Ending his term as chairman of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, Jeff Blake recapped chamber activities to chamber members as well as local officials, representatives and lawmakers gathered for the 66th annual State of the City Address on March 2 at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa.

The report highlighted the goals and achievements of the city over the past year. Of particular note, was the growth in chamber membership and candidate endorsements as well as an acceleration of local business development, a release on the chamber website said.

“I was personally able to witness the incredible economic growth that is happening daily in Glendale and was witness to many of the acts of kindness and generosity, both small and large that occur daily in Glendale” Blake said in his speech, the release said. “This is a wonderful city and community in which we live.”

Blake said the chamber has been recognized statewide and nationally for its accomplishments in the city of Glendale. Last year the chamber organized more than 100 events and nearly 50 ribbon-cutting ceremonies while working with the city’s business development team on outreach in the business community and maintaining a 94 percent retention rating, the release said.

Blake ended his remarks by reaffirming the chamber’s commitment to city policies and practices that prioritize local commerce as well as expressing his gratitude for the support he received during his term as chairman.

“It has been a wonderful experience for me to serve as your chairman of the board for 2016,” Blake said, according to the release. “Glendale moves forward with everyone’s help – lifting, or doing what they can, from where they stand. Continue to lift from where you stand.”