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Stay Connected. Stay Involved. |
Thank You for Making Our Speakers Forum a Success!
Dear Committee of 300 Members,
A big thank you to all the C300 members and guests who joined us last month for the kickoff of our C300 Speakers Forum Series, featuring legendary Hot Wheels car designer, Larry Wood.
Larry gave us a fascinating look into the history, creativity and design process behind some of the world’s most recognizable toy cars. The evening also brought new faces into the C300 family and gave members an opportunity to connect outside of race weekend.
The event also combined Larry’s presentation with our regular Board of Governors updates. We discussed upcoming activities, volunteer opportunities, membership and ways members can become more involved.
And this is only the beginning.
The Speakers Forum is designed to keep C300 members connected to the racing and automotive community throughout the year. Watch for announcements about future local Long Beach community speakers.
Stay tuned for the next C300 Speakers Forum guest and forget to bring a friend!
The Committee of 300 of Long Beach
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C300 Speakers Forum Series Presents...
Terry L. Karges, Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum, will be the featured speaker at the Committee of 300's upcoming Board of Governors Meeting.
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Join fellow members and supporters for an evening of networking, community engagement, and insights from one of the automotive industry's most respected leaders.
Event Details
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Date: Wed., September 16, 2026
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Location: Trademark Brewing, 233 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach
- Networking begins at 5:30 p.m.
- Guest Speaker Presentation at 6:00 p.m.
- Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. 
This is an event automotive enthusiasts and community supporters won't want to miss. 
- Remember to give yourself some extra driving time for parking.
- Food & Drinks available to purchase
| For more information about the C300 Speakers Forum Series, contact Angela Gehman. | | | | | |
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A great time was had by all at our recent bowling social event at Cal Bowl! Approximately 10 members came out to enjoy an evening of friendly competition, laughter, and camaraderie.
A special shout-out goes to our President, Chris Gehman, who stole the show with an impressive three strikes in a row! 🎳
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success. We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing even more members at our next social gathering. Until then, keep having fun and building connections both on and off the lanes!
Check the C300 website calendar for future social events.
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Welcome New Members. Keep the C300 Moving.
The momentum continues on the membership front. If we missed anyone let us know.
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- Albarian, Daniel
- Arrington, Ruby
- Benedicktus, Raymond
- Boyer, Kevin
- Carter, Larry
- Chan, Renee
- Cheng, Martin
- Dominquez, Maria
- Eaton, Janet
- Elliott, Andrea
- Fedalizo, Baltazar
- German, Angel
- GutenKauf, Natalie
- Guzman, Cristian
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- Heang, Ken
- Hornberger, Gilbert
- Horynak, Christina
- Illingworth, Devin
- Illingworth, Kevin
- Jimenez, Victoria
- Lee, Belle
- Lopez, John
- Lucero, Andrew
- Lusk, Walt
- Lynch, Melissa
- Madruga, Paul
- Mendel, Peter Paul
- Pilato, Chris
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- Polk-Boyer, Beverly
- Rieder, Betty
- Rieder, Kenneth
- Rogan, Jonathon
- Saenz, Emily
- Taylor, Chris
- Thompson, John
- Van Der Sand, Leanne
- Vin, Nary
- Viveros, Carmen
- Wetzel, Natasha
- Williams, Tatiana
- Zamudio, Olga
- Zuniga, Maribel
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We recently held our first new-member orientation of the year, giving new members an opportunity to learn more about the C300, our history, our role in the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and how they can get involved. Another orientation session will be scheduled soon. Thank you to all who attended
CALL TO ACTION: Register for the upcoming orientation (TBD), check the C300 calendar on the website.
| | Renewing takes only a few minutes by scanning the QR code above. | | Renewing Membership is Easy. | |
If you have not yet paid your membership dues, now is the time to take care of it. Outstanding dues will soon be considered past due.
Payment is simple and secure through Zeffy.
CALL TO ACTION: Pay your C300 membership dues today.
| | Be Part of Long Beach History | |
New membership fee includes a red polo shirt. See flyer for more details.
