HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 12f - Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Services Agreement
DATE: June 4, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director
Simon Vuong, Economic Development Manager
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH THE ARCADIA CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $97,900
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
The Arcadia Chamber of Commerce (the “Chamber”) provides programming and
activities that benefit its members and the entire business community. The City of Arcadia
and the Chamber execute an annual Agreement for Services (“Agreement”). As proposed
in the Agreement for Fiscal Year 2024-25, the City will provide the Chamber with $97,900
for its efforts on behalf of the business community, and to complement the City’s
marketing activities. It is recommended that the City Council approve, authorize and direct
the City Manager to execute the Agreement for Services with the Arcadia Chamber of
Commerce for Fiscal Year 2024-25, in the amount of $97,900.
BACKGROUND
The Chamber and the City have long cooperated on issues and projects of mutual interest
to the Arcadia civic and business community. As part of this mutual cooperation, the City
enters into an annual Agreement for Services with the Chamber to provide public
relations, business development, and government/legislative services in support of the
Arcadia business community and general economic development. Since the 2015-16
Fiscal Year, the annual Agreement for Services with the Chamber of Commerce has been
adjusted annually for inflation. For the 2023-24 Fiscal Year, the City allocation totaled
$94,589 in funding. The Chamber Summary Report, included as Attachment No. 1,
highlights some of the events, programs, and activities from the 2023-24 Fiscal Year. The
Chamber Annual Financial Summary, included as Attachment No. 2, provides additional
details on Chamber funding sources, expenditures, and finances.
In addition to the annual Agreement for Services funding, the Chamber also utilizes the
City-owned property at 388 West Huntington Drive for its offices at a discounted rate. The
Agreement for Services with the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
June 4, 2024
Page 2 of 3
current lease rate of $400 per month with the Chamber was approved in December 2021
and extends through November 2026. This lease rate is well below the current market
rate estimated to be $3,800 per month for a 1,900 square-foot office in central Arcadia.
DISCUSSION
The Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of important services to the business
community in Arcadia, typically including:
• Providing reference and referral information about the City to brokers, realtors,
merchants, business operators, and interested public.
• Communicating frequently via e-mail with monthly event calendars and weekly
event reminders, and regular website updates.
• Utilizing new media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to expand
outreach for events, including mixers, business breakfasts, and ribbon cuttings.
• Promoting and managing the annual Taste of Arcadia event (last held in 2019, with
another slated for 2024), and multiple Dine Arcadia Restaurant Week events
throughout the year.
• Organizing and providing staff support for the monthly Community Connection
meeting, Ambassadors meeting, Taste of Arcadia Committee, Business
Networking Breakfasts (Rise and Shine Arcadia), business mixers, and ABC
(Arcadia Business Community) Groups, which is new for 2024. Each of these
meetings are small networking groups that give Chamber members a new way to
meet people and grow their business.
• Working with and supporting the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association
(“DAIA”), including various planning activities and events held in the Downtown.
• Conducting business visits to learn about the different businesses in Arcadia and
provide business owners with contact information and services available through
the City and the Chamber.
• Coordinating with the City on retail recruitment, targeted economic development
opportunities, and marketing efforts.
The proposed Agreement for Services with the Chamber for Fiscal Year 2024-25 is
included as Attachment No. 3. The Agreement provides for annual financial support from
the City and includes an exhibit that further details the Chamber’s services to and for the
City and business community. The proposed Agreement includes an increase of 3.5%
Agreement for Services with the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
June 4, 2024
Page 3 of 3
based on the U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index increase for the Los
Angeles-Long Beach-Orange County region over the 2023 calendar year. This amounts
to an additional $3,311 in funding compared to the current Fiscal Year allocation. The
funding provided by the City is anticipated to account for approximately 20% of the
Chamber’s overall budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25, with the remainder provided by
membership dues, sponsorships, and event proceeds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”) under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it can be
seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
A total of $98,000 has been included in the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 General Fund
Budget for the Annual Agreement for Services with the Chamber. Of note, the CPI
(Consumer Price Index) has dropped significantly from a high of 7.4% in 2022 down to
3.5% in 2023. For the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year, the budgeted amount is expected to fully
fund the Agreement as adjusted for inflation.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this action does not constitute a
project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and approve, authorize
and direct the City Manager to execute an Agreement for services with the Arcadia
Chamber of Commerce for Fiscal Year 2024-25, in the amount of $97,900.
Attachment No. 1: Chamber Summary Report for Fiscal Year 2023-24
Attachment No. 2: Chamber Annual Financial Summary for Fiscal Year 2023-24
Attachment No. 3: Agreement for Services for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Attachment No. 1
Chamber Summary Report for Fiscal Year
2023-24
Mission Statement
To play a critical and integral role in maintaining a healthy business environment, contributing
to the economic growth of the members, the city, and enhancing the city’s image.
July 2023
to
December 2023
Attachment No. 1
Public Relations
Community Focus
The last six months and going into the holiday season have been quite productive for the
Arcadia Chamber. Event attendance continues to see growth, with lots of new members
attending different events to find their best fit. Networking events continue to be a highlight
and favored membership perk, and commentary from the members at large consistently
reiterate that Arcadia Chamber events are the best in the valley.
The Arcadia Chamber’s most popular and best-attended event continues to be Rise & Shine,
with members finding great benefit in the networking opportunities it provides. Typically, Rise
& Shine sees upwards of 60+ guests each month.
Membership referrals are increasing as current
members share their experiences with the Arcadia
Chamber throughout their business interactions
and daily lives. The Arcadia Stronger Grant
Program helps current members promote Chamber
membership to our local Arcadia businesses, with
many members on that program coming from
direct member referrals.
Member-to-member business interactions are
incredibly popular; many members prefer to do business with someone they have met face-to-
face and been able to network with. As such, many members have seen a good increase in
business over the last six months or more.
City updates are shared on all Chamber platforms, and the Chamber works with AUSD on
updating the community on the goings on at the various schools in Arcadia. The Arcadia Music
Club continues to be an active Chamber member and frequent attendee at Chamber events,
promoting and gathering support for the high school band.
