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Chamber Ambassadors

The Ambassador program promotes the enhancement and ideals of the Membership Committee. Individual members are trained to become a mentor for the incoming new members of the Chamber. Ambassadors facilitate and promote Chamber events, welcome new members, and outreach to the Chamber membership as a whole. Join the Ambassador Program and be the first to meet new members.

2024 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

Michael Scalise, Black Tie Productions

Black Tie Productions is owned and operated by Michael Scalise,an Emmy, Telly, and IndieFEST Award winning video producer and editor,with over 30 years experience in the broadcast journalism industry.

“I am honored to have been chosen as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year. When I rejoined the Temecula Valley Chamber after a fourteen year absence, I told myself I would jump right in and get completely involved. Apparently I have done just that…and then some! Being an Ambassador has been a great experience…representing the Chamber…attending ribbon cuttings…being there for my fellow members as well as new incoming members. People say that they see me EVERYWHERE…and because of that I have been dubbed “Mr. Ribbon Cutting.” Walking up onto the stage to receive this award at the Gala was a bit surreal…not really recalling what it is that I said…but seeing my fellow members up on that stage was a comforting sight. Thank you to my fellow Ambassadors, members, and the amazing Chamber Staff. See you at the next ribbon cutting!”

2026 Ambassadors

This is a current running list of all 2026 Ambassadors

Krystal Aponte

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Zach Brady

Auris Payroll (formally Heartland)

Your Trusted Payroll Expert


I am dedicated to helping businesses in the Temecula Valley streamline and simplify their payroll processes with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. I work closely with local companies to implement tailored payroll solutions that reduce administrative burden and free up time for business growth. Whether it's managing payroll taxes, ensuring timely payments, or navigating labor law changes, I brings the tools and expertise to keep operations running smoothly.


I have been fortunate to call this city my home for 27 years and as an ambassador I want to help Chamber members make worthwhile and honest connections

Aaliyah Cisneros

Outside The Norm Counseling Inc

Hi, I’m Aaliyah, the first point of contact at Outside the Norm Counseling. As the Director of Operations I help make the process of starting therapy feel simple, supportive, and stress-free by guiding clients to the right therapist and walking them through every step with care.

As a Chamber Ambassador, I genuinely enjoy connecting with local businesses, building meaningful relationships, and discovering new resources that can support our clients. I’m passionate about bringing mental health into the community and creating strong partnerships that help everyone thrive.

Michael Crawford

Michael Crawford Realtor @ Golden Eagle Properties

Meet Michael Crawford

DRE# 01747750


Your Trusted Partner in Real Estate

With a proven track record of success, I specialize in delivering results—helping clients navigate the real estate market with confidence and ease.


Unwavering Commitment

I bring energy, enthusiasm, and a dedication to excellence to every transaction. My goal is to ensure that whether you’re buying or selling, the entire process is seamless, stress-free, and professionally managed down to the last detail.


Clear & Open Communication

Understanding your needs is my top priority. Through active listening and open dialogue, I provide consistent communication before, during, and after the transaction. You can count on timely, informed responses and a collaborative approach to achieving your real estate goals.


Integrity & Professionalism

Honesty and ethical practices are the foundation of my business. I believe in transparency, trust, and doing the right thing—because in real estate, as in life, what goes around comes around.


Let’s make your real estate experience exceptional. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.


Susana Gonzales

The Shella Foundation

Frank Suwalski

Platinum Directory Temecula Valley

Frank Suwalski is a business builder, connector, and marketing strategist behind Platinum Directory Temecula Valley—a platform designed to spotlight the best local businesses, experiences, and opportunities in the Temecula Valley.

With a background in scaling go-to-market teams for leading cybersecurity companies like Palo Alto Networks, Tanium, and SentinelOne, driving that same growth mindset to helping local businesses gain exposure, attract customers, and thrive.

I'm passionate about bringing together influencers, restaurants, wineries, and entrepreneurs to create powerful local marketing collaborations that drive real results. My mission is simple: help Temecula Valley businesses get seen, get customers, and grow.

Leilani Anderson

New York Life Insurance Company, Inland Empire

Elaine Bartolome

BoardWalk Dog Training

Derick Brazell

Deja Automotive LLC dba Agape Auto Repair

Derick Brazell is the Chief Networking Officer and Co-Owner of Agape Auto Repair, a woman-owned and operated auto repair shop dedicated to transforming the automotive service experience for the residents of Temecula Valley. With a mission to demystify car care, Agape Auto Repair focuses on transparency, education, and building trust with every customer.

After a 21-year career in the utilities sector, Derick, alongside his wife Jamica, embraced a new chapter in life by relocating to Guadalajara, Mexico in 2023. Their time abroad sparked a shift toward entrepreneurship, leading them to purchase Agape Auto Repair upon their return to the U.S.

Derick now channels his passion for people and community into cultivating strong relationships, both within the shop and throughout the region. Under Derick and Jamica's leadership, Agape Auto Repair emphasizes world-class customer service, delivers exceptional value, and actively supports the local community.

Michael Bullock

Michael Bullock Real Estate

It is my job to either find that perfect home for you and your family, or to help you sell your current home quickly, smoothly and at market value or above. To accomplish those goals I need to first understand your dreams and goals. Next I need to develop the right marketing plan if you are selling your home, or define the perfect home if you seek your dream home.

For Sellers, I will design the perfect marketing strategy to meet your financial and schedule goals. I will then implement the plan for the successful completion of the sale of your home. Once the home is in contract, I and my extended support associates will work hard to keep the escrow on track and running smoothly.  After Escrow closes I will be there for any further questions or assistance you may have.
 
