An award for excellence and outstanding community service was established in honor of Wayne and Susie Griffin last Sunday at a party celebrating Wayne’s retirement as CEO of Catalina’s Chamber of Commerce.
Over 100 people attended Wayne’s retirement party, which featured over 10 guest speakers and numerous gift presentations, and was held at the M restaurant on the Island.
Numerous gifts were given to Wayne at the party along with the new award named in his honor.
An award for excellence and outstanding community service was established in honor of Wayne and Susie Griffin last Sunday at a party celebrating Wayne’s retirement as CEO of Catalina’s Chamber of Commerce.
Over 100 people attended Wayne’s retirement party, which featured over 10 guest speakers and numerous gift presentations, and was held at the M restaurant on the Island.
Numerous gifts were given to Wayne at the party along with the new award named in his honor.
Catalina’s board of directors presented the Griffins with a special parting gift: a seven day cruise to Alaska in the summer of 2015.
There was also numerous presentations from Chamber executives on various topics.
Wayne has served as Catalina’s chamber president and CEO for the last 27 years, and he announced earlier in the year that he would be leaving by the end of November.
The party was an homage to his wonderful years as CEO of the Chamber and gave those who’ve worked with him a chance to reflect on their time with Wayne.
“We presented a list of things we would miss about Wayne,” said Donna Harris, Avalon’s director of marketing. “We also presented a list of things we wouldn’t miss,” Harris said in a joking manner.
Wayne began his career as President and CEO in 1988 and has worked on improving Catalina’s tourism and commerce ever since.
Guests from as far as Texas poured into the restaurant to bid Wayne farewell.
“The event was a success and we will all truly miss Wayne,” said Harris.
His replacement is set to be Jim Luttjohann, who has 20 years of experience in organizational leadership and marketing.
