Easton & Phillipsburg Initiatives Intern

The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is Seeking an Easton & Phillipsburg Initiatives Intern

The Easton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Phillipsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, both part of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, are councils of businesses and individuals that work to improve the economic conditions and enhance the quality of life in the Easton & Phillipsburg areas through involvement with community organizations and the programming of special events. Aspects of this position include database management, event planning, advertising, public relations and networking with the Easton area business community.

An intern in this position would assist with planning and executing activities and events to further the growth and development of the Easton and Phillipsburg areas.

•          Upbeat, energetic, willing to meet new people and take on new projects.
•          Event planning assistance
•          Have a strong computer background, including the use of Office and the willingness/adaptability to learn new programs.
•          Outbound phone calls to members or potential vendors for events
•          Basic office duties including photocopying, typing meeting minutes, etc.
•          Must have a driver’s license and own transportation.
•          Able to work at least 4 hours, but no more than 12 hours per week for part time, and no more than 35 hours per week for a full time internship position. *May be asked, but not required to attend events in the evenings.*

Contact Person:        

Alison Miers, VP of Easton & Phillipsburg Initiatives alisonm@lehighvalleychamber.org 

Phone: 610-739-1512, Fax: 610-330-9177

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Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce - Letter from the President

- Dave Dyson, Hampson Mowrer Kreitz Agency

BCC President

Main: 610-868-8507 • ddyson@hmk-ins.com

Christmas preparation is in full gear right now. With the Christmas City designation in its 75th year, we wanted to do something special to celebrate this milestone. Our tree lighting ceremony will be filled with surprises - none of which I am able to reveal today - but be sure to attend on Friday, November 23. It will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Payrow Plaza just outside on the steps of the Public Library. The Bethlehem Catholic High School Band will be playing, there will be a Christmas carol singing and FREE treats and hot chocolate. Headed by Natalie Miller, owner of Looper’s Grille and Bar, The Christmas tree lighting ceremony involves the entire community from the high school musicians to the elementary school children who decorate the Mayor’s Christmas Tree the week before the ceremony (and a few who actually flip the switch to turn on the lights). In addition, area businesses contribute free treats to attendees and sponsor the event. Natalie is assisted by Beverly Bradley from the Cops-n- Kids program and the Citizens Christmas City Committee.

Before and after the ceremony, be sure to go into the downtowns to take in the Christmas atmosphere. The Bethlehem downtowns will be decorated for the holiday season.Christmas music fills the air, there is an abundance of places to shop and dine, and for the second year in a row, we will have two German inspired Christmas markets: Christkindlmarkt at Steel Stacks and the DBA’s Christmas City Village in the Historic District Downtown. Ride the Christmas Trolley - for no charge - and you can experience all of Bethlehem’s Christmas offerings.

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FAMILY AFFAIR: ATWATER VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING

The Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce and the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council invite you and your family to the 20th Annual Tree Lighting event in the Heart of Atwater Village December 1, 2011 6pm. Come celebrate the spirit with tradition.

Los Angeles, CA - The 20th Annual Tree Lighting holiday event will take place on Glendale Boulevard in Atwater Village.  In the middle of the bustling business corridor a 50 year-old California Redwood Tree towers 80 feet in the air and is adorned yearly with strings of holiday light and ornaments, serving as a beacon of community pride. Attendees will gather Thursday December 1, 2011 at 6pm in the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot (3250 Glendale Boulevard, 90039) to view and experience the time honored community tradition. Santa Claus will arrive via LAFD fire engine and initiate the lighting of the tree. There will also be performances by local schools and presentations by special dignitaries.

The tradition was initiated by the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce in 1991, but has expanded with the active involvement of the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council as well as community groups, businesses, religious institutions, individual volunteers and the City of Los Angeles.


Please join the AVCC, AVNC, residents and business community in this grand celebration of the Winter Holidays Thursday December 1, 2011 6pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Click here to download event flier (pdf file)


Click here to download sponsor directory (pdf file)
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Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Honors Long-Time EHPS Board Member at Business and Education Event

After 20 years on the Essexville-Hampton Public Schools Board of Education, including 18 years as vice president of the board, Don Massnick was awarded the Jerome L. Yantz Partner in Education Award by the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Partnership on Friday.

