La Mesa Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mary England said that holding a business expo was not in her plans, unless she could find a fun and interactive way to get local businesses together. Now, after its second yearly “Summer Bash” Business Expo, her “all-hands” Chamber has accomplished just that—and more.
La Mesa Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Mary England said that holding a business expo was not in her plans, unless she could find a fun and interactive way to get local businesses together. Now, after its second yearly “Summer Bash” Business Expo, her “all-hands” Chamber has accomplished just that—and more.
With 47 Chamber member vendor tables and some of the best food coming from La Mesa, Spring Valley and Lemon Grove, Aug. 12 marked an evening of fun and some great B2B action. Vendors taking business cards gave away more than 47 gifts to guests and the Chamber welcomed 14 new members. All new members received certificates of recognition from the offices of Congressman Duncan Hunter, Sen. Joel Anderson, Assemblywoman Shirley Weber and San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob.
“I have a new mix of chamber members, more high energy and we all get to meet them,” said England. She said after that, they sent out a survey asking members liked, did not like and it came back with a resounding, “We want more.”
With a sold out house for the expo, England said, “They love it and with our chamber members we listen, and we respond. We are a full service chamber. We help our members, promote our members and if our members need anything, we deliver.”
Mary Ann Alianelli, La Mesa Women’s Club clubhouse manager, said she was there to get the word out that the clubhouse was available for events. It has been a member four nearly four years.
“That is how we fund our philanthropic donations,” she said. “We do five scholarships every year for the Grossmont Union High School seniors, and we are doing a large fashion show for the La Mesa Boys & Girls Club.”
Kristin Bean, AFLAC district manager, said they just moved its office back to La Mesa so they were a newer member.
“People are great and there are a lot of great businesses out here,” she said. “And AFLAC is more relevant than it’s ever been with the consumer driven health plans.”
England said she was excited to recognize the 14 new members to the Chamber.
“I want them to know that they are the reason that we (the Chamber) exist,” she said. “It’s just a great opportunity for people to get together in a fun setting, have fun and promote themselves.”
