Over the course of three days, the delegation engaged with more than 25 businesses representing a range of industries including hospitality, restaurant concepts, retail, arts, and culture. The mission provided an opportunity to meet directly with founders, operators, and executives to discuss expansion strategies, evolving consumer expectations, and the unique environment Beverly Hills offers to businesses seeking an internationally recognized location. These conversations are part of the Chamber’s ongoing strategy to cultivate relationships with companies that align with the city’s distinctive ecosystem of luxury retail, fine dining, arts, and experiential destinations.

One highlight of the trip was a visit to Caracas Bakery, where Venezuelan-inspired sourdough breads and pastries reflect a strong commitment to cultural authenticity and craftsmanship. The family-owned concept stood out as an example of the kind of distinctive and experience-driven businesses that resonate with the curated environment of Beverly Hills. Another memorable visit took place at Marky’s Caviar, where the delegation learned about the company’s luxury caviar offerings and its commitment to sustainability through its Sturgeon Aquafarms in Bascom, Florida. Marky’s produces the only purebred Beluga caviar in the United States, demonstrating how heritage craftsmanship and responsible stewardship can coexist within the luxury food sector.

The delegation also explored several of Miami’s most influential hospitality and cultural destinations, gaining insight into how experiential environments shape tourism and civic identity. These included the acclaimed dining destinations MILA, LPM Restaurant & Bar, and Shingo, each known for blending culinary excellence with immersive design and atmosphere. Beyond hospitality, the group visited the celebrated cultural venues Faena Theater and Wynwood Walls, as well as the internationally recognized design showcase Design Miami. Together, these locations illustrate how art, architecture, culinary innovation, and hospitality can work together to create dynamic cultural districts that attract global visitors and investors.

For Beverly Hills, already home to world-class restaurants, luxury retail, arts institutions, and internationally recognized landmarks, these visits offered valuable perspective on how other leading cities cultivate vibrant business ecosystems while maintaining a distinctive identity. Observing these concepts firsthand helps inform how Beverly Hills continues to evolve as a destination that balances heritage, innovation, and economic vitality.

Founded in 1923, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce remains the authoritative voice for the city’s business community. Under the leadership of President and CEO Todd Johnson, the Chamber produces more than 150 events each year and continues to expand initiatives focused on advocacy, relationship-building, and strategic economic development. The Miami mission represents one component of a broader business attraction and retention strategy designed to identify companies that can thrive within Beverly Hills’ unique commercial landscape.

Interest in Beverly Hills remains strong. Several companies expressed enthusiasm about potential collaboration and future opportunities within the city, reinforcing Beverly Hills’ reputation as a premier global destination for luxury commerce, culture, and entrepreneurship. In the months ahead, the Chamber and the City will continue coordinated outreach, provide follow-up materials, and evaluate next steps with the most promising partners identified during the trip.

As the Chamber looks toward the remainder of 2026, its focus remains on strengthening Beverly Hills’ position as a world-class business destination while supporting the social, cultural, and civic fabric that defines the community. Through initiatives such as the Miami Business Attraction and Retention Mission, the City and the Chamber continue their long-standing commitment to fostering economic vitality, building meaningful partnerships, and preserving the unique character that makes Beverly Hills exceptional.

The post Beverly Hills Strengthens Global Business Ties During 2026 Miami Mission appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

As the state’s chief financial officer, Treasurer Ma plays a pivotal role in managing California’s finances, overseeing trillions in public funds, and guiding investment strategies that directly impact communities, businesses, and local economies. Her visit underscored the importance of collaboration between state leadership and local stakeholders, particularly at a moment when economic resilience and strategic planning are more critical than ever.

The discussion explored how thoughtful infrastructure investment serves as a foundation for sustainable economic growth. From transportation systems and housing development to climate-resilient projects and public facilities, Treasurer Ma emphasized the need for forward-looking capital planning that balances fiscal responsibility with innovation. These investments not only strengthen California’s economic competitiveness but also enhance quality of life for residents and create opportunities for business expansion.

Beyond infrastructure, the conversation addressed broader economic forces shaping California’s future. Global market shifts, evolving workforce demands, and the intersection of public policy and private investment were key themes throughout the discussion. Treasurer Ma highlighted how California continues to navigate complex economic conditions while maintaining its position as a global economic leader. Her insights reinforced the importance of adaptability, data-driven decision making, and cross-sector partnerships in sustaining long-term prosperity.

For Beverly Hills, these conversations are especially relevant. As a city known for its dynamic business ecosystem, international presence, and commitment to excellence, staying connected to statewide policy discussions ensures that local leaders and businesses remain informed, engaged, and well positioned. The Economic Development Council serves as a critical bridge, translating high-level policy into actionable insight for the local business community.

Events like this exemplify the Council’s mission to connect members with influential leaders shaping economic outcomes at the local, state, and global levels. By creating space for meaningful dialogue, the Council empowers stakeholders to better understand the forces impacting their businesses and to actively participate in shaping the future of Beverly Hills.

The visit from Treasurer Ma was more than a keynote conversation. It was a strategic exchange of ideas among leaders committed to progress, fiscal responsibility, and long-term economic vitality. These discussions help ensure that Beverly Hills remains agile, competitive, and aligned with broader economic trends.

The Economic Development Council invites members and community leaders to continue engaging in these important conversations. By joining the dialogue, you help shape what’s next for Beverly Hills and contribute to a future defined by smart growth, innovation, and shared success.

To learn more, visit www.beverlyhillschamber.com/events/economic-development-council

The post Economic Leadership in Action: A Conversation with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Over the four days, the Chamber delegation engaged directly with several of the world’s most influential luxury groups and brands. Conversations with LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co.), Kering (Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta), and Richemont Group (Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Montblanc), along with established American icons such as Ralph Lauren, reaffirmed the strong performance of the Beverly Hills market and its exceptional ability to drive global brand visibility. Notably, multiple businesses expressed that Beverly Hills remains unmatched in brand prestige, audience engagement, and long-term growth potential, making it a top choice for flagship enhancements and future expansion.

Culinary and experiential hospitality remained a major focus of this year’s mission. Meetings with renowned operators including Gabriel Kreuther, Jeju Noodle Bar, Fish Cheeks, Chatti, and Marky’s positioned Beverly Hills as the natural West Coast home for rising dining concepts seeking a discerning audience and high-impact exposure. Emerging trends such as cross-cultural fusion cuisines, including Thai, Caribbean, French, and more, were identified as compelling additions that align strongly with local demand and international visitor expectations. Additionally, several operators showed interest in activating through pop-ups before permanent leasing, offering an agile path to market and added vibrancy for our community.

Strengthening ongoing relationships with beloved Beverly Hills establishments such as Dante and Saks Fifth Avenue also ensured that business retention continues to be as proactive and prioritized as recruitment. Partners shared appreciation for the City’s exceptional public safety network, including fire, police, and community services, and the personalized engagement demonstrated by in-person visits from Beverly Hills leadership. Many expressed excitement about upcoming development milestones and the support available to align their brand activations with major city events and initiatives.

Our messaging resonated strongly as we showcased Beverly Hills’ unparalleled competitive advantages, including its global brand recognition, highly engaged resident and visitor base, responsive business environment, and major infrastructure investments including the Purple (D Line) Subway Extension and One Beverly Hills. These major projects bolster our economic momentum and expedite development opportunities that enable renewed energy flow and strategies. The delegation also emphasized that economic development efforts extend beyond the Business Triangle, supporting connection and vitality across all commercial districts.

Through these strategic engagements, the Chamber is driving meaningful expansion, supporting our current partners, and ensuring Beverly Hills continues to thrive as the leader in luxury commerce and experience. The most impactful element of the mission was the strengthening of key relationships, creating alignment on next-step collaborations, shared marketing efforts, and business activation planning that will shape the future of our city. Beverly Hills’ worldwide reputation, together with unmatched access to high-spending residents, visitors, and tourism from across the globe, continues to make it the premier address for business success.

With strong interest in site tours and investment exploration already underway, the Chamber is now focused on cultivating these opportunities and leveraging the excitement surrounding the LVMH Rodeo Drive project, One Beverly Hills, and the D Line Extension to accelerate new openings and expansions throughout 2026.

We look forward to sharing promising updates as discussions progress and to welcoming the next wave of distinguished brands to Beverly Hills. Businesses in New York City interested in expanding or relocating to Beverly Hills please reach out to:

Blair Schlecter
Senior Vice President | Economic Development & Government Affairs
310.248.1000 ×109
schlecter@beverlyhillschamber.com

The post 2025 New York Business Attraction & Retention Mission appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Hosted inside the elegant private members’ club Gravitas, the evening invited guests to connect with the Mayor and with one another in a setting that reflects the innovation and elevated service that define our city. Attendees enjoyed gourmet bites and refreshments while experiencing a curated look at one of Beverly Hills’ most exclusive hospitality concepts. Gravitas is more than a private club; it’s a refined culinary sanctuary where sophistication meets comfort in every bite. Nestled in a sprawling 28,000-square-foot space in Beverly Hills, Gravitas offers members an unparalleled dining experience with each dish feeling like an elevated to an art form. With an airy open-floor restaurant and an ambiance that invites connection, this is where every day becomes unforgettable.

Spotlight with Sharona was created to shine a light on the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within our community—from legacy brands to emerging voices—and this event captured that mission beautifully. The Chamber was honored to support an initiative that not only fosters conversation and collaboration, but also directly invests in the success of our local economy.

The evening also served as a reminder of the strength and diversity of our membership. From small business owners and city stakeholders to innovators across sectors, our community continues to come together in meaningful ways—building relationships that elevate all who call Beverly Hills home.

We extend our deepest thanks to Gravitas for opening its doors and providing such a memorable setting. And to all who joined us: thank you for being a part of this growing tradition.

Stay tuned as Spotlight with Sharona continues this fall, with the next event scheduled for September 10 along South Beverly Drive. We look forward to celebrating even more of the businesses, leaders, and spaces that make Beverly Hills truly exceptional.

The post Spotlight with Sharona: A Celebration of Business and Community at Gravitas appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

This October 2021, the delegation met with some of the most exciting and prestigious restaurant and retail concepts in the world and the group looks forward to bringing some great businesses to Beverly Hills. The Chamber thanks the entire Beverly Hills delegation for a great and productive trip.

Business attraction meetings included:

• Showfields (experiential retail)
• Cote (Korean Steakhouse)
• MARKZ Hospitality Inc. (Indian Accent) (Indian Restaurant)
• Dante (Italian Cafe & Bar)
• Unapologetic Food Group (Semma / Indian Restaurant)
• Boucherie (French Bistro)
• American Bar (American / Continental Cuisine)
• Motorino (Italian Cuisine / Pizza)
• Breads Bakery (Israeli/Jewish Bakery)
• Aux Merveilleux de Fed (Marvelous by Fred) (French Bakery & Desserts)
• Alta Marea Group (Marea / Italian Cuisine)
• Black Seed Bagels (Bagels / Breakfast)
• Le Bilboquet (French Restaurant)
• St. Tropez (French Cafe)
• Casa Nela Hospitality Group (Rosemary’s) (Italian Cuisine)

Business retention meetings included:

• LVMH (holding company for various luxury retailers)
• Ralph Lauren (luxury retail)
• Hudson’s Bay Company (holding company for Saks Fifth Avenue) (luxury department store)
• Richemont Group (holding company for various luxury retailers)
• Kering (holding company for various luxury retailers)
• Saint Laurent (luxury retail)
• David Yurman (luxury retail)
• SHVO (Beverly Hills developer)

Business welcome meetings included:

• Dinex Group (Daniel) (French Restaurants)

Please browse photos from the October 2021 Mission with the following delegation: City of Beverly Hills Mayor Bob Wunderlich, Vice Mayor Lili Bosse, Councilmember Lester Friedman, Chamber Board Chairman Giorgio Cyphaeus Sease, Chamber President & CEO Todd Johnson, Chamber VP of Economic Development & Government Affairs Blair Schlecter, City Manager George Chavez, and City Marketing & Economic Sustainability Manager Laura Biery.

The post Annual New York Business Attraction & Retention Mission appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

There are a number of new laws that went into effect in 2021 that impact businesses. Here are some of the key ones to be aware of:

Expansion of California’s family medical leave law

With the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1383, businesses with five or more employees must provide up to 12 weeks of annual unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical needs. Further details about the bill can be found here.

Revisions to law governing classification of employees and independent contractors

Assembly Bill (AB) 2257 made substantial revisions and additions to some of the existing exceptions under AB5 which sets forth requirements for when someone is an employee versus and independent contractor. For example, AB 2257 revises the exemption for certain business to business contractual relationships. Further details can be found here.

The passage of Proposition 22, which was approved by California voters in November 2020, means that app-based drivers are classified as independent contractors and not employees or agents and overrides the provisions of AB5. However, the law provides a number of labor and wage policies specific to app-based drivers and companies, including that companies provide an hourly wage for time spent on rides equal to 120% of the applicable minimum wage in the driver’s area. The measure provides workers who drive a minimum amount a stipend for health insurance coverage as well as access to occupational accident insurance to cover injuries that occur during work. Further details can be found here.

COVID-19 Related Laws

Assembly Bill 685 sets forth of number of requirements for employers to comply with when they have notice of a potential COVID-19 exposure at the workplace. AB 685 requires employers to, amongst other requirements, provide certain notices after receiving notice of a potential or actual COVID-19 exposure. Further details can be found here.

Separately, for purposes of worker’s compensation, Senate Bill (SB) 1159 creates a rebuttable presumption that an employee contracted COVID-19 at work if the employee tests positive within 14 days after a day that the employee performed labor or services at the employee’s place of employment.

Increase in Statewide Minimum wage

Employers in California must now pay a minimum wage of $14 per hour, a $1 increase from last year. Businesses with fewer than 26 workers must increase their hourly wage to at least $13 an hour. Note that local cities and counties can and sometimes do impose higher minimum wage requirements. Additional details can be found here.

Changes to rules for food delivery services

Under AB 2149 (known as the Fair Food Delivery Act) which was passed into law, online food delivery platforms (such as Postmates, UberEats, etc.) now need to get permission from restaurants before listing them on their apps for orders and deliveries. For additional details, click here.

Required changes to Board of Directors of Public Companies

Under AB 979, publicly held corporations that are primarily based in California must have at least one person on their board of directors who represents an underrepresented community. Additional details about this law can be found here.

Click here to register for the complimentary event on January 26.

The post New Laws Introduced for 2021 appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

This year, the Chamber and City met with a total of 24 companies over three days, ranging from major international companies to small restaurants, including Aldea, ARTECHOUSE, Black Seed Bagels, Chanel, Cote Steakhouse, David Yurman, Gabriela Hearst, Gucci, Junzi Kitchen, Kopitiam, La Ligne, LVMH, Major Food Group, Maman, Miznon, Ole & Steen, Onitsuka Tiger, Rahi, Ralph Lauren, Roman and Williams Guild, Saks Fifth Avenue, Samsung 837, Showfields, and The Armoury. The delegation received positive feedback from the businesses and interest in pursuing further ventures with the City of Beverly Hills.

Following the trip, the Chamber works to provide real estate listings, tours and other information to business attraction companies and to further collaborate with existing businesses on projects they are working on in Beverly Hills. Following past trips, a number of companies, including the restaurant Avra, the luxury retailer Berluti, and coffee shop La Colombe, have expanded to Beverly Hills. Overall, the delegation had a great and productive time in New York and look forward to continuing our efforts to support the Beverly Hills economy.

The post The Chamber and City of Beverly Hills Take New York City appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Our MVCC Member Appreciation highlight this week is Mr. David Perez. David is the CEO/President of OMEGA International Group Inc., a private security firm specializing in providing security for the luxury market.  He is a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, who has worked in the White House and Pentagon. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California.

Current Profession

CEO of a private security firm based in Beverly Hills, OMEGA International Group Inc.

Which military service branch were you a part of?

United States Marine Corps

How many years did you serve in the military?

Eight years

What was the most challenging part of serving our country?

Serving overseas in other countries and experiencing humanity, bravery, and disparity up close. Many people around the world live in very humble and challenging conditions and we often forget that.

Joining the military involves many sacrifices. What motivated you to embark on this journey?

I come from a military family and wanted to follow the tradition. Serving others is in my blood. I wanted to earn the right to be part of the Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment.

What was the biggest takeaway from this experience?

I have many takeaways however I learned two things; Discipline and Commitment. With discipline and commitment, anything is possible.

Is there anything that you hope for our country’s future?

I hope our children can serve humanity better than we have.

The post MVCC Member Appreciation: Meet David Perez appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

There are two main types of trusts, a Revocable Trust and an Irrevocable Trust.