In addition to his time on the board, Massnick has also served on the Bay Regional Medical Foundation board of directors since 1987 and was named president of the Michigan Eye Bank in 1978.

EHPS Superintendent John Mertz presented Massnick with the award.

The award ceremony was a part of the chamber’s “Navigating the New Economy” event focused on preparing current students to enter the work force.

Sandra Marshall, program director of business partnerships for Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, spoke to the crowd of about 90 business and education leaders about the importance of manufacturing.

“I thought it was very good,” said Ed Oberski, CEO of Michigan Works Great Lakes Bay. “We know how important manufacturing is in our area and we know manufacturing is on the rebound.”

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Following Marshall’s presentation, each of the tables the attendees were at were given a question to discuss.

“We’re putting business people and educators together to talk about key issues that are going to impact us for years to come,” Chamber President Mike Seward said. “Basically, it’s forcing them to think together and talk together about solutions to challenges and report on them.”

Oberski said the mix of attendees helped foster discussion.

“At our table, we had big business, we had education and we had small business, and it was a nice diversity of input,” Oberski said.

Seward said the chamber plans to compile the ideas out of the small groups and keep the discussion going between business leaders and educators.

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FORMER GLASSELL PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DEBUTS NEW WEBSITE

The Northeast L.A. Gateway Chamber of Commerce, formerly the Glassell Park Chamber of Commerce, has launched their new website (www.lagatewaychamber.org).

The recently renamed Chamber has also expanded their service area well beyond Glassell Park . They now boldly claim to serve over “10,000 members” in Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Eagle Rock, Echo Park, Elysian Valley, Highland Park, Lincoln Heights, Los Feliz, Washington, Silver Lake, and the City of Glendale. They explain on their website:

“We decided to expand our horizons to include all of our neighboring communities located in the vicinity of the Los Angeles River and the transportation corridors that form a gateway to the greater Northeast Los Angeles area, both in the City of Los Angeles and the City of Glendale. As a result we are now an organization that uniquely combines both a regional and local chamber of commerce. We are bringing together in one place information on more than 10,000 local businesses as well as on our local service and community groups.”

However, despite Glassell Park’s inclusion in the expanded service area some community members have expressed misgivings about the recent changes. Some are concerned that the NELA Gateway Chamber has turned its back on the same community it was originally created to promote. In effect, leaving Glassell Park without a chamber of commerce exclusively dedicated to promoting the businesses and the general economic wellbeing of that community. 

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Atwater Village Neighborhood Cleanup and Glendale Blvd Landscaping

Saturday, October 1 · 8:00am – 12:00pm

Join us of a day of cleaning, empower yourself and improve Atwater Village!

Check in at Luis Lopez Automotive (2751 Fletcher Dr) or at 55 Degree Wine (3111 Glendale Blvd)

Presented to you by the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council, Friends of Atwater Village and the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce. Funding in part by “Clean and Connected Communities” Grant by Council District 13/Council President Eric Garcetti.

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Ex-Commerce Officials Believes that Government can Help

Fresh from a two-year stint in the U.S. Commerce Department, Ro Khanna remains enamored of Washington -- despite Washington.

The 34-year-old lawyer, who oversaw 109 U.S. Export Assistance Centers operating in 47 different states in his role as deputy assistant secretary, resigned his post earlier this month to take a position in the office of Silicon Valley powerhouse law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

Khanna had a front-row seat to the political gridlock that roiled the world's financial markets as Congress failed to raise the nation's debt ceiling until the eleventh hour, causing Standard & Poor's to downgrade the nation's credit rating. But he says that hasn't dimmed his view on the role he believes the federal government can play in stimulating economic growth.

"There has been this bipartisan tradition that government needs to support innovation and technological progress," the Fremont resident said during an interview Saturday afternoon. "The competition isn't between Democrats and Republicans, it's with China and Brazil, India and Korea. They are all heavily investing in their manufacturing capacity and providing the right tax policies. We have to come together on a strong agenda for American competitiveness to keep America's economy the world's No. 1 economic engine."

