Pico Chamber

Official Publication of the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce Volume 12, Issue 6, Fall 2008

PO Box 847Pico Rivera CA 90660-6347 Phone (562) 949-2473 Fax (562) 949-8320 www.picoriverachamber.org

PRESORT STD. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Permit No. 258

Santa Fe Springs, CA

T h e B u s i n e s s J o u r n a l “Golden Business Opportunit ies”

Visit our AdvertisersA Mi Hacienda Beverly Hospital Bright Medical/PHP Citizens Business Bank Credit Union of Southern CA Dollar Self Storage* Pico Rivera Optometric Center PIH State Farm Insurance * Coupon ads

Page 5 Page 8 Page 6 Page 5 Page 2 Page 4 Page 4 Page 7 Page 3

To place an ad in the Business Journal call the chamber for rates or visit www.picoriverachamber .org

and click on Advertising.

Radisson Whittier 7320 Greenleaf Ave. Whittier CA 906027:30am to 9:00am. December 9, 2008

Celebrating 50 Years of service to Our Business Community

Martinez, Jr., Ph.D., Superinten-dent/President of Rio Hondo College was named one of the Top 25 Latino in Educa-tion by Latino Leaders Magazine in the September 2008 issue. The publication is distributed eight times per year throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The magazine features interviews with major Latino players in all fields of expertise with editorials that focus on social, politi-cal, and business leaders. Other educators selected for this honor include France Cordova, Presi-dent, Purdue University; Elsa A. Murano, President, Texas A & M University; and J. Michael Ortiz, President California State Polytechnic University. “The Board of Trustees extends our congratulations to Dr. Martinez for this much deserved honor,” said Angela Acosta-Salazar, president of the Rio Hon-do College Board of Trustees. “We are very pleased with our decision to appoint Dr. Martinez as the eighth Superintendent/President of Rio Hondo College, for his accomplishments and for his commitment to meeting the needs of our community.” The magazine praised Dr. Marti-nez for his commitment to creating and fa-cilitating collaboration within the college itself, and with the communities it serves. They describe him as being focused on all of the elements of student success,

DR. TED MARTINEZ, JR. NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 25 LATINOS IN

EDUCATION BY LATINO LEADERS MAGAZINE

LEARNING FOR LIFE HONORS CAPTAIN MIKE ROTHANS PICO RIVERA

SHERIFF STATION

Captain Michael Rothans Receives Champions of Exploring Award

Learning for Life, an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America honored Michael Rothans, Captain of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Pico Rivera Station with the Champions of Exploring Award on Tuesday, November 18, at the Whittier Radisson, Whittier, California. Learning for Life serves young men and women, between 14 and 20 years of age, who participate in Explor-ing, part of the program’s career educa-tion activities. Its purpose is to instill core values that prepare participants in making ethical choices which help them to achieve their full potential throughout life. The organization recognizes com-munity leaders whose commitment to the principles of Exploring is exemplary and whose personal and professional charac-ter lend themselves to the core values of Learning for Life. Learning for Life Director, Greg Salce stated, “Captain Rothans’ commit-ment to public safety and civic service has made him well-deserving of this award. As this year’s recipient, he has been instrumental in positively affecting thousands of young people in Los Ange-les and surrounding communities through his support of Learning for Life School-based programs.” Captain Rothans has been associ-ated with the sheriff’s department since 1984 and was assigned to the Pico Rivera station in 2004 where he was promoted to Captain in 2006 and serves 100,000 residents in the City of Pico Rivera and unincorporated areas of Whittier. Rothans has been an executive board member of Learning for Life since 2004 and was Chairman of the Los Angeles Area Learn-ing for Life Exploring Division from 2004 through 2007. He was also the recipient of the LA Sheriff’s Department’s Dis-tinguished Service Award in 1997; the Exemplary Service Award in 2001 and 2005, and the Meritorious Service Award in 2008. According to Salce, in the Los

see Martinez page 2

see Rothans page 2

5th Annual Community Business and Health Expo. A huge success.

