History
Mission Statement
"To play a critical and integral role in maintaining a healthy business environment, contributing to the economic growth of the city, and enhancing the city's image."
Our Roots in the Community:
The Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, with a membership of some 500 leading businesses and citizens, serves primarily as the voice of the business community as well as the public relations arm of the City and the "front door" through which new visitors to Arcadia from around the world, are given a warm welcome to our "Community of Homes."
In 1965, the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce became the geographic hub, as well as the civic hub of the City when it moved into its eye-catching circular office at the west end of the Civic Center island where Holly Avenue meets Huntington Drive, across from the famous Santa Anita Race Track. In addition to its annual programs to promote the Arcadia business community and encourage residents to "Shop Arcadia", the Chamber sponsors a variety of events including monthly networking breakfasts and luncheons, Business Expos and fund raisers such as the popular "Taste of Arcadia" held at the L A County Arboretum each September.
The Chamber also produces and distributes thousands of City Street maps and Business Directories. Executive Director, Scott Hettrick, Office Manager/Marketing Dir. Bonnie Wilbur, Administrative Assistant Cherry Liu and Office Assistant Jan Shimmin put out the welcome mat every weekday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to provide a steady stream of callers with information.
History Lives Here - Markers Show Us Where
Arcadia residents and visitors will enjoy a new series of Historical Markers around town showcasing the city's most notable existing and former landmarks.
In late 2007, the Arcadia Historical Society presented the first of this new series of markers at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of First Avenue School during a gala Centennial Celebration (see photo: Arcadia Historical Society president Carol Libby, left, and First Avenue Middle School principal Dr. Beverly Klatt; courtesy of Arcadia Historical Museum).
"History Lives Here" Marker #1, featuring photos and descriptions of notable changes and events at the school, will be prominently placed in front of the school this year as part of the major improvement project being undertaken.
Two more Markers are being completed and readied for installation this year. One will be installed at the Northwest corner of Huntington Drive and First Avenue to mark the location of Arcadia's grand first official City Hall building. The other will be at Los Angeles County's Arcadia Park, noting the numerous uses of the centrally located property over the years, including city founder "Lucky" Baldwin's original horse track in 1907 and the World War I military balloon school at Ross Field.
The Historical Society, which also presents certificates and plaques to sites of historical and cultural significance, such as Taco Lita in celebration of its 40th anniversary in 2007, is considering additional numbered Markers and eventually the creation of a self-guided Walking/Riding tour of Arcadia's vibrant history.
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Officers & Board of Directors 2011-2011
Executive Directors
Bob Hoffman – President (2015)
Merrill Lynch, Arcadia
801 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia 91007
www.ml.com
Pete Siberell – President Elect (2016)
Santa Anita Race Track Rep.
Los Angeles Turf Club / Santa Anita Park
285 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia 91007
www.santaanita.com
Arlynn Robinson, Vice President – (2017)
South Arcadia Rep.
Century 21, Earll, LTD
320 E. Foothill Blvd., Arcadia 91006
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Denise Weaver – Secretary/Treasurer (2018)
Weaver & Associates, 711 W. Camino Real, Arcadia 91007
www.weaverinsurance.com
Helen Romero Shaw – Immed. Past President (2014)
The Gas Co., A Sempra Energy Utility
11912-B Valley Blvd., El Monte 91732
www.socalgas.com
Scott Hettrick - Executive Director
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
388 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia 91007
www.arcadiacachamber.org
Directors
Ed Beranek - (2013) 2nd Term
R. Edward Beranek Accountancy Corporation
150 N. Santa Anita Ave. #725, Arcadia 91006
www.rebcpas.com
David Burke - (2012)
Westfield Santa Anita Representative (2011)
400 S. Baldwin Ave. #231, Arcadia 91007
www.westfield.com
Dianne Chapman.- *(2013)
Citizens Business Bank
980 Huntington Dr., San Marino 91108
www.cbbank.com
Mary Dougherty, Community Rep -*(2012)
SGV Chambers Leg. Rep.
