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City Beat
WG business association elects new president
Carris: Enthusiasm is at an all-time low
By Melissa Matchak
In a no-competition election, members of the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association voted in the new executive committee on Feb. 21.
Karen Naglee of Able Printing was elected association president, with Chris Carris and John Karamanos remaining in their positions as first and second vice presidents. William Johnson of the Violet Johnson Wellness Center was elected third vice president, with previous executive committee members David Machado as treasurer and Robin Bigger as secretary. Last year's third vice president, Joe Reinke, was elected recorder.
As of March 1, 10 new board members will be appointed. Bob Waligore, the association's former president, will also be on the board.
A week prior to the elections, the spot for a presidential candidate remained open. According to Carris, Naglee stepped into the nominee position just before the election.
"She knows Willow Glen," Carris said. "She brings a new vitality. Quite frankly, she was the only who stepped up to the plate." Naglee's business is located on Hamilton Avenue near Meridian Avenue. Carris said she is an associate member of the organization because she is not located on Lincoln Avenue, but she had been located on Lincoln before.
Naglee was unavailable for comment.
Carris said that, although Naglee isn't located on Lincoln Avenue, she will be able to draw attention to her business at WGBPA events like Dancin' on the Avenue and Founders Day.
He also said that the association begins its new year with between $13,000 and $15,000 in the bank, far more than last year's starting balance of about $4,000.
"Despite what people think, we did well last year," Carris said. "I think it's going to mean that we have a little bit of cushion to go into Dancin' on the Avenue. If Dancin' does well, we should have a surplus after Founders Day to go into Christmas with."
The balloting took place at the Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Company. Carris, who ownes the cafe, said only about 12 voters showed up during the polling hours from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
"I would've appreciate more support from the business community," Carris said. "The enthusiasm has come to an all-time low."
Staff writer Kate Carter contributed to this report.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
