Press Releases

January 13, 2021

Lomita Chamber Advocates for Businesses & California Economy: Appeal to Governor Newsom

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“The California economy cannot fully recover until businesses are allowed to reopen… At the same time, California continues to suffer a significant exodus of employers to other states… California needs to address both crises immediately.”

On January 13, 2021, the Lomita Chamber of Commerce along with nearly 160 fellow California Chambers of Commerce and industry organizations rallied to appeal to Governor Gavin Newsom to take executive action to immediately and temporarily suspend for at least six months, specific laws and regulations, to reduce burdens on employers without affecting the health and safety of Californians.

The following letter was sent by CalChamber to Governor Newsom.

November 30, 2020

Lomita Chamber Advocates for Restaurants & Economy: Appeal to LA County Board of Supervisors

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On November 23, 2020, the Lomita Chamber of Commerce along with many of our local Chambers of Commerce in the South Bay Cities rallied to share appeals on behalf of the business community to the LA County Board of Supervisors (BOS) concerning shutting down outdoor dining once again due to COVID-19.

Despite these efforts, the BOS voted 3-2 to shut down outdoor dining and reduce capacity at their November 24th meeting.

The following letter was sent on behalf of the Lomita Chamber of Commerce to LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office.

The Lomita Chamber continues to advocate for businesses. We also encourage business owners and members of the business community to participate in and have their voices heard. For info about the LA County Board of Supervisors meetings visit the LA County BOS website.

November 23, 2020

Lomita State of the City 2020

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Watch the replay

November 19, 2020 – Lomita, CA

Last week, the Chamber presented the Lomita State of the City event to over 100 guests virtually. As we’re now going through another wave of challenges for our community, businesses and economy due to COVID-19, we wanted to take a moment share some of the uplifting highlights from the event and thank everyone for their participation.

The event reminded us that “Lomita is a community that continues to move forward regardless of what’s in our way,” said Mayor Jim Gazeley. As we Lift Up Lomita and keep Lomita Strong, Captain Jim Powers of Lomita Sheriff’s Station shared his definition for the acronym TRUST to be “Truth, Respect, Understanding, Support, Teamwork” — another commonality that bonds us and brings the community together especially during these hard times.

As we heard from Mayor Pro Tem Mark Waronek, “Even with all of these new challenges that 2020 has thrown at us, Lomita still continues to shine as a strong, resilient and focused community, that cares for our neighbors, supports our businesses, and always looks to better days in the future.”

We thank Mayor James Gazeley, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Waronek, Captain James Powers, Unit Commander of Lomita Sheriff’s Station and Captain Chris Vazquez of LA County Fire Department, Lomita Station 6 for being a part of the event. We also thank all of our Councilmembers, Elected Officials, Sponsors and Guests for your support and participation.

And for one last quote to carry forward with us “It really is the hardest times that make Lomita shine the brightest.”

October 13, 2020

Lomita, Torrance & San Pedro Chambers Discuss Public Health Councils With Supervisor Hahn

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On October 9th, Heidi Butzine, President & CEO of the Lomita Chamber of Commerce; Donna Dupperon, President & CEO, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and Elise Swanson, President & CEO, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce met with Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn (4th District) to discuss Public Health Councils, a motion put before the LA County Board of Supervisors.

Public Health Councils would be made up of employees at a workplace working with other organizations certified by the Health Department, to monitor, document, and report any violations of the public health guidelines.

The Health Department engaged various labor organizations and some businesses to discuss the formation of public health councils, which would add another obstacle for businesses already struggling to remain open and keep employees working during the COVID-19 recession.

Bringing questions and concerns forward, Butzine, Swanson and Duperron focused discourse with Supervisor Hahn on recommendations and clarification on four areas of importance. These include prioritizing industries of greatest concern where outbreaks are supported by data, concentrating public health councils in those companies and industries with a documented record of noncompliance and violations; focusing the program’s application to those businesses with 75+ employees; further definition and explanation of the “third party organizations” qualifications and clearly defined authority; ensuring that labor unions or bargaining groups are exempt from consideration as “third party organizations”; specifications for how a business may have the chance to defend or implement changes if reported; and the need for better outreach to the business community and a robust public service campaign that supports existing reporting mechanisms for COVID-19 violations.

The Lomita Chamber will continue to monitor and participate in this ongoing dialog.

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July 11, 2019

The NEW Lomita Chamber of Commerce is launched

Lomita Chamber Press Releases

Lomita, CA, July 11, 2019 – After several years without it, one of Lomita’s latest start-ups in the business community is the Lomita Chamber of Commerce. The organization was launched in April this year after meeting with a small group of local businesses and City leaders in Lomita to get their input. “As a new organization, we have a unique opportunity to create a Chamber based on the
needs of Lomita businesses and tailor the Chamber’s programs to what the membership wants,” said Heidi Butzine, President/CEO.

Helping Lomita thrive and businesses prosper

The operational side of the Chamber is being led by Heidi Butzine and Erik Bowman, who also own an office-on-demand and shared workspace in Lomita. Last year, the couple invested in a property to bring a Wework-type concept to the community to help small business owners, entrepreneurs and start-ups in the area by offering flexible workspace, conference room rentals and business events at their location. “We’ve always lived in the South Bay, mostly Redondo Beach, but when we were looking for an opportunity to start our brick-and-mortar business, we rediscovered Lomita,” said Bowman.

Being a local doesn’t hurt either. Butzine’s family members have lived in Lomita going back to the fifties and she grew up and attended elementary through high school in Lomita. Said Butzine, “I look forward to getting to know more of our neighbors in the friendly city and we’re committed to bringing energy to help support businesses throughout Lomita.”

The Chamber has been ramping up over the past nine months and now has several founding members and local businesses that have joined. One of the Chamber’s first founding members includes South Bay Credit Union which opened a location right in the heart of Lomita last year. “We’re in support of the Chamber’s efforts and are proud to be a founding member,” said President/CEO Jennifer Oliver. Another founding member is Coastal Funeral Center, “I think what the two of them [Heidi and Erik] are doing is great and it speaks volumes of their character, work ethics, and their support for the city and community,” said Coastal representative Jennifer Olvera.

“We’re applying our experience in marketing, what we’ve learned from our service on other non-profit Boards and Chambers, and as business owners now having a brick and mortar location. We’re excited to serve a diverse group of members at the Chamber,” said Butzine.

Lomita has seen an upswing in new businesses and housing and the City has approved a plan to revitalize the downtown area. Mayor of Lomita Henry Sanchez said, “We’re at a pivotal time in the evolution of our City. We’re thrilled that Heidi and Erik are taking the lead.”

Lomita Councilmember and former Mayor, Mark Waronek said, “Lomita is a thriving business-friendly environment that could be a great place for all types of businesses and start-ups. It’s time for Lomita to have a Chamber of Commerce again.”

The Chamber is currently enrolling members and recruiting relevant and vested members with a stake in the community to fill remaining positions on its Board of Directors. For membership information, call (424) 378-7111 or visit www.lomitachamber.org.

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If you would like more information, please call Heidi Butzine at (424) 378-7111 ext. 201; heidi@lomitachamber.org or Erik Bowman (424) 378-7111 ext. 202; erik@lomitachamber.org.

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