, and we’re just trying to put more money in their pockets,” he said.

Bobby O’Connor, owner of Internet promotions company AdzZoo Agency, reiterated the importance of being a chamber member.

In fact, O’Connor doesn’t even know what it’s like to not be a member as he has always been a member since opening his first business in 1986. Not only that, his family—who owned Poway Equipment Rental—was the chamber’s first member.

“I grew up in the chamber,” he said. “It’s been a part of my life. I wouldn’t know what it’s like to live without it.”

Though Poway businesses are struggling from the recession, Hulsizer said the chamber will continue to focus on economic growth and recovery in its 60th year.

"We're struggling just like any other business," she said. "But we're starting to see the light."