Khanna's appointment in 2009 was a sign to many in the valley's Indo-American community, long influential in the region's technology ecosystem, that it was moving beyond simply writing checks for candidates. Local ethnic Indians are frequently tapped for financial support by the national Republican and Democratic parties.

"We have done well in business. We have done well in finance, entrepreneurship and at being professors," valley venture capitalist and entrepreneur Kanwal Rekhi said after Khanna's appointment was announced two years ago. "The two areas left are Hollywood and Washington, D.C. We can't leave any territory uncovered."

When Khanna unsuccessfully ran against the late Rep. Tom Lantos in the 2004 Democratic primary, he caught the eye of party insiders. Lantos, impressed with the young attorney's political vigor, became a mentor to his former political opponent.

"Ro was one of the first Indo-Americans to run for Congress," said Kamil Hasan, a general partner in Silicon Valley venture company Hitek Venture Partners and a longtime supporter of Democratic politicians. "The South Asian Indian community is hoping he'll run again for Congress. With his experience in the Commerce Department, he can be a very formidable candidate."

Khanna said he plans to remain politically involved by campaigning and fundraising for President Barack Obama's re-election. And he does not rule out a future run for office.

"I leave the option open to serve in some capacity," he said.

Khanna embraces the interests of Silicon Valley tech companies. He believes the federal government should lower the tax corporations must pay to bring overseas cash holdings to the United States. Tech trade groups say the tax forces companies to invest abroad rather than in the United States, while critics have said that much of the more than $300 billion repatriated during a tax holiday in 2004 went to shareholders through increased dividends or expanded share buybacks, not investments.

Khanna, who worked to promote U.S. exports and its manufacturing sector while at the Commerce Department, says some sort of program could be crafted that insures some of the money is invested in expansions on American turf in exchange for a lower tax rate for overseas cash.

"There should be some linkage to investment to create jobs and bringing back dollars at a reduced corporate tax," he said. The tax revenue, Khanna added, should be funneled into an "infrastructure bank," a fund Obama has promoted, to pay for new roads, broadband expansion and other projects across the country.

He also believes the government should continue to support research in such areas as clean technology -- the Obama administration has overseen some $50 billion in loan guarantees in clean tech companies and research projects. He cited previous Republican and Democratic administrations as supporting key research and infrastructure projects that have played important roles in the nation's economic growth.

Khanna admits that he is still a bit star-struck around his former boss. He was on hand when Obama toured Fremont-based solar manufacturer Solyndra in May last year.

Someone had handed Khanna a camera, which he handed to someone else so he could also be in the picture, he recalled. The president, Khanna added, said, "Ro, you work for me. Get out of the picture."

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Lowering Taxes and Making Tough Choices will Help Government Save Money

A rosier economic picture is ahead for economies in Mid-Michigan and the state of Michigan.

That's what the head of the state's Chamber of Commerce said today when he stopped in Bay City.

Officials say lowering taxes and making tough choices will help government save money.

"We're focused on job creation and business growth," said Rich Studley, President and CEO of Michigan Chamber of Commerce. "There is a good news story to tell about what's going on in Lansing these days. Governor Snyder is working very hard to reinvent Michigan and move our state forward. The state and local chambers across the state are part of that effort. They're doing everything we can."

Local chamber officials agree with Studley.

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce president Michael Seward says they've already seen improvements in local businesses.

"We've seen local companies beginning to expand here. It's been on a slow basis but it's going to continue," he told TV5 photographer Pat McLachlan.

But economic growth won't come without challenges.

"I think sometimes in Michigan, we're our own worst enemy," said Studley. "We need to focus on Michigan's solutions to Michigan's problems. We can't wait for the federal government to help us on a lot of these issues."

Studley said local chambers need to provide encouragement and support to pro-jobs and pro-business lawmakers to get Michigan's problems fixed.

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SUMMER NIGHTS ON THE BOULEVARD – Thursday, June 30th!

The Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce is very excited to partake in this year’s “Summer Nights on the Boulevard”. This year’s event will be held on Thursday - June 30^th, July 28^th and August 25^th; and as in years past our “main street” business district (Glendale Blvd) will come alive with art, music and summer fun.

  

- Art -

“Art on the Boulevard”: an art showcase and competition hosted by Santosha Space and Hypnotiq Solutions (3405 Glendale Blvd).

Nightlong dance performances by Heartbeat House (Kumbi) at the Madera Ave / Kaldi Coffee House bump out (3147 Glendale Blvd).

- Music -

Music at Revo Café, four scheduled bands playing from 6:30pm to 10:00pm (3134 Glendale Blvd)

- Summer Fun –

Family fun-time: face painting, playtime and games from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at NILA: Nature Inspired Learning through Art (3010 Glendale Blvd).

Ice cream social at Hugo’s Tacos

Food trucks at 55 Degree Wine (3111 Glendale Blvd) and other locations along Glendale Blvd

Knitting machine demos by Kerry Regan, all night, at The Little Knittery (3195 Glendale Blvd)

Atwater Village Farm Open House (3224 Glendale Blvd)

  

For information on last minute additions to “Summer Nights on the Boulevard” go to www.summernightsontheboulevard.com

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ATWATER VILLAGE TO GET ITS OWN CRAFT BREWERY!

Atwater Village is a self-sustained community. We enjoy the use of our own post office, library, first-rate public and private schools, numerous religious institutions, theaters, an arts district and even an equestrian district. We also have a robust and diverse business community that serves our village, providing a wide range of goods, services and jobs. And now we can count on having our own craft brewery!

LA Brewing (Custom California Craft Beer, LLC) is moving forward with plans to convert an existing 41,000 square foot industrial site in North Atwater Village into a craft brewery which will also feature a 4475 square foot fashionable restaurant and beer tasting site. The brewery will be located in Atwater’s northern industrial area at 5430 N. San Fernando Road West, just a parcel down from Doran St.

On April 18th, representatives of LA Brewing made a presentation to the Board of Directors of the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce (AVCC). While the brewery is allowed to operate by right in the M2 zone a Conditional Use Permit is required for the restaurant and beer tasting aspect of the business. The AVCC Board of Directors unanimously approved a letter welcoming LA Brewing to our community and stating the Chamber’s full support of the Conditional Use Permit application for the restaurant and beer tasting site. Among the reasons cited to support LA Brewing included the approximately 100 manufacturing jobs the brewery is expected to provide to Atwater Village…. having our own locally lip-smacking brewed craft beer is just an added bonus.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE ATWATER VILLAGE CHAMBER PRESIDENT

Greetings Atwater Village,

This past March the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 64th anniversary. The Chamber was found in 1947 by a group of civic-minded small business folks with simple mission to “promote the civic, economic and social welfare of the people of the Atwater community”. Our founding members included tailors, grocers, sales clerks, accountants, mechanics, insurance agents, plumbers, bankers, barkeeps and even furniture salesmen by the name of George Seeley. Today, the Chamber continues its small business tradition with the election of our new Board of Directors.

I am thankful to my fellow Board Members to have been selected for third term as Chamber President. As owner and founder of 55 Degree Wine I look forward to another term of promoting Atwater Village as a “thee place” in Northeast Los Angeles to live, shop and play. I am also thankful for the continued support of Patricia Aleman (State Farm Insurance) our Treasurer and Luis Lopez (Luis Lopez Automotive) our Secretary. Both Patricia and Luis work tirelessly to keep the managerial aspect of the Chamber running.

In addition, the Chamber is very excited to welcome Alex Ventura and Thea Pueschel to the Board of Directors. Alex Ventura, our new Vice President, owns and operates a residential masonry and concrete instillation company (Ventura & Son Masonry). Alex is also an Atwater Village resident and serves on Atwater Village Neighborhood Council as both the North Atwater Representative and Chair of the Land Use Committee. As for Thea Pueschel, our new Director of Mixers & Special Events, she is the owner of a private hypnotherapy practice on Los Feliz Blvd (Hypnotiq Solutions). Thea has worked with various Atwater Village businesses in the past to create cross promotions, as well as helped raise funds through organizing and facilitating holistic events that benefit non-profits in the Atwater Village Area. Thea is also an active member of the Atwater Village Tree Lighting Committee and was a generous sponsor of Tree Lighting Ceremony for 2010.

For more information about the new Board of Directors go to:

http://atwaterchamber.org/blog/board-of-directors/

2011 promises to be another exciting and fun-filled year for the Chamber. We look forward to bring back popular community events such as “Summer Nights on the Blvd” and the 20th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, in collaboration with other community groups.

On the business front, the Chamber is expanding our ongoing “Shop Atwater Village First” campaign. A campaign dedicated in promoting our members to Atwater Village consumers and encouraging them to patronize local businesses. We will also be working to create a dialog between businesses, and aid in the creation of a support network among local businesses thru our quarterly mixers.

As for the civic front, the Chamber will continue be an advocate on wide range of issues on behalf of the Atwater Village community. We will also be conducting nonpartisan voter registration and “get-out-the-vote” drives to increase Atwater’s voting profile for the upcoming 2012 elections.

Sincerely,

Andy Hasroun President

Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce

Creating a positive and successful business environment in Atwater Village

http://www.atwaterchamber.org/

P.O. Box 39754

Los Angeles, CA 90039

(323) 251-5967

andy@55degreewine.com 

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ATWATER VILLAGE CHAMBER UPDATE – APRIL 2011

New Board of Directors 2011 – 2013

Andy Hasroun – President

Amir “Andy” Hasroun is the creator and owner 55 Degree Wine, a fashionable wine store and lounge located in the heart of Atwater Village. With over 90% of its wines imported from Italy, 55 Degree Wine is unique in that it houses the only true wine cellar in Los Angeles where on any given night of the week, customers can taste over 2000 exotic wines from all over the world, helping in part make Glendale Blvd a destination shopping district. In addition to Andy’s passion for wine and business he is also an active civic leader.

Andy can be reached at andy@55degreewine.com, for more information about Andy’s business go to www.55degreewine.com.

Alex Ventura – Vice President

Alex Ventura owns and operates Ventura & Son Masonry, a residential masonry and concrete instillation company. He is also an Atwater Village resident. Alex sees great opportunity here for his business and look forward to working with the Chamber and its members to promote our businesses and better our community. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the North Atwater Village Neighborhood Council Representative he strives to better our community anyway he can.

Alex can be reached at ventura.masonry@gmail.com, for more information about Alex’s business go to www.venturaandsonmasonry.com.

Patricia Aleman – Treasurer

Patricia Aleman is Atwater’s local State Farm insurance agent. Her agency offers a wide selection of insurance products and financial services. In addition to her professional work Patricia is also an active community volunteer. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Optimist Youth Home for at risk children in Highland Park and for the Glendale Kiwanis, which host many fundraisers for local community nonprofit groups. More locally Patricia also serves as Treasure for Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce and can often be counted on to sponsor many local events, such as the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Patricia can be reached at patricia.aleman.p2u5@statefarm.com, for more information about Patricia’s business go to www.alemaninsurance.net.

Luis Lopez – Secretary

Luis Lopez owns and operates a small family auto repair shop on Fletcher Drive, Luis Lopez Automotive. Luis’s shop is a place where motorists can get reliable and competitive priced auto service & repairs. At heart, he is a friendly neighborhood mechanic dedicated in keeping Atwater Village on the road. In addition to fixing cars Luis also enjoys fixing community problems. Luis has been an active member of the Chamber of Commerce since 2002 and has deep roots Atwater’s business community. He has also an active member of Friends of Atwater Village, a local 501 (3) non-profit group.

Luis can be reached at luis@lopezautomotive.com, for more information about Luis’s business go to www.lopezautomotive.com.

Thea Pueschel – Director of Mixers & Special Events

Thea Pueschel, C.Ht. is the owner of Hypnotiq Solutions, a private hypnotherapy practice. She believes in working within the community and cross promoting with other businesses as much as possible, in order to create a more dynamic local economy. When Thea decided to open her private hypnotherapy practice Hypnotiq Solutions Atwater Village seemed the only logical choice. It is her goal to assist in creating a dialog between businesses, and aid in the creation of a support network among local businesses, setting the foundation to build a dynamic foundation for commerce.

