The People Working for You Through the Montrose~Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce

The MVCC is a coalition of business owners, community activists and residents who work endlessly to promote local businesses, assist non-profits in the area and strive to advance the visibility of the North Glendale/Foothills area. The board of directors advocates and supports and is woven into the businesses of this community. It works to strengthen relations with local organizations and legislative offices, as well as getting to know and work with the residents of the community. Meet the people who are putting these intentions into action:

Chris Charles – 2019 board president. Chris served on the board for two years a director, as co-president in 2018 and now leads the charge for 2019. He is a financial services professional and agent for New York Life Insurance Company. 

Mission: Advocate for small businesses in the Montrose, La Crescenta, Glendale and surrounding areas.

Kristi Cohen – 2019 1st Co-President. Kristi is employed at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Why Kristi serves: “I joined the Montrose-Verdugo Chamber as an additional way to establish the commitment of our hospital to our community.

I believe by working collaboratively as a team we will further the education and overall health profile of all of us who live in the foothills.”

Raffi Ashdjian – 2019 2nd Co-President. Raffi is employed at the Glendale Area Schools Credit Union, director of Marketing & Business Development. 

Why Raffi serves: “(I am) excited and humbled to be a part of this amazing team. Being a part of the MVCC gives me an opportunity to give back to our Montrose community, a place where I’ve spent many days of my childhood and now adulthood.”

Melinda Stackpoole – Director. Melinda is with La Crescenta-Montrose Neighbors.

Why Mindy serves: “My hope is that, through my involvement with the Chamber projects and events we can get to know one another a little more.

Anna Lopez – Director. Anna has returned to serve the board after a year off in 2018. She owns Boulevard 34 Boutique.

Why Anna serves: “As a small business owner in Montrose, I am passionate about seeing our community thrive.  By serving on the MVCC board of directors I hope to bring awareness to the importance of shopping and dining locally in order to keep our local economy strong!”

Allen Branstater – Secretary. Retired. Allen is a longtime resident of the community. He brings experience and a wealth of knowledge to the board.                                                                                                                 

George Pondella – Past President. George is employed by Rossmoyne, Inc.

He has served on the board for several years, and held the office of president in 2017 and 2018.

Mission: “A sharp tool is a relevant tool, and every chamber should have economic development tools in their toolboxes.”

Members at Large serve as a general liaison to the membership and the community. Attending quarterly meetings, the “MaL” also supports and participates in chamber mixers, ribbon cuttings, serves on committees and learns the roles and responsibilities of a director in the time they serve. This is an introduction to the role, responsibility and commitment that a director takes on during their time of service.

The 2019 Members at Large with two-plus years of service: Joe Allen, Glendale Police Dept., event traffic, security and police liaison. Joe provides direction and assistance with each of the large scale events MVCC hosts. He handles all road closure duties and works as the liaison between the GPD & the MVCC. Janelle Williams, The Stone Femme Studio. She advises the office and the board. Adviser’s quote: “Do as I say, not as do.” Oscar Pedraja – treasurer, V&P Bookkeeping & Taxes. Oscar has handled the payroll and taxes for MVCC for years. His support, knowledge and commitment have been invaluable to the chamber. Quote: “If I had more time, I would do even more.”

2019 Members at Large: Susan Avakian-Koroghlyan – Heart of Lending, Christina Hanna – Allure Travel, Patrick Egan – Coordinated Wealth Management. MVCC believes “together we are better.”

Victoria Marie Malone,
Executive Director

YOUR Montrose/Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce

3436 N. Verdugo Road, Suite 100, Glendale, CA 91208

Office: (818) 249-7171

www.montrosechamber.org

  Victoria Marie Malone