An award-winning quarterly publication of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Spring 2011

In this Issue 3 Remembering Mark Bixby 4 Chamber Takes Action on Important Issues 5 LB Water Dept. Reaches 100 Year Milestone

acquisition of several properties, including themajority of the Long Beach/Signal Hill oil field. Itis the firm’s core asset, and includes some 400wells producing more than 1 million barrels ofcrude oil annually. The Long Beach/Signal Hill oilfield has yielded a total of close to 1 billion bar-rels of oil, qualifying it as a “super giant” oil fieldwith significant energy reserves still remaining.

The company also owns retail shopping centers and office buildings in the Long Beach-Signal Hill area. Its operations also include naturalgas wells in Northern California and oil and gasexploration in Texas.

The production equipment, techniques andseismic exploration technology that the companyhas developed in-house have allowed it to safelycontinue its development efforts in, around, andunder Long Beach, which is home to one of themost prolific fields in the country. The companyalso has applied its remediation experience toreturning properties to productive use, either asresidential and commercial developments, or asgreen spaces. The new hilltop homes in SignalHill, the Signal Hill Gateway/Home Depot projectat Atlantic Boulevard and the 405 Freeway, andthe new Fresh & Easy in Signal Hill are examples

of Craig’s and Signal Hill Petroleum’slocal development projects.

Oil production is only one part ofthe Signal Hill Petroleum story. Environ-mental stewardship is another.

In 2006, Signal Hill Petroleumhelped fund the acquisition of part of a

portion of the Los Cerritos wetlands in easternLong Beach. The surface of the property is nowowned and operated by the Los CerritosWetlands Authority, and Signal Hill Petroleumoperates oil wells on the property under a longterm co-habitation agreement.

“The Long Beach/Signal Hill oil field has yielded close to 1 billion barrels of oil, qualifyingit as a super giant oil field.”

Craig Barto: City National’sEntrepreneur of the Year

Signal Hill Petroleum also takes a leadershiprole in supporting the communities where itoperates. Employees volunteer with a numberof local nonprofit organizations, includingPartners in Excellence, which raises funds for theLong Beach Memorial and Miller Children’sHospitals of Long Beach; the Pacific GatewayWorkforce Investment Board; Salvation Army;the Long Beach Police Foundation; and, is a significant contributor to Cal State Long Beach.

Craig Barto will be honored at TheChamber’s “City National Bank Entrepreneur ofthe Year Luncheon” on Thursday, April 28 at theHyatt Regency Long Beach. Additionally, TABC,Inc. has been selected as the Holthouse Carlin &Van Trigt Corporate Citizen of the Year, and the2011 Kingdom Partner Solutions CommunitySpirit Award will recognize Steve Conley ofBancap Investment Group, Inc.

Visit www.lbchamber.com for tickets andother information.

Craig Barto is just ascomfortable driving a port-able drilling rig as he is racingthrough the streets of LongBeach, as he did in theToyota Pro/Celebrity Race.

Craig Barto, the 2011 CityNational Bank Entrepreneur

of the Year, is president of Signal Hill Petroleum,Inc., a crude oil and gas production, and realestate investment and development company.

“For the past 26 years, Craig has guided theongoing development of his family-run company,helping it earn a well-respected reputation inurban oil and gas exploration and production, andenvironmental remediation,” said Don Douth-wright, senior vice president and CommercialBanking Services manager for City National Bankin Long Beach. “We are very proud to recognizehim as our Entrepreneur of the Year.”

In 1979,after study-ing economics at UCLA, hemarried his high school sweet-heart, started a family, andpartnered up with his father inthe real estate business. They had just acquireda vacant property, in Costa Mesa, with idle oilwells on it. They repaired the wells and returnedthem to production and set the stage for thecompany’s future in oil production. He thenexpanded the company’s oil holdings with the

Doing the right thing right requiresdeliberate efforts by leaders to remaintransparent, promote discussion ofethical decision making, lead by exam-ple, and inspire others to adopt theleaders’ ethical standards. These hard-earned results can take very little timeto disappear if not maintained.

The Chamber, in partnership withthe Ukleja Center for Ethical Leader-ship at California State University Long Beach,is proud to present “Leading the Ethical

“Jobs, budget reform and infra-structure improvements are threeimportant focus areas that deservethe Chamber’s attention in 2011.”

“We look forward to another century of leadership, innovationand vision.”

The Long Beach Chamber’s Board ofDirectors recently approved the Chamber’s 2011Strategic Initiatives which serves as a roadmap foraction on the most important issues impacting theLong Beach business community. In 2011, theChamber will focus on job creation and workforcedevelopment, tax and budget reform, and tradeand transportation infrastructure issues.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Com-mittee developed the three initiatives and securedunanimous support from the board of directors.

“Jobs, budget reform and infrastructureimprovements are three important focus areasthat deserve the Chamber’s attention in 2011,”stated LaDonna DiCamillo, Chair of the Chamber’sGovernment Affairs Council. “The Chamber iscommitted to representing the interests of LongBeach businesses at all levels of government.

Our three strategic initiatives help us focus so wecan be effective,” continued DiCamillo.

Each of the 2011 Strategic Initiatives are out-lined below in detail:

Job Creation and WorkforceDevelopment

The Long Beach Chamber will seek solutionsto negate impacts of public policy proposals thatlimit job creation and business retention in theprivate sector. The Chamber will support effortsfor workforce training programs and internshipsthat will allow Long Beach businesses to meetfuture workforce demands. The Chamber also willseek partnerships with future green businessesworking with the Chamber’s Green BusinessCouncil in order to promote and attract new jobsto Long Beach. Finally, the Chamber will pro-actively seek solutions to stimulate the localeconomy by calling for a City of Long BeachEconomic Development Plan.

Tax and Budget ReformThe Long Beach Chamber will proactively seek

reform proposals on state tax and fee policies, theCity of Long Beach’s structural budget deficit andthe current unfunded indebtedness of the publicpension system in California. The Chamber willcontinue to engage the public policy process at alllevels of government to secure comprehensive fiscal reforms, including the reduction of wastefulspending. The Chamber will also continue tocommunicate with and hold accountable arealegislators to secure reasonable budget cuts thatdo not put the Long Beach business community atan economic disadvantage.

Trade and TransportationInfrastructure

The Long Beach Chamber will secure reason-able solutions, at all levels of government, toimprove Long Beach’s aging infrastructure, focus-ing primarily upon the Port of Long Beach, theLong Beach Airport, critical civic transportationneeds (such as city streets and bridges) and LongBeach’s water delivery system. The Chamber willseek job creation opportunities by partnering withand promoting the Port of Long Beach. TheChamber will engage the Long Beach Airport onthe current expansion process at the Douglas Parkproject, parking and the terminal areas in order topromote reasonable and sustainable expansion.

2011 LegislativeStrategy Set toCreate Jobs

Leadership Guru to Promote Ethics at Chamber Seminarbined sales of more than 19 million copies in27 languages. Among many accolades,Blanchard has been honored as one of the top10 leadership professionals in the internationalLeadership Gurus survey for 2007-10.

The Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership willbe presenting Ken Blanchard with its 2011“John Wooden Ethics in Leadership” award atthis event.

For more info contact Samantha Cardenasat (562) 432-7830 or scardenas@lbchamber.comor Jane Roeder at jroeder@csulb.edu.

Organization” on Tuesday, June28, 2011, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00a.m. at the Hyatt Regency LB.

Designed for small-to-mediumsized business owners and theiremployees, this affordable half-dayseminar will feature Ken Blanchard,the Chief Spiritual Officer of The KenBlanchard Companies. He and hisco-authors are considered some of

the best-selling business leadership authors ofour time. Worldwide, their books have com-

The Chamber will celebrateits 120th Inaugural Gala onThursday, June 16, 2011 at theLong Beach Convention Center,Grand Ballroom. This annualblack-tie optional evening is one

of the largest formal dinner gatherings of theyear for the business community.

Receiving the prestigious “Destination:Tomorrow” Award will be the Port of LongBeach, one of the most important economicassets in the City of Long Beach and ourregion. The Port experienced record cargogains in 2010 as business activity at the Port ofLong Beach exceeded all expectations, whilethe nation slowly recovered from one of thegreatest economic downturns. The year-endcargo numbers were a fitting conclusion to

Port Centennial Celebrated at Chamber’s 120th Inauguralthe Port’s first century as it prepares to cele-brate its Centennial anniversary this year.

