Insight Magazine Jan/Feb/March 2026 by Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce

2026

JAN/FEB/MARCH

YOUR

BLUEPRINT FOR LOCAL SUCCESS PGS 23-25

YEAR IN REVIEW PG 5

LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD PG 8

MAYORS’ MESSAGES PGS 16-17

MOJAVE AD

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CHAMBER STAFF Mark Creffield, President/CEO Ruby Clark, Director of Member Relations Paola Baker, Events & Graphics Coordinator Jacil San Martin, Internal Services Coordinator

CONTENTS 3

Chairman’s Message

Board of Directors

2025 Year In Review

2026 FSA, HSA, Retirement Plan Contributions

Legislative Report Card

Business Card Spotlight

10-11

Ribbon Cuttings/Groundbreakings

Accolade Awards Recipients/Sponsors

16-17

Mayors’ Messages

20-21

New Chamber Investors

23-25

Your Blueprint To Local Success

Calendar

Chairman’s Circle

Published by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce 16010 Apple Valley Rd., Apple Valley, CA 92307 Tel: (760) 242-2753 e-mail: mark@ghdcc.com Visit us on-line at www.ghdcc.com MANUSCRIPTS: The editor welcomes articles for possible publication. The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce assumes no responsibility for the care or return of any manuscripts. Articles are subject to editing and are included on an “as space permits” basis. ADVERTISING: Advertising will be accepted from outside sources at the current member/non-member rates. The Chamber reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and/or sponsorship. The printing of an advertisement and/or content does not constitute or confer an endorsement of a product, business or service. DISCLAIMER: All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in Insight Magazine. The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce accepts no responsibility for damages arising directly or as a consequence of the use or publication of inaccurate information. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own, and are not necessarily shared by Insight Magazine, its staff, the Greater High Desert Chamber or advertisers. Editorial content is intended as general information, and not as specific legal or financial advice; for such, readers are advised to consult professionals in the appropriate field. The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce assumes no liability resulting from advertising contained in this publication.

As we begin a new year, I want to congratulate all the nominees for this year’s Accolade Awards. Being nominated says something important. It means your work is being noticed, appreciated, and felt throughout our community. A special shout out to this year’s winners. Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence continue to raise the bar for all of us. You remind us of what it truly means to invest in the place we call home. Starting the year with so many outstanding people and businesses in our region gives us real momentum. It is a reminder of the strength, talent, and collaboration that define the Greater High Desert and the possibilities ahead when we continue to support one another. As we move into the first few months of the year, I encourage you to keep choosing local. From the services you rely on to the places where you meet, gather, and plan for what comes next, every decision to keep your business in our region strengthens the foundation we are all building together. A new year also offers a chance to reset and refocus. It is a good time to check in with ourselves, reconnect with our goals, and extend kindness to the people around us. Small gestures often make the biggest impact. We also have an exciting start to the year with Evening Affaire. The committee is already hard at work to make sure this year’s event is a success, and it will set a strong tone for everything ahead. Thank you for being part of the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce and for everything you do to lift this region up. I am grateful to serve alongside you. Here is to a strong and inspiring year ahead.

Stacy DeVoll

DeVoll Rubber MFG Group, Inc. 2025-2026 Chair of the Board

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2025 - 2026

SAVE THE DATE

Stacy DeVoll – Chair of the Board - DeVoll Rubber MFG Group, Inc. William Brady - Chair Elect - NEXA Lending Gwen Bedics – Vice Chair - Global Credit Union Shannon Shannon – Immediate Past Chair – SaddleRock Reverse Mortgage

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025 - 2026 Clinton Alford – Farmers Insurance-Clinton Alford Agency Laura Andre –The Mall of Victor Valley

SAN BERNARDINO FAIRGROUNDS

MARCH 1ST, 2026

CJ Eversole – Pizza Factory of Apple Valley Matthew Hawkins – Matthew Hawkins State Farm Insurance Agent Dr. Derek King - Excelsior Charter Schools Dr. Lisa Lamb - Lewis Center for Educational Research

Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Contact The GHDCC Office at 760-242-2753

Dr. Kristina Mendoza - Optimum Audiology Arsalee Morales - Sciens AV Communications Division Sarina Muhammad - Goodwill Career Resource Center Joshua Narcisse - ICR Staffing Services, Inc. Steve Tyrrell – Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Dr. Kenisha L. Williams - TransFormNation Training & Development, LLC.

The GHDCC has an award-winning website! Visit www.ghdcc.com to check it out! You might see some familiar faces and learn even more about your Chamber!

