Contents

08 WELCOME

12 EDUCATION

20 NEIGHBORHOODS

26 REAL ESTATE

28 HEALTH CARE

32 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: THE QUEEN MARY

36 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

40 PORT OF LONG BEACH

42 LONG BEACH AIRPORT

46 CITY OF LONG BEACH PHONE NUMBERS

50 CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

54 CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

56 LEADERSHIP CABINET

58 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

63 MEMBER DIRECTORY

Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

One World Trade Center, Suite 101

Long Beach, CA 90831-0101

Phone: 562-436-1251 | Fax: 562-436-7099

www.lbchamber.com

Jeremy Harris

President/CEO

Ajmaa Heggie

Controller

Judy Nelson

Vice President, Business Councils

Marilynn Singer

Communications Manager

Natalie Leighton

Vice President, Membership

Kimberly Lie

Membership Coordinator

Sharlyn Ouzounian

Executive Assistant

On the cover:
A $311 million campaign at California State University Long Beach sets up future growth for the institution.

The Chamber

A Catalyst for business growth, Convener for leaders and the
Champion for a stronger Community

Chair of the Board Sumer Temple,
Don Temple Enterprises

Welcome to the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2024-2025 Business Referral Guide and Membership Directory. This special edition of our quarterly magazine, Your Advocate, serves over 800 members in and around Long Beach. As always, we aim to be the Catalyst for business growth, a Convener for leaders and influencers, and the Champion for a stronger community.

It is my honor to serve as the Chair of the Board this year. My theme for the year is “Collaboration at the Core: Business Unity Balances Community.” The idea that “a rising tide lifts all boats” is at the heart of our efforts to unite businesses, foster connections, and advocate for a thriving local economy.

We have seen numerous examples of local businesses supporting one another, from The Bamboo Club using locally baked bread to The Westin Hotel featuring local breweries. This synergy between businesses not only fosters collaboration but co-creates a future where all can thrive. Small businesses bring agility and innovation, while large companies provide resources and scalability, together creating a business ecosystem greater than the sum of its parts.

This year, The Chamber will also aim to help make Long Beach the second Autism Certified City in the nation. This designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continued Education Standards, ensures that key stakeholders are trained to better serve individuals with autism and other cognitive disorders. This initiative is not only socially responsible but also beneficial for businesses, as it can attract a loyal and underserved demographic, boost tourism, and create a more inclusive community for residents and employees alike.

I look forward to a year of collaboration, working together to elevate our business community and enhance the quality of life for all of our residents and visitors.

Sincerely,

President & CEO
Jeremy Harris

The Chamber is dedicated to driving business growth, advocating for a favorable business environment, and connecting leaders and influencers within our community. It is because of our dedicated leadership, board members, members, and staff that we can achieve these goals.

This year, we’ve supported our business community through programs like the Small Business Savings Programs, quarterly mixers, and monthly networking events. These are just but a few initiatives that highlight our commitment to helping businesses thrive.

Advocacy remains central to our mission. We represent our members at all levels of government, ensuring their voices are heard and supporting policies that create a favorable environment for business growth. We are proud to have received the President’s Circle Award from the California Chamber of Commerce for 16 consecutive years. This award, which recognizes excellence in business advocacy and support for compliance with California employment laws, highlights our commitment to helping businesses stay compliant through resources like labor law posters.

Strong partnerships are key to our success. We collaborate with the city, including the mayor on the State of the Business event, and connect aerospace companies with educational institutions through our Space Beach initiative. Our long-standing relationship with California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) recently expanded to include an alliance with the CSULB Alumni Association, offering new alumni-affiliated businesses a competitive advantage through one year of complimentary Chamber membership.

Looking ahead, we are excited about our rebranding initiative to better reflect our dedication to the business community. The Chamber Foundation will focus on education, workforce development, health and wellness, and economic development, ensuring Long Beach remains supportive for businesses and residents.

We invite you to become a member of the Chamber if you are not already. By joining us, you become part of a network dedicated to business growth and community development. At the heart of this Business Referral Guide & Membership Directory is our belief that local businesses are the backbone of our economy. By supporting them, we create a brighter future for all.

We are here to support you and your business endeavors as we move forward together. Call on us.

Sincerely,

Long Beach City College

Leading the way in workforce development & community engagement

Long Beach City College (LBCC) comprises two Long Beach campuses providing high-quality, free and low-cost programs and support services that play a critical role in building and sustaining an evolving local, regional and state economy.

Some examples of LBCC leading the way in workforce development and community engagement in 2024:

•  LBCC secured more than $10 million in grants from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and the California Water, Wastewater and Energy Workforce Development Program for initiatives to educate, train and place participants into new careers addressing the impacts of climate change.

•  Underscoring its commitment to the needs of the community, Long Beach City College rebranded its Pacific Coast Campus as the LBCC Trades, Technology and Community Learning Campus. This new identifier reflects LBCC’s focus on skills-building offerings such as welding, construction, auto technology and electrical engineering, as well as free English as a Second Language courses that are opening doors to non-native English speakers to reach their educational and career goals.

