As I begin my term as Chair of the Board for the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce, I want to extend a heartfelt thankyou to Shannon Shannon for her incredible leadership over the past year. Her dedication, vision, and steady hand helped guide our Chamber through an impactful season, and I hope I can live up to the standard she’s set. Thank you, Shannon, you’ve left some big shoes to fill!
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to our President/CEO, Mark Creffield, for his tireless work and commitment to the Chamber and our business community. His leadership continues to move us forward in meaningful ways — and let’s be honest, his fantastic team makes him look even better! To the Chamber staff: thank you for all you do behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.
So far, 2025 has already been filled with momentum and connection. An Evening Affaire and Ignite High Desert were both outstanding events, each one highlighting the heart, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit that make the High Desert so special. These gatherings remind us of the strength we find when we come together.
Another spotlight this year has been our Speaker Series. We’ve had two excellent sessions so far, covering hot topics like artificial intelligence and leadership. A huge thank-you to our insightful speakers and to everyone who has attended, it’s exciting to see our community lean into new ideas and strategies. We’re especially looking forward to our upcoming speaker on marketing, you won’t want to miss it!
Published by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce 15428 Civic Dr. #310, Victorville, CA 92392
Tel: (760) 245-6506 Fax: (760) 245-6505 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.
Congratulations are also in order for all of the recent graduates of the Chamber’s Leadership Academy. This program is not only a fantastic way to get to know the ins and outs of our region — it’s also a chance to build lasting relationships with fellow leaders and community members. I applaud each of you for taking the time to grow, connect, and lead.
And while we’re handing out congratulations — hats off to all the recent graduates, from preschool to college! Whether you’re moving up or moving on, you’ve hit an important milestone, and we’re all cheering you on. Now that summer is here (and it’s already heating up!), I hope you find a little time to cool off, relax, and recharge. Because come September, we’ll be jumping right back in with a busy calendar — including the always-popular HDRO Golf Tournament and the inspiring Members Only
Campbell Ranch Mixer
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I’m excited about what’s ahead, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with all of you.
Stacy DeVoll
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2025 - 2026
Stacy DeVoll – Chair of the Board - DeVoll Rubber MFG Group, Inc.
William Brady - Chair Elect - NEXA Mortgage
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
CJ Eversole – Pizza Factory of Apple Valley
Matthew Hawkins – Matthew Hawkins State Farm Insurance Agent
Lisa Lamb - Lewis Center for Educational Research
Dr. Kristina Mendoza - Optimum Audiology
Arsalee Morales - Apple Valley Communications, Inc.
Sarina Muhammad - Goodwill Career Resource Center
Joshua Narcisse - ICR Staffing Services, Inc.
Kevin Smilen - Victorville Motors
Steve Tyrrell – Mitsubishi Cement Corporation
Dr. Kenisha L. Williams - TransFormNation Training & Development, LLC
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
AMAZON • APPLE VALLEY TRANSFER & STORAGE INC./SHRED YOUR DOCS
BLUESTAR PROPERTIES, INC. • BURRTEC WASTE INDUSTRIES, INC.
EXCELSIOR CHARTER SCHOOLS • GLOBAL CREDIT UNION
ICR STAFFING SERVICES, INC. • MOUNTAIN DESERT CAREER PATHWAYS JPA (MDCP)
BURRTEC WASTE INDUSTRIES, INC. GLOBAL CREDIT UNION
HIGH DESERT SPORTS FOUNDATION OPTIONS FOR YOUTH SADDLEROCK REVERSE MORTGAGE
PROTECT YOUR WORKERS AS CALIFORNIA HEATS UP
Temperatures are rising, with triple digits forecasted across California. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) reminds employers to protect workers at outdoor and indoor workplaces from heat illness, which can be dangerous and deadly. This means employers should have their California-compliant heat illness prevention plans and procedures ready to go for summer’s hot temperatures.
Occupational heat-related deaths have been on the rise; in California, heat-related illnesses have increased from about 3.5 per 100,000 workers in 2000 to 10 per 100,000 workers in 2017, despite the heat illness prevention regulations being permanently implemented in 2006.
While outdoor workplaces have been subject to heat illness prevention regulations, employers should be aware that, as of last July, California’s heat illness prevention standard also applies to indoor workplaces. The indoor regulations largely mirror the outdoor standards, but outdoor regulations are triggered when temperatures reach 80 °F, while indoor regulations apply when temperatures reach 82 °F.
