News, Chamber Of Commerce, Business, Santa Monica

2012 Santa Monica State Of The City Approaches

Posted Jan. 16, 2012, 11:53 pm

Brenton Garen / Editor-in-Chief

Time is ticking when it comes to buying tickets to the annual State of The City event, which will be held Thursday, Jan. 26 at the SGI-USA World Culture Center in Santa Monica.

This year, the focus is on trends in technology and business in Santa Monica.

Attendees will hear from an expert panel of business and community leaders, learn about the latest technology for businesses during the networking reception, and celebrate the year’s outstanding business honorees.

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce has selected Santa Monica College for the 2012 Economic Excellence Award for its large workforce, its job training programs, and its top-quality education.

“Santa Monica College has been a stabilizing economic force as one of the city’s largest employers and most active community partners,” said Santa Monica Chamber President Laurel Rosen. “The college is educating our workforce of tomorrow and providing the resources and tools our businesses need to succeed today, helping create a vibrant and strong local economy for all in Santa Monica. The college is very deserving of this honor.”

SMC President Dr. Chui L. Tsang said the college was honored to receive the award.

“Not only does SMC provide an outstanding education in preparing students for the best universities, we are a formidable economic presence in Santa Monica, with a workforce of 2,200 and an annual payroll of $110 million,” Tsang said.

Aside from SMC, the other honorees are:

• The local small business CoLoft, which will receive the Innovation Award. Catering to start-ups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, CoLoft takes an innovative approach to workspace allowing for great collaboration, success, and growth.

• Brad Cox will receive the Leadership Award for his transformative leadership in helping usher in a new era of collaboration among Santa Monica’s public administrators and business stakeholders. Cox is Senior Managing Director of Trammell Crow Company, Chair of the Santa Monica Alliance, Immediate Past Chair of the Los Angeles Business Council, and Vice Chair of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.

The State of The City event on Jan. 26 will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at SGI-USA World Culture Center, 525 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica.

More information can be found at www.smchamber.com/SOTC.

Tickets can be purchased at http://stateofthecity2012.eventbrite.com or by calling 310.393.9825.