James Buerge, a third-generation Palisadian who is raising the fourth generation here in town, received the Palisades Rotary Club’s Business Person of the Year Award on Thursday at Aldersgate Lodge on Haverford. Buerge, who is general manager of the Buerge Motor Car Company in West L.A., will be officially recognized at next Thursday’s Chamber of Commerce installation dinner at the Riveria Country Club. ’For Jim, leadership and ‘Service Above Self,’ the Rotary motto, are in his genes,’ said member Carol Pfannkuche, executive director of the Palisades-Malibu YMCA, as she presented the award to Buerge. ’His family’s generosity in the community is visible, including Buerge Chapel [next door to Aldersgate]. The family is active with the YMCA, their church, schools, and the Pacific Palisades Americanism Parade, where Buerge Motors has been the lead or co-sponsor the past four years.’ Pfannkuche continued, ‘Personally, Jim’s friends and neighbors know they can count on him’for support, encouragement and hands-on help. He serves on the Board of Santa Monica UCLA Hospital, and he can frequently be found at the bedside of loved ones, young and old.’Even our Rotary Club has benefitted from Jim’s generosity: last year he lent a truck to our Pali-Tri event for pickup and delivery of the City’s cones and stanchions. ’In 2008-10, Jim Buerge served as chair of the our YMCA Board of Managers. His term began after the pool in Temescal Canyon closed’ which led to a major decline in Y membership’and just before the global economic crisis began. Jim led the Y through turbulent times and kept the organization strong while other Ys and community organizations closed their doors. ‘During Jim’s tenure as leader, the Y not only survived, but began a strategic planning process for future use of the Temescal property known as Simon Meadow. Jim engaged local philanthropists and leaders and gave the community hope that Simon Meadow could someday be the home of a new YMCA facility. Jim takes this personally’he keeps an eye on the land and defends it from misuse; he looks for opportunities for community members to become more involved with the Y. Pfannkuche added, ‘The Buerge Motors dealership dates back to 1915; the tradition of business excellence and community service has been passed down through the generations. For the last 25 years, the Buerge family has blended business and community by hosting a golf tournament benefit for the YMCA. ’Jim Buerge is true to his commitments’when a need arises, he steps up to help, in his business, as well as with friends, family, neighbors and the Pacific Palisades community.’ Receiving his award, Buerge thanked the Rotarians and said, ‘I knew that Bill Simon won this award last year, so I was kind of floored when Carol called and told me.’ He praised Pfannkucke, noting ‘This lady here has kept the Y together. She puts in all this time’the golf tournament all day Saturday in Malibu, then Sunday’s car show in town,’ as just two examples. Buerge and his wife Colleen, who also grew up in the Palisades, have three daughters, all of whom attend Corpus Christi School: Caitlin, 14, Tess, 12, and Erin, 9.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
