Catalina Island Chamber Executive Announces Retirement

AVALON —  Wayne Griffin, president and CEO of the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau  has announced his decision to retire during the Chamber’s Board of Directors meeting. After leading the chamber for 26 years, he will officially retire the CEO title on Nov. 30. Griffin leads a seven-member team and oversees marketing the City of Avalon and Catalina Island as a year-round island resort destination. “It has been a true honor to serve the chamber for the past 26 years,” Griffin shared. “Working together with great team members and hundreds of volunteer leaders over the years, the chamber has made a significant contribution to Avalon’s economy and our island lifestyle. “I am very proud to have  played a role in that contribution,” he added. Griffin started his career with the Catalina Island Chamber in January 1988, the same month the first cruise ship arrived in Catalina. Over the years, cruise ship visitation has increased 36 percent. During his tenure, chamber membership has also increased by 85 percent to 250 members. The chamber’s marketing budget to promote the island has increased 341 percent, mainly due Griffin’s efforts to create a partnership with the City of Avalon that allocates 22 percent of Transient Occupancy...