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-Editorial
In what is seen as good news for the local business community, the Calexico Chamber of Commerce will soon be active once again. This move marks an important moment for Calexico’s commercial, industrial, and civic sectors as they will be given a robust voice in city affairs.
The Chamber, led by Hildy Carrillo for many years, closed during the 2020 pandemic amid ongoing financial difficulties. The once vibrant building on the corner of Imperial Avenue and 98 have been reduced to a dilapidated abandoned building where homeless constantly break in.
The city and the chamber began an antagonistic relationship that affected its return.
The Calexico City Council canceled the lease with the Calexico Chamber of Commerce, led at the time by Katie Luna. City Manager Esperanza Colio then canceled a scheduled candidate forum at city hall council chambers saying that city property should not be used for political promotion. Subsequently, the council declared the Chamber building as surplus, contemplating its potential sale. However, after the recall of two council members who had backed this decision, the sale process stalled. As a result, the future of the Chamber building remains unresolved, with no further developments in sight.
For over a century, the Calexico Chamber of Commerce has been a vital force in the community, representing local businesses and serving as ambassadors for the city. Through its advocacy and support, the Chamber has played a crucial role in shaping Calexico’s economic landscape.
Many residents fondly recall the era when the late Fred Knechel served as Executive Director of the Calexico Chamber Director, often describing his tenure as the Golden Age of the organization. Knechel’s leadership was marked by significant growth and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on the Chamber’s legacy and earning him widespread praise for his contributions to the city’s development and prosperity.
According to their website, the revitalized Chamber aims to support a balanced, well-planned community by fostering a thriving business economy. Under the guidance of a volunteer Board of Directors, the Chamber’s staff will spearhead various programs focusing on economic development, small business education, and governmental policy analysis. Their goal is to enhance positive community relations while providing efficient and courteous assistance to visitors, residents, and local businesses.
During the period when the Calexico Chamber of Commerce was inactive, local business owners attempted to fill the void by creating their chamber. Notably, Jesus Gallardo, a downtown business owner, launched the Calexico Independent Chamber of Commerce. Despite his efforts, including producing marketing videos to promote local businesses, the initiative struggled to gain traction and eventually faded away.
With the recent reformation of the Chamber of Commerce, Gallardo has expressed dissatisfaction with the board members, many of whom were part of the previous organization. He has voiced a need for fresh perspectives and new participants, criticizing the continued involvement of the same individuals from the old Chamber.
Similarly, Joseph Salazar announced on social media the creation of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Imperial Valley. Salazar named himself the Chief Executive Officer and founder.
“I want to give an update on The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Imperial Valley the paperwork process is going great. We should be expecting a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony in October also you will see us soon doing more lithium for a massive lithium company stay tuned in for great things coming,” Salazar wrote on his Facebook page.
The next step for the new Chamber of Commerce in Calexico is to find an office and sign a memorandum of understanding with the city. The chamber had its first ribbon cutting on Aug. 3 by inaugurating the campaign of Jeff Gonzalez for State Assembly.
