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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 athttps://lemonadeday.org/lomitaor at the following Registration Event:
Sunday, May 16, 2021 10am to 2pm Lomita Farmers Market (at City Hall) 24300 Narbonne Ave, Lomita
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.
Our goal is to register 100 youth who in turn will start new businesses all across Lomita – on a single day. Learn more athttps://lemonadeday.org/lomita; join us on social media atFacebookandInstagram.
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.
Congratulations Bonnie! Bonnie has been an advocate for the Chamber and has actively engaged in Chamber events, dedicated to participating at and promoting the Farmers Market since it started in July 2020. She is a super connector in the community and gives so much to the causes she is passionate about. Bonnie inspires others in our organization by actively supporting the Chamber, inviting businesses to participate and brings forward creative ideas to enhance Chamber events. Bonnie also serves on the Health & Wellness Committee. She is recognized for her time, loyalty and devotion to the Lomita Chamber as the 2021 Chamber Ambassador of the Year 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.
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.
Lomita, CA – Lemonade Day, a well-established global and national youth entrepreneurship program that teaches leadership and business skills by encouraging children to launch a lemonade business in their community, is expanding again. The organization announced that it will bring the Lemonade Day experience to kids in Lomita, California. Since 2007, more than 1 million kids have learned about business ownership by participating in Lemonade Day and hosting a lemonade stand in their community. We are proud to announce that this year Lomita kids will get to join in on the fun.
A registration and informational event is planned for Sunday, May 16th, 2021 from 10am to 2pm at Lomita Farmers Market located at Lomita City Hall (24300 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, CA). Featured sponsors and partners include: City of Lomita, California Water Service, South Bay Credit Union and State Farm Agents Tabitha & Ricky Pennington with more to come!
It has been proven that cities that rally behind Lemonade Day benefit as much as the kids and their adult mentors do. The Lomita Chamber of Commerce will engage with community leaders, financial institutions, elected officials, businesses of all types, executives, youth organizations, schools, churches, and non-profit organizations who are already demonstrating their commitment to helping kids learn valuable lessons that will benefit them for a lifetime.
The impact of a program like Lemonade Day is four-fold: 1) teach financial literacy to kids, which is currently absent in public and private school curriculum; 2) promote entrepreneurship, which is key to jumpstart economic growth in the state; 3) teach kids to be responsible and self-reliant, and to contribute to their community’s development; and 4) foster mentorship and bring families together.
“The Lomita Chamber is thrilled to offer this amazing opportunity to Lomita this year. It’s an event that relies on members of the community coming together for a common purpose – to train the next generation of entrepreneurs, civic leaders and engaged citizens,” said Heidi Butzine, Lomita Chamber President and CEO.
Youth entrepreneurship is gaining momentum around the world. Studies have proven that introducing kids to entrepreneurial experiences at an early age makes a measurable impact on their future decisions related to education, training, life, and work.
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.
“Cities and communities that host Lemonade Day programs for kids of Kindergarten through Fifth Grade age are making a difference in a positive, meaningful way: they are demonstrating their commitment to bettering people, society and the economy by supporting youth entrepreneurship,” states Debbie Nazarian, Lemonade Day National Director.
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.
Learn more about Lemonade Day in this quick video:
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.
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.
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.”
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.
