A big thank you goes out to Bob Smith Toyota for hosting our February Pre Smart-a-Thon mixer. The good times rolled at the Mardi Gras-themed party. Cajun music played (thanks to a sound system rigged up by Todd Black of Electromotive) while guests noshed on homemade jambalaya and King cake (courtesy of members of the Pinola Fund) and sipped wine and beer (thanks to Mike and Pete Smith). Local business owners mingled and old friends caught up. Remember, you don’t have to own a business or even be a member to attend. All community members are welcome.  Attendees were introduced to some of the Chamber’s newest members:  owners of Harvest Juice Co., Thee Elbow Room and Etc. Gourmet Kitchen. It seemed like everybody won a raffle prize thanks to dozens of prize donations from Chamber members. The only prize that went unclaimed is the progressive cash pot which next month grows to $200. Sorry, Bruce Bartels of Bruce’s Automotive: As a member in good standing, your name was picked out of the fishbowl but, alas, you weren’t present! Try again next month at our mixer hosted by Etc. Gourmet Kitchen on March 11.

Get your reservations in for next month’s Smart-a-Thon on March 25 at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. More “Hollywood Squares” than “Jeopardy,” the Smart-a-Thon is a great way to bring members of your organization or business together, laughing while brainstorming. Create a team of four or have the Smart-a-Thon folks place you on a team. If you’re a non-profit, your organization may win cash!  But in any case, you’ll be supporting the Community Foundation of the Verdugos Education Fund, an organization that awards worthwhile grant requests from local educators.  Visit the CV Chamber website, under Annual Events, for a registration form. Or purchase tickets ($35) at the Chamber office any weekday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

While you’re here, why not fill out our Chamber survey? We’d love to get your feedback on important issues to Chamber members and potential members. Consider some of these questions: What benefits do you expect to realize from a Chamber of Commerce membership? What could the Chamber do better? How many mixers do you attend? How could they be improved? Do you attend other Chamber events such as the Hometown Country Fair, Day at the Races, Business Expo and Taste of the Foothills? If not, what are some reasons you don’t attend? In your opinion, what is the purpose of the Chamber of Commerce?

We’d appreciate your thoughts.  Submissions will be discussed at upcoming board of directors meetings.

Finally, do you know a Woman of the Year? Every March, during Women’s History Month, Congressman Adam Schiff honors outstanding women from the communities in the 28th Congressional District. This area includes La Crescenta, La Cañada, Montrose, Glendale, Burbank, Sunland and Tujunga (among others). These women come from all walks of life and represent the thousands of women who make a positive impact in our region. While there are no specific criteria for nomination, Rep. Schiff looks for women who, through their work or volunteerism, have improved the quality of life in our community. If you would like more information on submitting nominations, call the Chamber office at (818) 248-4957 or email me at info@crescentavalleychamber.org.

  Lisa DUPUY