The cargo increase helped create hundredsof jobs locally and support thousands moredown the supply chain. The Port plans to cre-ate thousands more jobs in the coming decadethrough nearly $4 billion in investments.

our local economy is evident in the amount ofjobs they create. Please join me in wishing ourPort of Long Beach a Happy 100th Birthday andwe look forward to another century of leader-ship, innovation and vision,” he continued.

In addition to the “Destination: Tomorrow”award, this year’s Industry Awards will recog-nize the Port’s international trade partners,including Matson Navigation, Moffatt &Nichol, and the Long Beach City CollegeCenter for International Trade Development.

Outgoing Chair Jim Eaton will be honoredand thanked for his year of service while in-coming Chair Joanne Davis will be installed alongwith the new 2011-2012 officers and directors.

For event information, contact SamanthaCardenas at (562) 432-7830 or register onlineat www.lbchamber.com.

“The Port of Long Beach is our City’s mostimportant economic treasure and we are verypleased to present them with the ‘Destination:Tomorrow’ Award,” said Chamber Presidentand CEO Randy Gordon. “Their commitment to

Ken Blanchard

Chairman’s Message

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

As I reflect back on the third fiscal quarter ofmy tenure as Chair of the Chamber, many high-lights emerge as to the various initiatives we successfully championed in support of our fourkey competencies: Membership Services;Economic Development; Community Develop-ment; and Public Policy. However, I was particu-larly honored and pleased to lead our dedicatedcompensation committee of Joanne Davis,Chair-Elect; Lori Lofstrom, Past Chair; and JerryMiller, Vice Chair of Economic Development, indrafting and awarding a new five-year employ-ment agreement to the Chamber’s distinguishedCEO, Randy Gordon.

This contract, on the heels of Randy’s pastthree-year agreement, ensures that he will notonly lead the Chamber until at least June, 30,2015, but that we can look forward to his con-tinued passion and efforts to support “transfor-mational business leadership designed to fortifyour community” for years to come. We cannotimagine anyone else more deserving than Randydue to both his long list of achievements duringhis nearly 17 years at the helm and his willing-ness to do what it takes to stay one step aheadno matter the circumstances. A snapshot of hismany and present accomplishments are notedin the following paragraphs.

Just like with any business, the Chamber hashad to make necessary cuts and improveprocesses in order to adjust to economic chal-lenges. Today, Randy’s staff is one-third less thanit was in 1994, his first year as CEO, and consistsof only six full-time employees along with two

From an advocacy perspective, the Chamberunder Randy’s leadership has grown immenselythrough a number of initiatives, most notablythe endorsement of elected officials from theschool board, to the city council, to the stateassembly and senate, to even this year for thefirst time, the U.S. Senate. In addition, a fewyears ago the Chamber launched a widelyacclaimed non-partisan Candidates Academy to support, educate, and develop qualified can-didates for elected positions. And of course, the Chamber’s Government Affairs Council con-tinues to hold our elected officials accountableby publishing their voting records as related topositions taken for or against job creation andworkforce development, tax and budgetreform, and trade and transportation infra-structure build.

And the awards to the Chamber have beennumerous during Randy’s tenure including four

by Jim EatonFounder & CEO,

Kingdom PartnerSolutions, LLC

part-timers. Yet, despite less staff, the Chambernow has added a sixth major event, Leading theEthical Organization, to accompany its five oth-ers—State of the Port, State of the County, GolfClassic, Entrepreneur of the Year, and its annualInaugural Gala—all of which have been growingyear over year in both attendance and impor-tance to bringing our local business and com-munity leaders together. In fact, the State of thePort luncheon and the Inaugural Gala haverecently outgrown their venues and will nowjoin the State of the County in the GrandBallroom of the Convention Center!

“We can’t imagine anyone moredeserving than Randy due tohis long list of achievementsand willingness to do what ittakes to stay one step ahead.”

One World Trade Center, Suite 206 Long Beach, CA 90831-0206 n www.lbchamber.com n PH (562) 436-1251 n FAX 436-7099 n www.longbeachadvocacy.biz

Chamber Staff:Randy Gordon . . . . . . (562) 436-6723

President/CEO

Judy Nelson . . . . . . . . (562) 432-8128Vice President, Business Councils

Joel Perler . . . . . . . . . . (562) 590-9234Vice President, Membership

Ajmaa Purevee . . . . . (562) 437-8823Controller

Samantha Cardenas (562) 432-7830Executive Assistant to President/CEO

Shaun Lumachi . . . . . (562) 843-0947Consultant, Public Policy

Jackie Kuhl . . . . . . . . . (562) 843-0951Newsletter Editor

Leanna Rodgers. . . . . . (562) 436-1254Consultant, Trade Missions

Administrative Staff . . . (562) 436-1251Kelly DeSimas . . . . . . . . (562) 436-1253

Administrative Assistant

Siomara Castaneda. . . . . . . . . ext 100Community Information Specialist

Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . Via MediaPrinting . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seaside PrintingAssembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PathPoint

Members wishing to submit articles, pressreleases, or member news items for

upcoming issues of Long Beach Chamberof Commerce’s Your Advocate, pleasefax to (562) 436-7099, attn: Jackie Kuhl,or e-mail jackie.kuhl@gmail.com.

Circulation: Your Advocate is maileddirectly to more than 1500 Long BeachArea Chamber of Commerce members,elected officials and community leaders.

Our Mission The Chamber is the plat-form for business to provide leadership,education, and advocacy so that the LongBeach area thrives in the 21st century.

Our Vision The Chamber will be theacknowledged leader in creating com-munity consensus to support local,regional, and international business.

Our Core Competencies

n Economic Development:Creating a Strong Local Economy

n Public Policy: Representing theInterest of Business with Government

n Community Development:Promoting the Community

n Membership Services: ProvidingNetworking Opportunities

California Chamber of Commerce’s

“Advocacy Partner of the Year”

for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

“Political Partner of the Year” for 2008

“President’s Award”for 2009, 2010

Board of DirectorsLeadership CabinetChairman of the BoardJim EatonFounder & CEO, Kingdom Partner Solutions, LLC

Chair-ElectJoanne DavisPresident, Davis Group

Immediate Past ChairmanLori LofstromManaging Shareholder, Holmes Lofstrom, PC

Chief Financial OfficerPei Pei WangPartner, Windes & McClaughry Accountancy Corp.

Vice Chair of Economic DevelopmentJerry MillerManaging Partner, IMC Municipal Consulting

Vice Chair of Community DevelopmentJan MaizeVice President, The Maize Tuebner MaizeGroup/Smith Barney

Vice Chair of MembershipJohn HowardOwner/Operator, Chick-Fill-A

Vice Chair of Public PolicyLaDonna DiCamilloDirector of Government Affairs, BNSF Railway

At LargeAudrianne Adams-LeePresident, HR Network, Inc.

At LargeMark DeVossDirector of Supplier & Material Management, The Boeing Company

Legal CounselRobert StemlerPartner, Keesal, Young & Logan LLP

President & CEORandy GordonLong Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

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Cindy AllenETA Advertising

Kristi AllenEnsemble HotelPartners – Hotel Maya

Brian ArthurTurner ConstructionCompany

Mike BafanTABC, Inc./Toyota

Tom BergJetBlue Airways

Bill BettisonEnterprise Rent A Car

Becky BlairBlair Commercial RealEstate

Martin BurkeDENSO Sales CA, Inc.

Greg BurnightNewell, Curtis, Nelson& Burnight LLP

David CameronCity National Bank

Blake ChristianHolthouse, Carlin &Van Trigt LLP

Ivonna EdkinsDeVry University

Steve FaichneyValero

Robert GareyCushman & Wakefieldof CA, Inc.

Ed GiuglianoAES Alamitos LLC

Tom GoodMatson Navigation

Simon GrieveGazette Newspapers

Diana HendelLong Beach MemorialMedical Center/Miller Children’sHospital

Ed HerroFarmers & MerchantsBank

Ken HoupUHS Insurance Agency

Ed JunoParamount Petroleum

Frank KominOXY Long Beach, Inc.