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! #KeepingItRegional #CommunityIsOurBusiness insight magazine | 4

668 20 MEMBERS 25

YEAR IN REVIEW CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE MEMBERS

113

NEW M E M B E R S

P L A T I N U M 12

GOLD

SILVER

RIBBON CUTTINGS

MONTHY MEETINGS

155320

ATTENDEES insight magazine | 5

RETENTION RATE

SIGNED ON TO

82%

30+

JOB CREATOR/ JOB KILLER BILLS

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

2,637

NEWSLETTERS MAILED

70,433 MEMBER PAGE HITS

1,779

EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS

THANKS TO OUR MEMBERS FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR!

THANK YOU SPONSORS! PRESENTING SPONSORS

GENERAL SPONSORS

ALESHIRE & WYNDER

GLOBAL CREDIT UNION ICR STAFFING SERVICES, INC. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON BUSINESS SPONSORS

SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION STEENO DESIGN STUDIO, INC. VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE -CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION

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NEW 2026 FSA, HSA, RETIREMENT PLAN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released its 2026 annual inflation adjustments, so employers may want to communicate these changes to their employees:

Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) In 2026, eligible employees may annually contribute up to $3,400 to an FSA — also called a flexible spending account — which is an increase of $100 from 2025. For cafeteria plans that permit the carryover of unused amounts, the 2026 maximum carryover amount is $680, an increase of $20 from 2025. FSAs allow employees to pay for qualified medical expenses not covered by their health plan, including co-pays, deductibles, and a variety of medical products and services ranging from dental and vision care to eyeglasses and hearing aids. Prior to the plan year’s start, employees must elect their annual contribution amount for their FSA via payroll deduction. As FSAs operate under a use-it-or-lose-it rule, employees should carefully estimate their eligible health care expenses and only contribute funds they are certain they will spend. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

HSAs are pre-tax accounts available to individuals covered under a high-deductible health plan. Eligible individuals can accumulate money — tax-free — in HSAs to pay for qualified medical expenses. To participate in an HSA, the employee must, among other requirements, be enrolled in an HSA-qualified high-deductible health plan with a minimum annual deductible (not applicable to preventive services). For 2026, the annual maximum HSA contribution will be: • •

$4,400 for individuals with self-only coverage (an increase of $100 from 2025); and $8,750 for family coverage (an increase of $200 from 2025).

A high-deductible health plan is defined — for 2026 — as a health plan with an annual minimum deductible of: • •

$1,700 for self-only coverage (an increase of $50 from 2025); or $3,400 for family coverage (an increase of $100 from 2025).

The maximum annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments and other amounts — but not premiums) will also increase to: • •

$8,500 for self-only coverage (an increase of $200 from 2025); or $17,000 for family coverage (an increase of $400 from 2025).

Retirement Plan Contribution Limits

In 2026, individuals can annually contribute up to $24,500 to their 401(k) plans, up from $23,500 in 2025. This annual contribution limit also affects employees who participate in 403(b) and governmental 457 plans as well as the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan. For Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), the 2026 annual contribution limit will increase to $7,500 from $7,000. The 2026 catch-up contribution limit that generally applies for employees aged 50 and over who participate in most workplace retirement plans will be $8,000, so those participants can contribute up to $32,500 for next year. Under a change made in 2025, a higher catch-up contribution limit now applies for employees aged 60, 61, 62 and 63 who participate in these plans. For 2026, this higher catch-up contribution limit remains $11,250 instead of the $8,000 noted for employees aged 50 and over. Those 60- to 63-year-old employees can contribute a total of $35,750. By Katie Culliton | Article courtesy of HR Watchdog https://hrwatchdog.calchamber.com/2025/11/2026-fsa-hsa-retirement-plan-contribution-limits/ insight magazine | 7

2025 LEGISLATIVE REPORT CARD HOW DID YOUR LEGISLATORS VOTE?

MAJOR INITIATIVES TRACKED BY CALCHAMBER IN 2025 (PARTIAL LIST OF BILLS)

CARRILLO

HARABEDIAN

LACKEY

8 0F 14

4 0F 19

13 0F 14

21 0F 22

10 OF 11

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N N

Y Y

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SB 7 (McNerney; D-Pleasanton) Restricts Use of Automated Decision Systems in Employment. Imposes impractical requirements on employers of every size related to automated decision systems, which will discourage the use of such tools and subject employers to costly penalties and onerous new compliance procedures.

Y Y

AB 1331 (Elhawary; D-Los Angeles) Restricts Workplace Safety and Security Tools. Undermines workplace safety in every California workplace by effectively prohibiting the use of surveillance technology in the workplace, including security cameras, cybersecurity systems, and anti-theft devices.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALCHAMBER: AB 325 (Aguiar-Curry; D-Winters) Cartwright Act: Nonpublic Competitor Data Violations. Creates new definitions for “common pricing algorithm” and “coercion” under the state’s anti-trust statute and prohibits a person from using a pricing algorithm that uses, incorporates, or was trained with nonpublic competitor data. SB 295 (Hurtado; D-Bakersfield) Pricing Algorithms. Prohibits a person from using/distributing pricing algorithms that use, incorporate, or were trained on “nonpublic competitor data.” Exposes businesses to significant uncertainty and aggressive liability and creates a chilling effect on the use of this technology by imposing significant cost on all businesses using technological tools.

