February 2024
Volume 44 Number 2
Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce reaches 75th Anniversary milestone
Keeping MLK'S Dream Alive
Black History Month came early in Lakewood, as the Lakewood Interfaith Council hosted its inaugural Martin Luther King Art & Essay Contest in honor of Dr. King's birthday last month at the Lakewood Family YMCA.
The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce turns 75! Officially incorporated on April 11, 1949 by John Todd, five years before the City of Lakewood officially became an incorporated CIty. The Chamber's offices have moved from different locations throughout the City of Lakewood, and most recently moved into a space at the Lakewood Center. Seventy-five years is no easy task but through it all, including Covid, the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has continued to be a voice for economic empowerment.
The GLCC's milestone year is led by Joanie Dixson as Chair, and Deeny Henry as Vice Chair, along with Sherry Daisey and Travis Jackson, as secretary and treasurer, respectively. "Even before realizing we were turning 75 years old this year, 2024 was already going to be an amazing year," said Dixson. "Our plans for 2024 just got bigger. We are all excited to be serving as the Chamber's Board of Directors during this moment in the Chamber's history." The Chamber, for 2024, has revamped its benefits, its goals New Chamber Chair Joanie Dixson, and Vice Chair Deena Henry, bottom center, (Continued on Pg. 7) usher in the Chamber's 75th Anniversary with the first chamber selfie of the year!
Lakewood Celebrates its 70th Birthday!
Lakewood Rent-All
Says Goodbye after 30 years
outside that I didn't get to enjoy." Well that won't be the case anymore after Feb. 18, which will be the last day of Lakewood RentAll. In the spirit of the Super Bowl on the horizon, when asked what he's going to be doing once he's retired on Feb. 19, Woodwards said people can find him riding his bike at his local park. "That's it, no retirement plans, no travel plans, I just want to ride my bike on days like today, and just be
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There is absolutely no other reason Mick Woodwards is saying goodbye to Lakewood Rent-All after 30 years, other than he's "just done." "Basically, that's all folks, I'm tired, it's time for me to move on, I'm worn-out; this type of work is for younger folks, I can't do it anymore, I'm ready to retire," said Woodwards. "Plus, I can't even remember the last time I actually got to enjoy a beautiful sunny day off. I have always thought, oh look, another nice California day
Pastor Candace Kelly kicked off the new year with the Lakewood Interfaith Council's inaugural MLK Art & Essay Contest's award's program at the YMCA.
Since the city’s founding in 1954, the City of Lakewood has been entrusted by residents to serve the many needs of its community. The organization, and all the employees who serve Lakewood, play a very important role in ensuring the city is well-maintained, operates efficiently and effectively, and provides the quality of life that Lakewood residents and community members have long enjoyed and value.
To serve as a guidepost in the city’s decision-making process and to help educate future employees, the Lakewood City Council recently adopted Vision, Mission, Values Statements and Goals for the city organization. “These principles are not new to our organization,” said City Manager Thaddeus McCormack. “All are core principles we’ve held for a long time. But the City Council and our
More Inside Led by Dr. Candace Kelly, the LIF Council's first event, themed "Keeping the Dream Alive," brought together children of all ages to celebrate Dr. King's legacy and understanding. "This is how we keep the dream alive, by
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On April 16, 1954, Lakewood officially became a city – and the 16th largest city in the state at that – larger then than Santa Barbara or San Bernardino. Said to be the largest incorporation in the nation’s history, Lakewood was also the first city in Los Angeles County to incorporate since 1939. This was in no way a small feat; the successful vote reflected the hard work by an ambitious incorporation committee that organized 600 neighborhood volunteers and collected twice as many signatures as needed to call for a vote of the residents. As the state’s first “contract city” when it incorporated, Lakewood’s contract model continues to provide residents with all the benefits of local control along with the cost savings and flexibility. Lakewood’s success as a city inspired other communities to follow the same model; so many in fact that they became known as “Lakewood Plan” cities. To help celebrate the city’s milestone, Lakewood’s beloved seven-foot tall Woody the Tree mascot (Continued on Pg. 18)
City unveils Vision, Mission, Values statement
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