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Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber’s new executive director highlights membership growth and Peavey Street Fair plans
Summary
Karen Conklin, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber’s new executive director, told Studio RPV the organization has added more than 70 members in seven months and is planning new features at the annual Peavey Street Fair, including a teen music stage and a ‘Chamber Row’ option for members.
Karen Conklin, the newly installed executive director of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, told Studio RPV that the Chamber is emphasizing local business outreach and membership growth as it marks its 70th year.
"We have over 70 new members in the last 7 months," Conklin said, adding the Chamber represents all four peninsula cities and focuses on fostering personal connections among small businesses. She described a mix of longtime and new members as driving strong turnout at weekly breakfasts and lunches.
Conklin outlined several near-term initiatives: the Chamber’s 70th-anniversary celebration in July, moving the annual business expo to September to secure a larger venue and better integration with local internship programs, and launching a fall Small Business Success Accelerator to give owners practical tools. She said the Chamber is also doing one-on-one outreach to storefront businesses.
On the Peavey Street Fair, Conklin said organizers finalized the band lineup and are adding a live-music teen stage on Friday night, expanding family and vendor offerings, and partnering with PV Wine Club to create an elevated beer-and-wine lounge. "We’re trying to do a lot of fun things," she said, and also described a new 'Chamber Row' that lets members participate for a single day rather than the traditional two-day commitment.
Conklin encouraged new business owners to connect with the Chamber through its website or by visiting the remodeled Chamber office, which she described as a community meeting space for networking groups and training sessions.
The Chamber interview aired within Studio RPV’s community segment. Hosts Maria Sarayo and Liz Brown Swanson closed the segment by inviting viewers to the upcoming street fair and other Chamber events.