AB 596 (Ortega; D-San Leandro) Upends the Referendum Process. Makes unnecessary changes to the state’s direct democracy process, which will make ballot initiatives lengthy and more confusing for voters. AB 825 (Petrie-Norris; D-Irvine) Independent Regional Energy Organization. Authorizes the California Independent System Operator and California utilities to integrate into a broader regional energy market governed by an independent regional organization. Will reduce energy costs for Californians. SB 254 (Becker; D-Menlo Park) State Wildfire Fund. Strengthens California’s Wildfire Fund to ensure sufficient resources are available to help wildfire victims and communities recover and rebuild, while also taking steps to improve electricity affordability. AB 858 (Lee; D-San Jose) Onerous Return to Work Mandate. Unnecessarily transforms prior COVID-19-specific law that created an onerous and stringent process for specific employers to return employees to the workforce for specified industries into a new mandate that applies to any state of emergency.

AB 1413 (Papan; D-San Mateo) Undermines Judicial Oversight and Water Rights Protections. Requires courts to defer to a groundwater sustainability agency’s determination of sustainable yield in groundwater adjudication, stripping courts of their ability to independently assess facts, undermining water rights due process, and locking in potentially flawed or unvetted data.

SB 259 (Wahab; D-Hayward) Online Pricing. Prohibits businesses from using any input data to create prices or discounts. Forces companies to overhaul their pricing models and strategies at significant cost, to the detriment of both the businesses themselves and their consumers. AB 1018 (Bauer-Kahan; D-Orinda) Impact Assessments of Automated Decision Systems. Limits use of automated decision systems (ADS), including by small businesses, which will lead to significant liability and increased costs that will ultimately be borne by consumers. AB 1064 (Bauer-Kahan; D-Orinda) AI Development. Bans the development and use of certain AI systems intended for use by or on minors, including AI systems that could foreseeably attempt to provide therapy, a minor could develop an attachment to, or that may manipulate a child in dangerous behavior. AB 1234 (Ortega; D-San Leandro) Creates New Penalty and Revises Wage Claim Procedures. Imposes up to a 30% penalty on all orders issued by the Labor Commissioner, which penalizes employers that exercise their due process rights, and also makes other burdensome changes to the existing claims process.

Y = Voted for bill N = Voted against bill

= N/A

•

• •

• • • •

•

• Y Y Y Y Y Y

VALLADARES OCHOA BOGH

N N

• -

N N

N N Y N

• -

• •

= Not voting/absent *Bold text = Votes in accordance w/CalChamber

• -

*Red text = Job Killers. *Green text= Cost Cutters. insight magazine | 8

BUSINESS CARD SPOTLIGHT ADVERTISE HERE FOR ONLY $50! Michael G. Alcaraz Suite 330, 3350 Shelby Street Ontario, CA 91764 C 909-952-1153 michael.g.alcaraz@mwarep.org

Insurance Lic.: CA 4439690 @SupervisorPaulCook

@SupervisorPaulCook

bosd1.sbcounty.gov @SupervisorCook

Katiann Hutchins Marketing & Community Engagement Liaison Patient Advocate

760.242.7777 Ext. 175

The Right Choice... to better your health!

Cell Phone: 209.380.2283 Khutchins@choicemg.com

18564 US Hwy 18, Suite 106 Apple Valley, CA 92307

Connect with us! www.ChoiceMG.com

PURPLE RAMEY TEAM REALTOR ®

Curry: 760.524.5219 | DRE #01910635 Purple Wendy: 760.886.6044 | DRE#01883414 Curry.Ramey@cbhomesource.com Wendy.Ramey@cbhomesource.com

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RIBBON

Choice Urgent Care

Citrus Counseling Services Inc.

Cornerstone Caregiving

DAS Primary Care & Sports Medicine

Funeraria del Angel Victor Valley insight magazine | 10

CUTTINGS

Funeraria del Angel Hesperia

The Hot Spot Pottery, Candle Making & More

Raising Cane’s

Quick Quack Car Wash - Hesperia #3

TransFormNation Training & Development, LLC insight magazine | 11

Hi-Grade Materials Co. “WE SUPPLY FOUNDATIONS FOR LIVING”

Since 1955, Hi-Grade Materials a 5th generation family company has proudly served our communities with quality, integrity, and innovation. As we mark our 70th anniversary, we thank our loyal customers, dedicated employees and vendors who have helped us build a lasting legacy.

Trusted Transmission Experts – Proudly Serving the High Desert Since 1999! At ATech Transmission in Hesperia, we’ve been keeping vehicles running strong for over 25 years. As a family-owned, community-focused shop, we’ve earned our reputation through honest service, quality repairs, and exceptional customer care.

