HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11k - Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Agreement for Services
DATE: June 3, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director
By: Simon Vuong, Economic Development Manager
SUBJECT: AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH THE ARCADIA CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 IN THE AMOUNT OF $101,131
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”) for small
business support and marketing. As proposed in the Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025-26,
the City will provide the Chamber with $101,131 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 2025-26 in the
amount of $101,131.
BACKGROUND
The Chamber and the City have long cooperated concerning issues and projects of
mutual interest to the Arcadia civic and business community. As part of this cooperation,
the City enters into an annual Agreement for Services with the Chamber to provide public
relations, business development, and governmental/legislative services in support of the
Arcadia business community and general economic development. The Chamber
Summary Report, included as Attachment No. 1, highlights some of the events, programs,
and activities from the 2024-25 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, the Chamber also utilizes the City-
owned property at 388 West Huntington Drive for its offices, at a discounted rate. The
current lease rate of $400 per month with the Chamber that was approved in December
Agreement for Services with Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
June 3, 2025
Page 2 of 3
2021 and extends through November 2026, is well below the current at-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, 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, weekly event
reminders, and regular website updates.
• Utilizing social 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 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 Arcadia
Business Community (“ABC”) Groups.
• 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,
providing 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 2025-26 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 benefitting the
City and the business community. The proposed Agreement includes an increase of 3.3%
based on the U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index increase for the Los
Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region, over the 2024 calendar year. This amounts to an
additional $3,231 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
Agreement for Services with Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
June 3, 2025
Page 3 of 3
overall budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, 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
Since 2015, the annual Agreement for Services with the Chamber has been adjusted for
inflation. Of note is that the CPI (Consumer Price Index) continues to drop, from a high of
7.4% in 2022, down to 3.5% in 2023, and now to 3.3% in 2024. The Agreement will
continue to utilize CPI to determine a fair and appropriate funding level for the Chamber
in the future.
For Fiscal Year 2024-25, the City allocation totaled $97,900 in funding. The proposed
Fiscal Year 2025-26 General Fund Budget includes a line item for the Chamber of
Commerce in the amount of $101,200, which will cover the full $101,131 for the annual
Agreement for Services; sufficient funding exists to execute this Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that this agreement 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 2025-26 in the amount of $101,131.
Attachment No. 1: Chamber Summary Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Attachment No. 2: Chamber Annual Financial Summary for Fiscal Year 2024-25
Attachment No. 3: Agreement for Services for Fiscal Year 2025-26
Attachment No. 1
Chamber Summary Report for Fiscal Year
2024-25
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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 2024
to
December 2024
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Public Relations
Community Focus
The last six months of 2024 presented unique challenges and changes that the Arcadia Chamber
staff faced head on. The Chamber welcomed Jose Luis Correa in July, formerly of Hey Media, as
its new Director of Membership Sales who dove right in, building the Chamber’s membership
base and engaging with new and current members. In August, Jose Luis helped bring in 16 new
members, one of the biggest months of new members the Chamber has had all year.
The Chamber’s events have seen steady growth, as well. The consistency of use of the Derby for
Networking at Noon has seen this event build more over the past couple months than ever
before, and Rise & Shine continues to attract upwards of 65 to 70 guests each month.
Commentary continues in that Arcadia Chamber events are still the best in the San Gabriel
Valley.
The growth of the Arcadia Stronger grant program continues with the assistance of Jose Luis,
with nearly 20 members joining via the program since he started with the Chamber. The
additional assistance of discount programs for businesses who
were members of the now-shuttered San Gabriel Chamber was
another help in gaining new members, offering $100 off Arcadia
Chamber membership to those businesses.
The Arcadia Chamber continues to stress the importance of
member-to-member interactions, providing business
representatives with a face to attach to a business name. These
personal interactions definitely help build the relationships the Chamber believes are so
important to strengthening business in return.
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. With the Arcadia
Music Club being an active member, the Arcadia Chamber was able to help provide community
information about the Festival of Bands in November. The Chamber also shares information
provided by the Shops at Santa Anita and Santa Anita Park, including holiday shopping info,
the Lantern Festival, and Split Rock jump events. We also share upcoming events and info
provided by USC Arcadia Hospital, including their Health Fair, seminars, classes, and Crystal
Ball event.
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#ArcadiaStrong-er
Arcadia Stronger grant program, which the
Arcadia Chamber launched in the
beginning of 2023, championed by the
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.
