At the latest Networking Breakfast on February 19 we learned about the most effective ways to advertise in print and electronically from Patricia Colonello of Mountain Views News; MJ Finstrom, Chief Creative at HUTdogs and Authorized Local Expert for Constant Contact of Hutdogs; Jesse Dillon, CEO Beacon Media Inc. (publisher of Arcadia Weekly); and Arcadia Chamber of Commerce President-Elect Andrew Gregson, Chief Marketing Officer of The Executive Factor and Client Relations Director of Hart, Mieras & Morris.
Methodist Hospital was honored with a tribute as an Arcadia Business Icon, accepted by Chief Financial Officer Bill Grigg, and we got the 411 on Jan’s Towing from Annette Ousterhout, who was the lucky winner of this month’s business spotlight.
<Story continues below the following photo gallery…>[flagallery gid=276]
As always, attendees of the Networking Breakfast (third Thursday of each month) at the Sunset Room of the Santa Anita Golf Course, sponsored by Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary and hosted by Rod Salazar of Stubbies Promotions, not only enjoy a great breakfast buffet and valuable networking with dozens of others – 50 today, but also introduce themselves one at a time with a 30-second “elevator pitch.” In addition, they have a chance to win one of multiple gifts donated by members and attendees for a business card drawing (please bring a raffle prize to next Breakfast and introduce yourself and the gift), one of which is a free three-minute Business Spotlight.
Bruce Lazenby of Rose Hills indicates that he been actively involved for four years in Arcadia. He sees Rose Hills as a business and community partner. Bruce invites everyone to the “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 2:30 p.m.at Rose Hills in Whittier. From 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. there will be a Veterans Resource Fair followed by a barbecue at 4:30 p.m. and a Homeless Veteran Memorial Service from 6 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. If you would like more information contact Phyllis Grabot at (805) 341-7269.
Annette Ousterhout of Jan’s Towing, this month’s three-minute Business Spotlight winner, talked about the fact that Jan got started in the towing business with just a couple of trucks. His hard work and dedication paid off because they were able to expand their business to where they are today, representing many cities as the official tow service, including Arcadia. They do, among other things, big-rig towing. So when you see one of those rigs on its side it is likely that Jan’s towing will be called to get the rig off the freeway and allow traffic to keep flowing once again. Jan’s Towing is also a CHP evidence facility, where cars are often taken and stored pending completion of an investigation. We thank Annette and Jan’s towing for all they do for our community.
Rod Salazar, our ever-delightful Master of Ceremonies introduced Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick and Carol Libby of the Arcadia Historical Society who presented the Arcadia Business Icon plaque to our very own Methodist Hospital. CFO Bill Grigg graciously accepted the honor on behalf of Methodist and noted that Methodist Hospital provides 2,000 jobs at an annual payroll of more than $100 million. He appreciates the support of the community and the Chamber. Mr. Brigg jokingly asked the audience if any of our member businesses make latex gloves that he could buy in bulk since crates of them are sitting on ships in the L.A. harbor due to the continuing problems at the Port of Los Angeles. Let’s hope that the cargo jam soon frees up and everything gets unloaded for distribution. Congratulations to Methodist Hospital!
Our marketing panel did a fantastic job at the breakfast. Scott served as moderator for the discussion which was both informative and to the point. MJ Finstrom of HUTdogs states that although you might have heard that the organic reach for Facebook has gone down, Facebook is still going strong. The fact remains that people are on Facebook and there are 135 million American users who check their Facebook on average 12 times a day! One of every seven minutes spent online is on Facebook. MJ indicates there are many ways to build your presence on Facebook. For example, for $5 you can boost your postings and get more Likes. MJ is also a master of all things related to the e-newsletter template and marketing service called Constant Contact and there is a free Constant Contact event on May 13 at Pasadena City College at which Scott Hettrick will be a panelist, representing the Chamber’s social media strategies as well as his own ArcadiasBest.com. MJ states that E-mail as a marketing tool should be an integral part of your overall marketing plan.
Panelist Patricia Colonello of Mountain Views News said there is a still a strong readership for newspapers and printed media. If you are in a doctor’s office or waiting to have you car repaired it is easy to pick up a newspaper and catch up on all things local. Patricia also advised business advertisers to identify something that makes you stand out and then get that across in an ad in a local paper, perhaps with a slogan. Remember, when you advertise with a newspaper the ad will normally also show up in print and on the newspaper website. So, you are getting a lot of bang for your buck. Patricia indicates Mountain Views News is about the local community and so should your business.
Jesse Dillon from the Arcadia Weekly addressed the need for businesses to have a clear vision statement. This statement sets the direction of the company. For example, the Arcadia Weekly wants to be the “leading source for news and information.” This is a clear statement that sets forth what the business is all about and what it wants to accomplish. Jesse states that you need to be sure what you are doing aligns with your vision. Jesse indicates it is important to be visible and align yourself with the Chamber. He also discussed the need to give back to the community and be a good corporate citizen. “You should always be thinking, how do I give back to the community?” The Arcadia Weekly and other Beacon Media publications always offering opportunities for interns and others in the workplace in order for these individuals to gain valuable skills and experience.
Andrew Gregson indicates that the Chamber of Commerce is a valuable partner that can help you succeed and bring in business. Five years ago when Andrew opened The Executive Factor, initially 70% of the business came through the Chamber. Andrew worked with the Chamber to market his business and they held a ribbon cutting with the Mayor. There was a lot of media coverage in the local papers generated by the Chamber. (Andrew will host a free Flash Course marketing lunch seminar at the Chamber of Commerce at 12 noon next Tuesday, Feb. 24. Andrew also discussed the importance of utilizing the internet, as well as making use of a direct-mail campaign, which he said can be the most effective way of marketing.
Donors and winners of the business card raffle drawing:
- Doneva Garcia of Methodist Hospital was the lucky recipient of a $25 Full House Seafood Restaurant certificate donated by Bruce Lazenby of Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary.
- Connie Aguilar of Options was the winner of two tickets to see the Four Tops at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center, donated by Sue Cook who is Executive Director of the Center’s supporting Arcadia Performing Arts Center Foundation. Sue will be the featured speaker at the March 5 Government Affairs Forum at the Chamber.
- Bill Grigg of Methodist Hospital was the recipient of an Arcadia Police ride-a-long courtesy of Mike Vercillo of the Arcadia Police Department.
- Carol Libby of the Arcadia Historical Society won a gift basket of treats donated by Arolyn Burns of The A Treatment Center.
- Emily Li of Blend It Healthy received a great travel pillow donated by Daleth Cortes of Custom Comfort Mattress.
- Stanley Soto of Soto Insurance won two tickets to Santa Anita and a calendar donated by Rod Salazar of Stubbies.
- Dr. Nina Getz of Phillips Eye Center won a T-shirt donated by Annette Ousterhout of Jan’s Towing.
The next Networking Breakfast will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2015, in the Sunset Room of the Santa Anita Golf Course, and will feature an expert panel discussing ” Spring Cleaning for your Finances – Investing & Taxes.” We expect to hear from panelists from Allen Tsay at Waddell & Reed; Emmy Hernandez of EH Financial; and Kim Arnold of Books By Kim, who provides the Arcadia Chamber’s bookkeeping services.
Tickets to the breakfast, which runs from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m., are $20 in advance ($25 at the door) and discounted to $15 for Chamber members who pay by the previous Friday ($20 at the door for Chamber members). No charge for those holding a Chamber All Access Pass.
Tickets: 626-447-2159 or in the “Shop” area at www.ArcadiaCaChamber.org, or at Chamber office, 388 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, during regular business hours.