To comply with heat illness prevention regulations and prevent heat illness in workers, employers need to:
Plan — Develop and implement an effective written heat illness prevention plan that includes emergency response procedures.
Train — Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention.
Provide Water — Provide drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool and free of charge, so each worker can drink at least one quart per hour and encourage workers to do so.
Encourage Rest — Encourage workers to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes when they feel the need to do so to protect themselves from overheating. Workers should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
Provide Shade — Provide proper shade when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Workers have the right to request and be provided shade to cool off at any time.
Observe — Closely observe all employees during a heat wave and any employee newly assigned to a high heat area. Lighter work, frequent breaks or shorter hours will help employees who have not been working in high temperatures adapt to the new conditions.
Employers can find more detailed information on heat illness prevention requirements at www.99calor.org and Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention website.
By Mike McCluskey | Article courtesy of HR Watchdog
ROY GRANGERDR. MADORI GRIFFINJOSIAH MELESIOIRENE MOLINARJOSHUA NARCISSENYLES O’HARRA
DAVID PENN HENRY PHAN
PURPLE WENDY RAMEYDR. YOLANDA ROBERTS JOAN RUDDER-WARDHEATHER SMITH
ETHAN & EVAN SOTO RICHARD SPENCER MARIANA STRONG
MONIC VIRGEN DR. KENISHA L. WILLIAMS
MICHAEL APADOCAJAMES “JC” CAMPBELL SHANEEK CARTER
JESSICA CROUCH
JOSEPH FLORES
GARY “GRIZ” DRYLIE
ADVOCATING FOR BUSINESS: GREATER HIGH DESERT CHAMBER’S LEGISLATIVE IMPACT RECOGNIZED
The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce remains a strong and proactive voice for the business community, both locally and statewide. With an ongoing commitment to political engagement and advocacy, the Chamber is proud to lead efforts that ensure the High Desert region is represented on critical legislative and economic development issues.
Each month, the Chamber hosts its Legislative Action Committee meetings via Zoom, drawing participation from over 40 active members. These meetings serve as a vital platform for legislative updates and discussions, featuring representatives from the offices of our congressional delegation, two State Senators, three Assembly Members, and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. In addition to these updates, the committee regularly welcomes guest speakers who address relevant topics that directly impact our business climate.
The Chamber also maintains a strong partnership with the Inland Empire Chamber Alliance (IECA), a coalition of 20 chambers of commerce throughout the region. IECA fosters collaboration and builds consensus on key business issues, particularly those affecting economic development in the Inland Empire. Our President/CEO, Mark Creffield, and our Legislative Chair, Shannon Shannon, actively participate in the California Chamber’s Local Chamber Legislative Coalition Calls, held weekly. These calls are a valuable resource in identifying pro-business “job creator” bills to support and opposing harmful “job killer” legislation.
Our advocacy efforts have had a tangible impact: The Greater High Desert Chamber signed on to over 50 support or opposition letters during the last fiscal year. Additionally, through our High Desert Political Action Committee (HDPAC), the Chamber endorsed 17 candidates during the 2024 election cycle—10 of whom were successfully elected or reelected.
We are especially proud to share that, for the fourth consecutive year, the Greater High Desert Chamber was honored with the California Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious President’s Circle Award. This recognition is given to the top local chambers in California that demonstrate exceptional leadership in business advocacy and help members stay compliant with the state’s ever-evolving labor laws. To qualify for this award, a chamber must meet several rigorous standards, including:
• Signing on to more than 50% of coalition letters.
• Participating in at least two legislative policy hearings.
• Conducting in-person meetings with state legislators on policy issues.
• Maintaining 50% or higher attendance on weekly legislative update calls
• Publishing and distributing the Cal Chamber’s vote record of local legislators annually.
• Generating at least $1,500 in sales of labor law compliance products.
In 2025, our Chamber was one of only 12 in the entire state to receive this honor. Through strategic collaboration, informed advocacy, and active participation, the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce remains committed to being a powerful and effective voice for the High Desert’s business community.
BUSINESS CARD SPOTLIGHT
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Hosted by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce, State of the County of San Bernardino gives Chamber members the chance to hear first-hand the state of our region from San Bernardino County Officials.
Create positive publicity and heighten your company’s visibility throughout the community by becoming a sponsor for this well attended event. Last Year nearly 300 community members attended, and expectations are set for even more to attend this year! To be seen supporting the community and contributing to its economic development is extremely powerful.
