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Posts by Heidi Butzine:

sb1383 (1)

California Mandates Organic Waste Collection Services To All Residents, Businesses And Multi-Family Properties

SB1383

Effective January 1, 2022 state mandate, SB 1383 became effective and required every jurisdiction to provide organic waste collection services to all residents, businesses and multi-family properties in an effort to reduce methane emissions from landfills. 

Image: Lomitacity.com

In September, 2023, the Lomita City Council adopted its mandatory recycling and organics collection ordinance to comply with the requirements of California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383). Lomita ordinance (Ordinance No. 5-3.30) requires all organic waste generators, both residential and commercial, to divert organic waste from landfills by participating in an organic waste collection program.

Beginning January 1, 2024, Athens Services will begin bundled recycling, organics and trash collection services for all commercial and multi-family customers as required by state mandate, Senate Bill (SB) 1383. Please note that this means effective January 1, 2024, you will now have three separate containers. One for each stream; trash, recycling and organics.

Athens Services outreach representatives will be visiting all commercial and multi-family customers in Lomita to review current service levels and based on this site visit, will make bundled service recommendations depending on the types and levels of solid waste needs to ensure that customers receive the best bundle possible.  If you have any questions about the new programs and services available to the Lomita community, please contact Athens Services Customer Care Center at (888) 336-6100 or Athensservices.com.

Learn more about SB 1383 at:
City of Lomita SB1383 page 
Athens Services SB1383 page

Business Advisory: ADA Compliance Lawsuits

Business Advisory: ADA Compliance Lawsuits

Business Advisory: ADA Compliance Lawsuits

Targeted ADA lawsuits are on the rise again in the South Bay, particularly focusing on outdoor dining establishments in California. Businesses are being hit with demands to pay thousands to settle or face a court battle.

To avoid costly court fees, businesses can take proactive measures and consider getting a CASp (Certified Access Specialist) inspection to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

CASp Inspections can help business owners avoid costly lawsuits that may arise from non-compliance with the ADA. By identifying and correcting any accessibility issues before they become a problem, business owners can protect themselves from legal action and potential damages. Once an inspection is complete, the business owner is given an ADA Compliance Certificate that can be placed in the window, showing patrons that your business is ADA compliant. This certificate can often deter patrons who intend on filing frivolous lawsuits. It can also aid in settling lawsuits in the business owner’s favor, showing that the business is likely in compliance and that the business owner has intentions of maintaining compliance. 

Some of the benefits can include preventing lawsuits, saving money by addressing issues early, expanding your customer base by attracting and retaining customers with disabilities, enhancing your reputation, and staying compliant.

If you’d like a referral to CASp inspection services, All American Inspection & Testing (a born-and-raised South Bay family-owned business) has graciously offered Lomita businesses a discounted rate for inspection. Please contact the Chamber for more info.

2023 CHAIR BOARD (Instagram Post (Square))

2023 Chair of the Board: Jennifer Olvera

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The Lomita Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the incoming

2023 Chair of the Board, Jennifer Olvera! 

Jennifer Olvera is a lifelong resident of Southern California and currently resides in the City of San Pedro. She graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1998. Jennifer accepted full time employment with Green Hills Memorial Park, has held several positions in the Administrative Department and is now the Manager of Community Engagement and Safety. Jennifer continues her model of serving the South Bay community within her role as Manager of Public Relations for Coastal Funeral Center. 

In addition to her duties at work, Jennifer represents her company in the surrounding communities. Olvera is currently serving her second term on the Board of Directors of the Lomita Chamber as the current Chair, served three terms on the Board of Directors for the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. She has served as a YMCA Camp Counselor, Past President, and Board Member of the Kiwanis Club of Torrance. Along with enhancing her role in the community, Olvera leads the Safety Committee at Green Hills Memorial Park and has completed a course in Partners in Policing, BERT, and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). In April 2018, Olvera was unanimously elected to the Board of Directors for the Torrance Police Foundation and currently serves as Chair Elect.  

In 2004, Jennifer graduated from Leadership Torrance, a program that is part of a national educational program that develops leaders for the community and for businesses. November 10, 2011, Jennifer chaired a Task Force through the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce organizing a Veterans Career and Resource Fair assisting our veterans transitioning back into society. From 2004-2009, Ms. Olvera served on the Community Advisory Board for Pediatric Therapy Network, an organization providing physical, learning, and social skills for children with Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Autism.

