6th Annual Orange County Chamber 'Mega' Business Expo/Mixer Event Set for March 11, 2009 at OC Fair & Event Center

Considered by many as the most heralded business mixer/expo of the year, Orange County's Largest Mixer VI returns to Orange County to set the standard for all other networking events to follow.

"Now in its 6th successful year, the Mixer has grown to represent a powerful meeting of Orange County area chambers of commerce and local businesses representing hundreds of industries and companies in Southern California," said Dave Linden, producer of Orange County's Largest Mixer. "Each year, as the event grows, I take the most pleasure out of the fact that we have created a forum for chambers and members of the business community to come together for a productive evening of meeting new contacts - that's where I conceived these events to be and I think we have succeeded."

Scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2009 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the event will be held at the Orange County Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. A $20 admission fee gives attendees the opportunity to view more than 250 exhibitors and network with thousands of local "influentials" on the cutting edge of Orange County's business elite. In total, the 2008 event drew more than 3000 participants.

Designed to be part expo and part business social event, Orange County's Largest Mixer accomplishes both by providing an "open feel" on the exhibitor floor along with conversational areas for casual one-on-one discussions with existing contacts or building new relationships.

"I have attended the OC Mixer since the beginning and each year I gain new prospects for membership, as well as new friends in the business community," commented Linda Martin, Vice President of Membership for the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce. "Also, above the social aspect, this event has put me in contact with other local chamber executives, and for that fact alone, the event is invaluable."

For a complete list of exhibitors and sponsors, please visit www.ocmixer.com or call 949-222-6600 for further information.

Farmers & Merchant Bank Puts the "Merry" into "Merry Christmas" with a Holiday Networking Party

The Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce hosted the Farmers & Merchants Bank Holiday Party on December 17, 2008. It was definitely a great way to celebrate the holiday season.
Amidst the winter rain, the holiday party was a welcome relief from the cold. Inside was a brightly decorated Christmas tree that really created a festive atmosphere. Guests had a wide selection of food and drinks to choose from including hot lattes and cappuccinos from Elektra, and steak with a side of creamy mashed potatoes from Jay's Fine Catering.
We'd like to give a special shout out to Connie Margolin and Farmers & Merchant Bank for throwing an outstanding holiday event. We look forward to next year's party!

Irvine Chamber Holiday Office Party at KIA Motors America Brings the Holiday Season to Life

On December 11, 2008, the Largest Mixer exhibited at the Irvine Chamber of Commerce's "Paradise Found" Office Holiday Party. The party, held at KIA Motors America in Irvine, had an exotic air about it. One of the many attractions at the party was a group of Hawaiian Dancers that seemed to take everyone away to a tropical island of their own. There were also multiple Las Vegas themed casino games that added an exciting twist to the party.
Just some of the people we ran into were Lisa Cosenza of the Daily Pilot (who is a proud Orange County's Largest Mixer sponsor), Robert Kuys from Principal Financial Group, Rita Prell from Real Sense Design, Dong Xu from Silk Software Corp., and Jason Winters from the Hilton. With tantalizing food arrangements from Wildfish Seafood Grille and The Melting Pot, and beautiful cake designs by Layer Cake Bakery, there wasn't a disappointed face in the crowd.We'd like to give a special shout out to Linda Benjamin and the entire party's staff for hosting such a great event. It truly was a memorable way to usher in the holidays!

Buena Park Chamber of Commerce Hosts 18th Annual Holiday Auction & Taste of Buena Park at Holiday Inn & Conference Center

On December 10, 2008 the Buena Park Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 18th Annual Holiday Auction & Taste of Buena Park. The auction featured great food, exciting prizes, balloon pop and fabulous auction items. The emcee of the night was the Buena Park Mayor himself, Don McKay.
Some of the items auctioned off were admission for 4 to Ripley's Believe It Or Not, a $45 gift certificate to Outback Restaurant and a wine gift basket.