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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 3,100
followers, and 2,700 likes, Instagram has 2,800+ followers, and X
(Twitter) has 1,313 followers. LinkedIn has 227 followers to date.
Another platform used by the Arcadia Chamber is Constant Contact, which has nearly 6000
community email subscribers. Monthly email blasts and paid e-blasts from members go out to
all 6000 email addresses, to keep the community up to date on happenings with the Arcadia
Chamber.
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 116 members,
many of whom are active and post regularly.
The Taste of Arcadia Facebook and Instagram also became active
again with the return of the event in September. Taste’s Instagram page has 1,718 followers,
with almost 225k views on Taste of Arcadia reels. Taste’s Facebook page has 1,300 followers,
with lots of shares, views, and likes on posts about the event.
Committees
Committees currently include the Board and Ambassador
teams, along with the Policy and By-Laws committee, the
Membership, and Events committees, plus a group
focusing on the Golf Tournament, and the Taste of Arcadia
committee. These groups meet approximately 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 good attendance overall. During the Chamber’s renovation after flooding in September,
Chamber member Little Provence Café hosted the Ambassador
meeting. Otherwise, Ambassador Meetings are held in the
Arcadia Chamber’s conference room.
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At the Ambassador meeting, new members 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 is led by dual-member David Lamb of David Lamb Woodworx
and Act Now CPR.
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 Golf and Events Committee has planned out the events for 2025, discussing new venues
and locations, new ideas, and getting members more involved with ABC Group networking
meetings.
The Policy and By-Law Committee has been on hiatus in recent months due to the ongoing
major events the Arcadia Chamber has been holding, but this committee will return for the 2025
calendar year to finalize changes to the By-Laws.
The Taste of Arcadia Committee formed in May and worked together to put on a successful
2024 event at Santa Anita Park on September 21st. This team is already brainstorming on the
event for 2025, which will be held on September 13th, again at Santa Anita Park.
Membership
New membership has been on a constant uptick with the
addition of new Director of Membership Sales, Jose Luis
Correa. Members are flocking to the Arcadia Chamber to
network and grow their business, and Jose Luis is
consistently out in the community. This
engagement has brought in new
businesses from all over the San Gabriel Valley and beyond, including from
cities like La Verne, Glendale, Altadena, Monterey Park, and more. Jose Luis
and Nadine Sachiko Hsu of Sachiko Studio recently did a business walk at the
Shops at Santa Anita, during which they were able to get three members under
the Arcadia Stronger program.
Jose Luis is continuing to visit prospective member businesses, ribbon cuttings, and grand
openings to try to engage businesses throughout the City of Arcadia. The Arcadia Chamber is
always trying to find new ways to engage and bring new businesses to the City, while also
keeping up with current businesses in the City limits.
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The Chamber’s 110% Club program is in full swing, with 149 members taking advantage of the
program, from July through December. Flyers and information are continuously posted and
updated on a wall in the Chamber office to showcase events, promotions, and specials from
those members.
Retention for returning members is at 62%.
Member Events
ABC (Arcadia Business Community) Groups
Starting in January of 2024, the Arcadia Chamber formed ABC Groups, small
networking groups, of no more than 20 members, who meet at different times
of the month and time of day, at Chamber member locations
all over the San Gabriel Valley. Though groups were off to a
slow start, the leaders who have showed consistency and
engagement have seen lots of success with their ABC groups.
These leaders include Past-President Francine Chiu of Star
Seven Financial Services, Nadine Sachiko Hsu of Sachiko
Studio, and Christine Zito of Pure Media Marketing.
Chamber staff member Jose Luis Correa also hosts his Happy Hour Hop, which
bounces around the SGV to different bar and restaurant members, engaging
with many different Chamber members in the process.
Participation in these ABC Groups is growing, and each group has a different
topic to focus on. Members can attend one or more groups, as many as fit their schedule and
business needs. Topics include perfecting your 30 second pitch, marketing and developing
marketing strategies, client relations, and more.
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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. Rise & Shine venue hosts in the last six months of 2024 have
included the DoubleTree by Hilton Monrovia, Embassy Suites, and the Le
Meridien Hotel.
The event continues to be sponsored by Pure Media Marketing, with CA Flat Fee as our
Entertainment sponsor. The Arcadia Chamber also added Business Spotlight Booths to Rise &
Shine, wherein a member can host a booth for only $200 at Rise & Shine, to sell products and
promote their business during the event. Business Spotlight Members have included David
Lamb Woodworx, and Budget Blinds, who gave a fun presentation of various options in
window coverings using Rise & Shine audience members. Pricing for these booths will change
in 2025 to entice more members to take advantage of this promotion opportunity, and we will
be adding free spotlight booth opportunities to the Arcadia Chamber’s non-profit members.
