Celebrating its 61 years of existence the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce held its new board installation and awards banquet at the Old Ranch Country Club onTuesday, Sept. 27.
About 90 people attended the event, including Chamber members – The Boeing Company (a silver sponsor), Seal Beach Mayor Michael Levitt, fellow City Council Members and City staff, interim Police Chief Robert Luman and community members.
A highlight of the event, besides featuring the installation of the new board and the small business awards, was bestowing the Chamber’s second annual “Lifetime Achievement Award” on Kate Pedigo.
Seal Beach Leisure World resident Pedigo, who recently became a centenarian and celebrated her 100th year of life, is well known in the Seal Beach and surrounding community as well as throughout Southern California as the local “Grandma Moses” because of her late-in-life career as an artist and writer.
When accepting her award, she regaled the audience with stories of her 18 fishing trips to Alaska by car in the early days of the Alaskan Highway with her beloved husband Tex.
She also spoke about the horse and buggy days of her childhood, having her picture taken with President Herbert Hoover and how people used to fill their fountain pens at the post office.
A standing ovation greeted Pedigo, a resident of Seal Beach Leisure World as she accepted the award.
Outgoing president, Erik Dreyer-Goldman spoke about the success the chamber is experiencing partnering with the city, not only with their special community events, but also particularly in regard to the proposed improved Main Street lighting, permanent volleyball nets on the beach and further review of the historical status of the Bay Theatre.
He emphasized “shop local” has been the Chamber’s year-long mantra.
He also introduced the keynote speaker for the evening, Christopher Lynch, vice president for business and economic development for the Irvine Chamber of Commerce.
His topic, “City Government and Chambers of Commerce – Partners in Economic Growth” made four suggestions for the Chamber’s and City’s consideration:
• Form a Chamber-City Business Outreach Program, meeting with local businesses on site as the most effective business retention tool
• Formalize a Chamber-City Government Affairs Committee
• Keep websites fresh and up to date with links back and forth to the city with social media as an essential component
• Start a Chamber-City tourism committee including representatives from our hotels.
In addition, he advocated for cooperation between the Chamber and the city Business Improvement District as a direct source of new revenue.
Incoming President Nat Ferguson, a fourth generation resident of Seal Beach, said: “The most successful people in town all have something in common … they get involved with the community and take action. Therefore, it is my challenge to you, my fellow Chamber members, to develop new and stronger relationships with each other.
Get involved and volunteer at any of our multitude of events. And I promise you, once you begin helping others within the Chamber and the Community, you will begin to see positive changes in your own business.”
The Chamber’s leaders said it has experienced a banner year in membership growth, enhanced special events and increased financial stability.
For more information, contact the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce at (562) 799-0179 or via email at ekenyonceo@sealbeachchamber.org.
Small Business of the Year
Small Business of the Year awardees, Bryce Turner of Beach Fitness and Joann Adams of Bogart’s Coffee House received plaques for “Outstanding and meritorious commitment to enhancing the growth and prosperity of the city of Seal Beach and its citizens” as well a Com-mendation from Senator Tom Har-man’s office.
Retiring Board Members, Seth Eaker, Sarah Nicola, Natalie King Wilson, George Banker and Eric Lenahan were honored as well.
