2023 Board of Directors Announcement
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
