Chamber of Commerce Brings New Vision to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific

The Chamber of Commerce Central Pacific headquartered in Jacó is beginning to make a huge difference in the region. In barely a year since its inception, the Chamber has already become an essential part of this developing region.

The Chamber was begun in 2006 by Pat Hundley of the Daystar developments. Mr. Hundley saw a need for an independent agency that would help bridge the gap between not only business, and local government but also assist in bringing together residents to work together in meeting mutual goals to improve many areas of interest in the surrounding communities.

There was an attempt to start a Chamber of Commerce two and half years ago and the interest and organization just was not there. That in itself is a testimony to the incredible changes taking place in the last 18 to 24 months to this area.

The Chamber is headed up by Co-Directors Christina Marshall Truitt and Gabriela Arias Chacon. Christina and Gabriela both come from teaching careers, so they take a particular interest in education which they both see as an essential element in the future success of the surrounding communities. Christina and Gabriela are both bilingual which helps bring essential communication between the large ex-pat and Tico communities.

One of the differences between this Chamber and one you would find in the States is that the Chamber of Commerce Central Pacific is closely involved assisting the City with infrastructure planning and other areas of improvements.

There are numerous areas the Chamber is focusing on. One of the first is focusing on security. Having meetings with the US Embassy, National officials, and local government, they are helping to establish a communications network between the local communities which will be an essential tool in combating crime in the region. The Chamber has helped raise funds in excess of $17,000 to help provide transportation, gasoline, and communication equipment to the newly established tourist police assigned to the area.

The Chamber has also been influential in helping the local Municipality to establish and fund their own Municiple Police force, similar to a city or county police force in the States. The Municipalidad has passed the funding and hopes to have the new force online by April of 2008.

Another focus is the environment. With Donations, the Chamber was able to facilitate the purchase of the Beach King II, a Zamboni-type beach cleaning machine that is already in operation on the beach in Jacó. They have also helped organize beach clean up days involving the local schools.

The Chamber is in the process of buying a Toyota truck to assist with the beach cleaning to haul away the debris collected. They have been influential as well in getting local officials and the community to begin addressing the issue of pollution, water treatment and water supply.

The Chamber helped to organize the visit by President Oscar Arias and other National officials dedicating the recent work being done on the streets in Jacó.

Education is one of their primary focuses and they have organized programs helping 23 area schools with supplies and continue to incorporate the schools and children in programs such as the beach clean up days. On Dec. 22nd, in a joint effort with the Municipalidad they will be hosting a holiday party for approximately 1000 children from the surrounding communities.

A volunteer to the Chamber, Andrea Diaz recently organized a beach day for kids from the Special Olympics where local surfers came together to give the kids surf lessons. Andrea is from Waves Costa Rica, Roxy Surf Camp, in Playa Hermosa.

The Chamber also recently raised money and purchased food, clothing, and other supplies and delivered them to the Parrita Municipalidad to assist the flood victims from the recent storms.

The Chamber holds town meetings every 6 to 8 weeks that are open to the public and they encourage anyone who wishes to attend. Their next meeting is Tuesday, December 11th at 7:00 PM. If you would like more information, please visit the Chamber of Commerce Central Pacific website or call Christina or Gabriela at 643-2853.

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.