Salsa contest winners

The Salsa contest drew 10 contestants this year. The winners from left are Third Place Ronnie Winans $50.00, Second Place Diana Aguayo $75.00 and for the second year in a row Teresa Martinez won the top prize of $150.00

$10.00 Member $20.00 Non-members

More Pictures of the 6th Annual Community Business

& Health Expo on page 4

Judges for the Salsa Tasting Contest were, from the left, Director Judy Gilleland -Tri-Cities ROP, Director Vera Diaz Powers - John R. Diaz & Associates, Director and

Event Chair Alex Saulus - HealthFirst Medical, Director David Briano - State Farm In-surance, Chamber President Koko Judge - Crowne Plaza Hotel and Ambassador Omar

Martinez - Farmers Insurance

The Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce held its 6th Annual Community Business & Health Expo on November 5, 2008 at Pico Park 9528 Beverly Blvd. in Pico Rivera. This years theme was: “The Chamber is 50 and Still Red Hot”! Over 40 exhibitors were at the event that was very well attended by both residents and businesses.

Platinum Sponsors were: ALMA Family Services, Vernola Towing and Washington Mutual-Chase. Gold Sponsors were: HealthFirst Medical and Crowne Plaza. Silver Sponsors were: Bright Health Physicians, AltaMed Health Ser-vices and Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill. Exhibitors offered services such as: blood pressure tests (HealthFirst Medical), bone density readings (MD Care & PR Clinica Medica Familiar), glaucoma testing (Lion’s Club of Pico Rivera), And CareMore Medical offered free flu shots. Food vendors: Café N Stuff, Casa Gamino, Edible Arrangements, Magic Bakery and Java Jo’z. offered tastes of their cuisines. Downey Plumb-ing, Heating & Air Conditioning and

Central Basin Municipal Water Dis-trict offered water to all attendees. The “Salsa Tasting Contest” brought out 10 local residents: Linda Martinez, Teresa Martinez, Ronnie Wi-nans, Maria Juarez, Hilda Juarez, Hilda Rodarte, Diana Aguayo, Mary Conchola, Rocio Davalos and Flor Osorio. The 3rd place winner of $50 was Ronnie Winans; the 2nd place winner of $75 was Diana Aguayo and the 1st place winner of $150 was Teresa Martinez (second time in a row). 50 Chili’s (door prize tickets) and numerous door prizes donated by the exhibitors went to very happy attendees. The 50/50 raffle of $150 went to a lucky winner and the best decorated table win-ner of a $100 gift card to Staples was Edible Arrangements. Congratulations to all the winners.

Photo by Oscar Castillo

Executive Committee

President Koko Judge

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Vice President Judy Gilleland Tri-Cities ROP

Vice PresidentSharon Coley

Doubletree Hotel Vice President

Jim OsbornWhittier Fertilizer Past-President

Richard Cardenas RC Properties

Board of Directors

Wesley Kruse Kruse Properties

David Briano State Farm Insurance

Jose Medina Funeraria Del Angel/Morrow’s

Rita DeBenedictis Café N Stuff

Vera Diaz Powers John R Diaz & Associates

Pat Esparza-Gomez Balloons, Gifts & Karaoke by Pat

Victor CaballeroMid Valley Yellow Cab

Fred Gerlach Central Sales & Leasing

Dolly Rodriguez Alta Loma Management

Marcella Mendez Alma Family Services

Cheryl RomeroPreferred Bank

Alex SaulusHealthFirst Medical Maria Villanueva Beverly Hospital

Dan MartinRotary Club of Pico Rivera

Ray Chavez Friends of the Pico Rivera Libraries

Dr. Liza Dimaranan Pico Rivera Optometric Center

Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 847.Pico Rivera, CA 90660

(562) 949-2473, Fax (562) 949-8320 [email protected]

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From the President

Roger HartterExecutive DirectorCandee Skarseth

Administrative Assistant Harold Adishian

Membership Services

Business JournalRoger Hartter

To place an ad in the Business Journal call the chamber for rates or

visit www.picoriverachamber .org and click on Advertising.

Staff

BUSINESS JOURNAL

Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce

2008/2009

Koko Judge 2008/2009

As we get ready to close 2008, I would like to thank everyone for all your support throughout the year. I would like to comment that our current board continues to work together to make the right decisions for all the chamber members. The passion that our newest Ambassadors have brought to our chamber has been amazing. With the continued support of our board, ambassa-dors, chamber staff, Pico Rivera City Staff & Council and you our loyal members I’m sure that the Chamber will continue to move in a positive direction and will have a terrific New Year. Please be sure to keep abreast of all of the wonderful upcoming events including our series of Round Table Luncheons and Monthly Networking Events. I’m thrilled to inform you that the Pico Rivera Cham-ber is bringing the annual Casino Night back, this event will be combined with our annual $10,000 Drawing it will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at the “A Mi Hacienda”. Please contact our chamber office now if you’re interested in buying your tickets early, only 200 tickets are available.

