Forty-four members attended the annual meeting, held Jan. 29 at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club on Lincoln Avenue.

Executive Director Norma Ruiz introduced new board president and Willow Glen Books owner Cathy Adkins, who has served on the board for two years.

Adkins said her main goals as president are to create a Willow Glen "product and image" and to utilize the association's "momentum and continuity" of leadership.

Siena Bistro owner Don Skipwith was inducted as vice president after joining the organization in 2003 and working on the Light Up Willow Glen project and the holiday horse-and-carriage rides.

The treasurer position is still vacant, but Peak Travel Director of Marketing Nicole Giannone will serve as secretary.

Past board member and MBA Architects owner Marvin Bamberg became a member-at-large who plans to work on teams for beautification, parking, recruitment and membership.

Past president and The Grapevine owner Cara Finn will head the promotion and business-retention teams.

Past board member and Park Place owner Linda Waltrip is returning as a member-at-large to work on promotions and marketing.

The association also picked up two first-time board members. Willow Glen Resident senior account executive Jennifer Bell will corroborate the print and media advertising. And Signed and Sealed owner Greg West, who has a background in web design, will help improve and update the association's web page, at www.downtownwillowglen.org.

Councilman Ken Yeager, who was also at the event, praised the business association for being the most active in his district.

"All other business associations can learn from you," he said.