Norm's back

The former Chamber of Commerce president has formed the Inland Valley Business Alliance, a new, regional group advocating businesses of the Inland Valley.

Norm MacKenzie, president and CEO of the business alliance, said in a statement that the new group will be a forum for businesses, government and academia.

"The region needs more aggressive daily legislative advocacy in order to preserve our businesses and the sales tax dollars they produce that fund our county and cities," MacKenzie said in a statement.

The alliance will host network luncheons at $15 on the second and fourth Mondays at Antonino's at 11:30 a.m. The restaurant is located on the northeast corner of Foothill and Vineyard, next door to the chamber office.

MacKenzie parted ways with the chamber in December, after 10 years of leading it. MacKenzie, who wanted the chamber to become regional and more politically involved, said he and the chamber had different visions for the future of the organization.

For more information about the Inland Valley Business Alliance, call (909) 477-6623 or e-mail info@ivbusiness.org.