About Us

The Penn Valley Area Youth Chamber of Commerce operates under the umbrella of The Penn Valley Area Chamber of Commerce (PVACOC). We are a nonprofit organization. Our board and membership is comprised of sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students living within the Clear Creek, Pleasant Valley, and Ready Springs school districts. Adult guidance is provided through one Executive Director and a number of Parent Advisors.
Our Board consists of nine students; providing representation of every grade level from each of the three area schools. The membership fee is $2.00 per person and covers the entire school year. Membership benefits include discounts from various businesses throughout the area, and discounts on all events hosted by the Youth Chamber.
We are now in our sixth year of operation. During that time we have provided students with an assortment of activities; such as: dance, concerts, and movie nights. We also assist the PVACOC with a number of activities; such as: the annual Daffodil Run, daffodil planting, and easter egg hunts.
We also host two to three dances each year, one concert, and occasionally a smaller event; such as movie nights. Permission slips are required for most or our events to ensure parental permission and to ensure contact information is available in case of emergency. If a student is not in good academic standing they may not participate in any of our events.
Moneys collected by us through various events and fund raisers throughout the year are channeled back to area schools and communities. It can take the form of the seasonal spring baskets given to area families in need, or to help relieve our area school's stressed budget-in may take the form of books, PA equipment, or money for a water fountain.

On the Board

Dana Neel - President. This is Dana's third year on the board. She is in 8th grade at Pleasant Valley School.

Kailey Williams - Vice President. This is Kailey's second year on the board. Kailey is in 7th grade at Pleasant Valley School.

Elena Wallace - Treasurer. Elena is a 7th grader at Clear Creek School, this will be her first year on the board.

Morgan Kelley - Secretary. Morgan is in 6th grade at Pleasant Valley School, this will be her first year on the board.

Dayna Morres-Rucker - This will be her third year on the board. She in 8th grade at Vantage Point Charter.

Brandon Warren - Brandon is in 8th grade at Vantage Point Charter, this will be his first year on the board.

Sara Skrukrud - Activities Coordinator. Sara is now a senior at Nevada Union and has been involved with the Youth Chamber for a total of three years.

Teresa Harcourt - Youth Representative. Teresa was on the board for three years. She served as treasurer and President. She is now in 9th grade at Bear River High School.

Chris Cope - Youth Representative. Chris served on the board for two years. Last year he served as treasurer. He is now in 9th grade at Nevada Union High School.

Guidance

Tina Skrukrud - Executive Director. This is her third year as the Executive Director.

Lynn Skrukrud - Youth Director. Lynn Skrukrud, an Award Winning Youth Chamber Alumni

The Penn Valley Area Youth Chamber of Commerce creates a foundation of leadership for local teens, inspiring them to continue on with community service throughout high school and beyond. Six years ago, as a 7^th grade student at Pleasant Valley School, Lynn Skrukrud became the treasurer of the Penn Valley Youth Chamber of Commerce. She held that position into her 8^th grade year and ultimately became the Director of the youth led organization designed for students in grades 6-8. 

When asked why she decided to take on the role as Director, Lynn stated, “I wanted those younger than me to be presented with same opportunities I had. I couldn’t stand to see something that has taught me so much come to an end.” Lynn, in partnership with her Mom, Tina Skrukrud who is also the Pleasant Valley School Board President, has directed the youth Chamber for four years

Lynn is truly and amazing person. During her high school career, she held a two year position on the state-wide Board for Youth in Tobacco Control and this year has served as the Board’s spokesperson. In May 2007, Lynn was honored locally as the first ever Nevada County “Youth Advocate of the Year” and in July she received the “Youth Advocate of Year Award” from the California Youth Advocacy Network. She is now entering her freshmen year at Dominican University, in San Rafael, CA, where she will be majoring in business, with a minor in art. She has, also, recently joined forces with a national organization for tobacco control, called Ignite Generation. Lynn enthusiastically explains, “Ignite is an incredible organization because it focuses on the real issues, not those who smoke, as most assume, but instead on holding politicians accountable for the health and well-being of their people.” And, with unwavering commitment to her roots, Lynn Plans to continue her involvement with the Youth Chamber. 

 Lynn is only one of the many youth Chamber Alumni who have gone on to do great things for our community and our world. Congratulations Lynn! Your contributions to the community and fellow youth are greatly valued and appreciated.

Helen Cope & Margaret Harcourt - Parent Advisors