Kelly Lux has been a member of the Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance’s Board since 2020, and the Chair for the last three years. Her other work in the community is well known, as she actively supports local organizations such as Friends of the Animal Shelter, Alameda Meals on Wheels, and Alameda Pride. She also is a popular insurance agent, with a long-standing agency located on Bay Farm Island. Surprisingly, with all her investment in and support for Alameda, Lux is not a resident; instead, she commutes to the city for work and her civic efforts.
The Chair usually serves a one-year term, but Chamber leadership convinced Lux to stay on. She kept busy during her three years as Chair. Despite most of her tenure coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, she was able to launch three important initiatives that have changed how the Chamber works with the community. She started the Alameda Chamber Foundation, which has funded dozens of local scholarships, and two community programs—the Alameda Women Leaders Group, and the Junior Chamber at local schools. She was also a driving force behind the creation of the Leadership Alameda program and participated in the inaugural class.
Chamber CEO and President Madlen Saddik, along with the Chamber board, hosted a luncheon on Wednesday, December 6, at Trabocco Restaurant to celebrate the three years of Lux’s leadership. The room was full of local leaders who were there to show appreciation for Lux’s accomplishments. Mayor Ashcraft, two Councilmembers, the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager, the Fire Chief, the Police Chief, and other City department and business leaders were among those present.
The event was planned as a surprise for Lux. The Chamber sent out an invitation for their annual board appreciation holiday luncheon with a note that said “Shshsh, it’s a surprise for our board chair Kelly Lux.”
During the luncheon, the entire room toasted Lux, who was surprised by the gesture. Incoming Board Chair, Joann Guitarte, who will assume the position in 2024, presented Lux with a variety of gifts from the Board. Lux, who was seated next to her husband, smiled and laughed through the event and bantered with the speakers.
Among those who toasted Lux was Chamber board member Dr. Cindy Acker, who quoted Alice Walker. “‘Thank you is the best prayer that anyone could say. It expresses extreme gratitude, our humility, our understanding, our appreciation of you.’ So, Thank you!”
Board Vice-Chair Becca Perata praised Lux. “She’s just tireless, and her commitment to Alameda has been unwavering,” Perata said. “It’s been great being your wing-woman.”
Even though her tenure as Chair has ended, Lux will remain on the Chamber Board.
Adam Gillitt is the Publisher of the Alameda Post. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Adam-Gillitt.
