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Harbor Market Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration!

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The Lomita Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomed Harbor Market with an official ribbon cutting to celebrate their Grand Opening in Harbor City!
 
As a family-owned neighborhood convenience store, Harbor Market brings top-quality products, friendly service, and a warm, local vibe to the community. We’re honored to have them in our Chamber family and excited to support their continued success!
 
Special thanks to our Chamber Board Members, Lomita City Councilmember Barry Waite, Rep. Jose Ochoa from Senator Laura Richardson’s office, and representatives from the office of LA City
Councilmember Tim McOsker for helping us recognize this milestone with official certificates.
 
Congrats again to the Harbor Market team—here’s to many successful years ahead!
 
Follow Harbor market on Instagram
Find Harbor market located Here ( 25225 Vermont Ave, Harbor City, CA 90710)
 
 

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Pearl Hope: Two-Time Lomita Lemonade Day Entrepreneur of the Year Wins National Title

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Lomita, CA (September 11, 2024) — The Lomita Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that Pearl Hope, a two-time Lemonade Day Lomita Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, has just been named the 2024 National Lemonade Day Youth Entrepreneur of the Year! The exciting news was made public today during the Lemonade Day National Virtual City Directors Conference, presented by Nicole Cassier-Mason Lemonade Day National CEO from Houston, Texas.

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Pearl, a determined 12-year-old entrepreneur and the founder of Lucky Lemonade Co., used her lunch break from school to be recognized and share her inspiring journey on Zoom—proving she’s a true multitasking entrepreneur! Pearl’s hard work, creativity, and business acumen have been on display throughout her three years of participation in the Lemonade Day program, where she’s grown her lemonade stand into a thriving business selling a wide variety of products, including lemonade, baked goods, jewelry, accessories, and more.

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“This recognition is a testament to Pearl’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her business,” said Heidi Butzine, President & CEO of the Lomita Chamber of Commerce. “Her journey has inspired many in the community, and we couldn’t be more proud.”

Pearl’s Journey to Success

Over the years, Pearl has evolved her business, expanding beyond lemonade to create a product line that includes skincare items like soap, bath bombs, and lip balm. She also supports her community by donating a portion of her profits to local charities, including the Harbor Pregnancy Help Center.

In 2024, Pearl generated over $3,700 in total revenue with an impressive profit of $3,400, making her a role model for aspiring young entrepreneurs everywhere. Her entrepreneurial journey, which began with a simple lemonade stand, has now grown into a business poised for even more expansion, including plans for a full skincare line.

What’s Next for Pearl?

As the 2024 National Lemonade Day Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, Pearl will receive a cash prize and gain invaluable media exposure, opening doors for more opportunities to grow her Lucky Lemonade Co. product line.

“As I continue to grow my business, my next goals are to expand my product line into major retailers like Sephora and Ulta, increase my online presence, and secure more local partnerships.” Pearl shared. 

Watch Pearl’s Journey

Take a look at the inspiring journey of Pearl (owner of Lucky Lemonade Co.), and 2024 National Lemonade Day Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, as she takes you behind the scenes of her thriving business, Lucky Lemonade Co., in this award-winning short film! From squeezing lemons to crafting homemade skincare products, this video showcases Pearl’s entrepreneurial story over the past three years. Pearl’s inspiring journey earned her the prestigious “A Day in the Life Movie Maker Award” from the Lomita Chamber of Commerce which directs the Lemonade Day Lomita program. Watch how Pearl’s dedication, creativity, and passion have led her to expand her product line and achieve national recognition—all while balancing school and giving back to her community!

 

This is the second time that Lomita’s local youth entrepreneur of the year has gone on to win the National title.

For more information about Pearl’s journey or how to get involved in Lemonade Day Lomita, visit LemonadeDay.org/Lomita or contact the Lomita Chamber of Commerce at hi@lomitachamber.org.

