On Wednesday, August 5, the EDC welcomed Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, to Gravitas Private Social Club for an insightful discussion on global trade, supply chains, and the innovations shaping the future of our region.

Seroka oversees the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in North America, along with a $2.6 billion annual budget and major capital projects focused on sustainable practices and supply chain innovation. Under his leadership, the Port has set multiple cargo records, becoming the first port in the Western Hemisphere to process more than 10 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in a year, a milestone it has now reached three times. His leadership has been recognized with honors including the 2026 LA Ports Cooperative Agreement Changemaker of the Year Award, the 2023 Stanley T. Olafson Award, and the 2021 Connie Award.

For the room of Beverly Hills executives and business leaders in attendance, the conversation was a reminder of how closely local commerce is tied to global logistics, and how the trends shaping trade and supply chains at one of the country’s busiest ports ripples through opportunity here at home.

These are the conversations happening inside the EDC. Every month brings a new industry leader, fresh perspectives, and a room filled with Beverly Hills’ top executives, business leaders, and decision-makers.

If you’re looking to stay ahead, build meaningful connections, and be part of the conversations shaping our business community, the Economic Development Council is where you belong.

Interested in joining? Contact our Senior Vice President of Economic Development & Government Affairs, Blair Schlecter, at schlecter@beverlyhillschamber.com to learn more.

Visit beverlyhillschamber.com/events/economic-development-council.

The post Inside the Port of Los Angeles: A Recap of August’s Economic Development Council Lunch appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Concierge Psychological Care for High-Responsibility Lives By Lindsey Dwyer-Tong, LCSW

In Beverly Hills, a full calendar, visible success, and significant responsibility can coexist with private strain. Executives, physicians, attorneys, founders, public figures, and high-net-worth individuals and families are often expected to remain composed while navigating trauma, grief, burnout, relationship disruption, addiction concerns, high-conflict family matters, or a professional crisis. Their lives may look exceptional from the outside while feeling increasingly unsustainable within.

LT Clinical Consulting & Concierge Services was built for that reality. The Beverly Hills-based practice provides clinically rigorous, trauma-informed care for people who need more than a standardized appointment model. The goal is not simply to reduce symptoms. It is to understand the full context of a client’s life and create a precise plan that supports emotional stability, sound decision-making, healthier relationships, and sustainable performance.

When Standard Care Does Not Match the Life

Traditional therapy can be valuable, but its structure does not always fit a life shaped by unpredictable travel, demanding leadership, public visibility, legal exposure, or urgent family concerns. High-responsibility clients may postpone care because they cannot accommodate rigid scheduling, repeat their history to multiple providers, or risk treatment decisions being driven by insurance authorization and utilization limits.

Concierge psychological care addresses this mismatch through individualized treatment planning, flexible scheduling, and enhanced access when circumstances require it. Depending on the service arrangement, care may include extended sessions, telehealth, on-site support, or direct communication during defined critical periods. This is not convenience for its own sake. A responsive structure can preserve continuity when timing, privacy, and clinical judgment matter most.

Discretion Without Sacrificing Clinical Rigor

Privacy is especially important when a client’s reputation, medical license, legal matter, business, or family system is involved. LT Clinical Consulting operates on a private-pay basis, allowing treatment planning to remain outside insurance authorization, utilization review, and payer-driven documentation requirements. Confidentiality still follows all professional, ethical, and legal standards, but the model reduces unnecessary third-party involvement and gives the clinician and client greater autonomy over the frequency, duration, and focus of care.

That discretion is paired with more than 15 years of licensed clinical experience. Lindsey Dwyer-Tong, LCSW, integrates evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, including attachment-based therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma-focused interventions, psychodynamic work, family systems, and somatic integration. Treatment is selected according to the client’s needs rather than applied as a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Care That Understands the Whole Context

For high-performing people, personal and professional concerns rarely remain neatly separated. A betrayal or divorce can affect leadership. Occupational trauma can alter sleep, relationships, and judgment. A legal crisis can activate longstanding survival patterns. Burnout may reflect not only workload, but grief, moral injury, perfectionism, or years of emotional overcontrol.

LT Clinical Consulting works across these intersections through psychotherapy, solution-focused coaching, crisis intervention, and specialized consultation. The practice also provides forensic social work services for attorneys and clients, including psychosocial assessment, mitigation support, expert consultation, and the translation of complex psychological information into clear human context. This breadth allows care to remain coordinated and strategically appropriate without losing sight of the person behind the problem.

What to Look for in Concierge Psychological Care

A premium environment alone does not create quality care. Prospective clients should look for active licensure, relevant clinical training, clear confidentiality and communication policies, defined boundaries for urgent access, and an approach that is both personalized and evidence-informed. The right provider should understand the realities of wealth, visibility, leadership, and high-stakes decision-making without being impressed by them or intimidated by them.

Most importantly, the relationship should offer both safety and accountability. Effective care does not merely validate distress; it helps a client identify patterns, tolerate difficult truths, regulate the nervous system, strengthen boundaries, and make decisions aligned with long-term values.

A Standard of Care Aligned With the Life You Have Built

Seeking support is not an admission that success has failed. It is a decision to protect the internal foundation on which that success depends. For clients who value privacy, precision, responsiveness, and clinical depth, concierge psychological care offers a thoughtful alternative: care designed to meet the complexity of the person, not just the symptoms presented in the room.

