By Lookout Staff

January 9, 2012 -- The Santa Monica College is the recipient of the local Chamber of Commerce's 2012 Economic Excellence Award for its large workforce, job training programs and "top-quality" education.

The college -- which has a workforce of 2,200 and an annual payroll of $110 million -- will be presented with the award during the annual State of The City event January 26.

"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," Rosen said.

The college has maintained a "robust level of class offerings" and retained "high-caliber faculty and staff" during State cutbacks to education, College officials said.

At a time when both the public and private sectors are facing tumultuous economic conditions, SMC is fiscally stable and well managed," said SMC President Dr. Chui L. Tsang.

Following are the other chamber honorees:

* CoLoft, a local small business, will receive the Innovation Award for taking an innovative approach to workspace and catering to start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

* 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 will take place on Thursday, January 26 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at SGI-USA World Culture Center at 525 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica.

More information can be found at http://www.smchamber.com/SOTC. . Tickets can be purchased at http://stateofthecity2012.eventbrite.com or by calling 310.393.9825.