A recent election resulted in the second major turnover in leadership in less than a year for the turbulent Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce. In July of 2016, Chamber Board membership had fallen to just six when Chamber President Carey Alderson was accused, and subsequently convicted, of embezzling funds. Two additional board members resigned leaving only three. Board newcomer Aaron Kyle suddenly found himself the interim president; he called an emergency special meeting and named eight new directors: Yeseida Reyes, Carrie Hendrickson, Glenn F. Helm, Devon Carson, Robert Fleck, Joni Daniel, Lorie Harbough Wiederhold, and James “Jim” Harris. Recently, in a May Chamber Board election, none of those eight directors ran for re-election. Kyle was the only incumbent on the ballot and now will join yet another crop of eight new directors: Starr Bassion, Jim Brakebill, Tim Christians, Denise Cullum, Kevin Hatcher, Amanda Mann, Wanda Morgan, and Jacob Smith. Their three-year terms begin July 1. Election of officers will be held June 15 at 5:00 p.m. After that meeting, the latest iteration of Directors will be installed during the Chamber’s Annual Awards Presentation and Installation of Officers and Directors to be held at Bistro 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. Those wishing to attend should RSVP to 760-367-3445.