Marty Kurner Interior Office Solutions

Larry LabradoSouthern CaliforniaEdison

Chris LytlePort of Long Beach

Sandra MagañaCharterCommunications

Mike McCarthyMoffatt & Nichol

Walter NeilBP America

Eloy OakleyLong Beach CityCollege

Josh OwenAbility/Tri-ModalTransportation Services

Kristie PabstPabst, Kinney &Associates

Andy PerezUnion Pacific Railroad

Kent PetersonP2S Engineering

William PhillipsComerica Bank

Aaron RiosWal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Debra RussellSignal Hill Petroleum

Bill ShumardSpecial OlympicsSouthern California

Michael SoltCSULB-College ofBusinessAdministration

DavidThornburgSA Recycling

John WagnerSt. Mary MedicalCenter

NickWorthingtonCal Worthington Ford

YOUR ADVOCATE

“Thank you to the LongBeach Chamber for anoth-er wonderful trip overseas.The waterfront hotel was fabulous,the food scrumptious and the tourswere the best from all the stops inSpain—Granada, Malaga, Mihasand Seville to Gibraltar and Tangier,Morocco. The guides and the com-fortable buses were also wonder-ful. I look forward to more excitingtrips with the Chamber.”

–Joann Klonowski Spain Trade MissionParticipant

“The Chamber’s newwebsite is great. Theyaccomplished their goal of mak-ing it user friendly and easy tonavigate. Many websites try to fittoo many things in, but theChamber’s website has a sharp,clean look making it easy for meto quickly find the informationthat I need. I appreciate the timeand effort the Chamber put intoproviding an effective resource forLong Beach businesses.”

–Matthew Veeh Long Beach Water Dept.

Members Reveal Positive Returns on Their Investment

“I attended the Chamber Mixerat the Hotel Current and I was sopleased to be introduced to otherlocal businesses. I made severalimportant connections that helpedus with one of our own events.As someone relatively new to thebusiness community in Long Beach,the Chamber mixers pro-vide me with an impor-tant opportunity to makenew friends and deepenmy existing relationships.Thank you!”

–Lauren MorrisLong Beach Playhouse

“Congratulations on aspectacular State of thePort event! The success of theevent is a testament to DickSteinke, the Port of Long Beach,and the Long Beach Chamber. I was amazed to see more than700 people in attendance and I had the opportunity to sit withsome of Long Beach’s finest fire-fighters. We all enjoyed hearingMr. Steinke’s presentation on thePort’s past, present and future.”

–James F. Bunnell Total Network Solutions

consecutive years as the winner of theCalifornia Chamber’s Advocacy Partner of theYear, the California Chamber’s Political Partnerof the Year, and this newsletter, Your Advocate,winning first place three out of the last fouryears as the best newsletter in the WesternAssociation of Chamber of CommerceAssociation consisting of over 800 members in13 states. Randy too has also and appropriatelybeen recognized having received the CaliforniaChamber’s Presidents Award on three occasions.

Randy has also created or supported manynew and valuable opportunities for Chambermembers such as the Disney Institute, discounttravel programs, and the CA Visionaries/National Leaders Luncheon Series and is beingincented in his new agreement to “keep themcoming” to ensure the ongoing dynamic andrelevant benefits to Chamber membership.Personally, he is also evaluated perpetually onhis ability to build constructive relationshipswith key city, county, state, and federal officialsto strengthen the Chamber’s collaborative posi-tion with these levels of government.

To conclude, it is truly my pleasure to honora man with so many notable accomplishments,but also so dedicated to helping raise muchneeded funds for many non-profit organiza-tions throughout our community. Through hisauctioneering prowess and participation onabout a dozen non-profit boards, including thenew Ronald McDonald House, where herecently helped raise $6 million to build a newhouse on the campus of Long Beach MemorialMedical Center, Randy continues to set the barhigh for all of us to see and hopefully join himin such efforts.

Randy, I thank you for a job very well doneand look forward to many more productiveaccomplishments by you and the Chamber overthe next five years.

walk, the children’s play equipment, thecanopy, to bronze plaques at the entrance. Thepark could have easily been called “Mark’s Park.”

Today, Mark’s vision continues as Rotariansspend a few hours one Saturday a monthcleaning and looking after the park.

I also had the great opportunity to get toknow Mark through our club’s CampEnterprise Program. Theprogram takes about 50high school juniors tothe YMCA Camp Oakesnear Big Bear each yearto teach them aboutfree enterprise, how towrite a business plan,select a name for theirnew company, electofficers, write or act outcommercials and learnthe value of teamwork.Mark’s youthful enthusi-asm, his contagiousenergy, his quick witand that wonderfulsmile of his, enabledhim to empower theprogram’s young peopleto be their very best.

YMCA

Mark began his involvement with theYMCA as a camper at Camp Fox while in ele-mentary school. As an adult he was a memberof the Los Altos Family YMCA and a boardmember with Camp Oaks. Each year, Markand his wife and children would join others forthe annual Camp Oakes winter camp. Hedeveloped a love for the camp, and soonjoined the Board of Managers where he servedin a variety of capacities including Chairman.He spearheaded several building projects at thecamp and was largely responsible for the con-struction of Bose Lodge, the Dining Hall Annex,the Clair Johnson Campfire and the sand volley-ball courts, and was instrumental in the negoti-ation of several important contracts betweenthe camp and county and city officials.

and vigor for life were part of that Mark Bixbycharm that so many enjoyed, but it was yourcommitment to this community, your alle-giance to friends and your incredible love offamily that will continue to be an inspiration tous all…we honor you Mark, not only for theextraordinary man that you were, but for thelasting impression you made on the world

around you. Your lifewas short, but made animmeasurable differ-ence. Thank you for giv-ing us so much of your-self and for making uslaugh and smile alongwith you as you did. Andthank you for remindingus that it is not how aman dies that is impor-tant, but rather how aman lives.”

Leadership Long Beach

Mark was in the veryfirst Executive Quick Startclass in 1995 and thengraduated from the fullLeadership Institute in1996. He served theorganization in numer-

ous ways over the last 15 years from being onthe board of directors, executive board, retreatteams, curriculum team, chairing alumni com-mittee events and was also a class presenter overmultiple years. In an email from Jeff Williams,Interim Executive Director and Tom Farrand,

Mark Llewellyn BixbyJune 26, 1966 - March 16, 2011

“He was truly dedicated to serving his community and our youth.”

– Jason Hagensick,President/CEO, YMCA of Greater LB

“Mark was a kind, generous,caring and thoughtful manand will be greatly missed byall of us.”

– Mayor Bob Foster,City of Long Beach

“Every day and in countless ways,Mark reminded us of why it isthat we love our community.”

–Alex Cherin,President, Children Today

“We honor you Mark, not onlyfor the extraordinary man thatyou were, but for the lastingimpression you made on theworld around you.”

– Kraig Kojian,President/CEO, DLBA

Remembering Mark Bixby

Honoring a Community Hero

3

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 will go downin the history of Long Beach as one of ourcity’s saddest days. That day a private twin-engine passenger plane carrying six menheaded for a skiing trip in Utah from LongBeach Airport took off and crashed during anemergency landing attempt. Five of the sixpassengers perished.

They were business entrepreneurs andpartners in LCW Partners, LLC, Thomas FayDean, 50, and Jeffrey Albert Berger, 49; BruceMichael Krall, 51 of Cohen Financial in Irvine;Kenneth Earl Cruz, 43 who was the pilot; andMark Llewellyn Bixby, 44, of Pacific RetailPartners. A good friend of mine and fellowRotarian and Chamber member Mike Jensenof Pacific Retail Partners survived and as ofpress time was recovering from seriousinjuries. Many of us have his wife Diane andhis family in our prayers.

———I met Mark Bixby when I first arrived in

Long Beach as the President/CEO of the LongBeach Chamber in 1994. He was a very brightyoung 27 year old who was working at thetime for the Bixby Land Company in LongBeach. I still remember him coming into myoffice to interview me about a LeadershipLong Beach project. I knew immediately thatthe Duke University graduate was going tomake a difference in our city. However, at thetime, I had no idea he would make the enor-mous impact that he did—nor the difference

Councilmember Gary DeLong had this tosay: “Mark Bixby was a terrific leader. Markwas President of the Long Beach Rotary Cluba few years ago and as a fellow member, itwas a privilege to be led by someone whodemonstrated such charismatic leadership. Hewas one of the most creative individuals I haveknown and an outstanding photographer.”

Vice Mayor Dr. Suja Lowenthal expressedthese words about Mark: “I had been workingwith Mark Bixby to ensure bicycle and pedes-trian access to the new Gerald DesmondBridge. Among the many ideas to improve ourcommunity, I know this was very important tohim, so I will work tirelessly toward the fulfill-ment of his vision as a fitting legacy for a per-son so committed to advocating for cyclists.”

he would make in my life. I got to know himmuch better over the years through Rotarywhere we both were past presidents andserved on the board together. I also got toknow him through Leadership Long Beachwhere we graduated one year apart, and theDowntown Long Beach Associates and theYMCA where we were both on their boards ofdirectors together.

