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Josette Kimmell is one of the Junior Chamber members. (Nina Crowder photo)
By Nina Crowder
Copper Basin Junior Chamber of Commerce held an annual meeting to thank sponsors and participating students on April 25, 2013. The Junior Chamber has contributed time in fundraising projects, volunteering and efforts to help improve the community. The students from both Hayden High School and Kearny High School participate in the Junior Chamber program.
The 47 students are active up and coming professionals in the community who are given the opportunity to learn from peers and seasoned professionals. They become informed and engage with the local government.
Nancy Hinojos opened the meeting by thanking all the participants and sponsors. Nancy mentioned that the Junior Chamber has helped the youth grow and improved the social skills.
Nancy introduced the Junior Chamber Board: Junior Chamber President Altin Hing, Vice president Danielle Paton, Secretaries Annie Hinojos and Marlisse Perez, and Treasurer Lainey Lopez. The Copper Basin Chamber of Commerce President, Rosalind Padilla, Vice President, Bill Loehr of Asarco, Chamber Director Angela Ramirez, and many board members such as Jean Slater, Martina Burnam, Mark Romo were recognized and thanked for support and efforts.
Special acknowledgment was given to the Junior Chamber of Commerce Sponsors: The Town of Kearny, Resolution Copper, Church of the Good Shepherd, Union Local 886, Hinojos Family, Padilla Family, Slater Family, Community Health Foundation, Pacheco Family, The Town of Hayden, Lopez Family, The Town of Winkelman, Asarco and The Family First Pregnancy Care Center. There are many people in the community that help support the Junior Chamber of Commerce Program and they are sincerely appreciated.
As lunch was being served from the Town of Hayden, the guest speaker Maria Lopez was introduced. Lopez was a member of the Junior Chamber for three years and was the secretary. After graduating Ray High School, she was able to obtain a job working at Asarco and has been appreciative of the job opportunity. She is now attending Central Arizona College as a Pre-Nursing Student she participates in the Phi Beta Kappa and enjoys getting to know people from all over the world.
Lopez also is a part of the Student Leadership Program at Central Arizona College and enjoys the leadership opportunities presented to her. She was encouraging to the members of the Junior Chamber and expressed excitement about the future that awaits each person.
Angela Ramirez has been with the Chamber of Commerce as acting director for three years and thoroughly enjoys working with the youth. The youth help with various community programs such as the Winter Wonderland, the Octoberfest and Pioneer Days, plus they help fill volunteer spots that need assistance. The youth put together a program on their own called The Great Pumpkin they provide the candy for the younger children and donate their time to put this program together.
Ramirez said they are so very pleased to have the Junior Chamber Program many of the participants start in the sophomore year and attend through their senior year. This is a unique program and a wonderful opportunity for our youth.
See photos from the event online at
http://bit.ly/12j75K3
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