The Chamber also offers free Learning Lab events for the community, providing seminars on
business topics such as human resource laws for 2023, employment law compliance, marketing
campaigns, evolutionary website technologies, and more.
#ArcadiaStrong-er
The Arcadia Chamber launched the Arcadia
Stronger grant program in the beginning of 2023, championed by generous funding from the
City of Arcadia. Arcadia Stronger provides a full year of membership (value $320) to businesses
that might not otherwise have been able to afford it, wherein those businesses can begin
networking and promoting in ways they could not before.
In 2024, the Chamber will focus on additional shopping and business districts to build
memberships and relationships with those businesses, along with continuing to work with
engaging current Arcadia Stronger members in general.
Social Media
The Arcadia Chamber utilizes social media in the form of
Instagram, Facebook, WeChat, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter) to
help promote and pass along information from the Chamber
and its members. The Chamber’s Facebook page has over 3000
followers, and 2,700 likes, Instagram has 2,600 followers, and
X (Twitter) has 1,300 followers. LinkedIn has 178 followers to
date, an increase of 20 sign-ups since June of 2023.
The Arcadia Chamber Members-Only Facebook group was created to give members a way to
post more often to their targeted audience: other Chamber members. Currently, this group has
107 members, many of whom are active and post regularly.
Committees
Committees currently include the Board and Ambassador teams,
along with the Policy and By-Laws committee, the Membership,
Fundraising, and Events committees, plus a group focusing on
the Golf Tournament, and a soon-to-be created Taste of Arcadia
committee for the 2024 event. These groups meet once per month
to discuss their topics and make changes and suggestions to help
build membership and improve the Chamber overall.
The Ambassador Team continues to invite new members to their monthly meetings, which
have had good attendance overall. At the Ambassador meeting, new members can meet their
personal ambassador, Arcadia Chamber staff, and other Ambassadors. This gives new members
a more personal introduction to the Chamber itself. The 2024 team will include new
ambassadors, and a new leader in Jose Luis Correa. We will thank
outgoing Ambassador heads Andre Woods and Tracy Wilke at the 2024
ACE Awards Dinner.
The Membership Committee works on new member sales and ideas to
market to new members. The committee has been coming up with new
and innovative ideas to help build the Arcadia Chamber membership
base, for both paid members and members who qualify for the Arcadia
Stronger program.
The Events Committee is hard at work planning out the 2024 calendar
year, mapping out regular events alongside many special events, mixers, and more.
The Policy and By-Law Committee continues to read through and make relevant changes to
the Chamber’s current by-laws. The team also has been hard at work updating the Chamber’s
employee handbook, which is near completion.
The Fundraising/Sponsorship Committee is seeking to discover news way to bring in
Sponsorships for the Chamber and how to raise funds for the Arcadia Stronger campaign. This
group is helping rebuild relationships with current sponsors, as well as engaging new sponsors.
The Taste of Arcadia Committee will form in January in anticipation of a newly revamped
event for September of 2024.
Membership
New membership has been rising, due to new
businesses opening and the installation of the Arcadia
Stronger program. In the last six months of 2023, the
Chamber has added 46 new members, 26 of those are
under the Arcadia Stronger program. 59 members
dropped from July to December, as well, as the
Chamber cleared out some long-unpaid memberships.
As of early December, the Chamber membership total is 455.
The Chamber’s 110% Club program is in full swing, with 165
members taking advantage of the program. Flyers and information
are now posted on a wall in the Chamber office to showcase events,
promotions, and specials from those members, and the 110% Club
wall is updated weekly to add new info.
Retention for returning members is at 71%.
ABC (Arcadia Business Community) Groups
New for 2024, the ABC Groups will be small networking groups that meet at
different times of the month, at varying times of day, to give Chamber members a new way to
meet people and grow their business. Group leaders will include Jose Luis Correa of Hey
Media, Diane Pierson of Always Best Care, Christine Zito of Pure Media Marketing, Nadine
Sachiko Hsu of Sachiko Studio, Will Grismer of Einstein Investigations, Robert Powers of
College Torch, Vicki Knight of Century Sewer, and Francine Chiu of Star Seven.
A dedicated webpage is being built for the ABC Groups, with easy sign-up for members who
are interested in joining. This page will be live in late December and will include a schedule of
meetings, bios, and photos of group leaders taken by Chamber member Sachiko Studio.
Member Events
Rise & Shine Arcadia – 3rd
Thursday each Month
At Rise & Shine, guests can network, give 30 second elevator pitches,
play games, and get to know each other during networking, all to
help grow their business and drum up new clientele.
Rise & Shine continues to grow and thrive, with attendance now averaging 60+ guests. The new
trend with attendance is guests buying tickets only a day or two before,
but the number of guests still holds strong. With this new trend, the
Arcadia Chamber implemented an ‘Early Bird’ payment program, to
encourage guests to buy tickets on time, so we in turn can give our
venues accurate head counts.
Rise & Shine venue hosts included Santa Anita Park, Embassy Suites, Le
Meridien Hotel, and DoubleTree.
The event is sponsored by Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary. Pure Media Market also
became a Bacon & Eggs sponsor during 2023, to continue for 2024. CA Flat Fee is our
Entertainment sponsor. Longo Toyota has agreed to sponsor a few months in 2024, and we have
hopes that more businesses will take advantage of these sponsorship opportunities in the
coming year.
Connect & Prosper – 4th Wednesday every
other Month
Connect & Prosper events occur every other month, hosted by
Capital Seafood, with other venues in the works for the coming
year. This event’s focus is
to assist the Mandarin-
speaking community and
provide networking opportunities to that group.
Hosted by Board Member Francine Chiu, Connect &
Prosper has helped bridge the gap in the business community with Mandarin speaking
members. The Chamber also hopes to collaborate with the LA Chinese
Chamber in 2024 to host additional networking events for the
Mandarin-speaking community.
