Santa Monica Place assistant vice president Julia Ladd was installed as the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce’s 2014/15 chair at a ceremony held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel on Wednesday.
Ladd was installed along with the new 2014/15 Board of Directors in front of a packed ballroom of attendees that included City leaders, elected officials, and the business community.
Ladd said over the past several years, she had the opportunity to serve on the Chamber Board, the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. board, and other projects whereby business, civic, and community members have worked in cooperation toward moving the City forward.
“Santa Monica is made up of vested stakeholders and it is due to these combined efforts over many years, that we are able to celebrate with tonight’s theme, ‘Santa Monica – The place to be,’” Ladd said.
Ladd said cities everywhere desired to replicate Santa Monica for a number of reasons.
“Santa Monica is known as one of the most desirable beachside communities in California,” Ladd said. “The unparalleled hospitality offered by our residents and businesses keep them coming back.
“We have been on the cutting edge of technology and sustainability for many years and the city is seen as a leader in progressive thought.
“We offer superb shopping, exquisite dining with chef-driven restaurants alongside unique neighborhood cafes, a renowned Farmers Market, art, parks, and the Pier all encompassed in a historical setting.”
Looking to the future, Ladd said the Chamber’s work was pivotal in bringing together the thought leaders of the community.
“In an effort to foster progress, we must join together to embrace change to continue seeking workable solutions that benefit the greater good and long-term vitality of Santa Monica, and we must continue to build the communication between business and residents,” she said.
She said the Chamber board was an impressive body of diverse leaders joined together to represent the interests of its members, to foster a thriving business environment ensuring the community is financially healthy and those living, working and visiting Santa Monica can enjoy an enriched quality of life.
“We will work with small and large business to drive overall prosperity of this community,” she said. “The City and residents must continue to join together to buy local and support entrepreneurial innovation. We will continue to support Santa Monica education in the effort to guarantee we grow our future leaders. We will foster the partnership with the city leadership and staff to attract and retain business. And we will embrace emerging opportunities that better the Santa Monica community for this and the next generation who want to live in cities where they work.”
In closing, Ladd said she would work with the Chamber’s incoming chair for the 2015-16 year, Gregory Day (Shutters on the Beach general manager) and the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
“I commit to you to be your partner in accomplishing our Chamber’s vision,” she said. “You have placed your trust in me and I am honored to be your Chamber Chair.”
