On the Town: Burbank Chamber of Commerce celebrates strong 2017
In just four days, the final grains of 2017’s sand will have passed through the hourglass and the dawn of a new year will break.
To be prepared to hit the ground running for the next 12 months, the Burbank Chamber of Commerce recently installed Gema Sanchez as its 2018 president, along with its executive committee and board members during the organization’s annual installation luncheon, which was held on the campus of Woodbury University.
Welcomed by Lee Wochner, outgoing president, close to 100 chamber members applauded the accomplishments of the man who led the group throughout this past year.
“As 2017 comes to a close, we are not your grandfather’s chamber of commerce,” Wochner told the assemblage. “We have seen a membership growth of 24%, with the highest number of women members in our history. And thanks to the leadership of our [chief executive], Tom Flavin, and an actively engaged board, we saw much-needed capital improvements take place at our office, the passage of Measure B, which approves a replacement terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport, and the largest turnout in Burbank history for the mayor’s State of the City address.”
Along with the organization’s 2017 successes, Wochner also spoke of the personal growth he experienced in leading the chamber over the past year.
“Working with the city, the airport, and so many Burbank business and entities has been meaningful work,” Wochner said. “It has been a joy and an honor to perform this duty and service that I have found to be personally beneficial and energizing. And I’m proud to turn over the presidential gavel to Gema with great promise and opportunity for 2018.”
Following Wochner’s remarks, City Councilman Bob Frutos administered the oath to Sanchez, whose presidential theme will be “Collaboration, Connection and Contribution.”
Sanchez, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, is a dental hygienist who also works for her family’s spice import company.
A past president of the local chapter of National Charity League who has also been active in PTA, she thanked her husband, Rey, and daughter, Veronica, who were in attendance, along with chamber members for giving her the opportunity to serve as the chamber’s 2018 president.
The luncheon, which also included the presentation of recognition to outgoing board members Chuck Rosen and Scott Rife, saw Ernie Burger, Leo Divinsky, Ken Nielsen, Scott Scozzola, Terry Walker, Chad Kelman, Steve Mora, Michael Nicosia and Wochner sworn in as 2018 board members, with Darin Chase, James Hicken, Sunder Ramani, Janet McIntyre and Karen Volpi-Gussow installed as the executive committee.
Established in 1920, the Burbank Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 1,000 member businesses with more than 33,000 employees.
For more information about upcoming events and membership, call (818) 846-3111.
DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.