ABOUT LT CLINICAL CONSULTING & CONCIERGE SERVICES
LT Clinical Consulting & Concierge Services is a Beverly Hills-based private-pay practice founded by Lindsey Dwyer-Tong, LCSW, providing trauma-informed psychotherapy, concierge care, crisis intervention, solution-focused coaching, and forensic consultation.

In-person services are available in Beverly Hills, with psychotherapy via telehealth throughout California; coaching and consultation services are available more broadly as appropriate.

To schedule a complimentary, confidential consultation, visit tongconcierge.com or call (424) 404-TONG (8664).

The post Concierge Psychological Care in Beverly Hills | LT Clinical Consulting appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

There’s a lunch happening in Beverly Hills every month that most people don’t know about.

No name tags. No speed networking. No elevator pitches. Just a carefully curated group of the city’s most influential business leaders, senior city officials, Rodeo Drive brand managers, major property owners, financial advisors, attorneys, and policymakers sitting down together to hear from someone who has something genuinely worth saying.

That’s the Economic Development Council. And if you’re not in the room, you’re missing conversations that shape how business gets done in this city.

Who’s Been at the Table

The EDC’s speaker history tells you everything you need to know about the caliber of this group.

Former Presidential Candidate and Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis has addressed the council. So has Los Angeles Dodgers President Stan Kasten, Metro CEO Phil Washington, and the Consul Generals of France, Germany, and Israel. The thread connecting every one of these conversations is the same: intelligence you won’t find anywhere else in the city, delivered directly to the people who can act on it.

That tradition carried into 2026 with one of the EDC’s most memorable seasons yet.

January opened with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, the state’s 34th Treasurer, and the primary banker for the world’s fourth-largest economy, joining members for a substantive conversation on economic development, infrastructure investment, and the financial strategies powering California’s long-term growth. Her office processes roughly $3 trillion in banking transactions a year and oversees an investment portfolio averaging $165 billion. The conversation she brought to the EDC table wasn’t theory. It was the real mechanics of how California funds its future — and what it means for Beverly Hills businesses navigating that landscape. One attendee called it “exactly the kind of access you can’t find anywhere else in the city.”

In February, the room shifted to something immediately practical. Kelly Scott, partner and Employment Law Department Chair at Ervin, Cohen & Jessup LLP, a Southern California Super Lawyers honoree every year since 2006, and a former Chairman of the Beverly Hills Chamber’s own Board of Directors, presented to a packed house on the new employment laws affecting California businesses in 2026. With City Councilmember Sharona R. Nazarian, Chamber President & CEO Todd Johnson, and Senior Vice President of Economic Development & Government Affairs Blair Schlecter among those in attendance, it was exactly the kind of session that turns policy into practice.

March brought a different kind of insight. Frank Mottek, one of Southern California’s most respected voices in business journalism, host of Mottek On Money on 790 KABC, and a trusted economic reporter through multiple market cycles including the 2008 financial crisis, took the podium as both speaker and narrator, helping members make sense of where the economy is heading and what it means on the ground for their businesses and investments.

April introduced the built environment. Chris Rivielle, President and CEO of Plant Construction, a firm recognized on Engineering News-Record’s Top 100 Construction Managers at-Risk list and among California’s Top 10 renovation contractors — brought more than two decades of construction and real estate development experience to the table. Having worked with firms including Moody’s, Bloomberg, and Citigroup, and previously as Senior Vice President at Tishman Construction, Rivielle offered members a ground-level view of how development, renovation, and investment intersect in a city like Beverly Hills.

In May, the conversation turned to the technology transforming how businesses operate. Elad Lavi, Founder and CEO of LionEdge AI and host of the podcast Scaling Business in the AI Era, cut through the noise on artificial intelligence with the kind of clarity this audience demands: not theory, but results. Lavi’s focus is on custom automation that saves time, reduces costs, and drives revenue a direct and practical conversation for business owners navigating a landscape that’s changing faster than most can track.

And the EDC’s program has continued to expand beyond the boardroom. Members have had lunch at BSH Home Appliances, gathered at the Gravitas Private Social Club, and gone behind the scenes of the Rose Parade with CEO David Eads. CA State Senator Ben Allen closed out the previous year with a wide-ranging briefing on statewide legislation, environmental policy, and the business landscape heading into 2025. Most recently, Adam Burke President & CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, a 30-year industry veteran, and the executive overseeing the global strategy for one of the world’s most influential visitor economies joined the council to discuss how tourism, major events, and public-private partnerships fuel regional economic vitality ahead of two of the most consequential moments in Los Angeles history: the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.

This isn’t a lecture series. It’s access.

What Membership Actually Means

EDC membership is a considered investment — and it’s designed to be. The exclusivity isn’t incidental; it’s what makes the room worth being in.

Members receive monthly intelligence on regional business trends and economic activity across Beverly Hills and the greater Los Angeles region — not filtered through a press release or a panel discussion, but delivered directly in conversation with the people creating those trends. The monthly luncheons rotate through some of the city’s most distinctive private venues, and the format is intentionally intimate: high-signal speakers, real dialogue, and a network of peers who have been doing serious business in this city for decades.