•  LBCC hosts the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network, which is part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s largest economic development program in the nation. In 2023-24, more than 14,000 regional entrepreneurs participated in 916 training events coordinated by LBCC’s SBDC.

•  The SBDC also runs the Black Business Strategies Program – a no-cost program that provides career counseling and opportunities to access capital, as well as workshops ranging from cash-flow analysis and business financials to sales for the non-salesperson and social media strategies. The Black Business Strategies Program graduated a cohort of more than 90 Black and African American small business entrepreneurs.

As LBCC continues to grow and innovate, its commitment to fostering strong partnerships with business, industry and labor remains at the heart of its mission. These collaborations are key to ensuring that our programs not only meet the evolving needs of our students but also contribute meaningfully to the economic vitality of the Long Beach area and beyond. LBCC is proud to be a driving force in shaping the future of our community through education, workforce development and entrepreneurial support.

Visit www.LBCC.edu to learn more.

Long Beach Unified School District

A national & international reputation for excellence

The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) educates more than 62,500 students from preschool to high school across 84 public schools in Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill and Avalon on Catalina Island. LBUSD schools are renowned for innovation, academic rigor, athletic achievements, educator professional development and the arts.

Established in 1885, LBUSD is the largest employer in the City of Long Beach. Its dedicated team of approximately 10,000 full-time and part-time employees is committed to excellence and equity for all students.

LBUSD has earned a reputation as one of America’s finest school systems, receiving numerous awards as a national and international model of excellence. The Global Education Study lists LBUSD among the world’s five highest-performing school systems. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, a trusted advisor and counselor to many influential businesses and institutions, LBUSD is one of the world’s top 20 school systems – and one of the top three in the United States – in terms of sustained and significant improvements.

The district is a five-time finalist and a top national winner of the Broad Prize for Urban Education, which recognizes America’s best urban school system. The Learning Policy Institute also listed LBUSD among California’s “Districts Beating the Odds.” Long Beach was identified as a “positive outlier” district where Hispanic, white and African American students perform better than students of similar backgrounds in other districts.

Additionally, LBUSD has received the District of the Year award from the national business news publisher Industry Dive and its publication, Education Dive. This honor is part of the Dive Awards, recognizing education’s “top disruptors and innovators.”

A key factor in the district’s success is its collaboration with businesses, volunteers, colleges and universities. LBUSD, California State University Long Beach and Long Beach City College have worked with local, regional and national partners to create a seamless education pathway from pre-kindergarten to postgraduate school.

This partnership aligns academic standards, teaching methods and student assessments from preschool through master’s and doctoral degrees. It also includes the Long Beach Promise, which provides additional support to help more students prepare for and succeed in college. LBUSD has established educational partnerships with more than 1,300 local businesses, recognizing the district’s role in developing a well-educated, highly skilled workforce.

“Our commitment to excellence and equity ensures that every student in our district, regardless of their socioeconomic status, background or circumstance, has the opportunity to receive a top-notch education and is prepared for success,” said Dr. Jill A. Baker, Superintendent of LBUSD.

For information about LBUSD, visit lbschools.net.

Universal Technical Institute

Offers students technical information & community ties

The Long Beach campus of Universal Technical Institute (UTI), which opened in August 2015 and saw its first graduating class in July 2016, is located in a 137,000-square-foot training facility near the Long Beach Airport. The facility boasts 14 classrooms and 18 labs.

Students at UTI Long Beach receive hands-on education in the following fields: auto and diesel technician training, collision repair, welding, HVACR, and aircraft maintenance.

Under the leadership of Campus President Anthony Pham, UTI Long Beach plays an active role in community engagement. Pham contributed to Mayor-Elect Rex Richardson’s 100-day plan team, highlighting the campus’s dedication to local development. UTI Long Beach also regularly participates in city and Long Beach Unified School District activities, fostering strong community ties. The campus has also hosted numerous elected and city officials, including Rex Richardson, Cindy Allen, Mike Gipson, Joni Ricks-Oddie, Josh Lowenthal, Kristina Duggan, Megan Kerr and Bo Martinez, demonstrating its commitment to being an integral part of the Long Beach community.

These campus programs are designed to meet the needs of both students and employers, providing a skilled workforce that supports the local economy. It offers a range of educational programs, awarding Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) degrees, including:

•  Automotive Technology II

•  Automotive Technology II + BMW FastTrack

•  Automotive & Diesel Technology II

Additionally, the campus awards diplomas in:

•  Diesel Technology II,

•  Collision Repair & Refinish Technology

•  Collision Repair & Refinish Technology + Estimating

•  Welding Technology

•  Airframe & Powerplant Technician

UTI Long Beach’s commitment to education, community engagement, and industry partnerships makes it a vital part of the Long Beach community, contributing to local development and its graduates’ success.

Key area employers that regularly hire UTI Long Beach graduates include the City of Long Beach, Crown Lift Trucks, Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach, Long Beach BMW, Cal Worthington Ford, Pacific Elite Collision Centers, L.A. Prep, Inc., Long Beach Nissan, Norm Reeves Dealerships and Cerritos Nissan. These partnerships reflect the campus’s strong ties to the local business community and its role in supporting workforce development.

