CommerceP A S A D E N A November-December, 2014 News and Events of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association VOL. 9, NO. 6

President’s Message President’s Breakfast Honoring President Richard Chinen These are very exciting times for the and Pasadena Tournament of Roses December 4th Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. We The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce will honor Tournament of Roses Association have had seven years of increased rev- President Rich Chinen at the annual President’s Breakfast at the Sheraton Pasadena on enues due to new and renewing mem- Thursday, December 4, 2014. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. followed by a festive celebra- bership rates, added events and addi- tory program. Sponsors of the 2014 President's Breakfast are The Tournament of tional profits from existing events. We Roses and Wells Fargo . are also having to move our offices as Chamber members, friends and the gen- our current lease is expiring. eral public are invited to share Inspiring The very exciting news is that, after Stories, the theme for the 2015 Tournament more than 25 years, the Pasadena of Roses, with honored special guests the Chamber is purchasing a modest Royal Court, as well as Tournament presi- building at 44 North Mentor Avenue dents past, present and future. for our headquarters. We were very A highlight of the morning's breakfast is a lucky to find an affordable building chance to hear from Mr. Chinen, president and very favorable financing so that of the Tournament of Roses for the 2015 the monthly payments on the building and Game share his would be about equal to what renting 2014 Tournament President Scott Jenkins and experiences representing the Tournament. a comparable space in today’s market. the Rose Court at the President’s Breakfast. Born in Tokyo and raised in Hawaii, Mr. We may also have the opportunity to Chinen lives in Pasadena with his wife generate some revenue from portions Kimberly. They have two grown daughters, Megan Oakes and Erin Pommer. Mr. Chinen of the building, as well. is a partner in Chamber member law firm Palmero, Barbaro, Chinen & Pitzer, LP . As I said, we got very lucky. Mr. Chinen has been a volunteer member of the Tournament of Roses Association We are also very fortunate to have since 1989 and was elected to the Executive Committee in 2007. Throughout his exten- had help from Chamber members and sive Tournament career, Mr. Chinen has served on and chaired various committees our Board of Directors. Chris Robert- including Alumni, Float Entries, Judging and Queen & Court. son of Robertson Commercial acted Tickets to the Tournament Breakfast are $75 each. Corporate tables of ten are $750. as our broker to help locate, then Sponsorships are $1500. Those sponsoring the event receive a table with recognition, negotiate a fair price for the property. acknowledgement in all publicity materials and will enjoy breakfast with a member of We were able to make a competitive the Royal Court as their guest. Self parking is included in the cost of breakfast and offer and secure the funding necessary thanks to our friends and loyal Cham- sponsorship. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call the Chamber office at (626) 795-3355. ber members at IUOE, Local 12 who see the Pasadena Chamber as a good Chamber Holiday Party and Toy Drive at Castle Catering investment. The Chamber Board appointed an Romanesque Room December 18th at 5pm ad hoc committee to oversee any ac- The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Holiday Party for members and quisition or relocation. These individ- friends at The Romanesque Room at Castle Catering at 50 uals, George Falardeau, CL Keedy East Green Street in Pasadena on Thursday, December 18th at 5:00 and Ben Green, with enthusiastic p.m. The party is organized and executed by the Chamber Ambassa- assistance from Patty Waggoner, dors. 90 minutes of free parking is available across the street in the made the acquisition possible. George Schoolhouse parking garage. helped develop our relationship with The Chamber Holiday Party is also the culmination of the Cham- Chris Robertson. Patty worked hard ber's annual toy drive to support local children's service organiza- to help identify a site and then ar- tions. This year the chamber is supporting Operation Santa Claus, ranged the funding deal for us and Donate a toy to the Pasadena Jaycees’ program that delivers toys to needy children even helped identify a contractor support Operation on Christmas Eve. Chamber members and others attending the Hol- member, Syntax Builders , to do iday Party are asked to donate an unwrapped toy or gift card. Santa Claus some of the required improvements. Chamber members who donate toys at the Holiday Party receive We are very excited at the prospect free admission. Toy-bearing non-members and Pasadena Chamber members without a of moving in somewhat larger space. I toy pay $10. Non-members without a toy to donate pay $20 admission. You can donate am very grateful for the help and sup- to the Chamber Toy Drive by bringing an unwrapped toy to the Holiday Party or leave it port of so many Chamber members at the Chamber offices during business hours. and friends who made this happen for For more information about the Toy Drive or Holiday Party, please call the Chamber the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. office at (626) 795-3355.

