Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce Eyes Malibu Merger

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Following two “challenging” years of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, representatives from Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce reported it is working with the Malibu Chamber of Commerce to merge into the Greater Malibu Palisades Chamber of Commerce—pending final approval by both boards.

“The last couple of years have been challenging, not only for you and all our local businesses, but also for the Chamber of Commerce,” Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Bob Benton wrote in a message distributed to all members of the chamber. “During this time, we have done our best to operate virtually via eBlasts, social media, Zoom meetings and events. Unfortunately, despite our significant efforts to continue to provide value to our members, the Palisades Chamber, and so many other chambers across the country, have seen a substantial decrease in membership since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.”

In addition to declining membership, Benton reported the chamber’s landlord will not be renewing its lease for the space it currently occupies on Antioch Street, which has housed the chamber’s offices for roughly 30 years after it relocated from previous offices on Via De La Paz and above the Village location of Starbucks. The chamber will be vacating the space by December 1.

“These two events put us at an interesting crossroads, and we felt it was time to revisit an opportunity that we had explored a couple of years ago—a merger with another boutique, local chamber,” Benton explained.

According to Benton, the Palisades chamber recently began negotiations with the Malibu iteration. The Palisades Board has voted in favor of the merger, and the Malibu Chamber of Commerce Board is slated to vote on the matter mid-November.

“I, along with our Board Chair Sarah Knauer and other Palisades board members, will continue to sit on the combined board and play an active role in the organization,” Benton explained. “We believe combining forces with Malibu will enhance the opportunities for you and your business.”

Members of the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce would carry over to the anticipated Greater Malibu Palisades Chamber. The Malibu Board of Directors is currently led by CEO Barbara Bruderlin, with Chris Wizner serving as chairman of the board.

The Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce was originally founded in 1949. The organization is responsible for selecting and inaugurating the community’s honorary mayor—a tradition Benton said would continue, even if the merger is approved.

The town’s first honorary mayor, Virginia Bruce, served starting in 1951. Currently filling the role is actor Eugene Levy, who was inaugurated during a virtual ceremony earlier this year.

Past events that have been organized by the chamber include networking mixers at area businesses, a communitywide auto show, the annual Ho!Ho!Ho! and, more recently, a Holiday Stroll, complete with a tree decorating contest.

The chamber was previously led by the late Arnie Wishnick for more than two decades as executive director. After his passing in April 2019, a portion of Antioch Street in front of the chamber office had a commemorative renaming to Arnie Wishnick Way.

“As you look at these signs on the street forever, you’re going to have memories and all I have to say: Arnie has left us but will never be forgotten, especially on his street,” Benton said during the unveiling ceremony.

Benton has been president and CEO of the chamber since 2018, with Sarah Knauer serving as chairwoman since 2020.

“It has been an honor to serve this town as president and chair of the chamber,” Benton concluded in his letter.