Santa Monica Chamber to Install New Board, Chair

By Lookout Staff

May 23, 2018 -- Jeff Klocke, who has been a staple at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier since 1999, will be installed as the new chair of the Chamber of Commerce next month.

The vice president and general manager of the amusement park will take the reins at the chamber's 93rd Annual Installation Dinner June 13 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows.

Klocke will replace outgoing chair West Hooker-Poletti, who owns Laconda Del Lago on the Third Street Promenade.

Jeff Klocke (Courtesy Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce)

The chamber also will install the new 2018 - 2019 board and recognize members of the business community who have contributed to "helping make Santa Monica a great place to do business," officials said. “Our Installation theme will emphasize the importance of business in Santa Monica and focus on three key points," Klocke said. They include "conveying the benefits of the business community to residents, highlighting Chamber programming that benefits the community and growing membership to increase the Chamber’s voice,” he said.

Klocke took over day-to-day operations at California's only free amusement park in 2016 after helping launch several landmark initiatives ("Jeff Klocke to Oversee Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier," October 24, 2016).

He currently is in charge in charge of Operations, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Human Resources, Rides, Retail, Security and Food and Beverage for the park, which draws 8 million visitors a year, park officials said.

A past president of the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL), Klocke serves on several Chamber committees, as well as on the public relations committee for the Special Olympics Southern California and on The Bay Foundation board.

He is the Chairman of the Branding Task Force committee and member for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

The chamber this year will present Ellis O’Connor, asset manager of MSD Hospitality, with the Roy E. Naylor Achievement Award. Kaiser Permanente and Perry’s Café and Beach Rentals will be presented with the Bob Gabriel Community Service Business Award.

For tickets to the Dinner and more information, click here or email events@smchamber.com.