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Connect & Prosper – 4th
Wednesday every other Month
Connect & Prosper events occur every other month,
hosted by New Fusion, 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.
Led by Board Member and Past-President Francine Chiu of Star Seven Financial Services,
Connect & Prosper has helped bridge the gap in the business
community with Mandarin-speaking members.
Members regularly in attendance include a representative
from Gentle Fight Club, USC
Arcadia Hospital, New Omni
Bank, Right at Home, and more.
Star Seven Financial Services is our
sponsor for 2024 in the Year of the
Dragon. Forest Lawn continues to be a Red Envelope sponsor, as
well. Both will continue as sponsors in 2025.
Mixers
On September 5th of 2024, the Arcadia Chamber hosted a mixer at Fred’s Museum
of Monrovia to help promote the upcoming Taste of
Arcadia event. Members came to enjoy the classic
collection of cars housed at Fred’s and to enjoy delicious
food provided by the Derby, who was also a participant
at Taste of Arcadia.
USC Arcadia Hospital hosted a holiday mixer on December 11th in
Lewis Hall, providing food and drinks in a festive environment, which
hosted 65 guests. Santa even made an appearance. The Arcadia Chamber also participated in
the Generation Golf Two Year Anniversary mixer. More mixers will be on the calendar for
2025, including a Multi-Chamber mixer on February 6th at the Le Meridien Hotel.
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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. The
Derby has been a consistent host of this event, though Networking at Noon moved to two new
locations during November and December, as the Derby prepared for the holidays. Basin 141 in
Monrovia was a first-time host for November’s event, and Don Ricardo’s hosted in December.
Both Basin 141 and Don Ricardo’s were very excited to be able to host Networking at Noon.
Networking at Noon generally gathers 35 to 40 guests.
Ribbon Cuttings
Members frequently contact the Chamber for ribbon
cuttings to celebrate a grand opening, specific event, or
milestone for that member. New members The Redhead
with a Shaker and Lagreeology celebrated their grand openings,
and the Chamber team attended the
Open House celebration for new member
Valley Digestive Health Center, as well.
The Chamber also helped celebrate the
grand opening of Lagreeology Fitness Center, IKEA revealed its new
storefront and expansion in the Shops at Santa Anita, celebrating with
a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony. Hop Café also hosted
a ribbon cutting for its grand opening at the beginning of December.
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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 the Assessor Jeffrey
Prang, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Donna Choi of the Downtown Arcadia Improvement
Association, Sylvia Rosenberger from the LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, and
Jeremy Lachenmyer from the Arcadia Police Department, who
provided information on safety and security during the holiday
season.
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. In February of 2025, the Arcadia
Chamber will host an in-person Community Connection with Mayor Michael Cao, who will
provide updates on the City of Arcadia.
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Learning Lab
Learning Labs have proven to
be very popular events, and the
Arcadia Chamber hosted only
two events in the last two months of 2024, due to event
scheduling and holidays. Topics included business loan information from Philip Kuon of
Citizens Business Bank, and SBA Loans and Conventional Lines of
Credit for your business from Jane Shaikh of FFB Bank.
Francine Chiu of Star Seven Financial Services has committed to
being a sponsor for Learning Labs throughout 2024, and a lineup of
speakers is in the works for the 2025 calendar year, with topics
along the lines of how to apply for a business license, crime
prevention, purchasing autos for your business, and more.
Arcadia Classic Golf Tournament
The Arcadia Chamber is already prepping for the 2025 Golf Classic, to be
held on May 1st at Brookside Golf Course. The change in location brings
new opportunities for businesses to showcase themselves by being Hole
Heroes and for businesses to sponsor.
Business Development
The Chamber continued its mission to assist businesses and help the
community grow in the City of Arcadia. The 2023 printed directory was
delivered to Chamber members in September 2023, and this booklet has
been making the rounds, being delivered to various businesses around the
San Gabriel Valley, and even mailed out to people around the country who
are looking to visit the Arcadia area. The next
printed directory will be produced in 2025,
earlier than usual so we can provide the new
booklets to guests in their Taste of Arcadia gift
bags.
