Chamber of Commerce Installs Fourth President

A local businesswoman has been tapped to lead the in its fourth year.

The nonprofit organization, which operates in partnership with the city, advocates for local companies, conducts ribbon-cutting ceremonies and holds community events.

Mary Visconte, vice president of Lake Forest-based business , was installed Wednesday as the chamber's fourth president. She is the first female to hold the position.

She succeeds , who spearheaded the group during the 2011-12 year.

Chamber membership is nearing 200 members, Carter said Wednesday as he abdicated the top spot during the chamber's installation dinner at in Foothill Ranch.

“I believe that it is the business community coming together that will have the greatest impact on the future growth of our economy," Visconte said. "The chamber is the voice of the business community."

Her theme for the year will be "building community and supporting business," she said.

She also installed the rest of the members of the chamber's 2012-13 Board of Directors.

"These individuals are hard working, dedicated business professionals that share the same passion for the community as I do in making the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce an organization that the city and the business community find invaluable," she said.

Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2012-13

President: Mary Visconte

President Elect: Jerry Zechmeister

Membership Chair: Margie Matsil

Retention Chair: Lisa Tooley

Secretary: Diane Ealy

Treasurer: Darren Whissen

Past President: Dave Carter

Events Chair: Deb Olson

Emissaries Chair: Michelle Russell

Director at Large: Mike Brenhaug

Director at Large: Stephen Pritsker

Director at Large: Steve Smith

Director at Large: Thomas Winkelmann

Director at Large: Kevin Hebenstreit