Mark was a wonderful human being andextraordinary man whose vigor for life, incred-ible love of his family, allegiance to his friends,contagious energy, and gentle spirit made sucha lasting impression on the city that he loveddearly. The outpouring of sympathy and con-dolences from members of the greater LongBeach community, local organizations andthose that knew Mark personally has beenvoluminous. I thought I would share just a fewof the organizations Mark was active in andhow those leaders felt about him.

Rotary Club of Long Beach

Mark was President of the 330-memberRotary Club of Long Beach in 2003-04. DuringMark’s year as president our club raised over$150,000 and worked closely with the City’sParks and Recreation to build a new parkcalled Rotary Centennial Park on Pacific CoastHighway near Junipero. To say Mark wasinvolved in the vision and development of thishuge project to celebrate the 100th anniver-sary of Rotary International would be anunderstatement. He was the architect, projectmanager and chief fundraiser for the newpark. I remembered being amazed at his atten-tion to detail—from the sundial, to the planet

board President they expressed the following:“Mark and his family truly exemplified com-munity trusteeship and he was a model ofcommunity leadership. In speaking to severalof Mark’s 1996 classmates, Rich Archibald,Pam Spoo and Jane Roeder, all them commented that the work Mark did in thecommunity was extraordinary, but foremosthe was a devoted husband and terrific fatherand always prioritized family first. Pam Spoosaid, “I don’t use the terms remarkable orexemplary very often, but Mark truly wasthose things.“

City of Long Beach

Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster said: “MarkBixby was one of the most tireless communityleaders I knew. He was always working to getyoung people more involved in sports, as wellas being a passionate advocate for the LongBeach cycling community. His contributions tothe Long Beach youth and to the City are felteverywhere. Mark was a kind, generous, car-ing and thoughtful man and will be greatlymissed by all of us.”

City Manager Pat West shared his thoughtsabout Mark: “Mark Bixby will be rememberedby this community and City Hall for so muchmore than just his bicycle and mobility advoca-cy. Mark also worked with our city to developretail centers, Douglas Park, and Cal State LongBeach Technology Park with his company PacificRetail Partners. He also worked with our down-town leaders to create special events such as theBike Tour…Mark will be sorely missed.”

Councilmember Dr. Robert Garcia said: “I knew Mark Bixby well. He was a good friend,advisor, supporter and all around great guy.Mark and I were in constant communication,usually about his plans to make Long BeachAmerica’s Most Bike Friendly City. He was anavid cyclist, and the leading city voice on bikepolicy, advocacy and community engagement.The progress we have made on bike infrastruc-ture and bike policy would not have been pos-sible without Mark’s leadership.”

Children Today

Alex Cherin, President of Children Today,talked about Mark in a recent email: “Every dayand in countless ways, Mark reminded us ofwhy it is that we love our community. Theexample he set as a community leader, however,is second only to the example he set as a hus-band and father. Mark had both a perspectiveand sense of priority in life that would makeany of us envious…and it is precisely thosequalities that he brought to Children Today,qualities that will be missed and from a manwho we will miss even more.” Mark’s wife,Theresa, was the co-founder of Children Today.She and Mark have given their love, energy,time and resources over the years to this organ-ization that assists homeless children.

———Someone once said that it’s important to

add value to your life, to add so much thatwhen you have left this world everyone wouldknow that something very important wouldbe missing. Many business owners, non-profitorganizations, city officials and employees andresidents alike are well aware that somethingvery important is missing, a remarkable youngman who contributed so much.

A hero would never label himself or herselfas such. We all know Mark was a hero, hemight say he was doing what he was put hereto do, and did he ever. Let’s count our bless-ings that we knew this hero.

Mark is survived by his wife Theresa andthree children, Ryan, Kirra, and Jessica; hismother Betsey Steen; stepfather Denny Steen;two brothers, Grant and Brett; three aunts,Jean Bixby Smith, Barbara Bixby Blackwell,Barbara Zeckhausen; and an uncle, ReverendBill Zeckhausen.

– Randy Gordon,President & CEO, Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Accordingly to Jason Hagensick, President/CEO of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach,“…along with Mark’s passion for his family,and camp, he also had a passion for seeingyouth develop skills that would help them suc-ceed in life…he was truly dedicated to servinghis community and our youth.”

Downtown Long BeachAssociates

Mark was a board member of the DLBAand was very dedicated to his vision for theLong Beach Bicycle Festival and Tour of LongBeach which will raise hundreds of thousandsof dollars for the patients of Miller Children’sHospital in the coming years. His leadershipand can-do attitude and his excitement andenthusiasm along with an unrivaled ability torally support for a cause helped bring thisevent to fruition.

In a recent open letter to Mark, KraigKojian, President/CEO of the DLBA said:“There are few people in this world that carrywith them such passion and dedication to thethings they hold dear. Your contagious energy

4

Signature Events

(L to R): Sue Schmitt, Editor/GM of the Press-Telegram addressedattendees at a Good Afternoon Long Beach luncheon. Patricia Kotzeand Brian McDonald from Diversified Risk Management engagedChamber members during Good Morning Long Beach.

Author and journalist Harry Saltzgaver and former Long BeachMayor Beverly O’Neill were featured at a Good Afternoon LongBeach luncheon discussing “Passionately Positive: The BeverlyO’Neill Story” that Saltzgaver penned about the former mayor.

(L to R): Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal; South Korean Ambassador tothe U.S. Han Duk-soo; SA Recycling President George Adams;Pancho Rojas from SA Recycling; Port of LA’s Exec. Dir. GeraldineKnatz; LA Chamber President/CEO Gary Toebben, Long BeachChamber President/CEO Randy Gordon; Professor KY Chueon Kim,Ph.D.; and the U.S. Chamber’s Leslie Schweitzer (podium) at a pressconference to promote the South Korea Free Trade Agreement.

Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert addressed Good After-noon Long Beach luncheon attendees at Parkers’ Lighthouse.

Chamber Takes Action on Important IssuesEvery year, the Chamber reviews and takes positions on

issues that might impact our local economy. We communicatethose positions with our elected officials asking them to considerthe impact to our business community before taking a positionof their own on each issue.

Below is a list of several proposed laws being tracked by the Chamber:

AB 135 (Hagman – R) State Air ResourcesBoard: Small Business Owner MemberLong Beach Chamber Position: SUPPORT

The California Environmental Protection Agency and theState Air Resources Board is responsible for control of emis-sions from motor vehicles and is designated the air pollutioncontrol agency for all purposes set forth in federal law. AB 135would require one appointed member of the state board to bea current owner of a small business, who has worked for,owned, or worked for and owned, that small business for atleast 10 years. The change would last until January 1, 2017.

It is essential for small business owners to be represented onthe Air Resources Board because the regulations the boardimpose directly affect small businesss costs and day to daypractices. If we are serious about the impact of regulations onjobs, why not include someone who has created jobs.

AB 153 (Skinner – D) Internet Sales TaxLong Beach Chamber Position: OPPOSE

AB 153 would require online-only out-of-state retailers tocollect state sales taxes for purchases sold in California. AB 153would redefine a retailer engaged in business in this state as (1)any retailer entering into agreements for a commission or otherconsideration, (2) who directly or indirectly refers potential pur-chasers, whether by an internet-based link or an internet web-site, or otherwise, to the retailer, and (3) provided the totalcumulative sales price from all sales by the retailer to pur-

Climb Cal Heights, Ski Bixby Knollswould a business association create a walking club?” The sim-ple answer was to bring people together week after week to lit-erally walk them by all of the retail and service businesses toreintroduce residents to their very own business corridors. Whythe BK Supper Club? Simple: To bring people together and fillup a restaurant on a Monday night that would otherwise beslow. Some restaurants report back a 100% to 300% increaseon Supper Club nights compared to other nights. Our “MemberMixers” (which had become stiff and not well attended)became “Community Happy Hours” and now include guestspeakers and bring the local residents and the business commu-

nity together month after month. We have put a lot of energy into our monthly First

Fridays Art Walk that uses the arts and entertainmentas a catalyst to showcase the businesses. Attend oneof our “themed” community parties and you’ll seeour business owners eating or dancing alongside

potential customers from the neighborhood or fromacross town. Bixby Knolls also has its own superhero, the

Knolls Ranger. Know about our Duke & Duchess, photo con-tests, poetry box, Clean-Team Wagon, “feature” banners, win-dow posters, blade signs, façade improvements, car show, andevents at the Expo building?

