The Cambria Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Pictured are volunteer Karen Chrisman, Vice President Melissa Avina, Secretary Maira Arellano, Director of Membership and Marketing Victoria Rodriguez, Board Director Renee Linn, President Steve Kniffen, Treasurer Gayle Jenkins, Board Director Karen Cartwright and Board Director Juli Amodei. Not pictured are Board Directors Rebecca Biskaduros and Christina Galloway.
By Connie Pendleton
The Cambria Chamber of Commerce just welcomed Victoria Rodriguez as the new director of membership and marketing and Renee Linn as a board director.
Rodriguez just returned to Cambria after two years in the small rural town of Palermo, Maine, where she bought an authentic farmhouse and worked in the local library. San Luis Obispo County residents may know or remember her from when she worked at the Cambria Christmas Market, Minimalist Magnolia, Bounding Main or one of the county libraries in Atascadero and Cambria.
Victoria Rodriguez is the new Cambria Chamber of Commerce director of membership and marketing.
With first-hand experience in administration, retail and secretarial work, Rodriguez has hit the ground running reaching out to the business community and collaborating with the Chamber board on strategies and marketing materials. She said she would like to help Cambria flourish, retain its charm and yet stay up to date with the times. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in ethnic studies with an emphasis in Asian American studies in 2015 from California State University East Bay in Hayward. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, writing and reading. One day she would enjoy owning a bookstore.
Renee Linn is co-owner of food establishments, Linn’s Restaurant and Easy As Pie Cafe, as well as shops, Linn’s A La Carte and Gourmet Goods in Cambria. Renee, and her husband John, moved their family from Colorado to the Central Coast community in 1977, creating a business success story. They bought a parcel of land, placed a 1952 trailer onto the property and moved their family in.
Starting from scratch, the couple built their farm by refurbishing an old well, planting trees, digging trenches, and building water systems and fences. They worked on and off the farm to make ends meet and soon opened a fruit stand offering pick-your-own berries, vegetables and cut flowers.
The Linns opened a restaurant in 1989 after Renee developed a variety of recipes focusing on their customers’ delight with olallieberries. After a devastating restaurant fire in 2006 caused them to close, they opened three new shops. They were able to rebuild and reopen their restaurant after 20 months. Serving farm to table meals, Linn’s food establishments have become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The Linns have contributed considerably to numerous non-profit events in the community for many years.
When speaking about becoming part of the Chamber board, Renee said she has never been on a board and felt like it was her time to serve.
Individuals and community or business leaders are elected to the board by Chamber members. The director of membership and marketing is hired by the board. The Chamber’s purpose is to help local businesses to succeed. It provides a variety of opportunities through marketing, networking, events and advocacy.
Local businesses are encouraged to become members and may reach out to Victoria Rodriguez at the Chamber office, 767 Main Street, (805) 927-3624, cambriachamber.org.
