Reader Report: Commodores provide community leadership
For those who do not know much about the Commodores Club, it is a group consisting of actively involved members of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.
These individuals work hard to provide leadership, organization and fundraising support for business, social and community events that promote the chamber’s overall mission.
Since its inception in 1960 as a service adjunct to the Newport Beach Chamber, the Commodores Club has been actively involved in leading some of the city’s signature events.
There are 35 active members of the Commodores Club, along with a roster of many high-profile business people in the community who have “retired from active duty,” but still work together to lend a hand when needed.
If you have ever attended the city’s signature event, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, you may know that it is one of the many events orchestrated by this enthusiastic and hard working group.
The raft of other events touched by the Commodores include Police Appreciation, Fire and Lifeguard Appreciation, the annual Sandcastle Contest at Big Corona Beach and the Christmas Boat Parade Awards Dinner that honors the Christmas Boat Parade and the Ring of Lights winners.
In addition to those events, every year the Commodores recognize high achievers from the three Newport Beach high schools — Corona del Mar, Newport Harbor and Sage Hill high schools — at both the annual Scholarship Awards and Athletic Awards dinners.
Candidates for the Commodores Club are selected based on their involvement in the community.
The candidates must be active Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce members, have demonstrated active involvement in community or Chamber business activities, demonstrated leadership on chamber committees or in the community, have longevity within the community as well as a respected position within their industry.
In short, each individual must have a vested interest in the community and a sincere desire to position Newport Beach at the top of the list of the best cities to live, work and play.
DAVID BEEK is the 2016-17 Commodores Club Skipper.