Female-friendly, respectful service Straightforward advice – no confusing jargon Stress-free, transparent repair experience Reliable. Local. Trusted. Whether you're dealing with a transmission issue or just need a second opinion, our experienced team is here to help — with integrity you can count on.

From owners Paul & Jessica Carrillo:

�� "TRUST IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT TOOL."

Two Convenient Locations We Accept: Concrete Demo, Asphalt Demo, Asphalt Grindings Materials for Purchase: CMB Hesperia 17671 Bear Valley Rd. Hesperia, CA 92345 Adelanto 17450 Adelanto Rd. Adelanto, CA 92801

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Be The Office HeroWin Catering for Your Team Scan the QR code and complete the entry form for your chance to win complimentary catering for up to 15 people.

One entry per person. Winner will be selected at random and notified directly. Complimentary catering valid for up to 15 guests. No purchase necessary. Restrictions may apply.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 ACCOLADE AWARD RECIPIENTS!

LILLIAN KING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

TERRY FITCH

MOST INSPIRATIONAL LEADER

SPIRIT OF THE HIGH DESERT PROVIDENCE ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER

DAN PIERCE

LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARD

PUBLIC SAFETY AWARD

DEPUTY MARK VALENCIA

CAPTAIN BRENT CANNON

CHAMBER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - SMALL BUSINESS

OPTIMUM AUDIOLOGY

CHAMBER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - LARGE BUSINESS

CALPORTLAND COMPANY

PRESENTED BY

THANK YOU SPONSORS

AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE • BLUESTAR PROPERTIES, INC. • BURRTEC WASTE INDUSTRIES INC./VICTORVILLE DISPOSAL • POWER CROWN STUDIOS, LLC. • SADDLEROCK REVERSE MORTGAGE • insight magazine | 14 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON • VICTOR VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY (VVTA)

All All Star Star Edition Edition

CALLING ALL FIRST-TIME SPEAKERS!

ARE YOU A PASSIONATE INDIVIDUAL WITH A STORY OR IDEA READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? WE’RE LOOKING FOR NEW VOICES TO TAKE CENTER STAGE AT IGNITE HIGH DESERT 2026!

WHY SPEAK? Inspire & Engage: Share your unique perspectives and ideas with a diverse audience. Make an Inpact: Influence the future by connecting with local leaders and community members. Gain Exposure: Build your public speaking skills and grow your professional network.

APRIL 16, 2026 SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT IGNITE HIGHDESERT.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO APPLY AS A SPEAKER! insight magazine | 15

MAYORS’ MESSAGES MAYOR GABRIEL REYES - ADELANTO

MAYOR SCOTT NASSIF - APPLE VALLEY

Investing in Mobility, Safety, and Economic Growth

The Town of Apple Valley is starting 2026 with momentum, growth, and new opportunities for our residents The City of Adelanto continues to and visitors. After opening its doors move forward with key infrastrucin October, Sprouts Farmers Market ture and economic development is already providing the community initiatives that directly support with a fresh and convenient shopresident mobility, public safety, and ping option. Even more retail is on long-term economic growth. These the way, with Hobby Lobby, Marefforts reflect our commitment to shalls, and Five Below coming soon building a city where residents can live, work, play, and to the shopping center behind Lowe’s. do business with confidence. Strengthening Our Roadway Infrastructure We are moving forward with the full repaving and rehabilitation of Seneca Road between Highway 395 and Aster Road, a highly traveled one-mile residential corridor. This route is one of the most frequently used by families commuting to and from homes, schools, and workplaces. Once completed, the project will deliver a smoother, safer, and more reliable roadway—improving daily commutes, enhancing neighborhood accessibility, and strengthening east–west mobility across the city. In addition, the City of Adelanto is preparing for the paving and construction of Auburn Road from Koala Road to Highway 395. This major infrastructure enhancement will establish a direct heavy-truck access route to the highway. By doing so, we will significantly reduce truck traffic through residential neighborhoods, decrease wear on local streets, and improve safety for families. At the same time, this new route will support our industrial parks and logistics sector by ensuring efficient movement of goods while protecting residential quality of life. Supporting Business Investment We are pleased to welcome Los Alazanes Mexican Restaurant to the City of Adelanto. This new dining establishment adds culinary variety, creates local jobs, and contributes to the city’s growing commercial activity. Investments like this reflect increasing confidence from business owners who recognize Adelanto as a city that is growing, modernizing, and open for business. What This Means for Our Community Together, these projects, along with many others underway, reflect the disciplined, forward-looking leadership of our City Council. They highlight Adelanto’s proactive approach to improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and building a sustainable, high-quality environment for residents and visitors alike. Learn more at adelantoca.gov. insight magazine | 16