“I wanted to try some obvious yet less-than conventional ways to drawattention to Bixby Knolls.”

Sounds like a funky, oddball, crazy, retro slogan for a t-shirt?Well, it is. Heard of the Bixby Mining Company? Or the BixbyKnolls Glee Club? Or how about the Hats & Gloves Party ofApril 12, 1952? How about the Bixby Knolls PrepAcademy or Athletic Department? These slogans arejust a few of the many new merchandise linesintended to promote and market the Bixby Knollsbusiness district and adjacent neighborhoods to thelocal community and others city-wide.

For the last three years the Bixby Knolls BusinessImprovement Association (BKBIA) has tried some inno-vative events, programs, and projects to bring new life tothe district and put Bixby Knolls back on the radar, not only ofcity hall but with the residents of the community at large.Monthly programs or annual events were created to “reintro-duce and reconnect” the neighborhood to the business corri-dors. With a bad economy and all the doom and gloom in thenews (and especially the current threat to dismantleRedevelopment), it was the right time to try some new thingsand take some risks to make the district more active, vibrant,and connected. We have to do more with less.

After so many years of the “way we’ve always done it,” withlittle returns to the businesses or corridors, I wanted to startclean with a blank canvas and try some obvious yet less-than-conventional ways to draw attention to Bixby Knolls. Timeshave changed and sped up with digital and social media and weneeded to be a part of that.

Our new monthly events and programs are all designed tocreate and maintain a new momentum. Heard of the BixbyKnolls Strollers or BK Literary Society? I’ve been asked “Why

by Blair CohnBixby Knolls

Business Improvement Association

We pull all of our strengths and assets together and collab-orate with business owners, council offices, city agencies anddepartments, homeowner associations, LBPD, and other “co-conspirators” to make Bixby Knolls healthy, attractive, and safe.We definitely are not afraid to jump off a few cliffs and try newthings that might be outrageous or cause a few eyebrows to beraised but it’s all worth the effort. And so far we like what wesee and hear. If we can’t jump we’ll at least attempt to climb orski until we reach success.

Peru: The Educators TourJuly 11-19, 2011

$2,499 per person

Eastern EuropeBudapest – Vienna – Prague

October 10-17, 2011$2,399 per person

Join the Chamber Trade Missions to:For tour itineraries and more information, contact Leanna Rodgers, Trade Development Consultant travel@lbchamber.com • (562) 436-1254

Act Fast! – Registration Deadline is 90 days prior to departure date

Sydney DiscoveryAugust 22-31, 2011$2,699 per person

chasers in this state that are referred pursuant to these agree-ments is in excess of $10,000 within the preceding 12 months.

The Chamber opposed similar legislation last year that waseventually vetoed by the Governor. The Chamber is concernedthat retailers will cut contracts with online advertisers inCalifornia ultimately eliminating an important source of rev-enue, which income tax is paid on, for many online entrepre-neurs and other California-based organizations.

AB 318 (Skinner – D) Corporation TaxesReporting Requirements Long Beach Chamber Position: OPPOSE

AB 318 would require that after January 1, 2011 theFranchise Tax Board must compile information on any tax credits reported by a company who is publically traded, and byJune 30, 2013 and each year thereafter, the information mustbe published on a state website.

AB 318 unfairly targets public companies by taking advan-tage of current law to exploit companies by placing additionalreporting mandates and burdens upon them.

SB 378 (Dutton – R) Flexible Work WeekLong Beach Chamber Position: SUPPORT

SB 378 would allow employers (optional for those with 5 orfewer employees) to establish an alternative workweek schedulethat allows an employee to work up to 10 hours a day, 40hours a week. Currently, employees must approve by a secretballot election of at least 2/3 of the affected employees in areadily identifiable work unit is required for adoption of analternative workweek schedule.

As the law stands today, individual employees do not havethe right to seek and arrange individual flexible schedules withtheir employers. SB 378 will provide individual workers muchneeded flexibility to permit four-day workweeks for workersdesiring to find a balance between work and personal lives.

(L to R): Chamber Chair Jim Eaton, Randy Gordon, DLBA PresidentKraig Kojian (podium), former Long Beach 9th District CouncilMember Val Lerch, Signal Hill City Council Member Larry Foresterand Paramount City Council Member Gene Daniels rally supportfor redevelopment.

The Community that Shops Together…The concept for the project postulated that real transforma-

tion would need to come from within. Change could not beachieved solely through financial or political incentives. Rather,it would require the education, mobilization and empowermentof the community itself. Only then would the plan have the nec-essary buy-in and the community feel the requisite sense ofownership needed to advance a self-sustaining strategy.

The 200+ participating community members then participat-ed in identifying the “how” steps needed to realize their vision.

The plan’s final imple-mentation matrix pro-posed 32 actions neededto improve the retail cli-mate. Items range from

public policy changes to private sector activities. Accountabilityteams were self-selected by the steering committee through anopen process where organizational representatives confirmedthe technical team’s assignments of duty, and responsibility forthese items now resides with the most closely related organiza-tions or industries.

In terms of evaluating the tangible results of the process,there are encouraging signs. With a renewed sense of stabilityand predictability conferred by the public process, Downtown iscurrently enjoying a resurgence of retail investment. More than100,000 sq. ft. of retail space in the Downtown—roughly 8%of the total inventory—has moved from the vacant to the occu-pied columns over the last year. Rather than the public sector, pri-vate actors are now taking a coordinated lead role and are shep-herding economically sustainable leasing activity.

Just as important is the paradigm-changing effect of havingmost of the actors involved in the retail sphere now working inalignment with one another—all with the same playbook(implementation matrix), goal (vision statement) and direction(positioning) in mind. Retail aspirations are now more in linewith market reality, and Downtown Long Beach is on its waytoward retail revitalization.

“Downtown Long Beach is on its waytoward retail revitalization.”

To affect a sustainable, perpetuating economic growth scenariothat resulted in the successful recruitment of retail tenants, theDowntown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) sought out to estab-lish an innovative model for retail planning. Few, if any, publicretail planning processes had ever been attempted. During thiscommunity-driven process held a year ago, all of Downtown’sstakeholders, educated in the basics of retail, worked together tofashion a realistic yet inspiring vision for how Downtown couldbe competitively positioned in the regional retail marketplace.

On June 27, 1911, the people of Long Beach voted topass a bond for the purpose of purchasing two privatelyowned water systems. Three days later, the LongBeach City Council passed an emergency ordi-nance creating the Long Beach WaterDepartment. Since that day, nearly 100 years ago, our city’sWater Department has provided Long Beach residents and busi-nesses with a reliable, high-quality water supply that continues to becost-effective and affordable.

Over the years, the Long Beach Water Department has earnedthe reputation of being one of our country’s premier urban retailwater supply agencies. It oversees a vast municipal network ofwater and sewer infrastructure, consisting of approximately 1,700miles of pipelines and 90,000 customer service connections.

Since 1931, the Long Beach Water Department has been gov-erned by an independent Board of five Water Commissioners, eachappointed to a five year term by the Mayor. The City Charterentrusts the Board with significant responsibility and authority.Board members establish the Water Department’s missions andgoals, and adopt policies and strategies to meet those ends. TheBoard submits an annual budget to the City Council, sets annualwater and sewer rates and hires the General Manager. Since its cre-ation, sixty Long Beach citizens have served on the Board.

Over the past twenty years, the Water Department has engagedin an aggressive infrastructure rehabilitation program aimed atreplacing the city’s aging cast iron water mains, many of which aremore than 70 years old. The department has invested upwards of$100 million toward this program during the last two decades. Theresults of this pro-active program have been very apparent. As aresult of this program, the number of annual main breaks hasdropped dramatically from 100 to its current level of approxi-mately 30 breaks per year.

When the state of California entered a multi-year drought in 2007,the Water Department and its Board of Water Commissioners hadthe foresight to implement citywide mandatory water use restric-

“The city’s per capita water use has droppedby over 20% in the last few years.”

To assist in the facilitation of the planning process, the DLBAengaged specialists in retail planning, physical planning, and publicparticipation. The technical team included MJB Consulting andKlingStubbins. The DLBA also assembled a project steering commit-tee consisting of individuals with influence in the areas of economicdevelopment and tenant recruitment, including commercial brokersand property owners, city officials and residents. This compositionwas rooted in the belief that successful implementation requirescomplementary areas of expertise and shared accountability.