Olvera has and continues to participate on several committees within her community such as, Women in Business, Halloween Ball, Torrance Police, and Torrance Fire Award Recognition Luncheons. She is one of the first 10 women to be elected to the Board of Directors of the International Cemetery, Cremation, Funeral Association (ICCFA) since its inception in 1887. In 2014, Olvera Founded and Chairs the Women in Leadership (WIL), giving women in the industry a platform where our voices are heard. Olvera is a past participant of Dancing with the South Bay Stars a fundraiser for TOCA (Torrance Cultural Arts Center) as well as raises funds towards a charity of her choosing, which was the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. In 2018, Jennifer received the Outstanding Military Volunteer Service Medal from the United States Navy. In June of 2021, Olvera received the J. Walker Owens Volunteerism Award, the second highest recognition within the Torrance Chamber of Commerce and the first father/daughter of the TACC Board/Membership to both receive this honor. Jennifer, Certified Cemetery Executive, received the Certificate of Honor as a Quarter Century Member, for being employed in the same industry and company for over 25 years.

minimum wage increase january 2023

Minimum Wage Increase January 1, 2023 ($15.50 Per Hour For All California Employers)

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minimum wage increase january 2023

On January 1, 2023, California’s minimum wage increased by $.50 to $15.50 per hour.  Certain cities, including the City of Los Angeles is $16.04 per hour and Unincorporated Los Angeles County is $15.90 per hour. 

This is the first of a series of annual increases that will bring up California’s minimum as inflation and CPI increase.

The new minimum wage applies to all employees who work in California for employers subject to both federal and state laws.

Per the employment law attorneys at Chase Law Group  (a Lomita Chamber member):

“Employers must pay their employees pursuant to whichever law affords employees the highest minimum wage. Also increases in the state minimum wage requires that exempt employees must be paid twice the state minimum wage for full-time employment (40 hours per week). Therefore, as of January 1, 2023, most exempt salaried workers must be paid no less than $64,480 to retain exempt status.”

Should you have any questions regarding your company’s employment law concerns, contact an employment attorney for guidance. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2023 Board of Directors Announcement

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The Lomita Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2023 Board of Directors and Officers and will welcome five new members to be seated at its January Board meeting and recognized at the Installation Gala on January 26, 2023.

Jennifer Olvera, of Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park, will serve as Chair of the Board, Tracy Maestro of California Water Service has been named Chair-Elect, Paris Chevalier of South Bay Credit Union will continue to serve as Treasurer, and Heidi Butzine of Social Workplace and Lomita Chamber will serve as Immediate Past Chair/Secretary for a one-year term.

“The past three years have proven the strength and relevancy of the Lomita Chamber of Commerce since we started as an entirely new organization,” said Jennifer Olvera, incoming Chair of the Board. “I look forward to following the excellent leadership from our Board and our other volunteers who serve unselfishly, and who are dedicated to our community to protect and promote a business-friendly environment.”

Jennifer Olvera, Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park | Chair of the Board
Jennifer Olvera, Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park | Chair of the Board
Tracy Maestro, California Water Service | Chair-Elect
Tracy Maestro, California Water Service | Chair-Elect
Paris Chevalier, South Bay Credit Union | Treasurer
Paris Chevalier, South Bay Credit Union | Treasurer
Heidi Butzine, Social Workplace | Immediate Past Chair/Secretary
Heidi Butzine, Social Workplace | Immediate Past Chair/Secretary

The three joining the Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2023, are Danielle Boujikian of Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Victor Ibarra of So Cal Gas and Sharon Shapiro-Fox of Athens Services. 

The two new members who will serve a one-year term are Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions and Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board. 

Danielle Boujikian, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Danielle Boujikian, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Victor Ibarra, SoCalGas
Victor Ibarra, SoCalGas
Sharon Shapiro-Fox, Athens Services
Sharon Shapiro-Fox, Athens Services
Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions
Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions
Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board
Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board

The Chamber Board also acknowledged that Jennifer Olvera of Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park, and Teresa Workman of Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co. will serve a second three-year term on the board.

