“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover”

— Mark Twain

Are you in a “safe harbor?” Is your business stagnant? Sometimes people stay in a safe harbor to be “safe.” They are comfortable where they are and not sure they want to take anything to the next level. However, in the meantime, they could be missing great opportunities. Do not be disappointed by the things you did not do. Step outside your comfort zone. Economists say this recent recession ended 18 months ago and that the U.S. economy is, in fact, growing again. Take this opportunity to grow yourself or your business and take it to the next level. Throw off the “bowlines” and sail into 2011 with vigor. The Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce has many events that can help get you out of your safe harbor and meet new people, thus investing in yourself and your business.

Join us Thursday, Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m. at Shanto’s Bakery and Café located at 3747 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta for their grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony. The owners, Shaunt and Sarene Adessian, have sailed into restaurant ownership with a bakery and café they say crosses Lebanese flavors with California Pizza Kitchen. Visit them next Thursday to try some of their savory cuisine and welcome them to the Crescenta Valley.

March 1 starts our new Dine Out series. On the first Tuesday of every month, dine out with us at a participating restaurant to support the Mary Pinola/CV Chamber Educational Endowment Fund and the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce. Join Mary Pinola and her friends, and your friends at the CV Chamber and dine out on March 1 at Leo’s All-Star Sports Bar & Grill, 2941 Honolulu Ave., in La Crescenta from 5:00-8:00 p.m. On April 5 we will dine out at Ocean View Bistro, 3826 Ocean View Blvd. in Montrose.

Besides Dine Out Night, March and April brings many other exciting Chamber events. Our Smart-a-thon fun starts March 9 at our Pre-Smart Mixer at Bob Smith Toyota, followed by the stimulating popular Smart-a-thon on Wednesday, March 23. If you prefer to spend time at the races, we will be at Santa Anita Racetrack on March 20, joining forces with the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Support Group for a Day at The Races fundraiser. To top off two months of fun, we have our Hometown Country Fair on April 16 – an event not to be missed. For more information on any event or to get involved, please call the chamber. And remember, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” Explore. Dream. Discover…. the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Important dates: Feb. 17 – Ribbon cutting Shanto’s Bakery; March 1 – Dine Out Night at Leo’s All-Star Sports Bar and Grill; March 9 – Business mixer at Bob Smith Toyota; March 20 – Day at the Races; March 23 – Smart-a-thon; April 16 – Hometown Country Fair. Please call our office for more details on any event. How to reach us: (818) 248-4957 / crescentachamber@aol.com / www.LaCrescenta.org / 3131 Foothill Blvd. Suite D.

  Business, julia rabago