The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce celebrated its Summer Garden Party at the Beverly Canon Gardens on June 25. The event showcased local businesses and inducted its new Board Chair, Offer Nissenbaum.

Nissenbaum succeeds Bobbe Joy Dawson, owner of Bobbe Joy Makeup Studio, who served a 12-month term as board chair.

“It’s been my great pleasure to serve as only the seventh woman of the board of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce,” Dawson said. “It’s also an honor that I got to meet so many incredible people, community leaders and members of the Beverly Hills community, who continue to support the chamber and this very, very special city.”

Prior to being appointed board chair, Dawson was a member of the board of directors for 10 years and served on its executive committee for six. As the new board chair, Nissenbaum brings nearly 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently as the general manager of The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

“Tonight, I stand here as someone who is not just proud to serve, but extremely grateful to belong. I feel deeply blessed to be part of such a strong and vibrant network,” Nissenbaum said.

Both Nissenbaum and Dawson were recognized with certificates for their service to the Beverly Hills community.

The summer event brought together chamber members for an evening of tastings from local eateries, cocktails, and an opportunity to network with fellow business professionals in the city. The chamber touts the event as its “biggest networking event of the year.”

“This is an event that honors all of our members,” said Chamber President and CEO Todd Johnson.

Among some of the featured businesses were Bacari Beverly Hills, Cantina Frida, Sweet Angeles, Torrey Pines Bank, and the Beverly Hilton.

One of the board members, Chris Rivielle, CEO of Plant Construction Company, spoke about his experience doing business in Beverly Hills. The company, based in San Francisco, has been renovating the Beverly Hilton.

“I’m very happy to be on this once-in-a-lifetime project,” Rivielle said. “I’m also proud to be a member of the board of the Chamber of Commerce, proud to be a resident of Beverly Hills, and proud to have Beverly Hills as home to our L.A. office.”

Johnson also formally recognized Pam Dodgen as Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year. Ambassadors represent the chamber to the public, informing the community about its programs, benefits, and services.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen her without a smile on her face. She’s kind and a really good person, and that’s what we hope to attract, not only in our city but for our chamber,” Johnson said.

Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian attended the event along with fellow Beverly Hills Councilmembers Lester Friedman and Craig Corman.

“We understand the importance of the Chamber of Commerce. We understand the important role that you all play in making this city really shine,” Nazarian said.

The chamber offers varying levels of tiered membership for businesses, from basic to platinum. Based on the level of membership, the chamber helps members grow and increase visibility through its development, education, advocacy and cost-savings programs. More than 4,500 business professionals participate in the chamber’s 250 annual events and programs. The board of directors of the chamber consists of local business leaders who support and influence the chamber’s direction and strategies.

“We support our businesses. We understand that it’s a cycle. When you win, when you succeed, we succeed, and we are able to preserve that quality of life for our community. So, I encourage you all to eat, shop, live, work, and play in Beverly Hills,” Nazarian said.