GET YOURS EARLY! On behalf of the Board of Direc-tors & Staff of the Pico Rivera Cham-ber of Commerce, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season. May you all have a successful and prosperous 2009!

Koko

high-level learning outcomes, and the execution of the $245 million building program. His commitment to excel-lence in education has been recognized throughout his career. Among his honors are: the Outstanding President Award from the California Community College Council for Staff Development; the District 6 Pacesetter of the Year Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations; and the Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Key Award from the international honorary society for students in two-year colleges. “I am most honored to be included with the Top 25 Latinos in Education,” said Martinez, “particularly because my work is focused on provid-ing access to high quality education to all those who seek it. I am pleased that at Rio Hondo College students are getting the very best training for careers and academic preparation for transfer every day on our newly-transformed campus.” Located in Whittier, California, Rio Hondo College is a collaborative center of lifelong learning which pro-vides innovative, challenging, and qual-ity educational offerings for its diverse students and community. For informa-tion on the College or its programs, please call 562-692-0921 or visit www.riohondo.edu .

Martinez continued from page 1Angeles area, more than 37,000 youth are served through both the school-based and Explorer programs. Ap-proximately 2,000 of these are involved in Exploring and nearly 50 percent are active in a Law Enforcement Exploring Post. Explorer posts programs special-ize in a variety of career skills ranging from fire fighting and military careers to engineering and medicine. The county sheriff’s department sponsors nearly 20 posts with more than 200 registered Explorers.

About Learning for Life Learning for Life seeks to build relationships between businesses, educators and local community leaders to collectively establish resources and alliances that provide relevant activities for youth that will foster positive self-esteem, strong character and a lasting appreciation of community. Learning for Life was developed by profes-sional educators and child development experts to provide age-appropriate and grade-specific lesson plans that help youth meet the challenge of growing up by teaching character, leadership and good decision-making skills and then linking those skills to the real world. For information about Learn-ing for Life, call 213-250-1131 or visit www.learningforlifela.info, OR www.exploringla.info.

Rothans continued from page 1

Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital Announces the Appointment of

Efrain Aceves to the

Board of Directors

Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital has announced the appointment of Efrain Aceves of Whittier as a new Board of Directors member. The governing Board of voting directors includes physicians and business and community leaders who meet each month to help guide the policies of the Hospital. Mr. Aceves is a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County. He has served in this position since July of 1998. In this role, he has been the lead prosecutor in 91 criminal jury trials. His other responsi-

bilities include working with police de-tectives and District Attorney investiga-tors to oversee and direct investigations, conduct legal research, draft motions and supervise law clerks. Mr. Aceves was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve as a Special Assistant Inspector General to assist with the governor’s ef-forts to reform the state’s prison system. As such, Mr. Aceves was responsible for assisting with the oversight of internal affair investigations and development of policies and procedures to aid in the examination of alleged wrongdoings by prison staff members. In addition to these posts, Mr. Aceves worked in the United States Probation Office, Central District of California, as a Probation Officer from 1992 to 1994 and he worked in Washing-ton, D.C. as a law clerk. Mr. Aceves is involved in a number of community and civil organi-zations. He was elected to the Whittier City School Board in 2005 and continues in that post today. As a member of the Whittier City School Board, he works with district personnel, teachers and parents to develop policies that are in the best interest of the approximately 5,500 students in the school district. Mr. Aceves is also a member of the Mexican American Bar Association and served as the group’s president in 2007. Mr. Aceves received his bachelors’ degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1992 and his juris doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 1997.

