Looking for a way to make a difference?
Want to utilize the skills you have or learn something new?
Looking for a way to get involved with the community?
Check out the ways you can participate with the Chamber. Make a difference.
Contact Helen Duncan at 310-545-5313 or email
Helen@manhattanbeachchamber.net for more information.
AMBASSADORS/MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
The Ambassador Committee is a group of Chamber members committed to help new members get acclimated and involved with the Chamber and all its membership benefits. Ambassadors ensure our veteran members are not forgotten and that continued support is provided whether it is through SCORE, Mixers/Networking, Workshops, Face-to-face (facebook), or one on one. One of the most enjoyable tasks of an Ambassador is to act as the Welcome Committee to guests and members in support of our core events and mixers such as; Woman in Business and MBYP. Ambassadors are the supportive faces at exciting Ribbon Cuttings for business’ Grand Openings. The Ambassador Team’s ultimate goal is to convert guests into members and new members into happy and satisfied long-time members.
Co-Chair: Rose Cote, Los Angeles World Airports; Co-chair: Dr. Virginia Green, Stillwater Family Therapy
Board Liaison: Shirley Pe, South Bay Yellow Cab
Meetings: 3rd Monday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., location varies
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The mission of the education committee is to enhance the educational experience of Manhattan Beach Unified School District’s 6th thru 12th grade students by connecting academics, business and community to promote real world learning, support partnerships, and encourage and celebrate educational excellence in our schools.
Chair: Rob Stone, Study Hut Tutoring; Co-chair: Karen Komatinsky, MBUSD
Board Liaison: Jill Brunkhardt, Chevron
Board Member: Adam Goldberg, Fresh Brothers
Member: Wayne Powell, City Councilmember
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the months, August through June, 4:00 _ 5:00 p.m., MBUSD office, 325 S. Peck Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY COUNCIL
The Legislative Advocacy Council meets with local, regional, state, and national government officials, to hear about government policies, legislation, and political affairs that affect business and a favorable business climate. They can oppose government policies, legislation, and political affairs that are detrimental to business and a strong economy. The committee communicates their business positions assertively, clearly, and in a timely manner.
Chair: Joe Ahn, Northrop Grumman; Co-chair: Jeff Wilson, Chevron
Board Liaison: Charles Gale, Jr., Metropolitan Water District
Board Members: Jill Brunkhardt, Chevron; Kelly McDowell; Karen Komatinsky, MBUSD; Ruth Tewalt, Manhattan Village Shopping Center; Mary Ann Varni, Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Assoc.
Meetings: 4th Wednesday of every month except November and December, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., AdventurePlex, 1701 Marine Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA
MANHATTAN BEACH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
The Manhattan Beach Young Professionals group meets regularly at different venues to develop business connections, connect with the community, to connect with one another and network. Attend these gatherings to access business executives and leaders, build on your business and professional skills, and add to your business insight and information. Learn more at mbyp.org.
Chair: Jordan Peister, Mintwich Design
Board Liaison: Ricky Arakaki, Pelican Signs
Meetings: 1st Thursday of every month, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., location varies
MANHATTAN BEACH WOMEN IN BUSINESS COMMITTEE
The Manhattan Beach Women in Business Committee (MBWIB) was formed in the spring of 1998. MBWIB’s mission is to provide programs and opportunities in leadership, development, mentoring, education and networking for women (and men) in business. The committee holds an annual conference. The 14th annual South Bay Conference for Women is April 13, 2012. Learn more at MBWIB.com.
Chair: Bibi Goldstein, Buying Time LLC; Co-Chair: Lisa Machii, Law Offices of Lisa Machii
Board Liaison: Mary Claire Orenic, Advanced Eyecare Center of Manhattan Beach
Board Member: Lynne White, Hanavan Marketing
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of every month, 4:00 — 5:00 p.m., MBCC conference room, 425 15th St., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Community Development Committee’s mission is to develop synergy with community residents and city hall. Specific ideas include a Visitors Bureau, Centennial events, and community projects that they would support.
Chair: Shirley Pe, South Bay Yellow Cab
Hospitality: Tom Beedon, The Belamar Hotel; Finance: John McLellan, JWM CPAs; Travel Tourism: Darrell Sperber; Marketing/Media: Lynne White, Hanavan Marketing; Restaurants/Retail: Mary Ann Varni, Downtown Business and Professional Assoc.; Paul Silva, The Beach Reporter; Tamara Roberts, Elegance Boutique Spa & Aesthetics
Meetings: As needed
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee reviews the monthly financials to monitor the progress of the chamber’s budget. They make recommendations for financial improvement and work with committee chairs to manage their budgets. The committee makes recommendations to the board as needed. They help prepare budget for next year and bring to Executive Board for approval.
Chair: John McLellan, JWM & Associates CPA
Board Members: Tom Beedon, The Belamar Hotel; Jill Brunkhardt, Chevron; Ruth Tewalt, Manhattan Village Shopping Center
Meetings: As needed
TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
The Technology Committee is charged with keeping the Chamber relevant and up-to-date as technology changes. It is responsible for creating and maintaining the Chamber’s social media. It will provide training to chamber staff as needed.
They make sure the Chamber’s website functions at the maximum level for members and the public. They can help promote the chamber’s website advertising opportunities.
Chair: Todd Anderson, Apollo Interactive
Meetings: As needed
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Sports and Entertainment Committee recognizes of the importance of these industries to our commerce and community. The committee plans and promotes the Chamber’s annual golf tournament. This event has the reputation as one of the most exciting and friendly competitions in Southern California. Both golfers and non-golfers are attracted to this committee due to the great opportunity to meet and work on one of the Chamber’s most popular events.
Chair: Todd Anderson, Apollo Interactive
Meetings: As needed