Executive Committee

Board of Directors

Zaynab Behzadnia
Lucid Fusion

Taite Bergin
Bergin Meeting Design

Donald Bradley
Musick, Peeler & Garrett, LLP

Barbara Eidson
The Island Hotel of Newport Beach

Margie Harrier
Kaiser Permanente

Basheer Khan
Innowave Technology

Robin Leftwich
The Irvine Company

Wayne Lindholm
Hensel Phelps Construction Company

Donald Lorack
Lorack & Associates

Steve Nelson
Southern California Edison

David Ross
Waste Management of O.C.

Patrick Strader
Starpointe Ventures

Rahul Vir
Irvine Marriott

Steve Wilkerson
HMC Architects

Carol Wold
Five Point Communities

Betty Jo Woollett
Community Member

Ellen Wright
BTA Advisory Group

Chair's Message

New Chamber Chair Optimistic About Chamber's Future, Growth

Ann Stawicki
Vice President, Benefits Consulting, USI

It is with enthusiasm, hope and a wee bit of apprehension that I submit my first column to you, my fellow members of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce.  For more than thirty years the Irvine Chamber of Commerce has served the community by providing education, networking opportunities and advocating for a business-friendly environment. In Orange County, Irvine is the business address to have and this is in large part attributable to the Chamber’s efforts over the years.
There is no doubt that we are in challenging times. The path ahead is uncharted. With the economic difficulties we face, hard decisions and deep evaluation is needed. The economy has forced industries of all types to examine the way they conduct business and to determine who their customers are and what their core values are. Healthcare, the mainstay of my benefits profession, is in a transition too. Inevitably, there will be some reform in our healthcare system. The weak will not make it and the agile will come out the strongest.  Benefits consultants like me will need remain relevant by helping our clients meet their strategic goals in a way that makes economic sense. We need to provide our clients with the information they need and we need to provide tools that make their jobs easier.
Your Irvine Chamber of Commerce is faced with the same challenges. Remaining relevant and profitable. Being agile. Providing services that matter.
Where there are challenges, there are opportunities. I am looking forward to working with our new president and CEO, Tallia Hart to capitalize on the opportunities. Hart embodies the enthusiasm and vigor of the Chamber. Rest assured that no rock will go unturned as we evaluate our programs and services to determine if they meet your needs. Hart’s experience, coupled with her freshness, is exactly right for us in this transitional year.
Additionally, I am eager to be working with the 2009-2010 Executive Committee. Steve Churm, Massis Chabazian, Lyn Cox, Dave Doran, Garry Jaquess, Jim McDonald, Sam Murray and Albert Napoli are all well respected professionals in their fields; I feel blessed to be working with such a talented team. Already, these folks have invested many hours to create a Strategic Plan that focuses on our core business: taking care of members and being profitable. This plan will guide our activities in the next year and provide a solid foundation for Chamber activities.
I would be lying if I didn’t mention that while I am thankful for the opportunity and eager to get started, I am also a little anxious. It is not easy to follow the seemingly effortless leadership style of Steve Churm; I am sure no one envies my position. Churm’s elegance and eloquence is incomparable. I thank Steve for his ongoing support and look forward to continuing to work with him this year.
Every year we select a theme for the Chamber. This year, the theme reflects what the Chamber is and what it must continue to be: Strength. Stability. Significance. These words convey the Chamber: what it is, what is needs to be, why we do what we do. As a member serving organization, the Chamber’s responsibility to determine how its members are best served and implement those programs and this will be our challenge this year.
As a member, you too have a responsibility, and that is to make sure the Chamber is providing you with the resources you need. I invite you to contact me with your thoughts on how we can make our Chamber more meaningful in the years to come.