About Lemonade Day:
Lemonade Day is a community-based educational program that teaches youth how to start, own, and operate their own business—a lemonade stand. Through this fun and hands-on experience, children learn key life skills, including financial literacy, goal setting, and teamwork, while becoming the next generation of business leaders.

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Celebrating Our Young Entrepreneurs: Highlights from the 2024 Lemmy Awards

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On August 24th, the Lomita Chamber of Commerce hosted a heartwarming celebration at Lomita Park—the 2024 Lemmy Awards! This annual event shines a spotlight on the incredible young entrepreneurs who participated in Lemonade Day, recognizing their creativity, hard work, and community spirit. These young entrepreneurs earned their awards by submitting their business results to the Chamber, where they reflected on their performance, showcased their creativity, and demonstrated their entrepreneurial growth.

Celebrating This Year’s Entrepreneurial Achievements

This year, 52 young entrepreneurs across 32 official lemonade stands showcased their business skills, with 22 stands reporting impressive results. Together, they generated $25,053, saved $7,629, and generously gave back $7,756 to their chosen nonprofits and charities—demonstrating the true spirit of Lemonade Day.

This year, the Chamber also unveiled its official Lemonade Day Lomita theme song, generously donated by Localista Media—adding a fresh, musical touch to the celebration. Watch it here!

The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and well-deserved accolades. Among the highlights were:

Best Lemonade Stand: Sweet Sisters Lemonade, Alexandra and Aubrie won this photo entry contest for their beautifully themed stand that charmed everyone with its vibrant colors and welcoming atmosphere. 

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Amazon Gift Card Drawing ($100) Winner: Wakanda Goldstarr Lemonade owner Blessed was the lucky winner of the Amazon gift card drawing, adding an extra bit of excitement to their day. This entrepreneur sold out of their signature blackberry, cherry and strawberry lemonade flavors and sold books to give back a portion of proceeds to the Friends of Lomita Library.

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Video Contest Winner: Lucky Lemonade Co. captured the spirit of Lemonade Day through Pearl’s engaging and creative video that documented the entrepreneurial journey, going back to her first year participating in Lemonade Day just 3 years ago.

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Highest Grossing Sales & Most Philanthropic: Love N Lemons By Maddy brought in an impressive $4,693 in revenue and donated over 67% of her profits to Community’s Child, demonstrating that success to this entrepreneur was about making a difference. This being Maddy’s second year as a Lemonade Day Alum, this stand was a beacon of generosity and dedication to the community.

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Most Creative Recipe: The Lemon Ninjas Lucas, Zachary and Ezekiel wowed everyone with their unique lemonade flavors, including calamansi and dragon fruit, and POG (Passion Fruit, Orange, Guava) lemonade, leaving a lasting impression on their customers. They learned a lot as first-year Lemonade Day entrepreneurs about their strengths and where they have opportunities to grow.

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Most Innovative: Cole’s D’Luxe Lemonade stood out with a Hawaiian-themed stand, fresh ingredients, and creative products, including 3D dragons and raffle tickets. This 3-year Lemonade Day alum and Cole’s ability to think outside the box and continually improve the business earned Cole this well-deserved recognition.

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Most Creative Marketing: That Lemonade Kid Presents: Lemonade Go! Ethan continued his winning streak, taking home this award for the fourth year in a row by blending popular culture with business savvy to create an interactive and engaging experience through Pokemon Go. Ethan’s innovative approach not only drew in crowds but also left a lasting impression, solidifying a reputation as a marketing powerhouse.

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Mayor’s Award: Sweet Sisters Lemonade was recognized not only for their exceptional stand but also for their enthusiasm, making them a standout among their peers. Alexandra and Aubrie offered a delightful variety of lemonade flavors, including Mermaid Water and Unicorn Water. What stood out to earn the Mayor’s award was the enthusiasm they showed when they danced and sang a song about their lemonade stand during their microloan pitch at South Bay Credit Union.

