More than 60 local officials and media filled the stylish new store called Umeken at Westfield Santa Anita mall today, Tuesday, Dec. 15, for a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Umeken USA officials showcased the eclectic array of exclusively-produced health and wellness products ranging from vitamin supplements to bedding, cooking utensils, cosmetics, and an alkaline water generator for your body.
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City of Arcadia Mayor Gary Kovacic (along with Council Member Sho Tay) was one of a half-dozen mayors and vice-mayors from local cities and representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez, and Assembly Member Ed Chau to present certificates of congratulations and welcome to Umeken USA CEO Brian W. Han. Arcadia Chamber of Commerce President Andrew Gregson of The Executive Factor and President-Elect Vicki Knight of Century Rooter Service & Plumbing presented Brian with new member plaque. Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick, who helped coordinate the ribbon-cutting and participation of elected officials, was also introduced at the beginning of the ceremony.
More than a dozen Asian media photographers and reporters covered the ceremony for Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese media outlets — here are two examples of video news reports (story continues below the following videos)…
Click this link for a video report by the Saigon Broadcasting Television Network (still photo at right from the report during which Arcadia Chamber of Commerce scissors are handed to Umeken executives and City of Arcadia officials)…
Brian played a video for the assembled guests showing how most of the Korean company’s custom-made products are made in Japan, and feature patented technologies for things such as the unique perfectly-round chew-able vitamin tablets, as well as the ball bearings produced by Toyota especially for a skin wrinkle-removing device. Brian said Umeken, which has 23 stores in North America, including one in Arcadia’s nearby 99 Ranch Market, specializes in the power of preventative healing through enzymes and other dietary supplements. Tasty samples were available for attendees, along with generous gift bags of sample products.
Following the presentations, all the officials, including additional Umeken executives Dillon W. Cho, CTO and VP of Engineering, and Marketing Manager Jennifer Woo put on white gloves, cut the ribbon in front of the store located just off the food court on the main level, and made a toast with non-alcoholic champagne.
Umeken then invited all attendees to enjoy a free sumptuous lunch at the nearby Kirin Buffet in the mall.
