July 8, 2026
Dear Chamber Members and Community Supporters:
We hope this message finds you well and enjoying summer in our beautiful big backyard! Your team at the Bishop Chamber of Commerce has been busy working on several upcoming projects to benefit our local business community.
We’ll be helping to celebrate the Bishop Community Garden expansion with free root beer floats tomorrow evening. We’re excited to be bringing back the popular fam tours for frontline hospitality providers. And, we’re excited to be partnering with the Maitri Leadership and the Eastern Sierra Business Resource Center to co-host an amazing leadership program.
We are also partnering with High Country Lumber for the annual Contractor’s Classic Invitational Golf Tournament on August 1st. While the tournament is open only to those players invited by HCL, it’s an important fundraiser for the Bishop Chamber. We’re now seeking hole sponsors and prize donors – if you’d like to support the event, please email [email protected].
We are happy to report that traffic is starting to pick up in the newly re-opened Bishop Information Center at 218-A South Main Street. If you haven’t stopped in yet, we hope you soon will.
This e-newsletter highlights several upcoming events and there are even more listed on our website. We’re happy to help promote events hosted by member businesses and organizations – if you’d like your event listed, please use this submission form.
Thank you for reading our e-news. We hope you find this information helpful.
Sincerely,
Your Team at the Bishop Chamber of Commerce
Fam Tour for Frontline Hospitality Partners
Back by popular demand – the Bishop Chamber will host a familiarization tour for frontline hospitality providers. Employees that work the front desk at hotels, restaurants and shops often get questions from guests about things to do and see in the area. Thanks to a grant from Inyo County’s CPSP program, we’re able to take a small group on an all-day field trip to experience some really cool things.
The goal – create more knowledgeable and enthusiastic ambassadors for our big backyard!
Date: Tuesday, 8/4/26
Time: 9am – 4:30 pm
Details: Participants will be transported by van with expert guide Joe Pollini to visit Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center, several historic monuments, take a short hike at Intake II, visit Cardinal Village, and take a boat ride on Lake Sabrina. Lunch, snacks and loads of knowledge will be provided. Capacity is limited to nine (9) individuals. If interest exceeds capacity, we’ll host a second excursion later in the month.
Cost: Free for Chamber Member Businesses!
Register: email [email protected]
Bishop Chamber Board of Directors
The Bishop Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its newly elected Board of Directors and Officers for the 2026–2027 term following its annual board elections.
The Chamber’s leadership for the coming year includes:
President Sarah Freundt, Vice President Cheryl Underhill, Treasurer Dustin DelGiudice, Past President Robert Sharp. Board members serving alongside the officers are Luis Barrantes, Donna Bird, Jason Brown, Pravin Joshi, Corinna Korpi, Gary Gunsolley, John Marko, Jennifer Morrow, Terry Rawstern, Jessica Tex, and Debi Yerkes.
The Bishop Chamber of Commerce’s mission is simple and enduring: “We promote business, tourism and responsible recreation to benefit our community.”
As a locally based nonprofit organization, the Bishop Chamber of Commerce works to foster a strong, vibrant business community that supports local jobs and contributes to the economic well-being of the region. Through its year-round programs, events, and advocacy efforts, the Chamber helps strengthen the local economy while supporting the civic, cultural, and charitable organizations that make the community thrive.
Oversight and strategic direction are provided by the Chamber’s dedicated volunteer Board of Directors.
“We are grateful for the commitment, experience, and insight our Board Members bring to the Chamber,” said Tawni Thomson, Executive Director of the Bishop Chamber of Commerce. “We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated group of community leaders representing a broad cross-section of our local business community, and we look forward to working together to continue supporting Bishop and the Eastern Sierra.”
We’ll announce a date in coming months for an installation dinner celebration to honor our new and returning Board Members – stay tuned for details.
RCRC Photo Contest
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is now accepting entries for its popular digital photography contest aimed at highlighting and celebrating life in California’s rural counties. The contest, now in its 10th year, is used to promote tourism and economic development in RCRC’s 40 member counties. “RCRC is proud to mark a decade of highlighting the beauty, character, and spirit of rural California through photography,” spokesperson Christopher Egan said. “We invite residents to capture life in rural California by showcasing the landscapes, activities, and people that define their communities. From scenic waterways and wildlife to livestock, agriculture, architecture, seasonal changes, and everyday moments across farms, ranches, and towns – we want to see and share your perspective on rural California”.
RCRC will accept submissions for the 2026 Rural County Photo Contest from Wednesday, July 1 through midnight on Friday, July 31, 2026. Individuals may submit up to three (3) photographs. Three finalist photos will be voted on at the August RCRC meeting. The winning photograph will be featured at the September 2026 RCRC Board of Directors meeting and may be used in RCRC marketing materials and publications throughout the following year.
“I encourage residents and visitors to consider entering this contest to help showcase the splendor and rural quality of life of Inyo County,” said District 4 Supervisor Jennifer Roeser, who is Inyo County’s representative on the RCRC Board of Directors. “Anyone who knows Inyo County, even a little, understands that we’re overflowing with captivating subjects for a contest like this. From our one-of-a-kind landscapes to the rich history, culture, and traditions woven into daily life, this place is a tapestry of inspiration.”
A scenic shot of Inyo County taken by Fares Alti won the grand prize in 2019 (above). The contest is open to anyone in the general public age 18 and older.
Click here for more information
Check Out the Tagged Trout!
Crowley Fish Foundation has planted several tagged trout and you could win some awesome prizes!
Several Seats Available on Local Boards
Danielle M. Sexton, Inyo County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters, would like to inform the public that there are several local positions that will be consolidated with the November General Election on November 3, 2026.
Positions will be open for Bishop City Council, Inyo Co. Board of Education, School, Healthcare, Fire, Community Services, and Sanitary Districts.
The filing period for these positions is from 7/13/2026 through 8/07/2026.
Click here for full list of open positions.
Click here for filing information and locations.
Locals Only Airfare Discounts!
Bishop flights to and from San Francisco and Denver on United Airlines make it easier than ever to visit family and friends! If you are planning a trip, be sure to check out the discounts for locals at both Bishop and Mammoth Airports.
It is the mission of the Bishop Chamber of Commerce to promote business, tourism and responsible recreation for the benefit of our community.
Not already a member?
Please consider joining today.
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