The team then devised a public process that would sincerelyengage the citizenry, and was intended to provide participantswith a chance to give meaningful input and help shape a sharedvision, strategy, and action plan. The process needed to be openand inclusive, educational, empowering, transparent, andresponsive. These characteristics were considered integral toensure the process had both credibility and durability.

5

Representing the Interest of Business with Government

by Kristopher LarsonVice President,

Downtown Long Beach Associates

2011 State of thePort Luncheon

Chamber Chair Jim Eaton (far left), and IBA President DavidThornburg (far right) present a check to the InternationalSeafarer’s Center. Accepting are Pat Pettit, Merry Jo Dickey (cen-ter) and Chair of the ISC William Collier, of Keesal Young & Logan.

The Port’s Executive Director Dick Steinke presents the 4th AnnualState of the Port Address, sponsored by Moffatt & Nichol and hosted by the International Business Association and the Chamber.

(L to R) Moffatt & Nichol’s Mike McCarthy presents sponsorremarks and Jim Eaton welcomes attendees to the event onbehalf of the Chamber.

More than 700 community leaders and elected officials attended theannual luncheon at Hyatt Regency Long Beach.

(L to R) Dr. Mike Walter, Skip Keesal of Keesal, Young & Logan,Arline Walter, along with Jason Hagensick, President/CEO of theYMCA of Greater Long Beach.

Photos by Ambrose Martin

(L to R) Dick Steinke, Harbor Commissioner Mario Cordero, ViceMayor Suja Lowenthal, Harbor Commission President Nick Sramekand Harbor Commissioner Dr. Mike Walter.

tions in order to mitigate the impact of an expected watersupply shortage. Long Beach was the first city in southern

California to prohibit certain uses of water. As a resultof an outstanding, sustained customer response,

the city’s per capita water use has dropped byover 20 percent in the last few years, complying

with the California Legislature’s mandate to cut urban water useby 20 percent a full ten years ahead of the 2020 deadline.

From a business perspective, it is critical that our city continuesto have access to a reliable water supply. A city with guaranteedwater supplies can attract and retain businesses that other citieswithout a dependable supply may not be able to. If businesses inour city that use a steady supply of water in their operations wereunable to depend upon this supply, you can bet that they wouldfind other areas to relocate to.

Fortunately, the City of Long Beach has one of the lowest ratesof citywide per capita water use in all of California. At the end ofJanuary, the average Long Beach resident was using slightly morethan 101 gallons per day. Last summer, the governing Board for thenations largest water wholesaler, the Metropolitan Water District ofSouthern California (MWD), voted to guarantee the water supplyof any MWD member agency (which includes Long Beach) thatreduces the per capita water use in its service area to 100 gallonsor less. That means the City of Long Beach is only one gallon awayfrom assuring itself a water supply that is 100 percent reliable.

The Water Department currently offers multiple rebate incen-tive programs for both businesses and residents in order to pro-mote continued water conservation. Long Beach businesses canseek out innovative ways to maximize the water efficiency of theiroperations in order to help the city achieve and maintain theincredible asset of complete water reliability.

LB Water Dept. Reaches 100 Year Milestone

Nonprofit Event Master CalendarWe are pleased to feature a calendar listing major fundraising events for our nonprofit mem-bers in the greater Long Beach area. If you would like to promote a nonprofit event and alsohelp to prevent scheduling conflicts, contact Jackie Kuhl at jackie.kuhl@gmail.com.

APRIL

9 Catalina Conservancy Ball(562) 437-8555 ext 231

11 Long Beach Grand Prix Foundation CharityGolf Tournament (562) 490-4509

15 Long Beach Grand Prix Foundation Ball (562) 490-4509

22 YMCA – Annual Good Friday Breakfast(562) 279-1700

28 The Chamber’s City National BankEntrepreneur of the Year Luncheon(562) 432-7830

28 Leadership Long Beach – 16th Annual Putt Putt on Pine Golf Tournament(562) 997-9194

30 Jewish Community Center Gala (562) 426-7601

MAY

1 American Diabetes Association “Tour deCure” Ship to Shore (323) 966-2890 x7473

2 Miller Children’s Hospital – Champions ClubSpring Golf Classic (562) 933-1676

7 Rancho Los Amigos Foundation – 25thAnnual Amistad Gala (562) 401-7053

13 The Chamber’s World Trade Week Luncheon(562) 432-8128

14 Long Beach State Athletics – Jewels of theNight (562) 985-4662

19 CCEJ – 48th Annual Humanitarian AwardsDinner (562) 435-8184

21 Long Beach Day Nursery – Tea for TotsLuncheon (562) 591-0509

21 Long Beach Symphony POPS!(562) 436-3203

22 Long Beach Museum of Art – Art Auction 14(562) 439-2119

JUNE

3 Community Hospital of Long Beach – 29th Annual Community Golf Classic(562) 494-0835

4 Long Beach Basket Brigade – Texas Hold em Tournament (562) 900-3574

11 Children Today – 3rd Annual 5K/10K Run-Walk (562) 432-1224

11 Aquarium of the Pacific – Aquarium After Dark (562) 951-1606

11 Jonathan Jacques Children’s Cancer Center –“Profiles in Courage” Dinner, Dance &Auction (562) 933-8600

11- Special Olympics Southern California– 12 Summer Games at CSULB (562) 354-260616 The Chamber’s 120th Inaugural Gala

(562) 436-281018 American Cancer Society – Long Beach Gala

(562) 437-0791

26 Long Beach Public Library Foundation –“Grape Expectations” (562) 628-2441

28 The Chamber’s “Leading the EthicalOrganization” Seminar (562) 432-7830

JULY

11 6th Annual Long Beach Mayor’s TrophyCharity Golf Tournament (562) 431-5962

31 Taste of the Coast – benefiting ChildrenToday, LB Day Nursery and more!(562) 434-1542

AUGUST

6 Musical Theatre West’s Broadway in the Park (562) 856-1999

20 Long Beach Grand Cru – 17th AnnualPublic Tasting (213) 640-3894

SEPTEMBER

22 The Chamber’s Annual Golf Classic(562) 436-1251

24 International City Theatre (ICT) –ENCORE Annual Benefit Gala(562) 495-4595

OCTOBER

6 Greater Long Beach Leadership PrayerBreakfast (562) 591-1291

8 Food Finders – Autumn Harvest Ball(562) 598-3003

9 Long Beach International City BankMarathon www.runlongbeach.com

15 Aquarium of the Pacific – 8th AnnualSEA FARE (562) 951-1606

20 CCEJ – 47th Annual Dinner and GeneLentzner Human Relations AwardCelebration (562) 435-8184

22 Community Hospital of Long BeachFoundation – Condit Spirit Awards Gala(562) 494-0567

24 Kiwanis Club “Karing for Kids” GolfKlassic (562) 495-3193

NOVEMBER

5 St. Mary Medical Center Foundation –31st Annual Dinner & Auction(562) 491-9000

17 Children Today – 14th Annual HolidayCheer (562) 432-1224

JANUARY 2012

19 The Chamber’s State of the Port (562) 432-8128

FEBRUARY

11 4th Annual Miller Children’s HospitalGala – “Dancing for Our Stars”(562) 933-1671

MediaNotes &QuotesLong Beach Business JournalRandy Gordon, president/CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, said the[South Korea free trade] agreement would help level out unevenness in bilateral trade deficiencies from year to year. But the biggest boost from eliminating tariffs would beadded jobs, which are much needed in California. “It’s all about jobs, jobs, jobs,” he said.“This would really help small business owners who want to do exports or imports to Korea for their business.”

“South Korea Free Trade Agreement: Boost To Local Exporters”

Long Beach Business Journal, February 1-14, 2011

LBPOST.com“We are frustrated and concerned that Sacramento is ignoring the voters will and are poised to eliminate redevelopment,” said Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Board ChairJim Eaton. “Last November, just four short months ago, 61 percent of California votersvoted ‘yes’ on Proposition 22. Prop. 22 was put on the ballot because of too many years ofSacramento politicians taking local government money to solve the state budget mess.”

“Long Beach Redevelopment Supporters Rally Public to Send State a Message”

LBPOST.com, March 7, 2011

Los Angeles Business Journal LABJ: You mentioned you like to be the auctioneer at charity events. Gordon: “Godgave me a great voice and the gift of gab, so I used those talents and found that I reallyenjoyed getting people to open up their pocketbooks for a good cause.”