Members regularly in attendance include a representative from USC
Arcadia Hospital, Forest Lawn, DoubleTree, Soo Properties,
Judgement Collection, Mutual Escrow, Trinity Jewel, and more. Star
Seven Financial Services is our sponsor for 2023 as the Year of the
Rabbit sponsor and will continue to sponsor in 2024, the Year of the Dragon.
Mixers
Mixers continued to be slow in the last months of 2023, however the Arcadia Chamber and
other local chambers partnered together for two MIX events. Santa
Anita Church hosted 11 local Chambers for a luau-themed mixer in July.
Then in October, Monrovia, Duarte, and Arcadia combined for a
Halloween mixer at MODA in Monrovia. At this event, each Chamber
sold their own tickets to their members, and the Arcadia Chamber
proudly sold 71 tickets to the event, which had around 110 total guests.
The event also had a costume contest, and food was provided by
Arcadia Chamber members Bella Sera/Bella Bottega and Outback
Steakhouse.
Networking at Noon
At Networking at Noon guests play networking
games, give their 30 second pitches, and give and
receive raffle prizes, all while building their business. Venues
in the last six months of 2023 have included Matt Denny’s and
Sushi Tengoku in Downtown Arcadia, BurgerIM, Max’s
Mexican Cuisine, and Outback Steakhouse, who hosted our
first ever Holiday Networking at Noon event.
Networking at Noon generally gathers 15 to 20 guests, and the
variety of venues keeps guests returning to try new restaurants
all while networking to grow their business.
Chambering 101 – 3rd Wednesday of each
Month
Since going live at the beginning of 2023, Chambering 101 has been a
great opportunity for new and prospective members to learn how to
utilize the benefits of the Arcadia Chamber, in order to help their business grow. Led by staff
member, Matt Miyasaki, alongside Board and Ambassador team members, Chambering 101
allows guests to communicate and ask questions on a peer-to-peer level. Board and
Ambassador team members are also given the chance to meet new, renewing, and prospective
members, acting as a guide for the members as they continue their business journey with the
Arcadia Chamber.
Chambering 101 has been undergoing a revitalization in 2023 and will continue to be a free
seminar for members and prospective members through 2024.
Some attendees to Chambering 101 who have become active Chamber participants include the
Clean Up Company, Western Rooter, Enterprise Bank and Trust, Our Lady of the Angels
Academy, People Ready, Woods Medical & Associates, and KM’s Mobile Notary. Other
members who have been with the Chamber for a long while attend to refresh their ‘chambering’
skills and reconnect with the Chamber.
Ribbon Cuttings
Members frequently contact the Chamber for
ribbon cuttings to celebrate a grand opening,
specific event, or milestone for that member.
New members Pet N Mind, Hierarchy
Builders, CFPM Realty, Imprint Family Dental, Let’s Go
Hair Salon, Acuity Optical, and Generation Golf all
celebrated their grand
openings with ribbon
cuttings. Pure Media Marketing celebrated their brand-new
location right in Downtown Arcadia, as did GH Wilke
Jewelers, who relocated from Temple City to Sierra Madre.
The Girl Scouts also opened their new location in Arcadia
with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
10 Minute Network
The 10 Minute Network is a new program implemented by the Arcadia Chamber to address
concerns from members who state they are too busy for in-person networking events. This
program also gives members who are already engaged a new opportunity to connect with other
Chamber members.
The Chamber has worked to make the process of signing up as simple as possible. Members
who show interest in being a part of the 10 Minute Network program are entered onto its list,
along with members from previous months. They are randomly paired together and sent each
other’s contact information, to connect at their earliest convenience.
Currently, there are 50 active participants in the 10 Minute Networking, including members
such as the Arcadia Music Club, the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation, Enterprise Bank and
Trust, Foothill Unity Center, Giggle Fiber, HUTdogs, Republic Services, Stavros Enterprises, Joy
Realty, and so many more.
Community Connection -1st Thursday of Each Month
Community Connection continues to help engage the
community and boost participation in a virtual setting,
which in turn has helped boost overall attendance at
this important event. Information was provided by
Waste Management’s new representative, Josh Goldman, from Helen Romero-Shaw of the Gas
Company, Donna Choi of the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association, and City of
Arcadia Mayor April Verlato.
Legislative Reps regularly attend this meeting to provide up-to-date information on new
legislature, laws and regulations, and happenings throughout
our county and state.
Community Connection is recorded and put out on social media
in segments, for future viewing, so watchers can keep up with
City happenings, updates from the Shops at Santa Anita and
other local entities, plus news from our legislative reps.
Learning Lab
Learning Labs have proven to be very popular events,
and the Arcadia Chamber hosted three events in the last
six months of 2023. Topics included hiring and keeping
your employees, excelling in a stressful workplace, marketing campaigns, and new website
technologies for business, creating a 30 second pitch, and prospecting for clients. Speakers
included Chamber members Germaine Cresmer of Cresmer HR, Kumar Swaminathan of
Kailasa Los Angeles, Christine Zito of Pure Media Marketing, and MJ Finstrom of HUTdogs,
Jonathan Rodriguez of CA Flat Fee, and the Chamber’s own CEO Karen Mac Nair, who spoke
about 30 second pitches.
Additional Learning Labs are already scheduled, including
an upcoming one with Chamber board member, Sina
Mohajer of Mohajer Law, who will speak on protecting
your business assets from civil liability. Francine Chiu of
Star Seven Financial Services has committed to being a
sponsor for Learning Labs throughout 2024.
Arcadia Classic Golf Tournament
The second annual Arcadia Chamber Golf Classic is already booked at
the California Country Club for May 9th, 2024.
Sponsorships are already being purchased by
members to get a jump on the event. Foursomes
are already being pushed by Chamber staff, and
Hole Hero spots are already being claimed.
The 2023 Golf Tournament made almost $22,000
in profit for the Arcadia Chamber, making it our most profitable event
to date. The 2024 Golf Classic looks to be an exciting event!