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Honorable Mention: June of Take A Stand was recognized for her creativity and heart, offering not just lemonade with her team but also her original poems. This stand wasn’t just about selling lemonade; it became a platform for artistic expression and meaningful engagement. By offering original poems for sale and letting customers choose which charity would benefit from their purchase, this entrepreneur showed how powerful it can be when we work together, keep things simple, and stay committed to making a difference.

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Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: Pearl Hope of Lucky Lemonade Co. demonstrated remarkable growth and determination over the past three years, reflecting on strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, with a commitment to continuous improvement and meaningful community impact. A key to Pearl’s success has been balancing profit from sales with giving back. Rather than relying on one-time donations, Pearl has built a sustainable business that supports ongoing contributions to causes that resonate with her. Pearl has plans to expand her lemon-themed product line including skincare with a goal to reach major retailers, making her a true leader among her peers. This approach highlights true entrepreneurship.

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In addition to the Lemmy Awards, all young entrepreneurs received certificates of recognition from the City Councilmembers of Lomita, the Lomita Chamber of Commerce, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Senator Ben Allen, LAUSD School Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, and LA County Assessor Jeffrey Prang. These certificates acknowledged their hard work, dedication, and contributions to our community, making the day even more special for our participants.

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A special thank you goes out to our presenters and sponsors—City of Lomita Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Waronek (on behalf of Mayor Bill Uphoff), Lomita Chamber Board Chair Jennifer Olvera (Coastal Funeral Center/GHMP), Chair-Elect Tracy Maestro (CalWater), Board Member Jane Lau (Realtor), Erin Ennis (Skin Topic Skincare), Chris Chartier (Grocery Outlet)—and our special guest, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. Your support and participation were invaluable and truly added to the celebratory spirit of the day, making the event even more memorable.

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The event concluded with a fun-filled scavenger hunt, where our young entrepreneurs and their families explored the park and won prizes. We captured some wonderful moments from the day, including the proud smiles of our winners as they accepted their awards.

It was a day of celebration, learning, and community—a perfect reflection of what Lemonade Day is all about. We are so proud of all our participants and look forward to seeing where their entrepreneurial journeys take them next!

Stay tuned for the 5th Annual Lemonade Day Lomita 2025— July 19, 2025! 

Lemonade Day Lomita is a summer youth entrepreneur program brought to you by the Lomita Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Lomita, South Bay Credit Union and participating sponsors. It empowers young participants to step into the shoes of a business owner by guiding them through the entire process—from securing health permits and business licenses, obtaining microloans, and crafting special lemonade recipes to marketing their stands and managing finances. With the support of their families and the community, these young entrepreneurs showcase their hard work, creativity, and business acumen, all while learning invaluable life skills.

For more information, contact the Lomita Chamber of Commerce if you’d like to participate next year: https://lemonadeday.org/lomita/contact.

Special thank you to Chamber Ambassador Bonnie Orona (Adam Chiropractic & Wellness Center) for photos.

 

WATCH LEMONADE DAY RECAP
OUR THEME SONG
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2023 Lomita State of the City Event

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Video Recap: 2023 Lomita State of the City Breakfast Event

November 16, 2023 – The Lomita Chamber of Commerce proudly presented the 2023 Lomita State of the City Breakfast Event at the Lomita Park Tom Rico Center/Marc Fosnaugh Gym.

Over 150 people attended the event to hear the annual address based on this year’s theme: “Lomita is Looking Up” presented by the Honorable Mayor Barry Waite.

The Mayor was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Bill Uphoff and Councilmembers Cindy Segawa and Mark Waronek who highlighted representatives from various elements of the City. Guests had the opportunity to meet and engage with individuals from City Departments, Local Sheriff and Fire Personnel, School Representatives and the Business Community, fostering connections that drive positive change and a brighter future for all.

A special check presentation from Assemblymember Muratsuchi to the City of Lomita was held during the program whereby the Assemblymember successfully secured $300,000 for the Narbonne Avenue Water Main Replacement and Street Rehabilitation Project.

