Candidates:

Laura Morris - Branch Manager, Coast Central Credit Union

Why do you want to be elected to the Board of Directors? I would like to be on the Fortuna Chamber Board of Directors to contribute to the positive forward movement and support of our potential and existing business members. The chamber staff needs support and guidance from the board. I also can contribute to goal setting, strategic planning, and support of the chamber staff. The chamber provides many assets to our Fortuna community and I enjoy being a part of and supporting the chamber. I look forward to continuing to be a voice for business so they may receive education or resources. This will strengthen the businesses in Fortuna, our community as a whole.

Briefly describe how you’ve been involved with the community. I have done countless hours of volunteering at events throughout the community. These include trash pick up, education on financial literacy, attending events, contributing on boards, driven children to events, hosted shred days, thru clubs, served food, cleaned up after events, approved contributions to non-profits, reviewed grant paperwork, placed flags down Main Street, coordinating volunteers for events, put flags on the graves of veterans and voted on the committee and much more. Currently, I am a member for the Fortuna Chamber, a member of the Walker Bailey American Legion Post 205 Auxiliary, and Fortuna Sunrise Rotary.

What other organizations do you currently belong to? I am a member for the Fortuna Chamber, a member of the Walker Bailey American Legion Post 205 Auxiliary which meets one time per month and community activities as needed. I also serve food at the monthly fundraising breakfast for the Veterans Hall. Fortuna Sunrise Rotary meetings one time per week and event support throughout the year.

What skills/qualifications do you believe would make you an asset to the Board? My prior experiences with the Chamber and FBID are an asset. I am and Coast Central Credit Union as an organization is very integrated into our community. I have a financial background and have positive moving forward energy. It’s also important to engage with the existing and potential businesses in Fortuna. I am capable willing an energized to be proactive and positive. I also manage a team of 12. Leading, goal setting and supporting operationally would be a huge asset for the chamber.

Kim Brown - Owner, Cornerstone Realty

Why do you want to be elected to the Board of Directors? Although I have already served a full term on the Chamber Board of Directors I really feel like my time was cut short and there is so much more I would like to bring to the Board and to the Chamber. My first year and half on the board was Covid. We did not meet in person and we had no events. Shortly after starting to meet in person again and starting events our CEO was out for an extended time. As a Board we came together and made it work, but it took over and became our main focus taking away from the actual mission and vision. I feel that the Chamber Board is finally on track and I would really like to be apart of the bright future.

Briefly describe how you’ve been involved with the community. I have always been a very active member of our community. I currently sit on the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce board, I am an active member of the Humboldt Association of Realtors on the HAR Cares for Youth Committee as well as Chairing our Member Service Committee, I am also the family coordinator for Fortuna Fire Department’s Santa Sleigh Program. You can also catch me on the sidelines at Fortuna High football and basketball games coaching the cheer team. There are not many community events that you won’t see me involved with or participating in. I love my community and I'm always looking for new ways to give back or get more involved.

What other organizations do you currently belong to? HAR Cares for Youth, HAR Member Services Committee Chair, Santa Sleigh Family Coordinator, and Cheer Coach.

What skills/qualifications do you believe would make you an asset to the Board? I believe I bring positivity, organization, and accountability to the board. I believe all the skills I have as a business owner and coach flow over into the role as Chamber Board Director.

Mavis Amen - Owner/Operator, Famous Amens & The Fortuna Farmhouse

Why do you want to be elected to the Board of Directors? I feel that the Chamber of Commerce can be the heart of a community. With living and owing two businesses in this community I am already dedicated to make it an ever growing successful place to live and grow in. I think helping support the Chamber while being a board member would benefit myself in growth as well as our community since I’m already involved with so much. I feel I have some great ideas to help grow the Chamber events, I am also very dependable to be present at meetings and events and promote the mission and vision within our community.

Briefly describe how you’ve been involved with the community. With owning two business in town we are very active in many groups and try and volunteer for as much as possible too.

What other organizations do you currently belong to? I hold positions in Van Duzen River Grange,  Humboldt Grange, and Fortuna Business Improvement District. I currently help Rio Dell -Scotia Chamber of Commerce.

What skills/qualifications do you believe would make you an asset to the Board? I am detailed, organized, energetic, friendly, positive, and have the ability to listen to both sides of the story!

Layla Richardson - Program and Center Manager/First 5 playgroup leader, ERV Community Center Foundation

Why do you want to be elected to the Board of Directors? I'm eager to join the Board of Directors to contribute to the expansion and growth of the organization. Serving in this capacity is another avenue for me to give back to the community. I bring dedication, experience, and a passion for community development, and I'm committed to working collaboratively with fellow board members to advance our organization's mission and make a positive impact on the community we serve.

Briefly describe how you’ve been involved with the community. I've lived in Humboldt for over 15 years, settling in Fortuna for the past four, which feels like my forever home. Working at the ERV Community Center Foundation has given me a close-up view of our amazing community. I'm involved in various ways to make things better. I organize events and support family activities like the First 5 playgroup in Fortuna. I’m a member of the Arcata and Ferndale Chambers as well. One of my commitments is reducing waste in our community. I work with municipalities, business, non-profits, local government, schools to develop waste reduction. I make it a point to attend almost every event in Fortuna, showing my commitment to our community's growth. I'm always around, connecting with families and supporting local businesses and farmers.

What other organizations do you currently belong to? Zero Waste Humboldt, Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority and Cal Poly Humboldt Alumni Association.

What skills/qualifications do you believe would make you an asset to the Board? I’m organized, pay attention to detail, Bilingual, outgoing, community minded, and dedicated.