Attendance is by membership or invitation only. That’s not a formality. It’s what keeps the quality of conversation consistent year after year.

Why Now

Beverly Hills is in a consequential moment. Development decisions, business policy, regional infrastructure, and economic partnerships are all being shaped in real time. The EDC exists precisely for this: to keep the city’s business leadership informed, connected, and positioned to influence what comes next.

If you’ve been watching from the outside, this is your invitation to be part of the conversation.

Join the Economic Development Council

EDC membership is open to Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce members. Annual investment ranges from $3,200 to $10,000, with access to all monthly luncheon programs, exclusive speaker events, and a network of the region’s most respected business professionals.

To learn more or apply for membership, contact Blair Schlecter, Government Affairs VP, at the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Because the most important conversations in this city don’t always make the headlines, but they do happen at this table.

Learn More: Economic Development Council

The post The Room Where Beverly Hills’ Most Important Business Conversations Happen – Economic Development Council Membership appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

With a holistic, evidence-based approach, Dr. Rahi combines cutting-edge wellness therapies with advanced aesthetic treatments to support healthy aging from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to balance hormones, improve performance and well-being, lose weight, enhance your appearance, or restore confidence, Dr. Rahi creates a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique goals. Experience a comprehensive approach to wellness and aesthetics in the heart of Beverly Hills.

421 N Rodeo Drive, STE 1
Beverly Hills, CA, 90210 United States
(310) 819-0769
http://www.doctorrahi.com

The post Dr. Rahi Integrative Aesthetics in Beverly Hills appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Set within one of Beverly Hills’ most celebrated landmarks, this signature annual event will feature the formal Beverly Hills State of the City Address, delivered by City of Beverly Hills Mayor Craig Corman. The evening provides an important opportunity to hear directly from city leadership while connecting with the people and organizations helping shape the future of Beverly Hills.

A Defining Conversation About the Future of Beverly Hills

The annual State of the City Address offers valuable perspective on the priorities, projects, opportunities, and challenges influencing the Beverly Hills community.

During his address, Mayor Craig Corman will speak before members of the Beverly Hills business community, government representatives, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and regional stakeholders. The program will create a timely forum for understanding the direction of the city and the developments affecting those who live, work, invest, and conduct business in Beverly Hills.

More than a formal presentation, An Evening With the Mayor 2026 encourages an interactive exchange between local government and the business community. It is an opportunity to gain insight, participate in meaningful conversations, and strengthen the relationships that support continued economic vitality and civic collaboration.

An Unforgettable Evening at Greystone Mansion

Greystone Mansion provides a distinctive setting for one of the most anticipated Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce events of the year.

Guests will experience an elegant evening featuring exquisite wines, delectable hors d’oeuvres, live music, and high-level networking throughout the historic estate. The architecture, gardens, and atmosphere of Greystone Mansion create an exceptional environment for engaging with influential business and community leaders.

Whether attending to hear the latest Beverly Hills city updates, expand professional relationships, or become more involved in the local community, guests can expect an informative and memorable experience.

Connect With Beverly Hills Business and Civic Leaders

An Evening With the Mayor stands apart among Beverly Hills business networking events because of the range of leaders it brings together.

The annual gathering convenes executives, entrepreneurs, elected officials, city representatives, nonprofit leaders, Chamber members, and community partners in a setting designed to encourage substantive conversation. These connections help advance cooperation between the public and private sectors while strengthening the broader Beverly Hills business ecosystem.

For professionals seeking to increase their involvement in the community, the event offers a valuable opportunity to meet decision-makers, exchange ideas, and build relationships with organizations active throughout Beverly Hills and the greater Los Angeles region.

Sponsorship Opportunities for Beverly Hills Businesses

Businesses seeking greater visibility within the Beverly Hills community are invited to participate as event sponsors.

Sponsorship of An Evening With the Mayor: State of the City 2026 provides an opportunity to align your organization with a prominent civic and business event while increasing awareness among Chamber members, community leaders, government officials, and regional stakeholders.

The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Sponsorship Deck and additional information regarding available opportunities will be released soon. Businesses interested in discussing sponsorship options may contact Melissa Case.

Registration and sponsorship participation are confirmed upon receipt of full payment.

Event Information

An Evening With The Mayor: State of the City 2026
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
4:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills

Ready to sponsor this Signature Event? Please contact Melissa Case to learn more at case@beverlyhillschamber.com
Register Here!

The post An Evening With the Mayor 2026 Returns to Greystone Mansion for the Beverly Hills State of the City Address appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

         

Exceptional Spaces. Seamless Execution.

Planning quality, face-to-face time with teammates and colleagues has never been more important than in today’s fast-paced, work-from-anywhere world. But if the word “conference” brings to mind dry presentations, clichéd icebreakers, and stuffy boardrooms, think again. Here in Nassau Paradise Island, mixing business with pleasure is what we do best. So whether you’re organizing a small destination meeting, an intensive creative session, or a team-building event that doubles as an unforgettable island escape, when it comes to choosing the setting for your next conference, It’s Better in The Bahamas.

From a convenient location that makes getting here a breeze to our incredible array of inviting accommodations and excellent event venues, Nassau Paradise Island is the conference destination that truly has it all. Feeling keen to ditch the all-work-and-no-play mindset? Read on for five reasons to book a conference in Nassau Paradise Island that will leave organizers and attendees alike smiling from ear to ear.

A Convenient Location
With its shimmering turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and abundant natural beauty, Nassau Paradise Island feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So it may come as a pleasant surprise that this delightful slice of Paradise is located just about 180 miles (that’s a less-than-one-hour flight!) from the South Florida coast. With speedy travel times and convenient nonstop flights to many major U.S. cities, you’ll find that getting to The Bahamas is a breeze — making it the perfect place for far-flung team members to finally come together.

And when it comes to a convenient setting for your next conference, ease of travel is just the beginning. Your island getaway is closer than you think and takes so much of the hassle and worry out of traveling abroad. Here, English is the spoken language, so your guests can easily navigate their stay without the trouble of a language barrier. Plus, American dollars are not only on par with Bahamian dollars, but are happily accepted, Island-wide, so you’ll never have to worry about exchange rates during your stay. 

World-Class Facilities

Whether you’re planning a small-scale destination meeting or a large conference or convention, you’ll be pleased to find that the event facilities of Nassau Paradise Island offer a wide range of flexible venues suited to almost every occasion, from executive boardrooms to 50,000-square-foot ballrooms. Treat your guests to exceptional service, mouthwatering cuisine, and an exciting array of memorable activities, all wrapped up in a luxurious, resort-like experience they won’t soon forget.

For smaller meetings and more intimate groups, Graycliff Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind setting, next door to Government House in Nassau’s historic downtown. Set in a meticulously restored colonial mansion, Graycliff’s famed wine cellar space is an ideal choice for small parties of up to 18 people, with additional dining rooms, terraces, and lush tropical gardens suitable for larger groups. Home to the Caribbean’s first five-star restaurant, Graycliff offers decadent dining and refreshment options, along with a suite of inspired team-building activities, from cooking lessons to historical tours.

Looking to add a dash of fun to your next destination meeting? Bring your team together at Margaritaville Beach Resort, a stunning waterfront resort located just steps away from historic Bay Street. Their enticing event spaces are customizable for all sorts of meetings, conferences, and presentations — from boardrooms suitable for up to 12 people to a 20,000-square-foot banquet hall. And when you book your next conference at Margaritaville, you’re always just steps away from a celebration when the work day is done.

Larger groups will delight in the grand ballrooms, open-air event spaces, and powerhouse of hosting potential that is Atlantis Paradise Island. Inspired by the mythic lost city of Atlantis, this iconic seaside resort offers an incredible array of flexible venues, ranging from traditional options like their 50,000-square-foot Imperial Ballroom to a range of creative, unique, and non-traditional options like Cove Beach or the Royal Deck.

Find inspiration for your next event when you explore the diverse meeting facilities of Nassau Paradise Island today.

A World of Support

Let’s face it — putting together an incredible conference, convention, or destination meeting is about more than just gathering your people together in an unparalleled island setting. It’s also about the myriad details, logistical considerations, and special touches that bring an event from good to truly unforgettable. And when you host your next event in Nassau Paradise Island, you can count on a world of support from our friendly, experienced staff to help bring your vision to life.

We work with various Destination Management Companies to assist in planning and facilitating group entertainment, sightseeing tours, and memorable celebrations that make the most of our locations, culture, and heritage. Looking for guidance on your audio/visual equipment, setup, and staffing? We’ve got you covered with on-site specialists and a roster of trusted service providers in Nassau Paradise Island. Need help coordinating ground transportation, shipping, and deliveries? We can handle that, too — diligently attending to every little detail, so you can keep your focus on the big picture. 

Unparalleled Natural Beauty

When it comes to enticing attendees to RSVP “yes” to your next big destination meeting, conference, or team retreat, nothing sweetens the pot quite like clear blue skies, sun-soaked beaches, and the warm waters of the Caribbean. The Bahamas is home to some of the most out-of-this-world scenery on earth, with waters that glow so many brilliant shades of blue they’ve been known to capture the hearts of astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

With so much natural beauty all around us here in Nassau Paradise Island, you’re sure to find plenty to keep your guests entertained during their stay — from sunbathing and snorkeling to coral reef excursions aboard a catamaran or scuba diving trips to sunken shipwrecks. 

A Welcoming Culture
Around here, we’re fond of saying that “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” But of course, we’re not just talking about beautiful beaches, convenient flights, and world-class conference facilities. Rather, it’s about a spirit of welcoming hospitality that permeates everything that we do here in Nassau Paradise Island.

It’s the same authentic Bahamian spirit that will joyfully guide you through the planning process to help realize your vision for your next big event; the same one that will greet your guests upon their arrival, happily sharing our island Paradise with them throughout their stay.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning today and discover Paradise for yourself when you host your conference in The Bahamas.

Contact: Keson Tinker, Tourism Attaché

Bahamas Consulate General in Los Angeles

ktinker@bahamas.com 

310-500-6581

The post 5 Reasons to Book Your Next Meeting in the Bahamas a Destination That Elevates Every Gathering appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

On Wednesday, June 24, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce brought together more than 600 guests for the 2026 Summer Garden Member Appreciation Party & Board Installation. Set within the exceptional surroundings of Beverly Cañon Gardens, the annual gathering celebrated the relationships, leadership, and shared momentum that continue to strengthen the Beverly Hills business community.

Throughout the evening, executives, entrepreneurs, civic officials, and professionals representing organizations from across the region gathered for meaningful conversation in an atmosphere that was both elevated and welcoming. Longstanding Chamber members reconnected with familiar colleagues while new relationships formed among the businesses, institutions, and community leaders shaping the future of Beverly Hills.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from the Chamber, followed by a performance of the national anthem by Abi Koya. Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Johnson reflected on the strength of the Chamber’s membership and the importance of creating opportunities where business and community leadership can come together. Presenting Sponsor PLANT Construction Co. was recognized for its significant support of the celebration, with Chris Rivielle joining the program to welcome guests and mark the importance of continued investment in Beverly Hills and its business community.

The defining moment of the evening was the formal installation of Stephanie Cohen, Vice President, Health System Government & Industry Relations at Cedars-Sinai, as Chair of the Board for the 2026 – 2027 term, alongside the incoming Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The ceremony marked the beginning of a distinguished new chapter of leadership and reaffirmed the Chamber’s continued commitment to serving, strengthening, and advancing the Beverly Hills business community. The program also honored Lashelle Ullie as the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year, recognizing his outstanding dedication, service, and commitment to strengthening connections throughout the Chamber community.

Magician Angus Baskerville added an element of wonder to the midsummer gathering, entertaining guests throughout the gardens. The experience was made possible through the generous support of Grant’s Crusade Foundation and became one of the evening’s most memorable features.

Across the gardens, guests discovered an extensive collection of culinary tastings, beverage experiences, interactive displays, and branded activations presented by Chamber member businesses. Participating restaurants, hospitality groups, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, professional service firms, and luxury brands offered an engaging representation of the diversity and quality found throughout the Chamber’s membership.

The Beverly Hills Courier welcomed guests into its signature magazine-cover photo booth, creating a memorable setting for photographs throughout the evening. Among those featured were members of Business Network International alongside Beverly Hills Chamber Membership Director Melissa Case, reflecting the collaborative spirit that defines the annual celebration.

CLICK HERE FOR RECAP VIDEO FROM CROWDBOOST MARKETING

CLICK HERE FOR EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY FROM KARINA PIRES

CLICK HERE FOR THE PROGRAM SPONSOR DECK

Guests enjoyed culinary and beverage offerings from an array of local Food & Beverage Providers. Beyond the tastings and entertainment, the Summer Garden Party remained centered on its most important purpose: recognizing the members who make the work of the Beverly Hills Chamber possible. Every conversation, introduction, and shared experience represented the strength of a business community built upon participation, trust, and collaboration.

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors

The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to:
Presenting Sponsor PLANT Construction Co.

Presenting: PLANT Construction Co.; Gold: Beverly Hills Courier Publishing, Cedars-Sinai Health System, Franco Beverly Hills, and Western Alliance Bank; Silver: Beach Now LLC, Citizens Private Bank, East West Bank, Greater Los Angeles REALTORS®, L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Inc., MASH Accounting & Consulting LLP, MP Los Angeles, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, U.S. Bank Beverly Hills Wilshire, and UCLA Health; Supporting: Grant’s Crusade Foundation, Saks Global, and Southern California Edison; Exhibitor: Adventure Chic Cruises and Travel, Athens Services, Corner Escrow, Industrious, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Moy, Fincher, Chipps Facial Plastics & Dermatology, Network Experts Inc., Park Elm Residences at Century Plaza, Ready to Roll Los Angeles, and Silversea. Food & Beverage Providers: AVRA, Barrel Pick, Buzzbox Premium Cocktails, Empress Gin, Marea Restaurant, NEFT Vodka US, Palmetto Superfoods, Rabbit Foods, Reed’s Inc., Santé Life, The Maybourne Beverly Hills, and Wolfgang Puck Catering.

The Chamber also recognizes its Board of Directors, Ambassadors, staff, volunteers, participating vendors, and every member who joined us for this exceptional summer evening.

The 2026 Summer Garden Party was a celebration of what becomes possible when Beverly Hills businesses come together with a shared commitment to connection, leadership, and continued progress.

Professional photography, event highlights, and dedicated features from the evening will be released throughout the coming days and weeks.

The post An Evening to Remember at the 2026 Beverly Hills Summer Garden Party appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

In Beverly Hills, people tend to notice the finished product: the lines of a Ferrari parked outside a hotel, the quiet confidence of a Bentley pulling onto Sunset, the flawless paint on a Lucid catching afternoon light.

What rarely gets noticed is what happens after something goes wrong.

A minor collision, a scraped bumper, damage that looks cosmetic at first glance – on a luxury, exotic, or electric vehicle, those moments carry more weight than most drivers expect. Modern vehicles are built with specialized materials, advanced safety systems, and factory repair standards that leave very little room for approximation.

That understanding has shaped Avio Coach Craft for more than three decades.

Located in West Los Angeles just minutes from Beverly Hills, Avio Coach Craft has built its reputation through a simple philosophy: restore vehicles with the same level of care and precision that went into building them in the first place – while delivering the kind of white-glove experience luxury owners expect. Since 1989, the family-owned collision repair facility has become a trusted destination for owners who expect more than a standard repair process. They expect craftsmanship, communication, and confidence that details will not be overlooked.

Why Luxury & Exotic Vehicles Require a Different Standard

What distinguishes Avio is not spectacle. It is consistency.

Inside the shop, the approach feels increasingly uncommon in today’s repair industry. Rather than moving vehicles through a volume-driven process, the team focuses on meticulous repair planning, manufacturer procedures where applicable, and careful attention to finish quality, panel alignment, and structural restoration. The goal is straightforward: when the vehicle leaves, the repair should feel invisible.

That standard becomes even more important as luxury and electric vehicles continue to evolve.

Expertise That Goes Beyond Traditional Collision Repair

Avio Coach Craft is part of the Tesla Approved Body Shop Network and also operates as a Lucid Certified Collision Center – designations that reflect ongoing investment in training, equipment, and repair procedures for increasingly sophisticated platforms. Rather than presenting certifications as credentials alone, the team views them as responsibility: following approved processes, understanding material requirements, and protecting the integrity of the vehicle throughout the repair journey.

A More Personal Repair Experience

Just as important is the experience around the repair itself.

Vehicle owners are often surprised to learn how little visibility they may have in traditional collision pathways. At Avio, communication remains direct and personal. Conversations focus on what happened, what the vehicle requires, what options exist, and what to expect moving forward. That transparency has become part of the company’s identity and one of the reasons owners continue returning generation after generation.

Craftsmanship That Feels at Home in Beverly Hills

There is something fitting about that philosophy in Beverly Hills.

This is a community that has long appreciated the value of craftsmanship – not because it is loud, but because it is evident. The best work rarely calls attention to itself. It simply feels right.

For Avio Coach Craft, that has been the standard all along.

Avio Coach Craft is a family-owned luxury, exotic, and electric vehicle collision repair facility serving Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, and surrounding communities since 1989. Located just off the 405 and 10 Freeways on Pontius Avenue, Avio specializes in precision collision repair and restoration with a focus on craftsmanship, transparent communication, and a white-glove experience from estimate through delivery. To schedule a complimentary estimate, visit aviocoachcraft.com or call (310) 312-1128.

The post Avio Coach Craft: The Collision Repair Standard Behind Beverly Hills’ Luxury & Exotic Vehicles appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

California Leaders recently welcomed Todd Johnson, President & CEO of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, for a special live recording of its After Hours series at Gravitas in Beverly Hills.

Hosted by California Leaders Publisher & CEO Christopher Luna alongside co-hosts Nia Collins and Bre Baker Cohen, the evening invited guests to look beyond professional titles and discover the experiences, relationships, and personal values that have shaped Johnson’s approach to leadership.

Speaking before a live audience, Johnson reflected on his upbringing, his extensive career in the hospitality industry, and his journey to becoming one of the most recognizable voices within the Beverly Hills business community.

The conversation was thoughtful, warm, and frequently humorous, offering attendees a rare opportunity to experience a more personal side of the Chamber’s longtime leader.

An Evening Beyond the Boardroom

The After Hours series is designed to explore the stories that often remain outside an executive biography. Rather than concentrating only on professional achievements, the program creates space for candid conversations about formative experiences, unexpected career turns, personal challenges, and the values that guide a leader’s decisions.

That format was especially fitting for an evening with Johnson, whose professional journey has been built around relationships, service, and the ability to bring people together.

Throughout the conversation, Luna, Collins, and Baker Cohen encouraged Johnson to reflect not only on where he has been, but also on what he has learned along the way. The result was an engaging portrait of leadership grounded in experience, attentiveness, and a genuine interest in people.

For the audience, the live recording offered something different from a traditional business program. It was an opportunity to listen, laugh, reflect, and gain a deeper understanding of the individual behind the public role.

A Leadership Journey Shaped by Hospitality

Before leading the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, Johnson spent decades in the hospitality industry, developing an understanding of leadership in an environment where every detail, interaction, and team member contributes to the overall experience.

His career included an extensive tenure with Lawry’s Restaurants, where he held leadership responsibilities connected to the company’s Beverly Hills operations. Those years placed him at the center of one of the region’s most demanding service industries and helped shape the management philosophy he would later bring to the Chamber.

Hospitality requires more than operational knowledge. It depends on the ability to listen carefully, anticipate needs, build trust, solve problems in real time, and create an environment in which both guests and employees feel valued.

During the conversation, Johnson reflected on how these lessons influenced his people-first approach to leadership. His experiences in the restaurant industry reinforced the importance of supporting a team, maintaining high standards, and recognizing that strong organizations are ultimately built through human connection.

That foundation continues to inform his work at the Chamber, where leadership requires balancing the needs of businesses, community partners, civic stakeholders, and an evolving local economy.

The Power of Listening

One of the defining themes of the evening was the importance of listening.

Effective leadership is sometimes associated with having the strongest voice in the room. Johnson’s journey presents another model, one centered on understanding people, hearing different perspectives, and building relationships before attempting to lead them.

In hospitality, listening can transform a customer’s experience. In business and civic leadership, it can reveal concerns, encourage collaboration, and create opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked.