Thanks to the City of Lomita “Team Lomita” and the Lomita Chamber of Commerce volunteers.

Thanks to our 2023 Sponsors for supporting this event:

Athens Services
The Picerne Group
Southern California Edison
BB&K Law
Floral 101
Koven Video Production
South Bay Credit Union
South Bay Workforce Investment Board
So Cal Gas
Tripepi Smith
Coastal Funeral Center
California Water Services Company
Water Replenishment District
State Farm Agent Tabitha Pennington
Nickerson Insurance Services
Burnin Daylight Brewing Company
M&A Management

Special recognition to our event services for making the event extra special:
Ever’s Fantastic Cafe, Floral 101, Sprinkles N Stuff, Lomita Mail and Print, Koven Video Productions, Manhattan Beach Studios, and the Lomita Historical Society.

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Watch Replay: 2022 Lomita State of the City Event

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November 17,  2022 – The Lomita Chamber of Commerce proudly presented the 2022 Lomita State of the City Event at the Lomita Park Tom Rico Center/Marc Fosnaugh Gym. With 130 people in attendance, the annual address was delivered by the City of Lomita’s Honorable Mayor Cindy Segawa, joined by Mayor Pro Tem Barry M. Waite who shared a bit of Lomita’s history, the spirit of the City and what the future holds. The address also featured an update from Captain James Powers (LA County Sheriff Department) and Chief Brian Bennett (LA County Fire Department Station 6). This year’s theme was “Back on Track” inspired by the resilience of the City and our community.

Thanks to the City of Lomita “Team Lomita” and the Lomita Chamber of Commerce State of the City planning committee and volunteers.

Thanks to our 2022 Sponsors for supporting this event:
KAIA South Bay (brought to you by The Picerne Group)
Athens Services
Southern California Edison
California Water Service
South Bay Credit Union
Tripepi Smith
South Bay Workforce Investment Board
Coastal Funeral Center
Koven Video Productions
Water Replenishment District
The Van Lingen Group
Kinecta Credit Union
Nickerson Insurance Services, Inc.
BB&K Law

congrats award winners

Watch Replay: 2022 Lomita Chamber Installation & Awards Program

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April 21, 2022 – Watch the replay of our livestream Leadership & Community Awards Program. It was a festive celebration honoring and recognizing outstanding members, businesses, organizations and individuals in our community. Our Lomita Chamber Board of Directors were installed.

Congratulations to the Lomita Chamber 2022 Leadership & Community Award Recipients:

Civic Award Recipient:
Emma Kelley

Community Champion Award Recipient:
Friends of the Arts at Narbonne High & HArts Academy

Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient:
Jeff Koven

Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award Recipient:
Tabitha Pennington

Startup to Watch Award Recipient:
Floral 101

Business of the Year Award Recipient:
Adam Chiropractic & Wellness Center

Thanks to all our sponsors:

Coastal Funeral Center

South Bay Credit Union

The Van Lingen Group

City of Lomita

So Cal Gas

California Water Service

South Bay Workforce Investment Board

Jane Lau, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties

Localista Media

Lomita Chamber Employment Law March 2022 Replay

Webinar Recording: 2022 Employment Law Update

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Webinar Recording: 2022 Employment Law Update

March 29, 2022 – The Lomita Chamber of Commerce hosted an informational webinar featuring Chase Law Group on 2022 laws that employers need to understand. Topics included: current Covid-19 leaves, benefits and obligations, minimum wage laws, retirement savings plans/CalSavers mandate for employers with 5+ employees, amendments to AB 5 (Dynamex) and the use of independent contractors in the workplace. Attendees asked questions and learned about state and federal regulations that employers must comply with in 2022. 

