MJ Finstrom making final check before the show opens
Congratulations and thanks to Arcadia Chamber member HUTdogs — Merri Jill Finstrom and brother David Finstrom — for being a key part of producing the very successful May 13 Small Business Week Event at Pasadena City College. About 1,500 were expected to attend the free all-day event filled with dozens of informative sessions, including one led by HUTdogs and another they created for Arcadia Chamber of Commerce led by CEO Scott Hettrick.
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paul Little speaks to packed classroom.
That panel, including Paul Little, President and CEO of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, had capacity-seating crowds at both sessions, and offered helpful tips on how to best leverage Chamber and community events to the advantage of small businesses.
Other panelists included Dan Thomas, Time Warner Cable Business Services Major Account Executive, who is also a 12-year board member with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dave Finstrom at HUTdogs table
Rick Ronquillo, who works closely with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is a Master Body Language Programmer who offered very helpful tips about presenting yourself in the best possible way, and reading body language of those you are speaking to.
Joyce Robertson encouraged cooperative interaction with others who may be in a similar field rather than feeling defensive or competitive with them.
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Hettrick and member recruiter Kristy Thatcher Bradshaw meet with attendees
Outside the buildings in the quad area of the campus were dozens of booths of various organizations, including about 12 Chambers from all over Los Angeles and Orange Counties, as well as large booths by sponsors Constant Contact, SCORE, and SBDC. Plenty of food and beverages were also available free all day long, including delicious lunch sandwiches.
Among the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce members spotted at the event were President Andrew Gregson of The Executive Factor, President-Elect Vicki Knight of Century Rooter Service & Plumbing; Networking Breakfast host Rod Salazar of Stubbies Promotions, Arcadia Chamber Ambassadors chairman Rich Jones of the San Marino Tribune, Jerry Dominguez of Printing Control, Sean Sidders of new member Two Men and a Truck, and Donna Lee of LifeWave.
Arcadia Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick (standing) and Pasadena Chamber President & CEO Paul Little (r)