Your membership is much more than annual dues, it keeps you connected to:
- The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
- Our new C300 Speakers Forum Series
- Exclusive member events and behind-the-scenes experiences
- Pit Stop Socials and networking opportunities
- Community service projects throughout the year
- The friendships and traditions that have made the Committee of 300 a Long Beach institution for more than 51 years
CALL TO ACTION: To enlarge the flyer click on the flyer.
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| | The 2027 Race Effort Starts Now | |
While the 2027 Acura Grand Prix may seem months away, the work behind the scenes has already begun.
Volunteer recruitment is underway for the 52nd Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, giving current members and prospective members an opportunity to become part of the C300 race team.
This is where membership becomes action. It is also where new members can experience what makes being a C300 Redcoat different.
CALL TO ACTION: Share the volunteer form with someone who wants to get closer to the racing action.
| Signing up only takes only a few minutes by scanning the QR code below. | | | | |
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Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Location: 2nd Street — Livingston Street to Bay Shore Avenue, Long Beach, California
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Time: Vendors: 8 AM | Gen. Adm: 9 AM
CALL TO ACTION: Sign up and help promote the Acura Grand Prix!.
Water will be provided.
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Our next opportunity to promote the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach takes us to one of Long Beach’s most popular community events like the Belmont Shore Car Show.
The event is a great opportunity for the C300 to get in front of thousands of automotive enthusiasts while promoting the Acura Grand Prix. Represent the C300 professionally
The Belmont Shore Car Show celebrates its 35th year and attracts nearly 800 participating vehicles, along with vendors, local shops and a street fair.
C300 Promotion Team Dress
- Red C300 polo shirt
- Black pants or black bottoms
- C300 or AGPLB hat
- Comfortable black shoes
PROMOTION CREDIT
Members can earn promotion credit by signing up for the event.
Signing up only takes only a few minutes by CLICKING on the button below.
| | About the ACURA GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH | |
Did you know that the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach hosts six world-class races?
They are:
- NTT INDYCAR SERIES
- IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
- SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks
- Super Drift Challenge
- Porsche Carrera Cup
- Historic Race
The next race weekend is set for April 16-18, 2027.
CALL TO ACTION: Visit GPLB.com
| | | | The Committee of 300 (C300) proudly honors the memory of Jim Michaelian | |
The Committee of 300 has been fortunate to benefit from many dedicated champions throughout its history, and among them was Jim Michaelian.
His generosity, encouragement, and unwavering belief in the organization's mission left a lasting impact on the C300 and the community it serves.
To honor Jim's memory and celebrate his legacy, we are sharing a video recorded on April 9, 2024, in which he speaks in his own words about the Committee of 300 and what it meant to him. We offer this recording as a tribute to a trusted friend, passionate advocate, and steadfast supporter whose leadership and commitment helped strengthen our ability to make a difference in the community.
We invite you to take a moment to watch and reflect on Jim's heartfelt message and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
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Beach Cleanup: C300 Shows Up | |
Thank you to the approximately 11 C300 members who came out for the beach cleanup at Granada Beach.
The team rolled up its sleeves and helped make a difference. Justin Rudd recognized the C300’s efforts, and Natalie Hale shared a few words on behalf of the organization.
After the cleanup, members cooled down and continued the camaraderie at Monty’s.
Next time, bring a friend and join us! Our next clean-up is Saturday, September 19 at 9:30 AM at Granada Beach.
| | | | Helping When Help Is Needed | |
A last-minute request came in for assistance with a food distribution at Adventures for Dreams Enrichment, and a couple of C300 members stepped up to help.
That’s what community service is about, being willing to respond when the community needs us. More opportunities are coming.
| | Ronald McDonald Fundraiser: Volunteer Team FILLED! | |
Great news: all volunteer slots for the Ronald McDonald fundraiser have been filled. Thank you to everyone who signed up. This is a formal event, so let’s make sure the C300 team looks its best.