Thank you to our guest speakers, business attorney DeAnn Chase and employment law attorney Scott Liner. Chase Law Group graciously offered Lomita Chamber Members and guests with a complimentary consultation to help answer questions about employment law and policy changes. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Chase Law Group – 310-545-7700 | www.chaselawmb.com

Lomita Chamber of Commerce – 424-378-7111 | www.lomitachamber.org 

WATCH REPLAY
Webinar Recording March 8 2022

Webinar Recording: Business Services, Job Creation & Facade Improvements Forgivable Loans

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March 8, 2022 – The City of Lomita in partnership with the Lomita Chamber of Commerce and the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) presented an informational webinar on no cost business services and funding opportunities for businesses from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). Details about forgivable loans on Job Creation & Facade Improvements available through the City of Lomita as well as resources and business services provided through the SBWIB and the Lomita Chamber of Commerce were shared.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

City of Lomita – 310-325-7110 | www.lomitacity.com

https://lomitacity.com/job-creation-and-facade-improvement-programs/

South Bay Workforce Investment Board – 310-970-7700 | www.sbwib.org

info@sbwib.org

Lomita Chamber of Commerce – 424-378-7111 | www.lomitachamber.org 

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SBACC Recognizes Chamber Members Tara Nierenhausen (Community’s Child) & Larry Halvorsen (Express Employment Professionals)

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Tara Nierenhausen, Community's Child, receives Non-Profit of the Year Award
Tara Nierenhausen, Community’s Child, receives Non-Profit of the Year Award
Larry Halvorsen, Express Employment Professionals, receives Shaun Lumachi Advocacy Award
Larry Halvorsen, Express Employment Professionals, receives Shaun Lumachi Advocacy Award

Last month the South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce (SBACC) presented Tara Nierenhausen with the Non-Profit of the Year award and Larry Halvorsen received the Shaun Lumachi Advocacy Award at its Installation Luncheon. Each year, the SBACC invites all chambers of commerce affiliated with the SBACC to make nominations for different award categories.

Community’s Child under the leadership of Tara Nierenhausen was nominated and recognized as this year’s non profit of the year. Understanding the critical role that the nonprofit sector plays in our communities, this award recognizes that when business, government and nonprofits work together, their combined efforts will better solve the social issues and needs of our communities. 

The Shaun Lumachi award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in business advocacy through their work on an issue of regional importance. Larry Halvorsen was recognized for his advocacy in the creation of AB-255, meeting with Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi and business owners to discuss challenges during the pandemic specifically regarding businesses who had a financial impact and were not getting any rent relief for their commercial space.

During the event, Mark Waronek was installed as Chairman of the Board for the SBACC and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn installed the executive board including: Serena Josel, Kaiser Permanente South Bay; Elise Swanson, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce; Chad Maender, LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce; Dominik Knoll, Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce; Donna Duperron, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce; Heidi Butzine, Lomita Chamber of Commerce; Jill Dunn, Chevron; Julia Parton, Malaga Bank; Faviola Ochoa, SoCal Gas.

Lomita State of City 2021 full page web

Lomita State of the City 2021

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Watch the replay

December 1, 2021 – Lomita, CA

The Lomita Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank each of our guests for joining us at the 2021 State of the City Address. Whether you attended the luncheon or watched live online, we appreciate your time to participate in this annual event.  We’re happy to share the replay at the Lomita Chamber website and YouTube channel. (The replay will also be made available at the new Lomita City website at LomitaCity.com.)

Special thank you to Mayor Mark Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Segawa and Council Members Jim Gazeley, Barry Waite & Bill Uphoff for your participation, attendance and leadership.

 

photos courtesy of Lina Hernandez, City of Lomita

A lot of time, planning and resources go into producing events like this, especially a hybrid event. We thank all of our sponsors for your support to make this event possible.

We also want to recognize the team of talented people who made it all come together — ‘Team Lomita’ City Staff, Lomita Chamber Board & Ambassadors, Continental Gourmet, Bri’s Frozen Lemonades, Floral 101, Koven Video Productions, MB Studios and AV Productions.

We appreciate the opportunity to provide these programs and we look forward to next year!

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Lomita State of the City 2021
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Lomita State of the City 2021
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