Gov. Affairs Chairman
1110 Rodeo Rd., Arcadia 91006
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HUTdogs, 444 W. Huntington Dr. #213, Arcadia 91006
www.hutdogs.com
Joan Francone, (2013) 1st Term
HR Risk Management Consulting
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Doneva Garcia – (2013) 2nd Term
Methodist Hospital Rep
300 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia 91007
www.methodisthospital.org
Dr. Nina Getz - (2012) 2nd Term
Co-Chair Net Breakfast
Phillips Eye Center, 301 W. Huntington Dr. #605, Arcadia 91007
www.phillipseyecenter.com
Steven L. Gutierrez - (2012) 1st Term
I. J. Rager Flooring & Window Design
52 E. Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91006
www.ijrager.com
Andy Hakopian – (2012) 1st Term
Chamber Network & Web Administrator
Netsmart Systems, Inc.
2120 Foothill Blvd. Suite 214, La Verne 91750
www.netsmartsystems.com
Bob Kenz - *(2012) Huntington Crossing Rep
Robeks Juice
941 Huntington Dr., Monrovia 91016
www.robeks.com
Josephine Louie – (2012) 2nd Term
HSBC Bank
Asian Outreach Committee Chair
1107 S. Baldwin Ave. #C, Arcadia 91007
www.us.hsbc.com
Ann Luke - (2012) 2nd Term
San Marino Tribune
1441 San Marino Avenue, San Marino 91108
Matt McSweeny – (2013) 2nd Term
Matt Denny’s Alehouse
145 E. Huntington Dr., Arcadia 91006
www.mattdennys.com
Annette Ousterhout – (2012) 2nd Term
Jan’s Towing, Inc.
1045 W. Kirkwall Rd., Azusa 91702
www.janstowing.com
Judy Pons – Past President (2012)
Primerica Financial Services
20 E. Foothill Blvd. #220, Arcadia 91006
www.primerica.com/pons
Mikki Porretta - *(2012)
Real Estate Rep., N. Arcadia Rep
Dilbeck Realtors GMAC
8 E. Foothill Blvd., Arcadia 91006
www.mikki4homes.com
Sylvia Ramos - 2013) 1st Term
Coldwell Banker George Realty
660 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia 91006
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Swapna Ray - (2012)1st Term
Citibank
100 S. First Ave., Arcadia 91006
www.citigroup.com
Jillian Reiff – *(2013) 2nd Term
Valley Vista Services
17445 E. Railroad St., City of Industry 91748
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Richard Schulhof – *(2012)
Arboretum Representative
LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia 91007
www.arboretum.org
Gil Stromsoe – Past President (2012)
Strategic Planning Co-Chair
Finance Committee Chair
Mark Schaefer Associates LLP
55 E. Huntington Dr. #300, Arc. 91006
www.msaconsult.com
Sho Tay – (2012) 2nd Term
Arcadia Masonic Center
50 W. Duarte Rd. Arcadia 91007
Peter Ulrich - *(2012)
Government Affairs Co-Chair
37 E. Huntington Dr., Arcadia 91006
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Dr. Edward Wong – (2013) 1st Term
Asian Outreach Chair
Arcadia Chinese Assoc. PO Box 1131, Arcadia, 91077
www.arcadiachineseassociation.org
Dr. Peter Young - *(2012)
Chamber Presidents’ Council Rep
Premier Dental Esthetic, 301 W. Huntington Dr. #217, Arcadia 91007
www.smilesofarcadia.com
Kevin Zimmerman – Past President (2013)
Strategic Planning Committee Co-chair
Arroyo Plumbing, Inc.
300 N. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia 91006
www.arroyoplumbing.com
Committees
A good way for your voice to be heard is to be active in the Chamber. If you have an interest in joining any of these committees, please contact us at arcadiac@pacbell.netor (626) 447-2159. The Chamber is the "Voice of Business".
