Inaugural 2025

Thank you for attending the 137th Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Inaugural Reception at the Galen Center. Your presence made the evening special as we came together to honor leadership, resilience and unite for Los Angeles. Your engagement fuels our mission to build an impactful legacy for Los Angeles.
Event Highlights
A Warm Chamber Welcome
Our President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas, set the tone for the evening with a powerful message of hope, perseverance, and resilience for Los Angeles, acknowledging those who have faced the loss of their homes and livelihoods and honoring first responders for their extraordinary courage and dedication.
Special Remarks by Mayor Karen Bass
We were honored to welcome Mayor Karen Bass, who shared special remarks about the important role of the business community to the future of Los Angeles.
Inspiring Words from Our Presenting Sponsor
Gail Grimmett, Senior Vice President of Sustainability Performance & Strategic Partnerships at Delta Air Lines, who reaffirmed Delta’s steadfast commitment to Los Angeles. Delta was joined by their strategic partner Joby Aviation, who displayed their pioneering electric aircraft on the floor at the Galen Center.
Passing of the Gavel
We celebrated the impactful leadership of Janet Lamkin, whose tenure as Board Chair set new benchmarks for impact and innovation. With immense excitement, we welcomed George L. Pla as our 2025 Board Chair, who shared a bold call to action, encouraging business and community to unite in rebuilding Los Angeles.
Celebrating Excellence
Terry Feit, Office Managing Partner of Deloitte in Los Angeles, was honored with the Distinguished Business Leader Award for her exceptional leadership and commitment to the community. In her remarks she shared an inspiring ‘pep talk’ to rallying the region for the promising opportunities ahead.
Lendistry received the Corporate Leadership Award for their business achievements and dedication to fostering economic growth and opportunity in the Los Angeles community. CEO Everett Sands, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Thank you to our Sponsors
This celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Your participation empowers the Chamber to drive economic growth, champion business, and shape the future of Los Angeles.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Galen Center
Los Angeles, California
FEATURED SPEAKERS
MARIA S. SALINAS
President & CEO
L.A. Area Chamber
GEORGE L. PLA
2025 Board Chair
Founder & CEO
Cordoba Corporation
JANET LAMKIN
2024 Board Chair
United Airlines (Retired)
GAIL GRIMMETT
Senior Vice President, Sustainability Performance & Strategic Partnerships
Delta Air Lines
EVERETT K. SANDS
CEO
Lendistry
DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS LEADER
TERRY FEIT
Managing Partner, Deloitte
CORPORATE LEADERSHIP AWARD
SPONSORED BY
PRESENTING
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Adventist Health White Memorial
Arizona State University
Automobile Club of Southern California
BMO
California State University, Los Angeles
Cedars-Sinai
Cityview
Cox, Castle & Nicholson, LLP
Enterprise Bank
HNTB Corporation
JPMorgan Chase
Kinder Morgan
L.A. Care Health Plan
LA84 Foundation
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Community College District
Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger
Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Los Angeles World Airports
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Parsons
PNC Bank
Port of Los Angeles
SoCalGas
Southern California Edison
Southwest Airlines
Spectrum
TELACU
United Airlines
University of California, Merced
University of Southern California
Valero Energy
Verizon
Wellnest
Wells Fargo
Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP
As of 01.30.25