-Editorial
In an effort to support the revival of a local Chamber of Commerce, the Calexico City Council has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing the group to temporarily operate out of City Hall as it re-establishes itself.
Mayor Diana Nuricumbo explained that the decision stems from ongoing efforts to bring back the original Calexico Chamber of Commerce, which had been inactive since the COVID-19 pandemic, and other logistical challenges.
“We met with them last week, and they gave us some history on everything that had been going on,” Nuricumbo said. “They have every intention of bringing the chamber back, and since it’s our original chamber, we want to give them the opportunity to see what they can do.”
While the city is supporting the return of the local chamber, Nuricumbo noted that the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (IVRCC) has also been actively involved in Calexico. The IVRCC has attended recent grand openings in the city and extended an invitation for Calexico businesses to join its organization.
Mayor Pro Tem Victor Legaspi emphasized that the city is open to collaboration with both organizations.
“We are setting up meetings with the Imperial Valley Chamber of Commerce as well so I don’t see why we can’t work together. Calexico has always had a chamber, and we want to revive that,” Legaspi said.
Legaspi also highlighted the historical significance of the original chamber, which had been a key institution in Calexico’s business community since the 1970s.
“There have been a lot of die-hard supporters pushing for this,” Legaspi said. “Calexico has always had a Chamber of Commerce, with leaders like Hildy Carrillo and Fred Knechel playing key roles in the past. We want to bring that back.”
Under the approved MOU, chamber representatives will be allowed to use City Hall on certain days and hours to assist local businesses with information on permits and other resources while they work toward securing a permanent location. The goal is to start recruiting members and rebuilding a strong business network.
“We didn’t want to close the door on a group that has been working on this for years,” Nuricumbo said. “We want to give them the opportunity to succeed, and if it doesn’t work, we also have the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber as an option.”
“I don’t believe the intent is to exclude the IV Regional Chamber from coming into our city because the new council is focused on fostering new relationships, and that’s definitely one we want to continue. They have been very good to our city in the last few weeks, so we welcome them here anytime,” Mayor Nuricumbo said.
The agreement outlined joint initiatives, collaboration with the Business Improvement District, participation in the Design Review Committee, and requirements for insurance and indemnification. The Chamber remained an independent entity while working closely with the City to enhance local business support.
The MOU established a structured framework for cooperation, ensuring mutual support without significant financial impact on the City. The Chamber will be responsible for maintaining the office space, securing liability insurance, and upholding compliance with city regulations. The agreement was set for six months, with either party able to terminate it with 30 days’ notice. Alternatives included modifying the MOU terms or rejecting the agreement altogether.
