So Thankful for Castro Valley Eden Area Communities

Dear Editor:

The past two years have really been a challenge for all of us, including the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce.

I had the privilege of being the President the past two years (2020 and 2021) and was excited as our new President, Julie Sumiki, was installed this past Thursday, January 20.

Thanks to a tremendous Board, the Chamber emerged more resilient and maintained our proactive work for members and the entire community of Castro Valley and Eden Area communities.

I am so thankful for everyone who worked together to bring as much “normal” as possible.

I also want to recognize the following Chamber board members for truly going “above and beyond” to serve our members and communities:
Julie Sumiki, the owner of State Farm Insurance in Castro Valley, for her talent and willingness to help wherever needed in all areas of running the Chamber;
Dr. Al Hearne, Superintendent of Redwood Christian Schools, who served as our Treasurer for his accuracy in ensuring our financial reports were always accurate and understandable, enabling the Chamber to stay within budget without decreasing services;
Captain Marty Neideffer, Alameda County Sheriff's Office, who worked tirelessly to ensure the Chamber focuses on businesses in the Ashland and Cherryland community to improve business in the area and the lives of residents, and his work helping the Chamber partner with DSAL, Deputy Sheriffs Activities League was respected by all; 
Cindy Torres, Cherryland Community Association, for her tireless work on behalf of the entire Chamber, especially the Cherryland community;
Todd Anglin, the owner of State Farm Insurance in Castro Valley, for chairing the best Economic Development Committee this Chamber has ever hosted;
Jim Phillips, Phillips Law Office in Castro Valley and Chair of the Chamber Business Plan Committee, for using his gifts and talents leading in the creation of a written, workable business plan that are measurable;
Aaron Lewis, Aaron’s Auto Brokerage & Sales in Castro Valley, for chairing our Lunch & Learn Mixer Committees ensuring that we had the opportunity to learn from each other as well as outside speakers; and
Susan McCue, Alameda County Community Development Agency, for her hard work as Board Secretary ensuring meeting minutes were accurate and timely, and for her help working with the County ensuring both the County and Chamber stayed informed of the other’s goals and programs.

And I want to encourage the Castro Valley and Eden Area communities to give President Sumiki the same level of outstanding support I have received.

Grateful and Thankful . . .

–David Gehrke, Board Past President 2020-21

Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce