Fifth-generation jeweler tapped to lead chamber
WILSHIRE BLVD. — A new era is set to begin at the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce as long-time business owner Edward Guerboian takes the reigns of the organization.
Guerboian, 53, is expected to be installed tonight as the chamber’s chairman of the board of directors during the organization’s annual dinner, held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. About 400 chamber members are expected to attend the event, with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s deputy chief of staff, Lisa Kalustian, scheduled to install Guerboian. On July 1, he will officially assume the position, held by Nat Trives for the past year.
“I’m so excited,” he said of serving as the chamber’s board chairman. He added that he looks forward to building relationships and working with City Hall on community issues.
“I’m a team player, and as a team, we can accomplish a lot,” Guerboian said. “No one individual can do it alone.
“I think it’s time for the chamber and the city to work closer.”
Guerboian said the key to the chamber’s success in the future will be to get its members more involved in the community. He hopes to continue forming relationships within the business community, City Hall and with residents.
“I look forward to it,” he said. “I will listen. I have an open heart and an open mind.”
Guerboian said he will champion the chamber’s priorities for next year, including continuing with advocacy programs such as the sustainable quality awards which promote environmental-friendly businesses, and expanding the Taste of Santa Monica, held in September.
The chamber also will continue working with City Hall, community members and school officials as an action partner in an effort to quell gang violence in Santa Monica.
Kathy Dodson, the president and CEO of the chamber, said a job fair held last week was part of that effort. About 35 businesses offered up about 150 jobs to nearly 200 kids who attended the event held at Santa Monica High School.
As the chairman, Guerboian will lead the chamber’s 37-member board of directors, which sets policy for the organization.
Trives, who served as chairman for the past year, said the chamber has accomplished several goals in the last 12 months. Beyond its advocacy programs, the chamber launched its own magazine and got involved in the 2004 election by endorsing and campaigning for City Council candidates. The chamber also held two academies designed for people to learn more about how to run for political office and how to serve the community through their involvement on various boards and commissions within City Hall.
Trives said he looks forward to passing the baton over to Guerboian, who has been the chairman-elect since he was installed as chairman last year.
“Eddie is solid, well-respected,” Trives said. “He comes from a long generation of business here.”
After his father’s untimely passing, Guerboian migrated to the United States in 1968 by himself when he was 16 years old, with $100 in his pocket. After settling, he helped to bring his mother, two sisters and brother to the United States.
As a fifth-generation Armenian jeweler, Guerboian worked minimum wage jobs on the Promenade while attending Santa Monica College. He started as a jeweler in 1970, and in 1976, he took a job with Readers Fine Jewelers. In 1978, he bought the family-owned business Guerboian married his wife, Evelyn, in 1976. They have a son, Avedis, and two daughters, Natalie and Nicole.
Guerboian has become a prominent and active community member of Santa Monica. He is a distinguished past president and executive board member of the Santa Monica Kiwanis. He served as the chairman of the Kiwanis Charities Foundation for the past five years and continues to be a board member. He is currently serving on the governing board of the Santa Monica Boys and Girls Club, and also serves as an advisory board member and a member of the president’s circle of SMC and the college’s associates club.
He is an advisory board member of the Santa Monica Salvation Army and a governing board member of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. He received a Distinguished Service Award in 1990 for his service in the community.
Guerboian and his wife support dental care for needy children through the Santa Monica Breakfast Club and support cancer research through the American Cancer Society of Santa Monica. He also is a sponsor and supporter of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, the Homenetmen Athletic Organization and served two years as the chairman of the finance committee of Ferrahian High School, where his children attended.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 2, 2005. Read the original PDF.