The discussion demonstrated how curiosity and personal engagement can become meaningful leadership tools. Whether connecting with an entrepreneur, welcoming a new Chamber member, supporting an established business, or engaging with community leaders, Johnson’s approach begins with understanding the person and the need behind the conversation.

This emphasis on listening has particular significance within a Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber serves businesses representing many industries, sizes, histories, and priorities. Leading such an organization requires the ability to find common ground while ensuring that individual members continue to feel seen and represented.

Building Community Through Connection

Johnson’s story also reflected the essential role that connection plays in successful communities.

The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce brings together businesses, professionals, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners through advocacy, education, marketing, and relationship-building. At the center of that work is the belief that businesses are stronger when they are connected to one another and to the community they serve.

The live conversation at Gravitas embodied that same principle.

Guests gathered not simply to hear a leadership interview, but to participate in a shared experience. The evening created new introductions, strengthened existing relationships, and reminded attendees that some of the most meaningful business connections begin through authentic conversation.

By placing a respected local leader in a more personal setting, California Leaders provided the audience with a chance to consider leadership not as a title, but as a continuing practice shaped by service, adaptability, and trust.

A Different Side of Leadership

The most memorable leadership conversations are often the ones that move beyond accomplishments and reveal the experiences behind them.

Throughout the evening, Johnson shared reflections from different chapters of his life and career, creating moments of insight as well as laughter. The relaxed format allowed the conversation to move naturally between professional lessons and personal memories.

These moments gave attendees a fuller understanding of the qualities that have shaped Johnson’s leadership. His story demonstrated that leadership develops over time through work, relationships, challenges, changing responsibilities, and the willingness to remain open to new possibilities.

The conversation also illustrated the value of bringing authenticity into professional life. A leader’s ability to connect with others often begins with a willingness to be candid about the path that brought them to their present role.

For Johnson, that path has traveled through hospitality, business association service, community engagement, and Chamber leadership. Each stage contributed lessons that continue to influence how he works with people and approaches new challenges.

California Leaders: Real Stories. Real Leaders. Real Impact.

Led by Publisher & CEO Christopher Luna, California Leaders is a multi-platform initiative dedicated to celebrating and elevating leadership throughout the state.

More than a magazine, California Leaders brings leadership stories to life through print and digital publishing, podcast conversations, workshops, live programs, and the annual California Leaders Summit.

Its mission is summarized in three words: Real Stories. Real Leaders. Real Impact.

The platform spotlights executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, civic voices, and changemakers whose work is helping shape California’s future. Rather than focusing exclusively on titles and achievements, its storytelling explores the values, experiences, and lessons that define each leader’s journey.

A signature component of the platform is its 2-Page Impact Story, which recognizes employees and organizational leaders whose dedication and vision have made a meaningful difference. These features are designed as lasting tributes that organizations can share in recognition of the people helping drive their success.

California Leaders’ editorial direction is guided by Editor-in-Chief Rick Gibson, whose background in higher education and executive leadership supports the platform’s commitment to authentic, diverse, and practical storytelling.

The organization’s Founders Club, an exclusive 24-member advisory group, helps guide the development of its platforms and ensures that its work reflects the breadth and spirit of leadership across California.

Through initiatives such as After Hours, California Leaders continues to create environments in which established and emerging leaders can learn from one another, form new relationships, and find inspiration in the real experiences behind professional success.

An Evening Made Possible Through Partnership

The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to California Leaders for featuring Todd Johnson and bringing this special live recording to the Beverly Hills community.

The Chamber also thanks Presenting Sponsor BMO U.S. for supporting an evening dedicated to leadership, connection, and meaningful conversation.

Special recognition is extended to Venue Host Gravitas, whose Beverly Hills setting provided an intimate and welcoming environment for the live audience and recording.

Programs of this kind are made possible through organizations that recognize the value of bringing people together and creating opportunities for thoughtful dialogue.

The Conversation Continues

The evening offered attendees an inspiring look at the experiences and principles that have shaped Todd Johnson’s leadership journey, from his formative years and hospitality career to his role at the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

It also served as a reminder that behind every organization is a human story and that some of the most valuable leadership lessons emerge when people are invited to speak openly about the path they have traveled.

The official interview will be released as part of the California Leaders After Hours series.

Stay tuned to the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and California Leaders for the official release date and an opportunity to experience this engaging and personal conversation.

Learn More at CaliforniaLeaders.com
Photography: After Hours: Todd Johnson | California Leaders

The post Beyond the Boardroom: Todd Johnson Shares His Journey with California Leaders appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.

The article explores the increasingly important intersection of family continuity, governance, legacy planning, and modern reproductive care for private clients and multi-generational families.

As a Beverly Hills-based company, we are honored to contribute to this international conversation and to represent the innovation, entrepreneurship, and thought leadership that continue to distinguish our city on the global stage.

By Family Capital 30th May 2026

Take a trip to Beverly Hills, and one private concierge service you might not expect to find is the world’s first fertility family office. The foundations of IMA ART Fertility were established in Hong Kong in 2015 by Ron Sonnenberg, long before the firm relocated to California and evolved into its current form. In 2022, Michelle Tang joined the firm as CEO, shortly before its relocation to Beverly Hills, California.

