Our Ambassadors are the front line of the SLO Chamber, volunteering well over a thousand hours a year creating a community of members who support, inspire and celebrate one another.
There’s a good chance they’ve said hello at a ribbon cutting, offered a handshake at an event, smiled and greeted you at a mixer, pointed you in the right direction or introduced you to other members. But if you’ve yet to meet some of them, here’s your chance.
This is the final installment of our recurring feature introducing this year’s Ambassadors to our members. See the first two rounds here and here.
Natasha Noel Prybyla, SLOCO Massage & Wellness Spa
How long have you been an Ambassador? 2 years
What is your favorite thing about being an Ambassador? I originally joined because I was so grateful for the support I received during my ribbon cutting that I wanted to do the same for other business owners. After serving as an Ambassador for a term, I realized that the Chamber does so much more than that and I will do whatever I can to be part of the Chamber and all it does for the local community.
What is the number one reason you think people should join the Chamber? The entire staff is so supportive of the businesses that are active within the Chamber. Everything that the Chamber does, it does to support its members and a healthy local economy. Who wouldn’t want to support that?!
What is your advice for someone who is attending a Chamber event for the first time? Don’t be shy! Find an Ambassador and ask them to help you make some connections.
Kristen Balbier Gentry, Richardson Properties
How long have you been an Ambassador? 2 years
What is your favorite thing about being an Ambassador? Meeting Chamber members, learning about new members through ribbon cuttings, supporting local businesses that are members of the Chamber.
What is the number one reason you think people should join the Chamber? Exposure for their business, meeting like-minded business people in SLO County, opportunities to network, branding for their business.
What is your advice for someone who is attending a Chamber event for the first time? If you’re able to bring a friend/colleague, it’s a great way to attend a Chamber event without being intimidated. Don’t be afraid to walk up to people you don’t know and introduce yourself. Everyone is there for the same reason—to meet new people, network and connect with fellow Chamber members!
Christopher D. Lopez, Cal Poly
How long have you been an Ambassador? 2 Years
What is your favorite thing about being an Ambassador? Everyone around me has served as mentors during these past two years. The Chamber staff, fellow ambassadors and community leaders I’ve interacted with have all been wonderful and inspiring. I’m confident that anyone would benefit from being surrounded by such amazing people.
What is the number one reason you think people should join the Chamber? You create a relationship with an entire organization that will support you and your business.
What is your advice for someone who is attending a Chamber event for the first time? Talk to an ambassador—we love new friends, too!
Danielle Hoppa, Left Coast T-Shirt Co.
How long have you been an Ambassador? First Year Ambassador!! Wooohooo!!
What is your favorite thing about being an Ambassador? I love being able to attend all the ribbon cuttings and hearing how the local businesses first started and why they started, and meeting a ton of new people.
What is the number one reason you think people should join the Chamber? For the business exposure and our community support.
What is your advice for someone who is attending a Chamber event for the first time? Ask questions and talk to everyone you see. They are all so nice and friendly, do not be shy!
Maggie Torres, Collaboration Business Consulting
How long have you been an Ambassador? Since June 2015, just about 2 years
What is your favorite thing about being an Ambassador? Getting to meet so many different businesses that make this beautiful community we call home. As an Ambassador at a Chamber event, you learn more about the members of our Chamber and help make connections with businesses that can benefit from one another.
What is the number one reason you think people should join the Chamber? You never know what kinds of partnerships are out there that can help fuel your business. We live in such a small community here in SLO, the more people that know you, who know what your business is and what products/services you offer, the more heads you pop into when that product/service is brought up.
What is your advice for someone who is attending a Chamber event for the first time? Although it can seem overwhelming at first, chances are you are not the only one attending for the first time. Find someone with a Chamber nametag or introduce yourself to someone new.
Ramie Manderscheid, Placer Title
How long have you been an Ambassador? Since January 2017, basically a newbie.
What is your favorite thing about being an Ambassador? Meeting new people and the business they are in.
What is the number one reason you think people should join the Chamber? If you have a business and you want to grow your business, joining the Chamber is the way to do it. Why? Because you meet people from all types of businesses, and the ability to network and receive referrals is invaluable.
What is your advice for someone who is attending a Chamber event for the first time? Don’t be shy, jump in there and start meeting people. You might need to be the first one to introduce yourself, but that’s ok, too.
Carol Ramirez, In Trust Legal
How long have you been an Ambassador? Since June 2015
What is your favorite thing about being an Ambassador? Meeting local professionals who are energized and happy.
What is the number one reason you think people should join the Chamber? Build your community with friends and you will happy at what you do for a living and prosper in more ways than one.
What is your advice for someone who is attending a Chamber event for the first time? Be bold and introduce yourself — or ask for me and I will introduce you to some great friends who will be very happy you came!
Roseann “Rosey” Parks, French Hospital Medical Center
How long have you been an Ambassador? 6 months – I’m a newbie!
What is your favorite thing about being an Ambassador? I love getting to know people, and this is an ideal way to get to know business owners in our community better – and we have a lot of fun doing it.
What is your advice for someone who is attending a Chamber event for the first time? Don’t sit with the people you know! Look for people you don’t know, and say hello. It all flows from there!