Bruce Lathrop, president and co-founder of MADIA (Monrovia Arcadia Duarte Irwindale Azusa) Tech Launch Inc., illustrated in his presentation this morning at the Arcadia Chamber’s October Community Connection that he strives to build a sense of place and ecosystem for the tech industry. Other areas, such as Silicone Valley and Silicone Coast, have gained recognition as the tech capitals. In turn this has generated interest, migration and growth in those areas. Bruce elaborates on the fact that San Gabriel Valley has the resources and qualified individuals to be recognized as its own Tech Center, and essentially this is the mission of MADIA Tech Launch Inc. Their mission is, “to ensure the region’s technical, scientific, and industrial workforce is connected and has the tools they need to be successful, MADIA provides educational programs in entrepreneurship, business finance and operations, and technology development and commercialization in settings which encourage networking and collaboration among members.”
The creation of MADIA is the product of a number of inspirational factors. Chief among them being the Co-Founder, Todor Trenkov, who noticed while working in the Small Business Development Center that tech resources and personnel were being transplanted out of the local region. Along with this, groups that should be local such as the Pasadena Angels, would develop and create the platform for innovative tech to be held only within the city limits of Pasadena. MADIA in turn solves the tech industries space issues by uniting and educating the areas technical, scientific and industrial workforce. One of the greatest benefits is the freeform nature of MADIA is that they can share ideas and resources between the participating cities.
With many accomplishments and a fostering tech community, MADIA is progressing towards the creation of a recognized tech platform with many accmplishments already made. For more information about getting involved with MADIA please reach out to them through their website; http://www.madiatech.org/
Legislative Representatives and City Officials
Maile Plan representing Congresswoman Judy Chu reported that the government did not shut down on October 1st, 2018. The congress passed bills to extend funding for different departments to avoid a shutdown. After the election bills may get debated in order to be passed to further extend funding. On October 20, 2018, at Glendora Public Library from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm the Congresswoman will be holding Service Academy Day.
Sandra Maravila representing Supervisor Kathryn Barger reported that regarding Measure H, their homelessness initiative, they have started doing listening sessions for measure h funding. There is a listening session scheduled for Ocober 9 for any community member to attend, they do advise and encourage registration through Eventbrite to ensure a spot is held for any who hope to participate. The Supervisor will be holding a trail ride on October 21, 2018 with the cost of admission being 30 per person. You can register at; http://reservations.lacounty.gov/Reservations/Product.Asp
Tim Schwehr of the City of Arcadia reported that they will be releasing a flyer for 2018-2019 on the new busiensses that will be soon arriving in the city as well as the new properties that are under consideration for historical preservation. The city along with the DAIA will be holding a Halloween harvest event for the community. Santa Anita Park will be hosting an e sports event, the event will be a US qualifier to the WESG (World Electronic Sports Games tournament in China. The event is predicted to generate huge ratings, attendance and revenue.
Linda Sells representative of the MAD Town Council reported that they will be meeting at All Nations Church this month on the third Wednesday. As well she thanked the Arcadia Library for holding a very informative presentation on the needs of 501 c3s processing. The MAD Town Council is working on their next certificate class.
Mike Vercillo of the Arcadia Police Department will be holding a safety and security expo on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at the Arcadia Masonic Lodge, it will be free to the public and to vendors. The APD is looking to host another Ring Subsidy program, and will be providing further updates soon.
