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Welcome to the Board 2024

Announcing New Lomita Chamber Board Members for 2024

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Welcome to the Board 2024

The Lomita Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that five new board members will join the full board of directors in January 2024 and recognized at the Installation Gala on February 8, 2024. The board is an all-volunteer group that guides the mission, policy setting, and governance of the Chamber as they serve the Lomita and South Bay business community.

Joining the board for a first 3-year term are Andrew Aparicio of Element Outdoor Living dba The BBQ Element, Laurie Glover of Silverado Memory Care Communities, Jane Lau of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services CA, and Steve MacAller of Torrance-South Bay YMCA. Tracy Maestro of California Water Services Company is reappointed to serve a second three-year term.

“We welcome our new board members to the Chamber team.  The addition of our new board members significantly enriches our team, bringing a diverse range of perspectives crucial for navigating our business landscape in Lomita,” said Heidi Butzine, Lomita Chamber President/CEO.

Additionally, Jeff Koven of Koven Video Productions is serving as a one-year appointee and Mary Hornickel of The Wellness Company and Danielle Boujikian are serving as two-year appointees.

Board members continuing to serve their terms are:

Jennifer Olvera, of Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park, will serve a second term as Chair of the Board, Tracy Maestro of California Water Service will continue to serve as Chair-Elect, Paris Chevalier of South Bay Credit Union will continue to serve as Treasurer, Sharon Shapiro-Fox of Athens Services will serve as Secretary and Heidi Butzine of Lomita Chamber will serve as Immediate Past Chair.

Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Agent
Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board
Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.
Mark Waronek (ex officio liaison), City of Lomita

The following board members will complete their term at of the end of 2023 or have moved on from the Lomita Chamber board of directors during this year:

Erik Bowman – Localista Media
Mark Hardaway – Ecospin Laundry/Happy Nest
Victor Ibarra –  SoCalGas

The Lomita Chamber is truly grateful for these talented and dedicated individuals’ years of service toward the guidance and continued improvement of the organization.

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2023 Board of Directors Announcement

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The Lomita Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2023 Board of Directors and Officers and will welcome five new members to be seated at its January Board meeting and recognized at the Installation Gala on January 26, 2023.

Jennifer Olvera, of Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park, will serve as Chair of the Board, Tracy Maestro of California Water Service has been named Chair-Elect, Paris Chevalier of South Bay Credit Union will continue to serve as Treasurer, and Heidi Butzine of Social Workplace and Lomita Chamber will serve as Immediate Past Chair/Secretary for a one-year term.

“The past three years have proven the strength and relevancy of the Lomita Chamber of Commerce since we started as an entirely new organization,” said Jennifer Olvera, incoming Chair of the Board. “I look forward to following the excellent leadership from our Board and our other volunteers who serve unselfishly, and who are dedicated to our community to protect and promote a business-friendly environment.”

Jennifer Olvera, Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park | Chair of the Board
Jennifer Olvera, Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park | Chair of the Board
Tracy Maestro, California Water Service | Chair-Elect
Tracy Maestro, California Water Service | Chair-Elect
Paris Chevalier, South Bay Credit Union | Treasurer
Paris Chevalier, South Bay Credit Union | Treasurer
Heidi Butzine, Social Workplace | Immediate Past Chair/Secretary
Heidi Butzine, Social Workplace | Immediate Past Chair/Secretary

The three joining the Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2023, are Danielle Boujikian of Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Victor Ibarra of So Cal Gas and Sharon Shapiro-Fox of Athens Services. 

The two new members who will serve a one-year term are Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions and Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board. 

Danielle Boujikian, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Danielle Boujikian, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Victor Ibarra, SoCalGas
Victor Ibarra, SoCalGas
Sharon Shapiro-Fox, Athens Services
Sharon Shapiro-Fox, Athens Services
Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions
Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions
Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board
Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board

The Chamber Board also acknowledged that Jennifer Olvera of Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park, and Teresa Workman of Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co. will serve a second three-year term on the board.

Board members continuing to serve their terms include Erik Bowman, Localista Media; Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry; and Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Insurance Agent. Also on the board as a non-voting ex officio member is the City of Lomita liaison currently served by Mark Waronek.

“We’re happy to have a diverse group of businesses and organizations on our Board to build upon the strength of the previous year, with the knowledge and experience our Board provides,” said Heidi Butzine, President & CEO. “As a member focused nonprofit organization, we rely on volunteers to make our work possible. Business leaders who agree to serve on the Chamber Board share a commitment to creating an environment where all can thrive.”

