E.J. Harrison & Sons joined more than 75 other businesses, and one balloon dinosaur, at the Four Points Sheraton on April 17 for the Ventura Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. 

The chamber’s business expo is held every year in spring and fall and each one is designed with a theme. This year’s spring theme was “Biz-rassic Park” and participants were greeted by a wonderful giant balloon dinosaur as they entered the event. There was also plenty of fun to be had with a photo booth, games, free food samples, swag and lots of prizes. 

We’re big supporters of this great event as both a sponsor and participant. It’s always a great opportunity to mingle with representatives from so many great local businesses. Harrison President Jim Harrison and Harrison’s Peter Gutierrez used our booth to remind businesses of recycling legislation and the many ways we can help businesses meet their recycling responsibilities. 

And if you missed this one, don’t worry; just keep an eye out for the Ventura chamber’s calendar for the fall event. 

Photo: ( L to R) Peter Gutierrez, Jim Harrison and Mike Daly

I proudly joined a group of Harrison representatives and a full house of university supporters for the California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) Connections Breakfast held April 23. 

Held in the beautiful CSUCI Grand Salon, the breakfast serves as a showcase for university programs and initiatives. The event also honors local businesses, nonprofits and faculty members for their contributions to the campus.

Among those honored were The Trade Desk as Business of the Year and Kaiser Permanente as Employer of the Year. Associate Professor of Organizational Communication Megan Kenny Feister was honred as the Faculty Member of the Year.

Native Monarchs was presented with the award for Nonprofit of the Year. Native Monarchs is part of a fascinating program to turn the campus garden into a breeding ground, habitat and safe haven for Monarch butterflies, a species facing declines due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate issues.  

We at Harrison are proud to support the university in multiple ways and always love attending events highlighting the contributions this wonderful institution makes to our community.

On March 22, residents of Santa Rosa Valley’s Rancho Community went to work clearing brush and debris around their homes to reduce wildfire risk. It was a long day of difficult work with many using their own tractors and tools to make their homes and families safer. Joining their efforts was E.J. Harrison & Sons' field supervisor Donald Sealund, who made sure there were enough large trash bins to haul off all the debris.

Ventura County 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorrell and his team helped coordinate efforts and Gorrell and his field supervisor Israel Rodriguez both expressed their thanks to Saelund and Harrison. 

“Your efforts contributed to the creation of a firebreak that, in the event of a wildfire, could help save lives and protect structures,” Rodriguez wrote to Sealund in an email. 

Santa Rosa Valley Municipal Advisory Council Chair Rosemary Allison joined the of chorus people offering thank yous, writing, “The residents of Santa Rosa Valley truly appreciate Harrison. Your ongoing willingness to pitch in and support efforts that benefit our entire community does not go unnoticed – we are so thankful!”

It’s such an honor for us to work alongside so many of you to help keep our community safe and beautiful. 

Carpinterians Honored

Jim and I attended the Carpinteria Community Awards Banquet on April 26. It was a truly gala event where so many Carpinterians were honored. We had such a wonderful time seeing and visiting with our great many friends.

The theme was “The Art of Community.” Awards were presented to Lynda Fairly for Carpinterian of the Year, Robitaille’s Fine Candies for Outstanding Community Business, the Ballat family and the Mascari family for Spotlight on Local Businesses, Rene Mireles and Elizabeth Poulin for Educators of the Year and Valeria Zamora Susano for Junior Carpinterian of the Year. 

All of the award winners are examples of what makes Carpinteria such a wonderful community and we were so happy to be a part of such a fun event.

A Fab Night of Beatles Memories and Music

I joined a sold-out audience at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach on March 22 for Bob Eubanks’ “Backstage With The Beatles.” It was a fabulous show with many stories shared by Eubanks, who produced and promoted Beatles concerts during their U.S. tours. 

