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-Editorial
Mayor Sonia Carter delivered the 2025 State of the City Address on Nov. 20 at the El Centro Public Library, where local dignitaries, business leaders, and community members from across Imperial County gathered to reflect on the city’s progress over the past year. The event centered on the theme “Your Reflection of Your City,” emphasizing collective accomplishments and the city’s vision for long-term development.
Mayor Carter presented much of her message through a video highlighting key milestones achieved in 2025. She detailed continued improvements to downtown El Centro and Main Street, including revitalization projects designed to strengthen economic activity and enhance public spaces. The mayor also underscored the city’s ongoing residential growth, noting the construction of new housing developments aimed at meeting community demand and supporting population stability.
The address also focused on expanding local investment and recreation opportunities. Mayor Carter pointed to projects that have brought new amenities to residents and strengthened the city’s appeal as a regional hub for business and leisure.
One of the most anticipated additions is the new El Centro Police Station, which is nearing completion. The facility is expected to enhance public safety resources and provide updated infrastructure for the police department.
Carter highlighted the internal work of city departments—including the City Clerk’s Office and Human Resources—stating that operational improvements have positioned the city to better serve residents and respond to community needs efficiently.
Mayor Sonia Carter said the city enters the end of 2025 with momentum and unity, praising both staff and leadership during her State of the City address. “We are so honored to have our new city manager. We are just a wonderful team, and we’re pushing forward,” Carter said. “We’re honored about all the growth in El Centro, and we’ll be talking about everything that’s been going on, all the success stories,” Carter said.
Reflecting on her own leadership, Carter said she has learned to lead collaboratively. “We have to be strong as a team,” she said. “Whatever the team asks of me, that’s what I’m here for. I’m here to guide us so that we can be successful.”
Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce President Sher Cowie highlighted a year of significant expansion, regional collaboration, and business advocacy across the Imperial Valley during her 2025 annual report. Representing Calipatria, Westmoreland, McCabe, Seeley, and the wider region, the Chamber led a series of major events, training programs, and government affairs initiatives that underscored its growing influence.
The year began with the Chamber’s participation in four large in-person teacher-welcome events in Brawley, Imperial, El Centro, and Calipatria. Generous donations from members and a $20,000 contribution from BHE Renewables funded four Dream Classroom giveaways, while Burgers & Beer provided meals for educators.
The Chamber also continued its tradition of supporting community culture through the 19th Annual Honey Festival in Westmoreland, themed “Be the Change.” Students from across the Imperial Valley participated in spelling, essay, and coloring contests. Weather delays postponed the 20th Annual Honey Festival, originally scheduled for November 15, rescheduling it for January 17, 2026, under the new theme: “Be the Light.”
Cowie noted that 2024 concluded with one of the Chamber’s signature celebrations—the 78th Annual El Centro Christmas Parade and Festival in the Park, held in partnership with the City of El Centro and Los Vigilantes. The event, themed “Traditions Around the World,” included an appearance by Santa Claus, who greeted families before riding atop an El Centro Fire Department truck for the parade.
Kicking off 2025, the Chamber hosted the 18th Annual Air Show Gala at the historic Eucalyptus Schoolhouse. The event honored Navy award recipients: Junior Sailor of the Year HM2 Caitlin Burwell, Sailor of the Year HM2 Andreas Lopez, and Senior Sailor of the Year RP1 Casey Nidorff. The Chamber again partnered with El Centro and Los Vigilantes for the Mardi Gras Coronation, Light Parade, and Street Festival, where Edward Singh and Martha Gardner served as King and Queen.
The Chamber closed its fiscal year with its sixth signature event—the Fourth Annual Margarita Challenge on May 15 at the Imperial Valley Food Bank’s Imperial Grove. This year’s theme, “Battle of the Bars,” featured seven competitors. Mona Lisa Cocktails & Cuisine earned both the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice first-place awards. Additional recognitions included Moose Lodge for best team spirit and 1905 Bar & Grill for best booth décor.
A major milestone for 2025 was the Chamber’s new signature event: the First Annual Drone Show on July 5. Developed over two years, the event offered an inclusive, pet-friendly, and environmentally conscious Fourth of July alternative, recognizing veterans and individuals sensitive to fireworks. The celebration was hosted with support from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and local partners.
Cowie emphasized the Chamber’s continued commitment to advocacy. The government affairs team signed 11 letters of support for initiatives benefiting the City of El Centro, Imperial County, and State Senator Steve Padilla, along with one letter of opposition on behalf of the CalChamber. All positions are publicly available on the Chamber’s Government Affairs webpage.
The Chamber completed 35 ribbon cuttings across the Valley—25 in El Centro alone—demonstrating strong business momentum. Additional openings occurred in Calexico (4), Imperial (3), Brawley (2), and Calipatria (1). Membership continued to expand, with 49 new members and 253 renewals. Five businesses celebrated more than 40 years of membership, including El Centro Motors, marking 68 years with the Chamber.
Professional development remained a priority, with new and expanded training programs offered in English and Spanish. These included a six-week marketing certificate, IRS small-business compliance courses, and four-week QuickBooks training sessions. Cowie credited the Small Business Development Center and participating instructors for their support.
President Cowie also highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to representing the full diversity of the Imperial Valley. In March 2025, the Board of Directors voted to expand from 13 to 17 members to reinforce representation from Calexico, Westmoreland, and Imperial. The 2025–2026 board includes Jennifer Rodríguez, Godoy; Joe Jimenez; Edgar Hymus; Ben Horton; and Dr. Jeffrey Chan.
