Eileen Hupp, a member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club, has been President & Chief Executive Officer of the Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce for 3 years. Previously, she was a consultant for business development strategies, and has worked with national retailers for mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, marketing, advertising and finance. She has Bachelors and Masters degrees from The Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from The University of Chicago. She has been a committed volunteer since high school for a number of community organizations. She lives in Rolling Hills Estates and has three children.
 
 
The Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1956 and covers all 4 Peninsula cities and the surrounding area. It has 400 business and nonprofit members. It is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization, with all revenue used for Chamber programs. The Chamber promotes entrepreneurial spirit by committing to economic development, business promotion, business advocacy to government, and business-related educational and community development.
 
Its economic programs include the Local First Campaign (shop, dine and do business locally), Community Showcase, Palos Verdes Street Fair and Music Festival, and the Salute to Business Award. Business promotion includes discounted advertising, business ribbon cuttings, social media, displaying members’ business literature in the Chamber’s lobby, Human Resources consulting, and Office Depot discounts. The Chamber’s website lists businesses with maps, and it sends E-blast emails on monthly nonprofit events. All of the member organization’s employees are also members. Business members can advertise on the Chamber website. There are morning and evening mixers for young professionals. Chamber members can receive business referrals and serve on committees to build business relationships.
 
The Chamber advocates for business interests with local, state and national government officials, holds Legislative Forums for candidates for public office, and holds an Annual Legislative Lunch. It partners with other local, state and US Chambers of Commerce on areas of common interest.
 
Business-related educational and community development activities include seminars and workshops for skills and technology, Escape for Lunch, and Young Entrepreneurs Academy (a 3-hour weekly students’ program for learning how to start a business). The Chamber’s office is located at 707 Silver Spur Rd, Suite 100, in Rolling Hills Estates. Its website is www.palosverdeschamber.com.