Over at the Apple Valley Commons on Highway 18 and Dale Evans Parkway, shoppers can look forward to welcoming Bath & Body Works, Ulta Beauty, and an additional Five Below. These additions continue to strengthen Apple Valley’s position as a growing hub for retail and everyday shopping. With so many new options arriving, we encourage our community to Shop Local, Think Apple Valley and support the businesses that make our town thrive. In leadership news, the Town welcomed its new Town Manager, Todd Bodem, in early December. Todd has been settling in quickly and engaging with residents, staff, and local partners as he becomes acquainted with our community. Looking ahead, this year’s State of the Town event will take place on Wednesday, February 18 at 11 a.m. at the Singh Center for the Arts, where we’ll be “Playing Our Cards Right” and sharing updates on the Town’s progress and priorities. Meanwhile, significant infrastructure improvements are underway. The Town has accepted a bid for the Bear Valley Road Bridge project, which will widen and rehabilitate the bridge to better serve regional traffic and improve long-term safety. Construction has officially begun, marking a major step forward for mobility in the High Desert. The Town of Apple Valley is heading into 2026 with excitement, growth, and continued commitment to offering “A Better Way of Life.” Stay connected at applevalley.org or follow us @applevalleyca.

MAYORS’ MESSAGES MAYOR BRIGIT BENNINGTON - HESPERIA As the new year begins, we can reflect on Hesperia’s progress in 2025 and look ahead to the opportunities that 2026 will bring. Last year, Hesperia completed its first General Plan update in more than a decade. Developed with extensive community input, the plan outlines strategies for land use, housing, mobility, and economic development. This update provides a clear path for thoughtful, long-term growth and will guide City planning efforts over the next 10 to 15 years. Hesperia saw continued progress on Amazon’s Middle Mile Facility, one of the region’s more significant economic projects. The 2.5-million-square-foot facility, located near Phelan Road and Caliente Road, is the first of its kind on the West Coast and represents a major long-term employment and investment opportunity for Hesperia. As construction moves forward toward its anticipated completion in late 2026, the facility continues to progress through key development milestones. Hesperia also celebrated a major community milestone with the opening of the Silverwood master-planned development. As the community begins to take shape, work is underway on upcoming phases, including the Crest Club, featuring gathering spaces, a lodge room, and a resort-style pool. Several parks and additional amenities are also planned as Silverwood continues to grow. Community-focused initiatives were also a highlight. The City launched the Monday Municipal Mile, a free, family-friendly walking series at Civic Plaza Park that brought residents together to support health, connection, and outdoor activity. We look forward to continuing the series this spring. Looking ahead, 2026 will bring new milestones as major projects move forward and community programs continue to expand. Thank you for being part of Hesperia’s growth. Together, we will continue to make Hesperia a place where people and businesses choose to grow. Follow our social media and visit hesperiaca.gov to learn more.

MAYOR ELIZABETH BECERRA - VICTORVILLE As we enter 2026, we have much to be excited for in Victorville! December marked the two-year anniversary of our Victorville Wellness Center, and I am excited to share with you that more than 200 people have graduated to permanent housing because of the supportive services being offered at our Center with the help of our operator, Symba. Since the Center opened two years ago, the homeless count in Victorville has dropped to the lowest point it’s been in five years. The number of unsheltered individuals in Victorville dropped by 57 percent and overall homelessness dropped 27 percent as documented in the 2025 Point in Time Count published by the County of San Bernardino. In the first quarter of 2026, we will open our new Victorville City Library at the Green Tree Golf Course. With a $9 million grant from the State Librarian, we’ve added 5,000 square feet to the Clubhouse building, resulting in a new, modern library that is double the size of our old City library. We’re also excited to see that business investment remains strong in Victorville. For example, our Planning Commission recently approved the development of a Target near Home Depot on Roy Rogers Drive. We are very excited to see this large retailer return to Victorville. Del Amo Motorsports has plans to occupy the 89,275 square foot space formerly occupied by Midway Appliance at Lorene and Valley Center. Other new retail businesses in the works include Pollo Campero, Walt’s Frozen Custard & Burger, and our third Dutch Bros. American Jerky is constructing a nearly 240,000 square foot manufacturing facility on Hesperia Road that is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs to our City. We are grateful to our local businesses for investing in our community! Together, we make Victorville and the broader region stronger. Follow our social media and visit victorvilleca.gov to learn more.

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Preparing Young Minds for A Bright Future LEPA and DTPA are free public charter schools that provide a safe, supportive place for your child to learn and grow with strong academics for lifelong success.

LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy

Desert Trails Preparatory Academy

The mission of LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy is to provide an innovative, classical educational program that will enable all scholars to learn skills, acquire knowledge, apply wisdom and develop character within a rich, diverse and nurturing learning environment.

The mission of Desert Trails Preparatory Academy is to provide students from diverse cultures and backgrounds with a classical education in a nurturing environment where students and parents alike feel safe, valued, and involved.