$1,500 PRESENTING SPONSOR
• Prominent Logo Inclusion on all Promotional Material including: E-Vite, Event Signage, Weekly e-Blast, Insight Magazine, Website and Social Media.
• Podium Time at Event (5 minutes)
• Reserved Seating for (8)
• (1) Buzz Ad
• (1) VMI Billboard Advertisement
$1,000 BUSINESS SPONSOR
• Logo on Promotional Material (E-Vite, Event Signage, Insight Magazine and Social Media)
• Name in Weekly e-Blast
• Reserved Seating for (8)
• Recognition at Event
• (1) VMI Billboard Advertisement
$500 BUSINESS SPONSOR
• Business Name on Promotional Material (E-Vite, Event Signage, Weekly e-Blast and Social Media)
• Reserved Seating for 4
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott/Greens Hotels
Family Assistance Program - Mural at SBC Fair
Bygone Belongings
Keller Williams Realty Apple Valley
McDonald’s - Fashion Court in Hesperia
GROUND
Congratulations Graduates
ZYRA Y. SMITH
SYLVIA I. URENDA
DR. ERIC VREEMAN
PAMELA QUICK
ALYSSA SANDELLO
ALEXIS N. BOHN
LA DONNA M. ALLEN-PICKENS
DEVAN “PENNY” DAVIS
MICHELLE MURRAY
MONICA CAMACHO
HAKEEM CROOM
ROBERT CARTER
CHRIS CRUMLEY
CARRISA DEDMON CRISTIAN DOMINGUEZ
CANDACE M. HARPER-WOODS
ANGELA KHOURY
JOSEPH PAGANO ANTHONY PORTER
GERARDO MURO
DEBBIE S. RIVERA LYSA RYDER
DR. TERRY T. WALKER
NOAH CARACCIOLO
ANGEL ESPINO KIMBERLY MESEN
Since
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."
SET SAIL FOR SET SAIL FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS BUSINESS SUCCESS
AS THE DAYS GET LONGER AND THE PACE OF LIFE SLOWS JUST A BIT, SUMMER CAN BE THE PERFECT TIME TO REFRESH YOUR BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND CHART A NEW COURSE FOR SUCCESS. WHETHER YOUR INDUSTRY
EXPERIENCES A SEASONAL SLOWDOWN OR STAYS STEADY YEAR-ROUND, NOW IS THE TIME TO CAPITALIZE ON THE SUMMER ENERGY AND POSITION YOUR BUSINESS FOR SMOOTH SAILING THROUGH THE REST OF THE YEAR.
11. . REFRESH YOUR BRAND PRESENCE REFRESH YOUR BRAND PRESENCE
Just as summer invites us to declutter and renew, use this season to review your brand. Update your website, refresh your social media graphics, or launch a summer-themed campaign. A fresh look can re-engage current customers and attract new ones.
2. CHECK YOUR COURSE - MID-YEAR
REVIEW PERFORMANCE REVIEW
2. CHECK YOUR COURSE - MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE
Summer is a natural midpoint in the business year—an ideal time to reflect on what's working and where adjustments are needed. Take stock of your progress, revisit your goals, and make strategic changes to stay on track for year-end success. A thoughtful review now can help you correct course before the busy fall season sets in.
3. ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY 3. ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY
Warmer weather brings community events, markets, and festivals. Sponsor or participate in a local event to boost visibility and connect with your audience face-to-face. These grassroots efforts can build loyalty and increase word-of-mouth referrals.
Create limited-time summer offers, bundle deals, or loyalty rewards to encourage spending. Tailoring your promotions to the season’s needs—such as travel, leisure, or back-to-school prep—can boost engagement and drive revenue.
5. INVEST IN PROFESSIONAL
5. INVEST IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT
Summer is an excellent time to attend workshops, webinars, or networking events. Encourage your team to sharpen their skills and explore new ideas. Consider hosting a casual lunch-and-learn session or a team retreat to strengthen company culture.
6. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE 6. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE “VACATION VIBE” “VACATION VIBE”
While clients and customers might be vacationing, use the quieter moments to tackle projects you've set aside—like strategic planning, deep cleaning your CRM, or developing new product ideas. Even a brief lull can be a golden opportunity.
7. STAY FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE 7. STAY FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE
Summer can be unpredictable. Staff vacations, shifting demand, and heat waves can all throw off routines. Stay nimble, communicate clearly with your team, and plan ahead to avoid any unnecessary turbulence.