Thea can be reached at hypnotiqsolutions@gmail.com, for more information about Thea’s business go to www.hypnotiq-solutions.com.

Renew your membership, business directory inclusion deadline

Renew your membership! As the voice of the Atwater Village business community, we rely on your support and membership to create a positive and successful business environment in Atwater Village. To download a membership renewal form go to: http://atwaterchamber.org/blog/join-the-chamber/

You must renew your membership by April 15 to be included in our 2011 Business Directory. 

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Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce 64th Anniversary Mixer and Board Election – March 21st

64th Anniversary Mixer and Board Election
Monday, March 21st, 2011
7:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm
55 Degree Wine
3111 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039

Incorporated March 20th, 1947 the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce will be 64 years old this month, join us to celebrate our 64 anniversary. Wine & appetizers will be served. Click here to download flier (pdf file)

For more information contact the Chamber at 323.251.5967 or at board@atwaterchamber.org
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ATWATER VILLAGE TO CELEBRATE MARCH 26TH AS “BETTE MCMAHON HAWKINS” DAY

Bette McMahon Hawkins walking along
Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village, circa 1935

The Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce will be honoring long time resident Bette McMahon Hawkins by proclaiming March 26^th “Bette McMahon Hawkins Day”. Bette will be celebrating her 95^th birthday this month and the Chamber of Commerce wishes to recognize Bette’s enthusiastic joy for her wonderful life here in Atwater Village. 

About Bette:

Bette was born on March 26, 1916 just a short distance from Atwater in Edendale at the corner of Effie and Glendale Blvd. Her parents died when she was a baby, she was adopted by her mom’s sister and her husband, Dean and Dennis McMahon, who owned and operated McMahon Plumbing at 3423 Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village from 1932 to 1952.

Bette’s memories of her life in Atwater are filled with glowing details of a tight knit community a great place to raise children and to enjoy the closeness of family, friends and neighborhood activities. The McMahons made their home in Atwater as well as owning their plumbing business, Bette’s mother and father in law, Will and Francis Hawkins lived on Glenhurst Avenue and son Tim married Linda Baffa, the girl next door, Bette’s family ties and involvement in Atwater run deep.

 Bette married Tommie Hawkins at Holy Trinity Church on April 25, 1937 and she and Tommy raised their three children Tim, Jim and Sue here in Atwater Village. The kids attended Atwater Ave Elementary then Holy Trinity School when it opened in 1949. The Hawkins were involved in the community as volunteers for church events and Tommie became Scoutmaster and Bette Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 510.

Like many residents then and today the Hawkins were involved in the TV and movie industry. Tommie as a personal manager for TV and recording personalities, a property master on films and eventually head of the Prop Department at Desilu Studios and George Stevens Productions. Bette got her children into the picture business; she says it is in her blood. Her biological father was an original Keystone Kop and her grandfather was the art director for Charlie Chaplin’s studios. Her son Jimmy worked in many TV shows and movies playing with stars like Jimmy Stewart and Elvis Presley, Bette joined the Screen Extra’s Guild and had a long career as the stand-in for guest star actresses on various Universal TV shows.

Bette still loves living in Atwater, attending church at Holy Trinity and celebrating special occasions with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren at her favorite Atwater restaurant the Tam O’Shanter.

Originally published on the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce website

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ATWATER VILLAGE CHAMBER UPDATE: NOW ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS AND RENEWALS FOR 2011

The Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce (AVCC) invites you to join or renew your membership for 2011. As the voice of the Atwater Village business community, we rely on your support and membership to create a positive and successful business environment in Atwater Village.

Here are 4 great reasons to join the Chamber or renew your membership:

When you become a member of the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce you get…

1. VISIBILITY. Sign up today and receive a free listing on our business directory and plug in your business into the Atwater Village brand via our “Shop Atwater Village First” campaign. You’ll also get frequent shout-outs that help promote your business thru our popular Facebook site (with over 1000 local friends) and our Twitter page.

