Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce to Celebrate a City “on the Move”

January 11, 2013 -- The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual “State of the City” breakfast on January 24, celebrating a year of economic success in the beachside city and the coming EXPO light rail.

The Chamber will also honor The American Film Market, which has been held in Santa Monica for over 25 years, and Mayor Pam O'Connor for her work on the Metro Board.

“State the City 2013 will focus on ‘Santa Monica on The Move’ and the current issues impacting the business community,” Chamber officials said.

“Attendees will get a first look at the EXPO line coming to Santa Monica, hear from the newly elected Mayor and city officials and get updates on all districts, neighborhoods and projects across the city,” according to officials.

Aside from O'Connor, attendees will hear from City Manager Rod Gould, President of the Chamber of Commerce Laurel Rosen, CEO of Exposition Construction Authority (EXPO) Richard Thorpe, Executive Director of Planning for LA County Metro, Martha Welborne and Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of The Board and Asset Manager, MSD Capital Ellis O’Connor.

The event kicks off with a networking breakfast from 7 to 8 a.m. followed by Mayor O'Connor's State of the City address.

Last year, former Mayor Richard Bloom talked about Santa Monica's success in welcoming tech start-ups to the beachside city.

Bloom also celebrated the fact that Santa Monica has been able to use its economic success to help less fortunate members of the community through social programs and funding of nonprofit agencies.

The State of the City will be held at the SGI-USA World Culture Center at 525 Wilshire Boulevard.

Tickets are $50, with discounted prices available for Chamber Members, groups, students and seniors and they are available online at www.sotc2013.eventbrite.com.

For more information, call 310.393.9825.