Midtown

Quick Facts

The Midtown BID was established in 2015. The district size is 0.07 square miles and is a property and business improvement district, pursuant to the Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994. Our vision is to create a vibrant and prosperous business community celebrating its diverse culture. Our mission is to enhance the Midtown business community by investing in safety, beautification, and economic development.

Contact
Elizabeth Munzon,
Marketing Chair
midtownbidlb@gmail.com

Representative
Councilmember Suely Saro

For more information, visit
https://mbidlb.com/

Zaferia

Quick Facts

Zaferia, known as the entertainment district of Long Beach, is a vibrant area with a unique personality and a degree of edginess that sets it apart from other business districts in Long Beach. Zaferia has a history of attracting entrepreneurial risk-takers, going back to its original business inhabitants of the early and mid-1900’s. Zaferia is home to the City’s oldest bar, Joe Jost’s, and prior to joining the City of Long Beach on Labor Day, 1920, was a popular watering hole as a “wet town” when the City of Long Beach was “dry.”

Why “Zaferia”? It is truly a mystery. Whatever the origins, the earliest reference to Zaferia on any maps or in printed form was in 1904 when Henry Huntington and his Pacific Electric Rail Road laid track on a diagonal from Willowville to Seal Beach and beyond. The little village of Bixby Ranch laborers known as Zaferia held enough of a population and, most importantly, potential for commerce that it was worthy of its own depot at the intersection of East Anaheim Street and Redondo Avenue, calling it Zaferia Station.

Zaferia is located in the heart of the City and the East Anaheim Street corridor serves as the main artery. Zaferia offers lively bars with entertainment, restaurants, art galleries, and theater, as well as professional service providers, a design district, auto services, and distinctive retail unlike any other area in Long Beach.

Representatives
District 2 Councilmember Cindy Allen |
(562) 570-2222
District 3 Councilmember Kristina Duggan |
(562) 570-6300
District 4 Councilmember Daryl Supernaw |
(562) 570-4444

For more information, visit zaferia.org.

4th Street

Quick Facts

Colloquially nicknamed “Retro Row,” the area along 4th Street between Cherry and Temple Avenues is known locally, regionally as well as internationally for its eclectic style and storefronts, independent spirit, sustainability efforts, retro-inspired mix of shops and services and variety of attractions which can fulfill an entire day and/or evening for any age group. The 4th Street Retro Row area proudly offers shopping including vintage, kitsch, new boutique, designer high-end furniture and fixtures, books, plants, art and music; as well as a broad variety of restaurants, coffee shops, vegan ice cream and juice bars, salons & barber shops, the last independent art house movie theatre in Long Beach, bars and live music! Our community strives to bring businesses, residents and visitors together in celebration of creativity, independence and diversity.

Contact

Sierra Sky, Executive Director
4thstreetlongbeach@gmail.com

Representative
Vice Mayor Cindy Allen

Prime Location

Long Beach is an Ideal Spot for Real Estate

As in many, if not most parts of the United States – and California in particular – the recent real estate market in Long Beach remained tight, but with business steady.

“While there’s always room for more transactions, I’m still passionate about helping sellers reach their goals and guiding buyers toward achieving a piece of the American Dream,” Barbara Betts said.

Betts has been a real estate professional for more than 20 years. She and her husband Harold own the Long Beach boutique brokerage, The RECollective. She is currently a Pacific West Association of REALTORS® (PWR) Officer, California Association of REALTORS® Director, National Association of REALTORS® Director and Public Policy Liaison for the California Association of REALTORS®.

Betts said that although the real estate market isn’t as fast-paced as it was a few years ago, it remains stable, which is a positive sign.

“We’re fortunate to operate in such a prime location. Long Beach offers the perfect blend of proximity to both downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, making it an ideal spot for real estate,” she said.

Long Beach also has the distinction of being the most affordable beach city in Southern California, stretching from the Central Coast all the way to San Diego. This unique combination of factors continues to make Long Beach a highly desirable place to live, Betts said.

A significant challenge being faced by Long Beach’s desirable real estate market is the combination of limited inventory and affordability.

“The demand for homes far exceeds the available supply, creating a highly competitive environment for buyers,” Betts said. “Despite a recent uptick in inventory, the number of homes available for purchase still falls short of the current demand.”

As such, for July 2024, 301 homes were on the local market, up from 250 in July 2023. The average sale price was nearly $1.15 million, up from nearly $1.06 million, according to PWR research.

In July 2024, there were 279 condos or townhomes for sale, up from 145 a year ago. The average sale price was more than $578,000 but down from nearly $600,000 in July 2023.

“Homes are continuing to sell quickly, often at or above the asking price, contributing to rising prices that show no signs of slowing down,” Betts said.

While Betts is excited about the new housing project at 2nd and Pacific Coast Highway on the Eastside of Long Beach, she said the city needs more housing, at all levels.

“We need more than just rentals and condos. We need single family and market rate housing,” Betts said. “it’s important for Long Beach to enact housing policies consistent with the city’s unique location, demographics and character, as opposed to adopting measures like in LA or in Northern California that have further frozen the market.”

While mortgage loan interest rates dipped a bit in August, Betts cautioned buyers about what this might mean for them.

