The Dixon Chamber of Commerce has named Sara Echarte (right) as its new chamber manager following the retirement of longtime leader Shauna Manina. Echarte has been a Dixon resident for four years. She lives in Dixon with her two children and husband, Anthony Echarte (center). Photo courtesy of Sara Echarte

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon Chamber of Commerce has named Sara Echarte as its new chamber manager following the retirement of longtime leader Shauna Manina.

Echarte, a Dixon resident for the past four years, steps into the role with deep ties to the community. She lives in Dixon with her husband, Anthony Echarte, and their two children. Her family’s local involvement, from school parent-teacher organizations to her husband’s catering business, Pun vs. Food, has helped shape her community-focused vision for the chamber.

“I really have a heart for service,” said Echarte. “Dixon is very rooted in tradition, which isn’t a bad thing, but there’s so much room for improvement. I want to bring the community together and be a positive force.”

Echarte previously served as a chamber ambassador for two years and her familiarity with the organization helped guide her transition into leadership. She cited her availability, strong community ties and relationships with small businesses as key reasons for being selected for the position.

Sara Echarte and her husband have deep community ties. Echarte currently works for Rohwer Insurance and participates in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) activities for both Anderson Elementary and John Knight Middle School. Her husband owns a local catering business, Pun vs. Food. Photo courtesy of Sara Echarte

Although the transition came with challenges, Echarte expressed gratitude for the support that she has received.

“I was a little nervous at first because Manina is a machine, so I have some big shoes to fill,” said Echarte. “But everyone has been so gracious and kind. We just want to continue her legacy.”

Professionally, Echarte brings experience from Sutter Health, which she said has prepared her for transparent and empathetic leadership.

“I think it will help my leadership style with transparency and the empathy I have with the community but the thick skin I've gained working with providers should come through,” said Eharte.

Echarte identified economic concerns and state-level challenges as key issues facing Dixon’s small business community. She aims to build stronger ties between the Chamber and the Dixon Downtown Business Association.

“It’s a mission of mine right now to bridge the two. There are a surprising number of businesses not in the chamber and I want to understand why,” said Echarte.

While no major operational changes are planned, Echarte emphasized improving visibility and outreach.

Sara Echarte’s first initiative as the chamber manager will be a mixer and ribbon cutting at Anderson Elementary on Oct. 23 to launch the Road Runner Nest, a new student support resource, similar to the Rams’ Vault at Dixon High School. Photo courtesy of Sara Echarte

“A lot of people don’t know what the chamber is or does. We intend to be more present in the community,” said Echarte.

She also hopes to enhance community events, including Trunk or Treat and concerts in the plaza, with expanded offerings and new ideas.

Echarte’s first initiative as manager will be a mixer and ribbon cutting at Anderson Elementary on Oct. 23 to launch the Road Runner Nest, a new student support resource.

“Being a leader in Dixon makes me proud,” said Echarte. “We can do some great things here.”

With the transition of chamber manager also comes a shift in operational hours. The Dixon Chamber of Commerce, 220 N. Jefferson St., is now open from 8 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, by appointment on Fridays and closed on weekends.

For more information, visit online dixonchamber.org or call 707-678-2650.