Chamber names 2010 Board of Directors

Hotelier and restaurateur Chris Keller has been elected president of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2010. Keller owns the Hotel la Casa del Camino, K’ya Bistro, the Roof Top and Laguna Beach Inn.

“Elected by the membership, the board of directors is a multi-disciplinary group of critical thinkers with a wide knowledge base,” said Executive Director Rose Hancock.

“The board is balanced with directors who represent all facets of the business community, who provide perspectives. Some of these leaders also serve on the boards of other community organizations. They know the community, they know the issues, and they know the needs of our businesses. They work on behalf of the membership to seek out new ways to empower business by monitoring current business trends and issues, while fostering an overall quality of life for our community.”

The incoming 2010 board, whose term begins Jan. 1, includes four new members:

 Michael Beck, Mission Hospital Laguna Beach;

 Allan Simon, Firebrand Media;

 Michael Kinsman, Kinsman & Kinsman; and

 Gregg Abel, Gregg Abel Design.

Officers elected at the December board of directors meeting are:

 Keller, president;

 John Campbell, president-elect, Campbell Insurance;

 David Hicok, vice president, Sagemark Consulting;

 Bill Buus, secretary, BKKT;

 Michael Kinsman, treasurer, Kinsman & Kinsman, certified public accountant.

Other members include:

 Steve Dicterow, International Racers;

 Dennis Junka, Junka Bear Illustrations;

 Chris Lange, Citizens Business Bank;

 Emanuel Patrascu, office of Sen. Tom Harman;

 Laura Poochigian, Montage Resort;

 Jeffrey Redeker, Bank of America;

 Tom Simpson, Simpson Construction;

 Bucky Weeks, Youth Outreach Unlimited; and

 Catherine Wilkinson, Bubbles of Laguna.

The board will hold a retreat in January to discuss issues and strategy for the coming year. The chamber will hold the official Installation of the Board of Directors and the annual Spirit of Laguna Awards Dinner on Jan. 29 at Tivoli Too. For reservations, call the chamber at (949) 494-1018