Friday, Jun. 26, 2009
Chamber chief says farewell to job
Fourteen years of service given to group
By Corey Pride / cpride@losbanosenterprise.com
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ReprintThe Los Baños Chamber of Commerce's annual Installation of Officers Dinner took on special meaning this year as the organization said goodbye to its leader.
Executive Director Keith Groninga's last day before officially handing over leadership of the chamber is next Tuesday. This past Tuesday Groninga, 66, reflected on his 14 years of service to the local business community and private citizens.
"This is not the chamber it was in 1995 when we inherited it," Groninga said. "It's bigger."
Groninga pointed to an increased number of community events to back up his statement. The chamber holds two street faires each year, organizes the town's Christmas Parade, and recently added Henry Miller Wild West Weekend; however, Groninga said he's most proud of the Fourth of July fireworks show.
Since 1995 Groninga has also worked long hours trying to meet the various needs of businesses as well as inform the public about Los Baños.
His efforts have been appreciated by many.
"You've been with the chamber, devoted your life to this, for the last 14 years. Everybody in this room knows how much you gave the chamber, way more than you were ever paid for," 2009-2010 chamber President Geneva Brett said. "As humans we didn't always step up every day and say, 'Hey, thanks good job.' But in our hearts we knew that you had our best interest and the best interest of commerce and community of Los Baños in your heart."
Pauline Scoles, Groninga's sister-in-law, said he is the fourth executive director she's dealt with since she became a member of the organization. She said it's been a tough road for Groninga at times, but he's done a wonderful job.
Businesswoman Rhonda Lowe said she met Groninga years ago when they were working at the Enterprise. Their relationship exemplified one of dependability when Groninga became the chamber's executive director. Lowe said they could call each other day or night and both would be at work.
"Keith is one of the nicest people I've ever met. We could always count on him for all that needed to be done," she said.
Chamber member and councilman, Mike Villalta, said he remembers Groninga getting up early in the morning to prepare for events.
"You are losing a great talent," Villalta said. "Because the chamber was under-funded. In order to make up the deficit you had to put on all these projects. Keith you and the members worked endlessly to raise money. As a City Council member I can't thank you enough for what you've done for this community."
Even before receiving the adoration from his peers, Groninga was determined not to take all of the credit for the chamber's growth during his tenure.
"I've learned a lot of lessons and one of the most important is the people that surround you make you look good," Groninga said.
Groninga plans to volunteer in a consultant capacity for the chamber until July 15. His goal is to guide the organization through its annual fireworks sale and Fourth of July festivities.
John Whala, who will be the chamber's new executive director, said during his tenure he plans to incorporate Groninga's tenacity in getting the job done.
"When priorities have to be met, priorities have to be met," Whala said. "Keith was always about meeting the priorities."
Also at the dinner the business community welcomed several new officers and a new board of directors.
This year, Kent Sandhagen was honored with the Wilma Keokuk Chamber Volunteer of the Year award. Gene Lieb, publisher of the Los Baños Enterprise, was chosen as the Betty Trauba Business Person of the Year and Memorial Hospital Los Baños was named the Bill Marchese Business of the Year.
Each of the honorees were given special plaques and commendations from U.S. Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, state Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Merced, Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani, D-Stockton, and Merced County Supervisor Jerry O'Banion.
Enterprise reporter Corey Pride can be reached at 388-6563, or at cpride@losbanosenterprise.com.