Santa Monica Mayor Pam O'connor speaks during the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce's State of the City event under the Cirque du Soleil's Grand Chapiteau on Monday, January 27. 2014.
The 2014 State of the City brings together the Santa Monica business and resident community with city government leaders to hear the annual economic report and learn about new initiatives impacting the city. This year's event focused on "Global Visionaries and Local Leaders Building 21st Century Cities," and gave attendees an inside look at Cirque du Soleil's Big Top Tent in Santa Monica.
President and CEO of the Santa Monica Chamber, Laurel Rosen, presented the welcome address, Mayor Pam O'Connor spoke about the current state of Santa Monica and gave insight into the future and talked about how businesses and the community will continue to build a 21st Century City in Santa Monica. In a world of cultural and technological trendsetters, Santa Monica is making waves, which will be exemplified at the State of the City.
"State of The City is one of the most important events for businesses like ours, giving us the opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow business leaders and hear from the mayor and city manager, if you haven't attended in the past it's the best time to find out what is really happening in Santa Monica and how it impacts your business," said Brad Cox, Trammell Crow, 2013-2014 Chairman of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.
Each year, a committee of business and community leaders honors individuals and organizations that have contributed to the economic success of the city while demonstrating commitment to community well-being through social, humanitarian or environmental leadership. This year's Economic Excellence Award was presented to Cirque du Soleil, which is making its mark in Santa Monica with the new spectacular, Totem.
State of the City attendees had an opportunity to engage with the City Departments and partners on their premiere developments including the Expo Line and Colorado Esplanade and network among members of the business community, city leaders, and residents.