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Arcadia Chamber CEO Karen Mac Nair continues to sit on the Homeless Coalition Committee,
along with the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association Board. The Chamber also hosted
a booth at the Downtown Arcadia Halloween Haunt and Holiday Fair,
where Karen read books to small children while dressed as Mrs. Claus.
Jose Luis also joined the Arcadia Community Coordinating Council to
share information about the Arcadia Chamber with that community. Jose
Luis is very active around the community in general, attending ribbon
cuttings and openings for businesses who are not members, to try and
entice those businesses to join. He also attends gatherings and other
networking events around the San Gabriel Valley.
Karen also attended the LA28 Stakeholder Focus Group; Regional Economic Development for
LA County, during which the upcoming 2028 Olympics was discussed, including info on
economic growth for all areas, not just the host cities.
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 216 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.
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Speed Networking
Speed Networking took a hiatus during the last six months of the year, mainly due to the heavy
schedule of events, including Taste of Arcadia. The Chamber will revisit this event in 2025, as
there is still a good group who are interested in networking virtually.
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 are still members who join simply to
use this service for their business.
Interesting companies that utilize the Certificate of Origin offerings are Rodarte, who ships
extremely high-end fashion items (and creates many of the fashions you see on the runway at
the Oscars and other large Hollywood events), and Flying Horses, who ships not only horses,
but also goats and cows, and now zebras, to places all
over the world.
The Arcadia Chamber is one of the only places around
that currently offers Certificates of Origin, so this is a
popular offering to our Chamber members.
Room Rentals
Room Rentals continue to be on the rise with the
completion of the Chamber’s new roof and renovations,
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. Room rental revenue
from July through December totaled $950.
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ACE Awards & Board Installation
The Arcadia Chamber preparing to install its 104th Board of
Directors in January, in a celebration at the Derby. Our new
president will be Sina Mohajer of Mohajer Law, with Jonathan
Rodriguez of CA Flat Fee as vice-president. There are changes to
the executive board as well, including Christine Zito of Pure Media
Marketing coming in as treasurer, and Tyler Zikuski as secretary.
Brian Greene of USC Arcadia Hospital will be past-president.
New incoming board members include James Alewine III from Modern Woodmen of America,
Diane Pierson of Always Best Care, Gaby Flores of Le Meridien Hotel, Jessica Alvarenga of
SoCalGas, and Nick Scott from the Arcadia 3 Par Golf Course, Philip Kuon from Citizens
Business Bank, and Tejon Woods from Woods Medical Group.
ACE Awards Winners include:
- Large Business of the Year – Santa Anita Park
- Small Business of the Year – Imprintability
- New Business of the Year – Glamify Me Photo Booth
- Non-Profit of the Year – DAIA
- Restaurant of the Year – Outback Steakhouse
- Chamber Service Award
Karie Horie & Amy Moufarrege
- Board Member of the Year – Tyler Zikuski
- Ambassador of the Year – Chelsea Jones
- Rising Star Member of the Year – Generation Golf
Congrats to all our winners!
Taste of Arcadia
Taste of Arcadia made its triumphant return on September 21st of 2024.
Located in the Paddock Gardens of Santa Anita
Park, Taste of Arcadia hosted 23 Business
Showcase Booths and 33 Food and Drink Vendors,
plus tunes from DJ John Villa. Guests numbered
1100 and savored delicious bites and drinks from
Chamber members such as The Derby, Don
Ricardo’s, Stems Catering, Cabrera’s, Mt Lowe
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Brewing Co, Twohey’s, and dozens more. Also included were new cars from Longo Toyota,
Rusnak, and Lucid. Glamify Me Photo Booth also set up a fun experience for guests, where they
could take photos and share them with their friends.
Sponsors included CA Flat Fee, Santa Anita Park, the City of Arcadia,
USC Arcadia Hospital, City of Hope, the Shops at Santa Anita,
Olympus Escrow, Drive Hospitality, Pure Media Marketing, Waste
Management, Mohajer Law, and Century Sewer.
Comments were positive throughout the event, which was more spread
out and had a whole new feel to it than previous years.
Taste of Arcadia made $11,836.83 (Profit) - $70,146.29
(Revenue), which is more than the Arcadia Chamber has
made in profit than any previous Taste event.
The 2025 Taste of Arcadia will take place on September 13th,
once again at Santa Anita Park.
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Continuing Community Improvement
In October, the Arcadia Chamber set up a booth in Downtown Arcadia, in front
of the office of Chamber member Horie & Co, and passed out candy to a huge
gathering of trick-or-treaters. Many Arcadia Chamber members showed up to
set up a booth, and this event has become an annual tradition for the Arcadia
Chamber, one the Chamber staff looks forward to.
The Arcadia Chamber also helped organize and participated
in the 2024 Moon Festival, with the City of Arcadia and the
Arcadia Chinese Association. The Chamber’s specific job was
to gather businesses to fill the booths, providing the opportunity to Chamber
members to have a booth for only $75 ($200 for non-members). Two of the
non-member participants actually joined the Chamber and continue to be
active members.
Arcadia Chamber members who participated in the Moon Festival this year included
Downtown Arcadia, Ivy Ensures, the Arcadia Unified School District, Acuity Optical, Forest
Lawn, the Shops at Santa Anita, 986 Pharmacy, Ontario International Airport, Longo Toyota,
Universal Bank, Sachiko Studio (Sachiko Goes Racing), Franklin Foundation, Dynasty Wealth,
USC Arcadia Hospital, Aspire Counseling Group, and Star
Seven Financial Services, who brought in the ever-popular
sugar artist. Waste Management and David Fu and
Associates also participated and sponsored the event.
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Looking Ahead – 2025 and beyond - Upcoming Chamber Events
and Announcements
The Arcadia Chamber has its regularly scheduled events set for the final 6 months of the 2024
calendar year, including Rise & Shine breakfasts, Networking at Noon
events, Community Connection, and more. The Chamber is also looks
forward to great events like the Downtown Arcadia Halloween Haunting
and Holiday Fair, as well. The Arcadia Chamber is also looking forward to
the 2025 ACE Awards and Board Installation Dinner. February will also
see the first Multi-Chamber mixer of the year at the Le Meridien Hotel, on
the 6th. Also in February, the Arcadia Chamber will host the Strategic
Planning Meeting at the Derby to plan for the upcoming year.
More mixers are on the calendar for 2025 than the previous year. In March,
Foothill Credit Union will host a mixer, and talks are in the works with
Dave & Buster’s, FSP Designs, and other Chamber members for additional
MIX events.
The Arcadia Chamber also will launch the Star Networking program in 2025, which makes it
easy for members to pay for networking events in one lump sum and be automatically
registered for their chosen events. Along the same lines, the Arcadia Chamber will also be
pushing their Foundation Circle Memberships, which give added benefit to higher levels of
membership.
Starting July 8th, the Chamber was pleased to announce our new hire Jose Luis Correa, formerly
of Hey Media, started as the Director of Membership Sales, Engagement, and Business
Development. We’re excited to have him come on board and to have him bring his excellence in
sales to our team!
Coming soon! More information on the upcoming Golf Tournament in May, on the 1st at
Brookside Golf Course, and the ever-popular Taste of Arcadia coming in September, on the 13th,
at Santa Anita Park.
As always, we are looking forward to an exciting year for the City of Arcadia and the Arcadia
Chamber family of members!
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Arcadia Chamber Stats
Attachment No. 2
Chamber Annual Financial Summary for
Fiscal Year 2024-25
ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Balance Sheet
As of April 30, 2025
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 21, 2025 02:13 PM GMT-07:00 1/2
TOTAL
ASSETS
Current Assets
Bank Accounts
1-1005 Citizens Checking - 6004 80,471.97
1-1010 Cash on Hand 1,929.47
1-1020 Reserves - FCU - 90 101,648.64
1-1030 Events Account -CBB-0655 499.95
1-1040 Foothill Checking - 03 6,657.59
Total Bank Accounts $191,207.62
Other Current Assets
1-1350 Atlas Receivables
Classic - Annual 19,841.50
Classic - Monthly 2,982.16
Classic - New -200.00
Fall Event - Dine / Taste 7,500.00
Golf Tournament 6,965.00
Installation Dinner 1,900.00
Mix 30.00
Networking at Noon -100.00
Rise & Shine 4,415.00
Total 1-1350 Atlas Receivables 43,333.66
1-1400 Prepaid Expenses 14,185.86
1-1420 Prepaid TofA Expenses 2,121.19
1-1440 Golf Tournament Expenses 4,451.17
Total 1-1400 Prepaid Expenses 20,758.22
Total Other Current Assets $64,091.88
Total Current Assets $255,299.50
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 $255,299.50
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable
2-2000 Accounts Payable 486.50
Total Accounts Payable $486.50
Credit Cards
2-2050 Foothill Credit Card 748.60
Total Credit Cards $748.60
ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Balance Sheet
As of April 30, 2025
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 21, 2025 02:13 PM GMT-07:00 2/2
TOTAL
Other Current Liabilities
2-2100 Prepaid Revenue 28,576.66
2-2110 Prepaid Fall Event - Dine Arcadia / Taste Revenue 3,070.00
2-2120 Prepaid Installation Revenue 849.98
2-2125 Prepaid Golf Tournament Revenue 48,270.00
2-2180 Prepaid Rise & Shine Revenue 7,211.66
2-2190 Prepaid Member Dues Revenue 10,675.38
Total 2-2100 Prepaid Revenue 98,653.68
2-2500 Arcadia Strong Grant Funds 79.95
2-2550 Arcadia StrongER Program Funds 11,720.00
2-2600 Access Pass Liability 5,202.85
Total Other Current Liabilities $115,656.48
Total Current Liabilities $116,891.58
Long-Term Liabilities
2-2700 SBA Loan 19,003.00
Total Long-Term Liabilities $19,003.00
Total Liabilities $135,894.58
Equity
3-3110 Retained Earnings 131,968.60
Net Income -12,563.68
Total Equity $119,404.92
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $255,299.50
ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Profit and Loss
July 2024 - April 2025
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 21, 2025 02:15 PM GMT-07:00 1/5
TOTAL
Income
4-1000 Member Dues
4-1100 Renewing Members
4-1110 Classic Membership 85,959.93
4-1115 Classic Monthly 7,373.80
4-1120 Signature Membership 395.00
4-1130 Premium Membership 607.55
4-1140 Connector Membership 2,288.89
4-1145 Connector Monthly 767.56
4-1150 Supporter Membership 1,291.68
4-1160 Leader Membership 2,702.95
4-1170 Visionary Membership 18,047.52
4-1175 Visionary Monthly 4,569.98
4-1180 Resident Members 175.00
4-1185 Bundled Membership Dues 1,448.24
4-1190 Arcadia StrongER - Renewals 640.00
Total 4-1100 Renewing Members 126,268.10
4-1300 New Members
4-1310 Classic Member @ $280 19,632.00
4-1312 Classic Member @ $100 100.00
4-1313 Arcadia StrongER Grant Recipients 9,600.00
4-1314 Arcadia Strong Wildfire Relief Recipients 640.00
Total 4-1300 New Members 29,972.00
Total 4-1000 Member Dues 156,240.10
4-2000 Sponsorships
4-2025 Board Meeting Sponsor 600.00
Total 4-2000 Sponsorships 600.00
4-3000 Events
4-3100 Monthly Events
4-3110 Rise & Shine
4-3111 Rise & Shine Tickets 16,544.00
4-3112 Upgraded Membership Portion 5,300.00
4-3114 Rise & Shine Sponsor 7,083.34
4-3115 Rise & Shine Business Booth 800.00
Total 4-3110 Rise & Shine 29,727.34
4-3120 Networking at Noon
4-3121 Tickets 11,030.00
4-3122 Upgraded Membership Portion 3,855.00
4-3123 Sponsor 1,350.00
Total 4-3120 Networking at Noon 16,235.00
4-3160 Learning Lab
4-3161 Learning Lab Ticket 80.00
4-3163 Learning Lab Sponsor 1,750.00
ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Profit and Loss
July 2024 - April 2025
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 21, 2025 02:15 PM GMT-07:00 2/5
TOTAL
Total 4-3160 Learning Lab 1,830.00
4-3170 Connect & Prosper
4-3171 Connect & Prosper Tickets 1,539.00
4-3172 Connect & Prosper Sponsorship 2,333.33
4-3173 Upgraded Membership Portion 175.00
Total 4-3170 Connect & Prosper 4,047.33
4-3190 The Mix
4-3191 Tickets 1,360.00
Total 4-3190 The Mix 1,360.00
Total 4-3100 Monthly Events 53,199.67
4-3200 Annual Events
4-3220 Installation Dinner
4-3221 Installation Dinner Tickets 4,650.00
4-3223 Installation Dinner Tables 2,281.28
4-3224 Installation Dinner Program Ads 1,100.00
4-3225 Installation Dinner Sponsor 6,250.00
4-3226 Upgraded Membership Portion 1,676.25
4-3227 Raffle Ticket Income 1,380.00
Total 4-3220 Installation Dinner 17,337.53
4-3250 Taste of Arcadia
4-3251 Taste of Arcadia In Person Tickets 11,990.04
4-3254 Taste of Arcadia VIP Tables 8,781.25
4-3255 Taste of Arcadia Business Showcase Spaces 11,950.00
4-3256 Taste of Arcadia Auto Showcase Spaces 2,325.00
4-3258 Taste of Arcadia Sponsors 34,602.00
Total 4-3250 Taste of Arcadia 69,648.29
4-3750 Moon Festival Booths 1,375.00
Total 4-3200 Annual Events 88,360.82
Total 4-3000 Events 141,560.49
4-4000 City Payments 81,583.34
4-5000 Other Income
4-5010 110% Club Income 9,366.50
4-5020 Boardroom Rental 2,800.00
4-5030 Certificate of Origin 400.00
4-5040 Interest Income 506.65
4-5060 App Advertising Income 297.00
4-5080 Other Income 60,198.72
4-5090 Email Blast Revenue 300.00
Total 4-5000 Other Income 73,868.87
Total Income $453,852.80
Cost of Goods Sold
5-0000 Other Costs of Services - COS
5-1000 Costs of Member Dues
ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Profit and Loss
July 2024 - April 2025
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 21, 2025 02:15 PM GMT-07:00 3/5
TOTAL
5-1100 Renewing Member
5-1110 Bank Charge Costs 7,416.05
Total 5-1100 Renewing Member 7,416.05
Total 5-1000 Costs of Member Dues 7,416.05
5-3000 Costs of Events
5-3100 Monthly Events
5-3110 Rise & Shine
5-3114 Location Costs 16,894.17
5-3115 Entertainment Costs 2,500.00
5-3116 Supplies 35.28
Total 5-3110 Rise & Shine 19,429.45
5-3120 Networking at Noon
5-3122 Location Costs 5,813.66
Total 5-3120 Networking at Noon 5,813.66
5-3160 Learning Lab
5-3161 LL Location Costs 990.13
Total 5-3160 Learning Lab 990.13
5-3170 Connect & Prosper
5-3171 CP Location Costs 1,820.00
Total 5-3170 Connect & Prosper 1,820.00
Total 5-3100 Monthly Events 28,053.24
5-3200 Annual Events
5-3220 Installation Dinner
5-3221 Location Costs 8,182.09
5-3223 Supplies 173.99
5-3226 Banner Costs 1,008.79
5-3228 Gifts Costs 467.94
5-3229 Awards Costs 545.74
5-3231 Programs Costs 471.66
5-3234 Website 290.00
5-3241 50/50 Raffle Split 670.00
Total 5-3220 Installation Dinner 11,810.21
5-3250 Taste of Arcadia
5-3251 Location Costs 5,594.00
5-3255 Entertainment Costs 1,771.75
5-3256 Special Event Insurance Costs 452.00
5-3257 Equipment Rental Costs 22,191.20
5-3258 Permit & License Costs 90.00
5-3259 Food Booth Supplies Costs - Cups/Ice 5,246.89
5-3260 Wine Glasses Costs 3,233.41
5-3261 Plates Costs 4,360.39
5-3265 Program Costs 510.00
5-3266 Centerpiece Costs 843.41
ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Profit and Loss
July 2024 - April 2025
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 21, 2025 02:15 PM GMT-07:00 4/5
TOTAL
5-3268 Advertising Costs 1,295.85
5-3270 Banners Costs 6,267.23
5-3278 Independent Labor Costs - Accounting 184.00
5-3280 TofA Bags 3,871.50
5-3282 TofA Website Costs 111.17
5-3285 TofA Health Dept Costs 2,286.66
Total 5-3250 Taste of Arcadia 58,309.46
Total 5-3200 Annual Events 70,119.67
Total 5-3000 Costs of Events 98,172.91
Total 5-0000 Other Costs of Services - COS 105,588.96
Total Cost of Goods Sold $105,588.96
GROSS PROFIT $348,263.84
Expenses
6-0000 Expenses
6-1000 Labor Expenses.
