New Indio Chamber of Commerce seeks to unite city’s business owners under inclusive model

Local entrepreneurs are working to form a new Indio Chamber of Commerce to unite the city’s business owners after organizers discovered the previous chamber had dissolved due to state default and license suspension.

Dick Shalhoub, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and owner of more than 30 McDonald’s restaurants in the valley, presented the initiative to the Indio City Council on Wednesday, outlining plans to create what he called a “dynamic, inclusive future-focused chamber of commerce,” by bringing together the city’s 3,000 business license-holders.

The new organization aims to serve businesses of all sizes across all professions and occupations. With more than 500 new businesses formed in the last two years and 300 in just the last year, the group thinks it’s time for the city to once again have its own chamber focused solely on Indio.

“How do we get [business owners] involved in the city? How do we get them involved in developing the future of Indio?” Shalhoub asked.

To start, organizers raised $30,000 in initial funding to establish the new 501(c) organization with updated governance structure.

The group also hired an attorney who discovered the previous chamber, founded in 1947, was in default with its license suspended by the state. “A group of us put funds together, we took care of the delinquencies, got it all back where it should be,” Shalhoub said.

The next steps involve reconnecting with past members, hiring a CEO, building visibility and branding, and working to build partnerships with the city, College of the Desert, and other organizations for workforce development.

“Our city’s core represents a unique blend of historical significance, cultural assets, and latent potential that requires specific attention,” Trevor Thiel, president of Fiesta Ford, Fiesta Kia, I-10 Auto Body, wrote in a letter of support to the council.

Councilmembers expressed their support for the project, but had some questions for Shalhoub.

“As far as the city’s business growth, what is the ultimate outcome of your mission for our businesses?” Councilmember Waymond Fermon asked.

Shalhoub said the city is on the precipice of growth, as is the region, with the coming expansion of the Palm Springs International Airport and continued growth of arts and music in the city.

“Just take, for example, the festivals that the city puts on,” Shalhoub said. “If we could increase [the attendance] by 20%, if we could upgrade the quality of the festivals as they should be, as they were eight, nine, 10 years ago. You increase that…you’re going to double the reputation of what fine arts are to the city of Indio.”

“We’re talking about rebuilding, reconnecting and reinvigorating the business community here in Indio,” Shalhoub said.

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