There are several changes to the board of the Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council (GTEDC) that were announced at their last meeting. Lydia Chaney, president of the board, has stepped down, and Josh Pierce of Adventist Health will be replacing her.

In a statement, Chaney expressed gratitude to the GTEDC for five great years serving the business community. "It's time to pass this along to a younger person. Josh [Pierce] has a lot of great ideas.... He's the right person" for the job, she said.

Chaney said that five years ago, a friend suggested that as the owner of South Street Digital, a local small business, it would be a good idea to attend a GTEDC meeting. Before she knew it, Chaney was elected to serve as president of the board, which "was an honor" and a learning experience. As part of her duties she also met with other economic development councils in Bakersfield and the Antelope Valley, representing Tehachapi at those meetings. "I learned so much from this experience," she said.

Other changes taking place on the GTEDC board include Laura Lynne Wyatt stepping aside as secretary to be replaced by Corey Torres of the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District. The GTEDC is in need of a Treasurer.

The GTEDC is a nonprofit organization committed to attracting, retaining and supporting businesses throughout the Greater Tehachapi area. They meet at 7:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Slice of Life Enrichment School, 48771 W. Valley Blvd. For more information, please visit their website: http://www.tehachapiedc.org.