Today at Chamber Board Meeting, President Arlynn Robinson of Century 21 Earll Ltd., and Board Member Joan Francone of Ori Global invited everyone to the Boot Stompin’ Hoedown at Matt Denny’s “Saloon” (Restaurant and Ale House) at 6 p.m. Friday, July 26.
For just $40 a person — half-price for children 12 and younger (buy Hoedown tickets here), you get a full BBQ dinner and two drinks, live entertainment by JC-2 and Havin’A Ball Dancers. Proceeds will go towards the purchasing of new furnishing for the Chamber.
Other updates at the meeting:
- Councilman Bob Harbicht: Construction on Santa Anita Avenue at the crossing of the new Gold Line bridge continues for four more months but reports indicate drivers are not having too much trouble navigating the narrowed passage to one direction each way.
— Two medical buildings are underway, Hale Medical Building by Santa Anita Park across from hospital and Soo Medical Building campus on Colorado Place by Peppers Mexican Restaurant.
— The City approved a new one-year agreement with Chamber including a fee increase of $10,000, plus additional $40,00 per year for three years for internal building improvements.
— The City approved the mailing of ballots to property owners in the downtown area surrounding First Avenue and Huntington Drive for a vote on establishing a Community Benefits District to tax property owners for marketing and improvements. - Arcadia School District, Superintendent Dr. Joel Shawn: School Board President Joann Steinmeier retires from her 24 years on being a Board member.
— New Principal positions were filled for Highland Oaks and Longley Way elementary schools.
— High School Graduation was on the 14th at Santa Anita Park with 15,000 in attendance. - Santa Anita Park horse race track: Immediate Past President Pete Siberell said the 626 Night Market earlier in June drew 35,000 visitors over two days, Saturday and Sunday. Next one July 8-9.
— Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick announced a new marketing plan coming later this year from new Chief Marketing Officer of Santa Anita parent The Stronach Group that would encourage all Chamber business owners to participate in new App called Qraves that would drive customers into stores to scan QR code to play social media game to win prizes and special experiences at Santa Anita. Business owners would also be provided general demographic information about those players.
- Downtown Arcadia Towne Center Business Association: Matt McSweeny reported efforts being made to get supporters to cast ballots in July to approve the Community Benefits District.
- Real Estate updates: Arcadia Association of Realtors Executive Director Andrew Cooper provided handout showing Arcadia Home Re-Sale Activity was down 8.9% on 29 homes in May in the 91006 zip code but up 16.1% on 27 homes in the 91007 zip code.For the first quarter those figures were up 10.4% on 74 sales in 91006, and 16.7% on 49 homes in the 91007. The median prices of those homes was $886,000 in 91006 and $1.1 mil, in 91007. (click image at right to enlarge)
- Bruce Lazenby of Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary reported on a meeting with Congresswoman Judy Chu regarding a National Recreation Area being planned in the region. City Manager Dominic Lazzarretto said the change could increase fees to business owners. Chamber will keep members informed of updates.
- Huntington Crossing retail center update: Bob Kenz of Robeks reported that the Extended Stay hotels just north of Huntington are completing renovations.
- Networking Breakfasts report: Dr. Nina Getz of Phillips Eye Center reported continued strong attendance – 42 this month — and good monthly speakers and Business Icon recipients in partnership with the Arcadia Historical Society (Nordstrom recognized this month). Next month’s program, the annual Business Awards on July 18, sponsored by Southern California Edison as well as monthly sponsor Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary.
- Chamber updates:
— Taste of Arcadia nearly halfway to overall target revenue gross of $75,000 and already exceeded $20,000 sponsor goal and $8,000 Business Showcase at the Taste goal with nearly three months left. Nearly 200 tickets sold with goal of 1,000.
— Recent PCC grad Allen Tsay to head up rejuvenation of Asian Business Outreach Committee and also begin commission sales of new members.
— Chamber slightly increasing conference room rental fees for non-members and businesses.
— Delinquent member renewals will now go first to Ambassadors, then consultant 60 days out, followed by cut-off notice at 90-days.
— Proposed budget to be completed this week with new categories added for more efficiency and better effectiveness.
— Chamber vacation trips being pursued more vigorously with two trips in fall with Collette Vacations and one to Australia/New Zealand next winter, and trip to Dubai in March 2014 through Indus Travel.