Imperial Beach Chamber outlines events, business outreach as beach closures continue to hit local commerce
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Summary
The Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce presented a calendar of events and membership-growth goals aimed at driving foot traffic off the closed beach and supporting local businesses; council members expressed support and suggested continued partnership.
The Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 6 presented a program of events and membership initiatives intended to spur business activity while the city’s beach closures continue to affect tourism and lodging revenue.
Chamber President Sandy Crosby told the city council the chamber is focusing on increasing membership, gaining strategic sponsorships, improving communications and hosting in‑town events such as breakfasts, an Imperial Beach Expo & Tasting Tour (Oct. 9) and repeat signature events including Boots by the Bay and a Sun & Sea Festival. Crosby said the chamber’s Instagram followers have grown from about 198 to nearly 1,000 and the chamber’s email list stands at about 410.
Crosby and past-president Martin Mattis said the chamber has worked to keep spending local—every caterer and vendor used at recent events was from Imperial Beach—and to widen nonfood participation in the Expo & Tasting Tour so retailers and services can gain exposure. The chamber reported selling 237 tickets to Boots by the Bay on short notice and drawing more than 200 people to the Expo & Tasting Tour last year.
Councilmembers praised the emphasis on downtown and off‑beach activities. Councilmember Mitch McKay told Crosby and the board he had attended some chamber meetings and described them as “very professional.” Councilmember Jack Fisher urged continued promotion of the city’s evolving identity beyond the beach and encouraged louder public messaging about new businesses and events.
The chamber requested council support and attendance at events and said it is vetting additional board members and seeking volunteers to expand capacity. Chamber leaders also announced veteran‑oriented and family events such as a Veterans Day observance and a dog‑themed community event planned for Aug. 24 at a local venue.
No formal council action was required; the presentation served as an information update and as a request for ongoing city–chamber coordination to support small-business recovery while environmental and infrastructure issues continue to affect visitor patterns.