PAGE 2 COMMERCE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014

New members (below, from left) introduced at our Luncheon Alliance in New Members for August, 2014 September were Thomas Folan with NRG eVgo . Sam Najarian of Adriana’s Insurance , Tracey Gomez, Simplicity Bank was also recognized as a new member. At the October (909) 991-4361 lunch we met Tom Boland with American Fitness and Nutrition American Fitness and Nutrition Academy , Academy . At September’s Connection Breakfast we met Howard Ursettie Tom Boland, (626) 782-6200 of Financial Focus Counseling . Dead Letter Design , Russell Pinkston, (919) 413-6621 GB Pictures , Kevin Erikson, (949) 933-1627 Glendale Adventist Medical Center , Steven Stubbs, (818) 409-8000 Grand Canyon University , Jeri Resor, (602) 639-8217 NRG eVgo , Thomas Folan, (310) 621-7581 Panda Innovation Kitchen , Apo Chavez-Arreola, (714) 404-7063 Chamber Member Openings, Events and Celebrations P.I.E., Inc. - Accounting & Management Services , Laurette Clash, (818) 649-7574 The Spa Sante and Salon , Gigi Mui Chow, (626) 833-1026 New Members for September, 2014 Ben Green Insurance Agency , Ben Green, (626) 290-0888 Braise and Crumble , Laura Page, (626) 460-8600 Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co., Inc. , Christopher P. D’Sa, (626) 817-7904 Institute of Advanced Management , Chamber Board Chair Ben Olympian Rafer Johnson was a featured speaker Jennie Ta, (626) 618-7791 Green joined Andrew and as the City of Pasadena was named a host city Francis Krahe & Associates Inc. , Paula Mamuri, Peggy Cherng to open Panda’s for the 2015 Special Olympics being held in (213) 804-3646 first Innovation Kitchen. next summer. HandySpaces.com by General Ingenuity Inc. , Kavita Anand, (626) 552-8156 Hywood International Co., LLC , Avery Ai Yang, (626) 910-5088 Laquer, Urban, Clifford & Hodge LLP , Jackie Brown, (626) 449-1882 Los Angeles Bach Festival , Diana Waters, (818) 203-3325 Mi Colombia Mia , Natalia Silva, (310) 802-9025 Papa Nacca’s Jerky , John Naccarato, (626) 379-7369 Rose City Catering , Diego Fernandez, (626) 376-3701 More than 450 people were in attendance at the Taste of Pasadena at the Rose San Luis Sourdough , Jaime Nassar, Bowl. The team from Green Street Restaurant won the SIP-tember Cocktail (909) 896-1111 Bracket Challenge Finale with the Vin de Pomplemousse.

Travel With the Chamber-Visit Tuscany, Cruise the Danube, South Pacific and Australia Visit Tuscany with the Pasadena Chamber. Book now and save $250 off the regular double rate of $3,399. See the best of Italy for only $3,149 per person. Cost includes round trip airfare from Los Angeles, bus travel between destinations and to and from attractions, English- speaking guides, admission to venues and activities, eight breakfasts and five dinners. This is a great deal! The trip departs from Los Angeles on March 12, 2015, returning March 21st. Cruise the Danube with Jet Vacations aboard a 5-star luxury riverboat from Budapest to Nuremberg from October 20 to Octo- ber 28, 2015. The price of $3,699 per person includes airfare from Los Angeles, transfers to your luxury cruiser, meals, drinks and more. See Bratislava, Vienna and more as you enjoy the food, people and sights of Europe’s most storied and beautiful river. Enjoy Australia and the South Seas from November 2 to November 14, 2015, for $4,349 dou- ble occupancy. See the Great barrier Reef, Sydney and the Sydney Opera House, Cairns and more before you depart for Fiji and paradise. Cost includes round trip airfare, hotels, tour and destination fees, meals. For information or a tour brochure, call the Chamber office at 626-795-3355 or email [email protected]. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, COMMERCE PAGE 3 Renewing Members for August, 2014

One to Five Years Sotomayor Law Fifteen to Fifty Years Torres Web Design Beckham Grill Al Brooks Rose Bowl Tours California Bank & Trust Six to Nine Years Bob Hope Airport Casa de las Amigas City of Pasadena La Grande Orange Café Community Construction Group Inc. Corcoran Bookkeeping & Tax Services Luggage Room Pizzeria, The Computer Guys, The ICM Inc.-Independent Capital State Farm Insurance-Nadine Shokoufi Guardian Management Lauren Lewis Public Relations & Com- Ten to Fourteen Years Sheraton Pasadena Hotel munications Milestone Products Law Offices of Timothy Bowles Renewing Members for September, 2014

