By Nadezhda Chayka Otterstad–
34 year-old Amanda Camacho first moved to Citrus Heights from the Cameron Park area a decade ago, where she now serves as board president of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.
Reflecting on her path to Citrus Heights and involvement with the Chamber, Camacho told The Sentinel in an interview Wednesday that she and her husband saw Citrus Heights as a good fit for their goals of becoming first-time home buyers and becoming debt-free in their 40s. The two both own businesses, she as a realtor, and he as a home painter.
“Citrus Heights in itself really supported that growth for us at that time of our lives, and so that kind of brought me to almost wanting to show others and give back to the community,” Camacho said.
Her initial interest in the Chamber was the Education Committee, stemming from her experience moving out and getting her own place when she was still a senior in high school.
“I was really interested in seeing how I can bridge a connection between business owners I knew and some local juniors and seniors in high schools that needed to have a really quick and deep connection to someone that they could do more for: an entrepreneur, or internship… versus going to a local retailer or fast food place,” Camacho said.
“I got to know a lot of people within the Chamber, and then becoming the president became a natural good fit with what I was already doing for the community,” she said.
Becoming the Chamber’s president during the pandemic, Camacho says the organization has had to get more creative than in the past. Among other changes, the Chamber had to shift to virtual meetings and monthly luncheons, and has also planned an upcoming drive-in concert fundraiser at Sunrise Mall on May 22.
Related: Citrus Heights Chamber plans ‘drive-in’ concert at Sunrise Mall
Camacho says her goal as president is to “bring in systems and strategies so that beyond my presidency when I leave there will be a good support, good processes for the Chamber to continue to grow.”
“I’m just trying to give a foundation. And I’m excited to help the next incoming president. I think we can do really great things here in Citrus Heights.”
Help us cover more stories like this by subscribing to the Citrus Heights Sentinel. Annual subscriptions save 30%. Click here to see subscription options.