“When rates dip, we typically see demand spike on the buy side. That simply means multiple offers increase and prices typically rise,” Betts said. “So far, as of right now, we have not seen a huge change. If and when the Feds officially start dropping rates, that conversation will change.”

With the market as it is, Betts said, Long Beach real estate agents are consistently seeing larger down payments, multiple offers, an increase in family support for first time home buyers and much of the local inventory being listed in estate and trust sales.

“The move upmarket has definitely been affected by the interest rates,” Betts said. “Homeowners are choosing to stay in their homes, remodel and add on, versus purchasing a new home.”

People who are moving are doing so because they have had a significant life change, such as a growing household, a divorce or a work-related relocation, she added.

Still, Betts remains bullish about the local real estate market.

“We’re fortunate to operate in such a prime location,” she said. “In Long Beach, there is something for everyone, almost every price point and pretty much every type of property.”

St. Mary Medical Center

Celebrating a century of caring for the Long Beach Community

Dignity Health-St. Mary Medical Center has been serving Long Beach for more than a century.

The facility, started in 1923 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, Texas, honored its legacy with a mass and moving ceremony led by the Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, to begin 2023. A birthday party for the community was held in September, followed by a Centennial Ball in December.

“We spent an entire year celebrating 100 years of providing healthcare to the Long Beach community,” President and Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Caldwell said.

The celebration was all about Long Beach.

“We’re very connected as a community,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell, who began her career as a medical technologist and took the helm at St. Mary seven years ago, said she was pleased to find that connection in a city in which she feels comfortable reaching out to the mayor, police chief or fire chief if needed, or to simply say thank you.

“It’s such a large city but with a hometown feel. That was a pleasant surprise,” she said.

Caldwell said the COVID pandemic provided a perfect example of how connected the community is, as all the area hospitals and key community organizations worked together.

“Long Beach came together and our community partners really showed up for our employees,” which included those who brought supplies and meals to the hospitals. “When the community helped out the medical center, they said, ‘We want to take care of you because you take care of us,’” Caldwell said.

Caldwell noted that St. Mary works collaboratively with other healthcare facilities in the community.

“It’s important to be here for support,” she said. “The community is better if we work together.”

The facility, a Level II trauma center, is always ready to serve.

“People tend to not think about trauma services until they need them and we consider it a blessing to be able to take care of our community during traumatic events,” she said.

Among those facilities, offering a full array of structure and personnel, is the center’s comprehensive stroke unit, started four years ago, and led by interventional neurologist Dr. Wally Wazni.

“The Comprehensive Stroke Center is a relatively new service,” Caldwell said. “With Dr. Wazni’s leadership, offering this level of service to our community has been remarkable.”

St. Mary Medical has been recognized as being among the top 10% nationally for Critical Care and the center was awarded the Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Looking forward, Caldwell said plans for the future include a focus on new services while making a positive difference in the lives of individuals it is fortunate to serve.

“It’s been 100 years and we’re still here,” she said. “And we plan to be here another 100 years.”

MemorialCare Miller
Children’s & Women’s Hospital

4th Annual Mental Health Symposium addresses mental health issues in children

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are becoming a growing epidemic among youth. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3.7 million adolescents, ages 12 to 17, are affected by mental health conditions. MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach is committed to protecting and advocating for youth mental health.

To continue to bring awareness and address pediatric mental health, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital organized its fourth annual Mental Health Symposium to discuss ways adults can advocate for and protect children’s mental health.

The panel featured a lineup of various community mental health experts who shared their expertise and perspective, as well as their personal experiences with advocating for children’s struggles with mental health in their field.

Topics discussed included the mind-body connection, physical symptoms of anxiety and coping skills, gender norms and Asian American and Pacific Islander cultural differences.

“The mind-body connection is powerful. Physical health and mental health are closely in connection and impact one another, and that’s why health care providers must work collaboratively to treat children,” said Christina Zavalza, pediatric psychologist, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “Chronic stress has negative effects on a child’s body, and stress can come from multiple areas in a child’s life. These physical symptoms of stress may present in children through sleep disturbances, headaches, stomachaches, decreased appetite, or changes in eating patterns.”

Some of the stressors discussed included peer pressure, political and social unrest, violence in the community, family discord, change, and parental separation or divorce.

In addition, attendees participated in a question-and-answer session that fostered a sense of community, giving concerned parents, teachers, employees, and others an opportunity to receive the answers to the questions they had to help youth and destigmatize the conversation surrounding mental health.

The speakers encouraged guests to converse with the children or youth in their lives, be curious about social, emotional, behavioral, and physical changes in youth, provide emotional support to youth, build coping skills in youth, focus on and promote physical health such as a proper sleep schedule, exercise, and a healthy diet.

Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital continues to provide a safe space where mental health is prioritized.

To learn more, please visit memorialcare.org/services/emotional-and-mental-well-being.

Experience luxury, history & tradition

The Queen Mary

Long Beach has long been the home of The Queen Mary.

A popular destination for local residents and vacationing visitors, the retired ocean liner docked off the coast of Long Beach has welcomed more than 60 million people since it opened to the public in 1971.