Arcadia Moon Festival
The Arcadia Chamber was pleased to partner with the City of Arcadia
and the Arcadia Chinese Association for the 2023 Moon Festival. The
chamber hosted a booth, with a ring toss game and prizes to hand out, donated by generous
Chamber members.
The Chamber also reached out to other members to host booths, give
out items, offer games, and add some great fun to the event. Many
other Chamber members assisted in hosting booths at the Moon
Festival, including Star Seven Financial Services, Waste Management,
Olympus Escrow, the Derby, the Arboretum, Shops at Santa Anita,
ReMax Premier Properties, and so many more. Lots of fun was had by
all, and the event was very well attended, despite the threat
of inclement weather. Star Seven Financial Services hosted
a booth and also got a ‘sugar artist’ to attend, providing
delightful treats in fun shapes for the kids.
Business Development
The Chamber continued its mission to assist businesses and help the community grow in the
City of Arcadia, including partnering with the Foothill Workforce
Development Board to host an in-person job fair, which successfully
connected almost 100 guests with various companies hiring in the local
area.
The 2023 printed directory was delivered to Chamber members in
September, with an updated pull-out map and lots of information on
the City of Arcadia. New additions to the directory include a tear-out
‘Important Community and City Contact’ sheet and Chamber member
restaurant guide.
Arcadia Chamber CEO Karen Mac Nair continues to sit on the
Homeless Coalition Committee, along with the Downtown Arcadia
Improvement Association Board.
Chamber Membership Coordinator Matt Miyasaki continues to do
business walks with various Chamber members, to keep up
membership and community engagement.
Another way the Chamber hopes to engage with the membership community is the addition of
a Non-Profit Business Spotlight at Rise & Shine breakfast networking events. A non-profit will
get the opportunity each month to set up a table at Rise & Shine and promote their business to
guests at breakfast. We hope to re-engage some of the non-profit members who
have not been as active in the post-pandemic years.
Arcadia Chamber App
The Arcadia Chamber’s App provides convenient access to information, the
Chamber member directory, and Chamber and community events on your
mobile device. The App currently has 201 sign-ups, multiple purchased ads,
and has been promoting both community and Chamber events regularly. Users
of the app can purchase tickets to events, and community members are
encouraged to send info to post their own events on the calendar. The push
notification system assists the Chamber in sending reminders and other info to
mobile devices.
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/arcadia-ca-chamber-of-commerce/)
To increase its presence on social media, the Chamber has developed a LinkedIn company page,
offering members, prospective members, and the business community new avenues to engage
and expand their networking with the Chamber. LinkedIn helps promote Chamber events,
showcases videos, and provides helpful information to followers.
Speed Networking
Speed Networking is held intermittently throughout the year but
continues to grow in popularity. Guests are divided into breakout
rooms of 2 to 3 participants to promote themselves and their
businesses, with a time limit, then breakout rooms switch quickly to
another room with a new networking partner, so everyone receives a
chance to interact and introduce their business. Speed Networking is
free to all, for both members and prospective members, to encourage
those who are not members to join the Chamber for fun, productive networking.
Job Fairs
The Arcadia Chamber partnered with the Foothill
Workforce Development Board in September to
present an in-person job fair. Held at the Arcadia Masonic Lodge,
with funds and partnership provided by the City of Arcadia, this job
fair was free to all, and hosted 30 business booths, with nearly 100
job seekers attending. The event was so successful, the Arcadia
Chamber is already working with the Foothill Workforce
Development Board on another one in March of 2024.
Job Fair participants in September
included Chamber members such as Mutual Escrow, Forest Lawn, the
Arcadia Library and the City of Arcadia, Foothill Credit Union, Right
at Home, the Arcadia Police Department, Santa Anita Park, Bazic,
Rose Hills Memorial Park, Olympic Staffing, and AFLAC. During this
event, the Arcadia Chamber was able to sign up two new members
under the Arcadia Stronger program.
Certificates of Origin
Another source of revenue for the Chamber is Certificates of Origin. Import/export businesses
have been very busy during the last few months of the year, so many members have been
utilizing this service, sometimes on a weekly basis. There have been a few members who have
joined the Arcadia Chamber specifically for certificates due to the closure of other Chambers.
Room Rentals
Room Rentals are on the rise, with multiple members and non-
members coming back to utilize the conference room for board
meetings, classes, and more. Rotary Club, Fashion Park Villa, the
Chabad of Arcadia, and the Arcadia Chinese Association are
frequent users of the conference room. During Breeders’ Cup, Rich
Mar Florist, from Pennsylvania, utilized the Chamber conference
room as their headquarters while preparing centerpieces for the
event at Santa Anita. Revenue from Room Rentals from July
through December was $2,400 from 16 total rentals.
ACE Awards & Board Installation
The Arcadia Chamber will install its 103rd Board of Directors
in January, with the event to be held at the Derby. Details to
come and stay tuned for the announcement of our award
winners!
Dine Arcadia
Dine Arcadia’s two-week event was held September 17th through 30th and was host to 6 total
events. The Arcadia event featured specials and in-person events, including a
tasting event at the Derby, Monday night football at Bella Sera, a tasting
festival at Max’s, tea at Hanlin Tea, hot pot at Mo-Mo-Paradise, and
sushi at Sushi Tengoku.
Guests purchased tickets and visited each venue to
enjoy the flavors and various beverages the venue provided, all while
learning a bit about the venue and items they tried.
In addition to events, the DineArcadia.com
website promoted restaurant members with
menus and specials. Dine Arcadia social media promoted “Karen’s
Dine Arcadia Road Trip” videos, 1- to 2- minute videos at each
restaurant member’s location, sharing specials and talking about their
menus. Videos ran through Dine Arcadia’s two-week events.
Continuing Community Improvement
In July, the Arcadia Chamber was pleased to attend the
groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hilton Hotel on
Huntington Drive, across from Santa Anita Park and the Le
Meridien Hotel. The event was attended by City Council
members, Congress Member Judy Chu, and Vicky Paul from
Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office, along with members of
the community.
At the very end of June, the Chamber also attended the grand
opening of the LA Arboretum’s new Visitor Plaza, celebrating the support of Supervisor
Kathryn Barger. This new entrance plaza opens up the gardens in a new and exciting way,
giving the entry a more modern feel.
In September, the Arcadia Chamber put out its print Directory, published and created through
Town Square Publications. The Directory showcased a new style and format, focusing on the
history of the City of Arcadia, including ‘fun facts’ and tidbits, along with a new cover style to
showcase more of what makes Arcadia a great place to be.
These directories will be distributed throughout the City, to hotels, the mall, the library and
community center, police and fire departments and more.
Waste Management also opened their doors to board members of the Arcadia Chamber, so they
could tour and learn about the recycling facility. Guests enjoyed walking
the facility and seeing how their recycling is processed. Josh Goldman of
Waste Management will also join the Arcadia Chamber board of directors
in 2024.
Chamber members, board and ambassadors participated and volunteered
at the Downtown Arcadia 4th of July festival, hosting booths and assisting in
various ways, and this October, the Arcadia Chamber once again hosted a
booth at the Downtown Arcadia Halloween Haunt. Dressed as pirates, and
with the assistance of a couple board members, the Chamber staff passed
out candy to the thousands of children and families who attended.
Participation in the City of Arcadia’s Moon Festival in September also included 27 booths
manned by Arcadia Chamber members.
The Arcadia Chamber also hosted a booth at this year’s
Downtown Arcadia Holiday Festival, handing out candy and
items to guests, which were donated by Chamber members.
Chamber CEO Karen Mac Nair donned a Mrs. Clause holiday
costume and read stories to the children who visited the booth,
and many Chamber members hosted their own booths, handing
out information and selling their wares. Chamber member booths
included Rose Hills, Forest Lawn, David Lamb Woodworx,
Creative World Arts Center, White Springs Café, Arcadia
Performing Arts Center, Arcadia Chinese Association, G.H. Wilke Jewelers, Pasadena Humane,
Waste Management, the Arcadia Woman’s Club, Mt Lowe Brewing
Co., Care Patrol Arcadia, Foothill Unity Center, Olympus Escrow,
ReMax Premier’s Jason Wei, Sue Cook of Coldwell Banker, Valley
Vista, Longo Toyota, AUSD, and Goki Café. Chamber member
StoryTailors’ Entertainment’s Santa Clause also paid a visit.
Looking Ahead – 2024 and beyond - Upcoming Chamber Events
and Announcements
The Arcadia Chamber has its regularly scheduled events set for the first six months of the 2024
calendar year, including Rise & Shine breakfasts, Networking at Noon events, Community
Connection, and more. The Chamber hopes to return to regular members for events, along with
adding a few new venues to introduce members to different locations and food.
In 2024, the Chamber hopes to add a new Community Awards event in early spring. More info
to come!
And as always, we are looking forward to a bright future full of business growth and new
opportunities for the Chamber and its community of members.
Arcadia Chamber Stats
Attachment No. 2
Chamber Annual Financial Summary for
Fiscal Year 2023-24
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
Balance Sheet
As of April 30, 2024
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:51 PM GMT-07:00 1/2
TOTAL
ASSETS
Current Assets
Bank Accounts
1-1000 Citizens Checking 9771 80,541.98
1-1010 Cash on Hand 1.77
1-1020 Reserves - FCU - 2900 101,040.68
1-1030 Taste Savings Account-CBB-0655 375.63
Total Bank Accounts $181,960.06
Other Current Assets
1-1350 Atlas Receivables
Boardroom Rental -50.00
City Payment 100.00
Classic - Annual 38,513.00
Classic - Monthly 3,095.00
Classic - New 320.00
Fall Event - Dine / Taste 85.00
Golf Tournament 7,900.00
Installation Dinner 700.00
Learning Lab 1,250.00
Mayor's Breakfast 1,500.00
Miscellaneous -100.00
Mix -70.00
Networking at Noon -260.00
Rise & Shine 3,660.00
Total 1-1350 Atlas Receivables 56,643.00
1-1400 Prepaid Expenses 15,666.16
1-1440 Golf Tournament Expenses 2,616.84
Total 1-1400 Prepaid Expenses 18,283.00
1-1600 Authorize.net Payments - Weblink -44.00
Total Other Current Assets $74,882.00
Total Current Assets $256,842.06
Fixed Assets
1-1910 Furniture & Fixtures 4,964.00
1-1920 Equipment 6,638.00
1-1930 Computer 5,165.00
1-1940 Accumulated Deprec.-16,767.00
Total Fixed Assets $0.00
TOTAL ASSETS $256,842.06
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable
2-2000 Accounts Payable 450.80
Attachment No. 2
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
Balance Sheet
As of April 30, 2024
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:51 PM GMT-07:00 2/2
TOTAL
Total Accounts Payable $450.80
Other Current Liabilities
2-2100 Prepaid Revenue 21,601.44
2-2110 Prepaid Fall Event - Dine Arcadia / Taste Revenue 1,396.69
2-2120 Prepaid Installation Revenue 345.01
2-2125 Prepaid Golf Tournament Revenue 55,135.00
2-2140 Prepaid State of the City Revenue 1,500.00
2-2170 Prepaid Boardroom Rental 100.00
2-2180 Prepaid Rise & Shine Revenue 7,230.00
2-2190 Prepaid Member Dues Revenue 18,454.96
Total 2-2100 Prepaid Revenue 105,763.10
2-2500 Arcadia Strong Grant Funds 661.95
2-2550 Arcadia StrongER Program Funds 24,520.00
2-2600 Access Pass Liability 5,202.85
Total Other Current Liabilities $136,147.90
