Long Beach Chamber Chair Passes the Torch as New Leader Steps In |
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More than 300 business and community leaders gathered at the Westin Long Beach on Thursday evening as the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 135th anniversary and marked a leadership transition that focused less on looking back and more on what comes next.
During the annual gala, outgoing Chair of the Board Heather Summers reflected on a year centered around advocacy, business support, and organizational growth before formally passing leadership to incoming Chair Chris Reese, Associate Vice President for University Relations at California State University, Long Beach.
While the evening celebrated the Chamber's long history, both leaders delivered a similar message. The future of Long Beach depends on creating opportunities for businesses to grow while ensuring local students can build careers and lives within the city they call home.
Long Beach Chamber Continues Focus on Advocacy and Business Growth
Summers used her final address as chair to highlight the Chamber's role as an advocate and problem solver for businesses throughout Long Beach.
Rather than focusing solely on events and networking opportunities, Summers emphasized the behind the scenes work the Chamber performs to help businesses navigate challenges, connect with decision makers, and find solutions when obstacles arise.
One example involved a local business owner who faced months of delays while attempting to secure a city permit. After reaching out to the Chamber, staff members helped connect the business owner with the appropriate contacts and move conversations forward.
"It is knowing that when a challenge arises, they are not facing it alone," Summers told attendees. "You have a partner and an advocate standing beside you."
Summers also highlighted several accomplishments from the past year, including a Chamber rebranding effort, expanded grassroots advocacy programs, and membership growth. According to Summers, Chamber membership increased from approximately 924 members to more than 1,078 over the past year.
She said the organization remains committed to serving businesses of all sizes, from entrepreneurs launching their first venture to major employers shaping the region's economy.
Long Beach Workforce Development Takes Center Stage
As incoming chair, Chris Reese centered his remarks on workforce development and the need to keep local talent in Long Beach. His theme for the year, "Learn Here, Earn Here, Stay Here, Grow Here," calls for stronger pathways connecting schools, colleges, employers, and community leaders.
Reese pointed to Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach City College, and Cal State Long Beach as critical assets that prepare the city's future workforce. He encouraged businesses to expand internships and create direct routes from classroom to career, noting that every graduate who leaves the region represents talent and investment that benefits another city.
"That's not just workforce development," Reese said. "That's economic development."
This focus aligns with the expanding work of the Long Beach Chamber Foundation, which is increasing its efforts in workforce development, financial literacy, healthcare career pathways, small business support, and technology and accessibility initiatives. The Foundation's programs reflect a broader shift toward solving community challenges and building the conditions that help residents learn, work, and stay in Long Beach.
Be a Part of the Next 135 Years
One of the biggest takeaways from the dinner was that meaningful vision often begins with a simple introduction. It begins by bringing business leaders, business owners, educators, and community advocates into the same room.
From monthly luncheons to mixers, from the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to the International Business Association, you will find people who want to see you succeed. People who remember your name. People who become part of your circle as you build your business over time.
If you are looking to grow your business, expand your network, or become more involved in the Long Beach community, the Chamber offers a place to start.
As a Chamber member myself, I encourage you to take that first step. Fill out the form below and let the Chamber team introduce you to the people, programs, and opportunities available throughout the year.
Let me walk with you. Fill out the form below and let us begin.
c/o Robert Brennan, Chamber Member Sign Up Form: ``` |