Ambassador / Business Promotion Committee – Co-Chairs Steve Gutierrez & Arlynn Robinson
Calls on members of the Chamber to update business information and to find out which Chamber services are most effective and what new services are needed. Joins together business people of all cultures to share information and learn their customs in today's business world. Meets 1st Tuesday of each month in Chamber boardroom at 9am.
Asian Outreach Committee – Co-Chairs Josephine Louie and Sho Tay.
Chamber Executives & Arcadia Chinese Association Executives formed this committee to promote relations between the Chamber of Commerce and Asian Business Community. Sponsors an Annual Asian Business Night Reception which promotes and encourages Asian businesses to be more active in the community. Meetings held at the Chamber as scheduled.
Business Showcase / Expo Committee- Chairman Desiree Alvarado
Develops and directs Chamber retail promotion programs including 1-2 Business Expo Showcases during the year. Meeting Time 3rd Wednesday of each month at 9am in the Chamber Boardroom.
Government Affairs Forum – Chairman Peter Ulrich, Co-Chair Scott Hettrick.
Reviews and makes recommendations to the Chamber Board of Directors on local, state and national legislation affecting local businesses. Meetings: First Thursday of the month at 8:00am in the Chamber boardroom.
3rd Thursday Networking Breakfast – Chairman Dr. Jack Von Bulow, Co-Chair Dr. Nina Getz
Primary emphasis is on promoting members’ businesses through networking. Held the 3rd Thursday of the month @ 7:30am in the Sunset Room at Santa Anita Golf Course, 405 S. Santa Anita, Arcadia.
Golf Committee – Co-Chairs Arlynn Robinson & Annette Ousterhout.
Plans the Chamber’s annual MAD (Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte) Golf Tournament held during the Summer. Meetings scheduled as needed beginning in February each year.
Strategic Planning Committee - Chairman Gil Stromsoe.
Oversees goals set at Planning Conference. Meets 2nd Tuesday each month at 12noon in the Chamber Boardroom.
Taste of Arcadia – Chairman Verena Somer
Plans “Taste of Arcadia” held at LA County Arboretum each September. Meetings held at the Chamber, scheduled as needed, beginning in April.
The Staff
Scott Hettrick, Executive Director
Scott moved his family to Arcadia in 1991, became a member of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2006, was named Business Person of the Year in 2008, and co-chaired the Government Affairs Forum for five years before being hired as Executive Director in March 2011. He started the ArcadiasBest.com website and companion e-newsletter in 2007 and the non-profit community events group Arcadia?s Best Foundation in 2010. As a Board Director of the Arcadia Historical Society, he chairs the Historical Marker Committee that installed the Chamber's 75th Anniversary marker. He was part of the initial Arcadia Downtown Business Association Board of Directors formed in 2010, and serves on the Arcadia Library Board of Trustees, including as Chairman in 2011-12. Scott is also a 25-year entertainment business journalist, including 12 years as editor/reporter at industry trade newspapers Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, and, since 2007, with his own web sites and related e-newsletters at HollywoodInHiDef.com and 3DHollywood.net.
Bonnie Wilbur, Office Manager
Prior to joining the Arcadia Chamber staff in 1998, Bonnie worked at a Credit Union, Insurance Co., Community Hospital and other positions that capitalize on her customer service skills. She enjoys meeting and helping people which makes working for the Chamber of Commerce an ideal fit for her. As Office Manager, Bonnie is involved in every aspect of the Chamber – from managing the day - to - day responsibilities to handling high profile events.
Cherry Liu, Administrative Assistant
Cherry joined the Chamber staff in 1998 and provides internal office support to the Executive Director and staff. She answers a myriad of phone calls, assists Members with their requests and helps in organizing Chamber events.
Jan Shimmin, Event Coordinator
Jan has lived in Arcadia since 1976 with her husband Lee, a local business owner and past president of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. She has had many careers (Teacher; V.P. Banking; Mother; City Commissioner) and was enjoying her retirement, when her husband convinced her to get involved with the Chamber. In 2004, Jan started her 5th career as the Event Coordinator for the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. Her next career will be “Grandmother!”
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