From left are Katie Berlin, the new Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce operations and membership coordinator; and Sheri Merrick, the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce executive director.

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheri Merrick describes Katie Berlin, the chamber’s new operations and membership coordinator, as a very special find.

Berlin officially joined the chamber as operations and membership coordinator on Oct. 6.

In September, Renee Larscheid was formally honored by the City of Citrus Heights upon her retirement after 38 years of service to the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce as its membership services and office administrator.

Merrick said that she “soon knew” that she had a very important role to fill. That role includes someone who would have the necessary qualities and skills to help the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce continue to serve its mission to connect business, education and the community.

Berlin has since adjusted to both Merrick’s brisk pace and her unfolding new duties, which include coordinating the scheduling of grand opening ribbon cuttings, helping to plan and coordinate upcoming events and mixers, as well as meeting new and prospective chamber members face to face.

Merrick sat in during a recent interview with Berlin, describing how she knew once they met, they just “clicked.”

“And we did,” Merrick said.

Said Berlin, “I’ve always wanted to work with the chamber,” adding that this is the first chamber of commerce she has worked for.

Current membership is up to 87 so far this year and that number is expected to increase before the end of the calendar year, Merrick said.

Berlin said that she looks forward to getting to know local business owners and city leaders in her day-to-day duties. She also hopes to engage former and current chamber members to encourage them to recognize the value and support which active chamber membership offers.

In her new position, Berlin also helps to support chamber members, streamline operations and strengthen connections within the local business community. Berlin also oversees the chamber’s media profile and social media engagement.

Berlin brings with her an academic background in special events management and operations from Fresno State University, where she worked previously in the wine industry. She reflects an easy-going style, describing herself possessing a detail-oriented passion for events coordination and for community connection, two engagement areas Berlin said she has always wanted to professionally focus on.

“I’m very much a people person and enjoy building new relationships on behalf of the chamber,” Berlin said.

The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce is located at 8091 Greenback Lane, Suite F. For information, call 916-722-4545 or email [email protected]. For a listing of upcoming chamber events and activities, visit online https://members.chchamber.com/events.