IVRCC News

EL CENTRO, Calif. — Some businesses begin with an idea. Others begin with a family tradition passed down through generations. For Klean Heifer Tallow Soap & More, that tradition started more than 40 years ago with Josie Maeda, whose passion for making natural products at home would eventually inspire her daughter to build a business of her own. On October 29, 2026, the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (IVRCC) joined Klean Heifer in celebrating its first anniversar

A passion for creating opportunities and bringing people together has earned Edgar Macias recognition as the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce's October 2026 STAR Award recipient. Nominated for his outstanding contributions to the Imperial County community, Edgar has built a reputation for supporting local businesses, contributing to nonprofit initiatives, and using his creativity to help others succeed. His nomination reflects the appreciation of those who have wi

EL CENTRO, Calif. — October 21, 2026 — A new chapter in public safety infrastructure was celebrated in Imperial County as the California Highway Patrol (CHP) marked the completion of its new El Centro Area headquarters with a ribbon cutting ceremony facilitated by the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (IVRCC). Located at 2802 South Fourth Street in El Centro, the facility represents a major modernization of the agency's regional operations. The approximately 40,000

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce joined WomanHaven on October 14, 2026, for a ribbon cutting celebrating the grand opening of its new office and program services location at 1225 W. Main Street, El Centro. Since 1977, when founders Alice Armstrong and Virginia Samaha of Holtville opened the organization’s first emergency shelter, WomanHaven has remained Imperial County’s only state-recognized domestic violence shelter provider. Nearly five decades later, under

What started as a once-a-month vintage market has become a growing destination in Downtown El Centro, where carefully selected vintage pieces share space with specialty coffee and community gatherings. On October 8, 2026, Vintage & Coffee celebrated its first anniversary at its permanent storefront with an official ribbon cutting ceremony facilitated by the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (IVRCC). For founders Julian Yocupicio and Elizabeth Espinoza, the celebrat

MediExcel Health Plan hosted a Chamber Breakfast on Wednesday, October 8, at the Cambria Hotel, connecting with Imperial Valley businesses through the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce’s member network to present the coverage options and cost savings available to local employers and their employees. Representing MediExcel were Michelle Salazar, Sales Associate; Erick Posada, Sales Manager; and Anthony Llompart, Chief Operating Officer, who walked attendees through

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce facilitated a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 30, 2026, for Imperial County's new North End Facility in Calipatria, marking a significant investment in bringing county resources closer to the communities of the North End. Themed "Growing Our Future," the new facility is designed to give residents of Calipatria, Brawley, Westmorland, Niland, Bombay Beach and the surrounding Salton Sea communities access to county services w

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a Small Business Roundtable on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Calipatria Community Center, partnering with the Office of Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) and the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to walk local business owners through the federal and state resources available to them. The session focused on one practical goal: making sure Imperial Valley small businesses kn

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce brought together business leaders, elected officials and community members on September 23, 2026, for its 5th Annual Awards Dinner, themed "Business Without Borders," held at The Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse in El Centro. An evening like this is only possible because of the businesses who invest in it. IVRCC extends its gratitude to Gold Sponsor BHE Renewables; Award Sponsors SoCalGas, Imperial Printers, Sun Community FCU and Leg

What started 84 years ago as a hometown credit union has spent the past year reintroducing itself to the Imperial Valley — this time as Corazo. On September 17, 2026, the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce facilitated a Chamber Mixer at Corazo's El Centro branch, 1602 W Main St, El Centro, CA 92243, celebrating Corazo Credit Union's one-year anniversary under its new name and bringing together Chamber members, business partners and Corazo's leadership team to mark t

What began years ago as a dream to own a larger event venue has become a new destination for celebrations in Calipatria. On September 10, 2026, The Diamond Ballroom officially celebrated its grand opening at 135 Main St., Suite A, Calipatria, with a ribbon cutting ceremony facilitated by the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. For owner Elizabeth Estrada, the opening represents much more than a new location. It is the latest chapter in a business journey she describ

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (IVRCC) continued one of its signature community initiatives with the 2026 Teacher Appreciation, bringing local businesses, organizations and volunteers together to recognize teachers and school staff throughout the Imperial Valley. This year, IVRCC packed 2,500 appreciation bags filled with items contributed by participating businesses and organizations. School supplies, vouchers, gift cards, treats and other donated items wer

A longtime name in athletic footwear has introduced a new store experience to Imperial Valley shoppers. On September 5, 2026, Foot Locker celebrated the opening of its newly reimagined location at the Imperial Valley Mall, 3451 S. Dogwood Rd. in El Centro, with a ribbon cutting ceremony facilitated by the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. The opening represents more than a new look for the retailer. Foot Locker says the location was designed to serve as a welcomin

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to keeping our members informed of developments that may impact California businesses, employers and their workforce. California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently issued guidance for California employers and workers regarding workplace protections and legal obligations involving employees with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The guidance follows recent changes and ongoing legal proceedings involving federal TPS

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce facilitated a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 3, 2026, marking the opening of Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez’s Imperial County campaign office at 650 State St. in El Centro. The ceremony was provided through IVRCC’s Influencer Candidate Membership, a special paid membership available exclusively to candidates running for public office during their election term. About Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez Dr. Obeso-Martinez is a candidate for Ca

For patients navigating an uncertain or stressful moment, being heard can make all the difference. That ability to listen, reassure and treat people with genuine care is at the heart of the nomination that earned Dr. Sohaib Tariq of Tariq Cardiovascular, Vein and Wellness Center recognition as the August 2026 Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce STAR Award recipient. Making Patients Feel Heard Dr. Tariq was nominated for consistently demonstrating outstanding service

What began more than three decades ago as a hip hop retail store in Phoenix has now brought K MOMO to the Imperial Valley. On August 29, 2026, K MOMO celebrated the Grand Opening of its new location at the Imperial Valley Mall, 3451 S. Dogwood Rd. #1122 in El Centro, with a ribbon cutting facilitated by the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. But the company’s journey to El Centro started long before opening day. More Than 30 Years of Fashion and Culture K MOMO was

A new storefront in downtown Calipatria is bringing more than one small business through its doors. The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of North Star Treasures, a new shop created by Sylvia Chavez to give local artisans, crafters and entrepreneurs a place to showcase their work. During the ceremony, IVRCC President Victor Nava described North Star Treasures as a business built around “dreams, family, creat

A family business that started with a father and son has made the move south, choosing El Centro for its newest California location. The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce recently joined WaterFly Car Wash to celebrate the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on August 27,2026 of its new location at 2180 N. Waterman Ave. in El Centro, marking another step in the company's growth and its entrance into Southern California. From Sacramento to the Imperial Valley WaterFly C

What begins as an idea can become a business, a source of financial independence and, eventually, an opportunity that strengthens an entire community. That spirit of entrepreneurship was celebrated on August 27, 2026, as women from across the Imperial Valley came together for the culmination of the seventh edition of the Programa Consular de Emprendimiento para Mexicanas en el Exterior (PCEME). The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce was proud to serve as a collabora