Board members continuing to serve their terms include Erik Bowman, Localista Media; Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry; and Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Insurance Agent. Also on the board as a non-voting ex officio member is the City of Lomita liaison currently served by Mark Waronek.

“We’re happy to have a diverse group of businesses and organizations on our Board to build upon the strength of the previous year, with the knowledge and experience our Board provides,” said Heidi Butzine, President & CEO. “As a member focused nonprofit organization, we rely on volunteers to make our work possible. Business leaders who agree to serve on the Chamber Board share a commitment to creating an environment where all can thrive.”

Erik Bowman, Localista Media
Erik Bowman, Localista Media
Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry
Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry
Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Insurance Agent
Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Insurance Agent
Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.
Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.
Mark Waronek (Ex Officio Liaison), City of Lomita
Mark Waronek (Ex Officio Liaison), City of Lomita

The 2023 Lomita Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

Danielle Boujikian, Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Erik Bowman, Localista Media

Heidi Butzine, Social Workplace and Lomita Chamber*

Paris Chevalier, South Bay Credit Union*

Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry

Victor Ibarra, So Cal Gas

Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions

Tracy Maestro, California Water Service*

Jennifer Olvera, Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park*

Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Agent

Sharon Shapiro-Fox, Athens Services

Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board

Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.

Mark Waronek (ex officio liaison), City of Lomita 

*Indicates Executive Board Member

The 2023 Board of Directors will focus on critical issues for the Lomita Chamber of Commerce membership and business community, including providing valuable resources for member businesses, keeping members informed, connected, and prosperous, advancing community excellence, and maintaining organizational sustainability.

Small Business Season - Support Local

Let’s Show Our Support – Small Business Season

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small business season

You’re Invited!

We invite you to join us to celebrate our community businesses and help them not just survive this Small Business Season, but to THRIVE!

When you’re doing your holiday shopping, we ask that you look local first. See if there is a local business who can offer the goods and services you are looking for.

Let’s support our local businesses, our neighbors and friends who provide jobs and give so much back to our community.

Shop Local

  • Commit to spending a portion of your holiday budget at local business.
  • Create a holiday shopping list with all the local businesses you love. Share with others.
  • Purchase gift cards to use at a later date or to give as gifts.
  • Take advantage of online ordering and curbside delivery.

Looking for a specific business? Support your Lomita Chamber members.

Eat Local

  • Frequent local restaurants.
  • Dine-in or get your meal(s) to go.
  • Treat yourself this holiday season and have a catered meal.
  • Purchase gift cards to use at a later date or to give as a gift.
  • Pick a day of the week and make it your take out day – Take Out Tuesdays sounds good!
  • Don’t forget dessert! Stop in at a local bakery/café/restaurant and pick up a treat.

Share the Love Online

  • When you shop or eat local, check in at the business on Facebook to give them exposure.
  • Hashtag #shoplomita #shoplocal #smallbusinessseason #shopsmall
  • Order online from a local business.
  • Post photos of your food, favorite items you’ve purchased, etc. on social media. Share photos of favorite items you would like as hints on social media for your friends and family.
  • Like and follow local businesses. Share and comment on their posts. Participate in local Facebook groups by recommending your favorite businesses.
  • Leave a review on Facebook, Google or Yelp of businesses you have been shopping at, dining in, etc.

Go The Extra Mile

  • Over tip your servers and service providers.
  • Tip your service provider in advance for future services.
  • Pay it forward. Pay for a coffee behind you, pick of a tab of another, etc.
  • If you have a membership or subscription to a business, continue paying it.
  • Take the time to say, “Thank You” to those serving you.
  • Tell the manager(s) how much you liked your experience, or how much you liked the service you received, etc.
  • Leave a nice note to your servers and service providers. A kind word can mean a lot!
  • Ask a business owner how you can help. This kind gesture will go a long way.
  • Send local businesses a holiday card to brighten their day.

Now through December 31st, we’re celebrating Small Business Season™. The chamber is encouraging every person of our community to support friends and neighbors by shopping, dining, and exploring our small businesses.

To learn more about the impact YOU have by shopping local and the impact SMALL BUSINESSES have in our communities, please read our other post/s here.

