Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Hosts Business Expo 2010

On Wednesday, June 23, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce hosted Business Expo 2010. With the tagline of "Experience the Art of Business," the expo showed the local Las Vegas community what business and networking is all about. Over 2,000 attendees and 200 exhibitors made the opportunities for networking seem limitless. Not to mention, a game and raffle to win two round-trip Southwest Airline tickets further encouraged exhibitors to mix and mingle with one another.

HoneyBaked Ham, Best Western Zion Park Inn, and Ace and Gina Fair from Fair Solutions Inc. were just a few of the awesome companies that we ran into at the expo.

Special thanks to Vance Adams of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce for being an avid Largest Mixer® supporter. We're already looking forward to next year's expo!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

La Verne Chamber of Commerce Hosts Smooth Ride Business Expo

The La Verne Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Leroy Haynes Center for Children, hosted a car show and business expo in downtown La Verne on June 12. Great classic and tricked out cars filled the streets of downtown La Verne for this annual community event. Live bands, delicious food, and of course a fantastic networking opportunity all added to the already bustling atmosphere.

The La Verne Chamber of Commerce is known for being an action-oriented organization operating in the fields of business development, government, and education. The Leroy Haynes Center is dedicated to helping children with special needs and has been strengthening the minds and spirits of children for more than 60 years. We're so excited here to welcome them both to L.A.'s Largest Mixer® XII on July 22, 2010 and Inland Empire's Largest Mixer® IV on October 27, 2010!

Special congratulations to Brian for throwing such an awesome event. We're already looking forward to the next one!

Unwind and Recharge at the Mar Vista Farmer’s Market

Only the freshest fruits and vegetables make their way to the Mar Vista Farmers' Market. Located at Grand View and Venice Blvd. and open every Sunday rain or shine, this certified farmers' market is one of the best places to find the finest local foods.

Cobblermania was just one of the companies that we ran into at the farmers' market. With some of the best pies that the Largest Mixer® staff has tasted yet, we'd recommend their cobbler pretty much any day of the week. Other local favorites, a kid-friendly environment, live music, and even a place that offers free dog sitting make this farmers' market one that you don't want to miss out on!

Special thanks to the Mar Vista Community Council and the local farmers of Southern California for putting on events like these and making sure that the Largest Mixer® staff has enough pie to last through the week. Can't wait for the next one!

Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Does Business at Sunset

On June 16, the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce hosted its "Business at Sunset" mixer at Loews Hotels and Resorts right next to Santa Monica Beach. Free food, drinks, and L.A.'s very own fine beach backdrop and summer weather added to the mixer's first-rate networking environment.

The "Business at Sunset" mixers are held at a different chamber member's business each month, those of which include some of the top hotels and restaurants in the area. By changing venues and hosts for each event, each mixer has its own unique flair; however, what does remain consistent is the opportunity to network with over 100 chamber members at every event.

Special thank you to Laurel Rosen and John Madigan for making this event such a great success! To find out where the next "Business at Sunset" mixer will be held, visit the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce's Event Calendar.

Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce Presents 23rd Annual Street Fair & Music Festival

The second week of June marked the 23rd annual Palos Verdes Street Fair & Music Festival hosted by the Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce. Since the fair is known as one of the biggest events on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and one of the most highly anticipated events in the South Bay, we couldn't wait to attend the fair ourselves to see what all the hype was about. Not surprisingly, we weren't disappointed.

With over 200 arts & crafts booths, carnival rides for all ages, an international food court and beer garden, a children's petting zoo, and free live entertainment on two stages from tribute bands to internationally known artists, this was not your every day festival.

We'd like to give a special thanks to Kay Finer, Debby Morgan, and everybody else who helped to make the 23rd annual Palos Verdes Street Fair & Music Festival so spectacular. We look forward to number 24!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Torrance Chamber of Commerce Hosts "Networking at Noon" at The Red Car Brewery

Held twice a month at a local Torrance area restaurant, Torrance Chamber of Commerce's "Networking at Noon" is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into Torrance's business community and get a taste of Torrance's local restaurant cuisine.

Attendees of this event are asked to bring information to share about their businesses. In addition, attendees are given a 30 second time slot to showcase their companies. After lunch, a business card exchange, spotlight speaker, and opportunity for networking round out the whole event to make it fun, informative, and productive as well.

Terri Ann Ferren of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center was just one of the attendees at this great networking opportunity

This particular "Networking at Noon" event was hosted by The Red Car Brewery and Restaurant. Established in the summer of 2000 by co-owners Bob and Laurue Brandt, The Red Car Brewery and Restaurant has pursued its dream of good food and great beer ever since. Their menu includes a wide variety of savory meals and thirst-quenching beers.

With over one thousand members, the Torrance Chamber is on a mission to create a strong economy and provide valuable networking opportunities to all of its members. Be sure to add their calendar to your networking schedule and be apart of this leading business organization in the South Bay!

