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.
May 7, 2021 – The Lomita Chamber of Commerce is bringing Lemonade Day, a youth entrepreneurship, educational program to Lomita, CA this year.
Lemonade Day is a FREE community-wide, experiential, educational program for elementary age children that teaches them the process of starting and then running their very own business…a lemonade stand.
We believe that this program and experience will inspire and equip our city’s next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders!
On Lemonade Day Lomita, children will be able to set up their lemonade stand businesses throughout the city and open for business. The money they make will be theirs to keep. They are encouraged to spend some of their profit, save some of their profit, and share some of their profit with a charity of their choice.
How would you like to support Lemonade Day Lomita?
Make this event possible through Sponsorship
Provide a Safe Stand Location
Serve as a Business Mentor
Provide a representative to serve on the Lemon Council in Lomita
Serve as a Lemonade Day Volunteer Leader
Contact the Lomita Chamber of Commerce at hi@lomitachamber.org for more information.
April 22, 2021 – The Lomita Chamber of Commerce hosted a festive online livestream event in celebration of 6 winners of the Leadership & Community Awards, honoring individuals and businesses, and recognizing the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Emceed by City of Lomita Mayor Mark Waronek and Hosted by Chamber President/CEO Heidi Butzine.
During the event winners of the Leadership & Community Awards were announced for six categories including Community Champion, Civic Award, Startup to Watch, Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Chamber Volunteer of the Year and Business of the Year.
Guests had the choice to purchase a VIP ticket which included a meal prepared by Lomita’s Best and all guests can get a swag bag which can be picked up at the Chamber office or Farmers Market held on Sundays at City Hall.
In the coming weeks, the Chamber will be presenting the winners with their awards. So watch our website and social media as the celebration continues!
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.
Health & Wellness Day at the Market! Health and Wellness Day gives customers education and tips on making positive healthy lifestyle choices. Find resources and local businesses that can help with health and wellness needs.
Come meet Members of the Chamber’s Health & Wellness Committee at the Lomita Farmers Market:
Be sure to visit Still Got It Fitness! Frustrated with getting older, gaining weight and struggling to do the activities you once loved? Come talk to the health and fitness specialists to help you build strength, balance and motivation to live a long, healthy and active life. Offering a 1-week trial and free book!
New to Medicare or assisting someone who has Medicare?John Ballard can help you. Medicare can be confusing. John can give you peace of mind by helping you with your Medicare questions.
Come by for a no-cost consultation with your friendly Lomita Medicare Guide.
Stop by Adam Chiropractic Working from home, increased sitting due to endless Zoom calls, it’s no wonder we’re all probably feeling a little off balance these days. Say hi to the friendly team from Adam Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Set up an appointment, get your questions answered or enjoy a mini massage. Offering complimentary mini massages and spinal screenings!
Say hello to Mary & John with The Wellness Company Learn more about The Wellness Company, an American Manufacturer of more than 400 products that are available only online and contain no harmful ingredients.. The catalogue includes nutrition, safe and effective household cleaners, beauty, personal care for babies, kids and adults, pure essential oils, medicine cabinet items. Switch stores and save up to 50% off market value.
Meet other other local businesses and Chamber members at the Market including:
South Bay Credit Union
Project Barley
State Farm Insurance Shabby Shaw
Kettle Corn King & Acai Bowls
And of course our farmers and food vendors featuring…
Veggies, Herb Plants, Berries, Eggs, Honey, Strawberries AND… Craft Beer, Fresh Breads, Vegan Pastries, Acai Bowls, Kettle Corn, Hummus, Tamales, Loose leaf tea… and some great home goods, jewelry, candles, clothing and accessories.
See you Sunday, January 31st 10am-2pm at Lomita Farmers Market (Lomita City Hall: 24300 Narbonne Ave, Lomita, CA 90717).
“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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
