In a major reorganization of its staff of 15, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce recently promoted Ermina Karim to vice president of governmental affairs and economic development. This is only the second time in 105 years that the Chamber has had a vice president position.

The change will allow the non-profit organization to be more responsive to external economic development issues as well as focus on its six-point economic strategy as illustrated in its latest Economic Vision document.

“We’re expanding our economic development efforts to create an atmosphere where people will start and expand businesses here, and Ermina will lead the way,” said David Garth, SLO Chamber president/CEO. “This effort is critical because without future-oriented, head-of-household jobs, the local economy will be stagnant.”

In addition to her role as a representative for the local business community, Karim will share in Chamber personnel responsibilities and lead the Chamber in its economic development strategies, something she already knows a great deal about.

"Ermina has the extraordinary background, skills and local knowledge to take this program to new heights,” Garth said.

She has worked at the Chamber for nearly three years as the governmental affairs director, and plays an integral role in the economic development of the San Luis Obispo area.

“I’ve had a chance to participate in activities and projects that have really shifted the course of economic development strategies of the Chamber and the city in the last two years,” she said. “It’s been a real joy to see the enhanced focus on economic development and active role of the Chamber at both the city and county levels.”

Karim was instrumental in the expansion of the Chamber’s latest Economic Vision for San Luis Obispo, which was recently endorsed by the city. This document is the roadmap for the area’s economic health and vitality, and it illustrates an intricate six-point economic strategy.

Karim delves into an issue, not just to make a difference in the business community, but to better understand the issue itself. This characteristic probably stems from her background in journalism.

Prior to joining the Chamber in 2007, Karim worked as a business reporter for The Tribune. And before moving to the Central Coast in 2005, she worked in New York City as a vice president in Equity Capital Markets at Credit Suisse, a leading global financial services firm. She also spent several years as a financial journalist for print and online publications. She earned her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University.

Karim has played an integral part in the economic development of the San Luis Obispo area, at both the city and county levels. But she credits a large part of the shift toward economic development to a 2008 Chamber trip to Boulder, Colorado.

“What came out of that trip was a fresh perspective and understanding of what collaborative relationships within a community can yield, from an economic development standpoint,” Karim explained, adding that the trip led to a greater collaboration here.

The City of San Luis Obispo soon adopted goals to further local economic development and to help generate head-of-household jobs, in partnership with the Chamber.

The city, SLO Chamber and Cal Poly have also been working together to shape the economic future of the San Luis Obispo area; and the Chamber, due to the efforts of Karim, Garth and SLO Chamber volunteers, developed and released the new Economic Vision document for San Luis Obispo, which was recently endorsed by the city.

For more information on the Chamber's economic development efforts, visit slochamber.org.