Chamber welcomes new board president

The Poway Chamber of Commerce will be welcoming its new president of the board tonight at its recognition and awards dinner.

The new president, Jack Cohen, will replace Cathy Peterson, who has served as board president for three years.

Cohen, a longtime resident of Scripps Ranch, has been a member of the chamber for about three years, he said.

“I was working for a company that assigned (me to work in) Scripps Ranch, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Poway, that area,” said Cohen. “I was already familiar with Poway from living in Scripps Ranch and shopping in Poway.”

Cohen said that it was natural for him get involved with the chamber since he lives and works in the area. “I joined first as a volunteer, then as a member,” he said.

A board president must be an active participant in chamber committees to be nominated, said Cohen. “(The chamber wants) good leaders who are active and willing to commit their time,” he said. “Delores (Canizales), the new CEO, came up with the structure and it was a process the board found works quite well. It’s fair, because people who are willing to (commit their time to committees) are people who will continue to commit.”

Cohen said serving on chamber committees is a great way to give back to the community, get to know other business owners and an opportunity for business owners to make their businesses more visible to the community.

Cohen said his role as board president is to be a facilitator who makes sure the mission of the chamber is fulfilled and that the members meet their responsibilities to the community.

“I make sure the finances are in order and provide value for members in the community,” said Cohen. “This chamber is committed to be an advocate for all businesses in the community, whether they are members or not.” Cohen said that while not all chambers of commerce follow this model, it works for Poway because when people see the great work the chamber is doing, they’re more interested in joining.

Cohen, who is semi-retired, is a consultant to high-tech business where he helps refine their business processes, he said. In the past, he worked in software sales in a variety of roles, ranging from salesman to manager and beyond. “I try to take my experience and help other businesses,” he said.

When he’s not busy with work and his duties with the chamber, Cohen spends a lot of time volunteering, he said, especially with developmentally disabled adults.

One is a nonprofit, Employment and Community Options, that helps the disabled find meaningful employment in the community. Cohen also volunteers for Noah Homes in Spring Valley, which is a nonprofit residential campus for disabled adults, mostly with Down syndrome.

“Many (people with Down syndrome) develop dementia or Alzheimer’s,” said Cohen. “Noah Homes raised over $5.7 million in less than a year, which will be used to build two dementia care homes on the campus that will house 20 adults.” Cohen said the new homes will be ready to move into by December, and will allow campus residents who develop dementia or Alzheimer’s to receive the care they need without leaving the campus that is their home.