Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/79697
COC Board Members making a difference in Beaumont President's Pen by Sean Balingit For the next few months I will be introducing Chamber Board members to you in this space. This will give readers the opportunity to learn about the people who donate their time to serve as Directors of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. Meet Chamber Board Vice-President Robin Knight: Robin Knight is a bit of a newcomer to Beaumont, if one judges by Jim Walling's time here. She moved here from Yucaipa, in 1987, the year she graduated from College with her Bachelors of Science in Economics from Cal State University San Bernardino. When Robin was looking to buy her first home, she realized that Beaumont was more affordable. She explained, "Beaumont is a beautiful place to live; the climate is great, and you can easily commute to the desert, the mountains and the beach." Robin likes the unique feel of Beaumont, the small town feel that makes you really understand your community on a more personal level. Robin first interacted with the Beaumont Chamber when she came into the Chamber offices with the same hopes and desires that most other businesses do… wanting to reach more customers. The Beaumont Chamber provided her with resources and contacts so that she could work on growing her business. Robin feels that a direct benefit of being a Chamber member is increased revenue. Networking at Market Night, Good Morning Beaumont, Board Meetings, Mixers, Business Expo or some other Chamber activity has given her the opportunity to become more connected to her community while increasing revenue. Robin likes being part of an organization that understands promoting local business is good business and the Beaumont Chamber accomplishes that. When asked to name her favorite Chamber event, she answered the Annual Installation Dinner, usually held in January of each year. It is well-attended by local movers and shakers, and it's an opportunity to enjoy each other's company and speak one on one with our city officials, law enforcement, business owners and good citizens of Beaumont. Robin is also involved with Beaumont Cherry Valley Rotary Club and served as President for 2011-2012. She has a strong belief in the Rotarian Motto, which is "Service Above Self. " Robin is an Associate with Hayward Tilton & Rolapp Insurance, which has offices located in Palm Desert. She has been in the commercial insurance industry for over 20 years and started her career as a Commercial Marketing Representative with Aetna in 1986. She specializes in insuring non-profits including homeowner associations, religious institutions, strip shopping centers, and contractors. She provides all lines of commercial insurance to her clients including group medical insurance plans. She does a great job at explaining insurance in understandable terms and always works with her clients to find insurance programs that fit their individuals coverage needs. For hobbies she rides her Harley, she volunteers and loves music. If she could have dinner with anyone, past or present she would choose Winston Churchill. "I find him a fascinating individual and an outstanding leader during one of the worst times in the history of the world. Winston had a sarcastic wit and dealt with a war that could have ended the free world, as we know it today. He inspired and motivated the citizens of Great Britain and later the United States to defeat Nazi Germany. I would love to sit down with Winston over a cocktail and cigar and hear about his war stories." Sneak Peek inside… Beaumont is dedicated to building bridges for our future. See pages 8 and 9 for the complete story! BEAUMONT NOW | SEPTEMBER 2012 3