A Revocable Trust allows the grantor to place assets in a trust and remove assets from a trust during his or her lifetime. The grantor has the power to revoke or terminate the trust at any time. To the contrary, an Irrevocable Trust does not allow a grantor to remove assets from a trust once the trust has come into existence. An Irrevocable Trust also generally cannot be revoked or changed unless there is consent by all the beneficiaries. In other words, the grantor normally gives up all rights to his or her assets placed in an Irrevocable Trust.

There may be a tax benefit of choosing one type of trust over another depending on your estate. Irrevocable Trusts can also be used to protect assets since the grantor gives up control of the assets to a third party trustee. The opposite is true for a Revocable Trust. A Revocable Trust gives the grantor full control and decision-making authority over his or her assets while avoiding probate. Protection of assets is not a key element of a Revocable Trust.

So which type of trust is the best for you? An analysis of your estate and your personal requirements is needed to determine the right trust for you. Specialty trusts also exist depending on your needs such as Charitable Trusts, Insurance Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, and Spendthrift Trusts to name a few.

Rittu Kumar, Esq. is an estate planning attorney and Principal at Kumar Law. The foregoing is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. Ms. Kumar can be reached at (323) 456-8657 or rkumar@kumarlaw.net.

The post What is the Difference between a Revocable and Irrevocable Trust? appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Each year business executives, residents, civic leaders, and community supporters of Beverly Hills gather on a special occasion to witness the State of the City Address given by the current mayor of the City of Beverly Hills. This year, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce members and guests had the privilege of welcoming Mayor Julian Gold M.D. to the Greystone Mansion Formal Gardens for the annual An Evening with the Mayor: State of the City Address. Hosted on the grounds of Greystone, an iconic Beverly Hills estate, the elegant evening did not disappoint.

Attendees arrived to the mansion at 5pm on Starline Tours of Hollywood shuttle busses and were greeted by two luxury sports cars from O’Gara Coach Beverly Hills. Over 400 guests listened to live music from Kirschner Creative Artists’ world-renowned Sasha Boldachev, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres provided by Crateful Catering, delicious dessert from Gelato-go and an assortment of beverages from buzzbox, Morandell Imports, and Boisset Collection.

After the delightful cocktail reception, guests were directed to the formal gardens to listen to the highly anticipated official State of the City Address presented by the City of Beverly Hills Mayor, Julian Gold, M.D. Beverly Hills Chamber President & CEO Todd Johnson opened and welcomed the crowd. Charles L Black III, the 18’-19’ Chairman of the Board of Directors, introduced Mayor Julian Gold, M.D. to the stage.

In Mayor Julian Gold, M.D.’s formal address, he touched on some financial figures, stating that the city’s fiscal state is strong and that the city is having a fantastic year. He mentioned innovative initiatives such as Beverly Hills Fiber, summer BOLD and the Blue Ribbon Strategic Committee, which he began during his current term. He further discussed the NEXT Beverly Hills committee which he started three years ago as well. The purpose of NEXT Beverly Hills is to engage and advocate for the younger generation of Beverly Hills which has had increasing contributions to the community. With only six months left of his mayoral term, Gold stated that he is energized and inspired by residents and businesses of the City of Beverly Hills and will work with them to create a shared vision for the future.

The Chamber would like to thank each and every sponsor, staff and crew member, Board of Director, Chamber Ambassador, and all of our volunteers for making the evening a success! Special thanks to all of our event sponsors who made the night possible, including: O’Gara Coach Beverly Hills; Bijan Designer For Men; Torrey Pines Bank; MCE Check-in; Starline Tours of Hollywood; Capital Trust Escrow; Kirk Y. Chang, M.D.; Southern California Edison; and Palisades; as well as these reception and exhibitor sponsors: Capital Trust Escrow; Ten Thousand; The London West Hollywood; OneWest Bank; Modern Luxury; Crateful Catering; Morandell Imports; buzzbox premium cocktails; Kirschner Creative Artists; Boisset Collection; and Gelato-go.

And last, but certainly not least, we would like to thank all of our guests for sharing the evening with us. We hope everyone had a fabulous time and look forward to seeing you at our next signature event, the Best of Beverly Hills Golden Palm Awards Gala on October 15 from 6 – 9PM.

The post An Evening with the Mayor: State of the City Address 2018 Recap appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.