Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2020-2021
The Bishop Chamber of Commerce is a community-based, membership-driven non-profit organization that works to sustain and improve the local economy. The chamber provides education, advocacy, networking, and referrals for its 300+ local member businesses. The visitor’s bureau division of the organization focuses on destination management and marketing.
The Chamber Board of Directors provides strategy, policy, and oversight for the organization’s small staff. “We are so fortunate to have this committed group of business leaders serving our community. They contribute a diverse array of perspectives, experiences, and talents to the organization,” states Chamber Executive Director Tawni Thomson.
The annual election was recently completed, and the Chamber is pleased to announce the following slate of leaders for 2023-2024.
PRESIDENT
Cheryl Underhill, Northern Inyo Hospital, VFW, Elks, Lions, ESCA & Altrusa
Cheryl serves on the Board of Eastern Sierra Cancer Alliance, NIHD Foundation and City of Bishop Parks & Recreation Commission. She is an active member of NIH Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary Post 8988, American Legion Auxiliary, Altrusa International, Bishop Lions Club, United We Ride, Moms Club, American Red Cross (Disaster Action Team), and Salvation Army Shelter team. She participates in many other community activities, events and fundraisers. Married to John for 32 Years, Cheryl has ten grandkids and six great grand children. Cheryl says “It’s my honor and privilege to serve on the Chamber Board and I look forward to another successful year.”
VICE PRESIDENT
Sunil Lad, Best Western Bishop Lodge & Comfort Inn
Sunil’s family operates Lad Hospitality Management, focusing on mid-tier franchise hotels. In Bishop, they run the Best Western Bishop Lodge and Comfort Inn. Sunil proudly represents his family’s second generation of hotel ownership in Bishop.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Sarah Freundt, Grocery Outlet
Sarah is co-owner, with husband Dennis, of Bishop’s local Grocery Outlet Bargain Market. She believes in success through service to the community and is an active community volunteer and supporter of local non-profit organizations. A native of California’s Wine Country, she has a unique understanding of the business of tourism and the importance of balancing the wants of our visitors with the business needs of our local community. Sarah believes a strong, active chamber of commerce is vital to community success and is honored to serve on the Bishop Chamber Board.
TREASURER
Robert Sharp, Eastern Sierra Community Bank
Robert is the Vice President of Eastern Sierra Community Bank overseeing operations in Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Bridgeport. Robert is a native son of the Eastern Sierra, is a graduate of Brigham Young University and studied abroad before returning to our region. Community service is very important to Robert – he enjoys working with many local civic organizations. Mr. Sharp loves the outdoor lifestyle that the Eastern Sierra has to offer. In his spare time he enjoys reading, hiking, learning, and exploring.
BOARD MEMBER
Debi Yerkes, Alex Printing
Debi and husband Alex Yerkes have owned and operated Alex Printing for 44 years and enjoy serving Inyo, Mono, Alpine and Kern Counties. She has enjoyed being a member of the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce since 2007, serving as President in 2011-12 and 2021-22. She believes it is important to promote and protect the Eastern Sierra. Debi spends her free time hiking in the Eastern Sierra with her dogs, catching Dave Matthews Band concerts, traveling and spending time with her family.
Manny Astorga, Astorga’s Mexican Restaurant
Manny has been a small business owner for over 17 years. He has been in the restaurant business for over 20 years. He owns and helps run the family business, Astorga’s Mexican Restaurant. In his spare time, Manny enjoys spending time with family, playing sports, and exercising. He has been involved with numerous community activities, fundraisers, and various local clubs. Manny says “I always try my absolute best to give back to my community as much as they have given to us.”
Deven Bhakta, Cielo and Days Inn
In 1992, Deven Bhakta and his family built the Days Inn and in 2007, they acquired and renovated the Cielo Hotel. With a lifetime of experience in lodging, Deven knows what it takes to be successful in the tourism industry. Their family has not only invested in the business, they’ve also invested in the Bishop community. They proudly support many groups including California High School Rodeo Association, Mule Days and others. Deven is young and full of new ideas that will help our community and business continue to succeed. He enjoys sports, entertaining friends, and loves new experiences.
Tara Frank, Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center
Tara has been the Director for the Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center since 2014. She continues to inspire others and bring focus to the cultural heritage and local traditions. Tara has seen our community grow and believes we have potential and opportunities to expand, educate, and showcase all that our town has to offer, while preserving and honoring the legacy and heritage of the past.
