Background:
When I set out to be a political consultant in 2005, I knew that the first thing I needed to do was set a name for myself in the community by joining a service club. I wanted to join one where I could rise fast; not have to wait several years to prove my mettle--and the Junior Chamber was just that group.

In 2005, the Long Beach Jaycees was a moribund group that had lost what had contributed to its storied 75 year past in Long Beach--a connection with the civic life of the city.

Within a month of joining, I ran for Vice-President of Community Development and won. My goal was to bring the club back to its glory days by reconnecting with City leaders and becoming once again a breeding ground for young leaders.

Withing 2006, we had taken old events (Bachelor Bid, Miss Long Beach Pageant, Children's Shopping Spree), and given them a new twist. We also established new events (Mayor Bob Foster's 100 Days luncheon, Neighborhood Invasion, Beer and Politics), that set us as a leader in the community.

Since then, the Long Beach Junior Chamber has reached even higher levels, thanks to the game-changing transitions set in 2006.