Those who call the Long Beach area home, and are undoubtedly acquainted with this historic jewel, have a wealth of reasons to visit, said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary.

“There is constant activity on the Ship,” he said. “From live music, tours, attractions, restaurants and bars, and much more, there is always something to do on the Queen.”

The Observation Bar is one of the ship’s hot spots. On Tuesday nights, the art deco-style bar hosts Meet Me at the Mary. Live bands perform the standards from the ’30s and ’40s, there’s dancing and dance lessons and a general air of nostalgic fun.

“Our guests voluntarily dress up in outfits reminiscent of the ’30s and ’40s, it’s great,” Caloca said.

On Wednesdays in the Observation Bar, karaoke is king while live jazz and blues is featured on Thursday nights. Live music entertains on Sunday nights as well.

On summer Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m., Margaritas on the Mary invites visitors, admitted free to the ship’s environs, to indulge in tacos and margaritas on the starboard side while enjoying a live steel drum band and the beautiful Long Beach skyline.

Caloca said many local neighbors frequent the Royal Sunday Brunch in the Ship’s iconic Grand Salon.

The Promenade Deck Main Hall is where visitors will find a new attraction, the J.T. Jones Bookstore. The store’s name is an homage to Captain John Treasure Jones, the last person to captain the Queen Mary before the ship docked in Long Beach.

“There used to be a bookstore on deck when the ship sailed,” Caloca said, adding that the books are available to purchase or borrow by visitors and hotel guests.

In another callback to the ship’s storied past, the Main Hall is also home to a candy store known as Piccadilly Delights where candy from the ship’s vintage era is available for purchase, Caloca said.

Visitors are welcome to visit the Commodore’s Office in the Main Hall with Commodore Everette Hoard, who was a personal friend of Captain John Treasure Jones.

“The Commodore has been here 43 years. He’s terrific. This is his home, and he is the heart of the Ship,” Caloca said.

Built in Scotland, the Cunard line ship first departed from Southampton, England in 1936 on its maiden voyage to New York City, providing a lush mode of transportation that predated the age of commercial air travel. The Queen Mary served as a troop carrier during World War II, returning to passenger service in 1947. The ship made its last transatlantic voyage in 1967, docking permanently in Long Beach on Dec. 9 of that year.

The Queen Mary offers visitors the chance to book overnight stays in its 250 deluxe staterooms and suites.

“We want our Long Beach area neighbors to know that, since sometimes folks need to get away, the Queen Mary offers an all-inclusive staycation,” Caloca said.

The ship also welcomes business conferences.

“We have 80,000 square feet of meeting space with upscale food and beverage services. We’re investing in our audio and video capabilities as well. Our largest ballroom, the Grand Salon, accommodates up to 800 guests, while the Ship’s decks can accommodate up to 2,000 for events,” he said.

Marketing Manager Emily Seruga said visitors may choose from a variety of tours.

The Glory Days tour is a one-hour guided tour that takes tourists through a timeline of the ship’s history. Beginning with the construction of the 1,020-foot-long vessel that originally included two indoor pools, a beauty salon, sports facilities and a dog kennel, the tour advances to the ship’s service as a troop carrier during war time and through its zenith in the 1930s and 1940s as the ultimate in travel, outfitted with the most cutting-edge technology of its time.

There is also the VIP Tour. “It includes areas that we’ve had off-limits to guests for years,” Seruga said.

Other tours highlight the ship’s art deco influences, its history of being a favorite mode of transportation among Hollywood luminaries, and the Steam and Steel Tour that includes an exploration of the boiler room and turbo-generator room. There are also several tours that center on the mysterious, including The Grey Ghost Project, a paranormal investigation.

Debuting this winter will be a new experience, the Transatlantic Vacation, which will include three nights and four days aboard The Queen Mary, Dec. 16-19.

“We’ll have activities on the ship that will make you feel like you are cruising while we’re actually docked in Long Beach,” Seruga said.

There will be trivia games, beer tastings, movie screenings, live music, dance competitions, a scavenger hunt and a costume party, all with a holiday flair. For children, there will be a young officer’s program offering the chance to learn new skills, from tying knots to reading signal flags.

For information about The Queen Mary and to make reservations, visit www.queenmary.com

Growing Long Beach Together

By Bo Martinez, Director of the Long Beach Economic Development Department

With its premier location, robust infrastructure and business-friendly environment, the City of Long Beach is driving smart and sustainable growth, investment and jobs to build a diverse economy where everyone thrives.

We are looking to the future, investing in entrepreneurs and small businesses, leveraging public-private partnerships and bolstering key industry sectors with a big focus on talent to Grow Long Beach Together.

Long Beach enjoys one of the strongest and fastest-growing economies in the nation. We’ve thoughtfully identified goals and initiatives designed to make the most of the opportunities before us, nurturing entrepreneurship, small business development, business recruitment and retention, placemaking, talent and workforce innovation.

In Long Beach, small business is big business. Each year, an average of 2,500 businesses open their doors in our city. Recognized as the Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County, we strive to roll out the red carpet, not the red tape — empowering entrepreneurs through technical assistance, access to capital, business activation and the resources needed to help ensure they grow and prosper.

Growing Long Beach means diversifying our economy and revenue streams. To that effect, we are focusing on fueling our aerospace and aviation industry, with Space Beach continuing to soar as the home of Relativity Space, Rocket Lab, SpaceX, JetZero and Vast, and Ampaire, Mayman Aerospace and NovaWurks announcing plans to relocate their offices to Long Beach. Similarly, we are designing a new chapter of innovation and opportunity in the transportation, logistics and supply chain sector with Fortune 500 companies such as Ford Motor Company gearing up to launch a new next generation electric vehicle production facility in the city.

We are unleashing the creative economy through music, athletics, tourism and hospitality like never before.

Long Beach is set to welcome the world in an unparalleled opportunity as a venue city for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The city will shine as it is transformed to offer a vibrant experience for athletes and spectators from around the world. Ahead of the Olympics, the city’s first-ever outdoor amphitheater, holding upwards of 12,000 seats, is anticipated for summer 2025, attracting major bands, artists and global acts, along with thousands of visitors to the Downtown waterfront.

And we will continue to invest in healthcare, education and technology sectors as the key to scalable impact and bridging the divide within our diverse community, providing affordable access, training and pathways for all and expanding opportunities for more BIPOC and women-owned businesses.

From our welcoming neighborhoods to our exceptional assets, including the iconic Queen Mary, the Port of Long Beach, award-winning airport and convention center, miles of sand and beaches, a vibrant and emerging Downtown, and charming commercial corridors located in the heart of it all between Los Angeles and Orange County, it is clear to see why Long Beach Works!

To learn more about small business resources and employer and career services, visit longbeach.gov/ed.

Port of Long Beach Reaching Green Port Goals

Rail, infrastructure improvements reduce environmental impact of operations

The Port of Long Beach is strengthening its pursuit to become the world’s greenest seaport by modernizing rail facilities and building infrastructure for a competitive, efficient and cleaner future.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joined Port, state and national leaders in July to celebrate the start of construction of the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, aimed at moving freight more quickly and sustainably by shifting cargo movements from trucks to trains.

Known as “America’s Green Gateway,” the state-of-the-art rail project will double the footprint of an existing rail yard to 171 acres and more than triple the volume of on-dock rail capacity handled annually to 4.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

More than 1,100 construction-related jobs will be created by the $1.567 billion project, which is scheduled for completion in 2032. So far, the Port has secured $643 million in state, federal and local grant funding to help complete the facility.

The Port is also deploying several measures in its drive toward an industry-leading goal of zero emissions for cargo-handling equipment by 2030 and for drayage trucks by 2030.

“We are investing $2.3 billion in improvements in the next decade to improve terminal and rail capacity, upgrade critical infrastructure and reduce the environmental impact of port operations,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero, who declared 2024 as the “Year of Rail” during his annual State of the Port address. “Our strategy will help us achieve our zero-emission goals as the Green Port.”

By partnering with several private companies, the Port anticipates being able to exceed its goal of having 100 public charging stations available by 2028 for heavy-duty electric trucks hauling goods through the harbor area. Investments in charging infrastructure is essential to transition to zero-emissions drayage and reduce port-related greenhouse gas emissions.

The Port of Long Beach is also working with the Port of Los Angeles and Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee to ensure charging stations are available to truckers traveling along heavily used freight routes across the region. The $137 million program calls for installing up to 207 charging units at eight sites at the Port of Long Beach, Wilmington, Rancho Dominguez, Rialto, Fontana and Commerce. The Port of Long Beach will allocate $12.5 million from its Clean Truck Fund Rate to support the program.

Phasing out older, more polluting trucks has supported improvements to air quality and reduced impacts to community health near the San Pedro Bay ports since the original Clean Truck Program was initiated in 2008. Diesel particulate emissions from trucks have been cut by as much as 97% compared to levels in 2005.

As part of the quest to enhance air quality, the Port anticipates participating in development of the state’s “hydrogen hub” and receiving funding to deploy cargo-handling equipment with zero-emissions technology.

Additionally, the Port is continuing to pursue plans to develop Pier Wind, a proposed 400-acre terminal designed to facilitate the assembly of offshore wind turbines, which would be towed to wind farms in the ocean off Central and Northern California. If approved, the proposed Pier Wind project would be the largest facility of its kind in the nation and would help California meet its goals for renewable energy sources.

The Port of Long Beach is also continuing to foster its relationship with its neighbors by increasing its allocation to the Community Sponsorship Program to $3 million for the next year. Additionally, the Port has awarded more than $50 million since 2009 through its Community Grants Program to mitigate the impacts of port operations through health services, facility improvements and park projects, among others.

The Port’s environmental stewardship, operational achievements and history are now showcased through interactive exhibits within the newly opened Congressman Alan Lowenthal Global Trade and Education Center. Located within the Port Administration Building in Civic Center Plaza, the 10,000-square-foot space is named for Lowenthal, who represented Long Beach in the state Legislature from 1998 to 2012 and in Congress for 10 years until his retirement in 2023.

Modernized Long Beach
Airport Embraces
100-Year History

Pioneering aviator Charles Lindbergh believed “Life is a culmination of the past, an awareness of the present, an indication of a future beyond knowledge.”

Nowhere does that resonate more profoundly than at Long Beach Airport — celebrating a rich 100-year history while embracing the needs of modern-day travelers, LGB stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of aviation innovation.

Established in 1923, LGB is the oldest municipal airport in California, with its roots tracing back to the storied days when Lindbergh praised LGB for having paved runways and the country’s first illuminated airfield. Now, operations include state-of-the-art modernizations for the 21st century.

As LGB celebrates a century of service, the airport’s commitment to preserving its history, while modernizing its facilities, has taken center stage with the meticulous renovation of the Historic Terminal building. This iconic 1941 Streamline Moderne structure, originally designed by renowned architects William Horace Austin and Kenneth Smith Wing, recently underwent $17.8 million renovation — part of a broader $125 million Phase II-Terminal Area Improvements Program — that included a seismic retrofit and a faithful restoration of some of the building’s most iconic design elements.

The Historic Terminal’s revival is a key component of LGB’s ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience. In addition to that project, the airport completed a series of modernizations over the past three years, including a new ticketing lobby, consolidated bag claim, and state-of-the-art checked baggage inspection system to streamline the journey from curb to gate, making travel smoother and more efficient while preserving the unique charm of LGB.

Long Beach Airport’s blend of historical preservation and modern convenience has not gone unnoticed. For two consecutive years, LGB has been ranked among the Top 10 Best Airports in the United States by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Travelers appreciate the airport’s relaxing beachside vibes, lush open-air concourse, and convenient location just minutes from downtown Long Beach and centrally located between Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Offering a distinctly easygoing travel experience, LGB offers service from Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Delta Air Lines to 24 nonstop destinations across the country, including Hawaii, which is more than at any other time in the airport’s century of service.

A beloved gateway of choice to Southern California, Long Beach Airport is 100 years old and still the coolest place to land in Southern California.

