ATTACHMENT 2
March 3, 2025
Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Annual Report
Reporting period July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
The Annual Report for the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce (“LFCC” or the “Chamber”) highlights key initiatives, accomplishments, and financial highlights for the reporting period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Executive Board and Office Staff Organization:
• The annual executive board elections were held, which led to the addition of new board members and changes in some of the board position titles. • The Chamber created a new paid staff position to enhance membership growth and outreach. This position has been filled by the hiring of Shauna Garcia. • The Chamber's Bylaws were reviewed. No changes were made to the Bylaws. 2024-2025 LFCC Executive Board:
• CEO/President: Mary Visconte
• Chairman of the Board: Steve Smith
• Treasurer: Connie Visconte
• Secretary: Janet Berger
• Board Directors
o Randy Weiskittel
o Sue Kobuki
o Peter Frankudakis
o Christine Hill Meyer
o Jeff Patrick
o Jeff Bott
o Diana Ramirez
LFCC Paid Staff:
• CEO/President: Mary Visconte
• Executive Director: Shauna Garcia
• Membership Services: Lisa Allen & Patrick Cooper as needed • Events Staff: Tuley, Tasha, Aidan and Robbie as needed Membership:
• Membership is currently 286 members as of February 27, 2025
• Economic programs, such as the BOGO Money Match, have helped the Chamber grow its membership base
Digital Media:
• Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and the website are used to increase engagement
• Chamber’s Instagram has grown to 1.4K followers and Facebook is approaching 2.1K • 52 CEO/Chairman e-Blasts are sent annually, sharing business tips, resources, and upcoming events
Chamber Events:
• The Chamber hosted 71 successful events in 2024,
including:
o 24 Ribbon Cuttings
o 23 Coffee Chats
o 6 Mega Mixers
o 4 Summer Concerts in the Park
o New Business Reception
o Career Fair
o Social Media Workshop
o State of the City/Meet the Mayor
o Business Expo
o Taste of Lake Forest
o National Night Out
o Meet Your Assemblymember Diane Dixon
o Meet Your Congresswoman Young Kim
o Leading Ladies
o Law & Order
o Business Appreciation Luncheon
o Elf Yourself 5K
o Tree Lighting
Ribbon Cuttings:
• A benefit to new members and businesses celebrating key accomplishments, helping to promote the business, Chamber, and the City of Lake Forest Mixers and Networking Events:
• Representatives from over 300 businesses attended networking mixers and events, offering members visibility and opportunities for generation of leads • Event benefits for hosts included: logo recognition, marketing support, and a company spotlight
Digital Media Events:
• The Chamber hosted events focused on digital media to help businesses with marketing strategies, such as:
o Social Media Workshops
o Marketing Tool Kit Workshop at the Business Expo
o Business Strategy Seminars
o SCORE and SDBC Seminars
Contracted Collaborative Annual Events Between LFCC and the City of Lake Forest:
• The Chamber continued to collaborate with the City of Lake Forest to host the following popular events:
o Elf Yourself Charity 5K
o Taste of Lake Forest
o Meet the Mayor/State of the City
o Business Seminar & Expo
o Legislative Luncheons
o Career Workshop/Job Fair
o New Business Reception
o Social Media Workshop
o Leading Ladies
Financial Summary:
• Financial emphasis will be on increasing membership and event sponsorships • As of February 28, 2025, the Chamber had a current profit of $6,355.68 and a fiscal year profit of $21,665.19
• This represents an improvement from the prior year
• Challenges due to the current uncertain economic environment affect membership acquisition, especially among small businesses
• The Chamber anticipates growth in membership and participation as economic conditions improve
• The Chamber’s goal is to create additional large-scale community events to generate income (e.g., Oktoberfest)
This report reflects the Chamber's continued efforts to expand its membership, host meaningful events, and contribute to the community, while combating financial constraints due to current economic conditions.
Prepared by:
Mary Visconte, CEO
Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce