FAIRMONT MIRAMAR — Pacific Park’s CEO and general manager Mary Ann Powell received the Roy E. Naylor Lifetime Achievement Award Thursday at the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.
“Mary Ann has and of course will continue to work tirelessly not only to improve the business community, but Santa Monica as a whole,” said chamber President and CEO Laurel Rosen.
Roy E. Naylor was president of Naylor Paints and an active participant in Santa Monica service organizations, including the chamber. He was a tireless and generous community leader, Rosen said.
Previous award recipients include Louise and Bob Gabriel, Jean McNeil Wyner, Iao Katagiri, Bob Sullivan, Kristina Andresen, Richard Lawrence, John Bohn and Tom Larmore.
“I’m truly grateful to be honored with the Roy E. Naylor award from the Santa Monica Chamber. His commitment to community and family is precisely the same long term objectives I’ve had for Pacific Park and the pier,” said Powell. “We will continue to focus on the community and entice to the pier and provide a memorable experience in a safe and fun environment.”
The 2-acre amusement park features 12 rides, 18 games and an oceanfront food plaza, drawing more than 4 million visitors annually, Powell said. It is Santa Monica’s largest youth employer and one of the city’s largest tax contributors.
Last year the park donated $20,000 to the struggling Twilight Dance Series, which helped the 26-year-old seasonal concert series stay afloat. In addition, the park has given more than $65,000 to the Special Olympics of Southern California and has formed a strong partnership with the organization.
In 2004, Pacific Park created PALpalooza, an annual charity event to assist the Police Activities League in raising money to maintain or develop programs at their facility.
The chamber on Thursday also installed its 2011-12 board of directors, with Santa Monica Ford owner Ron Davis as chairman.
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