The Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce Looks Forward to the Future
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to get to work.
The Malibu Chamber of Commerce and Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce officially joined forces in July 2022, relaunching under the banner: Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce.
Leaders with history in both communities shared with the Palisadian-Post how they are working together to maintain and expand the benefits of being a part of the Chamber—as well as continuing longtime local traditions.
Chamber CEO Barbara Bruderlin, who was born and raised on the Westside, has been at the helm, first of the Malibu Chamber and now the merged Chamber, for nearly seven years, managing membership and event coordination, as well as all aspects of administration and serving as secretary for the Los Angeles Westside Council of Chambers.
“I want everyone to know that there have been many Chamber mergers,” Bruderlin shared, “and they don’t weaken a Chamber, it’s actually strengthened by pooling resources and having more hands on deck.”
Bruderlin shared that Malibu and the Palisades have “unifying factors,” like a shared concern about “wildfires, wildlife and protecting our environment.”
“In terms of business, we also share seasonal shopping, and have a deep love and protection of our residential communities,” she continued. “We have much in common, and can strengthen our communities by expanding our definition of shopping local.”
Palisadian Holly Moss-Naim, who is the sales & marketing liaison for Pacific Palisades, shared that joining the two chambers is the “best of both worlds,” as the communities are 15 minutes away from one another and local businesses can have the opportunity to cross market.
“Since I live here and raised my three kids in the neighborhood,” Moss-Naim said, “I want our local public schools, parks, hiking trails, business and restaurants to be supported by the many families that live here. That is why I got involved with the Chamber—a stronger and more fluid business with one another and our beautiful coastal community.”
Moss-Naim shared that she is looking forward to working with “established organizations” in the Palisades, including nonprofits.
Following two “challenging” years of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, representatives from the Palisades Chamber reported the organization began working with Malibu to merge in fall 2021.
“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 at the time. “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.”
The history of the Malibu Chamber dates back to 1948, while the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce was originally founded in 1949. The Palisades office was led by the late Arnie Wishnick for nearly 25 years until 2018.
The two chambers made their combined debut at the 2022 Fourth of July parade in Pacific Palisades.
Looking to the future, Bruderlin shared that the Chamber plans “on creating a visitors site to further serve business sectors, and make it easy for out of towners to enjoy shopping and dining.”
“Malibu is celebrating its 50th art show—or what would have been if not for the pandemic,” Bruderlin continued. “I would love to see Palisades artists join in.”
Bruderlin said the Chamber is “enjoying visiting the businesses” in the Palisades, as well as meeting members at Breakfast and Sunset Mixers. Eventually, she shared, they will have a central office.
Moss-Naim shared that people can look out for more in-person networking events, as well as grand openings.
Chris Wizner, who passed the torch of president and chairman of the Chamber to Ian Roven effective March 11, has been on the board of directors for over six years, sharing that he has loved “every second” of “working with our beautiful Chamber and both our communities.”
Wizner explained that in addition to events, the Chamber also hosts “sector-specific” committee meetings, either in person or via Zoom, including an Arts Committee, Women’s Leadership Committee, Health & Wellness Committee, Marketing & Branding Committee, Young Professionals Network Committee, and more, which “can really help business owners connect within related business sectors.”
When it comes to local businesses and Chamber members, Dr. Cerisa Moncayo, CEO/principal dentist at The Palisades Dentists, shared that “there is power in numbers.”
“The merger of these Chambers sort of speaks to the confluence of the Palisades once-upon-a-time and the Palisades of-the-future,” Moncayo shared. “This town will still maintain its incredibly special small town character—tucked away, peaceful and a little respite from the busy-ness of greater LA—but just with more connectivity and events with its neighbors.”
She shared that “relationships are everything,” so she is “looking forward to opening lines of connection within the Chamber”—“not from a transactional, business standpoint, but really just from a human, interdependent standpoint.” She shared that she sees “greater numbers” and “deeper connections” leading to “a more fruitful Chamber.”
“For us at Porta Via, we are looking forward to the added visibility and notoriety that aligning with Malibu will bring to both our restaurant and to Palisades Village, as a whole,” shared Ryan Hill, partner & regional general manager for Porta Via Restaurants.
When a business joins the Chamber, Bruderlin said they receive a webpage designed to give them “more SEO presence on the web.”
“Our websites receive a lot of traffic,” she continued, “up to 5,000 visits a month, which helps with their visibility. All businesses are also listed in the online and print directory. Also we feature new members on our Instagram accounts, which are very popular. Our businesses can host mixers to increase their clientele.”
When it comes to local traditions that were previously hosted by the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce—like selecting an honorary mayor, a role currently filled by Eugene Levy—Bruderlin said they “absolutely” plan to continue.
Naming an honorary mayor of the Palisades has been a tradition within the community dating back to 1951 with Virginia Bruce serving first. The list includes names like Adam West, Bob Saget, Martin Short, Vivian Vance, Sugar Ray Leonard and more.
One of the first events the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce hosted was its Women’s Leadership Awards Luncheon in November 2022, which doled out seven awards to local leaders in both communities. Former Palisadian Dr. Patricia McDermott was honored with the Women in Health Award, while The Pacific Palisades Community Service Award was presented to Palisadian Marissa Hermer of Palisades Village eatery The Draycott.
Upcoming events the Chamber will host include a Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening for The Shade Store on Antioch Street on Thursday, March 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
“I truly believe that our chambers merging is a beautiful bridge of both business and community between our two coastal communities, which makes us stronger together,” Wizner concluded.
For more information, including upcoming events, visit malibu.org.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.