City Of Long Beach
Phone Numbers

SERVICES

ADA Accessibility Issues (562) 570-6257

Affordable Housing – Section 8 (562) 570-6985

Airport (562) 570-2619

Animal Care Services/Animal Village (562) 570-7387

Bicycle-Friendly Initiatives (562) 570-6334

Birth Certificates (562) 570-4305

Building Permits (562) 570-5237

Business Assistance (866) 848-3321

Business Licenses (562) 570-6211

Charter Cable Service (866) 499-8080

Citizen Police Complaint Commission (562) 570-6891

City Auditor’s Fraud Hotline (888) 372-8307

City Council Agendas (562) 570-6101

City Elections (562) 570-6101

City Job Hotline (562) 570-6201

Code Enforcement (562) 570-CODE

Community Emergency Response Team (562) 570-2525

Community Service Workers Program (562) 570-5650

Death Certificates (562) 570-4305

Disaster Preparedness Information (562) 570-9250

Doing Business With The City (562) 570-6361

Electricity, Turn On/Off (SCE) (800) 684-8123

Employment Assistance (562) 570-WORK

Family Learning Centers (Library) (562) 570-6291

Family Planning Services (562) 570-4315

Fire Department Community Services (562) 570-5233

Fire – Non Emergency (562) 570-9400

Fire Prevention (562) 570-2560

Gang Tip Hotline (562) 570-7130

Garage Sales Permits (562) 570-6211

Gas Bills, Turn On/Off (562) 570-5700

Graffiti Hotline (562) 570-2773

Harbor Patrol Dispatch (562) 590-4185

Hate Crimes/Human Dignity (562) 570-6866

Housing Programs (562) 570-6949

Immunizations (including travel) (562) 570-4315

Library (562) 570-7500

Long Beach TV (LBTV) (562) 570-1122

Narcotics Tip Line (562) 570-7125

Nuisance Abatement (562) 570-7169

Neighborhood Resource Center (562) 570-1010

Parking Citations (562) 570-6822

Police – Non Emergency & Anonymous (562) 435-6711

Port Trade and Community Relations (562) 283-7700

Pothole Repair (562) 570-3259

Recreation Programs (562) 570-3100

Refuse/Recycling Services (562) 570-2876

Sewer Problems (562) 570-2390

Shoes on Utility Lines (562) 570-2700

Shopping Cart Removal (800) 252-4613

Sidewalk and Curb Repair (562) 570-2700

Special Events & Filming Permits (562) 570-5333

Stormwater Pollution Prevention (562) 570-3867

STD/HIV Testing and Counseling (562) 570-4315

Street Lights (562) 570-2700

Street Sweeping (562) 570-2890

Telephone Service (Verizon) (800) 837-4966

Trash Bills – Turn On/Off (562) 570-5700

Tree Trimming (562) 570-2770

Traffic Signals, Signs and Stripping (562) 570-2700

Frontier FIOS TV (800) 921-8101

Water Bills – Turn On/Off (562) 570-5700

Water Waster Hotline (562) 570-2455

Youth Opportunity Center (562) 570-4700

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Fire/Police Emergency 911

Gas Emergency (562) 570-2140

Illegal Storm Drain Dumping (562) 570-3867

Water Emergency (562) 570-2390

CITY DEPARTMENTS

City Clerk (562) 570-6101

City Manager’s Office (562) 570-6711

Civil Service (562) 570-6202

Development Services (562) 570-5237

Disaster Preparedness and Emergency
Communications (562) 570-9250

Energy Resources (562) 570-2000

Financial Management (562) 570-6237

Fire (562) 570-2500

Harbor (562) 437-0041

Health and Human Services (562) 570-4000

Human Resources (562) 570-6621

Library Services (562) 570-7500

Long Beach Airport (562) 570-2619

Parks, Recreation and Marine (562) 570-3100

Police (562) 570-7260

Public Works (562) 570-6383

Technology & Innovation (562) 570-6455

Water (562) 570-2300

Mayor Rex Richardson

District 1 Councilwoman Mary Zendejas

District 2 Councilwoman Cindy Allen, Vice Mayor

District 3 Councilwoman Kristina Duggan

District 4 Councilman Daryl Supernaw

District 5 Councilwoman Megan Kerr

District 6 Councilwoman Suely Saro

District 7 Councilman Roberto Uranga

District 8 Councilman Al Austin

District 9 Councilwoman Joni Ricks-Oddie

City Attorney Dawn McIntosh

City Auditor Laura Doud

City Prosecutor Doug Haubert

A Premier Chamber in California

The Long Beach business organization since 1891

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has proudly served the Long Beach business community since its founding in 1891. As one of the largest chambers in California, we represent over 800 businesses and nonprofits across the Long Beach region. Our mission is clear: to act as the catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community.

With a legacy of leadership, education, and advocacy, The Chamber is committed to ensuring the Long Beach area prospers in the 21st century. Our dedication to the community has positioned us as a premier chamber in California, recognized by 16 consecutive President’s Circle Awards. This award honors our excellence in business advocacy and our commitment to helping businesses stay compliant with California employment laws.

Beyond advocacy, The Chamber is deeply committed to the Long Beach community. We recognize that a strong business community contributes to the overall quality of life, making Long Beach a better place to live and work. Our events, such as the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, highlight the innovation and achievements that drive our local economy.

The Chamber’s legacy of leadership and service is built on our belief that collaboration, innovation, and strategic advocacy are the keys to success. Whether you are a small company or an established enterprise, The Chamber provides the tools, connections, and support you need to thrive.

Join us in shaping the future of Long Beach. For more information on membership and how you can make an impact, visit us at www.lbchamber.com.

2024-2025 Chairman’s Circle Members

Emerald

California State University, Long Beach

Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center

Don Temple Storage

MemorialCare

Port of Long Beach

Diamond

AES Alamitos

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Moffatt & Nichol

P2S Inc.

Southern California Gas Company

Southern California Edison

Valero

Platinum

California Resources Corporation

Charter Communications

City of Hope

City National Bank

Hyatt Regency Long Beach

Keesal, Young & Logan

Long Beach Airport

Long Beach City College/Small Business Development Center

Southwest Airlines

TABC, Inc./Toyota

Watson Land Company

Gold

Amazon

Boeing

Brascia Builders

Cambrian Homecare

Centennial Advisers

Chick-fil-A at the Long Beach Towne Center

Crown Castle

DENSO Products & Services Americas, Inc.

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Hotel Maya

Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center

Laserfiche

Mitsubishi Cement Corporation

Press Telegram

Westin Long Beach

Wells Fargo Bank

Silver

Air Products

Chase

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Intertrend Communications

Liberty Utilities

Molina Healthcare

Republic Services

SA Recycling LLC

Signal Hill Petroleum

Shoreline Village

UHS Insurance Agency

Union Pacific Railroad

Verizon Wireless

Walmart

Western States Petroleum Association

Bronze

American Business Bank

AT&T

BluPrint Home Loans

Bryson

BYD

Catalina Express

Forest Lawn

Halbert Hargrove

IKE Smart City

International City Bank

LBS Financial Credit Union

PBF Energy

SCAN Health Plan

Special Olympics Southern California

Starbucks Coffee Co

The Queen Mary

Total Network Solutions

UPS

UTI

Waymo

Windes

YMCA

Leadership Cabinet 2024-2025

SUMER TEMPLE

Chair of the Board

Don Temple Storage

TRINI JIMENEZ

Immediate Past Chair

Watson Land Company

HEATHER SUMMERS

Chair Elect

LBS Financial Credit Union

SCOTT BRISTOL

Chief Financial Officer

Brascia Builders, Inc.

ALICIA BERHOW

Vice Chair, Public Policy

Charter

GREG GUTHRIE

Vice Chair, Economic Development

Hotel Maya

LYNETTE MCKINNON

Vice Chair, Membership

Boeing

CHRIS REESE

Vice Chair, Community Development

CSULB

RHIANNON ACREE

Member at Large

Cambrian Homecare

CAROLYN CALDWELL

Member at Large

Dignity Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center

BRYCE CULLINANE

Legal Counsel, Ex-Officio Member

Keesal, Young & Logan

JOHN HOWARD

Member at Large

Chick-fil-A at the Long Beach Towne Center

TOMI D RILEY

Member at Large

Air Products

FRED SUTTON

Member at Large

California Apartment Association

JEREMY HARRIS

President/CEO

Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce