In Altadena, A Friday Evening of ‘Artist Types’

A banquet room packed with business owners, neighbors, and what Altadena Chamber of Commerce President Billy Malone endearingly called “those artist types” celebrated home and community Friday at the 93rd Annual Altadena Chamber of Commerce Awards and Installation dinner.

The evening honored 2016 Citizen of the Year Elliot Gold, founder of the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Businesses (ACONA), and Business of the Year Open Studios Alta/Pasa/Dena owners Mary and Patrick Gothard, and featured a small squadron of government representatives, including Congresswoman Judy Chu, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and staffers from the offices of Assemblymember Chris Holden and State Senator Anthony Portantino, as well as Okorie Ezieme, of the Altadena Town Council, and Daniel Harlow of the Altadena Chamber.

Each office presented a certificate of recognition to Gold, as well as to the Gothards.

In addition to the honoring of Gold and the Gothards, the 2017 Chamber board was officially installed, with President Malone, now serving a second term; Vice President Meredith Miller; Secretary Kelly Bennett, Treasurer Craig Sloan, Past President, Doug Colliflower; along with Directors Mindy Kittay, Sandra Thomas and Matt-Dell Tufenkian.

“The best gift any one can give is the gift of time,” said Chamber President Malone, as he acknowledged the commitments of local business owners, as well for their commitments and accomplishments. “I think we can all agree that the next few years are likely to be ones of change, not only throughout America, but right here in our communities and neighborhoods. And this chamber will continue to work with our businesses and citizens for their and Altadena’s mutual benefit.”