Letter from the Chairman

“Everything that’s old is new, and everything that’s new is old.” – Stephanie Mills

As we move into the new year we are reminded that the only thing constant is change. But as things change there are always familiar elements that are consistent and comforting. This is what a great sequel is based on: looking at the best and favorite elements of a past work and reinventing and improving upon them. This year we are introducing ‘Malibu, The Sequel’, the next installment of our popular Business & Community Directory that has become the go-to guide for locals and visitors alike when it comes to finding products and services in our beautiful city by the ocean. As with any good sequel you can expect a few new twists. This year the directory will be provided in both the traditional printed version as well as electronically, thus helping to reach a wider audience while simultaneously reducing our carbon footprint. Our new and improved web site (www.malibu.org) is becoming the premier portal to Malibu and we will be posting video clips there of our members telling their stories in their own words.

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others have thrown at him.” – David Brinkley

We will be highlighting how some of our members have reinvented themselves, not just surviving but thriving in these difficult times. We look forward to hearing and sharing your success stories which we hope will inspire others to “take two” and invent their own sequel that’s even better than the original!

“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou

The last few years have been challenging for most of us, but you can’t move forward while looking backwards. We need to create the change that we are looking for, and the Chamber looks forward to being a partner in that success. The Chamber has a dedicated staand numerous volunteers who work tirelessly for one goal: to help make our local businesses successful. We are there for you, whether it’s providing networking and selling opportunities, promoting your business both locally and nationally, or addressing the legal and regulatory issues that concern you most with local and state representatives. We speak with the voice of over 600 member businesses whom we represent, and when we speak people listen.

“Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.” – William Pollard

We are optimistic about the opportunities for 2011 but we know that many challenges await us as well. We believe that we’re all in this together and that by working together we can help each-other to succeed. The Chamber has many exciting programs in store, from sequels of old favorites like the renowned Malibu Arts Festival and ‘Malibu Secrets Too’ to reaching out across the world and exploring the possibility of “sister cities”. On behalf of the staff and the Directors of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce I would like to thank our members for the opportunity to serve and represent them, and wish them all success in 2011 and the years to come!