Erik Bowman, Localista Media
Erik Bowman, Localista Media
Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry
Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry
Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Insurance Agent
Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Insurance Agent
Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.
Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.
Mark Waronek (Ex Officio Liaison), City of Lomita
Mark Waronek (Ex Officio Liaison), City of Lomita

The 2023 Lomita Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

Danielle Boujikian, Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Erik Bowman, Localista Media

Heidi Butzine, Social Workplace and Lomita Chamber*

Paris Chevalier, South Bay Credit Union*

Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry

Victor Ibarra, So Cal Gas

Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions

Tracy Maestro, California Water Service*

Jennifer Olvera, Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park*

Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Agent

Sharon Shapiro-Fox, Athens Services

Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board

Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.

Mark Waronek (ex officio liaison), City of Lomita 

*Indicates Executive Board Member

The 2023 Board of Directors will focus on critical issues for the Lomita Chamber of Commerce membership and business community, including providing valuable resources for member businesses, keeping members informed, connected, and prosperous, advancing community excellence, and maintaining organizational sustainability.

Installation & Awards Ceremony 2022 (1)

2022 Leadership & Community Awards Lomita Chamber Board Installation

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April 22, 2021 –  Join us for a festive celebration as we honor and recognize outstanding members, businesses, organizations and individuals in our community. We will also install our 2022 Lomita Chamber Board of Directors. 

During the event winners of the Leadership & Community Awards will be announced for categories including Community Champion, Civic Award, Startup to Watch, Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Chamber Volunteer of the Year and Business of the Year. 

Thank you to our Sponsors: 

Coastal Funeral Center, South Bay Credit Union, SoCalGas and CalWater.

Nominate. Sponsor. Get Tickets. >> Here

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!

brianna

Lemonade Day National Announces Brianna Garcia at the 2021 National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year

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Lemonade Day National Announces Brianna Garcia at the 2021 National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year

LOMITA, California (Oct. 15, 2021) – Lemonade Day Lomita winner, Brianna Garcia, will go on to represent the “Friendly City” at Houston, Texas as the 2021 Lemonade Day National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.

Lemonade Day Lomita 2021 Bri’s Frozen LemonadesOn Saturday August 7th, the Lomita Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Lomita presented the first annual Lemonade Day Lomita event. The city overflowed with 37 lemonade stands open at local businesses and locations throughout the community. Brianna Garcia was one of 60 young entrepreneurs who made the commitment to start and run a lemonade stand for a real-life entrepreneurial experience.

In the months leading up to the event, Brianna and fellow youth in the program followed a curriculum to set goals, market their product, learn to budget and find investors. Brianna had the opportunity to pitch her business idea, Bri’s Frozen Lemonades, to earn a microloan from South Bay Credit Union to help cover her business expenses.

The morning of the event, a welcoming ceremony kicked off the festivities with special guests including Lemonade Day Lomita Sponsors and Mentors, young entrepreneurs and their families. Special guests included Congresswoman Maxine Waters, LAUSD School Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin, Mayor Mark Waronek, Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Segawa, and Councilmember William Uphoff who visited different lemonade stands in support of our youth entrepreneurs’ businesses. Every cup sold brought smiles to the faces of our youth entrepreneurs who felt the love and support from family, friends, mentors, and the community.

Brianna worked alongside her mentor Bonnie Orona from Adam’s Chiropractic & Wellness Center who helped her gain the necessary tools and skills needed to open her small business. Brianna was thrilled with the turnout, “I was so amazed at all the people that came to my stand. I sold over 200 cups of lemonade! I had so many of my family, friends, neighbors, and patients from Adam Chiropractic come to my stand.”

Lemonade Day National Youth Entrepreneur WinnerBrianna mentioned her nerves eased as the day went on and she loved the entire experience. “From designing and making my aprons with my mom, to [building] my stand with my dad it was all great,” she stated. “I plan on continuing to help other charities with my money, and would like to keep saving to buy my own phone and maybe some Knott’s passes.” Brianna donated more than half of all her proceeds to the Marine Mammal Care Center as she hopes to make a difference in her community.

All Lemonade Day Young Entrepreneurs who submitted their business results were eligible to win prizes and awards, including a chance to advance to the National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Contest. The national title is announced annually by Lemonade Day National, a non-profit organization committed to providing youth with a proactive experience of entrepreneurship. At the 2021 Lomita Lemmy Awards, Brianna won Highest Grossing Sales and Lemonade Day Lomita Youth Entrepreneur of the Year making her eligible to compete for the national title.

