Venice Paparazzi is proud to be members of the Venice Chamber of Commerce.  This year marks Venice Paparazzi’s 17 years of  Venice Chamber membership, and 15 years of being on the Chamber Board of Directors.  Venice Paparazzi’s Alex Stowell is the founder of the Tourism Committee and  Tourism Chairman.  Go Alex!

Venice Paparazzi’s Alex Stowell, Shefayoga’s Leah Zaccaria, Venice Living’s Carole Stein, and LA Social Karma’s Jen Wilson.

Here’s a message from the Venice Chamber of Commerce

On Wednesday, July 24th, the Venice Chamber of Commerce (VCC) hosted its highly anticipated 2024-25 Board Installation & Mixer at the Thrive Health & Wellness Collective. This event marked a significant moment for the community as Assemblymember Tina McKinnor officiated the oath of office for the newly elected VCC Board of Directors.

The evening began with a vibrant networking hour from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, where attendees could connect and engage with fellow community members and business leaders. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as guests gathered to celebrate the new board members and the past year’s achievements.

At 7:00 PM, VCC Treasurer Jennifer Wilson welcomed the attendees and introduced the current board members and committee chairs. She also encouraged new and prospective members to reach out and become more involved with the Chamber. The welcome address was followed by introductions of the honored guests, including representatives from various elected offices: Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, Nick Faries for State Senator Ben Allen, Sean Silva for Councilmember Traci Park, Ian Michael May for LA County Assessor Jeff Prang, and Zac Gaidzik for LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.

Margot Chambers, owner of Thrive Health & Wellness Collective, then took the stage to warmly welcome the guests and express gratitude for the community’s support.

The program continued with the recognition of outgoing board members Bud Jacobs, Ashley McGullam, Elizabeth Penuela, and Paul S. Levine for their invaluable service to the Chamber. Their dedication and contributions have been instrumental in the VCC’s growth and success.

Assemblymember McKinnor addressed the attendees, highlighting the importance of community and leadership. She then administered the oath of office, officially swearing in the new VCC Board of Directors for the 2024-25 term. The newly elected board members are poised to lead the Chamber to new heights with their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for community growth.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, a ribbon-cutting and raffle added an element of fun and celebration to the evening. The event concluded with a gift presented to Assemblymember McKinnor as a token of appreciation for her support and participation.

The VCC is excited to announce the new Board of Directors for the 2024-26 term:

Serving Two-Year Term (2024-26)

  • Andrea Tan – Alcott Center
  • Artagus Ashford – Shefayoga
  • Brennan Lindner – Generic Events
  • David Stine – David J. Stine Design
  • Jennifer Wilson – L.A. Social Karma
  • Karin Wallerstein – Wallerstein Law
  • Michael Wallerstein – Wallerstein Law
  • Stephanie Black – Google
  • Sunny Bak – Venice Art Crawl
  • Theresa Ireland – The Magic Inside

Serving Two-Year Term (2023-25)

  • Alex Stowell – Venice Paparazzi
  • Carl Lambert – The Venice V Hotel
  • Carole Stein – Venice Living Magazine
  • Chantel Hunter Mah – Law Office of Chantel Hunter Mah
  • Florence Granteral Fall – NeueHouse
  • Hollie Stenson – WOOMIR
  • Justin Brezhnev – Dogtown Fundraising
  • Patty Ross – Golden State Marketing
  • Steve Vulin – Vulin Construction

Appointments – One-Year Term (2024-25)

  • Alex Kissin – Venice Insider Pass
  • Karen La Cava – Coldwell Banker Realty
  • Lauren Pardini – Venice School of Music,
  • Madeline Di Nonno – Geena Davis Institute
  • Mike Harriel – Southern California Gas Company

The VCC looks forward to an exciting year ahead under the leadership of the new board. Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives that will continue to support and grow our vibrant Venice community.

About Venice Chamber of Commerce:

The Venice Chamber of Commerce, comprised of business and community leaders, is dedicated to promoting local businesses, facilitating networking opportunities, and advocating for initiatives that enhance our community’s prosperity. Through events, committee activities, and collaborations with officials and neighboring Chambers, we strive to improve the quality of life in Venice and beyond. Committed to preserving Venice’s heritage and fostering its diverse business landscape, we aim to be a steadfast advocate for our members and the broader community.

View event photos by Venice Paparazzi’s Edizen Stowell

Need photographers or a photo booth for your event?  Hire local!  Hire Venice Paparazzi.

Big smiles from Jen Wilson, Donna Lasman, Assembly member Tina McKinnor, Michael Wallerstein, Karen Wallerstein, and Karen Cava

MC Jen getting busy with her side hustle!

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor

Center:  Bud Jacobs, the recovering Venice High School principal, getting honored

Touchdown says Karen!

The full VCC Board of Directors

Our gracious host and founder Margot Chambers of Thrive Collective

Shiny, happy, networking people

Winner!  Hollie Stenson won the raffle

Shefa Yoga’s Leah Zaccaria,  Lauren Pardini – Venice School of Music, VCC’s Mario Velasco, WOOMIR’s Hollie Stenson

Andrew Keegan, Sean Silva from CD11, Jen Wilson, and David

The ribbon cutting

The beautiful Theresa Ireland.

Conversation with Venice Living’s Carol Stein

Hotel Erwin’s Taylor Jacobson

Alex and Justin got the memo, wear black and white and when they take a photo, do something with your hands.  🙂

Shefayoga Venice’s Leah Zaccaria  and Artegus Ashford

Full Circle with Andrew Keegan and Venice Paparazzi’s Alex Stowell. 🙂

Did you know that Venice Paparazzi has been documenting the Westside since 2003. 

Need event photographers or a fun photo booth for your 2022 event?   Hire Venice Paparazzi!

For more Venice Chamber info:

 

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