One to Five Years Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi Fifteen to Fifty Years Asolva Inc. Pacific Crane & Equipment Sales Air-Tro, Inc. Bikram Yoga Pasadena Pasadena Community Foundation Art Center College of Design Roses Road Inc. C W Wong & Associates Edward Jones Investments- Seismic Safety Castle Green Marengo Ave. Servpro of Arcadia & Pasadena North ForensisGroup Treasure Little Children Foundation Green House Gift Shop HEAR Center Hair by Cesare, Inc. Six to Nine Years A.J. Longo and Associates Hastings Ranch Nursery School Old Republic Construction Program Avanti-LSSSC Ideal Youth Group, Inc. Cushman & Wakefield Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer Pacific Clinics Melting Pot LLC, The Neurofeedback & Neurorehab Pasadena Unified School District Institute, Inc. (NNRI, Inc.) Ten to Fourteen Years Polenzani Benefits & Insurance Community Health Alliance Pasadena Services, LLC (CHAPcare) Sharp Seating Co. Stanislawski & Company, Inc.- A Certified Public Accountant

PW’s Best of List (cont. from back page) Cheeseburger Week Returns Accountant: Robert Hall Assoc. Party Rental: Dolphin, Town & Country January 11, 2015 Attorney: Cotman IP Law Firm, Photographer: Nicola Borland Join us the week of January 11th as Hahn & Hahn Real Estate: Podley Properties the Chamber celebrates Cheeseburger Bank: Wells Fargo, Bank of America Self Storage: Arroyo Parkway Week in Pasadena. We can expect lots Car Wash: Arroyo Car Wash Senior Living: Fair Oaks Regency Park, of old favorites and some new partici- Chiropractor: Premier Wellness Pasadena Highlands, Villa Gardens pants for the Cheeseburger Challenge. Cardio Workout: Push Pull Speech/Hearing: HEAR Center Credit Union: Pasadena Federal Summer Camp: Tom Sawyer Dance Studio: Pasadena Conservatory Yoga: Bikram Yoga of Dance, Arthur Murray Auto Dealer: Rusnak, Honda Pasadena, Toyota Pasadena Eyewear: Linden Farmers Market: Pasadena Certified, Cheeseburger Challenge entries have Flea Market: Rose Bowl, PCC included the Mars Rover Burger from Flower Shop: Jacob Maarse Kings Row Gastropub Furniture: Fedde Furniture Gift Boutique: Lula Mae Celebrate Lionel Sternberger’s Stone Brewing’s beer selection is a favorite Bookstore: Vroman’s, Shopping Destination: Old Pasadena, culinary genius in placing a slice of with Pasadena Weekly readers. South Lake, Paseo Colorado cheese atop a burger and being the first Specialty Food: Beyond the Olive, Whole to serve it to a customer at the Rite Day Care: Kids Klub Foods, Spot in Pasadena in 1924. Day Spa: Massage Envy, Salt Studio Stationery: Vroman’s Enjoy burgers (and more) and vote for Cleaner: Pasadena Laundry, Bryan’s Thrift Shop: ACTS, Goodwill your favorites from January 11th Funeral Home: Cabot & Sons Wine Shop: Everson Royce through the 16th. Look for more infor- Hospital: Huntington, City of Hope mation and a full list of participants at Hotel: Langham Huntington, Courtyard www.pasadenarestaurantweek.com. by Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, Westin Sponsored by the City of Pasadena and House Cleaning: Maid Brigade Trusted Choice Agents of Burbank, Mortgage Broker: Rob Levy (Homestreet) Glendale and Pasadena. PASADENA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Pasadena Chamber members dominate PW’s Best of List 844 EAST GREEN STREET, For 2014, Pasadena Chamber members were singled out in the annual SUITE 208 Best of Pasadena edition of Pasadena Weekly. Recognized for excellence PASADENA, CA 91101 (626) 795-3355 were: (626) 795-5603 FAX WEBSITE: WWW. Restaurant: Twohey’s, La Grande Happy Hour: Kabuki, Ruth’s Chris PASADENA-CHAMBER.ORG Orange Live Music Bar: Kings Row New Restaurant: Major Dave’s Gastropub, redwhite+bluezz PASADENA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION STATEMENT: Chicken, Lavender and Honey Live Music Venue: Ambassador WE ARE AN EFFECTIVE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL FORCE FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP. Business Lunch: Green Street Auditorium Pasadena Commerce is published bi-monthly by the Pasadena Restaurant Live Theater: Pasadena Playhouse, Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association. Third class postage Cheap Eats: Dog Haus, Major Dave’s A Noise Within paid in Pasadena, CA. Send address changes to the Chamber. Outdoor Dining: La Grande Orange, Margaritas: Mijares, El Portal © 2014 by Pasadena Chamber. PICNIK, Café Santorini Movie Theater: Arclight, iPic OFFICERS Restaurant Staff: All India Café, Place to Dance: ix-tapa Ben Green, Chair Thomas Daly, Chair-elect Paul Little, President & CEO CL Keedy*, Immediate Gale’s Restaurant, El Portal, First Date Place: Huntington Past-chair Kabuki Library, Art Collections, Patty Waggoner*, Secretary Ron Carter, Treasurer Romantic Restaurant: The The Raymond Karl Bird Vice-chair Michael D’Antuono*, Vice-chair Raymond Restaurant Pub Grub: Kings Row, Barney’s Bob Baderian, Vice-chair Joan De Souza, Vice-chair Special Occasion Dining: Bistro 45 Beanery George Falardeau*, Vice-chair Ishmael Trone, Vice-chair Justin Tsui, Vice-chair Family Restaurant: Twohey’s, Radio Station: KPCC La Grande Orange Sports Bar: Barney’s, Buffalo Wild BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Timothy Lusher Late Night Snack: Du-par’s Wings Wendy Fujihara Anderson Restaurant Theater Production: Pericles (Noise Heidi Bloks Lauren Marlis Dennis Buckley* Margaret Martinez Sunday Brunch: Mijares Mexican, Within) Jeff Christoffel Robin McCarthy Langham Huntington Hotel Wedding/Banquet Hall: Noor, Salomon Davila Bob Oppermann BBQ: Robin’s Castle Green, Athenaeum Valerie Prince Kevin Duffy Breakfast: Twohey’s Wine Selection: Vertical Wine Darryl Dunn** Brad Ratliff** Eric Duyshart** Armando Ramirez Buffet: Souplantation, Panda Inn Bistro Michael Gallego Evan Scott Burger: The Counter, Slater’s 50/50 Annual Event: Rose Parade, Make Blake Longo Gail Schaper-Gordon : King Music Pasadena

