Carmen Gonzalez takes over as Downey chamber president

From left: Downey Chamber of Commerce executive director Michael Calvert, chamber president Carmen Gonzalez, Downey mayor Blanca Pacheco, and outgoing chamber president Sheila Tetangco-Bartolone (Photo by Alex Dominguez)

DOWNEY — The Downey Chamber of Commerce officially swore in Carmen Gonzalez as its new president in the upcoming year.

The chamber’s 119th Installation of Officers and Directors was held at the Embassy Suites on Wednesday.

Gonzalez, of Kaiser Permanente, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve at the head of the Chamber for 2022-23.

“Thank you for placing your confidence in me to lead the chamber this coming year,” said Gonzalez, addressing the Chamber’s Board of Directors and membership.

After a series of acknowledgements, Gonzalez laid out her vision for her term.

Carmen Gonzalez takes the oath as the Downey Chamber of Commerce’s next president. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)

“As your chamber president, my goal for this upcoming year is to build on the success of our past presidents and our chamber’s mission of serving our members, and represent our local businesses’ interests.”

Flanking Gonzalez will be her Executive Board, consisting of President Elect Daniel Andrade, of Beautiful Homes Real Estate, Vice President Larry Garces, of Security Land Escrow Co., Treasurer Jesse Gallardo of J.E. and Associates, and Immediate Past-President Sheila Tetangco-Bartolone of Downey Foundation for Educational Opportunities.

Tetangco-Bartolone thanked her board for their support.

“It would not have been a successful year and an amazing year for the city and the chamber without my board of Directors,” said Tetangco-Bartolone.

“It’s only going to get better with Carmen at the helm.”

The luncheon was capped off by the announcement of the small and big businesses of the year award recipients, named Security Land Escrow Co. and The Olive Restobar, respectively.