Efrain Aceves of Whittier is a Deputy District Attorney for

Los Angeles County

The second of four Business Roundtables was held on October 8, 2008 at the El Rodeo Restaurant in Pico Rivera. President Koko Judge welcomed all the attendees and introduced Mayor Ron Beilke, Mayor Pro-Tem Gracie Gallegos Smith, City Manager Chuck Fuentes, Assistant City Managers Jeff Prang & Debbie Lopez, Councilmember Bob Archuleta, Capt. Mike Rothans, Chamber Board of Directors and Ambas-sadors. Speaker Capt. Mike Rothans gave an update on the improvement and successes the Pico Rivera Sheriff’s have had over the last year. He provided the most recent crime statistics showing impressive improvements in Pico Rivera After the lunch, many guests had an opportunity to network with one another. The next Business Roundtable will take place on January 7, 2009 on Environmental Issues so mark your cal-endar for this event.

Business Roundtable 2 Crime Trends & Successes

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New Members

Renewing Members

BUSINESS JOURNAL

Blizzberry8947 Washington BlvdPico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (562) 861-3696

Citadel Outlets100 Citadel Dr

Commerce, CA 90040Phone: (323) 888-1724

Falcones Restaurant9247 Slauson Ave

Pico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (562) 949-6568

National Association for the Self Employed & Healthmarkets

7234 Cravell AvePico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (866) 507-2329

Plaza de la Raza CDS Inc8337 Telegraph Rd 3rd Floor


Pre-Paid Legal Services16021 Venango Rd

Apple Valley, CA 92307Phone: (760) 887-5234

Primerica Financial Services16253 Laguna Canyon Rd Ste 140

Irvine, CA 92618Phone: (949) 679-5500

SEAACA9777 Seaaca St

Downey, CA 90241Phone: (562) 803-3301

TLC PromotionsP.O. Box 3722

Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670Phone: (562) 944-6200

ABA Unique Limousine & Sedan Inc10165 Beverly BlvdWhittier, CA 90602

Phone: (562) 699-9000

AltaMed Health Services Inc9436 E Slauson Ave


American Red Cross6706 S Friends AveWhittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 945-3944

Award Elements5217 Industry Ave


Balloons, Gifts & Karaoke by Pat1012 W Beverly Blvd #179

Montebello, CA 90640Phone: (626) 975-1040

Bright Health Physicians15725 E Whittier Blvd

Whittier, CA 90603Phone: (562) 464-4717

CAPC, Inc7200 Greenleaf Ave Ste 170


California Country Club1509 S Workman Mill Rd


Central Basin Municipal Water Dis-trict

6252 Telegraph RdCommerce, CA 90040Phone: (310) 436-2611

City of Pico Rivera6615 Passons Blvd


Credit Union of Southern California9330 Whittier Blvd


Dearden’s6001 Rosemead Blvd


Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Co11829 S Downey AveDowney, CA 90241

Phone: (562) 861-1234

EDD12715 S Pioneer Blvd


Edible Arrangements #6728524 Whittier Blvd 2HPico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (562) 949-2000

El Rancho Unified School District9515 Haney St


Darrie BrownExtra Space Storage LP

9612 Beverly BlvdPico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (562) 463-2811

Extra Space Storage of PR4344 San Gabriel River Pkwy


Graphics World9561 Slauson Ave


Guesthouse Inn & Suites8455 Telegraph Rd


HealthFirst Medical13440 E Imperial Highway


Howard Johnson Inn & Suites9515 Whittier Blvd


In-N-Out Burger9070 Whittier Blvd


Jay Bharat Foods Inc7871 Paramount Blvd


Joar Labs, Inc4115 San Fernando RdGlendale, CA 91204

Phone: (818) 243-0700

Khalid B Ahmed MD4511 Rosemead Blvd.Pico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (562) 256-5433

Krikorian Theatre8540 Whittier Blvd


Lion’s Club of Pico RiveraP O Box 791


Lou’s Muffler Shop Inc4658 S Rosemead BlvdPico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (562) 699-2209

M L Winters Co8467 E Loch Lomond DrPico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (562) 948-3408

Mario’s Tacos9247 Whittier Blvd


McDonald’s Randall Arch #283638500 Washington BlvdPico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (562) 942-7900

McDonald’s Randall Arch #73718715 Whittier Blvd


McDonald’s Randall Arch # 233938913 Washington BlvdPico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (562) 949-3880

Montebello Christian School136 S 7th St

Montebello, CA 90640Phone: (323) 728-4119

Monterroso Enterprise Inc8632 Rosemead Blvd


Pio Pico Woman’s ClubP.O. Box 612


SASSFA10400 Pioneer Blvd Ste 8 & 9Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