“Randy Gordon: By the Horns” An interview with Long Beach Chamber CEO Randy Gordon

Los Angeles Business Journal, December 13, 2010

Press-Telegram Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy Gordon said budg-eting within one’s means is a priority but cutting programs such as redevelopment agenciesand enterprise zones is the wrong approach. “The facts are clear: Redevelopment agenciesprovide the needed investment to spark local economic revitalization, development andjob growth,” he said. “Our enterprise zones provide the needed relief for many businessesso they can create and retain jobs.”

“City redevelopment agencies face end?” Press-Telegram, January 5, 2011

McDonnell’s approach to staffing and his push to see officers do their best has won himmany supporters, said Randy Gordon, president and CEO of the Long Beach AreaChamber of Commerce. “That’s because he’s a realist,” Gordon said. “He doesn’t use thebudget as an excuse—there are no scare tactics like what we’ve heard in the past.” Andthe 2010 drops in crime show it can be done.

“Budget woes dog Long Beach’s McDonnell after one year”Press-Telegram, March 12, 2011

Bo’s Cigar LoungeBo Mouissat (562) 429-5600www.boknowscigars.com Cigars

Brad Pollak CompanyBrad Pollak (562) 795-6121www.bradpollak.com Marketing/Consulting

Canon Business SolutionsPeter Sherseth (310) 217-3644www.solutions.canon.comCopier Machines/Supplies & Service

China Service Center for Educational ExchangeAngela Xu (310) 668-1491www.cultureexchange.orgStudent Work & Travel Programs

Coast to Coast Corporate HousingKelly Dower (562) 795-0250www.ctchousing.com Corporate Housing

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Southern California ChapterMichael Shumard (714) 938-1393www.cff.org Non-Profit Organizations

Dedola Global LogisticsLuis Montes (562) 594-8988www.dedola.com Freight Forwarding

Demler Armstrong & RowlandRobert Armstrong (562) 597-0029www.darlaw.com Attorneys/Law Firms

Design AppliedMelina Ell (562) 343-5556www.designapplied.com Interior Design

Edward Jones – Stacey GainesStacey S. Gaines (562) 429-3868www.edwardjones.comFinancial Services & Advisors

Harbor Regional CenterDanielle Heck (310) 540-1711www.harborrc.org Non-Profit Organizations

Hoopla! Inc.Mollie Bennett (562) 243-9203www.whatsallthehoopla.comEvent Planning, Production & Materials

Joe Jost’s Ken Buck (562) 439-5446www.joejosts.com Taverns

Kelly’s RestaurantRachel Toves-Favero (562) 537-1517www.kellysrestaurantinc.com Restaurants

Kent Steven Foltz & AssociatesKent Foltz, CPA (800) 707-9302Accountants – Certified Public

La Traviata RestaurantMario Nasab (562) 432-8022www.latraviata301.com Restaurants

Nutech Fire Alarm & SecurityJesse Hernandez (562) 946-3473www.gmsnutech.comLow Voltage Contractor

Patch MediaAngel Garcia (562) 618-8780www.patch.com News Media

Police TaxKevin Chinnock (877) 700-9110www.policetax.comAccountants – Certified Public

Pro Auto WashYoram Cohen (562) 597-5413Car Washing, Polishing & Detailing

Professional PlacementsKathy Ryan (562) 494-8808www.pro-placements.biz Recruitment

Quick SubsGovinder Sohal (562) 436-8600www.quicksubsca.comRestaurants – Deli & Indian Food

Reach Pros./BOGOPOD.comConnie Shelton (818) 889-7767www.reachpros.comDirect Marketing & Loyalty Promotion

Rick & Brian’s Café & BakerySteve Stevens (562) 433-9241www.rickandbrianscafe.com Restaurants

Roxanne’sMirna Molina (562) 426-4777www.roxanneslounge.comBar, Lounge & Grill

Scrapbook Daisies Tony Galvez (562) 377-0302www.scrapbookdaisies.netRetail – Scrapbook Supplies & Services

Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.Ernie Mendoza (562) 427-2737www.securitasinc.comSecurity Guards, Patrol Services & Investigators

Servpro of Downtown Long Beach/Signal HillEnan Arellanes (562) 591-1788www.servprolbc.comCleaning and Restoration

Shoreline Yacht ClubSacha Bailey (562) 435-4093www.shorelineyachtclub.comNon-Profit Organizations

State Farm – Eric JohnstonEric Johnston (949) 244-0244www.AgentJohnston.comInsurance and Financial Services

The Beach Club Sports Bar & Grill Ben Goldberg (562) 494-7593www.thebeachclubsportsbar.comRestaurants – Sports Bars

The Heger CompanyRobert Thornburgh (310) 548-3334www.thc-us.com Real Estate

The Wine CrushHillary Herrmann (562) 438-9463www.thewinecrush.comWine & Spirits – Retail

Tire Trax Inc. Manuel Campos (562) 591-2020www.tiretraxlongbeach.comTires and Auto Repairs

Titan Integrated Systems, Inc.John Conner (562) 602-1750www.titanla.com Low Voltage Contractor

Tyler Remeika RealtorTyler Remeika (562) 616-2777www.tylerremeika.comReal Estate – Residential

Verve NetworkMarinella Len (562) 856-0220www.vervenetwork.com Marketing

YWCA Greater Los Angeles – South Bay Empowerment CenterAlva Moreno (562) 590-6400www.ywcagla.org Non-Profit Organizations

6

Welcome New MembersWe are pleased to welcome our newest investors in The Chamber who joined during the months of December, Januaryand February.

Long Beach Parks and Rec AppointsGeorge Chapjian as New DirectorThe City of Long Beach has appointed GeorgeChapjian as Director of Parks, Recreation andMarine. He has worked for the City of Glendalesince August 2003 as the Director of Community

Services and Parks. In that capacity he was responsible for allrecreation and community service programs, the maintenanceof all of the city’s green space, grant procurement, arts and cul-ture programs, job training, CDBG, homeless programs anddesigning and building new parks. Prior to coming to Glendale,Mr. Chapjian worked for the City of Pasadena for 16 years invarious positions. He has extensive experience in city manage-ment, provision of recreation and human service programs,code enforcement, capital project management, program analy-sis, and business operations.

Former Hotel GM Tapped toManage Convention CenterTraycee Mayer, formerly the general manager ofthe Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport, has taken thereigns of the Long Beach Convention &Entertainment Center, the first new general man-

ager since the recently retired David Gordon came aboard in1983. Mayer was named the GM by SMG, the Pennsylvania-based event management company that has a long term con-tract with the City of Long Beach to operate the local conven-tion center facilities, including the Long Beach Performing ArtsCenter. She has spent the past 30 years in the hospitality andservice industries in Southern California, with the last 22 yearsin the hotel business working for a number of hotel companiesincluding Sheraton, Doubletree and Holiday Inn.

Leadership Long Beach PromotesWilliams to Interim Exec. DirectorThe Leadership Long Beach Board of Directorsnamed former program director Jeff Williams asthe interim Executive Director. Williams has takenover many duties since the July resignation of for-

mer Executive Director Peter Bostic. He’ll be responsible for LLBsflagship community development leadership program, fundrais-ing efforts, alumni activities and more. Williams is also a gradu-ate, and has been extremely active since completing the pro-gram in 2008. Since then he has served on the executive boardand recently became a full-time staffer. Williams also works withthe Youth Services Network and, as a former New Orleanian, isthe founder and director of Long Beach Mardi Gras.

YMCA of Greater Long Beach Finds Interim CEO WithinJason Hagensick was recently elected interimPresident & CEO of the YMCA of Greater LongBeach after serving as Chief Operating Officer ofthe YMCA of Greater Long Beach since August

2007 and Executive Director of the Weingart-Lakewood FamilyYMCA for the previous four and a half years. As InterimPresident & CEO, Mr. Hagensick represents six YMCA branchesand YMCA Camp Oakes in Big Bear, with an operational budgetof 14.65 million. The YMCA of Greater Long Beach operates 30afterschool enrichment centers, 9 preschools, 1 communityschool, 1 gymnastics center, and a 235-acre/500-bed residencecamp. The Association is supported by 7 Boards, 600 staff, and900 volunteers.

DeVry Appoints New Director ofCareer ServicesDeVry University has appointed DianneJerrybandhan, director of career services for theLong Beach Metro, which serves students at threelocations: Long Beach, Anaheim and Irvine.