Total Current Liabilities $136,598.70
Long-Term Liabilities
2-2700 SBA Loan 21,571.00
Total Long-Term Liabilities $21,571.00
Total Liabilities $158,169.70
Equity
3-3110 Retained Earnings 127,400.65
Net Income -28,728.29
Total Equity $98,672.36
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $256,842.06
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
Profit and Loss
July 2023 - April 2024
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:52 PM GMT-07:00 1/5
TOTAL
Income
4-1000 Member Dues
4-1100 Renewing Members
4-1110 Classic Membership 87,118.00
4-1115 Classic Monthly 5,678.26
4-1120 Signature Membership 589.97
4-1130 Premium Membership 497.09
4-1140 Connector Membership 985.84
4-1145 Connector Monthly 739.94
4-1150 Supporter Membership 1,040.00
4-1160 Leader Membership 1,878.00
4-1170 Visionary Membership 18,288.30
4-1175 Visionary Monthly 3,046.68
4-1180 Resident Members 700.00
4-1185 Bundled Membership Dues 752.05
Total 4-1100 Renewing Members 121,314.13
4-1300 New Members 640.00
4-1310 Classic Member @ $280 13,040.00
4-1313 Arcadia StrongER Grant Recipients 11,200.00
Total 4-1300 New Members 24,880.00
Total 4-1000 Member Dues 146,194.13
4-3000 Events
4-3100 Monthly Events
4-3110 Rise & Shine
4-3111 Rise & Shine Tickets 15,085.00
4-3112 Upgraded Membership Portion 4,740.00
4-3113 All Access Pass Portion 112.50
4-3114 Rise & Shine Sponsor 7,650.00
4-3115 Rise & Shine Business Booth 500.00
Total 4-3110 Rise & Shine 28,087.50
4-3120 Networking at Noon
4-3121 Tickets 4,670.00
4-3122 Upgraded Membership Portion 1,150.00
Total 4-3120 Networking at Noon 5,820.00
4-3150 Job Fair
4-3151 Sponsorships 2,000.00
Total 4-3150 Job Fair 2,000.00
4-3160 Learning Lab
4-3161 Learning Lab Ticket 40.00
4-3163 Learning Lab Sponsor 1,300.00
Total 4-3160 Learning Lab 1,340.00
4-3170 Connect & Prosper
4-3171 Connect & Prosper Tickets 2,095.00
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
Profit and Loss
July 2023 - April 2024
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:52 PM GMT-07:00 2/5
TOTAL
4-3172 Connect & Prosper Sponsorship 1,433.33
4-3173 Upgraded Membership Portion 385.00
Total 4-3170 Connect & Prosper 3,913.33
4-3190 The Mix
4-3191 Tickets 2,025.00
Total 4-3190 The Mix 2,025.00
Total 4-3100 Monthly Events 43,185.83
4-3200 Annual Events
4-3210 State of the City
4-3211 State of the City Sponsor 1,500.00
4-3212 Tickets 1,530.00
Total 4-3210 State of the City 3,030.00
4-3220 Installation Dinner
4-3221 Installation Dinner Tickets 3,790.00
4-3223 Installation Dinner Tables 1,800.00
4-3225 Installation Dinner Sponsor 10,500.00
4-3226 Upgraded Membership Portion 1,355.04
4-3227 Raffle Ticket Income 785.00
Total 4-3220 Installation Dinner 18,230.04
4-3500 Dine Arcadia Event
4-3510 Dine Arcadia Ticket Income 8,965.00
4-3515 Upgraded Membership Portion 235.04
4-3520 Dine Arcadia Sponsorships 11,000.00
Total 4-3500 Dine Arcadia Event 20,200.04
Total 4-3200 Annual Events 41,460.08
Total 4-3000 Events 84,645.91
4-4000 City Payments 78,824.16
4-5000 Other Income
4-5020 Boardroom Rental 3,500.00
4-5030 Certificate of Origin 50.00
4-5040 Interest Income 554.79
4-5060 App Advertising Income 495.00
4-5080 Other Income 5,000.00
4-5090 Email Blast Revenue 225.00
Total 4-5000 Other Income 9,824.79
Total Income $319,488.99
Cost of Goods Sold
5-0000 Other Costs of Services - COS
5-1000 Costs of Member Dues
5-1100 Renewing Member
5-1110 Bank Charge Costs 5,772.13
Total 5-1100 Renewing Member 5,772.13
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
Profit and Loss
July 2023 - April 2024
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:52 PM GMT-07:00 3/5
TOTAL
Total 5-1000 Costs of Member Dues 5,772.13
5-3000 Costs of Events
5-3100 Monthly Events
5-3110 Rise & Shine
5-3114 Location Costs 13,927.97
5-3115 Entertainment Costs 2,500.00
Total 5-3110 Rise & Shine 16,427.97
5-3120 Networking at Noon
5-3122 Location Costs 3,459.01
5-3124 Supplies 16.64
Total 5-3120 Networking at Noon 3,475.65
5-3150 Job Fair
5-3151 Location Costs 2,005.89
Total 5-3150 Job Fair 2,005.89
5-3160 Learning Lab
5-3161 LL Location Costs 1,280.33
Total 5-3160 Learning Lab 1,280.33
5-3170 Connect & Prosper
5-3171 CP Location Costs 2,300.00
5-3172 CP Food Costs 500.00
Total 5-3170 Connect & Prosper 2,800.00
5-3190 The MIX
5-3193 Supplies 47.79
Total 5-3190 The MIX 47.79
Total 5-3100 Monthly Events 26,037.63
5-3200 Annual Events
5-3210 State of the City
5-3211 Location Costs 3,030.00
Total 5-3210 State of the City 3,030.00
5-3220 Installation Dinner
5-3221 Location Costs 6,720.00
5-3226 Banner Costs 953.66
5-3228 Gifts Costs 192.94
5-3229 Awards Costs 496.13
5-3230 Centerpieces Costs 206.78
5-3231 Programs Costs 673.69
5-3234 Website 280.00
5-3237 Advertising 750.00
Total 5-3220 Installation Dinner 10,273.20
5-3500 Dine Arcadia Event
5-3540 Dine Arcadia Bags 826.04
5-3550 Dine Arcadia Website -27.83
5-3560 Dine Arcadia Printing 185.25
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
Profit and Loss
July 2023 - April 2024
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:52 PM GMT-07:00 4/5
TOTAL
5-3570 Dine Arcadia Accounting 420.00
5-5375 Dine Arcadia Location Costs 10,451.42
Total 5-3500 Dine Arcadia Event 11,854.88
Total 5-3200 Annual Events 25,158.08
Total 5-3000 Costs of Events 51,195.71
Total 5-0000 Other Costs of Services - COS 56,967.84
Total Cost of Goods Sold $56,967.84
GROSS PROFIT $262,521.15
Expenses
6-0000 Expenses
6-1000 Labor Expenses.
