Welcome 2014

At the start of a new year, it is always good to look back and look forward. Over the past year, the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce has welcomed many new businesses to the area like Boulevard 34 and The Creative Lounge, which is a good sign that the economy is looking brighter. We have also celebrated businesses that have been here for many years like Al’s Deli and Montrose Bakery and Café. We believe that in 2014 we will continue on this upward trend and continue to see new businesses begin and breathe new life into our area. We wish you a prosperous new year and hope that 2014 will bring you much success.

This year we will be celebrating two businesses that have been around for many years in the area. CVI Insurance will be hosting a business mixer on Feb. 12 to celebrate 45 years in business and J’s Maintenance will be hosting a mixer on May 7 celebrating 45 years in business as well. Both of these are avid community supporters so please join us and share in their success. The business mixers are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.     The CVI mixer is on the second Wednesday of the month since we will be hosting it with the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce. Check our website for more information.

A new year means a new you! If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to become more fit, you have a free opportunity to start tonight! We will be having ribbon cutting today, Jan. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Back to Basics Fitness and Dance Studio. Right after the ribbon cutting you can jump right into the New Year at their first U-JAM class that starts at 6 p.m. Remember, the class is free, so there are no excuses. In fact, their classes will be free for the entire weekend to give you a chance to try them out. You can log onto their website at www.b2bfit.org to see a list of classes and sign up. B2B is a basic fitness and dance studio. Gail and Arturo Medina have so much to offer at their fitness and dance studio that you are sure to find something to meet your needs. Check out this list: Zumba, Zumba for Kids, Kids Jr. Boot Camp, TRX, Salsa Hip Hop with creator Cuba Swift, Tabata, Kids Hip Hop Dance, Adult Hip Hop Dance, Dance Fit, Strength Training, U-JAM! (the new fitness craze), circuit training, kettlebells, Body Blast, Bollywood, kids ballet/jazz cardio and Cross X.

We invite you to join us on Jan. 23 at Oakmont Country Club at 6 p.m. as we honor our 2013 award winners. Our installation and community awards dinner costs $50 per person in advance or $60 at the door. To attend you can mail your payment to: MVCC, 3516 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA 91208, contact the office at mvcc@montrosechamber.org or call us at (818) 249-7171.

Don’t forget:
Ribbon cutting today, Thursday, Jan. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Back to Basics Fitness, 2836 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale 91208.

February mixer on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at CVI Insurance, 3156 Foothill Blvd., Suite A, La Crescenta.

2014 Installation Dinner and Community Recognition Awards on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oakmont Country Club.

  Melind CLARKE