July 9, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce’s 91st Annual Installation Dinner:

By Sebastian Lopez

At the upcoming Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce’s 91st Annual Installation Dinner on June 15 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalow, Dorothy (Dee) Menzies and Iao Katagiri will receive awards for their commitment and contributions to the Santa Monica Community.

Menzies will receive the Bob Gabriel Community Service Business Award and Katagiri will receive the Roy E. Naylor Achievement Award.

“These awards are given to thank and showcase Santa Monica chamber member businesses and professionals that do exemplary service for the betterment of the community of Santa Monica,” Gigi de Pourtales, Director of Events and Marketing for the Santa Monica Chamber said. “This year, two women who have made an enormous difference to Santa Monica and in that in that to the community at large are retiring”.

Gabriel was a successful businessman in insurance and real estate, served on the city council and led many community nonprofit agencies. The Bob Gabriel Community Service Award honors organizations that show commitment to supporting the needy within the community.

Menzies was born in Santa Monica and after receiving her Bachelor of Science, Life Teaching Credential and Master of Education degrees from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, went on to become the head of school at Carlthorp School, first woman president of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica, served on the Board of the Santa Monica YWCA and YMCA, serves as a member of the Santa Monica College Associates, serves on the Education Committee for the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and more.

“Participating in the activities of the Chamber of Commerce has been extremely meaningful to me for several reasons,” Menzies told The Mirror. “First, it is an honor to serve the City that I love and hold in high regard, second, I enjoy enriching the experience for the Santa Monica business owners, and finally, serving the Chamber and the City is a family tradition that dates back to my father who was a Chamber Board Chair in the 1960s.”

Naylor was president of Naylor Paints and an active participant in Santa Monica Service Organizations including the chamber of commerce.

Katagiri is Deputy Vice President, External Affairs and Director of Community Relations for RAND Corporation, President of the Board for Connections for Children, long-time board member of WISE & Healthy Aging, serves on the boards of Westside Food Bank, Santa Monica Police Activities League, The Santa Monica College Associates and more.

“Whether we need thoughtful people to address problems or can-do people to implement solutions, Iao has been there for the Chamber and the community for decades,” Chamber President Laurel Rosen said. “She chaired the board of directors in 2009-2010, during the recession, and helped keep the Chamber moving forward.”

This is Katagiri’s second Naylor award, which is the first time anyone has been recognized twice for lifetime achievement.

“Just as important, she has shared her wisdom and insights, mentoring many community leaders,” Rosen said. “We are fortunate that she may be retiring from RAND, but not from all of us.”

 

For more information on the awards and the installation dinner, head to: smchamber.com. 

in News
<>Related Posts

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...