Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) Board and Committee meetings offer opportunities for the many voices of the business community to be heard. This month, it is our pleasure to introduce you to a Board Member whose position enables him to help the entire Downtown Long Beach business network engage in positive dialog and a Committee Member who speaks as a sole proprietor of a DTLB business.
Board Member Jeremy Harris is President and CEO of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. By continuing to help grow the partnership between DLBA and the Chamber, Harris hopes to advance the missions of both organizations. “The work DLBA is doing to support our Downtown and the mission of the Chamber go hand in hand. It’s great to work with so many talented volunteers, professionals, and leaders in the community.”
Born and raised in Garden Grove, Harris is a proud alum of California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). “I double-majored at CSULB,” said Harris. “I was involved in student government, a fraternity, and countless clubs and organizations. It was the best seven years of my life!” he said with a grin.
The partnership between the Chamber of Commerce and DLBA creates a strong support network for local businesses during unsettling times. “Reach out, follow us, and check in on the work we are all doing,” said Harris. “We will assist all who need help as local businesses recover and stay resilient – together.”
When he’s not immersed in the world of Long Beach commerce, Harris can often be found at Angel Stadium, taking in a game with family and friends. “I love the Angels,” said
Harris, “but since I’m on the road so much I also enjoy watching games in any city I travel to.”
Placemaking Committee Member Maggie Stoll is owner, curator, and sole employee of her East Village boutique, Burke Mercantile. which specializes in modern, sustainable fashion. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Stoll earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communications from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Two weeks after graduating, she moved to Long Beach to begin her career.
“I got the opportunity to become a Committee Member right after moving my business to the East Village Arts District,” said Stoll. “For the year prior, my business had been located in a residential neighborhood of Long Beach where I didn’t have the support system of a business association, so I was excited to make connections and get involved with other stakeholders in the Downtown community.”
Stoll loves the energy and individualism that drive the many small businesses surrounding her in Downtown. “Spend enough time in any of these small businesses, and you’ll quickly get to know the owners behind them,” she said. “There are so many passionate and involved business owners in Downtown, bringing diversity and uniqueness to the area.
“I think every Downtown stakeholder should consider volunteering on a Committee at least once,” Stoll continued. “It is such a great way to build relationships with other members of the community, and to learn about how DLBA works. Feeling connected to other stakeholders who care as much about the community as you do is a great experience, and a great way to feel empowered.”
When she’s not working at her own boutique, Stoll devotes time to helping other small businesses. “This work doesn’t feel much like work,” she said. “I’m really passionate about design and organization of spaces.” She has done work for five other small businesses in Long Beach, doing visual merchandising, spatial design, and giving organizational support. “I’m starting to dabble in some residential interior design services as well,” said Stoll. “It’s inspiring to create while incorporating other people’s visions and styles.”
Note: If you are interested in speaking with Jeremy Harris or joining the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, please send your inquiries to info@lbchamber.com or click here to fill out a new member application.