On Jan. 23, the chamber will recognize five outgoing board members for their jobs well done and welcome five new members at a reception to be held at the Inn at Saratoga.

Among the newcomers are Ruth Carlson, the West Valley­Mission Community College District director of public affairs; Donna Collins, owner of Henrietta Hens; Thomas Collins, corporate guru and InHome Tech CEO; Jim Huber, owner of Huber Enterprises; and John Marian, chiropractor.

"I have faith that the board of directors and the executive director can work as a team in supporting Saratoga businesses and the community," said Huber, a member of the West Valley Branch Advisory Board for the Red Cross and a retiree from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department. "I am eager to contribute to that process."

The members said they each could bring something unique to the table.

Carlson, who was appointed by the former West Valley College President Marchelle Fox, has 17 years of public relations experience and has been an active participant in Building Bridges. She also has a working knowledge of the legislative process.

"One of my goals as a board member is to keep the school involved with the community as a whole and to make the school aware of the community's resources," Carlson said.

Marian, a Saratoga Rotarian and owner of Big Basin Chiropractic since February 2003, said he would bring "youth and energy to the chamber" with his "drive and determination to get things rolling."

Aside from seeing a higher percentage of businesses in Saratoga, the 30-year-old Sunnyvale resident said he would like to see longer hours and a bigger turnout for the annual Celebrate Saratoga! event.

"We need to create more community-related activities to get people out of their homes," he said.

Connie Palladino, a career consultant and one of the outgoing members, said she will miss several things about her three years on the board, most of all the camaraderie.

"I formed a lot of friendships on the board," she said.

Palladino said she will remain a Chamber member and will "help out in any way possible."

Being a new board member may at first be overwhelming with many things to learn, but Palladino offered advice to help make the transition smoother. She suggested that the members get involved in as many committees as possible.

"The more you put in, the more you and the business community get out of it," she said.

Palladino said that it was because of the board's dedication and contribution that the Chamber saw positive changes within the past year, including increased membership, a new and bigger Chamber office and a successful Celebrate Saratoga! event.