2. 12/2/2015 State of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau | Business | tbrnews.com
http://tbrnews.com/news/business/stateofthehermosabeachchamberofcommerceandvisitors/article_b624da02924211e58a00eff5b50c62a0.html 2/4
Apart from the events we produce for the city, the Chamber engages in advocacy,
economic development, business regulation and education at the local, regional and
state level. Here is a sampling of our activities to date.
Advocacy and legislation
We are an active member of CalChamber, Western Association of Chamber Executives
and South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce, all of which provide direction on
legislation impacting businesses. This year, the Chamber supported retailers regarding
plastic bag alternatives and the Clean Sweep program, resulting in city staff revisiting the
current code to draft new guidelines – both crucial to the health of local shopping.
Member programs
Efforts to engage members increased significantly with the creation of forums to explore
issues common among businesses in the same industry. We held an open invitational in
May, which we plan to repeat twice per year. Further plans include presentations on
technology, identity protection, environmental legislation and small business
fundamentals.
Monthly we host recurring events – luncheons, mixers and grand openings – to which
the community is always welcome. Check the calendar on our website and in the
Hermosa Beach city newsletter.
Partnerships
The Chamber has embraced relevant opportunities beyond our traditional events to
fortify our partnership with businesses, city staff, regional elected officials and adjacent
municipalities.
Among local businesses, we enlisted specific industry groups to advise on related
Chamber initiatives, such as retail (plastic bags, sidewalk advertising), hotels (TOT,
Visitors Bureau) and home-based entrepreneurs, communicating with members and
3. 12/2/2015 State of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau | Business | tbrnews.com
http://tbrnews.com/news/business/stateofthehermosabeachchamberofcommerceandvisitors/article_b624da02924211e58a00eff5b50c62a0.html 3/4
non-members alike. This included commercial and resident comments from Pacific Coast
Highway and the Aviation corridor in collaboration with the city’s enterprise.
The Chamber consults regularly with city staff on economics, development, and the
Downtown Core Revitalization, and uses neighborhood feedback to continually review
the impact of our events consistent with the city’s strategic plan. The Decision-Making
Tool and resident dialogue were vital components in the execution of the Fiesta
Hermosa contract, which provides the financial resources to produce the St. Patrick’s
Parade, State of the City Address, and holiday events and decorations citywide.
Most importantly, the Chamber contributed financially to significant projects and
fundraisers that are integral to the identity and culture of Hermosa Beach as Gold
Sponsor of the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation’s Hearts of Hermosa gala,
Titanium Sponsor of Special Olympics Host Town Hermosa, key sponsor of Saint Rocke’s
Summer Concert Series and underwriter of the Jarvis Shuttle Memorial renovation.
Events
In a concerted effort to address concerns about the footprint and experience of Fiesta
Hermosa, the Chamber established the first-ever operational committee to oversee
vendor selection, children’s activities, renewed emphasis on local entertainment at four
locations, ADA compliance and much-improved access and tenting for the food court.
New features this year were the Fiesta Siesta quiet zone for mothers, “Love Our Locals”
resident-only discount program, real-time social media updates, and an early letter to
residents detailing changes and expectations. We are most proud of the Memorial Day
Recognition Ceremony, which took place on the plaza May 24, now a permanent addition
to the weekend.
The Wednesday Farmers’ Market debuted Sept. 16 on the plaza, bringing produce,
artisan fare and crafts to the downtown. The Chamber ensured a smooth transition of
the Friday market to the Rotary Club, which took ownership of the Valley Drive location
in July.
Chamber operations
4. 12/2/2015 State of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau | Business | tbrnews.com
http://tbrnews.com/news/business/stateofthehermosabeachchamberofcommerceandvisitors/article_b624da02924211e58a00eff5b50c62a0.html 4/4
In order to maintain momentum for everything we provide to Hermosa Beach, the
Chamber strives to maintain high standards for its internal operations. This summer we
switched to state-of-the-art member database and website administration, integrated a
members-only resource online, and elevated our social media presence across four
platforms. We continue to enhance and promote the Truly Hermosa brand outside our
community.
Mark your calendars for three traditional holiday celebrations sponsored by the
Chamber, starting with the annual Sidewalk Festival Nov. 21, which features live acoustic
music, activities for children and specials for shoppers! On Dec. 3, the Christmas Tree
Lighting returns with special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus, and our first time partnering
with Jeremy Buck whose “Rock for Tots” collects toys for the Beach Cities Toy Drive, as
does the Chamber’s seasonal member events. Just a few weeks after, join us Dec. 31 on
the plaza when Lou Giovannetti and his big band herald the new year and a few
surprises for our families and friends.
Email us any time at info@hbchamber.net. We welcome your input to fully serve the
community and our local businesses.