Corinna Korpi, Alta One Federal Credit Union
Corinna is the Member Center Manager of AltaOne Federal Credit Union. She was born in Germany and proudly served in the US Air Force. She’s been with Alta One in the Eastern Sierra since 2008 and has served on various community boards and organizations in and around Inyo and Mono County including the NIHD Foundation and the Tri-County Fair Board. Community service is one of her passions.
Jen McGuire, Tri-County Fairgrounds and Event Center CEO
Jen is the CEO of the Tri-County Fairgrounds. She has an extensive background in marketing and event management and has managed major events throughout California and many states. She was also an account manager for a National Marketing Company before going back into the Fair Industry. Jen has a passion for the fair industry for many reasons. Fairgrounds are often called the heartbeats of our communities, acting as a gathering place in good times and in times of crisis, and generating billions in economic impact. Fairgrounds are open to all members of their communities throughout the year, often serving as a community hub. Fairgrounds are here to give and to serve. Jen is excited to collaborate and be an integral part of the Bishop Chamber of Commerce.
Niral Munshaw, Vagabond Inn, Motel 6 & Travelodge
Niral began working in the lodging industry while still a student at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, CA. He studied hotel and restaurant management at Cal Poly Pomona. Niral has worked for Tarsadia Hotels, DKN Hotels, Holiday Inn and now Attune Hospitality which operates the Vagabond Inn here in Bishop.
Justin Snyder, The Toggery
Justin has been the manager of The Toggery for the past seven years. He is proud to be affiliated with one of the oldest and most iconic businesses in downtown Bishop; they’ve been providing top quality western and work wear since 1922. Justin and his wife grew up in Bishop, and they are happily raising two children here.
Holly Mullanix, Bishop Twin Theatre
Holly has lived in Bishop for the past 45 years, raised three kids, and enjoys many grandchildren. She managed the Bishop Twin Theatre for over 30 years before purchasing it in 2015 with husband, Larry. Holly retired from Northern Inyo Hospital in 2019 to focus more time on the theatre and community. Holly says, “I love our community and all that we have to offer our visitors and our community members. I want to work for you through the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce to support our local small businesses and community members.”
Gary Gunsolley, Fly Fishing Guide
Gary has decades of experience as a business owner and expert Fly Fishing guide in the Eastern Sierra. He was the owner of Brock’s Flyfishing Specialists from 1989 to 2013, when he decided to sell the retail business and focus wholeheartedly on teaching and guiding. Gary and his wife Pat have been dedicated volunteers for the Bishop Chamber for many years; they transport, set-up and staff the booths at the annual Fred Hall Fishing Shows in Long Beach and Del Mar.
Lynn Hawks, Hawks Landing Gourmet Confections
Since 1983 Lynn and her family have owned a retail chocolate boutique, a wholesale business, created a “Candy Making at Home” online candy course and produced hundreds of unique corporate gifts for businesses throughout the country. In 2022, Lynn and her husband moved to Bishop where they continue the craft of specialty, gourmet candy making. The confections are available seasonally at Manor Market, local vendor events and always by special order. Lynn brings years of entrepreneurial expertise and loads of fresh ideas to our community.
Gayla Wolf, Honeybee Photography
Gayla has devoted herself to community service through her camer4a lens. She attends almost all community events, capturing the people that make our community so special. She is vibrant and great at outdoor family portraits, and she has a well-appointed indoor studio. Gayla is passionate about helping our community thrive and is always eager to lend a hand through her role with the Bishop Chamber of Commerce.
The Bishop Chamber is always grateful for the support of its 300+ members, numerous community volunteers and co-sponsors. To learn more about the organization, visit www.bishopchamberofcommerce.com or stop by their office next to the City Park at 690 N. Main Street.
The Bishop Chamber of Commerce is a community-based, non-profit organization that works to sustain and improve the local economy. The chamber provides education, advocacy, networking and referrals for its three hundred local member businesses. The visitor’s bureau division of the organization focuses on destination management and marketing. The Chamber Board of Directors provides strategy, policy and oversight for the organization’s small staff. “We are so fortunate to have this committed group of business leaders serving our community. They bring a diverse array of perspectives, experiences and talents to the organization,” states chamber executive director Tawni Thomson.