Chamber helps promote fitness and health in Las Vegas

The idea to start the Las Vegas Health and Fitness Chamber of Commerce was not drawn from the experience of another organization — it’s the only one of its kind.

Three years ago, Raymond Wilson founded the nonprofit because of health issues in his family that made him want to help others, too. us.

Wilson brought in Lany Orlanda as the organization’s executive director two years ago. Orlanda says she has always been health-conscious, and this job gives her an opportunity to share her expertise with the Las Vegas Valley community.

Since joining the chamber, Orlanda has helped boost membership to about 170 individuals and businesses combined.. Members include zations such as the Arthritis Foundation, Baby’s Bounty, Club Pilates Las Vegas, Downtown Runners and Humana Market Point.

We caught up with Orlanda to talk about the chamber.

Describe your role.

I take care of the day-to-day operations. I also bring in business chamber members, doctors, lawyers and health and fitness organizations that make up our membership.

What were you doing before this job?

I’ve always been a financial planner. I look at people’s financial stability to make sure they are safe with their money. That’s my background for over 20 years.

What made you decide to change careers?

I have a background in health from when I lived in the Philippines. I was working with a charity and helping my organization and the community. When I moved to Las Vegas, I was elected Miss Las Vegas Nevada for the nonprofit organization called NAFFAA (National Federation of Filipino American Associations), which is recognized by the White House. I was involved in a lot of fundraising and charity that helped the communities I lived in. When I was approached by the chamber, it was natural for me to (transition to) health and fitness because it’s all about wellness.

Why create a chamber such as this in Las Vegas?

(Raymond’s) genesis story for the health and fitness chamber is that his son is autistic, so he’s always wanted to educate people on how to improve the lives of children and adults who are autistic.

Do you mostly work with businesses and entrepreneurs who want to get into the health and fitness industry?

Yes. But when I came to the chamber, I wanted to invite everybody — even people not in the industry — to spread the knowledge of how we can continue health and wellness-consciousness. Everyone is a candidate and everyone is welcome.

What are the benefits of chamber membership?

Access to our chamber member directory. We have ribbon cuttings to promote our businesses. Our workshop and seminar prices are reduced for members. We provide advertisements to help our member businesses grow. Members get access to our professional evening mixers that we host. Building relationships is an important part of being a chamber member.

What is the goal of the chamber?

Our vision is to create a healthy Las Vegas community. We want to promote health care, fitness, nutrition, wellness and a connected community.

Contact Katelyn Umholtz at 702-383-0279 or kumholtz@reviewjournal.com. Follow @kumh0ltz on Twitter.