San Benito County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Juli Vieira is expected to step down at the end of May, according to a recent press release.
Vieira, who took the helm in October 2014, notified the chamber board of directors at an April meeting that she would be leaving. Her last day with the local chamber expected to be May 25.
“I want to thank those who stepped forward to serve on the board of directors, as ambassadors, and most of all the businesses that continued to support the Chamber of Commerce,” Vieira said. “I feel I am leaving the chamber in a good position to move forward and in a position to continue to grow.”
Starting June 1, Vieira will take the position of CEO at the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce.
“I had a five-year plan to move closer to my children and grandchildren, but over the past few months I’ve come to realize that plan needed to be moved forward much sooner,” Vieira said. “San Benito County will always be home, my great-grandfather came here in 1859 to work in the local vineyards and my family has been here for many generations, so my heart will always be in Hollister.”
Under Vieira’s guidance, the organization’s membership increased over the years, published two business and visitors directories, updated the San Benito County map, and took over the county tourism marketing that led to increased visitor numbers, the press release said.
Additionally, Vieira created new websites for the chamber and Discover San Benito, enhanced their social media presence with active Facebook pages for both the chamber and county tourism campaign. Programs including Lunch and Learns were revamped and increased to nine per year. Seminars, Wreaths Across America, Chamber Travel, Business Advocacy Committee, and Monday Brew and Perks are just a few of the programs improved or started under Vieira’s leadership.
The chamber board of directors will begin active recruitment for a new CEO, the press release said. Inquiries should be directed at Chamber Chairman and Pinnacle Strategy President Victor Gomez.
“The chamber board of directors is proud of Juli’s accomplishments as CEO and wishes her the best as she transitions into her new role,” Gomez said.