On January 30, 2026, community leaders and Chamber members gathered at La Venta Inn to induct the 2026 Board of Directors and launch the Chamber’s 70th Anniversary year. The sold-out morning event highlighted forward-thinking initiatives for the future while paying heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Eileen Hupp, the Chamber’s longtime CEO and President, who passed away in December.
Long before the Palos Verdes Peninsula became the thriving business community it is today, a small group of determined leaders came together with a shared vision. Seventy years later, that vision lives on through the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, a trusted connector that unites local businesses, strengthens the Peninsula’s economy, and demonstrates the lasting power of community-driven commerce.
From its earliest days, the Chamber positioned the Peninsula not only as a beautiful place to live but as a serious place to do business — a message that helped shape the region’s commercial identity across Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, and the surrounding South Bay.
As the Peninsula evolved, so did its Chamber. Decade by decade, the organization expanded its reach, welcomed businesses from across the region, and adapted to changing economic landscapes while staying true to its core mission: supporting local business success.
That consistency has earned remarkable loyalty. Nearly half of current members have belonged to the Chamber for more than 10 years, and 17 members have maintained their membership for over four decades.
Those long-standing relationships provided stability through periods of growth, recession, and reinvention. They also allowed the Chamber to support both large organizations and small independent entrepreneurs — together forming a uniquely interdependent local economy. The Chamber embraced a simple but powerful philosophy: business supporting business.
Networking became more than exchanging business cards; it became about building genuine relationships that last.
Behind the scenes a collaborative partnership between a highly engaged Board of Directors and a professional staff fueled that success. Their shared leadership ensured the Chamber remained both fiscally sound and forward-thinking. 
A Legacy of Connection — And a Vision for the Future
Today, as the Chamber marks its 70th anniversary, it stands at a meaningful crossroads: grounded in legacy and energized by what lies ahead.
The current leadership team is focused on delivering tangible value to members. Vice President of Membership Karin Conklin works to strengthen member benefits and relationships, while Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs Marilyn Lyon serves as the Chamber’s steady voice in advocacy. Business Manager Stacey Girard oversees the organization’s operational and financial health, ensuring stability as the Chamber moves forward.
That philosophy is reflected in programs designed to help businesses scale and succeed, including the Chamber’s Small Business Success Accelerator, which combines mentorship, education, and strategic guidance to help companies move from surviving to thriving.
Education and engagement go hand in hand, ensuring every business — whether newly launched or long established — has a clear path forward.
“Our strength has always come from connection,” says Conklin. “When our members feel supported and engaged, they don’t just stay — they grow, and so does the community around them.”
Stacey Girard
Business Manager
Stacey Girard oversees operations, events, sponsorships, and financial health for the Chamber. Her career spans professional sports organizations, major community events, and public-sector initiatives, bringing both strategic leadership and operational expertise to the role A former Division I athlete and longtime community advocate, Girard lives in Rolling Hills Estates with her husband and three children and remains deeply committed to service and community impact.
To honor this milestone year, the Chamber is launching two signature initiatives:
Membership Drive
A campaign to welcome 70 new members over seven months, inviting the next generation of Peninsula businesses into the fold.
Legacy Tile Program
A commemorative installation that allows members to permanently mark their place in Peninsula business history — literally leaving their imprint on the community.
As the Chamber moves through 2026, the goal is not dramatic change for its own sake, but thoughtful evolution: honoring what works, strengthening what matters, and inviting new voices to participate.
With a dedicated Board, engaged staff, and a membership rooted in loyalty and optimism, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce enters its next chapter confident, connected, and ready to support a vibrant future for local business.
For more information or to join the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Karin Conklin
Vice President of Membership
Karin Conklin brings a background in experiential marketing and client services to her role at the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. A former manager of event programs for Fortune 500 brands, she focuses on building meaningfulconnect-ions and delivering high-value member experiences. She is especially passionate about the Chamber’s Member Host model, which highlights local businesses while fostering relationship-driven engagement. Conklin lives in Rancho Palos Verdes with her family and is proud to serve the community she calls home.
Marilyn Lyon
Vice President of Communications & Government Affairs
Marilyn Lyon serves as the Chamber’s voice in advocacy and public policy. A former Mayor and Councilmember of Rancho Palos Verdes, she has also been appointed by two California governors to multiple state boards. With experience as both a business owner and political consultant, Lyon brings a deep understanding of leadership, governance, and community service. She and her husband, Bob, have lived on the Palos Verdes Peninsula for many years.
Celebrating 70 Years with New Initiatives
To honor this milestone year, the Chamber is launching two signature initiatives:
Membership Drive
A campaign to welcome 70 new members over seven months, inviting the next generation of Peninsula businesses into the fold.
Legacy Tile Program
A commemorative installation that allows members to permanently mark their place in Peninsula business history — literally leaving their imprint on the community.
As the Chamber moves through 2026, the goal is not dramatic change for its own sake, but thoughtful evolution: honoring what works, strengthening what matters, and inviting new voices to participate.
With a dedicated Board, engaged staff, and a membership rooted in loyalty and optimism, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce enters its next chapter confident, connected, and ready to support a vibrant future for local business.
For more information or to join the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
