Photograph by Paul Myers

Greg Stowers (center), new chairman of the board of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, is flanked by Chamber board member Nicole Pruitt (left) and chairman-elect Phil Johnson at the Jan. 16 annual meeting.

Stowers takes on Chamber leadership

By Gloria I. Wang

Now that the Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce has had a year to settle into its new offices and a new executive director to lead the way into the new year, its board of directors will focus on refining its internal processes in 2002.

That's the aim of Greg Stowers, the newly installed chairman of the board. Stowers, along with fellow board members Phil Johnson and Keith Plottel, took an oath of office to serve as the chairman, chairman-elect and secretary-treasurer, respectively, for 2002. The installation took place Jan. 16 at the Chamber's annual meeting, which included a State of the Town address from Los Gatos Mayor Randy Attaway.

In an interview prior to the event, Stowers said he wants to work on taking care of the Chamber's existing members and then build membership by targeting businesses that aren't represented in the organization. Stowers also wants to join with town staff on business development, such as the holiday shopping program, which was a combined effort. Stowers hopes to develop "things like that, where it makes sense for the government and the Chamber to partner together," he said.

A board of directors' goal-setting retreat in January, however, will serve to clarify and develop the Chamber's vision for 2002, Stowers said.

The chairman of the board will work closely with Chamber Executive Director Anna Esparza, who is responsible for its day-to-day operations. Stowers, who is a volunteer like the rest of the board, will run board meetings and also serves as the "main public spokesman for the Chamber," Stowers said.

Stowers replaces Domus owner Margaret Smith, of whom he said, "She's made a great role model to follow and certainly big shoes to fill." Smith had a knowledge of retail and an understanding of Los Gatos business, and he tried to learn from it, said Stowers.

Stowers, a Los Gatos native who no longer lives in town but runs an architectural firm on Los Gatos Boulevard, said, "Being an architect, there's a certain desire to help maintain the uniqueness of the town." This year will be Stowers' third on the board of directors and fourth year of involvement with the Chamber.

The Jan. 16 evening included closing comments by Smith, who thanked colleagues and outlined the accomplishments of the past year. "We have really developed a very strong new Chamber that is so diverse," Smith said. "Goodbye to you all and thank you for the opportunity to serve."

Mayor Attaway delivered a brief State of the Town address, in which he re-emphasized his commitment to push through projects that the town had approved years earlier. "It's time to use our energy and momentum to get things done in a timely manner and within the community's budget," Attaway said. "I believe we would be doing the community a major disservice if we choose to take on new goals without honoring our commitments of the past."

Attaway mentioned finishing the Town Plaza Park renovation project, proceeding with traffic calming measures, completing beautification in downtown, concentrating on improving Los Gatos Boulevard and working on plans for the civic center and library complex.

"I will work to enhance the town's relationship with the Chamber and business community and endeavor to make sure that this beautiful community that we call Los Gatos is protected for generations to come," Attaway said.

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