Phone: (562) 946-2237

Saw Service of America8210 Industry Ave


South Western Federal Credit Union

901 E Whittier BlvdLa Habra, CA 90631

Phone: (562) 694-8926

Specialty Building Components Inc8420 Rosemead Blvd


Superior Food Machinery Inc7635 Serapis Ave


The Gas Company9240 E Firestone BlvdDowney, CA 90241

Phone: (562) 803-7575

Valtra Inc7141 Paramount Blvd


Water Replenishment District4040 Paramount BlvdLakewood, CA 90712Phone: (562) 921-5521

Wells Fargo Bank8737 Washington BlvdPico Rivera, CA 90660Phone: (562) 801-4009

Whittier Daily News7612 Greenleaf AveWhittier, CA 90602

Phone: (562) 698-0955

The American Red Cross-Rio Hondo Chapter hosted a Perk-Up Break-fast on October 14, 2008 at the Chapter 6706 Friends Ave in Uptown Whittier. Past President Cheryl Romero welcomed all attendees and introduced Jim Peterson, CEO of American Red Cross. Jim thanked everyone for coming and invited them to a continental breakfast provided by Café N Stuff. Ms. Romero introduced Pico Rivera Councilmember Bob Archuleta and the Chamber Board of Directors and Ambassadors. Guest speaker, Shirley Oebel, spoke on “Disaster Preparedness” in light of the recent earthquake. It is always good to have some kind of training and preparation for disasters especially since we haven’t had an earthquake for awhile. Cheryl presented Jim Peterson and Shirley Oebel with certificates of ap-preciation for hosting and guest speaking at the Perk-Up breakfast. Our “Members Only” winner was Gilberto Legaspi from Realty Executives Family Real Estate for $145.00 but wasn’t it a shame that he was not there to collect it. Which means some lucky member will have a chance to win $160 at the next Perk-Up at Intercom-munity Child Guidance on November 18, 2008.

October Perk-Up Breakfast at American Red Cross

Cheryl presents certificate of appreciation to Red Cross CEO Jim Peterson

Cheryl presents certificate of appreciation to Red Cross Volunteer Shirley Oebel

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The Rotary Club of Pico Rivera and the Ameri-can Red Cross shared a table.

BUSINESS JOURNAL

6th. Annual Community Business & Health Expo

Koko Judge 2008/2009 Chamber Presi-dent and Sales Manager for Gold Sponsor, Crowne Plaza Hotel displays amenities offered at the Crowne Plaza. The Crowne Plaza Hotel at Commerce Casino. is an upscale tower of hospitality resembling a Babylonian theme with lush gardens, water fountains and a grand entry that will impress even the most discerning traveler.

Marcella Mendez, of Platinum Sponsor, ALMA Family Services Shows some of the many programs offered to the developmentally disabled in the community. ALMA provides five interdisciplinary mental health outpatient office locations serving all age ranges including those with substance abuse in the cities of Long Beach, Walnut, Pico Rivera, and East Los Angeles and which also serve adjacent com-munities. Alma also provides mental health services which are functionally integrated within community health facilities in Huntington Park, Norwalk and Long Beach.

Platinum sponsor Vernola’s 24hr Towing has been a faithful Sponsor over the past 6 years and the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce thanks Vernola’s for

their continued support.

Platinum Sponsor WaMu joined the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce after participating in the 5th Annual Business & Health Expo This year they are Platinum Sponsors. WaMu customer deposits - including checking accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit - are now backed by the strength and security of JPMorgan Chase. JPMorgan Chase has more than $2 trillion in assets and is the largest depository bank in America.

Edible Arrangements won the $100.00 Gift Card to Staples for having the best decorated table.