6-1100 Gross Wages - Operations 63,578.63
6-1105 Bonus 3,000.00
Total 6-1100 Gross Wages - Operations 66,578.63
6-1120 Gross Wages - Officers 64,000.00
6-1125 Bonus 2,000.00
Total 6-1120 Gross Wages - Officers 66,000.00
6-1300 ER Payroll Tax Expense - Operations 5,795.94
6-1315 ER Payroll Tax Expense - Officers 5,720.43
6-1400 HR Payroll Services 249.00
6-1500 Payroll Processing Fee 10,865.04
6-1600 Health Insurance 10,000.00
6-1610 Cell Phone Reimbursement 717.00
6-1620 Internet Reimbursement 605.40
6-1630 Mileage Reimbursement 395.59
6-1700 Workers Comp Insurance 942.64
Total 6-1000 Labor Expenses.167,869.67
6-2000 Independent Contractors
6-2100 Accounting Expense 28,877.00
6-2150 CPA Expense 1,235.00
6-2175 Retirement Consulting Fees 750.00
6-2500 Website Maintenance Expense 1,055.00
6-2600 IT Maintenance Expense 2,000.00
Total 6-2000 Independent Contractors 33,917.00
6-3000 Overhead Expenses
6-3100 Rent Expense 4,400.00
6-3200 Utilities Expense 5,907.97
6-3300 Repairs and Maintenance Expense 493.00
6-3400 Property Taxes Expense 2,333.95
6-3500 Janitorial Expense 4,050.00
6-3600 Insurance Expense 42.00
6-3610 Umbrella Policy 3,059.24
6-3620 Director & Officers 1,104.18
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
Profit and Loss
July 2023 - April 2024
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:52 PM GMT-07:00 5/5
TOTAL
Total 6-3600 Insurance Expense 4,205.42
Total 6-3000 Overhead Expenses 21,390.34
6-4000 Operational Expenses
6-4100 Bad Debts Expense
6-4101 Business 35,740.50
6-4105 Visionary Fund 1,103.50
Total 6-4100 Bad Debts Expense 36,844.00
6-4120 Telephone / Internet / Email Expense 3,676.58
6-4130 Postage Expense 132.00
6-4140 Printing Expense 2,640.09
6-4150 Equipment Rental Expense 2,724.71
6-4160 Equipment Purchase Expense 9,035.70
6-4180 Dues and Subscriptions Expense 490.61
6-4190 Office Supplies Expense 2,143.44
6-4200 Computer Software Expense 8,361.28
6-4205 Computer Hardware Expense 415.00
6-4210 Meals and Entertainment Expense 3,733.40
6-4220 Community Event Expense 50.00
6-4240 Advertising / Website Expenses 1,656.32
6-4245 Facebook / Instagram Boosts 5,050.00
6-4260 Business License Expense 14.80
Total 6-4000 Operational Expenses 76,967.93
Total 6-0000 Expenses 300,144.94
Total Expenses $300,144.94
NET OPERATING INCOME $ -37,623.79
Other Income
7-1000 Visionary Fund Income.8,895.50
Total Other Income $8,895.50
NET OTHER INCOME $8,895.50
NET INCOME $ -28,728.29
Attachment No. 3
Agreement for Services for Fiscal Year
2024-25
AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES BY AND BETWEEN THE
CITY OF ARCADIA AND ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
This Agreement for Services ("Agreement") is entered into this ______ day of
______________ 2024 by and between the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
("Chamber"), a not-for-profit organization, and the City of Arcadia ("City"), a municipal
corporation and charter city.
RECITALS
A.The City and the Chamber have long cooperated concerning issues and projects of
mutual interest to the Arcadia civic and business community.
B.The Chamber has in the past provided, and desires and intends to provide in the
City's fiscal year ("fiscal year") 2024-2025, various services to the City, as
described hereinafter.
C.For many years, the City has, pursuant to a certain lease entered into by the City and
the Chamber (the "Lease"), provided to the Chamber at a below market lease rate
the full use of a certain City-owned building at 388 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia
("Leased Premises"), in support and recognition of the Chamber's ongoing services
to the City, and the Lease extends through November 31, 2026.
D.The City desires and intends to make payment to the Chamber in the amount of
$97,900 for certain business and economic development, marketing, civic promotion,
and similar services to be provided by the Chamber to the City during Fiscal Year
2024-2025, as set forth in Exhibit "A" attached hereto (the "Services").
E.The Chamber desires and intends to provide the Services to the City in consideration
for the City's payments and appropriation of funds as described herein.
Attachment No. 3
AGREEMENT
Now, therefore, the City and the Chamber do hereby agree that the foregoing Recitals
are true and correct and are incorporated into this Agreement, and made a part thereof
as if fully set forth herein, and further agree as follows:
A. Responsibilities of the Chamber
1. The Chamber is and shall serve as an independent organization entirely
separate from the City, and shall operate under its own bylaws as a
membership organization serving the interests of business in the greater
Arcadia area. For purposes of this Agreement, the Chamber is and in
all respects shall be deemed to be an independent contractor.
2. The Chamber shall provide to the City during Fiscal Year 2024-2025 the
Services set forth in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference.
3. The Chamber shall submit to the City a written progress report in December
of 2024, and again in May of 2025 describing in reasonable detail the
Chamber's performance and provision of the Services under this Agreement
for the period July 1, 2024 through the date of said reports.
