The Century City Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual Women of Achievement (WOA) awards dinner set to take place this Wednesday, Oct. 22.
For more than 25 years, the Century City Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council (WBC) has recognized inspirational women within the Century City circle to publicly acknowledge their commitment and dedication to professionalism and overall excellence.
The six professional career women were selected through nomination on the basis of a devotion to make the community stronger, a dedication to raising awareness/funds for non-profit and charitable organizations, and a commitment to mentoring others in their respective careers.
This year, the recipients are: Cameron Benson of Watt Plaza, Gina Browne of Feldman Browne Olivares LLP, Cathy Campfield of Universal Protection Service, Sherry Cefali of Duff & Phelps, Deborah Marcus of Communities in Schools, and Janet Neman of the Charles Dunn Company.
In this edition, the sixth and final recipient, Cameron Benson of Watt Plaza, shared her thoughts about the awards and her work and involvement with the surrounding community.
Hearing notice about the WOA awards was a “humbling” experience for Benson: she believes she is in “really amazing company with the other women” and “truly blessed to work […] for a company like Watt Companies” with “so many professional and dynamic people.”
Benson made sure to emphasize her gratefulness for the job she holds.
“I am really fortunate to get to go to work every day and be of service to both my company and to the tenants and Watt Plaza,” she said.
Watt Plaza – the “two twin towers […] located in the heart of Century City” – is comprised of 120 tenants and received a TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) award in 2011 as well as a LEED platinum certification in 2013.
Since she was hired as general manager of Watt Plaza in early 2008, Benson has overseen approximately $30 million in capital improvements. She is also a licensed real estate broker and a notary.
As far as ongoing plans go, Benson is in the midst of finishing a project that will enhance the self-sufficiency of Watt Plaza.
“We are currently completing the construction of a stand alone central plant that will enable us to produce our own chilled and hot water […] and render us self-sufficient, meaning we will no longer be purchasing our hot and cold water from the local utility,” Benson said.
Watt Plaza values philanthropic action and takes part in giving to numerous charitable organizations, including the Make a Wish Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, American Red Cross Blood Drive, and Dress for Success.
Outside her official occupation, Benson finds time to remain directly involved with Century City and its behind-the-scenes action, as she has been on the Century City Chamber of Commerce Board for seven years.
“I love being involved in supporting the Chamber and its enhancement and promotion of Century City,” she said.
Benson is also part of the executive board of the Century City Property Based Improvement District, serving as Secretary on the Board.
“We are responsible for using funds paid via an additional assessment on the property tax bill of the various building owners throughout Century City to maintain the common areas of Century City, and keep them clean, safe and beautiful,” she said.
With all of the positions she holds, it is apparent that in addition to her professional accomplishments, Benson makes sure to assist her surrounding neighborhood in whatever way she can serve.
The Women of Achievement dinner is expected to draw more than 300 business professionals and civic leaders from the greater Los Angeles area.
Ticket prices are $195 for Chamber members, $225 for non-members, $1,450 for a Chamber table of 8, and $1,750 for non-member tables.
For more information, call 310.553.2222 or visit centurycitycc.com.
