There have been many news articles saying that the recession is over. However, many people are still out of work and businesses are struggling. Now is the time to support our local businesses and help them recover from the recession. There’s no doubt that recessions are bad for business, however a recession is not a complete roadblock. If you play your cards right, a recession can yield plenty of profit for entrepreneurial ventures. Who starts a business during a global recession? Well … Disney for one and Microsoft for another. The Kauffman Foundation sponsored a 2009 study that found more than half of the companies on the 2009 Fortune 500 list were launched during a recession or bear market. Gregg Vanourek, a founding partner of New Mountain Ventures, agrees, arguing that many of the best companies are born in times of economic malaise. “Many people assume that entrepreneurs are allergic to recessions,” he writes in Harvard Business Review. “It turns out that downturns can be times of tremendous opportunity – and, yes, profit – for entrepreneurs, but only if they play their cards right.”

Walt and Roy Disney founded their company, Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, on October 16, 1923 and created the animated productions of Alice in Wonderland and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. But it wasn’t until the brothers reincorporated under the name Walt Disney Productions in 1929, which was at the start of the Great Depression, that the company found its turning point and introduced this little mouse that is slightly well known even today: Mickey Mouse.

We have three Chamber members that have emulated the thoughts of Disney and others in starting their businesses in this recession. And if their businesses are doing well, then these businesses can give back even more to the community! So please support these businesses and all business in the Crescenta Valley.

Shanto’s Bakery and Café had their grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday, Feb. 17. They had samples of all their scrumptious food and many people came to support them on their new restaurant adventure. Mailboxes Plus will celebrate new ownership with a ribbon cutting ceremony this Saturday, Feb. 26. Please join us at 3115 Foothill Blvd., Suite M, in La Crescenta. Rosemont Veterinary Hospital’s new owner is inviting everyone in to see their place, located at 2550 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta when we will cut the ribbon welcoming them. Please join us at these two exciting occasions and also on March 1 when we will be supporting our long-time member Leo’s All-Star Sports Bar and Grill at our first ever Dine Out Night. Eat out with the Chamber on the first Tuesday of every month! It will make you and your community happy!

Important dates: Feb 26 – Ribbon cutting at Mailboxes Plus; Feb 26 – La Crescenta off-ramp clean up; March 1 – Dine Out Night at Leo’s All-Star Sports Bar and Grill; March 9 – Business mixer at Bob Smith Toyota; March 15 – Ribbon cutting at Rosemont Veterinary Hospital; March 20 – Day at the Races; March 23 – Smart-a-thon; April 16 – Hometown Country Fair. 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.

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