The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, City of Santa Monica and SGI USA-World Culture Center proudly present the 2012 State of the City on January 26. This annual event will focus this year on trends in technology and business in Santa Monica. Hear from an expert panel of business and community leaders, learn about the latest tech for your business during the networking reception, and celebrate the year's outstanding business honorees.

This year's program features Mayor Richard Bloom, delivering the state of the city address and providing insights on the local impact of the current global and state economic level. Jason Nazar, CEO of Docstoc and host of the popular Startups Uncensored talks, will share his perspective on the growth of technology in Santa Monica. In addition, Brad Cox, Chair of the Santa Monica Alliance, will moderate a panel discussion on the use of technology and best new practices here in “Silicon Beach”.

Panelists include:

Dr. Chui Tsang, Superintendent/ President, Santa Monica College

By establishing an open and inclusive management style and building excellent relations with local and regional organizations, Dr. Tsang has made a major impact on Santa Monica College, bringing fiscal stability to the institution while educating the future workforce in the new programs and practices needed to succeed in the current business environment.

David Travers, Partner, Rustic Canyon Partners

David Travers has a wealth of technology, media, and national security experience. Travers worked at eBay prior to joining Rustic Canyon Partners, a venture capital firm investing in exceptional entrepreneurs; his portfolio includes Santa Monica based Docstoc and Leads360.

Keith Klein, Partner, Bryan Cave, LLP

Keith Klein is a partner in the firm's commercial litigation and franchise and distribution practice groups.  He serves as primary litigation counsel for Los Angeles-based internet companies including demographic-specific networks, social networking websites, some of the largest direct marketing companies, and Bryan Cave’s Start Up and Emerging Growth programs based here in Santa Monica. 

 
Paige Craig, CEO, BetterWorks

Paige Craig is the CEO & Cofounder of BetterWorks. A former marine, he has also worked in the intelligence community to support counter-terrorism efforts. In 2008 he founded Betterworks, a cloud-based business platform to help the country's six million small and medium businesses create better work environments with happier and more productive employees.

Honoring  2011’s outstanding businesses for their exemplary achievements in three areas. This year’s winners include:

The Economic Excellence Award presented to Santa Monica College, a stabilizing economic force as one of the City’s largest employers and most active community partners.

The Innovation Award will recognize CoLoft. Catering to start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs, CoLoft takes an innovative approach to workspace  allowing for great collaboration, success and growth.

The Leadership Award will honor Brad Cox for his transformative leadership in helping usher in a new era of collaboration among Santa Monica’s public administrators and business stakeholders.

For more information, media and sponsor inquiries, please visit www.smchamber.com/SOTC