Malibu’s Chamber of Commerce introduced a new group of leadership while also celebrating a stellar 2014 during a ceremony at Pepperdine’s Graziadio Business School. Under the leadership of outgoing Chairwoman and Realtor Christine Hameline, the Chamber cut its costs by 25 percent this past year and improved its cash flow by 40 percent.
“This year we had record participation,” Hameline said, a point she stressed throughout her remarks to attendees.
Next up for the Chamber is new Chairman Rod Bergen, a longtime local and business owner of Solar Quest. Bergen is also known as a “true Malibu cowboy,” for his signature cowboy hat and demeanor.
Bergen said he hopes to strengthen ties between the Chamber and City of Malibu to keep the town “organized and sensible.” The Chamber, he said, plays an instrumental role in Malibu business.
“The Chamber is the engine that drives this whole big machine,” he said.
Bergen and 20 other board members were sworn in during the lunchtime ceremony.
Other honorees included Christine Castle for Volunteer of the Year, Command Master Chief Jon Smedley for Excellence in Leadership, American Luxury Limousine for Outstanding Partner and Vintage Grocers for Small Business of the Year.
