Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce - The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce welcomed 2010 with elections to determine executive officers for its board of directors. Morgan Picton, Owner of real estate firm Morgan Picton and Associates, will govern as the newly elected president. He’ll be joined by Maribeth Clark of Chelan Vacation Properties as Vice President. Bob Christopher, former Chamber president and associate member, will act as secretary/treasurer. The final members of the executive committee are 2009 Chamber President Scott Anderson of North Cascades National Bank, and Chamber Executive Director Mike Steele. Elections were held at the board’s monthly meeting on January 13.

“I’m very excited to be the Chamber president this year. Last year’s economy demands that we get active in our business community. I’m a real advocate for the interests of our Chelan Valley businesses,” said Picton. Picton served on the Chamber board as 2009 secretary/treasurer. He has been involved in real estate in North Central Washington for 25 years.

The 2010 board of directors met in November to discuss planning and direction for the upcoming year. “One of the 2010 Chamber initiatives that I think will be very positive involves getting better feedback from Chamber members. Our board and staff will increase communication with individual members and look for ways to serve its membership,” said Bob Christopher.

This will mark Christopher’s third term on the Chamber board. He is also a member of the Lake Chelan Tourism Promotion Group and the Manson Business Association: “Given the economic conditions of last year, I’m pleasantly surprised that we finished 2009 as well as we did. Our area’s 3% lodging tax returns showed that the Chelan Valley fared much better than our regional partners in Leavenworth and Wenatchee.”

Other Chamber board members include: Jim Rogers of J.R.’s Bar & Grill, Cory Pickeral of Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course, Judy Phelps of Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards, Jody Strecker of Persnickety and Kim Ustanik of Mountain View Lodge.

Cory Pickeral is the newest face to the board of directors. 2010 will mark his first year as a board member. He is Director of Golf for Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course and is active in both PGA of America and the Chelan Rotary Club. “I am committed to this wonderful community and being involved is my way of giving back. I have served on boards before, and I’ve found the time spent serving to be very rewarding,” said Pickeral.

The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors meets the second Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Chamber office on 102 E. Johnson Avenue. Board meetings are open to all Chamber members. The board’s next meeting will be held February 10.