For Immediate Release

“Walk of Dreams” Inspires those with Dreams

The first-ever general interest book about the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame has been released.  The Walk of Dreams: Finding Fame in Hollywood (Or Wherever Life Leads) was written by Leron Gubler, who led the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for 26 years.  Gubler, who participated in more than 600 Walk of Fame ceremonies and emceed 300 inductions, worked closely with Hollywood’s long time Honorary Mayor Johnny Grant, who chaired the Walk of Fame for nearly three decades.  Gubler and Walk of Fame Producer Ana Martinez are the most knowledgeable persons about the historic walk.

“It is surprising that no one has written a book of this type before,” noted Gubler.  “Johnny always said he was going to write one, but he never did.”  

Gubler says his book is written to do much more than just educate people about the Walk of Fame, although it does contain a lot of interesting behind the scenes information.  “The Walk of Fame over the decades has grown into something far greater than the tourist attraction that its creators envisioned,” commented Gubler.  “It has become a source of inspiration to countless people who were pursuing their own dreams.  Many of our stars have mentioned that they came as youth to see the Walk and were inspired in their career pursuits.”

At the ceremonies he attended, Gubler listened to hundreds of celebrities recite the stories of how they managed to overcome obstacles to find success. He felt it was a shame that so few people got to hear the celebrities’ messages, and so he worked for four years to write a book that details some of the most inspirational and heart-warming stories shared by nearly 100 celebrities. 

The writer explained that the stories demonstrate that where someone is from is not a barrier to finding success in life.  He particularly hopes the book will help young people who are just getting started in life.  His upbeat and inspirational message to anyone who has a dream is: “Go ahead and reach for your star!”

The Walk of Dreams: Finding Fame in Hollywood (Or Wherever Life Leads) is available through Amazon.com as either an eBook or a paperback.  The 245-page book includes 30 photographs from Walk of Fame ceremonies.

About Leron Gubler:  Gubler is a native of Porterville, California and holds BA and MPA degrees from Brigham Young University.  He led the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce from 1992 to 2018.  When he retired, Mayor Eric Garcetti presented him with the Key to the City and the intersection of Hollywood Blvd. and Sycamore was named in his honor.

About the Hollywood Walk of Fame:  The Hollywood Walk of Fame was conceived in 1953 and built in 1960, when more than 1,500 stars were installed.  Today there are more than 2,700 stars on the world-famous walk.

Executive Search for New President and CEO is Underway

HOLLYWOOD, CA – September 13, 2021 – The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Leron Gubler President Emeritus while an executive search for a new President and CEO is underway following the recent departure of Rana Ghadban. Gubler will be responsible for overseeing the transition, managing the organization’s day-to-day operations and working closely with the Chamber’s staff and board in carrying out its mission.

“We are thrilled that Leron has graciously agreed to lend his vast institutional knowledge and industry expertise to the Chamber during this period of transition,” said Board Chair Nicole Mihalka.

A lifetime member of the Western Association of Chamber Executives, Gubler served as the Chamber’s President and CEO for more than 26 years until his retirement at the end of 2018. During that time, he presided over nearly 300 Walk of Fame ceremonies, and is credited with spurring economic development and a revitalization of the entertainment industry in Hollywood. Gubler was recognized with numerous awards for his dedication and service to the Hollywood community during his tenure with the Chamber, including being presented with the Key to the City of Los Angeles by Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2018.

“It’s great to be back in Hollywood and see first-hand all the progress that has been made since my retirement, even through the pandemic,” said Leron Gubler, president emeritus. “I look forward to reestablishing relationships with so many of the wonderful people with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working.”

The Chamber’s Board has formed a selection committee for a new President and CEO, and has retained a leading local executive search firm.

About the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
For more than 100 years, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has provided leadership, business development resources, networking, and government affairs programs and services to keep the Hollywood business and residential communities safe, relevant and economically vital. For more information, please visit www.hollywoodchamber.net