His tales gave real insight into the Beatles and their manager Brian Epstein. Eubanks shared the stage with the Beatles tribute band Ticket to Ride, who did a great job bringing the band’s wonderful music to life. 

The fundraising event was a wonderful way to kick off the Ventura Music Festival’s 30th season. You can find upcoming events at venturamusicfestival.org/events.

Planning for a Prosperous Future

I was pleased to take part in Ventura County Economic Development Association’s annual meeting held at Limoneira on March 11. The event brought together VCEDA board members and key leaders to consider the future of Ventura County’s business community. We discussed the organization’s strategic focus and its commitment to supporting Ventura County businesses through stronger policy advocacy and economic initiatives. It’s imperative that Ventura County support business and economic growth to keep all of our local communities thriving. I was encouraged to hear how much VCEDA remains committed to its mission of advocating for businesses and driving smart economic growth.

A Talk with the Rotary Club of Ojai

I recently had a wonderful time as guest speaker for an enthusiastic crowd of Ojai rotarians. I discussed aspects of key legislation concerning waste, recycling and landfills and all the work Harrison has done to make sure the communities we serve help the state meet its important goals. The crowd was very complimentary about our work and asked questions about company founders E.J. and Myra Harrison. I said the couple raised their children in a very loving home and all of them were taught the value of hard work and the importance of being involved with the community. I explained the couple’s legacy of giving back, along with providing good service, was the backbone of E.J. Harrison & Sons.

Breakfast with Ventura’s City Manager

I attended the Ventura County Taxpayers Association monthly Breakfast Club event on March 12. More than 70 people were on hand as Ventura City Manager Bill Ayub discussed the city’s economic development future. Bill reviewed his plans for 2025 and beyond in an in-depth presentation that was informative and encouraging. The city is in good hands with people like Bill! 

VCTA breakfasts provide a great opportunity to connect with fellow taxpayers and discuss pressing issues affecting our community. Harrison was a proud sponsor of this event.

Ventura Chamber Leadership Reception

Ventura’s business owners mingled with members of the City of Ventura leadership team at the Ventura Chamber’s 2025 City Leadership Reception on Feb. 26 at Portside Ventura Harbor apartments. It was a wonderful example of the partnership that exists between the city’s government and business community. As a proud sponsor of the event, Harrison joins business and government leaders in a continuing effort to make our community a shining example of what happens when we work together. In a thank-you note, Chamber President and CEO Stephanie Caldwell wrote, “Events like this are more than just a gathering; they are a reflection of our shared commitment to progress.” I couldn’t agree more!

A beautiful March day greeted thousands of holiday celebrants lining Ventura’s Main Street for this year’s annual County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Huge crowds cheered as 67 entries made their way down Main in every vehicle imaginable, many of them bringing music, dance and costumes that perfectly reflected this year’s theme, “Show-Me You’re Irish.”

Headed up by 2025 parade grand marshal Bill Kearney, an esteemed local businessman and philanthropist, entries included marching bands from local schools, floats from local clubs, businesses and organizations, antique and classic cars, farm equipment, equestrians and plenty of folks simply walking and waving. 

As always, it was an impressive sight to behold! I was thrilled to see the sidewalks packed with happy families in Irish regalia sharing a sunny day and a truly epic parade.

Every year the parade brings out the best in our community. As co-chair of the parade planning committee, I work alongside so many people and see the hard work that goes into parade preparations. From the City of Ventura and its special events staff, to Downtown Ventura and dozens of local sponsors, to my fellow parade planning committee members, to dozens of local sponsors, to all parade participants and to the joyous crowds, we all come together to create a magical event that gets better every year. 

As a longtime member of the parade committee and grand marshal three years ago, I have a deep connection to this event. So, too, does E.J. Harrison & Sons, which has been a sponsor since the parade began, and WhizCom Marketing, the parade’s and Harrison’s longtime publicity provider. WhizCom’s Cindy Daly serves on the parade committee, and Julie Price promotes the event.