The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center has been undergoing recent changes designed to revitalize the organization and ensure its ability to serve its mission. As part of those efforts, the Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors: Frankie Gallagher, Peter Spurzem, and Liz Smith.
Gallagher has been involved with the Chamber since 2002, serving as an Ambassador for 12 years and as a member of the Board of Directors for two terms. She has just rejoined the Board for a third term. She has been actively involved in the community supporting veterans, the San Benito County CattleWomen and fundraisers and events such as the Saddle Horse Parade, Lights On Parade and Veterans Day Parade. Gallagher serves on numerous local committees and boards, including Leadership San Benito and the Free Lance Community Insight Board. She was also active with the FFA Ag Boosters and 4-H when her son was in high school. Gallagher was recognized as the 2008 and 2014 National Philanthropy Day Award Recipient for the Chamber of Commerce and received a 2010 Commendation of Service to Hollister VFW Post 9242. Gallagher is the Marketing/PR Director for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
Peter Spurzem, who is now a partner with Pipal and Spurzem, LLP, in Hollister, is a graduate of the UCLA. He holds two master of arts degrees; one in philosophy from the State University of New York, and another in English from San Francisco State University. Spurzem graduated from Hastings College of Law, and entered into law practice in a large legal firm before beginning law practice in Hollister in 1997. Spurzem has previously served on the Board of Directors for the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, and other local boards, including service on the board of directors of United Way of San Benito County and the San Benito County Bar Association.
Liz Smith, a local business owner, operates Liz Smith Bookkeeping. In addition to operating her business, hes works for the San Benito Saddle Horse Show Association, and previously worked for K&S Market, Inc. Smith has expertise in commercial property maintenance, financial and business operations, employee stock ownership plans, and other financial transactions. She attended California Polytechnic State University, where she majored in speech communications. She has an extensive record of local service, including Leadership San Benito County, YMCA Community Campaign Fundraiser, Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, Hollister Downtown Association, Street Festival and Swap Meet, the Lights on Celebration, and the City of Hollister Complete Street Study Group.
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center is organized for the purpose of creating, promoting and celebrating economic vitality in San Benito County by providing resources to businesses and individuals. The Chamber of Commerce is located at 243 Sixth St., Suite 100 in Hollister. For more information on the Chamber, contact Juli Vieira at (831) 637-5315. (New website on the way.)