Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO Kelly Stroman was feted Wednesday evening at Culture Brewing for guiding the chamber over the past three years, including the year of COVID, which by itself seemed like three years, Mike Simms of the Simms Restaurants said at the gathering.
Stroman is leaving the chamber Oct. 22 to become managing director of the $40 million Friendship Campus, being built in Redondo Beach.
Maureen McBride, owner Tabula Rasa Essentials recalled meeting Stroman when the two were selling script at Robinson School. McBride enlisted Stroman into becoming director of the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professionals Association, leading to her selection as chamber manager.
Zisliss Group owner Mike Zisliss thanked Stroman for the downtown promotions she organized, including the Kings parade when the Kings won the Nathional Hockey League Championship.
“Most people play checkers. Kelly plays chess,” Michael Levine, of Michael Levine Media, in praising her ability to convince chamber volunteers to work together. ER