For the 6th year Deputy Alvarado from the Sheriffs STAR program shows parents and children drug paraphernalia and what to be aware of and avoided when dealing with children and friends at school

State Farm Insurance agent David Briano will fill all your insurance needs

Gold Sponsor HealthFirst Medical has been an exhibitor at the Community Business & Health Expo from the beginning providing blood pressure checks to attendees. This year, Marketing Director, Alex Saulus chaired the event. HealthFirst Medical Group is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the treatment of all occupational injuries and illnesses. From the mo-ment your injured employee arrives at our facility, they can expect to be treated in the following man-ner: * With excellent customer service * With the highest level of quality care * On a timely basis * With respect and dignity

Cafe n’ Stuff treated attendees to an assortment of cheeses as well as samples of their catering specialties

First year exhibitor and new chamber member Michael Aguilar · Independent Associate for

Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc. explains his product to Leticia Gamino of Casa Gamino

Silver Sponsor PIH Bright Health Physicians

Silver Sponsor Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill

Silver Sponsor AltaMed

Rousselle Exterminators’ Rick Rousselle and Dan Duarte explains their services to Teri Bazen of

Downey Plumbing.

Downey Pluming Heating & Air Conditioning donates water every year for attendees.

Dr. Liza F Dimaranan, Pico Rivera Optometric Center and her assistant Iris Montenegro

Montebello Christian School went all out on their decoration and received honorable mention

for their efforts

Sharad Patel (far right) and his staff from the new Howard Johnson Inn & Suites Leticia Gamino serves up samples of the great food

at Casa Gamino

P a g e 5BUSINESS JOURNAL

The Pico Rivera Chamber of Com-merce along with Funeraria Del Angel/Mor-row’s held its 7th Annual Halloween Mixer October 23, 2008. All the attendees had to go through the haunted room to get to the main party. It was chilling to hear all the screams as they went through! President Koko Judge welcomed ev-eryone and introduced Director Jose Medina of Funeraria Del Angel/Morrow’s who introduced his staff. Some members brought their children with them and some dressed in costumes to be part of the festivities. The Costume contest produced the following winners: Tied for 3rd place: Raylene Cuevas (pink kitty) and Letricia Romero (lil red riding hood); 2nd place: Robert Cuevas (spooky ghoul) and the 1st place win-ner was host Jose Medina (pimp daddy). They all won show tickets donated by Krikorian Theatres. The 50/50 winner was Trish Zenor of Funeraria Del Angel/Morrow’s. There was plenty food and drinks, networking with fellow business members, some good old fashioned scary times and lots of fun. Make sure you join us next year about the same time for this Spooktacular Event!Thanks to the following businesses for their donations: BakeMark West, Crowne Plaza, Doubletree Hotel-Rosemead, Radisson Hotel-Whittier, Edible Arrangements, Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, Krikorian Theatres, Roundtable Pizza, LA Fitness, American Red Cross and the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce.

7th Annual Halloween Mixer at

Funeraria Del Angel/Morrow’s

Wednesday, October 1, 2008 was the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting fes-tivities at Blizzberry 8947 Washington Blvd in Pico Rivera. Chamber President-Elect Judy Gilleland welcomed everyone includ-ing Mayor Ron Beilke, Mayor Pro-Tem Gracie Gallegos-Smith, Councilmember Bob Archuleta, City Manager Chuck Fuen-tes, Lt. Steve Sanchez-Pico Rivera Sheriff Station and Lisa Herrera from Assembly-man Charles Calderon’s Office. Chamber VP Gilleland introduced the owners Emily and Tony Ravelo who thanked the attendees for coming and introduced their long time friend Barry Bonds who came at their request and signed autographs and took pictures with Cham-ber members and fans. Ms. Gilleland then introduced Board of Directors and Ambas-sadors. Lisa Herrera from Assemblyman Charles Calderon’s office presented Emily and Tony with a proclamation. President-Elect Judy Gilleland presented them with a plaque in commemoration of the event

Blizzberry

Photo by Oscar Castillo

Owners, Tony and Emily Ravelo are presented a Certificate of Recognition by Judy Gilleland as Barry

Bonds looks on

The Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce held a Grand Opening and Rib-bon Cutting at Juice It Up on October 15, 2008 at 10am. Store Owner Alex Flores was there to greet everyone as they arrived. Chamber VP Judy Gilleland welcomed all the guests and introduced Mayor Pro-Tem Gracie Gallegos Smith and Perla Hernandez and Bernie Ochoa from Congresswoman Grace Napolitano’s office. Mayor Pro-Tem Gracie Gallegos Smith said a few words of “Welcome to the City” and then Perla Hernandez and Bernie Ochoa presented Alex Flores with a procla-mation from the Congresswoman. and Ms. Gilleland presented him with a plaque and certificate from the Chamber. Alex Flores along with the Mayor Pro-Tem Gallegos Smith, Perla Hernandez and chamber Board of Directors and Juice It Up employees proceeded to cut the ribbon. Alex invited everyone in to sam-ple his healthy and great tasting smoothies. Welcome Alex, we wish you the best.

