ManhaƩan Beach Chamber of Commerce/City of ManhaƩan Beach Semi Annual Work Plan Progress/Update February 21, 2025
IntroducƟon/Opening Remarks:
The ManhaƩan Beach Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) values its relaƟonship with the City of ManhaƩan Beach and has the responsibility of the economic well-being of our community by advocaƟng for businesses, promoƟng business growth and development, and improving the quality of life for all ciƟzens. Thus far in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 the MBCC has had a busy and producƟve year. Some key accomplishments include: 1) CompleƟng three quarterly publicaƟons of MB Pier Review, a community Newspaper sent directly to all ManhaƩan Beach residents, businesses, and chamber members 2) ConƟnued its partnership/contract with the North ManhaƩan Beach Business Improvement District (NMBBID) for Management Services, and 3) Established the Mayor’s Lunch as a popular perpetual event for each mayor. The establishment of the “Permit Breakfast” with previously AcƟng and now present City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian opened an important pipeline to the community and the Holiday Mixer Extravaganza was very well aƩended at MB Shopping Center, and another successful Holiday Stroll was achieved with the NMBBID.
Chamber Membership in all areas conƟnues to be constant with numerous Ribbon Cuƫngs taking place and the reinvigoraƟon of the Ambassador CommiƩee and the Young Professionals/Emerging Leader Program that has a steering commiƩee to launch networking events. An annual Calendar of Events is in progress to include Monthly Networking Mixers as well as Signature Event Dates, EducaƟonal Seminars, and New Member OrientaƟons. New Member OrientaƟons will be a cornerstone quarterly pracƟce to welcome new businesses and to help them channel their energy producƟvely. The Chamber conƟnues to work closely with the City Staff on important issues, events, and ongoing acƟviƟes throughout the Community. Below are summaries of each Work Plan item the Chamber is progressing on or has completed as reflected in the approved agreement with the City and Chamber.
The Chamber CEO resigned in mid-January and the Chamber Board of Directors has established a Task Force to search for a replacement.
I. Local MarkeƟng Programs:
LocaƟon AnalyƟcs and MarkeƟng (Task Status – IN PROGRESS) The Chamber contracted with a LocaƟon AnalyƟcs and MarkeƟng data provider and is analyzing specific GEO Fencing reports on an Individual Business, as well as a geographic area such as an Event basis. In a recent Analysis the Chamber was able to ascertain that the “Holiday Fireworks” had a surge of approximately 20,000 aƩendees over the usual crowd size in the downtown area year over year.
Business EducaƟon and Engagement
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) Investor Panel (Task Status – IN PROGRESS) This Year’s class of Young Entrepreneurs is commensurate in size with last year’s large class at over 20 parƟcipants. The Highlight of the Year is the Investor Panel in the Spring where the students present their Business Plan to the “Investor Panel,” like the “Shark Tank.” AŌer all the presentaƟons are complete, the Panel awards money to each Student Presenter and selects one Student to represent ManhaƩan Beach on a NaƟonal Level at the Saunders Scholarship CompeƟƟon with over 1,000 other Young Entrepreneurs. Last year’s winner created a task compleƟon tracking soŌware app and finished highly in the naƟonal compeƟƟon. This year the Investor Panel is scheduled for the spring and is recruiƟng investor judges.
Business EducaƟon and Engagement:
a. Breakfast Learning Seminar – “Tips for NavigaƟng City Permits Successfully” (Task Status – Completed) Seminar for businesses to meet city officials and learn directly from the AcƟng City Manager how to most effecƟvely accomplish tasks that require permits.
b. Second seminar – Due to the Chamber’s focus on its task force to search for the next CEO, the second seminar may not take place before the end of the fiscal year in June. Chamber to provide an update on any potenƟal plan to the City within 30 days.
II. City Sponsored Events
Best of ManhaƩan Awards/Fall Event: There was no fall event as anƟcipated and the City was not invoiced.
Mayor’s Lunch (Task Status – COMPLETE) Working with City Staff, the Chamber developed and implemented a Mayor’s Lunch held at Tin Roof Bistro in August 7, 2024. Approximately 100 individuals aƩended the event and Mayor Franklin discussed perƟnent ManhaƩan Beach topics including a quesƟon-and answer Ɵme. In accordance with the Contract and “Sponsor” Level $5,000 Benefits, the City of ManhaƩan Beach received Twenty Tickets, Logo on all printed and digital media, and Dedicated and Branded Email Blast.
State of the City (Task Status – IN PROGRESS) Working with City Staff, the Chamber is in the process of producing the State of the City Event on April 29, 2025. American Martyrs Community Room “O’Donnell Hall” is the locaƟon. It offers an expansive indoor/outdoor greeƟng area perfect for the iniƟal meet and greet. The audio visual equipment is provided by the facility and meets with City’s specificaƟons – the facility is superior to last year’s in this way and offers ample space so that no community members will be required to stand during the presentaƟons. In accordance with the Contract and “Sponsor” Level $5,000 Benefits, the City of ManhaƩan Beach will receive Two Tables of Ten, Full Page Ad in the Event Program, Logo on all printed and digital media, Dedicated and Branded Email Blast, and an acknowledgement and “Thank You!” in the MB Pier Review.
Community Preschool Fair/Expo (Task Status – IN PROGRESS) Fall Event: There was no fall event as anƟcipated. However, the Chamber developed an event to replace it at a lower cost to the City:
The Chamber planned this event to educate families of the preschool services available in the ManhaƩan Beach Community. Having over 12 of the city’s 16 preschools in one place allows families with young children to meet the program directors in one meeƟng. This is the inaugural event and serves a special benefit this year as our community has welcomed dozens of families from fire displaced communiƟes of Los Angeles. MBUSD has commiƩed its “ManhaƩan Preschool” to aƩend. This event follows similar events provided by communiƟes in Los Angeles.
Annual Dues
The ManhaƩan Beach Chamber of Commerce is an associaƟon of businesses, enƟƟes, and individuals organized to encourage a strong local economy by promoƟng commerce, sound government, and an informed membership community. Partnering with us offers your business valuable exposure, branding, and benefits, such as:
Complimentary lisƟng in the Annual DesƟnaƟon Guide (print ads extra) Complimentary business consulƟng & best pracƟce informaƟon Business to business referrals Access to business development & networking events Access to data, reports, staƟsƟcs, and analyƟcs Access to exclusive discounts & programs, as offered Access to current technology - social media plaƞorms, markeƟng channels & enhanced Member Portal on Chamber's website Advocate for all business-related issues (Chamber representaƟon at government meeƟngs on all local, state, and federal levels) Ribbon cuƫng ceremony/grand opening Member mailing list Dedicated E-blasts Report Provided by the Chamber office
Report Provided by Chairman of the Board, David Curry