In early October, Brianna posted on social media (@brisfrozenlemonades) giving thanks and love for all the support she received from family, friends, and the community as she was named the 2021 National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year. Lemonade Day National will fly Brianna and her father to Houston, Texas for Brianna’s award presentation and to share her experience with the Lemonade Day National Board.

Lemonade Day Lomita 2021 Brianna Brianna plans to expand her lemonade business as she works on obtaining her California business and kitchen license. “Now that I have had the chance to run my own stand and see how great being an entrepreneur is I am going to continue doing it,” said Brianna. “I have several aunts, uncles, and family friends [who] have their own businesses and participate in pop ups, farmers markets, and other events. I have talked to a few of them about being able to set up once I have my permits”.

The Lomita Chamber of Commerce intends on making Lemonade Day Lomita an annual signature event bringing together the community, kids, families, businesses, youth organizations and schools in our city. This amazing experience has planted the seed for the next generation to become the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow. For more inspiring stories, great moments and successes visit the Lemonade Day Lomita website and social media platforms at Facebook and Instagram.

 

winner - volunteer - jane lau

Lomita Chamber Celebrates 2021 Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Jane Lau

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Congratulations Jane Lau! Nominated for her passion and positivity, Jane has devoted significant time and effort to community service initiatives, and Chamber-sponsored functions that positively impact the Lomita community and beyond. Jane has consistently made time to participate in Chamber events and has spread the word about ways to get involved to others in her circles of influence in the South Bay. She has stepped up, always with a smile and positive demeanor to help the Chamber and other organizations that serve our community. Thank you Jane for all your support and being a great example to others. Jane Lau is recognized as the 2021 Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient.

Thank you to our Sponsors: Coastal Funeral Center, City of Lomita, California, Thompson Building Materials, Lomita Post-Acute Care Center, California Water Service, Monster Tree Service of South Bay, Water Replenishment District, Torrance Memorial, Home Health Depot Medical Equipment & Supplies, Tabitha Pennington – State Farm Insurance Agency, Dee Dee McGuire Financial Services Professional with NYLIFE Securities LLC, Jane Lau Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties #01854188, Lomita’s Best, South Bay Credit Union, Localista, and Koven Video Productions.

#lomitachamber #lomitabusiness #janelau #berkshirehathaway #volunteer #volunteeroftheyear

WATCH AWARDS REPLAY
winner - business - coastal funeral center

Lomita Chamber Celebrates 2021 Business of the Year Award Winner Coastal Funeral Center

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Congratulations to Coastal Funeral Center! Coastal Funeral Center has truly held their ground after facing the challenges of carrying on a legacy in the ownership transition from AM Gamby to Coastal Funeral Center. Proving to still be the family mortuary of Lomita, Coastal triumphed during a time where many funeral homes said no to families who lost their loved ones. Dealing with the emotional, financial and health concerns that occurred during the pandemic, their team of 3 worked around the clock with families to show them that they could entrust their loved one into the care of Coastal Funeral Center. Nominated for their dedication and professionalism in meeting an unprecedented demand for services while adapting to innovate and create new ways to safely honor loved ones during the difficult time of Covid, Coastal Funeral Center is recognized as the 2021 Business of the Year Award Recipient.

Thank you to our Sponsors: Coastal Funeral Center, City of Lomita, California, Thompson Building Materials, Lomita Post-Acute Care Center, California Water Service, Monster Tree Service of South Bay, Water Replenishment District, Torrance Memorial, Home Health Depot Medical Equipment & Supplies, Tabitha Pennington – State Farm Insurance Agency, Dee Dee McGuire Financial Services Professional with NYLIFE Securities LLC, Jane Lau Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties #01854188, Lomita’s Best, South Bay Credit Union, Localista, and Koven Video Productions.

#lomitachamber #lomitabusiness #coastalfuneralcenter #smallbusiness #lomita #businessoftheyear #award

WATCH AWARDS REPLAY
winner - community champion - tara nierenhausen

Lomita Chamber Celebrates 2021 Community Champion Award Winner Tara Nierenhausen

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Congratulations Tara Nierenhausen! Nominated for her compassion and tireless commitment to serving women and children through Community’s Child, Tara has lead a dedicated team of volunteers to deliver hundreds of food bags to needy elders every week in Lomita. Thank you Tara for all you’ve done for our community and thank you for your leadership at Community’s Child to organize a team of passionate volunteers to serve so many people in need throughout Lomita and the South Bay community. Tara Nierenhausen is recognized as the 2021 Community Champion Award Recipient.

