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CHAMBER LEADERSHIP CHANGE
GECAC’s Keefhaver is new chamber president
chamber prez
From left, new Manteca Chamber of Commerce President Christina Keefhaver receives congratulations from outgoing president Nick Obligacion, who also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Installation & Awards Dinner on Thursday.

Christina Keefhaver will serve as president of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce.

The Give Every Child a Chance CEO was named to the post at Thursday’s 2021 Chamber Installation & Awards Dinner at Manteca Trailer & Motorhome.

She was previously 1st Vice President. Keefhaver takes over as president from retired Manteca Police Chief Nick Obligacion – her friend and mentor.

“In order to have a strong economic environment, you must have a strong community,” Keefhaver said after being administered the oath of office from Steve DeBrum, who served as the emcee at the special Chamber event.

Steve Jessup of Manteca Trailer & Motorhome moved up a notch, going from 2nd VP to 1st VP.

Eddie Torres of Law Office of Eddie Torres – he was the Chamber treasurer this past year – will serve as the 2nd VP.

As for awards, Doctors Hospital of Manteca was announced as Large Business of the Year, Oak Valley Community Bank was the Small Business of the Year, and GECAC was the Non-Profit of the Year.

Individual honors went out to Richard Silverman (Mabel Brocchini Community Service Award), Dani Bettencourt (Gladys Brock Chamber Service Award), Tony Montalbo (Ambassador of the Year), Joann Beattie (President’s Choice Award), Debbie Baglietto (Board Member of the Year) and Obligacion (Lifetime Achievement Award).

The latter credited his family for making possible his efforts in the community.

Obligacion remembered his early years on the Manteca Police force serving under Willie Weatherford. Now retired, he’s been making every effort to give back.

“Try not to be a person of success – be a person of value,” said Obligacion, who was joined by Baglietto, Montalbo and Bettencourt on the 2021-22 Chamber Board of Director.

Also installed on the board were Jessica Vaughan, Shawn Nussbaumer, Jacob Naven, Balraj Lal, Nina Payne, and Marie Owens.