B. Responsibilities of the City
1. In consideration of the provision of the Services by the Chamber to the City
during Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the City shall make (1) payment to the
Chamber of the sum of ninety-seven thousand nine hundred ($97,900),
payable in equal quarterly installments, the first of which is due on or before
July 1, 2024 (the "Payment for Services") and each subsequent payment due
on or before the first date of the quarterly month.
C. Review and Inspection of Chamber Records
1. On or before September 30, 2024, the Chamber shall provide to the City a
complete and accurate financial statement of the Chamber for Fiscal Year
2023-2024 (i.e., ending June 30, 2024).
2. The City and its representatives shall have the right to review and/or audit the
records of the Chamber to verify that the Chamber is providing the Services
and making reasonable and appropriate expenditures from the Payment for
Services in furtherance of providing the Services. For this purpose, the
Chamber shall make available to the City and its representatives all records of
the Chamber to allow the accomplishment of review and audit during normal
business hours of the City, upon reasonable demand by the City.
D. Amendment
1. This Agreement may be amended by mutual written consent of the parties.
E. Termination
1. This Agreement shall be deemed to commence on July 1, 2024 and shall
extend through June 30, 2025 (the "Term"). This Agreement may be
terminated earlier by either party giving the other party written notice of
termination; provided that such notice of termination shall be given at least 180
days prior to the effective date of termination and shall be transmitted by email,
facsimile, U.S. mail, or personal delivery to the person or persons occupying
the indicated position(s) of the other party signing this Agreement. The rights,
duties, and responsibilities of the City and the Chamber shall continue for the
period between the Notice of Termination and the effective date of termination.
Any portion of the Payment for Services due and owing to the Chamber
following such notice of termination shall be prorated to cover only the period
up to the effective date of termination, and any portion of the Payment for
Services already made to the Chamber for the remainder of the period
following the effective date of termination shall be prorated and promptly
refunded to the City by the Chamber to cover the period following the effective
date of termination. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, Section C of this Agreement entitled, "Review and Inspection of
Chamber Records" shall survive the Term and any termination of this
Agreement.
F. California Law
1. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.
[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
In witness whereof, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first set
forth herein above.
CHAMBER: CITY OF ARCADIA:
___________________________ ______________________________
President Dominic Lazzaretto
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce City Manager
__________________________ APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Chief Executive Officer
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
_______________________________
City Attorney
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
EXHIBIT "A"
SERVICES PROVIDED BY ARCADIA THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TO THE CITY OF ARCADIA
Fiscal Year 2024-2025
The Chamber shall provide the following services to the City:
I. Public Relations
A. Maintain regular office hours with qualified personnel.
B. Provide accurate and timely information and market the City and business
areas to hundreds of residents and business people who walk-in, phone,
write, or e-mail the Chamber each month.
C. Prepare and maintain the monthly community calendar of civic group events.
D. Provide information on Arcadia to realtors and commercial brokers to
assist with business recruitment, business retention, and new commercial
development.
E. Prepare and make available a civic directory which lists all civic, cultural,
social, educational, and business groups, addresses, meeting dates, etc.
F. Through the Board and Committee structure (e.g., Ambassador Meetings,
Chamber Board Meetings), and Chamber functions (e.g., Business Mixers,
Networking Breakfasts, Community Connection Meetings, Citizen of the
Year, State of the City), and other various legislative gatherings and forums,
bring civic leaders and City/Agency staff together with business people and
citizens every month.
G. Maintain social media network to promote Chamber, City, and business
activities and news, including Chamber web site with calendar, Facebook,
Twitter, and any new effective technologies.
II. Business Development
A. Organize and host business expos and virtual job fairs to market Chamber
business member products and services to each other and to the community.
The City will be provided free and prominent space at these events.
B. Prepare and print (approximately every other year) a Business Directory
and City Map that includes economic and civic information on Arcadia.
Provide and distribute copies of the Directory and Map to the City,
Chamber Members, businesses and residents, local community and civic
organizations, and hotels.
C. Conduct special community and business forums, e.g., Trash/Recycling pick-
up events, or assist City to inform the community of meetings, e.g.,
community workshops on large development projects, proposed city
measures, initiatives and propositions, transportation concerns, etc.
D. Organize and host multiple Dine Arcadia Restaurant Week events throughout
the year one of which may include a modified version of the Taste of Arcadia,
which was previously held in September of each year at the LA County
Arboretum and will return for 2024.
E. Assist the City during emergencies, by providing a liaison at Emergency
Operations Center; coordinate with the City EOC & Red Cross and
Emergency Centers throughout the City in the event of earthquake or
disaster; working with Chamber Emergency Business Preparedness plan
for emergencies.
F. Provide ambassadors to existing and new businesses throughout the year
to monitor concerns, assist in resolving problems with the Chamber or the
City, meet other Arcadia businesses (e.g., monthly networking I
orientation I breakfasts).
G. Work actively on business recruitment, expansion and retention efforts
throughout the City.
H. Organize and publicize seminars and training sessions for merchants and
business members under SBA, SCORE, SGVEP, Foothill Workforce
Investment Board, Women at Work, and other governmental and educational
programs.
I. Continue to work with Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association on the
downtown community benefits district, district marketing efforts, and events.
J. As needed or requested by the City, conduct membership survey on general
business topics, e.g., parking, ride-share, recycling, signage, etc. to inform
the City of business concerns
K. Work with other business areas on Live Oak Avenue, Duarte Road, Baldwin
Avenue, Foothill Boulevard, Peck Road/Lower Azusa, and other sectors to
initiate regular events and marketing.
L. Continue to develop new media marketing opportunities for business
members through the Chamber.
Ill. Government/Legislative
A. Through the monthly Community Connection meetings, provide business
information to Chamber members and serve as a forum for City, County,
State and Federal interrelationships and dialogue.
B. Review and recommend proposed business legislation and concerns to
City.
C. Organize and hold the annual “State of the City” event each year.