For Buyers, we will meet and discuss your vision of the perfect dream home for you that meets your budget. Once we know what you are looking for we then discuss the ‘where’ aspect of the search. Once we are all in agreement on Features, Price and Location, the hunt begins! I will be there to guide you through the possibilities until we find the perfect home. Once in escrow, I will fight for you to make sure the escrow goes smoothly and cost effectively as practical until the day I hand you the keys to your new dream home.

Stacey Dunn

Chick-Fil-A Temecula
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Romy Fazeli

Oak Grove Center

Chirho Garcia

Elevated Retirement Group

What drives your vision for the future? 

For successful families and busy, tired professionals, balancing the demands of life, work, and financial decisions can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there—not as the advisor, but as the family impacted by life’s unexpected challenges.

When I was young, my brother survived electrocution from 69,000 volts of electricity, and my family’s world was turned upside down. That experience taught me how fragile life can be and instilled in me the importance of thoughtful preparation. It’s what drives me every day to empower others with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind when it comes to their financial future.

As a fiduciary, I work with professionals and business owners to strategically grow, protect, and preserve wealth through tailored, holistic planning. My comprehensive approach simplifies the complexities of investment management, business succession planning, tax optimization, healthcare preparation, and legacy strategies—so you can focus on what truly matters to you.

Your goals, values, and challenges are the foundation of everything I do. Together, we’ll craft an evolving strategy that aligns with your vision, whether you're scaling your business, planning for retirement, navigating a major milestone, or preparing to create a legacy for future generations.

I’m here not just as an advisor, but as someone deeply committed to helping you lead with intention, live with purpose, and find the confidence to create the life—and legacy—you envision. Let’s connect and explore how we can navigate your journey together.

Sheldon Garcia

California Coast Credit Union

Deborah Hartnett

Inspired Business Performance

Preston Helms

Shakespeare in the Vines

Janet Licitra

TeamLogicIT

Janet Licitra is the CEO of a women-owned business franchise for TeamLogicIT. Janet has worked in technology sales since graduating from college and this background has helped her to discuss and understand the technology challenges that small businesses face today. Can look for Janet Millane Licitra on Facebook, as well as TeamLogicIT Temecula.

Her husband, Allen Licitra operates as the Chief Technology Officer and co-runs the business with me. Allen has been in various IT leadership technology roles at large and small corporations. His numerous specialties include security, cloud, and advanced analytics. We have been married for 19 years and have identical twin daughters who will be Sophomores in college this year. We have lived in Temecula CA since 2008.  Both of us have been working in the IT business for 20+ plus years.   

Michelle Lindsey

Visit Temecula Valley

Brett Moser

Impact Marketing & Design, Inc.

Paul Rangel

Sofa Spectrum Furniture & Massage Chairs

Michael Scalise

Black Tie Productions

My background is in Broadcast Journalism...and I just wrapped up a 34 year career in that industry at KFMB-TV, the CBS affiliate in San Diego. During that time I worked as an Assistant News Photographer, Video Editor, and Entertainment Producer. In 1991 I received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement as Producer. In 2001 I opened Black Tie Productions...a photography and video production company in Temecula, CA. Along the way I have received awards from DigiFest...San Diego INDIE Fest...and the Telly Awards. In 2025 I was named Ambassador of the Year from the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Ashley Shipley

Provident Bank

My passion is banking and being involved in the community. I enjoy being able to help individuals reach their goals personally and professionally. Being a part of the local community allows me the opportunity to bring people together, at Provident we are a resource to our customers and what better way then by being a part of the community. 

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Kimberle Smith Austin

Made2nspire

Tom Somers

Bow Tie Tom Insurance Agency

Tom brings to his role as a Certified Financial Planner a wealth of business, insurance and financial experience accumulated during his career as an executive in various service industries in New York, Europe and California. Tom is known as a thoughtful, innovative advocate for his clients, dedicated to helping them achieve financial security.


Tom holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Pomona College in Claremont, California and a Masters in International Relations and Economics at Columbia University in New York. During his business career, Tom pioneered opportunities for US companies in Eastern Europe, and as entrepreneur started successful businesses in Austria and Russia.


Tom focuses his efforts on helping business owners and professionals. He is an active member of a number of community organizations, among them the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce for whom he is a Board Member, Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, the Fallbrook Land Conservancy and the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society and the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, which recognized Tom as its “Ambassador of the Year - 2021.”


Tom is proud to serve as a volunteer Director for

The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Temecula

JDS Creative Academy, Temecula


Tom lives with his wife of 30 years Olga and daughters Olesya and Mary in Fallbrook, California conveniently located for his clients who are mainly in San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties.

Cell: 760-672-9272

License # 0F40683

MyAgent@bowtietom.com

29995 Technology Drive, Suite 301

Murrieta, CA, 92564

Specialty: Fully guaranteed products from top Mutual Companies:  Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Fixed Index Annuities.  Business Life Insurance Planning:  Key Person, Buy-Sell, Executive Bonus.  Alternative financing methods for Life Insurance:  Premium Finance, Cash Value Line of Credit.


Carla Yriqui

Picasso Dental Care
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HOW TO BECOME A TVCC AMBASSADOR

Click here to view the Ambassador Commitment Packet

A SAMPLE OF AMBASSADOR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

  • Ribbon Cuttings
  • Greeters and Hosts at Networking Events
  • Event Promotion and Marketing
  • Committee Involvement
  • Welcome Calls to new members & Retention Calls to exiting members
  • Ambassador Meetings
  • Ambassador Appreciation events

Questions? Please contact our Membership Department at Membership@temecula.org or call 951-676-5090.

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