City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to Host the Second Annual West Hollywood Economic Showcase on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at the Pacific Design Center.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- The City of West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will host the Second Annual West Hollywood Economic Showcase from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at the Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. The event will provide an overview of the economic state of the City of West Hollywood and provide an Expo which will feature industry-related businesses. This year's Economic Showcase will spotlight the City's vibrant hospitality industry and many of the unique and distinguished businesses that make West Hollywood "The Creative City." Cost of admission is $45 (Chamber members) and $65 (non-Chamber members).

West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Abbe Land and City Manager Paul Arevalo will present the "State of the City" address. The Economic Showcase will also feature a panel discussion on the Hospitality industry, one of the most vital and important segments of the City's dynamic economy. Panel participants will include Alison Cumberland, Vice President of Development for Marriott International; Nicholas Clayton, President of Kor Hotel Group; Cormac O'Modhrain, President of Hotel Management-CIM Group; Avi Brosh, President/CEO of Palisades Development; and Bruce Baltin, Senior Vice President and Executive in Charge, PKF Consulting. Brad Burlingame, President/CEO of the West Hollywood Marketing and Visitors Bureau, will moderate the panel discussion.

West Hollywood tourism is an $812 million dollar industry which generates $13.6 million in City, State and Federal tax revenues, supporting essential services including public safety, social services, recreation programs, and civic infrastructure. In addition, hotel occupancy rates are some of the highest in the region.

The West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will also present their 2008 Distinguished Business Award to the founding members of the West Hollywood Marketing Bureau (the former name of the West Hollywood Marketing and Visitors Bureau). Honorees include founding members Phyllis Morris; Ron Kates; Fred Vanacore; Dick Rosenzweig; Murray Feldman; George Rosenthal; and Tony Melia.

The West Hollywood Economic Showcase is co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood, West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, West Hollywood Marketing and Visitors Bureau, House of Blues and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

For more information, please contact Maribel Louie, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of West Hollywood at [phone]. For ticket information please contact the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at [phone].