Proudly recognized as a California Distinguished School and Blue Ribbon School.

CALL US NOW LaVerne Elementary Prep (TK-8th) 760-948-4333 | 760-956-7733 Desert Trails Prep (TK-6th) 760-530-7680

NEW CHAMBER INVESTORS Adsposure - Debbie Seay (909) 648-3960 High Desert, CA http://adsposure.com Advertising/Promotions

Cunneen Cabins (714) 343-7542 363 Zermatt Dr. Crestline, CA 92325 Entertainment

Howder Labs LLC (619) 796-3832 Hesperia, CA 92345 http://www.howderlabs.com Cyber Security

Barstow College Foundation (760) 498-9880 2700 Barstow Rd. Barstow, CA 92311 http://www.barstow.edu/about-bcc/ barstow-college-foundation Nonprofit

Das Primary Care & Sports Medicine (442) 427-2441 13010 Hesperia Rd., Ste 501 Victorville, CA 92395 https://www.dasprimarysports. com/ Medical

JB Fleet Management Inc. (951) 255-5656 Victorville, CA 92392 https://www.jbfleetmanagement.com/ Automobile Repairs & Service

Barstow Community College (760) 252-7673 2700 Barstow Rd. Barstow, CA 92311 https://www.barstow.edu/ Education Bolt Freight (442) 322-8175 Victorville, CA 92392 http://Boltfreightllc.com Transportation Citrus Counseling Services Inc. (909) 793-1078 14075 Hesperia Rd., Ste 106 Victorville, CA 92395 http://www.ccs-cares.org Counseling Services Clean Home, Happy Home (760) 879-3617 Victorville, CA 92394 http://Cleanhome-happyhome.com Cleaning Services Cornerstone Caregiving (442) 255-7177 16501 Walnut St., Ste 7 Hesperia, CA 92345 https://cornerstonecaregiving.com/ locations/victorville-ca/ Personal Services, Senior Living/ Senior Care

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Divine Aesthetic Beauty (442) 219-0060 17993 US HWY 18, Ste 7 Apple Valley, CA 92307 http://divineaestheticbeauty.com Health & Beauty, Weight Control Services, Health & Wellness Funeraria Del Angel Hesperia (760) 244-9313 16120 Main St. Hesperia, CA 92345 http://kernmortuary.com Funeral & Cremation Services Forge Foundation, Inc. (760) 948-7222 16700 Green Tree Blvd. Victorville, Ca 92395 forgefoundationvv@gmail.com Nonprofit Guiding Light Foster Family Agency (760) 985-5269 15367 Bonanza Rd #A Victorville, CA 92392 cristia@guidinglightffa.org Foster Care Services

JD Bathroom Remodel Express (760) 983-6302 Hesperia, CA 92345 https://jdbathroomremodelexpress.com Contractors JD Restoration & Construction (626) 554-4891 Hesperia, CA 92345 http://www.jdrestorationandconstruction. com Water and Fire Damage Services Legacy Credit Builders (714) 356-0299 16502 Walnut St., Ste A Hesperia, CA 92345 http://www.legacycreditbuilders.com Insurance & Financial Services, Business Consultants Lourenco Backhoe, Inc. (909) 499-6368 Phelan, CA 92329 http://www.lourencobackhoe.com Contractors Molles Since 1980 Consulting Services (909) 435-6237 Hesperia, CA 92345 https://mollessince1980consultingservices.com/yvonne-molles Consultants

NEW CHAMBER INVESTORS New York Life - Russell Cagle (760) 440-7877 Victorville, CA 92392 https://www.newyorklife.com/agent/ rdcagle Financial Planning Services Numero Uno Landscaping (760) 490-7421 Apple Valley, CA 92307 info@numerounolandscaping.com Landscape Design & Maintenance, Landscape Maintenance, Landscaping

The Renaissance Man School of Life Skills Leadership and Etiquette (951) 238-4720 Victorville, CA 92395 http://therenaissanceman.es Education, Consultants, Personal Services US Bank (909) 449-7026 19201 Bear Valley Rd. Apple Valley, CA 92307 http://www.usbank.com Banks

Quick Quack Car Wash -Hesperia #3 (888) 772-2792 12668 Main St. Hesperia, CA 92345 http://myqq.dontdrivedirty.com Car Washes The Tax Clinic (323) 208-2048 Victorville, CA 92392 https://www.thetaxclinic.org/ Accountants, Tax Preparation The Hot Spot Pottery, Candle Making & More (760) 957-4400 12120 Ridgecrest Rd., Ste 204 Victorville, CA 92395 http://www.thehotspotstudios.com/ high-desert-ca Retail Store, Entertainment, Arts & Crafts

GET YOUR CHAMBER PLAQUE TO PROUDLY DISPLAY IN YOUR BUSINESS!