IMA (pronounced ee-ma) ART Fertility was created to provide UHNW clients with high-touch, end-to-end advisory support and oversight at every stage of the journey to parenthood.

White Glove Fertility Family Office

Both Tang and Sonnenberg were living in Hong Kong before relocating to California, which is uniquely positioned to operate what is presently the world’s first fertility and surrogacy concierge model. Tang spent over a decade in banking compliance and risk management at UBS Global Wealth Management, Natixis and PwC, where governance is non-negotiable. This commitment to governance lies at the heart of IMA ART Fertility, where each client’s privacy and emotional support take center stage.

Michelle Tang and Ron Sonnenberg

“We run IMA ART Fertility like a Swiss private bank. Our service is highly bespoke to every single family. We do not post pictures of the families or the surrogates. We do not post any testimonials. Everything is very private,” says Sonnenberg.

In addition to bringing a strong focus on risk governance, Tang holds an Executive Master’s Degree in Luxury Management and Guest Experience from the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland.

This unique combination of governance expertise and luxury service standards distinguishes IMA ART Fertility as it advises private clients and family office families from across the globe.

Fertility Governance for Modern Families

Most firms operating in the fertility space utilize a mass market approach characterized by fragmented appointments and generic protocols. It is a clinical conveyor belt designed for volume, not for the individual

Utilizing a fertility family office model means that every step of the journey, from IVF and coordination of egg and sperm banking to genetic screening and legal oversight, is designed with intentionality and absolute discretion.

“We’re not interested in scale,” explains Sonnenberg. “Any fertility journey, especially one that involves crossing borders where clients are flying in from all over the world, demands a lot of assistance. We are available to these families seven days a week, 365 days a year. Pregnancy does not take the weekend off!”

ART refers to Assisted Reproductive Technology. This fits into the first of three key pillars of IMA ART Fertility: the medical pillar. Families are given a full fertility consultancy during which all IVF pre-screening considerations are assessed to map out the optimal journey, before embryo creation and storage. The second pillar is the legal pillar, which is paramount for any family to consider before embarking on the emotional journey of starting or growing a family.

It is this legal pillar that differentiates countries and states from one another. In most countries, surrogacy is illegal. By contrast, in California, and indeed much of the US, any couple – married or unmarried – can rest assured that surrogacy laws mean they are legally protected, as the parents of the child, carried to term by the gestational carrier.

“Surrogacy is a very big part of the fertility journey for many families who want to grow their family. If you’re a single man, or a couple, you need eggs (we have an extensive egg bank network here in America) and you need a uterus to grow from embryo to delivery nine months later,” says Sonnenberg.

IMA ART Fertility works with leading reproductive attorneys to match families with surrogate matches, and draft legally enforceable contracts to protect full parental rights and privacy once the child is born. The surrogate has no legal claim to the newborn. To reflect the unique demands of carrying a baby for nine months, IMA ART Fertility’s surrogates are well compensated above the market average.

The third pillar is the concierge service. Arriving clients are met and greeted at the airport and personally escorted to their Beverly Hills hotel. Clients are also personally escorted to the IVF clinic for treatment.

“It’s why we’re in California, and in particular, Beverly Hills. For most of the year, it’s not too hot, it’s not too cold. It is a lovely location to spend two weeks undergoing fertility treatment. There are numerous five-star hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, and world-class shopping on Rodeo Drive. IVF treatment itself is not too time-consuming. You’re in the clinic maybe every other day. We plan every detail of our clients’ two-week trip,” confirms Sonnenberg.

A Trusted Referral Path For Family Offices

Sonnenberg got the idea for a fertility family office

after noticing how often family offices and succession planning were covered in the financial press. Given that infertility rates reach 17.8%, according to the World Health Organization, Sonnenberg and Tang sought to address the most human aspect of what a family office stands for: preserving the bloodline.

“We googled fertilityfamilyoffice.com, and to our surprise, nothing appeared. If you don’t have a next generation, you don’t have continuity,” says Sonnenberg.

Wealth professionals may be aware of their clients’ fertility issues but feel it is too difficult a topic to advise on. Knowing that such a bespoke service now exists

changes the dynamic for UHNW clients and their family office advisers, giving them a trusted referral path for one of the most consequential personal decisions their clients will ever face; handled with the same precision and discretion they expect across every other dimension of their affairs.

The most important question a client should ask themselves is: Are we prepared to invest the time?

“It doesn’t happen overnight,” says Sonnenberg. “Things don’t always go smoothly. We’re dealing with humans. Our surrogates are screened emotionally, medically and legally, and there can sometimes be problems along the way. But when challenges arise, Michelle and I step forward to rectify them.

“We bring not only Swiss private banking governance protocols to the client’s fertility journey but an Asian client service standard that just doesn’t exist in America.

“When you are a volume-driven fertility business, it’s an entirely different experience. With IMA ART Fertility, we show it doesn’t have to be that way.”

IMA Art Fertility
424.284.1408
468 N. Camden Dr., Suite 288A
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
https://www.imaartfertility.com
Luxury Fertility Concierge & Surrogacy Agency | Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce

The post The Fertility Family Office | Swiss Governance for Family Building appeared first on Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.