The Best Story … 2018 Montrose Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to our creative new executive director, Victoria Marie da Salla (office@montrosechamber.org), and to our committed co-president Christopher Charles (ccharles@ft.newyorklife.com) of New York Life Insurance Company, and our dedicated board of directors that include Dave Fink (davegfink@aol.com), Sparr Bar & Grill, Kristi Cohen (kristi.cohen@vhh.usc.edu), Verdugo Hills Hospital, Hamlet Nazarian (hamletpool@yahoo.com), Hamlet Pools, Eric Bettelli (ericb@musicconnection.com), Music Connection and Mark McNelis (markm@mcneliscpa.com), Mark G. McNelis & Associates CPA’s, Inc.
Now more than ever nonprofits are struggling for funding amid growing competition and diminishing available dollars. Increasingly donors, especially major donors, are less likely to give to a nonprofit because the organization “does good work” and more likely to give because the organization has demonstrated how it creates a solution to a social problem the donor cares about.
This new environment requires nonprofits craft a compelling, thoughtful argument for why a donor should give to their nonprofits. This argument is called “Making the Most for your Investment.” Driven by a thoughtful combination of data and emotion, a good case for investment can help a nonprofit connect with its target donors much more effectively and ultimately raise more money.
In 2018, our priority will be to (1) ensure that we keep delivering amazing value to you through our many best-in-class programs and events; (2) help you professionally whether that’s doing better at your job to advancing your career; (3) continue to provide you avenues for community service and supporting diversity in our cities. Again, we are thankful to our members who are integral at fulfilling those commitments to you.
If you’ve found value in membership, I want to encourage you to get involved with the chamber. On one end of the spectrum, if you have an idea, comment, improvement, or criticism, please contact me and or our directors and convey your thoughts. We will listen and respond – that I promise. On the other end of the spectrum, if you want to do more, join one of the many committees that need volunteers. Such committees include Brewfest, Octoberfest, Community Awards program and local social business reach-outs. If you want to make a difference, reach out to our executive director or any board member and let them know you are answering my call.
Twenty years ago, I joined the Montrose Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce for the resources and events but have stayed and become more deeply involved because of the people like you who are its members. I look forward to working together with the board but, more importantly, for and with you in 2018!
George A. Pondella,
Co-president
Montrose Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce
gpondella@rossmoyneinc.com
Rossmoyne, Inc.