As a new year is ushered in, so is a new president for the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce: Karen Spann of The Monthly Grapevine. And while Spann contends with the pressures of the current economy, she has outgoing President Kathy Reid’s expertise to draw on.

Spann, owner of The Monthly Grapevine, has been a member of the Brentwood Chamber for nearly 20 years. She and the rest of the Board of Directors’ plans for the new year include providing members with networking opportunities through morning breakfasts, luncheons, a welcoming committee, mixers and other activities in 2009. “We are currently working on a chamber directory, a map, and visitor’s package for relocating businesses and individuals,” said span. “We hope to give out over 2,000 leads to Chamber members this year.”

The new president will be especially alert to legislative developments in Washington, D.C., Sacramento, Martinez and Brentwood. “The Chamber plans to lobby against new or higher business taxes and fees,” she said. “We will listen to the issues impacting local business and help find solutions. We are planning a series of educational seminars for businesses. Our Legislative Committee plans to meet regularly with government entities to advance business.”

The revitalization of downtown Brentwood’s businesses is a matter that the Chamber and its new president will give special emphasis. “Guiding the Chamber’s Downtown Committee is of great importance to us,” Spann said. “The committee is off to a great start, planning a Bridal Faire for March. Downtown Thursdays will continue this summer with new and exciting events. These events will help the smaller and privately owned businesses gain more exposure.”

When asked to comment on the events of the previous year, outgoing President Reid said, “Honoring Helen Meyer as the 2008 Citizen of the Year was an especially touching evening, and announcing Gene Clare as the 2009 Citizen of the Year at last week’s Chamber Installation was so moving. There were many tears of happiness.

“Our annual CornFest is always an exciting weekend, and to be able to give back over $50,000 to the community made our months of planning worthwhile. And the Hometown Halloween and Holiday Parade are two perfect examples of what makes Brentwood so special. I call these Norman Rockwell events because of the wonderful small-town feel they create.

“Our biggest accomplishment as a Chamber this year was hiring our new CEO, Harry York. The extensive chamber-related experience Harry brings has moved us to new heights in visibility and credibility. With Harry’s guidance, we have expanded our business education opportunities through the new Good Morning, Brentwood breakfasts, and the Ask the Expert luncheon events.”

Serving on this year’s Chamber board with Spann will be President-Elect, Shayn Cutino (Anja Wellness), Chief Financial Officer, Ken Seamann (Discovery Professional Services), Executive Committee Member, Joe Trebino (Delta Pure Water, Etc.), Brent Aasen (Equus Group), Greg Benner (Les Schwab Tires), Bill Fee (Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists), De-de Hays (Prudential California Real Estate), Paul Kelly (Home One Mortgage), Sean McCauley (SMI, Inc.), Lyle Miller (Pastry Chef), Richard Perez-Pacheco (Black Sheep Design), Marlon Smith (Best Buy) and Olga Vidriales (Travis Credit Union).