News from the Montrose–Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce: Supporting the Chamber

I have been thinking of how the Chamber can help our business members in the community flourish; there isn’t an easy solution. The Information Age hasn’t necessarily helped all businesses thrive as one would think. I often find, when talking to people who call in looking for information, they may not have a computer. My own father will not even think about getting a computer, he wants the real deal. He wants a live person to pick up the telephone and answer his question in a friendly and courteous matter. Doesn’t seem like too much to ask, but sometimes it is.

There are many of us who still like the personal touch and appreciate when we do business with someone who treats us like a valued customer. So I guess what I’m trying to say is to come and be a part of your community whether you have a business here or live here. The whole idea is that we all need each other. Think about how you feel when you have helped someone and it brings a smile to their face.

The Chamber is an important part of the community and needs your help and support. When your renewal dues come to you, please know that you are a very important component in the Chamber and renewing your dues helps the Chamber give back to the community.

And for those of you who are not Chamber members, let me invite you to the perfect event to check out the action. Why not join us in attending our May mixer on May 7 at the Tuscany Spa from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The spa is located at 2210 Florencita Ave. in Montrose. Members pay $7 and non-members pay just $9 for an evening of food, networking, entertainment and fun!

Tomorrow (Saturday) we have our first Artwalk of the year. Maybe invite your mom to go; that way you get to see her a week before Mother’s Day.

Once again it is our pleasure to offer the opportunity to participate in our five-day Brommer Workshop. It takes place from Dec. 8-12. The cost of a whole week with this master of watercolor and collage painting is $400; sign up today.

Our golf classic last week was another successful “FunRaiser” for the scholarship program for our local teens. A big ‘thank you’ to our sponsors for this well worth it event: Montrose Travel, Arroyo Investments, Continental Group, Glendale News-Press, La Cañada Valley Sun, Crescenta Valley Sun, La Cañada Outlook, Right at Home, S.I.G Property Management, J’s Maintenance, CV United Methodist Church, V.O.I.C.E., Andy’s Transfer, Leo’s All Star Sports Bar, James Bates, attorney, Supervisor Michael Antonovich, Stevenson Real Estate, Jay & Grace Chase, Bob Smith Toyota, Citizen’s Business Bank, Crescenta Valley Insurance and Len Shonka.

Plan on attending our annual Memorial Day tribute on May 26 from 8:15 a.m. until 9:15 a.m. at the corner of Oceanview and Honolulu. Come out and show your support for our veterans.

Thank you to chamber members who are supporting Oktoberfest 2008: Robbin’s Nest Preschool, New Moon Restaurant and S.I.G. Property Management.

There is still time to get your Taste of Montrose tickets for May 4 here at the Chamber for $20. Stop by and pick several up. Help support CVHS Prom Plus — the kids are counting on us.

Did you know when you use 411 on your cellphone there is a charge of up to $1.75 per call? Try this the next time instead and save yourself some money: Dial 1-800-373-3411. This will work on your home phone, too.

We can be reached Monday though Thursday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. until noon at (818) 249-7171. We can also be reached by e-mail at mvcc@montrosechamber.org.

The Montrose–Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce: “It’s where you belong.”

Marian E. Jocz is the executive director of the Montrose-Verdugo Chamber of Commerce.