Luz Gonzalez believes local business is at the heart of the entire United states economy. It’s why she’s spent the last 21 years in banking, supporting People and their small businesses. “without local business in our community, I don’t think our economy would be sustainable,” Says Gonzalez. “we live in a country that was built by dreamers. So we all have this entrepreneurial spirit to work hard. It’s part Of what makes this country such a great place to live, everyone is unique and that creates a mosaic of different businesses all Pursuing different things.”
As vice president resident manager at the bank of southern California in rancho mirage, gonzalez is responsible for bringing A personal touch to banking with clients and those who work Alongside her. Part of her role also includes connecting clients
With other business owners in the local community.
So when she discovered the bank of southern California wasn’t a member of the rancho mirage chamber of commerce she immediately got a membership. “I know how valuable being a member can be, so that was one of the first things I did when I started working for the bank of socal about six years ago,” Gonzalez says. “I really believe that the chamber gives you so much and so many resources and the biggest one for me is exposure. It’s a place to build relationships, connections and establish yourself as a business in the community. They do so many networking events. Everyone at the chamber is connected to someone so I thought it would be a great way to get exposure for the bank and grow our presence in the area.”
In late 2019 Gonzalez joined the rancho mirage chamber of Commerce board of directors as chair of the board. Her mission was to connect her work for the bank and the chamber to better support local businesses in the community. “so I really see the chamber as kind of a huge referral source,” Gonzalez says. “it helps me build trust in the community because I am also an advocate through the chamber for business in the area like I am in my job with the bank. Bankers can sometimes have a bad reputation, but I feel having a foot in both worlds can build that trust as bankers supporting people in the community. Our bank is a resource, and so is the chamber. It’s a partnership that makes sense.”
Gonzalez believes 2023 will be a fantastic year for the business community as flagship events return and the community can get back to business. One of those events was The Rammys Outstanding Business Awards and Installation Dinner on March 1, 2023 honoring local businesses and community leaders. “After two years, we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to honor and thank this resilient business community and its leaders who have done a truly amazing job navigating the pandemic, closures, ordinances and too many unknowns to count,” Katie Stice, President and CEO of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce, says. “This community worked hard toward a safe, successful and sustainable future.
No one gave up – instead everyone gave it their all. At The Rammys, we enjoyed giving credit where it is due by lifting up outstanding leadership, creativity and stick-to-itiveness.” In 2023, Gonzalez says she is looking forward to continuing to improve economic development while supporting local businesses in her role with RMCC. Part of that vision includes three main pillars including being a catalyst for business growth through connections, access savings and marketing; a convener of leaders and influences to promote positive outcomes for local businesses like collaborations, advocacy and events; and a champion for a stronger community by inspiring smart planning decisions for long-term community sustainability.
“I have always felt like my purpose has been to help those around me succeed,” Gonzalez says. “It’s why I put so much of my heart into my work at the Bank and the Chamber. We’ve got so much momentum going into 2023, and I am so excited to
see what’s next for me, the local business community and those who support us.”
For all your personal and business banking needs, contact the Bank of Southern California by dropping in 40101 Monterey Ave Building H, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270or calling (760) 834-6600for more information. To get involved with the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce by visiting www.ranchomiragechamber.org or calling 760-568-9351.