Join us and pledge to support local this holiday season. Shopping small can make a big difference.

Looking for a specific business? Support your Lomita Chamber members.

Follow the Lomita Chamber on social media for more ideas and announcements to celebrate Small Business Season™.

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Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from the Lomita Chamber

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The Lomita Chamber would like to give thanks to our members and supporters. It is because of your membership, and dedication to the community, that we are able to provide ongoing opportunities to network, gain exposure with other business leaders and leverage marketing opportunities to promote business.

Thank you for doing business in our community in such a way that makes us unique. 

Thank you for investing in our community and taking the time to serve others.

Thank you for participating in activities that build the relationships that make this town strong. 

Thank you for serving on committees that enhance and grow our community. It matters and it makes a difference! 

Without you, we would not be where we are today, and we’re so thankful for all of your support throughout the year.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and abundant Thanksgiving.

~ Heidi Butzine, President/CEO

Lomita Chamber of Commerce

SOTC 2022 TKU Sponsors (1)

Watch Replay: 2022 Lomita State of the City Event

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November 17,  2022 – The Lomita Chamber of Commerce proudly presented the 2022 Lomita State of the City Event at the Lomita Park Tom Rico Center/Marc Fosnaugh Gym. With 130 people in attendance, the annual address was delivered by the City of Lomita’s Honorable Mayor Cindy Segawa, joined by Mayor Pro Tem Barry M. Waite who shared a bit of Lomita’s history, the spirit of the City and what the future holds. The address also featured an update from Captain James Powers (LA County Sheriff Department) and Chief Brian Bennett (LA County Fire Department Station 6). This year’s theme was “Back on Track” inspired by the resilience of the City and our community.

Thanks to the City of Lomita “Team Lomita” and the Lomita Chamber of Commerce State of the City planning committee and volunteers.

Thanks to our 2022 Sponsors for supporting this event:
KAIA South Bay (brought to you by The Picerne Group)
Athens Services
Southern California Edison
California Water Service
South Bay Credit Union
Tripepi Smith
South Bay Workforce Investment Board
Coastal Funeral Center
Koven Video Productions
Water Replenishment District
The Van Lingen Group
Kinecta Credit Union
Nickerson Insurance Services, Inc.
BB&K Law

IG Post - Small Business Season

It’s Small Business Season!

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Now through December 31st, we’re celebrating Small Business Season™. The chamber is encouraging every person of our community to support friends and neighbors by shopping, dining, and exploring our small businesses.

Small Businesses Are a Big Deal to Lomita and the South Bay

Small business made up over 60% of all new jobs this year and yet they face many challenges from rising costs to filling vacancies. Plus, according to JP Morgan Chase, “The median small business holds (only) 27 cash buffer days in reserve. Half of all small businesses hold a cash buffer of less than one month. Moreover, 25% of small businesses hold fewer than 13 cash buffer days in reserve.” That means over 50% of small businesses wouldn’t last over a month on their reserves.

They need our help, and we need theirs. On average, $68 of every $100 spent locally stays in our community. Most of us turn to small businesses first when we’re seeking help for our nonprofits, youth activities, and sponsorships. When they thrive, we thrive!

Where you spend your money this holiday season matters.

Support small businesses by patronizing them and/or:

  • Writing reviews
  • Referring friends
  • Checking-in and taking pictures or videos and sharing them on social media when you’re visiting small businesses
  • Sharing small business posts on social media
  • Talking about your favorite businesses on social media
  • Hashtag #shoplomita #shoplocal #smallbusinessseason #shopsmall

Join us and pledge to support local this holiday season. Shopping small can make a big difference.

Follow the Lomita Chamber on social media for more ideas and announcements to celebrate Small Business Season™.

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Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel

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Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel

Congratulations & Welcome!

May 10, 2022 –  Celebrating New Business Willow Cat Hotel on their Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting.  Congratulations to co-owners Susan and Mike! Thank you to our Lomita community for coming out to support and celebrate The Willow Cat Hotel.  The Willow Cat Hotel was founded in 2021 to provide an incredible experience for animals and owners. A Home Away From Home. 

Visit their website to learn more

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Thank You Chamber Partners & Sustaining Members

Learn More

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Willow Cat Hotel