Business Star Leron Gubler Retires 1992-2018
THANK YOU
for 26-years of Service and Dedication to Hollywood!
Thank You
Leron Gubler for 26 Years of Leadership You are a True Hollywood Icon!
See 10,000 Authentic Showbiz Treasures Showcasing 100 years of Hollywood!
www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com 1660 N Highland Ave. at Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028 Open Wednesday - Sunday • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • 323-464-7776
WELCOME
Good evening friends, As Chair of the Hollywood Chamber Of Commerce - welcome to Leron Gubler’s retirement party and dinner! We gather tonight to celebrate our President and CEO Leron Gubler with an evening of recollections, merriment and even a look into the future. The Hollywood Chamber is now 97 years old and Leron has served as President & CEO for 26 years, more than a quarter of the history of the organization. He has served longer by far, than any other CEO in the Chamber’s history. Did you know…since the Chamber was formed, there have been 60 Chairs of the Board of Directors. Leron has served with 25 of them – nearly 50 percent. When Leron arrived in the early 90s, companies were bailing in rapid succession on Hollywood. For example, at that time almost all of the local TV stations were located in Hollywood. Over a period of a few years, all of them (KTTV, KCOP, KABC, KCAL, KCBS, and KCET) left Hollywood except KTLA. It was a difficult time to try and turn things around. Fast forward 26 years, and Hollywood is now one of the hottest business locations in Southern California, with companies like Viacom and Netflix becoming major stakeholders in the community. One of the programs Leron introduced was the annual Economic Development Summit to focus attention on the positive things happening in Hollywood. Another was the State of the Entertainment Industry Conference, which drew attention to the importance of the Industry to Southern California and Hollywood. In addition, the Chamber conducted studies to gather data that would help to convince the development/business community of Hollywood’s merits. And he began tracking all of the developments in the pipeline in Hollywood and publishing the Chamber’s popular annual Hollywood Development Map. Through Leron’s guidance, the Chamber became a leader to bring people together to work on common causes in Hollywood. What is happening today with development in our community is a tribute to the role Leron and the Chamber have played for more than 26 years. Today, there are 2,900 housing units under construction, four hotels with nearly 600 rooms under construction, and more than 800,000-sq.ft. of office space being built, most of which has been pre-leased. Under Leron’s leadership and guidance, we can say Hollywood, after waiting for more than a quarter of a century, is once again “ready for its close up”! Thank you all for being a part of this evening to salute Leron Gubler and his achievements - he is a true Hollywood icon! With warmest personal regards, Donelle Dadigan Chair of the Board of Directors Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
FAREWELL
Dear Leron, Congratulations on your outstanding career as President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and on your seminal contributions to the revitalization of Hollywood! I have enjoyed getting to know you over the past several years at various Western Association of Chamber Executives conferences, and even more so recently. I appreciate how well respected you are among our peers, and as a mentor and inspiration for many Chamber executives, including myself. I also appreciate you for your fine leadership, your warm, friendly personality, and all of your help in facilitating a smooth President/CEO transition for me and for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to following in your footsteps by continuing to lead the Hollywood Chamber in its tradition of excellence. Through your dedication, hard work, and accomplishments, you will always be remembered for your lasting positive impact on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and as a key figure in the history of Hollywood! As you transition forward into retirement, I wish you and your family the very best! Warmest regards, Rana Ghadban Incoming President/CEO Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
PROGRAM “The End of an Era” starring Leron Gubler
SPEAKERS & ENTERTAINERS (in order of appearance)
Donelle Dadigan, Chair of the Board, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Founder, Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building Jeff Zarrinnam, Immediate Past Chair of the Board / Owner, Hollywood Hotel Vin Di Bona, Producer, Founder, FishBowl Worldwide Media Jeff Lotman, Owner, Global Icons Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Staff Chris Barton, EVP, Development and Capital Investments, Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. Mayor Eric Garcetti, City of Los Angeles Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell (CD-13) Councilmember David Ryu (CD-4) Beatrice Girmala, Assistant Chief Director, Office of Special Operations, LAPD Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, Group Publisher & Chief Revenue Officer, Variety Joe Mariani, Hollywood Center & Devin Strecker, Hollywood Property Owners Alliance Fortune Teller Madam Zora & her sister Zelda Audrey, Lauren & Seth Gubler Leron Gubler
Ler eron Wee prooudly salu utee you for your leadersh s ip and yyearss off service v too the Hoollywood y communityy. Y O U R FRIEN YO F R IE N D DS S AT
LERON GUBLER
Leron Gubler has been serving as the President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for more than a quarter of a century! His tenure since 1992 oversaw the great comeback story of Hollywood. Gubler has been an effective leader and communicator within the organization, always aligning the Hollywood Chamber with its advocacy agenda and mission statement! Gubler assisted in the development of four successful business improvement districts and two more BIDs are currently in the works by the Chamber. He has successfully testified on behalf of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to bring new projects and revitalize the Hollywood community. In 2012, Gubler successfully pressed to organize the Chamber’s first Entertainment Summit that brought industry experts together with public officials to discuss what needs to be done to maintain a healthy entertainment sector and working with government to resolve them. The conference continues to address the issues facing the industry such as stiff competition from other states and countries, tax incentives, content theft and piracy, and opportunities in the Entertainment Industry. In 2011, Gubler championed public-private partnership to raise the money necessary to make repairs to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He helped the Chamber institute a “Friends of the Walk of Fame” program to seek corporate support and to recognize corporations that step up and make a sizable contribution to the restoration effort. In 2010, Gubler led the successful creation of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee which has allowed the Chamber an opportunity to strengthen the voice of the Hollywood business community among elected officials on local, city and state levels.
