Beverly Hills The Guide 2015

BEVERLY HILLS BUSINESS LEADERS

INBeverly Hills, business and community are powerful partners. A spirit of collaboration between business owners and professionals and city leaders is cultivated and nurtured by the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and the volunteers who believe in and represent the Chamber’s mission.

The result is an ambitious and resourceful dynamic where everyone involved is working toward the same goal of maintaining an environment where businesses of every size have a fair opportunity to succeed.

On the following pages, Board Members from the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce reveal how the Chamber is helping the community and their businesses grow.

KELLY O. SCOTT Partner, Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP

The most effective strategy for change in a business community is generally through collective action. The Chamber is set up precisely for this kind of activity. It has the business connections to initiate discussion and determine goals as well as a voice that can be heard by City employees, politicians and community leaders. The Chamber excels at information gathering and dissemination, essential components of any movement for change, and utilizes a variety of techniques in this regard, ranging from door-to-door outreach to newsletters to public events and everything in between.

When it isn’t assisting individual members, the Chamber is all about connecting. Chamber events are attended by everyone who is anyone, and certainly everyone that you could ever hope to meet in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. Great connections lead to great business. More than that, the information provided by the speakers at some of the more substantive events, such as the Beverly Hills Tomorrow event and the Economic Development Council luncheons, has been cutting edge. In my business, staying informed and in front of the information curve, translates to more effective service and happier clients.

SAL ABAUNZA

Regional General Manager, L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

As a luxury property, L’Ermitage Beverly Hills evokes glamour and sophistication, both themes synonymous with this world-renowned destination. Working with our neighbors at the Chamber of Commerce, we are able to align with like-minded brands and create a communal sense of synergy across a variety of important facets for our guests – local restaurants, fashion boutiques, tourist destinations, entertainment venues, and more.

The Chamber of Commerce establishes and fosters partnerships that drive revenue for all parties, effectively putting the City of Beverly Hills at the forefront for tastemakers and VIPs to see and be seen.

SHAYAN AKHZAR

Assistant General Manager, Brooks Brothers

The Chamber of Commerce serves as a voice for the business community, builds strong constituent relationships between businesses, residents and City officials, and continually advocates the best interests of Chamber members on legislative and educational issues. We have seen our business grow through our involvement in the Chamber’s programs and events. As a member of the Economic Development Council, we benefit from the insights of high-caliber speakers on topics relevant to our economic success. The Members Advantage Program of the Beverly Hills Chamber includes a professional staff willing to answer any questions regarding business opportunities and relationships with the community.

HANNAH AN

Managing Director, House of An

I feel that the Chamber is a key asset in the business community by simplifying the overall process for starting and growing a business. The Chamber makes connections, keeps companies organized, and gives support. It is an open line of communication for small businesses. The Chamber has helped my business grow by providing legal advice and helping me to understand the current

market and trends. They brought about awareness for our company and have given us the tools to expand our business.

JOHN BENDHEIM

President, Bendheim Enterprises Inc.

The Chamber is one of the smartest ways to connect with businesses and residents. The Chamber is strongly connected to the City ensuring a business friendly climate. An effective program, My Beverly Hills, creatively engages residents with the business community. Mine is not a brick and mortar business, so endeavors are mostly relationship driven. Through the Chamber, I increased my network of potential business partners and was able to give back to a community I love and am proud of. As past President of the Chamber Board, I can assure you this is a very relevant and strong Chamber, which means a strong business community!