Just a few of the people we ran into at the auction were Paul Sarnecki, General Manager of Pat Oscar's Restaurant, Richard D. McAuley, President of The Aztec Group, Nicole Bergin, Event Sales Manager of Los Coyotes Country Club, and Nick Heung Kim, Vice President of Sperry Van Ness.
Special thanks goes out to Denise Simmerman, Office Administrator, and Gail Dixon, President/CEO of the Buena Park Chamber of Commerce for once again throwing a spectacular event!

Stanton Chamber of Commerce Throws Holiday Luncheon Extravaganza at Stanton Cultural Arts Center

On December 10, 2008, the Stanton Chamber of Commerce hosted its Holiday Luncheon Extravaganza at the Stanton Cultural Arts Center. There were great raffle gifts, Dickens carolers, and a festive setting to end the year together.

Chambers of Commerce generally offer many services that can enhance your business exposure to the community and beyond. The Stanton Chamber of Commerce is no exception.
Just a few of the people we ran into were Dinesh Subherwal of RKDM Enviro-Energy Services, Inc., Zina and Mike Quigly, Independent Associates of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., David Reyes, Registered Representative of State Farm, and Marvin Zepeda, Banking Center Manager of ComericA Bank.

The Largest Mixer would like to give a special thanks to Billie Turner and the Stanton Chamber of Commerce for putting together such a fantastic event to end the year. Not to mention, the Stanton Chamber of Commerce is also a proud sponsor of the Largest Mixer!

We'd also like to thank the holiday luncheon sponsors--State Farm, Brandywine Homes, Orange County News, and Sam's Club. Events like these wouldn't be possible without your support!

The Inn at Playa Del Rey Hosts 13th Annual AMCS Holiday Fundraiser Tea

The Inn at Playa del Rey (IPDR) hosted its 13th annual fundraising holiday tea on December 7, 2008. All proceeds from the tea benefited the Airport Marina Counseling Service's Children and Family Counseling Center (AMCS). Participants were encouraged to make a donation to AMCS' wish tree. Each person who made a donation of $40 more received a special gift as a token of appreciation."This party allows us to reach out to the community and spend a pleasant afternoon supporting Airport Marina Counseling Service," said IPDR owner and AMCS board member Susan Zolla.

Last year over 250 participants attended the Inn's tea party and more than $6,500 was rasied in support of AMCS. Dedicated to serving the mental health needs of our community, AMCS has provided low-cost counseling services for over 45 years.
Visitors were treated to homemade baked goods, tea sandwiches, and savories. Innkeepers shared recipes and gave tours of the Inn. Moreover, all tea guests were entered into a raffle to win a free night at the Inn. It really was a great event.

The Inn at Playa del Rey is also a Largest Mixer participant. We look forward to seeing them at future events!

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce Presents The 26th Annual Christmas on Euclid

On December 6, 2008, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce presented The 26th Annual Christmas on Euclid. The festival, which highlights the diverse community of Ontario, California, spanned the entire street. There was food, live music, and holiday performances that all helped brighten the holiday season. In addition, activities including puppet shows, crafts, video development, farm animals, and pony rides made the festival family friendly for kids as well.Some of the vendors and exhibitors that participated in the festival included local schools, realtors, health practitioners, and non-profit organizations.

The Largest Mixer would like to give a special thanks to Stephanie Palomar and Nicole Vasquez of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for throwing an event that proved not only to be fun, but also good for spreading holiday cheer!

The Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau Hosts Annual Holiday Celebration at Wildfish Seafood Grille

On December 3, 2008, the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau held their Annual Holiday Celebration at the Wildfish Seafood Grille in Newport Beach.

The Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a non-profit marketing organization under contract with the city to position Newport Beach as a visitor and conference destination. The Annual Holiday Celebration proved to be an ideal opportunity for members to mix and mingle with one another and spread some holiday cheer.A few of the people that we ran into at the celebration were Doug Dodson, District Sales Manager of Certified Folder Display Service, Inc., Sherry Jackson, Account Manager of The Magazine of Orange County, Kathleen Makena, Sales Manager of Marriott International, Inc., and Dennis Rooney, Vice President of Coastal Connections.

The Newport Beach CVB is a proud sponsor of the Largest Mixer, and we definitely look forward to working with them at upcoming Largest Mixer events!