WestBound Rides LLC (760) 801-2871 20258 US Hwy 18, Ste. 430-423 Apple Valley, CA 92307 http://westboundrides.com Transportation WorkLight (612) 552-5656 High Desert, CA https://worklight.org/ Nonprofit

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS FOR YOUR REFERRALS! Town of Apple Valley - Lindy Daugherty Choice Medical Group – Liz McGiffin Sunset Hills Mortuary & Memorial Allen Williams ** Lewis Center for Educational Research (AAE) – Chet Richards High Desert Grange #593 - Trudi Moe Roser 180 Self-Defense & Performance and Pro Flo DJ Services - Joseph & Jenny Flores ** Thrive Fitness Studio - Tara Caracciolo Victor Valley Transit Authority Chris Ackerman Kléte - JJ Borja Goodwill Southern California Sarina Muhammad Congressman Jay Obernolte - Laura Villa ICR Staffing Services, Inc. - Joshua Narcisse County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors - First District Supervisor Paul Cook’s office Dakota Higgins **THESE MEMBERS REFERRED MORE THAN ONE BUSINESS! insight magazine | 20

FEEDBACK FEEDBAC BACK FEEDBACK FEE WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK FEEDBACK BACKFEEDBACK FEED SHARE YOUR VOICE FEEDBACK EEDBACK ACK FEEDBACK FEE EDBACK FEEDBACK Scan the QR code to take our survey and share what matters most to your business.

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Y OU R

BLUEPRINT F O R LO CA L SU C CE SS

BUILDING A STRONGER HIGH DESERT TOGETHER The start of a new year offers something every successful business needs: a chance to plan with intention. Like a blank blueprint, the months ahead invite businesses to sketch out goals, identify opportunities, and build toward long-term success. In the High Desert, momentum is already underway. New development, expanding businesses, and increased collaboration across Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and Adelanto point to a region that understands one simple truth: success does not happen by chance. It is planned, supported, and built together. At the center of that process is the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce. By bringing businesses, community leaders, and cities to the same table, the Chamber helps turn individual goals into shared progress and transforms ideas into action.

building blocks of local growth

A strong local economy is built on more than individual wins. It depends on connection, collaboration, and access to the right resources at the right time. Across the High Desert, businesses that succeed often share one thing in common: they are engaged. Regular participation in Chamber events, programs, and initiatives allows businesses to stay visible, informed, and connected. insight magazine | 22

Valley Morning Insight, Chamber events, ribbon cuttings, and educational workshops create spaces where relationships form and opportunities naturally follow. Sponsorships and advertising opportunities help businesses increase their reach while supporting the initiatives that strengthen the region as a whole. These efforts become the building blocks of success. When businesses actively engage with one another and with their local Chamber, they help create an environment where growth is sustainable and shared.

the chamber: your strategic partner A blueprint is only useful when it is put into action. The Greater High Desert Chamber serves as a strategic partner for businesses looking to move from planning to progress. Through networking, committees, and advocacy, the Chamber connects members to decision-makers, peers, and potential partners.

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your blueprint for 2026 success Attend Chamber networking events, ribbon cuttings, and workshops. Use member benefits such as advertising opportunities and our member directory tool. Sponsor Chamber events and initiatives. Participate in Chamber committees with fellow business leaders. Stay engaged to stay visible, informed, and connected in the community.

Committee participation allows business leaders to collaborate on regional priorities while shaping initiatives that impact the local economy. Chamber advocacy ensures that the collective voice of business is represented in conversations that affect growth, infrastructure, and opportunity. Member benefits further support business visibility and success. Tools such as advertising options, the member directory, sponsorships, and promotional opportunities help businesses reach new audiences and stay top of mind within the community. When these resources are used consistently, they become powerful components of a long-term success plan.

drafting the vision ahead As the High Desert looks ahead, the path forward is clear: success is built through participation, collaboration, and shared investment in the community. Every business has its own blueprint, but the strongest plans are reinforced by a connection to something greater. By staying involved with the Chamber, attending events, supporting initiatives, and engaging with fellow members, businesses help shape the future of the region while strengthening their own foundation for growth. The blueprint for local success is already taking shape. Together, High Desert businesses are not just planning for the year ahead — they are building it.

