Four new members joined the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce last month and two of them were personally introduced to Arcadia Chamber Ambassadors on Tuesday, January 5, by this month’s Personal Ambassador Naomi Briones of Embassy Suites by Hilton Arcadia. The new members are: John Villa of Dance Syndicate Entertainment and Ruby Kabrian from Fast-Fix Jewelry & Watch Repairs located at Westfield Santa Anita mall.
The new members were introduced following the regular monthly meeting of the volunteer Ambassadors led by Chairman Rich Jones of the San Marino Tribune, during which the Ambassadors also voted to approve the applications of Mike Vercillo of the Arcadia Police Department and retired resident Bruce McCallum to their group.
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Naomi Briones presents new member John Villa with plaque
John Villa of Dance Syndicate Entertainment primarily offers deejay services for events (he was the deejay for the Chamber’s Time Capsule/50th Anniversary ceremony last November as well as deejay for the wedding of the daughter of Arcadia Chamber President-Elect Vicki Knight), but he also offers assistance with all the technical aspects of events ranging from weddings to concerts. He not only takes care of providing the client with a great experience for the special occasion but also assists in day planning and finding venues that best cater the individual needs of the client’s unique interests. He consistently keeps up with happenings around the Los Angeles area allowing him great insight into fulfilling the diverse needs of his customers. You can read more about his work at the website www.dancesyndicate.com and reach John by calling (626) 488-7208 or e-mailing john@dancesyndicate.com.
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Naomi presents plaque to new Member Ruby Kabrian
Ruby Kabrian of Fast-Fix Jewelry & Watch Repairs will not only help fix those timeless pieces and keepsakes, but also offers professional appraisals. She has received a degree in gemology after working for her brother-in-law and discovering a natural passion to the profession. You can find Ruby at her location in the Westfield Santa Anita mall near the food court or call her at (626) 446-1446. More information on their business can be found at www.fastfix.com.
The two newest Ambassadors also shared a little about themselves:
- Mike Vercillo is a long-time resident of Arcadia, moving to the city in 1967, drawn by the great public schools and sterling reputation of the community. He changed career paths from his first undertaking in automotive business to his chosen profession within law enforcement. First taking steps working with homeland security he later moved into a heavily-sought-after position as a jail supervisor. However, when the business was outsourced, he was approached and offered a position aiding in the public outreach of the Arcadia Police Department, which he has done through the resurrection of the Neighborhood Watch program and quarterly Coffee with a Cop meet-and-greet events (next one is Jan. 28). His goal as an Ambassador is to aide community development programs that offer vital assistance to the maintaining and further establishment of a safer Arcadia.
- Bruce McCallum hopes to offer assistance in his newly found free time as a retiree from owning a small contracting company (70-80 employees) that installed counter tops. The longtime Arcadia resident has been the CTO (Chief Taste Officer) for Taste of Arcadia the past three years and was chairman of the Host Town Arcadia program last summer for the Special Olympics World Games. He is also a longtime member and former President of the Arcadia Rotary Club and a longtime USC football fan who is loyal despite their below average year this year.
Ambassadors also shared stories of their recent personal and business experiences with each other. Vicki Knight’s Century Rooter Service & Plumbing benefited to the tune of $27,000 from plumbing problems at LAX over the holidays. Suzie Krikorian’s ServPro was busy with fire damage following fireworks in La Canada. Naomi Briones said Embassy Suites with busy with lots of guests from Iowa for the Rose Bowl game who were obvious in their short pants expecting warmer weather. Chris Dettorre of EOS Solutions was busy helping companies finalize their required new new credit card chip readers. He also noted how happy he is to learn that he can synch his Apple computer calendar with the Arcadia Chamber’s web site calendar. Ivan Lai of Cruise Planners has a big cruise booked with travelers from China and just returned from what was supposed to be a vacation but wound up as a working cruise to the Caribbean where he and his wife never saw past the inside of their cabin. Similarly, John Sun of Budget Blinds worked via Vonage phone during most of his holidays in Brazil. Sue Cook of Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation was in discomfort most of the holidays with health issues and surgery but is now recovering well and busy with this weekend’s ABBAmania and Night Fever concert. Lifetime Ambassador Mary Hansen, who will turn 91 this week, hosted three parties over the holidays, each for eight different groups. Rich Jones of the San Marino Tribune visited his parents in New York, had some travel issues and delays, and got to see the baby of a couple he introduced to each other in college.
Under Chairman Rich Jones, San Marino Tribune, the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors include immediate past chairperson Sylvia Ramos, Dilbeck Estate; Naomi Briones, Embassy Suites by Hilton Arcadia; Sue Cook, Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation; Christopher Dettorre of Eos Business Solutions; Lifetime Ambassador Don Fandry, resident and representing the Elks Club; Lifetime Ambassador Mary Hansen, resident; Vicki Knight, Century Rooter Services & Plumbing; Suzanne Krikorian of ServPro, which provides 24/7 emergency response for cleanup and restoration after fire and water damage; Ivan Lai, Wendy Maeda of Keller Williams Realty; Cruise Planners; Arlynn Robinson, Coldwell Banker Dynasty; John Sun, Budget Blinds; City Council Member Sho Tay, Arcadia Masonic Lodge; and Allen Tsay, Waddell & Reed.