In 2006, Gubler convened a gathering of stakeholders to discuss the concept of creating a park by covering a portion of the U.S. 101 Freeway. The Chamber incubated the idea and successfully created Friends of the Hollywood Central Park organization in 2008 which continues to pursue the park. In 1993, Gubler successfully created the unique Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation which has given more than $900,000 back to the community and local non-profit organizations in the form of grants. Gubler stepped up to become the face of the Chamber at the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies promoting both the Chamber and Hollywood to the world. He followed the late Johnny Grant as the emcee for this world-famous icon eleven years ago and has presided over 300 ceremonies. Gubler served as the voluntary Chair of the Board of FilmL.A., Inc., in 2013, a nonprofit agency which was established to handle permit and production coordination services within Los Angeles County. It represents the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles and several other municipal and governmental entities. Gubler has been recognized among his peers at Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) as a great communicator and a mentor, and has served on the Board of the WACE. Before coming to Hollywood, Gubler served as President of San Pedro Chamber of Commerce. Gubler graduated from Brigham Young University in Communications in 1975, took a year off and then went back to BYU to obtain Masters in Public Administration. A California native, Gubler was born in a small town called Woodlake and grew up in Porterville. He currently resides in La Crescenta with wife Audrey and has two children, Lauren and Seth.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS Hollywood Chamber of Commerce 1992~2018
1992
1996
1999
2004
The Chamber lobbied successfully for Metro funding of security patrols on Hollywood Blvd. Also concluded settlement agreement with State Attorney General’s Office protecting Chamber’s trademarks.
The Chamber hired a publicist and launched a campaign to change the media’s perception of Hollywood. As a result, numerous positive stories were printed on the Hollywood renaissance.
The Chamber lobbied for passage of AB1695(Knox), which was very effective in reducing pimping and prostitution on public sidewalks.
The Chamber commissioned a study to convince the Motion Picture Academy that Hollywood should be the home for their proposed museum. Although initially successful, the Academy later changed its mind.
A project spearheaded by the Chamber to erect 46 historic markers along Hollywood Blvd. and Vine Street was completed at a cost of $250,000.
1993 Chamber began monthly “Power Breakfast” networking meetings, and created an “Adopt-aBlock” program to get companies to assist in maintaining Hollywood Blvd.
1994 Sponsored the first “Taste of Hollywood” festival at the Hollywood Bowl. Secured City funding for an independent technical expert to determine steps to resume construction of Metro subway after major subsidence on Hollywood Blvd. and began hosting weekly mitigation meetings between businesses and Metro.
1995 The Chamber raised $62,000 to fund a study to create Hollywood’s first Business improvement district on Hollywood Blvd. The Chamber worked with Councilmember Jackie Goldberg, and the Hollywood Entertainment District was successfully initiated in 1996.
2000
1997 The Chamber launched a foundation to give back to the community. As of 2018, about $900,000 in grants have been awarded to Hollywood nonprofit agencies.
2005 The Chamber successfully worked on legislation to create a Hollywood statistical area that would require the reporting of demographic data on the community.
2006
2001 A Hollywood tourism promotional video was completed by the Chamber. The project was funded by the Hollywood Sign Trust.
1998
2002
The Chamber acted as the lead agency in organizing community support to testify at public hearings in support of long-sought projects at Hollywood & Highland, Sunset & Vine, and the Cinerama Dome Entertainment Center.
The Chamber organized its first Media Information Center to welcome the international press to Hollywood in conjunction with the return of the Academy Awards to Hollywood.