JUST LIKE SAILING, BUSINESS SUCCESS REQUIRES PREPARATION, FORESIGHT, AND THE COURAGE TO ADJUST YOUR COURSE WHEN NEEDED. WITH THESE SUMMER STRATEGIES, YOU’LL BE WELLPOSITIONED TO NAVIGATE THE SEASON AND KEEP YOUR BUSINESS CRUISING AHEAD. SO HOIST YOUR SAILS—SUCCESS AWAITS ON THE SUMMER HORIZON!
MAYORS’ MESSAGES
MAYOR GABRIEL REYES - ADELANTO
Progress in Motion for Adelanto
As we move through the second quarter of 2025, the City of Adelanto continues to advance meaningful progress through strategic development and active community engagement.
In a historic milestone, the 2025 State of the City was hosted at Adelanto High School for the first time. This new setting marks a significant step toward strengthening connections between civic leadership and local youth, while promoting greater transparency and community participation.
Adelanto’s residential sector is experiencing steady growth, with 85 new homes currently under construction and over 600 additional homes forecasted through 2025 and into 2026. Current projects are led by DR Horton, Oasis 22, and EA-VE Construction Inc., while the upcoming forecasted developments will be driven by United Engineering Group. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to thoughtful housing development that supports families and builds neighborhood stability.
Commercial momentum continues along Highway 395. Phase 1 of the Adelanto Towne Center—led by Lewis Retail Centers—is now under construction at the intersection of Highway 395 and Mojave. A McDonald’s and a state-of-the-art car wash are already underway and will complement the existing Poppy gas station, serving as a catalyst for further economic activity along this vital corridor.
These developments underscore Adelanto’s continued focus on sustainable growth, job creation, and quality of life improvements. As we look ahead, our priorities remain rooted in building a resilient, opportunity-rich future for all who call Adelanto home.
Learn more at ci.adelanto.ca.us
MAYOR SCOTT NASSIF - APPLE VALLEY
Summer is heating up, and so is economic activity in Apple Valley. The third quarter of 2025 is shaping up to be a strong one, with several major developments underway.
LGI Homes opened its sales office for Ocotilla Ranch in June and will be bringing 128 new homes to the community. Originally stalled during the recession, the revived subdivision reflects renewed confidence in the local housing market. With an unprecedented amount of industrial space entitled in North Apple Valley and the incoming Brightline West project, developers are responding to increased housing demand driven by large-scale job creation.
Commercial development is also accelerating. Construction has begun on a 93,000 square foot retail center near Apple Valley Towne Center, which will include Hobby Lobby, Five Below, and Marshalls. Across the street, work continues on Sprouts Farmers Market and Raising Canes. The Buffalo Trading Post Plaza, a 39,000 square foot project at Hwy 18 and Rancherias Road, remains in the pipeline and is set to include Aldi, Chipotle, Dutch Bros, Wendy’s, and more.
These developments create jobs, improve infrastructure, and generate revenue to support public services. The Town of Apple Valley is growing with purpose, bringing together housing, retail, and industrial development to create a well-balanced, opportunity-rich future.
Stay connected at applevalley.org or follow us @applevalleyca.
MAYOR ALLISON LEE - HESPERIA
One of the most significant projects currently underway is the City’s first Amazon facility, located on Phelan Road near Caliente Road. This nearly 2.5 millionsquare-foot development is one of only a few of its kind—known as a Middle Mile Facility—currently under development by Amazon nationwide. It is anticipated to be completed in late 2026. Following the completion of grading and foundation work, crews have now begun raising the tilt-up walls. Wall and roof construction will continue over the next several months.
Once operational, the center is expected to employ approximately 1,000 full-time workers and generate another 1,000 construction-related jobs. The facility is designed to enhance shipping speed and customer service across the U.S.
Inside, the facility will feature a state-of-the-art system of autonomous robots that transport product shelves— or “pods”—to human workers. This approach significantly reduces walking time, allowing orders to be fulfilled in as little as 15 minutes. AI-driven algorithms will dynamically adjust product locations, moving high-demand items closer to packing stations based on real-time data.
In addition to large-scale industrial development, commercial activity along Main Street continues to grow, with new tenants moving into previously vacant spaces. Crunch Fitness is in plan review to occupy the former Kmart site at 16968 Main Street. The 30,000-squarefoot facility is slated to open in winter 2025 and will offer amenities such as a kid’s area with a cinema, group fitness classes, saunas, tanning rooms, and hydro massage stations —creating a fitness destination for all ages.
