La Mirada Chamber of Commerce had its last Chamber Breakfast meeting for 2019 on Tuesday, December 3rd at Polly’s Pies in La Mirada with over 50 people in attendance. This was an exciting year for the Chamber due to major changes within the organization that has the Chamber focused on the needs of La Mirada’s business community. Looking at new ways it can assist in building succcessful businesses and a stronger local economy for residents over the next decade and beyond. With Noel Jaimes addition to the board, a new direction and vision was implemented by President Richard Trujillo and the Chamber’s executive team. A partnership was created with Discover La Mirada that involved updated branding of the Chamber including a new website, updated social media presence, and marketing materials.

A focused Chamber executive team in combination with these changes established a foundation for the vision of creating a “Virtual Chamber” for the membership and merchants of the city and developing a more visible Chamber presence within the La Mirada’s vibrant business community. Included in this was the change of an annual membership fee to a monthly subscription of less than $20/month for small businesses. The website has added new ways members can showcase their business, including a news feed to make announcements about their business. The Chamber Facebook page is now the fourth most popular, non-religious, Facebook page in the city. The Chamber has gone from a single monthly meeting to bi-monthly Chamber Breakfast meetings on Tuesday mornings and monthly Business Mixer with the first one in November hosted by La Mirada Lamplighter. The next Business Mixer is scheduled for January at La Mirada Golf Course and is hosted by American Golf who manages the facilities.

At December’s Chamber Breakfast meeting, Steve De Ruse, the Mayor of La Mirada, made a presentation to Chamber members about the city’s recognition by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) with an Eddy Award as the Most Business-Friendly City with a population of less than 50,000. This is the city’s second award as Most Business-Friendly City, having previously won in 2013. Under LAEDC rules, the he city was not eligible to apply for five years after its win in 2013.

The LAEDC stated, “This is La Mirada’s second award as Most Business-Friendly City, having previously won in 2013.  The business community has served an important role in establishing the City of La Mirada’s quality environment. Industrial and commercial centers provide the city with a diversified economic base that has remained resilient over the city’s 60 years. This strong economic base has provided important jobs, enhanced commerce, and allowed the city to provide quality programs and services necessary for creating a desirable community in which to work and reside.”

As the Mayor explained “La Mirada has never sat on its laurels. Rather it constantly looks to improve its services to the community. Mayor De Ruse was magnanimous in praising city staff and for their creativity and hard work. Other in attendance included Mayor Pro Tem John Lewis, past Cerritos College Board President Zurich Lewis, City Manager Jeff Boynton, and city staff Mark Cypress and Allison Moore.

The La Mirada business environment is growing stronger and we would love you to be part of its success. Considering becoming a Chamber member and/or committing as a Chamber Champion partner. Click here to learn more about upcoming Chamber events. Click here to learn more about La Mirada’s Economic Development team.