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cuttings

Juice It Up

From the left Councilmember Archuleta Mayor Beilke Owner Tony Ravelo Barry Bonds, Emily

Ravelo, Mayor Pro-Tem Gallegos-Smith and Chamber 1st VP Judy Gilleland

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 was the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting at Mariscos Islas Del Mar located at 8405 Rosemead Blvd in Pico Rivera. Chamber President Koko Judge welcomed everyone and introduced owner Guadalupe Martinez and Carlos Martinez. Koko introduced Board of Direc-tors and Ambassadors and then presented Guadalupe and Carlos with a plaque and a certificate of appreciation. Guadalupe, family and Chamber members went outside to do the Ribbon Cutting and then came inside to a huge buffet for sampling their ethnic cuisine.

Mariscos Islas Del Mar

Owners Joseph & Sandra Villaescusa celebrated 1 year of business with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 19, 2008-9155 Telegraph Rd in Pico Rivera. There were at least 150 or more Century 21 realtors on hand with about 30 Chamber members to help them celebrate. Mayor Ron Beilke, Mayor Pro-Tem Gracie Gallegos Smith, Councilmem-ber Bob Archuleta, City Manager Chuck Fuentes, Century 21 Allstars owners Jo-seph & Sandra Villaescusa, General Man-ager Daniel Nevarez, Manager Richard Estrada, Training Manager Kyle Estrada, Escrow Manager Robin Alvarez (Pacific Escrow), President Koko Judge and several Chamber Board of Directors and Ambas-sadors were there to help cut the ribbon in the main office of the Century 21 Allstars. Koko also presented them with a proc-lamation from Congresswoman Grace Napolitano’s office and a certificate from the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce. After the ribbon cutting cer-emony there was a party to get to! You had a choice of build your own pasta or make your own tacos with beans & rice for your entrees, while the Wise Guys, world renowned Big Band Music orchestra entertained you. There was plenty food, drinks and dancing going on all night long. After the Wise Guys left there was a DJ to continue the music and dancing. They also gave away some great prizes . We would like to thank Joseph for inviting us to his celebration (he really know how to throw a party) and he asked me to relay a message to all of you, “You folks really know how to make a new business in your city feel welcome” and to let you know that they typically have these parties once a year and you are all invited back!

Century 21 Allstars

November Perk-Up Break-fast at Intercommunity Child Guidance Center

President Koko Judge introduced our hostesses: Charlene Dimas-Pienado-CEO and ICGC Board President Janice Roodzant who said a few words of welcome and invited everyone to a buffet breakfast.Guest Speaker Adam Grindlinger spoke on “How to Achieve Strong Family Values Balancing Work, Love and Play.” He outlined the fact that you need to balance all facets of your life in order to keep everything running smoothly and not getting stressed to the point of harm to yourself or those around you! Charlene Dimas-Pienado and Adam Grin-dlinger were presented certificates of appreciation for hosting and speaking at the Perk-Up Breakfast. Plaques were presented to two of our newest members: Michael Aguilar of Pre-Paid Legal Services and to Martha Salas & Chris-tina Pico of LA Luxury Limobus. Business card drawings were held as well as our 50/50 raffle. The winner of the 50/50 Raffle was Jan-ice Roodzant. Our “Members Only” Drawing winner of $160 was Bill Crabtree of Graphics World-too bad he wasn’t there to collect the winnings. Next month’s “Members Only” drawing will be worth $185.00. You have to be there to win. Hope to see more of you at the Radisson Hotel Whittier on December 9, 2008 for another chance to win. Thanks to all the business who do-nated to our Business Card Drawing: Crowne Plaza, Doubletree Hotel-Rosemead, Radisson Hotel Whittier, Krikorian Theatres and the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce.

Koko presents membership plaque to Michael Aguilar Independent Associate for

Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc

Koko presents membership plaque to Martha Salas & Christina Pico of LA Luxury Limobus

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P a g e 7BUSINESS JOURNAL

Documents

Pico Chamber