California Cuisine: Green Street Art Gallery: Huntington Library STAFF Kelly Shearer, Office & Member Services Manager Chinese: Panda Inn Historic Landmark: Pasadena City Leanne Waggoner, Events & External Services Manager Cupcakes: Confexion Hall Linda Whaley, Staff Support Services Deli Sandwiches: Pasadena Higher Learning: Caltech, Art Luncheon Alliance Sandwich Company Center, Dessert: POP Champagne Kid Fun Spot: Kidspace Joan’s Candles and Home Decor sponsors French: Café Bizou Local Charity: Union Station, Five our networking Luncheon Alliance on Wednes- Fried Chicken: Major Dave’s, Big Acres, Hillsides day, November 5th at 11:45am. Mama’s Rib Shack Non-profit: Pasadena Humane Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation Health Food: Real Food Daily Society sponsors the networking lunch on December 3rd Hot Dogs: Dog Haus Museum: Kidspace at 11:45am. Coffee House: Lavendar & Honey, The Luncheon Alliance starts promptly at Copa Vida 11:45am at Altadena Town & Country Club Ice Cream, etc.: Yogurtland at 2290 Country Club Drive in Altadena. Breakfast Connection Indian: All India Café Italian: Gale’s, Celestino’s Thursday, November 13th at 7am, Joseph lLee Japanese: Kabuki, Sushi Roku of L&B Law Firm sponsors our Connection Brewery: Stone Brewing Breakfast at The Courtyard by Marriott at Pizza: The Luggage Room 180 N. Fair Oaks Avenue. Mediterranean: Café Santorini, Pita Lavendar & Honey was named On Thursday, December 11th Villa Esperan- Jungle za Services sponsors our networking Connec- best new business by Pasadena Mexican: Mijares, El Portal, Weekly readers. tion Breakfast . El Cholo Due to increased costs, price for the lunch and breakfast are now $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Seafood: Cameron’s, Roy’s Hawaiian Soul Food: Big Mama’s New Business: Lavendar & Honey Chamber After Hours Social and Mixer South American: Malbec, Bar Celona Outdoor Recreation: Rose Bowl Enjoy Majestic Colors of Autumn at Castle Ca- Spanish Food: Bar Celona Place of Worship: All Saints tering’s Romanesque Room as Joan’s Candles Steakhouse: Ruth’s Chris Episcopal, Lake Avenue and Home Décor & WOW! Event Produc- Taco: King Taco Place to Work: Caltech, JPL tions & PR host our Chamber After Hours So- Tea Room: Huntington Rose Garden Private School: High Point, La Salle cial and Mixer. Join us at 50 E. Green St. in Pas- Thai: President thai Public School: Don Benito, Marshall adena on Thursday, November 20th, 5pm-7pm. Vegetarian: Real Food Daily Art School: Art Center Admission is free for Pasadena Chamber Bar: Speakeasy at New York Deli Music School: Pasadena members, $10 for others. Cocktails: Bar 1886 at The Raymond Conservatory of Music Our annual Holiday Party is December 18th. Comedy Club: Ice House Continued on Page 3