Names in the News: Wayne Lawrence

Name: Wayne Lawrence

Occupation: Executive Director, Beachwood Chamber of Commerce; Director, Beachwood Convention & Visitors Bureau

What's your favorite thing about your job?

I get to interact with businesses, event planners and travelers and show them why Beachwood is such a great City to live, work, play and visit. Everyone time I speak of the wonderful amenities, world-class organizations and innovative businesses we have here, it reminds me of how fortunate I am to represent this community.

What's your proudest accomplishment, in your career or otherwise?

Being instrumental in the creation of the Beachwood Convention & Visitors Bureau. Beachwood has always been known for taking pro-active, innovative approaches to growth. I am proud to be at the forefront of one such initiative. I am also proud that I represent an organization, like the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, that would allow me the opportunity.   

Why did you go into your field?

My passion and appetite for networking and helping businesses led me into my current career. As someone who has worked for a Fortune 100 company and has had experience as a business owner and entrepreneur, I can truly relate to and appreciate that amount of time, effort and personal sacrifices that a person gives to grow their business or further their career. I think the people I interact with on a regular basis can see that I am genuine in my interest to help them succeed.   

What's one thing we probably don't know about you?

I love coaching youth sports teams and developing young student athletes. I believe that children can learn self- discipline, teamwork and accountability through participating in youth programs and that the right coach can make a difference in that experience. Over the years, I have coached close to 20 youth teams.