Pasadena Chamber Celebrates Inauguration of Thomas Daly as Incoming Chair of the Board

200 guests celebrated the inauguration of Thomas Daly of Christie, Parker and Hale, LLP, as Chair of the Board of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce for 2015-16. Mr. Daly has served on the Board for the past five years, including service as Secretary of the Board. He is also an active participant in the Chamber’s Member Services Committee.

During the event, new and returning members of the Chamber Board of Directors were installed, as well as officers of the corporation for the fiscal year. New Board members Victor Griego of Diverse Strategies for Organizing, Raphael Henderson of Wells Fargo, John Leano of Bryan’s Cleaners and Don Schweitzer of the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer were sworn in. Returning Board members Valerie Prince of Plaza Bank, Gail Schaper-Gordon of Vistage were also installed. Sworn in as officers for the fiscal year were Chair-elect Ishmael Trone of F&M Business Center, Treasurer Valerie Prince and Secretary Robin McCarthy of Fire Family Foundation. Vice-chairs Karl Bird of Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Michael D’Antuono of National Construction Alliance, Joan De Souza of Joan’s Candles and Home Decor, George Falardeau of Art Center College of Design and Justin Tsui of TeamLogic IT were also sworn in.

The Bill Bogaard Scholarship was presented to Gabby Hendrikson. She is an emancipated foster youth who recently completed he AA degree at a local community college. She will continue her education at Azusa Pacific University. Christie, Parker and Hale, LLP, partners Thomas Daly, Lauren Schneider and Anne Wang presented a scholarship to Carmen Noyola, also an emancipated foster youth who will continue her education at the University of Southern California or Loyola Marymount University.

Each year, the Chamber presents two Corporate Citizen of the Year awards. For 2015, Century Rooter Service and Plumbing was recognized as small business of the year for dedicated service to the Pasadena Chamber, community involvement and excellent service. On the occasion of its 120th anniversary, Vroman’s Bookstore was recognized as large business of the year. In his acceptance remarks, Vroman’s Chairman Joel Sheldon, III, acknowledged the support of the community and many individuals in the success of the Pasadena literary landmark. Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Little acknowledged Vroman’s long history of community involvement and support, from providing books to interned Japanese Americans during World War II to involvement with the creation of the Playhouse District Association and hosting more than 400 public programs each year. “Through its Gives Back program, Vroman’s has donated more than $650,000 to local non-profits,” Little noted.

The Directors Award for 2105 was presented to Darryl Dunn, general manager of the Rose Bowl, for his support of community organizations, including the Chamber, local non-profits and national charities such as Autism Speaks. Mr. Dunn was also recognized for the Rose Bowl renovations as well as events hosted at the iconic Pasadena stadium, including the Rose Bowl Game, BCS National Championship Games and international soccer, as well as a variety of music and entertainment events.

In his acceptance address, Mr. Daly outlined his plans for the coming year. The Chamber’s efforts will focus on Workforce Development and strengthening continued partnerships with Pasadena Unified School District and Pasadena City College. “We will work to expand our $ixth Grade Cents financial literacy program for PUSD students,” Mr. Daly said. “We will focus and expand our support for the school district and its College and Career Pathways programs, including recruiting classroom speakers, finding job shadowing opportunities and expanding our efforts to find and support internships for high school students.”

During the dinner, guests were treated to a shrimp and scallop salad, dinner of lamb chop and filet mignon garnished with potato and vegetables and a triple-chocolate dessert. Old Oak Cellars, Pasadena’s only winery, donated Chardonnay and award-winning red wines to accompany the dinner.
Prior to dinner and the program, guests enjoyed a hosted cocktail reception and silent auction on the terrace of the Langham Huntington Hotel.

Gold Sponsors of the Chamber Inaugural Gala were Kaiser Permanente and Wells Fargo. Silver Sponsors were Burbank Bob Hope Airport, Huntington Memorial Hospital, Parsons Corporation and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. Nicola Borland Photography donated photographic services for the Gala.

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association is a professional business organization. Since the earliest days of Pasadena, the Chamber has played a major role in the development of this internationally renowned city. Since 1888, when the organization was founded as the Board of Trade, the Chamber’s primary purpose has been the enhancement of both the business climate and the quality of life in Pasadena. The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce serves more than 1400 members.