Dianne began her career with DeVry University over ten yearsago in Admissions at the Long Beach Campus. She brings to herposition a diverse career background having worked in banking,hotels, airlines, restaurants, tourism, staffing, real estate, andeducation, both for profit, and nonprofit sectors. Dianne earnedher B.A. in Psychology from Cal State Long Beach. DeVry recent-ly partnered with Career Builder to provide Keller graduate stu-dents with enhanced Career Coaching and exposure and accessto over 40,000 employers.

Geiling Elected President ofApartment AssociationTerry Geiling, president of Gold Star Manor andfounder of Professional Business Services, hasbeen elected president of the ApartmentAssociation, California Southern Cities for 2011.

As president of the association, he will oversee a 35-memberboard of directors and a membership of nearly 3,000 rental

JC Squires Lands at Long Beach AirportThe Long Beach Airport is pleased to announcethe arrival of JC Squires as the newest memberto the Airport Executive Team. JC will serve asthe Manager of Finance and Administration/CFO and will oversee finance, personnel, leasingand development, noise compliance, and gov-

ernment and public affairs. JC is a CPA and has been with theCity of Long Beach for 24 years. Most recently he served as theBusiness Operations Manager for the Department of Parks,Recreation and Marine. Before that he spent 19 years in theelected City Auditor’s Office, including 10 years as theAssistant City Auditor, directing all accounting, auditing, andconsulting services. JC has extensive experience in accounting,finance, marketing, strategic planning, and personnel.

Arts Council for Long BeachFundraiser at Cirque Du SoleilThe Arts Council for Long Beach generouslygrants many arts organizations in Long Beachthe monies with which to enhance operatingbudgets and fund new projects. They’ve

teamed up with local law firm Keesal, Young and Logan as wellas Cirque du Soleil to bring an extraordinary evening that willbenefit The Arts Council for Long Beach. Join them for an all-inclusive evening starting with an exclusive wine and horsd’oeuvres party with special entertainment before the show(starts at 5:30pm), shuttle service to and from the Long BeachArena, premium floor seats for the Saturday, April 23rdevening performance of Cirque du Soleil’s QUIDAM, and more.This special opportunity is only open to the first 150 peoplewho book their reservation ($200 per person) with the ArtsCouncil. Go to www.artslb.org and click on the “ExperienceQuidam” button to reserve your spot!

ICT’s Shashin Desai Steps Down,Wife caryn Steps UpFounding artistic director Shashin Desaiannounced to the International City Theatre(ICT) board of directors that it was time to stepaside and ICT general manager caryn desai, who

is also Desai’s wife, was unanimously approved to take thereins. Under Desai’s guidance, ICT has grown from a 99-seat,black box theater on the campus of Long Beach City Collegeto become Long Beach’s Resident Professional TheaterCompany at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. From thebeginning, ICT has attracted critical acclaim and multipleawards and in December, ICT concluded its 25th AnniversarySeason with a balanced budget despite the weakened econo-my. caryn desai has served as ICT’s general manager since1990. She has a diverse background, with experience in busi-ness as well as in the arts.

Alan Hostrup to Head YMCA ofMetropolitan Los AngelesThe YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles hasnamed Alan C. Hostrup as President and ChiefExecutive Officer. Hostrup has spent his entire34-year career with the YMCA, most recently as

President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of GreaterLong Beach. He spent his first 25 years with the YMCA ofMetropolitan Los Angeles where he was the Executive Directorof several branches before taking on the role of Senior VicePresident, Branch Financial Development & Branch Operations.Hostrup got his start as a Senior Program Director at theWestside Family YMCA in 1976 and then served he SouthPasadena San Marino YMCA as executive director, followed byhis role as Executive Director with the inner city HollywoodWilshire YMCA.

Long Beach Ronald McDonald HouseAnnounces Executive Director

Cheri Bazley has been appointed ExecutiveDirector of the Long Beach Ronald McDonaldHouse. For the past five years, Cheri successfullyserved as the operations director at the OrangeCounty Ronald McDonald House. During hertenure in Orange County, she oversaw the oper-

ations of the Orange County House, supported the opening ofthe Ronald McDonald Family Room at Children’s Hospital ofOrange County and assisted with the remodel of the RonaldMcDonald Family Room at CHOC Children’s at Mission Hospital.Cheri spent many years in management positions in the retailindustry, including Target, Federated Department Stores, PotteryBarn and Smith & Hawken. The Long Beach house, on the cam-pus of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, is currently underconstruction and will be finished in late Fall 2011.

Members Making News

If you would like to submit information for Members Making News, please send a 75-word statement to Jackie Kuhl at jackie.kuhl@gmail.com.

7

Promoting the Community

property owners in the 54 cities of southern Los AngelesCounty. He will be the 87th president since the organizationsfounding in 1924 in Long Beach. Geiling’s career has spannedfrom navy service to corporate positions and includes numerouscivic involvements. He is a past president of the FoothillApartment Association and the Rotary Club of Long Beach.

Governor Brown Appoints Dr. Carl Cohn to State BoardFormer Long Beach Unified School District(LBUSD) Superintendent Dr. Carl Cohn (Ed. D) hasbeen appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to thestate Board of Education, as one of seven new

members. Cohn is a professor and co-director of the UrbanLeadership Program at Claremont Graduate University, andserved as Superintendent of the San Diego School District afterhis tenure in Long Beach. Dr. Cohn is perhaps best known local-ly for instituting school uniforms in the LBUSD. Focusing onurban affairs and educational policy, he served asSuperintendent from 1992-2002. In 2000, Dr. Cohn wasAmerica’s longest serving urban superintendent and during thistenure he made the LBUSD a model for high academic stan-dards and accountability.

Chamber Newsletter FinishesFirst for Second Straight The Long Beach Chamber’s quarterlynewsletter, Your Advocate, received firstplace in the Western Association ofChamber Executives (WACE) newsletter/magazine award competition for the sec-ond year in a row. In the photo above,

Long Beach Chamber newsletter editor Jackie Kuhl acceptedthe award from WACE President and CEO Dave Kilby, atWACE’s annual conference in Los Angeles. WACE judges com-mended the publication as a “perennial favorite” and added,“This Chamber does a good job at reminding their membersabout what they are doing for business.” High marks were alsogiven for great design by Via Media Graphic Design and supe-rior printing quality by Seaside Printing.

Longtime Chamber StaffMember Judy Donley Moves OnThe Chamber recently bid a fond farewellto former Executive Vice President JudyDonley. Donley, who joined the Chamber in1998 as a part-time community informationspecialist was almost immediately pro-moted thereafter to numerous positions,

ultimately becoming the behind-the-scenes anchor of theorganization. “In my 30 years in the Chamber industry, Judy is byfar the most talented, loyal and dedicated employee I have everhad. Her work at our Chamber will go on to benefit us for manyyears to come,” said Chamber President and CEO Randy Gordon.“She added so much value to our organization and she will betruly missed,” he continued. The Chamber wishes to thank Judyfor l2 dedicated years of service and we wish her all the best!

In Memory of Roberta Wakefield ~1916-2011

Roberta Wakefield joined TheChamber in 1970 and was an activemember of the Women’s BusinessCouncil (WBC) and the now-retiredInternational Hostesses committee.

Roberta served as the WBC’s Professional Parliamen-tarian, assisting at board meetings and conferences. Shealso conducted Parliamentary Law Seminars for Chambermembers. Her comprehensive knowledge of Robert’sRules of Order made her useful to many large organiza-tions, conventions and conferences. Roberta’s career as acourt reporter began in the 1940s, and she spent manyyears with the Long Beach Courts. She earned her collegedegree at 68—an opportunity she was denied during theGreat Depression years in Ohio. She attended Long BeachCity College and later, California State University LongBeach, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in speechcommunications. She had many passions—education,traveling, basketball, the Long Beach Symphony, her fam-ily and of course, The Chamber. “Roberta’s invincible spir-it, depth of understanding, dedication, humility, and pas-sion for the Lakers will remain in our memories.”

– Louise Carlson, retired, The Chamber

Plan Ahead… Find out about these upcoming events and more at www.lbchamber.com or call (562) 436-1251.

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 416

LONG BEACH, CA

City National Bank’sEntrepreneur of the YearApril 28, 2011

World Trade WeekLuncheonMay 13, 2011

120th Inaugural Gala DinnerJune 16, 2011

Ken Blanchard: “Leadingthe Ethical Organization”June 28, 2011

Trade Mission to PeruJuly 11 – 19, 2011

Golf Classic September 22, 2011

One World Trade Center, Suite 206 Long Beach, CA 90831-0206