The Call Went Out. The Valley Answered.
Rancho Mirage Chamber set out to recruit 20 Founding Changemakers. Forty local businesses and organizations said yes.
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. October 20th, 2026 — When the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce invited 20 of its strongest supporters to become the founding members of the new Coachella Valley Changemakers Collective, it hoped for 20 yeses before the initiative's inaugural meeting on Oct. 23. Instead, 40 local businesses and organizations stepped forward, doubling the goal before a single public announcement was made.
The Founding Changemakers have each signed the Changemakers Pledge, committing to support Coachella Valley nonprofits in the ways that fit their organizations best: to Give, Serve, Lead, Connect and Sustain. Together they represent banks and hospitality leaders, small businesses and global brands, marketers, media, sports and entertainment, education, health and wellness, and, remarkably, several nonprofits who chose to stand up for their fellow nonprofits.
"This is what Rancho Mirage and the valley looks like when it decides to show up," said Katie Slimko-Tuvell, IOM, President/CEO of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce. "We asked for 20 leaders and 40 raised their hands, and every one of them did it before there was a spotlight, a headline or a ribbon to cut. That tells you everything about the character of this business community. Our nonprofits have carried a lot for a long time. Today, 40 organizations told them: you are not carrying this alone anymore."
Meet the Founding Changemakers
The Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes the founding members of the CV Changemakers Collective:
- Acme Moving & Storage
- Acrisure Arena, One Valley Foundation, Coachella Valley Firebirds, CV Lakers and Berger Foundation Iceplex
- Animal Samaritans
- Bennion Deville Homes – Marilyn & Roxanne Bauer
- California Bank & Trust
- California Bank of Commerce
- California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus – Career Center
- Cheers Coffee
- Connoisseur Media
- Conserve LandCare
- Creative Life Solutions
- Curtis Carroll Creative
- Desert Bodywork
- Desert Payroll
- First Pacific Bank
- Foxy's Kitchen and Bar
- Gulf California Broadcasting
- Integrity Agents Insurance Services, Inc.
- Joslyn Center
- Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire
- Mama's House Ministries
- Mechanics Bank
- Minuteman Press Palm Springs
- Mission Hills Country Club
- Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial
- Montage Agency & Events
- MSA Consulting, Inc.
- Muscles in Motion
- New York Life – Darneisha Beeler
- On The Mark Indoor Digital Advertising Network
- Phoenix Rising Accounting Services
- Pickering Events
- SBEMP LLP
- Swingpoint Media
- The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
- Total Youth Development Training Center
- VEG ER for Pets
- Visit Greater Palm Springs
- Wally's Desert Turtle
- Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
The Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce has also taken the pledge, standing alongside its members as a Founding Changemaker and launching the initiative.
"These are the people who answer the phone when a nonprofit calls, who show up with a check, a truck, a ballroom, a microphone or a spare Saturday," Slimko-Tuvell said. "Some of them are household names. Some of them are small businesses with a handful of employees. Every one of them is a Changemaker, and I could not be prouder to call them our founders."
A movement, not a moment
The CV Changemakers Collective connects Coachella Valley nonprofits with the business community and with the partners, resources and visibility they need to do their most important work. It is the cornerstone of the Chamber's broader Chamber for Good commitment to community impact, and it includes partnerships with the Chamber's Young Professionals Network and the Advertising Federation of the Desert (AdFed).
The founders will be recognized at the Collective's inaugural meeting on Friday, Oct. 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Rancho Mirage City Council Chambers, where nonprofit executives from across the Chamber's membership will gather to shape the work ahead. Members of the media are invited to attend.
Next stop: 100 Changemakers in 100 days
On Nov. 1, the Changemakers Pledge opens to the entire community. With 40 founders already on board, the Chamber is calling on businesses, organizations and individuals across the Coachella Valley to help reach 100 Changemakers in 100 days.
"Forty is a beginning, not a finish line," Slimko-Tuvell said. "If you've ever been moved by what a nonprofit does in this Valley, this is your invitation. Take the pledge. Join the Chamber. Become a Changemaker. Let's show the rest of the country what a community looks like when business leads with heart."
How to get involved
Businesses and community members can learn more about the Changemakers Pledge and Chamber membership at RanchoMirageChamber.org or by contacting the Chamber at Marketing@RanchoMirage.org
Media RSVP: Members of the media planning to attend the Oct. 23 inaugural meeting are asked to RSVP to Joselyn Lopez at Marketing@RanchoMirage.org or Katie Slimko-Tuvell Katie@RanchoMirage.org
About the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
Since 1955, the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce has been a champion for business, a catalyst for growth and a convener of leaders across Rancho Mirage and the greater Coachella Valley. Representing more than 600 member businesses and nonprofits, the Chamber creates opportunity through networking, education, advocacy and community impact. Its signature programs include the RAMMYS Outstanding Business Awards, the Signature Speaker Series, the Business EXPO & Job Fair, the Young Professionals Network and the CV Changemakers Collective, which connects local nonprofits with the business community. Guided by its values of Members First, Community, Advocacy, Integrity and Inclusion, the Chamber is committed to making the Rancho Mirage area the best place to live, work and play. Learn more at RanchoMirageChamber.org.
###
.png)
Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
-
Katie Slimko-Tuvell President & CEO
- October 20, 2026
- (760) 568-9351
- Send Email