Thank you to our Sponsors: Coastal Funeral Center, City of Lomita, California, Thompson Building Materials, Lomita Post-Acute Care Center, California Water Service, Monster Tree Service of South Bay, Water Replenishment District, Torrance Memorial, Home Health Depot Medical Equipment & Supplies, Tabitha Pennington – State Farm Insurance Agency, Dee Dee McGuire Financial Services Professional with NYLIFE Securities LLC, Jane Lau Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA Properties #01854188, Lomita’s Best, South Bay Credit Union, Localista, and Koven Video Productions.

#lomitachamber #lomitabusiness #communityschild #communitychampion #volunteer #helpforwomen

WATCH AWARDS REPLAY
winner - startup - project barley

Lomita Chamber Celebrates 2021 Startup to Watch Award Winner Project Barley Brewery

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Congratulations Project Barley! As a startup Brent Reger, Reeves Borland and the Project Barley crew pivoted necessarily during Covid including adding food to their business model in order to keep moving ahead during the last year. They have been an active vendor at the Lomita Farmers Market every week since it launched. After working with the County to adapt to Covid and health code requirements which have shifted and changed so frequently throughout the past year, they tenaciously moved forward through each of the obstacles thrown their way in an effort to remain in service to the people of Lomita and the South Bay. Project Barley is recognized for doing what it takes to swiftly adapt their business to move forward during the past year as the 2021 Startup to Watch Award Recipient.

Thank you to our Sponsors: Coastal Funeral Center, City of Lomita, Thompson Building Materials, Lomita Post-Acute Care Center, California Water Service, Monster Tree Service, Water Replenishment District, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Home Health Depot, State Farm Agent Tabitha Pennington, New York Life, Berkshire Hathaway Calfornia Properties, Lomita’s Best, South Bay Credit Union, Localista Media and Koven Video Productions.

#lomitachamber #lomitabusiness #projectbarley #startuptowatch #brentreger #reevesborland #brewery

WATCH AWARDS REPLAY
LD Lomita 2021 Register IG (1)

Time to Register for Lemonade Day Lomita

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2021

Media Contact:
Heidi Butzine
424-378-7111
heidi@lomitachamber.org

Time to Register for Lemonade Day Lomita!
ONLINE REGISTRATION AND EVENTS AROUND TOWN 
MAKE REGISTERING YOUTH FUN AND EASY

Lomita, CA – Lemonade Day Lomita is scheduled on August 7, 2021 and it’s time to register area youth for a fun learning experience.

Parents, Mentors, Teachers and Youth Leaders are encouraged to register their youth online at https://lemonadeday.org/lomita or at the following Registration Event:



Sunday, May 16, 2021
10am to 2pm
Lomita Farmers Market (at City Hall)
24300 Narbonne Ave, Lomita

*additional events will be published on the Lemonade Day Lomita events page.



Lemonade Day teaches the basics of entrepreneurial learning: Business Skills, Financial Literacy, Teamwork, Social & Emotional Skills, Goal Setting, and Responsibility. Mentors guide participants through the youth entrepreneurship lessons through the Lemonade Day curriculum and takes participants through the journey of planning, launching and operating a business. The valuable lessons of Lemonade Day include setting a goal, making a plan, working the plan and achieving their dreams. Once a youth pays their investor back, they keep all the money they earn and are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some of their profit. 

Learn more about Lemonade Day in this quick video:
https://youtu.be/Y1P6Gb0PJ14

Our goal is to register 100 youth who in turn will start new businesses all across Lomita – on a single day. Learn more at https://lemonadeday.org/lomita; join us on social media at Facebook and Instagram.

Anyone and everyone can be involved in Lemonade Day! Young entrepreneurs with lemonade stands need mentors, investors, business partners, great locations, and customers! Sponsors and volunteers are also needed to make Lemonade Day a success.

About Lemonade Day 

Since 2007, more than one million kids have participated in Lemonade Day throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, plus Canada and Bermuda. For more information, please visit www.lemonadeday.org.

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Time to Register for Lemonade Day Lomita
Time to Register for Lemonade Day Lomita
Time to Register for Lemonade Day Lomita
Time to Register for Lemonade Day Lomita
Time to Register for Lemonade Day Lomita
Time to Register for Lemonade Day Lomita
Time to Register for Lemonade Day Lomita
Time to Register for Lemonade Day Lomita