By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The Montrose-Verdugo City, La Cañada Flintridge and Crescenta Valley chambers of commerce hosted the annual Foothills Community Business Expo at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital on Sept. 14.

“This year marked the 16th Annual Foothills Community Business Expo offered by our three local Chambers of Commerce. This year’s Expo was very well-attended with an estimated record number of visitors at about 400,” said Pat Anderson, president and CEO of the LCF Chamber of Commerce.

The event showcased local businesses, giving visitors the chance to learn of the different types of services provided in the area. The Expo featured 62 tables with representatives from various companies taking advantage of the opportunity to introduce their products and services to a large number of guests at one time.

“From our vendors’ perspective, this was a very successful event,” said Lisa Dupuy, executive director of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“The vendor spaces, once again, sold out early,” added Anderson. “Our vendors are providing very positive feedback to all three Chambers and we are already receiving requests to reserve spaces for next year’s Expo!”

The businesses taking part in this Expo included party rental companies, insurance agents, credit unions and non-profits including Friends of Rockhaven, which is having its annual membership meeting and gala fundraising dinner on Saturday.

Perhaps most popular were the samples given by local restaurants and caterers. Folks were seen with tastes from Etc. Gourmet Kitchen and Frank’s Famous among others.

Another popular feature was document shredding offered in the lower parking lot of the hospital.

“The document shredding was managed by Dick Mader and Bob O’Brien of S.C.O.R.E. and sponsored by Republic Services, Rafael Garcia,” said Anderson. “Due to the increasing popularity of this event we had two trucks this year and fast, drive-up service. Nearly seven tons of documents from 150 customers were shredded on site.”

Guests weren’t the only benefactors of the Expo.

“The purpose of this event is to get our businesses of the foothills communicating and working together,” said Dupuy. “Many of the vendors said they enjoyed meeting the chamber boards and other businesses.”

Fees paid by the vendors to take part in the Expo were split among the three chambers.

The date for the 15th Annual Foothills Community Business Expo is Sept. 13, 2017.

  robin goldsworthy