2003 The Chamber launched a new website, Explorehollywood.com to promote Hollywood tourism.
The Chamber and City worked together to launch the “Holly Trolley” to assist with circulation of visitors to Hollywood nightclubs on weekends. Also brought in a national expert on terrazzo to explain the deterioration of the Walk of Fame, formed a Boutique Hotel Task Force to seek new hotels in Hollywood, and launched the A-LIST for young professionals.
"We Came... We Saw... We Kicked Its Ass!" Bill Murray, "Ghostbusters"
Leron might be saying the same thing in the wake of the tumultuous times he inherited 26 years ago. But, from Chaos came Order... and from Order came Growth! As ones who've had a "Ringside Seat" with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce throughout the past four decades, we commend you on a stable & productive tenure for which you can be very proud! “Leave The Gun, Take The Cannoli” Richard Castellano, “The Godfather” aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Wishing you all the best, Leron, in all of your future endeavors! “May The Force Be With You” – Harrison Ford, “Star Wars” Craig Darian & Albert Sweet And All Of Your Many Friends At
Occidental Entertainment Group Holdings, Inc.
2007
2012
Chamber-sponsored East Hollywood Business Improvement District approved by City of L.A. Chamber lobbies to successfully get Hollywood & Vine Project off the ground.
The Hollywood Chamber Political Action Committee was created to give the Chamber a greater voice on political issues.
2016 2008
2013
Instituted the “Hollywood Shopper” a direct mail advertising piece to help businesses reach Hollywood residents during the Great Recession. Lobbied for Hail-a-Taxi program and Vine Street Parking Garage.
The Chamber initiated the State of the Entertainment Industry Conference to demonstrate the industry’s importance to the regional economy.
Chamber instituted quarterly meetings with Hollywood’s neighborhood councils to improve communication between business and residential communities. The relocation of the Chamber office to 6255 Sunset Blvd. was also completed.
2014
2017
Two email blogs were created to promote Chamber member businesses: Hollywood Hot Deals and Businesses You Need to Know, and Speed Leads Networking luncheons were launched.
Holiday decorations and year-round decorative lighting of palm trees on Hollywood Blvd. were underwritten by the Chamber and HPOA. Chamber worked to defeat Measure S, an antigrowth initiative.
2009 An effort to create a cap park above the Hollywood Freeway was initiated by the Chamber, and a feasibility study, co-sponsored by the Chamber and City was released.
2010 The Chamber launched a collaborative of 17 postsecondary entertainment schools “Hollywood U.”
2011 A proposal to lease out Hollywood’s public parking garages for 50 years in order to close a City budget gap was successfully killed by the Chamber and business opposition.
2015 The Chamber commissioned Beacon Economics to do a comprehensive benchmark study on business conditions in Hollywood. The Chamber also lobbied the California legislature and helped pass AB1839, creating film tax credits to support California’s entertainment industry.
2018 Chamber engaged Renegage Marketing to conduct a comprehensive study of Hollywood’s workers’ and residents’ attitudes and needs. Chamber also cosponsored a Coro fellow to research what can be done to better preserve the Walk of Fame.
Paramount congratulates Leron Gubler on 26 Years of Service with The Hollywood Chamber. We wish You a Very Happy Retirement!
SON Y PIC TURE S ENTER TA INMENT
CELEBRATES YOUR 26 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP IN HOLLYWOOD! WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST! THE END OF AN ER A S TA RRING LERON GUBLER
www.sonypictures.com © 2018 Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Cheers to you Leron and to these nearly 30 years of appreciation for you and HOLLYWOOD, all that it is and all that it will be thanks to your efforts and our shared passions for place, history, and vitality. With our very best wishes to you and your family for good times ahead! Christi Van Cleve and Bill Roschen Roschen Van Cleve Architects
FROM THE GUBLERS Seth, Lauren & Audrey
“When I was little, I told people my dad was the "Boss of Hollywood". It's our inside joke in the family.” - Seth “I always was and am proud that my dad has such an amazing job. When I was younger, I would brag about his position to friends every time the topic of our parents' jobs came up. It's hard for me to fully accept the fact that he won't be the "Boss of Hollywood" for much longer. My father is incredibly smart, talented, and caring. It's exciting that I will be able to spend more time with him once he retires.” - Lauren “Being married to Leron is like winning the lottery! He is the smartest, kindest, most generous person in the world. He’s the best father, husband, and Chamber executive I know. We are so proud of him and love him with all of our hearts.” - Audrey
Warner Bros. Entertainment warmly congratulates
Leron Gubler on 26 years of leadership at the
Hollywood Chamber
T TMA
Congratulations onn a well-deserved retirement! Thank you for being a chhampion for tourism in Los Angeles! Your o friends at the L. L.A. A Tourism & Convention Board
THANK YOU TO AN AUTHENTIC HOLLYWOOD HERO Congratulations to Leron Gubler You Always Walked Your Talk
Jeff Briggs BRIGGS LAW www.jbriggslaw.com “In Hollywood, For Hollywood”
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT, LERON! Thank you for your partnership throughout the years.
