The Crescenta Valley, Montrose-Verdugo City and La Cañada chambers of commerce held their annual Foothills Community Business Expo on Sept. 18, an event that highlighted local businesses that serve the community.

This was the 12th year of the business expo. As in the past, it was held in the community rooms of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Though spacious, additional room was needed to accommodate the 67 participating businesses vying for the attention of the 500-plus guests attending.

“The expo sold out of booth space,” said Leonard Ghazarian, president of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce. “It’s clear that vendors find this event very attractive. It was a huge success.”

Participants had the chance to learn of the many area businesses that ranged from restaurants and catering to insurance and service clubs. To encourage them to take full advantage of what the expo had to offer, guests were given a “passport” that they took to every booth to have signed off. The completed passport was brought back to the chamber table and an opportunity ticket was issued for a variety of prizes. Prizes were donated by vendors and other supporters of the event.

There was also live entertainment on site provided by Mike Perry. And no one left hungry – several food providers enticed guests with samples of their favorite recipes.

“Most people mentioned how good the food was,” Ghazarian said.

Ghazarian also praised the volunteers who made the event possible.

“All three chambers did an amazing job putting this together,” he said. “I have been part of the expo for eight years now and it keeps getting better.”

  Dan HOLM