Steve Rose & Cindy Roth
In memory of Russell E. Pettit, a veteran of 40 years in chamber of commerce management, who unselfishly served his community and fellow executives in the highest professional standards. This award is presented to a chief executive officer or department head in recognition of outstanding contributions for encouraging new executives to enter the profession and in assisting those in the field to attain higher professional standards and capabilities.
For the first time in the history of the association, two outstanding chamber leaders received the Pettit Memorial for Excellence in Leadership Award. Last year’s recipient, Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE, CEO of the Greater San Fernando Valley CA Chamber of Commerce presented the 2012 Pettit Awards to Steve Rose, ACE, President/CEO of the Culver City CA Chamber and to Cindy Roth, ACE, President/CEO of the Greater Riverside CA Chambers of Commerce.
Steve Rose (L) ACE, President/CEO of the Culver City CA Chamber of Commerce is a 2012 recipient of the Pettit Award. Presenting the award is Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE, CEO of the Greater San Fernando Valley CA Chamber, the 2011 recipient of the award.
The following is an excerpt from Nancy’s presentation to Steve Rose:
“He has a desire to continually advance the chamber industry. According to one of his nominators, his exemplary service to his chamber colleagues, his never ending energy, and “can-do” attitude has made him a name to be recognized and respected.
He has served at his Chamber 26 years and is past president of the Southern California Association of Chamber Executives and is currently serving on their board. He also serves on the WACE Board and the WACE Foundation Board.
He is founding member of the Westside Council of Chamber, has served as their president twice, and remains on the board today.
In his beloved home town of Culver City, he is heavily involved in the civic, political, and cultural life of the City and from 2000 to 2008, he served on the Culver City Council including serving as city mayor, all while exemplifying the professionalism of the chamber and a chamber executive.
And according to his board chair, he inspires all of us when we join the chamber community, from Culver City to WACE. He fully represents the values of the Russell E Pettit Award, illustrated by his long term dedication to the chambers, the community, and his fellow man.”
Cindy Roth (R) ACE, President/CEO of the Greater Riverside CA Chambers of Commerce is a 2012 recipient of the Pettit Award. Presenting the award is Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE, CEO of the Greater San Fernando Valley CA Chamber, the 2011 recipient of the award.
Here is a portion of Nancy’s presentation to Cindy Roth:
“She is widely regarded and respected in her community as an individual that can be counted on to champion important issues for the local business community.
She personifies the idea of “leadership by example” through humility and dedication and continually emphasizes that the goal or objective can only be achieved through collaboration and teamwork.
She is past president of the Southern California Association of Chamber Executives, and has served on the WACE Academy Steering Committee, as an Academy instructor and is a frequent conference presenter. In 2011 she served as the President of WACE.
Her 30+ year career can be considered a testament to the impact of one person’s generosity and legacy. She began working for her chamber as a receptionist while attending Riverside Community College and was taken under the wing of the chamber’s former president and Riverside City Councilman, Art Pick. And in 1999 was selected to succeed Pick as president.
Art gave her the opportunity to move through every facet of the chamber and she honors his legacy by mentoring and developing future staff, volunteer leaders, and other chamber executives.
She is passionate about the chamber industry and it shows through her tireless dedication and hard-work in developing higher standard of professionalism and empowering new leaders in the chamber industry.”
2012 Pettit Award Application Form