Harbor City and Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce Hosts the "Breakfast Connection"

Every first Thursday of the month, the Harbor City and Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce hosts the "Breakfast Connection," an opportunity for members of the chamber to meet and converse over a full breakfast bar at the Torrance Holiday Inn. With the mission state of "To help businesses grow and prosper by fostering a dynamic partnership between government, community, and business; and to encourage a healthy and secure environment where all can thrive," the Largest Mixer® was delighted when the Chamber invited us to attend.

This month the "Breakfast Connection" showcased their newest member, Irlanda Montes of Arboleda Salsa. Irlanda added to the breakfast festivities by bringing the famous Arboleda Salsa along with steak and bean dip! From peoples' reactions, it was clear the food was not only delicious, but also much appreciated.

Representatives of Griswold & Griswold Insurance were the guest speakers for the day. They offered their perspective and shed some light on the new California Health Bill.

We'd like to give a special mention to the Torrance Holiday Inn's staff for being so friendly and helpful. We'd also like to thank to Joeann Valle of the Harbor City and Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce for making this monthly event such a great success!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Chambers of Commerce Unite for Strategy Lunch to Discuss L.A.'s Largest Mixer®


Yesterday, Largest Mixer® Events held a luncheon for all of the Chambers and business organizations sponsoring this year's L.A.'s Largest Mixer®, to be held July 22 at the Shrine Auditorium. The event was hosted by the generous Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the lunch was to reconnect the Chambers and to strategize ideas for making this year's event a smashing success.



In attendance were new Sponsors, such as Malibu Chamber, L.A. Jewish Chamber, Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber, & Pico Rivera Chamber. Long-time supporters such as the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber, Long Beach Chamber, Hollywood Chamber, West LA Chamber, Culver City Chamber, Miracle Mile Chamber, East LA Chamber, Arcadia Chamber, Boyle Heights Chamber, American Business Women's Association, and the Travel & Tourism Marketing Association were also there.


To orchestrate a great meal, we called on one of Los Angeles’s favorite Italian restaurants to cater the lunch. Maria’s Italian Kitchen Downtown offered up their famous Chicken Piccata, and from the gluten-free menu, vegetable risotto. The wows were heard in each bite of yummy Foccacia bread and chopped Italian salad. We thank them for providing such a wonderful lunch.


As a take-home treat, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, by Frank and Annette, prepared fantastic petite gift bags filled with some of their best couture chocolates - like their cocoa covered almonds and dark chocolate coins. Please visit their booth at the L.A. Mixer and learn about all their chocolate goodies and chocolate parties.


Again, we thank Pat Clark and her team at the L.A. Area Chamber, Maria's Italian Kitchen, & Dove Chocolate Discoveries, all who made the event a success. And, of course, thanks to the Chambers sponsors that attended, and that support L.A.'s Largest Mixer®.


The deadline is near to sign up for a booth to exhibit at L.A.'s Largest Mixer®. Follow this link to sign up.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Culver Chamber Business After Hours Networking


Last Wednesday, was Culver City Chamber's After Hours Networking Mixer at Grandview Palms - A Senior Living Community.

It was a great to try a new and unique environment for a mixer, and we thank Grandview Palms for hosting. The evening's cuisine was themed with foods of the world buffet which made it feel more like you were at home than at a networking mixer. And that is a good thing, considering most us need to break out of our comfort zones, and feel more at home, to meet new people!

The Largest Mixer donated two sets of tickets for L.A.'s Largest Mixer® XII for the business card drawing, but the top prize of the night was a trip to Cancun Mexico. Wow!

Thanks, Culver City Chamber, for another great event.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

West L.A. Chamber's Early Birds at First Wednesday Breakfast



Each month there are excellent mixing opportunities at the West L.A. Chamber and the most dedicated networking professionals can be found at their monthly breakfast held at 6:45 AM at The Olympic Collection on the first Wednesday of each month.


You need to come ready for this one! Networking begins as soon as you get to your table, and goes on after breakfast. You rotate tables a few times so that you have an opportunity to meet everyone before you leave.

Take action in your promoting your business and bring plenty of business cards, your best ideas, and some energy to make the most of the all-you-can-eat breakfast.


Thank you to the West L.A. Chamber, who has been a proud sponsor of L.A.’s Largest Mixer® since our first event.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

San Fernando Valley Chamber's After 5 Networking at the Beverly Garland Hotel





Our long time Sponsor, the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber, filled the courtyard of the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood last night at their monthly mixer. This successful Chamber is known for promoting economic vitality, community growth, great events, business expos, and for uniting the businesses of the San Fernando Valley. They continue to be the premier business organization in the San Fernando Valley.

A fantastic crowd of members and guests networked into the evening as the music of The West 79th Street Funk Jazz Band played for the crowd. The music was so fantastic guests of the hotel even stepped out from their rooms to listen to the band play. Newly renovated, and home of many great Chamber events, the Beverly Garland went all out with gourmet appetizers and an abundant fruit and cheese buffet.

As a takeaway all attendees received the "Power of Connections Leads Booklet," a great source of information for following up with those in attendance.

Be sure to add the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber's events to your calendar and get connected with the valley!