| | It is the mission of the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce to BUILD solid relationships and provide quality services which SUPPORT chamber members and businesses, in order to DRIVE the economic vitality of our community. | | |
| November 2025 | Volume 45, Issue 5 | | SCE Energy Education Center Hosts Irwindale Chamber's Record Attendance Annual Job & Career Fair | | Attendees visiting exhibitor booths in SCE's Sustainability Room. | | |
by Lily Phan
Photo by: Gabriela Productions
The Irwindale Chamber started the fall with what has grown in 5 years to be its largest event, from a combined local job fair and picnic with a handful of employers and local residents into a 30-exhibitor and 560-attendee regional event. After the closure of the Irwindale Speedway in 2024, the event was moved to the SCE Energy Education Center. With diversified space, the execution required much more planning. And this was where SCE came in to generously provide, not only venue space, but management consultation, staff and volunteers prior and during the event. This, along with Chamber board and Ambassadors’ time contribution, had made the event a big success. Comments and feedback from exhibitors and attendees were such, ‘This is the best job fair we have exhibited in’, and ‘This is the most comprehensive job fair I have attended.’
| | Above: AJCC serving career fair guests in the Sierra Madre Room. | | Exhibitors in the Sustainability Room field steady long lines throughout the day. | | |
Anticipating a larger crowd than the prior year (where the long lines were half a football field long for over an hour), the event was spread among 4 rooms by sector, and 4 registration nodes, and extended an extra hour to manage the flow of traffic.
Based on past results, where a lot of efforts were put into the planning, which then still contained the laidback picnic component but did not yield the job match desired, the Chamber added the career fair portion to assist young adults and those seeking career direction to move forward with informed decision making. Resume review by HR experts and temporary job offers from the County’s AJCC program (America’s Job Center for California) were held in the Sierra Madre room. This newly added component surprisingly showed to be in high demand. The 4 staff and volunteers had to stay an hour after closing to serve the long line waiting for ‘resume review.’ Key employment data by the Dept. of Labor was also posted throughout the venue to help attendees make strategic career decisions.
But the chamber and board member SCE did not act alone. This year, LA County Office of Education (LACOE) contributed with a beautiful spread of breakfast to energize the exhibitors before start time. This was followed by newest chamber member, Waffa’s Kitchen, who catered fresh shawarmas and bakhlavah for lunch. And as Irwindale chamber tradition would have it, staff and volunteers served the exhibitors at the table to keep the flow moving and everyone happy.
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Breakfast spread in the foyer by LACOE.. Absolute International Security (AIS) staff, Ariel Zhang
and Amado Flores at the registration table.
Sectors represented included military, protective service, law enforcement, regional government, education, social services, mining and manufacturing, utility, transportation, and waste management companies and agencies.
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Top: L Phan and A Hernandez manning the chamber table.
Above: Mt. SAC table in Daylight Room.
Bottom: Maryvale exhibition in the Innovation Room.
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Top: SCE table in the energy conservation model room.
Above: Vulcan staff Rosemary Luna talking with guests in the Sustainability Room.
Bottom: Bonduelle Fresh table.
| | Job Fair Title Sponsors: Bonduelle Fresh; Kearny Real Estate; Martin Marietta | | Irwindale Chamber Hosts Luncheon with Office of LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis | | |
T. Omoto-Frias giving updates
at the podium.
| | Steve Hillgren, Chamber board chair introduces the speaker. | | | Marissa Castro-Salvati shares fast facts about the SCE venue. | | | |
The Chamber was honored to receive Senior Budget Deputy of Supervisor Hilda L. Solis’ office, Tamela Omoto-Frias. With over 7 years of overseeing the County budget, operations, audit, labor issues, and other policy areas, Tamela gave the audience a detailed budget update, with revenue generated by the Supervisor’s Office to current challenges moving forward.
The event took place in the largest room in the Southern California Edison Energy Education Center, a venue well utilized by many local chambers of commerce. As this would be the last term for the well-loved Supervisor, the Irwindale Chamber went all out with a Japanese themed luncheon to thank her office for a job well done and gave her our best wishes as she moves on to run for Congress. And with all-you-can-eat poke presented by Unrestricted Cuisine, the luncheon was a sold-out event. The Chamber staff followed the sushi by serving mochi ice creams at the tables. Chilled sake and DoubleTree cookies were the final menu items to thank guests as they make their way out.
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Above: Speaker Omoto-Frias addresses updates before a sell-out crowd at the Irwindale SCE Energy Education Center.
Below: Poke bar line presented by Unrestricted Cuisine Catering.
| Above: Mt. SAC Laura Santos waiting for green tea mochi ice cream, served by chamber staff. | The City of Irwindale (left to right): Irwindale Mayor Larry G. Burrola; Hugh Seifert, IDS; Annie Ambriz, Councilman Albert F. Ambriz. | Georg Fischer Signet, event title sponsor: | |
Left: July Business of the Month, DoubleTree Monrovia (Shalom Simon and team)
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Left: September Business of the Month, Kam Kalantari, with Stephanie Hernandez of REP Cisneros' Office.
Below: August Business of the Month, Hugh Seifert of IDS with Stephanie Hernandez.
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Title Sponsors: Georg Fischer Signet, Kaiser Permanente
Major Sponsors: Athens Services, Kearny Real Estate
Supporting Sponsors: Bonilla Partners, Foothill Transit, SCE
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Why Join the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce?
