It doesn’t matter what you are talking about or what the situation is, the fact remains that you can’t build a new future without remembering your past. You can’t simply dismiss your heritage and try to be something you are not nor can a business grow without building upon the steps taken in the past. This is also true for a city. Calimesa is experiencing the beginnings of a great growth and it has our heads spinning as we try to determine what kind of city we want to be. It can be overwhelming and it can get out of hand. Without a firm understanding of “Who” we are and “How” we got here and “What” were our original plans and consensus on “Where” would we like to be, we will simply be overcome.

In celebration of 45 years in the community, the Calimesa Chamber of Commerce is taking this year to remember our roots by giving honor to the people, businesses, and Chamber leaders of the past for the things they accomplished and the foundation they laid.

My name is Jim Murcray and I currently serve as the Funeral Director of the Desert Lawn Funeral Home here in Calimesa. As the new President of the Calimesa Chamber of Commerce, I want to honor our past and recognize that great foundation of work done.

I was a Youth Director for the Bryant St. Baptist Church back in 1969 and Calimesa was a great part of my life. I am thankful to those living in the community at that time and for what they were doing. I am thankful for the community leaders who allowed churches to grow in our area. I am proud of that service and I am proud to serve you as we go through this year.

You flourish when you recognize the past and how it has influenced your growth. Taken with principles learned (both good and bad) you can be guided as you step into the future. This year we are asking those who have served in the past, those who were members in the past, and all who want to see a great future here in Calimesa to “Come Home” and help us make the best choices for a brighter future. You have an open invitation to attend every chamber event planned for this year. We welcome members and non-members to our meetings and special events, attend mixers and luncheons, visit or call the chamber office and open the door to networking opportunities in Calimesa.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President. I promise to do all I can to make this a great year.

Sincerely,

Jim Murcray
President