The board of the Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce announced this week that they have chosen a new president. Jeanette Pauer will take over the reins of the Chamber on February 21, filling the position that has been vacant since the passing of Ida Perkins. Pauer, who had been a local realtor, said that she has deactivated her realtor's license, and is looking forward to working with the entire community and the chamber board.

When asked what prompted her to apply for the position, she said it was like lightening struck. Her father had passed away last May and she said she kept hearing his voice in her head saying, "Think about what you will be remembered for." Pauer has lived in Tehachapi for the last eight years, moving here after having lived in places like Italy, Germany and Alaska. "I love Tehachapi," said Pauer. "It has the best of everything. It feeds my soul." That love made Pauer the perfect candidate for the job of chamber president.

Pauer holds a degree in fine arts from Ohio State University. She spent two years in Italy studying the creation and restoration of Byzantine mosaics at the Scuola di Mosaico and Spilimbergo. Locally she has also donated her paintings to be auctioned at charity events. She is an active member of the Tehachapi Rotary Club.

Mountain Festival is scheduled to take place as usual on the third weekend in August, said Pauer. One of her first tasks will be to contact the carnival and Mountain Festival vendors and then deal with all the permits and insurance that goes with the event. Chamber lunches will resume on March 15 at Big Papa's Steakhouse. Business hours at the Chamber will be extended to Monday through Friday from 10 a.m to 4 or 5 p.m. and will be open during weekend events.

As part of her plan, Pauer said she would like to begin a business and marketing internship program with local schools to help students who are preparing for these majors in college. She will also be looking for volunteers to help staff the Chamber office.

Pauer said she is "super excited" about the prospects for the Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce, adding that the chamber board has been extremely supportive of her efforts.