The success of the Job & Career Fair and Legislative Luncheon Series reflects the Irwindale Chamber’s ongoing mission to create opportunities for business success.
Members of the Chamber enjoy access to:
✅ Exclusive networking events that foster business growth
✅ Advocacy and support to help businesses thrive in the community
✅ Marketing and promotional opportunities to increase visibility
For those looking to expand their network, gain business exposure, and become part of a thriving business community, joining the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce is a smart investment.
Stay Connected!
If you missed this event, don’t worry—the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce regularly hosts networking and business development events to support its members. Be sure to follow the Chamber and stay informed about upcoming opportunities to connect, grow, and succeed.
📍 For membership details and future events, visit The Irwindale Chamber of Commerce or contact us today!
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Vote now for our 2026 Annual Chamber Awards in January!
(Click below for nomination form)
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SEPTEMBER
Business of the Month
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Rize Credit Union, located in the City of Irwindale, offers low interest loan and no cost financial education to individuals and companies.
A chamber member for almost 25 years, Rize currently serves on the chamber board. Board member Kam Kalantari was the chamber Ambassador for the Year in 2024, In 2024, Rick Flores was the board chair.
The bank has contributed to the chamber with ambassador or board member almost every year and been active in the community by offering financial education. Rize is a strong supporter in the fight against human trafficking.
Rize has been a member since 1996 and this year is a 30-year milestone honoree.
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OCTOBER
Business of the Month
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The SCE Energy Education Campus is located in the heart of Irwindale, offers information and tours to residents and businesses on energy conservation and offers venue usage for companies and members.
A chamber member for almost 45 years, SCE currently serves on the Board of Directors. Senior Engineer and board member Andre Saldivar has led the team in hosting the chamber for two consecutive events in October, notably the Job & Career Fair. SCE is a major sponsor of our 2025 legislative leadership series and contributed gifts to the golf tournament swags.
SCE has been a proud member of the Irwindale Chamber since 2011.
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November
Business of the Month
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BriteWorks, Inc., is a minority, woman owned corporation, founded in 1996. Anita Ron is the driving force behind the company's commitment to customer service.
BriteWorks contributes Ambassador volunteer with the chamber. Eric Ron, son of founder Anita has been serving on the Ambassador Committee since December 2024. Anita Ron is serving on the chamber Board of Directors as Secretary.
BriteWorks is a contractor for the City of Irwindale, the Superbowl, and is a contender for the 2028 Olympics.
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SGV Multi-Chamber Leads Group - Covina
8:30 - 10 AM
Realty One Office
Covina, CA
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Joint Chamber Networking Brunch
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Georg Fischer Building
Irwindale, CA
| | ASM Blanca Rubio Turkey Give-Away for Thanksgiving! | | | |
Holiday Luncheon & Milestone Members Recognition
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Le Meridien Hotel - Arcadia
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Friday
January 23, 2026
Save the Date!
Irwindale Chamber Board Installation
& Awards Ceremony
@
Santa Anita Park
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Irwindale among Best Cities to Live, Work, & Play
LA Business Journal
October 27, 2025
The October LA Business Journal highlights cities within LA County and its surroundings, utilizing data and Q&As with local officials. The feature article showcases cities and their unique strengths in culture, entertainment, and quality of life.
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Make a Difference
Rio Hondo CDC invites community members to get involved by joining our general membership program. As a member, you can support affordable housing, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization efforts across the San Gabriel Valley.
For more information, please contact:
Kenneth Ferreira | Executive Director
Rio Hondo Community Development Corporation
11401 Valley Blvd | Suite 207 | El Monte, CA 91731
T: 626.401.2784 | kenfer@riohondocdc.org
www.riohondocdc.org
| | | Ontario & Upland are offering new housing support | | |
Ontario Offers Homeowner Financial Assistance:
The city is offering the "Keys to Community" program to assist potential and current homeowners. Submit an interest form here
- First Time Homebuyer Program: Provides up to a $120,000 deferred loan for down payment and closing costs.
- Housing Rehabilitation Loan: Offers a $30,000 no-interest loan for eligible homeowners to make essential home repairs like roofing, plumbing, and electrical work.
-
Exterior Beautification Grant: Provides up to $10,000 for homeowners to make façade repairs, including painting, siding, and landscaping. For more information, you can email the city at KeysToCommunity@OntarioCA.gov
Upland Provides Grants for Property Owners:
The city is offering grants of up to $50,000 for owners of small multi-family properties (eight units or fewer) to make exterior repairs and safety upgrades. To qualify, the property must be at least 51% occupied by low- to moderate-income households. For more information, contact the Housing Division at 909-931-4300.
Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply curious about your home's current value, I'm here to help.
| | Absolute Security International is hiring in-office and guard positions! | | Athens Services is now hiring at their Irwindale locations! | | |
BriteWorks is now hiring!
| | City Brewery Irwindale is now hiring! | | City of Hope is hiring at their Irwindale location! | | City of Irwindale is now hiring! | | Foothill Transit is now hiring! | | Georg Fischer Signet is now hiring at their Irwindale location! | | Groupe Bonduelle is hiring at their Irwindale location! | | Kaiser Permanente is now hiring at their Irwindale location! | | Martin Marietta is now hiring at their Irwindale location! | | Rexford Industrial is now hiring! | | Rize Credit Union is hiring at their Irwindale HQ! | | Santa Anita Park is now hiring! | | Southern California Edison is now hiring at their Irwindale location! | | Vulcan Materials is now hiring at their Irwindale location! | | | | |