ARTICLE WRITTEN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF CHAT GPT insight magazine | 24

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CHAMBER CALENDAR

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Valley Morning Insight - Reservations Required Victorville Conference Center 7:30am

Coffee Break Update - Reservations Required Via Zoom 9:00am

Joint Chamber Ribbon Cutting & 3-Yr Anniversary Celebration - Love Your Best Life, LLC 12:00pm

Ambassador Cmte. - Closed Meeting Location TBD 12:00pm

Ambassador Cmte. - Closed Meeting GHDCC - Location TBD 12:00pm

No Coffee Break - Presidents’ Day Weekend

Ribbon Cutting & Fueling the Future Celebration hosted by Victor Valley Transit Authority - Reservations Required 10:00am

Legislative Action Committee - Reservations Required Via Zoom 9:00am

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - GHDCC Offices Closed

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration Pollo Campero 9:30am

Coffee Break Hesperia Location TBD 7:00am

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Presidents’ Day - GHDCC Offices Closed

Legislative Action Committee - Reservations Required Via Zoom 9:00am

Coffee Break Hesperia Location TBD 7:00am

Break 27 Coffee Hesperia Location TBD

MARCH 27th Annual ‘An Evening Affaire’ - ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY! SBC Fairgrounds 5:00 - 8:00pm

State of the City - City of Victorville at Valley Morning Insight - Reservations Required Victorville Conference Center 7:30am

Coffee Break Update - Reservations Required Via Zoom 9:00am

Ambassador Cmte. - Closed Meeting Location TBD 12:00pm

Coffee Break Hesperia Location TBD 7:00am

Legislative Action Committee - Reservations Required Via Zoom 9:00am

Coffee Break Hesperia Location TBD 7:00am

7:00am

You’re Invited

Please join us for an elegant evening of fine dining, exquisite wine, and a celebration of the very best of the High Desert.

MARCH 1ST, 2026 5:00 TO 8:00 PM SAN BERNARDINO FAIRGROUNDS

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DressCode Formal Cocktail Attire.

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1ST WEDNESDAY OF MARCH Hosted by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce the State of the City of Victorville address is an annual presentation by the Mayor of Victorville and City Council that brings residents, business and civic leaders, and Chamber members together departmental activities and an opportunity for the Mayor to present the vision for the upcoming year.

SPONSOR BENEFITS Prominent logo inclusion on all promotional material (postcard, event signage, weekly e-blast, Insight Magazine, website slider, event program)

UT LD O SOPRESENTING SPONSOR

BUSINESS SPONSOR

GENERAL SPONSOR

$1500

$1000

$500

Name inclusion on all promotional material (postcard, event signage, weekly e-blast, Insight Magazine, website slider, event program) 4-color full page ad (4.5” wide X 7.5” tall)

Business card ad (3.5” wide X 2” tall) Podium time at event (5 minutes)

X X

Reserved Seating Billboard Advertisement

For more information contact: Paola Baker paola@ghdcc.com (760) 242-2753

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State of Education

April 1st, 2026

Sponsorship Opportunities SO

UT O $1,500

Presenting Sponsor

Prominent Logo on all Promotional Material (E-Vite, Event Powerpoint, Registration Banner, Insight Magazine and Social Media) Recognition at event Speaking Time at Event (5 minutes) Reserved seating for (8) (3) Billboard Advertisements (10"wide x 7.5"tall)

$1,000 Education Sponsor

Logo on Promotional Material (E-Vite, Event Powerpoint, Insight Magazine and Social Media) Recognition at event Reserved seating for (8) (1) Billboard Advertisement (10"wide x 7.5"tall)

$500 Academic Sponsor

Business Name on Promotional Material (E-Vite, Event Powerpoint, Insight Magazine and Social Media) Recognition at event Reserved seating for (4)

Business Name:_______________________________________________________ Phone:________________________________

Contact Paola Baker at paola@ghdcc.com to secure your sponsorship! insight magazine | 30

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PLATINUM MEMBERS

Amazon

GOLD MEMBERS

Apple Valley Transfer & Storage Inc./ Shred Your Docs Armstrong Fairway Insurance Agency, Inc. CEMEX Excelsior Charter Schools High Desert Sports Foundation Mitsubishi Cement Corporation

Mojave Water Agency Optimum Audiology SaddleRock Reverse Mortgage Sciens AV Communications Division Southern California Edison Southwest Gas Corporation

SILVER MEMBERS

Arizona Pipeline Company Bluestar Properties, Inc. Coldwell Banker Home Source Cornerstone Development Company Darrin D. Fikstad & Associates, LLC. Kaiser Permanente LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy

Mojave Printing Solutions NEXA Lending

Steeno Design Studio, Inc.

The Law Offices of Caldwell, Kennedy & Porter Thompson Family Plumbing & Drain Town of Apple Valley VetSec HD

TO BECOME A CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBER CONTACT RUBY CLARK (760) 242-2753 | ruby@ghdcc.com insight magazine | 31

15428 Civic Dr. #310, Victorville, CA 92392

P r e p a r i n g Y o u n g M i n d s f o r a B r i g h t F u t u r e! We are a tuition-free charter school dedicated to preparing students for future success through a rigorous academic program and a strong focus on STEM. Our campuses foster intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership in a supportive environment. Come see how we are making a diAerence in the High Desert!

LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy Proudly serving TK-8th grades 760-948-4333 | 760-956-7733 https://lepacademy.com/

Desert Trails Preparatory Academy Proudly serving TK-6th grades 760-530-7680 https://dtpacademy.com/