We’re excited to welcome these projects, which support job creation and long-term economic growth, and we’re grateful for their investment in our community.
MAYOR ELIZABETH BECERRA - VICTORVILLE
Because of our homelessness solutions strategy, the number of unsheltered individuals in Victorville dropped 57 percent since 2024 according to San Bernardino County’s most recent Point in Time Count.
Of the eight cities with the highest concentration of homeless individuals in the County, Victorville experienced the greatest decrease (326 to 141) in our unsheltered population, defined as individuals living in places not meant for human habitation such as on the street or in vehicles.
Additionally, the City of Victorville’s overall homeless count, which includes unsheltered individuals and those living in shelters and interim housing, dropped by 27 percent since 2024 (611 to 448). Now, Victorville’s homeless count is the lowest it’s been in five years.
We are emboldened to see that our homelessness solutions strategy is working. By increasing access to shelter, medical care, and much-needed wraparound support services, we are helping the most vulnerable in our community find their route to wellness and stabilize their lives.
At the heart of our strategy is our Wellness Center, a low-barrier, non-congregate emergency shelter that offers interim housing wraparound support services, recuperative care, and a medical clinic on-site.
Since its grand opening in December 2023, over 660 individuals from Victorville streets were admitted to the Wellness Center where they received or are receiving supportive services tailored to their unique needs. Our individualized approach has been successful with 156 clients having graduated into permanent housing.
Learn more at cityofhesperia.us
We are committed to further reducing homelessness in Victorville for the benefit of our community. Learn more about our homelessness solutions strategy and our Wellness Center at VictorvilleCA.gov/HomelessnessSolutions.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS FOR YOUR REFERRALS!
*Rescue Plumbers, Inc.Victor & Michelle Soto
Moses House Ministries - Brandee Zaragoza Dreamers, Visionaries and LeadersRegina Weatherspoon-Bell
Paradise Family Realty, Inc. - Cassie Martin
VetSecHD - Luis Valentin
Sunset Hills Mortuary & MemorialAllen Williams
The Law Offices of Caldwell, Kennedy & PorterTerry Caldwell ARCO – Tyler Bath
Town of Apple Valley - Orlando Acevedo
Leveled Up Health Powered by The Treigning Lab & High Desert VenuesPaul McClain
I Am Love - Sir Daniel Duplechan
Greater High Desert Chamber of CommerceMark Creffield
*THIS MEMBER REFERRED MORE THAN ONE BUSINESS!
THE ULTIMATE CHAMBER MEMBERChecklist
Attend Monthly Meetings
Grow your network, meet potential partners, and make connections.
Promote Your Events
Post your events on our website and advertise in our e-blast.
Get Involved in Advocacy
Stay informed and have your voice heard in local and state business policy.
Use the Member Portal
Post job openings, hot deals, and Member-to-Member deals directly to our website.
Access Training & Workshops
Gain skills in leadership, marketing, operations, and more through our free Speaker Series.
Use Our Marketing Opportunities
Advertise in our magazine or sponsor an event for business exposure.
Join a Committee
Shape the Chamber’s future and build leadership credibility.
7 am Friday
Puzzlemaker is a puzzle generation tool for teachers, students and parents. Create and print customized word search, criss-cross, math more-using your own word lists.
This is your Criss Cross Word Puzzle!
GHDCC CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Use the clues to figure out the Chamber-related words and complete the puzzle. Words can go up or down. Letters are shared when the words intersect
DOWN
ACROSS
1. Somewhere Mark likes to go
2. You are a _______when you join the GHDCC
4. Mark will stress if this is not followed
5. A meeter and greeter of the Chamber
6. Keeps the time at VMI
7. A critter commonly found at the GHDCC-AV Office
3. Raises funds for the GHDCC and opportunities to make connections
4. What the HD PAC does to amplify the voice of business
8. Someone who serves by setting the focus of the Chamber
9. A way to promote your business that involves meeting others
CHAMBER CALENDAR
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
July 4th - GHDCC Offices Closed
*No Coffee Break
Jacil’s Birthday
Valley Morning Insight - Reservations Required
*2nd Wednesday
Victorville Conference Center
7:30am
Coffee Break Update - Reservations Required Via Zoom
9:00am
Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening - The Lord’s Ring Boxing Club
