Wayne Colburn outlines strategies to revive San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce

The Needles City Council meeting held on March 28, 2023, featured a range of discussions focused on community engagement and local business revitalization. The meeting began with Wayne Colburn, the new administrator for the Chamber of Commerce, introducing himself and outlining his plans to reconnect with local businesses that had distanced themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colburn emphasized the importance of a united Chamber for a strong city, noting ongoing efforts to engage businesses and encourage their participation. He mentioned collaborations with the Employment Development Department (EDD) and workforce development initiatives aimed at providing local employment resources, education, and training opportunities. Colburn expressed enthusiasm about the potential for EDD representatives to work from the Chamber office on a regular basis, enhancing support for job seekers in the community.

The administrator also highlighted the success of a recent resource fair, which attracted additional traffic and fostered connections with San Bernardino County representatives. He reported positive momentum for the "Run for the Wall" event, with increasing donations being received.

Colburn announced that the Chamber's website is set to launch within the next 30 days, which will serve as a platform for local businesses to promote their offerings and for the community to stay informed about upcoming events. He assured attendees that he would manage the event calendar, welcoming submissions from other organizations to avoid scheduling conflicts.

The meeting concluded with discussions about various upcoming community events, including an Easter egg hunt organized by a local medical facility. Colburn encouraged attendees to share their email addresses for future communications, ensuring that the community remains informed and engaged.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Chamber's commitment to fostering local business relationships and enhancing community involvement, setting a proactive tone for future initiatives.