David Wood was recently elected as the Board Chair of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. He replaces former Board Chair Nick Rimedio. Wood has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce as a business owner for eight years and a board member for the past five years. He was Vice Chair before being nominated to Board Chair.
WEHO TIMES caught up with Wood at a WeHo Chamber Mix ‘n’ Mingle business mixer at Mass Beverly luxury furniture store recently. He took some time off from mixing and mingling with the business community to grant us a Q&A:
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So what does it mean to be Board Chair of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce?
I’m honored to be Board Chair. It’s all about helping businesses in West Hollywood, whether it’s a small mom and pop shop, or a gigantic hotel, we’re here to promote those businesses, which promotes community, which in turn helps the city.
What changes for you as Board Chair versus being Vice Chair?
Oh, I get more meetings, more hands to shake and more events to attend in the city.
What is the current state of the business community with elections behind us?
We’ll see. We’ll see. I’m going to reach out to each and every council member posted and schedule a meeting and we’ll talk. I don’t want the relationship between the Chamber and the city to be hostile like it has been.
Is going from Vice Chair a natural transition in the Chamber or did you think someone else would step into the leadership role?
I was kicking and screaming, ‘NO’ [laughter]. Our Chair Nick Rimedio moved to The W in Hollywood, so he moved out of the city. They needed someone to take his place and it was like Joe Biden, nobody else was going to do it, so I was like oh well [laughs]—no, honestly, it’s an honor to be chosen by my peers. In business, I’ve learned that you may be able to fool your bosses, you may fool your employees, but you can’t fool your peers. I broke that rule. I fooled them all [laughter]. I’m joking, of course.
How are people reacting to your traisition?
They are wishing me nothing but misery—No, it’s been great. It’s been nice. I’m touched. I’m honored. People are happy for me.
Does this look good on your resume?
HAH! Yeah, my 66-year-old resume will look great.
What does your husband think about being married to the Board Chair of the WeHo Chamber? Does this make him a trophy wife?
Well, he’s always been a trophy wife. When I first told him I was doing this, he said, ‘no’! I said no at first, but we’re both on board now.
So you’re a full yes?
Oh yes. I’m fully in. I’m fully on board and it’s going to be a great run. I don’t always take myself seriously, but I do take this role very seriously. I want to tell the business community that we’re here for you. We have the best interest for you and your business and we have the best interest for the City of West Hollywood.
In closing, can you give us some of the benefits of being West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce business member?
We offer great events like the business mixer going on right now, we give you connections, advocacy, and if you have a problem with the city, we can help. We can’t fix it-fix it, but we can connect you to the right people to get you what you need done. For example, The Chamber was instrumental with helping restaurants get their outdoor dining permits during COVID and we offer so much more support. We’re here to help.
The West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is a 501c6 nonprofit, action-oriented organization of businesses and professional leaders working together to promote the commercial and economic growth of West Hollywood and to foster civic improvements that benefit the general welfare of those who live, work and visit here.
WHCC has focused on finding the most efficient and effective approach to addressing common-and not so common-issues in the business community.
The Chamber’s Program of Work is guided by the Board of Directors. The Board, elected by the membership, sets the course and helps the WHCC Chamber staff realize its objectives.
To learn more about the WeHo Chamber of Commerce, or to become a member, visit: https://www.wehochamber.com/.
