The Newly inducted members of the Carson Chamber of Commerce board of directors at the Double Tree by Hilton in Carson, Ca. on Friday Aug. 21, 2026. / Carson Compass photo by Solomon O. Smith
Carson, CA — Business icons, politicians and future leaders of Carson gathered last Friday at the Double Tree by Hilton to witness the installation of the 2026-2027 board of directors of the Carson Chamber of Commerce.
At the two-hour Carson Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, which began at 11:30 a.m., speakers and presenters reviewed the year and celebrated the accomplishments of its members and their work in the community as they ushered in the new board.
Among those present were Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes who sat with board leaders and some of the inductees. Carson City Council member Arleen B. Rojas, of District 4, was also present.
The keynote speaker Josh Lowenthal, assemblymember of the California 69th district which includes Carson, Long Beach, Signal Hill and Avalon spoke about the importance of small business to the community. Lowenthal is also the Speaker pro Tempore of the California State Assembly and a small businesses owner. He sympathized with the difficulties of running a business but also noted that Carson is on the “precipice” of opportunity due to its diverse community leaders and the upcoming Olympics.
“I look around the room right now. I see not just a diversity in culture, a diversity in background I see a diversity of opinion, and yet there is tremendous amount of respect,” said Lowenthal. “Mutual respect for all the people that are in here, and that is why this district and this community is such a jewel, and so special for the state of California.”
California State University, Dominguez Hills’ president of Associated Students, Inc., Chauncey Williams, was also a guest at the luncheon. Vanessa Manera, the commissioner of activities for the ASI is a business major who was also representing her school alongside fellow students and counselors.
The Carson Chamber of Commerce has been around since 1962, according to their website with the mission to “support a thriving, resilient local economy where businesses and the community can prosper together.”
Lena Whittaker helmed the luncheon introducing speakers and calling all board members to the stage to be sworn in by Lowenthal as a group. Whittaker is also a board member.
Afterward taking the oath of office, the new board were presented with congratulatory certificates from the State Assembly’s 65th district by Mike Gipson, the outgoing California State Assemblymember for district 65, who referenced the event as one on the last in his official capacity. The following week the California State legislature will close, led by Lowenthal. Gipson is running for a seat on the California Board of Equalization and was clear about who he wanted to fill his districts seat — Ayana Davis.
“I will officially no longer be the member representing the 65th as of December the 7th. But I’m very glad that we will be turning over the gavel once you vote on November 3rd for Dr. Ayana Davis,” said Gipson.
Davis is a popular candidate for the position and has appeared at several city functions as she begins to rev up her campaign and received a nod from Lowenthal who said he was “excited to work with her” in the future.
New and returning members were presented with a certificate and sworn in together including Jean Bell, Ben Brower, Richard Chang, Norwood Clark, Andy Dilsaver, Ralph Felix, Lyman Fox, Rachael Hernandez, Victor Ibarra, Trini Jimenez, Kubilay Karul, Tamala Lewis, Tami Lorenzen-Fanselow, Derrick Mims, Shannon Moody, Kim Richards, Christine Saavedra, Michael Stewart and Lena Whittaker.
About 100 people came to witness the swearing in of the Chamber’s new members.
Gipson, closing out the evening emphasized the community service of the organization.
“We proudly recognize your service and wish you successful your successfulness and impact for 2026 and 2027 term. Congratulations on this distinguished occasion. The best is still yet to come.”
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Article By: Solomon O. Smith, Carson Compass