6-1100 Gross Wages - Operations 37,938.43
6-1105 Bonus 1,000.00
Total 6-1100 Gross Wages - Operations 38,938.43
6-1110 Gross Wages - Assist Director 54,437.56
6-1112 Bonus 500.00
Total 6-1110 Gross Wages - Assist Director 54,937.56
6-1120 Gross Wages - Officers 70,754.00
6-1125 Bonus 1,500.00
Total 6-1120 Gross Wages - Officers 72,254.00
6-1300 ER Payroll Tax Expense - Operations 3,777.10
6-1305 ER Payroll Tax Expense - Assist Director 4,804.46
6-1315 ER Payroll Tax Expense - Officers 6,194.66
6-1500 Payroll Processing Fee 9,652.46
6-1600 Health Insurance 15,250.00
6-1610 Cell Phone Reimbursement 1,426.50
6-1620 Internet Reimbursement 1,040.11
6-1630 Mileage Reimbursement 2,965.90
6-1700 Workers Comp Insurance 809.32
Total 6-1000 Labor Expenses.212,050.50
6-2000 Independent Contractors
6-2100 Accounting Expense 31,917.00
6-2175 Retirement Consulting Fees 3,500.00
6-2500 Website Maintenance Expense 935.00
6-2600 IT Maintenance Expense 4,975.00
Total 6-2000 Independent Contractors 41,327.00
6-3000 Overhead Expenses
6-3100 Rent Expense 4,400.00
ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Profit and Loss
July 2024 - April 2025
Accrual Basis Wednesday, May 21, 2025 02:15 PM GMT-07:00 5/5
TOTAL
6-3200 Utilities Expense 6,438.76
6-3300 Repairs and Maintenance Expense 255.00
6-3400 Property Taxes Expense 819.06
6-3500 Janitorial Expense 3,950.00
6-3600 Insurance Expense 48.00
6-3610 Umbrella Policy 4,401.74
6-3620 Director & Officers 1,104.18
Total 6-3600 Insurance Expense 5,553.92
Total 6-3000 Overhead Expenses 21,416.74
6-4000 Operational Expenses
6-4100 Bad Debts Expense
6-4101 Business 36,748.40
6-4105 Visionary Fund 1,697.00
Total 6-4100 Bad Debts Expense 38,445.40
6-4120 Telephone / Internet / Email Expense 5,415.49
6-4130 Postage Expense 365.00
6-4140 Printing Expense 5,692.31
6-4150 Equipment Rental Expense 4,236.59
6-4160 Equipment Purchase Expense 8,695.55
6-4180 Dues and Subscriptions Expense 333.48
6-4190 Office Supplies Expense 2,322.77
6-4200 Computer Software Expense 8,119.32
6-4205 Computer Hardware Expense 3,105.00
6-4210 Meals and Entertainment Expense 2,166.99
6-4220 Community Event Expense 495.76
6-4240 Advertising / Website Expenses 1,624.62
6-4245 Facebook / Instagram Boosts 5,000.00
6-4260 Business License Expense 15.00
6-4270 Miscellaneous Expense 0.00
Total 6-4000 Operational Expenses 86,033.28
Total 6-0000 Expenses 360,827.52
Total Expenses $360,827.52
NET OPERATING INCOME $ -12,563.68
NET INCOME $ -12,563.68
AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES BY AND BETWEEN THE
CITY OF ARCADIA AND ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
This Agreement for Services ("Agreement") is entered into this ______ day of
______________ 2025 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") 2025-2026, 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
$101,131 for certain business and economic development, marketing, civic promotion,
and similar services to be provided by the Chamber to the City during Fiscal Year
2025-2026, 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 2025-2026 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 2025, and again in May of 2026 describing in reasonable detail the
Chamber's performance and provision of the Services under this Agreement
for the period July 1, 2025 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 2025-2026, the City shall make (1) payment to the
Chamber of the sum of one-hundred and one thousand one hundred and
thirty one dollars ($101,131), payable in equal quarterly installments, the first
of which is due on or before July 1, 2025 (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, 2025, the Chamber shall provide to the City a
complete and accurate financial statement of the Chamber for Fiscal Year
2024-2025 (i.e., ending June 30, 2025).
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, 2025 and shall
extend through June 30, 2026 (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
_______________________________
Michael J. Maurer
City Attorney
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
EXHIBIT "A"
SERVICES PROVIDED BY ARCADIA THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TO THE CITY OF ARCADIA
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
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, Arcadia Chamber
Excellence Awards, 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,
Instagram, X, and any new effective technologies.
II. Business Development
A. Organize and host business expos and in-person job fairs to market Chamber
business member products and services to each other and to the community,
including at the city’s annual Moon Festival. 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 Taste of Arcadia, a tasting event with local restaurants and a
business showcase, during the month of September 2025 to be held at Santa
Anita Park.
E. Assist the City during emergencies, by providing a liaison at Emergency
Operations Center; coordinating 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; and supporting the City during emergencies by
providing relevant information to the business community.
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. Coordinate with city staff to organize the annual “State of the City” event each
year.