CV Chamber Board Installed, Grants Distributed at Luncheon

Congresswoman Judy Chu presented outgoing president Mike Riley with a certificate of recognition for his years leading the CV Chamber.
Photos by Dick CLUBB

By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon that included the installation of its board of directors and officers and the distribution of grants from the Mary Pinola-Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund. Held on Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Chevy Chase Country Club, the afternoon saw the passing of the gavel from immediate past president Mike Riley to newly elected president JD Speas.

Regarding accepting the role Chamber president, Speas jokingly said that for the last couple of years, “two of the three voices in my head said, ‘Go for it!’ so I did.”

Riley assumed the reins of leadership in 2019 and then oversaw the chamber during the pandemic. His efforts were repeatedly lauded by dignitaries in attendance, including Congressman Judy Chu and representatives from the offices of State Senator Anthony Portantino, State Assemblymember Laura Friedman and LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

In addition to congratulating the installed board members and outgoing Chamber president Mike Riley, Judy Chu took a moment to introduce herself to the group. Since the recent election that saw the redistricting of the 28^th District, Chu has become the representative for the eastern portion of the Crescenta Valley. Understanding that the change in representation might be new to many, Chu took time to outline some of her goals and accomplishments since being elected in 2009. These include her current role serving on the House Ways & Means Committee and her support of small businesses. She also took time to congratulate the success of the CV Chamber of Commerce.

“You are a regional chamber,” she said of the areas served by the CV Chamber. She reminded people that her local Pasadena office is available 24/7 though she spends half of her time in Washington, D.C.

The newly inducted board with executive director Steve Pierce (left, front).

Newly inducted president JD Speas, left, shares a laugh with outgoing president Mike Riley

Chris Waldheim, a member of the board of the Mary Pinola-CV Chamber Education Fund, shared the mic with Edna Karinski, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Verdugos, to distribute over $18,000 in grants. Recipients were Crescenta Valley High School Instrumental Music Program, Crescenta Valley United Softball Association, Foundation for Living Beauty, Friends of Crescenta Valley High School Falkon Robotics and Learning Tree Preschool – Crescenta-Cañada YMCA.

To help him at monthly board meetings, newly inducted president JD Speas was given a well-worn copy of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Outgoing president Mike Riley with a plaque of appreciation from the CV Chamber board members.

Chris Waldheim offered the invocation and also presented the grants from the CV Chamber – Mary Pinola Education Fund.

Mike Riley presented an official name badge to newly-elected board member Robert Manciero.

Newly inducted president JD Speas, left, presented Mike Riley with a plaque in gratitude for his years of service as chamber president.

From the Mary Pinola Education Fund, from left, Eleanor Wacker, Teri Rice, Jo Loomis, Edna Karinski, Chris Waldheim, Carolina Waldheim, Bobbi Parker and Julia Rabago.

From the office of State Senator Anthony Portantino Declan Floyd presented a certificate to Mike Riley.

From Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office Savannah Moore presented a certificate to Mike Riley.

From Laura Friedman’s office Christopher Khachadour presented a certificate to Mike Riley.

From left, chamber board members Mike Riley, Mike Padula, Dwight Sityar, Donna Libra, Robert Manciero and Mike Baldwin

Marci Palmstrom of the Crescenta Valley United Softball Association accepts a grant from Chris Waldheim.

Edna Karinski and Matt Schick from CV Instrumental Music Program.

Chris Waldheim presents a check to Jacob Poole, CVHS alum and computer scient teacher at the school, who represented the Friends of CV High School Falkon Robotics

Chris Waldheim and Mariella D’Avirro of Foundation for Living Beauty.

Accepting a check from Chris Waldheim to benefit the Learning Tree Preschool, Crescenta-Cañada YMCA is Vince Iuculano.

CV Chamber Board Installed, Grants Distributed at Luncheon added by CV Weekly on January 26, 2023
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