2. NETWORK with other Atwater Village business owners. Our quarterly mixers allow you to network and socialize with Atwater’s business community in a friendly environment.

3. ACCESS. When you join the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce, you’ll have greater access to our City Council members; community organizations; local schools; and the Los Angeles Police Department.

4. DEDUCTABLE. As a 501 (c) 6 non-profit organization your membership dues are deductable as a valid business expense under applicable tax laws.

Click here to download membership application (pdf file)

*Please note that memberships are for calendar year only. Your membership fees will be due in January of each year, regardless of when you joined or renewed your membership the prior year.

Questions about Chamber Membership?

Please contact Luis Lopez at 323.665.0166 or at luis@lopezautomotive.com
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OPPOSITION GROWS DESPITE “SALES-PITCH” FROM CRA/LA AND CD13 / CD4 THAT ATWATER VILLAGE WOULD BENEFIT FROM BEING DECLARED “BLIGHTED”

Community wide opposition to Atwater’s inclusion in the NELA River Redevelopment Project Area continues to grow despite “sales-pitch” by the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) and representatives from Council District 4 & 13.

CRA/LA is currently seeking to create a redevelopment project area in NELA. The proposed redevelopment project area would cover most NELA communities along the Los Angeles River, including significant sections of Atwater Village, with no regards to the integrity of long established community boundaries and land-use development uniformity. To be able to create a redevelopment project area neighborhoods within it must be declared “blighted”, regardless of community input or actual conditions in the neighborhood.

The Atwater Village Neighborhood Council (AVNC) already voiced their opposition to having Atwater Village declared “blighted”. Joining the AVNC in opposition are the Atwater Village Residents Association, the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Atwater Village. Click here for opposition letters (pdf file)

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ATWATER VILLAGE CHAMBER UPDATE: 19TH ANNUAL ATWATER VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY DEEMED A SUCCESS - THANK YOU!

On December 2nd Atwater Village celebrated its 19th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with all the customary community spirit and fanfare. Like in years past Santa himself arrived via a fire truck and heralded the lighting of our “Charley Brown” 80ft Redwood Tree to the cheers of over 900 joyful spectators.

Normally a Chamber affair this year the Tree Lighting Ceremony turned into a true community event. For the first time it was not just the Chamber spearheading this Atwater Village tradition. Responding to calls for help community groups, businesses, religious institutions, individual volunteers and the City worked together to make this year’s event one of the best in recent memory.

A big THANK YOU to all the hard-working volunteers from the Atwater Village Tree Lighting Committee, Atwater Village Neighborhood Council, Atwater Village Residents Association, Friends of Atwater Elementary, Friends of Atwater Village, New Hope Chapel, Christ’s Church, and Northland Village Church.

Two extraordinary volunteers deserve special recognition for making this year’s event so exceptional: Leonora Gershman-Pitts and Dana Schwartz. Thank you both for your hard work and steadfast determination to bring about this superb event.

As always, our deepest gratitude to Council President Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council for their generous financial support.

Other thanks goes to Wells Fargo Bank for hosting the Tree Lighting Ceremony on their parking lot, to our local schools for providing us with such heartwarming entertainment, to the LAFD for bringing Santa Claus and the LAPD for keeping us safe during the festivities.

Lastly, a VERY SPECIAL THANKS goes to the Atwater Village business community whose financial support was truly generous. We deeply value their generosity in this difficult economic year and their community spirit. Thank you to (in alphabetical order): Alias Books East, Atwater Grill, Atwater Hydroponics, Atwater Screen & Glass, Atwater Village Theatre, Best Buy, Bikram Yoga, Caravella Properties, Casablanca, Create, Dr. Gracie Ner Optometry, Dtox Day Spa, Gentle Dental Center, Groom It Industries, Hypnotiq Solutions, Jill's Paint, Kailyn's Nails & Spa, Kaldi Coffee & Tea, Kopper Keg, Kuma Sushi, Little Knittery, Los Feliz Liquor, Luis Lopez Automotive, Pat & Oscar's, Pilates Metro, Pot-ted, Red Rock Management, Revo Café, Saeghi Pro Dental Corp, Salon Mix, Sepan Chicken, State Farm Insurance - Patricia Aleman, Sweets for the Soul, Tacos Villa Corona, The Racket Doctor, The Village Bakery & Café and Woof Dog Boutique.