CONGRATULATIONS LERON ON YOUR RETIREMENT! THANK YOU FOR YOUR 26 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HOLLYWOOD
H O L LY W O O D PA N TA G E S. C O M
FROM KAYLEE KIECKER Executive Vice President
You taught me to give others the benefit of the doubt And taught me to listen (during times I wanted to shout)! You taught me to choose my battles wisely, trying not to battle at all And that nothing's more effective than an old-fashioned phone call! You taught me to face each challenge by taking one bite at a time. And reminded me each day, that in the end it works out fine. THANK YOU for everything, Leron.
CONGRATULATIONS TO HOLLYWOOD’S Y FAVORITE O LEADING MAN! Yo our countless years of com mmitment, dedication, and service have helped make Hollyw wood the place we know and love. Thank you Leron fo or believing in all it can be! Best of luck and en njoy your new adventure! - MP Los Angeles and d the Hollywood Center Team
FROM ANA MARTINEZ Vice President of Media Relations Producer of Walk of Fame
Leron, you and I have been working together for the Chamber for 26 years. You took over the Walk of Fame in the last 10 years and have done a great job. We have been through a lot of zaniness, joy and much more with this Walk of Fame. Johnny Grant would be proud of how you have handled one of Hollywood’s greatest landmarks. You sir, have literally reached for the stars! Thank you.
the ACTION BEGIN E R E H S W
Congratulations Leron on your retirement! Thank you for your many years of partnership and all the work you’ve done to improve Hollywood.
1-323-746-0429
Reservations:
1160 North Vermont, Hollywood, CA 90029 mail: info@hollywoodhotel.net Em wwww.hollywoodhotel.net h ll dh t l t
FROM NICOLE SHAHENIAN Vice President of Government Relations
Retiring means less responsibility and “almost” no work. Please let me know if you need help finding things to do, my garage could use a once over! ha ha ha! Congrats Leron! Here’s to wishing you a relaxing and wonderful retirement! You will be missed!
The East Hollywood Business Improvement District (EHBID) salutes Leron Gubler for his leadership and dedication to all of Hollywood! The EHBID was formed in 2007 as a direct result of Leron’s tenacity and forward thinking. The EHBID Board of Governors congratulates you on your fruitful and successful career and wish you and your family all the best as you enter into this new phase of your life!
EHBID.org
FROM J.J. CONNAUGHTON Director of Membership Services
Best of luck to you, Leron. Enjoy your retirement!
LERON N GUBLER Our Forever Fav avo orite Hollyw ywood Sta ar Clarett West Development & DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners
FROM VIVIAN KISH Office Manager/ Executive Assistant
Thank you Leron for being an example and inspiring me to be a hardworking and dedicated individual.
FROM JACOB JAUREGUI Government Relations Coordinator
Leron, it has been an absolute pleasure working with you! I wish you a relaxing retirement.
On behalf of the past co-Chairs of the Economic Development Committee of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
We Salut ute Leronn Guble ub er And his leadership of the Chamber from a time of challenge for Hollywood to a time of unprecedented new economic activity and investment. We appreciated working with you and wish you well!
FROM DANILA FRAGA Marketing Coordinator
Thank you for welcoming me into the Hollywood Chamber team! If there’s someone that deserves a break it’s you. May you work as hard at relaxing as you have in your career!
Congratulations on your distinguished career, Leron!
FROM SHERIDAN SODERSTROM Membership Coordinator
Leron, thank you for your strong leadership and unparalleled kindness. Cheers to the next chapter!
FROM MARLENE PANOYAN Director of Communications/Social Media
To my Best Boss Ever, I’m forever grateful to you Leron! You made me want to be a better person. As Bruce Willis once said: “I'm such a believer in everything happening the way it's supposed to happen.” I trust that this change is supposed to happen and your retirement will lead you to star-studded new horizons!
Congratulations Leron! The past 26 years have been magical because of you.
HOLLYWOOD SAYS FAREWELL
Thank you for all your hard work Leron. Your footprints are all over Hollywood. Enjoy Your Retirement!
Thank you Leron for being a Hollywood Star for 26 Years!