For those participating, please arrive on time and come prepared to represent the C300 professionally: Red polo or jacket | Black pants | Dress shoes.
| | C300 Community Project: C300 Drives Good | |
The C300 continues to build momentum toward an important community service goal: 300 service hours before the 2027 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in April 2027.
All members are invited to participate. Service hours can be earned through volunteer work with nonprofit organizations and charities.
Members should submit their hours each month with details about the service performed.
Meetings and social events do not count toward the total.
CALL TO ACTION: Don’t just talk about community service. Put in the hours!
| | C300 Community Project: Sock Collection for Homeless | | | | |
Our sock collection campaign continues, with an ambitious goal of collecting 300 pairs of new socks by January 2027.
Bring a package of new socks to the next Board of Governors meeting and help us move closer to our goal.
For more information, contact Natalie Hale at nhale@mediapartnersww.com | 562.335.5661
CALL TO ACTION: Bring a package of socks.
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Telling the C300 Story Beyond Race Weekend
The C300 has a great story to tell, and we are working to make sure more people hear it.
Our public relations campaign is designed to increase awareness of the C300 throughout the Long Beach community and beyond. That means telling our story through media coverage, community events, social media, electronic newsletter and our website.
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Our first Speakers Forum featuring Larry Wood generated media attention and helped introduce the C300 story to a broader audience. Read the full story, including photos from Larry’s presentation as it appears on Patch.com/Long Beach.
CALL TO ACTION: Share the story with your friends and help spread the word about the C300.
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The new C300 website is scheduled to launch at the end of September or earlier.
The new site will provide a stronger online presence and make it easier for members, prospective members, volunteers and the community to learn about the C300 history and what we do.
CALL TO ACTION: Join the marketing committee. Contact Joe Macias.
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Dress for the Race: Then and Now | | |
Every C300 member knows that the Redcoat uniform is more than clothing. It is part of our identity. Then, what did C300 members wear in years past?
Our C300 Time Machine takes a look back at the formal attire of C300 members. The images below were part of a membership directory from 1989-90.
The historic dress code emphasized a polished, professional appearance. Did you know that our C300 "red coats" were modeled after the "white coats" that are used by the volunteer at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
The uniform included a red blazer jacket, the C300 crest (W3.5"x H3.5"), name tag, current-year race pin and uniform tie, paired with black slacks or a black skirt and black shoes.
| | A 1998 C300 Paddock Club pin. | | | A 1998 Grand Prix lapel race pin. | | |
The AGPLB logo that is on our current red jacket apparel.
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Today, our race attire has evolved, but the purpose remains the same.
We added the C300 logo on the front upper-left side, the 2018-2024 *Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach logo on the left arm below the shoulder and the racing checkered flag ribbon around both arms.
When we wear the C300 "red jacket", we represent the both organizations.
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Photo caption: C300 members wearing the current "red jackets"; Pam Hughes Dutch and Felicia Behar with the late Jim Michaelian at the Seal Beach Christmas Parade in 2024.
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2026-27 BOARD OF DIRECTORS | | Photo credit: Fred Zermeno | | |
Chris Gehman, President
Charlie Aroz, President-Elect
Past President
Doreena Daniel, CFO
Kiran Gidwani, Secretary
Paul Madruga, Legal Council
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Committee of 300, Inc
3000 Pacific Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90805
Email: office@committeeof300.com Office: (562) 981-9200
Angela Gehman, Coordinator for the BOG Meetings and C300 Speakers Forum Series.
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Charlie Aroz, Promotions (AGPLB)
Allen Boobar, Membership (Volunteers)
Natalie Hale, Community Service
Aimee Huerta, Social
Tom Jordan, Advisor
Joe Macias, Marketing & Media
Jesse Padilla, Membership (Recruitment)
Lance Woods, C300 Club
Chuck Weaver, Race Management
| | The Committee of 300 of Long Beach (C300) is the official volunteer organization of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Established in 1975, C300 supports the race through year-round promotion and staffing of Race Day activities. | | | | |
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| Committee of 300 | 3000 Pacific Avenue | Long Beach, CA 90805 US |
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