This holiday season remember to “Shop Atwater Village First”, we especially urge you to support those generous businesses that support our community. Click here to download the 2010 Tree Lighting Sponsor Directory (PDF file)

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah… and a Happy and more prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Andy Hasroun & the entire Board of Directors

Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce

Creating a positive and successful business environment in Atwater Village

http://www.atwaterchamber.org/

P.O. Box 39754

Los Angeles, CA 90039

(323) 251-5967

andy@55degreewine.com

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ATWATER VILLAGE CHAMBER UPDATE – NOV 2010

19TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 - 6pm

Wells Fargo Parking Lot

3250 Glendale Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90039

Join Atwater Village, the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce and the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council for our 19th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! As is past years, the premiere lighting of the Redwood Tree will be accompanied by a ceremony in the Wells Fargo parking lot at 3250 Glendale Blvd. commencing at 6:00 pm., with Santa Claus himself is scheduled to arrive via fire truck, heralding the lighting of the 80 foot tree.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO SPONSOR THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY!

Join other fellow Atwater Village merchants in sponsorship of the 19th Annual Atwater Village Tree Lighting Ceremony. Help make this event the best possible by becoming a sponsor at a Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze level. All sponsors will receive a window placard marking your sponsorship level to proudly display at your place of business. In addition, sponsors will be listed in the evening’s program. Platinum Sponsors will receive personal acknowledgments during the event. For more details contact the Luis Lopez at 323.665.0166 or at luis@lopezautomotive.com.  To download sponsorship form go to…

http://www.atwaterchamber.org/19th_annual_atwater_village_tree_lighting_ceremony  

http://atwaterchamber.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Treelighting_Sponsor_Form_2010a.324221452.pdf

Special thank to our 2010 Sponsors!

PLATINUM SPONSORS

L.A. Council District 13, L.A. Council District 4, Saeghi Pro. Dental Corp, State Farm Insurance, Best Buy

GOLD SPONSORS

Kuma Sushi

SILVER SPONSORS

Alias Books East, Bikram Yoga, Caravella Properties, Dtox Day Spa, Jill's Paint, The Village Bakery & Café, Red Rock Management, Sepan Chicken

BRONZE SPONSORS

Kopper Keg, Kailyn's Nails & Spa, Gentle Dental Center, Luis Lopez Automotive, Pot-ted, Sweets for the Soul, The Racket Doctor, Atwater Screen & Glass, Little Knittery, Tacos Villa Corona, Create, Pat & Oscar's, Casablanca, Salon Mix, Los Feliz Liquor, Atwater Hydroponics, Groom It Industries

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Visit us online!

http://www.atwaterchamber.org/

http://www.shopatwaterfirst.com/

Visit our Facebook page!

http://www.facebook.com/AVChamber

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19TH ANNUAL ATWATER VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

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PROFESSIONAL LIGHT / DECORATION INSTALLER NEEDED FOR 80 FOOT REDWOOD PINE TREE IN ATWATER VILLAGE

The Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce is currently looking for and soliciting bids from professional commercial light / decoration installers.

The Chamber is looking for a contractor to install and remove Christmas lights and decorations on an 80 foot redwood tree located at a median on a public right-of-way. The tree is located at the median on Glendale Blvd in the community of Atwater Village. The tree is located just across the street from this location from 3250 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, 90039.

The Chamber’s Tree Lighting Ceremony event will be held on December 2nd, 2010. The redwood tree would need to be decorated before at least one week before the event. The lights / decoration will remain on the tree until January 1st (or shortly after).

Here are pictures of the tree and a prior installation job:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lopitos/3062592028/in/set-72157610158801351

Contact Luis Lopez for more information or to recommend a possible vendor. He can be contacted at 323.665.0166 or at luis@lopezautomotive.com

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