Lynwood Rotary Meeting update 08.25.16

 

As stated by Daniel Miller in his introduction, Mr. Cardenas is owner of a commercial real estate company in Lynwood, and has been on the Chamber Board for about five years, and has been President of the Chamber for three months.

Mr. Cardenas noted that Lynwood does not have so-called big box retail stores or other large businesses.  The chamber needs to reach out to the many small businesses, for many of which Spanish is the first language.   Also the Chamber should consider not only working with the businesses but also with consumers.  A Taste of Lynwood involving restaurants is being planned.  A website for the chamber is being developed and should be open in a month.

Grand Openings are good to promote new businesses.  Ramon Cardenas stated the Chamber wants to hire a full time staff member and also to start a newspaper.  Also the Chamber should organize ways to give back to local schools.  How can we help students, especially those not going to college?   

 

Activities of the Chamber as described by President Cardenas include mixers to attract small business within Lynwood, also mixers that involve businesses who are members of Chambers of Commerce in adjacent cities. One mixer noted involved Bell Gardens and Commerce and attracted over 100 businesses.

Rotary President Rodriguez stated he is glad to hear that the Chamber receives no funding from the City, but that partnering with the City on specific programs would be good.

 

During the presentation, there was a very constructive discussion of the procedures and rules that the current chamber is adhering to. Rotary member Raj and Rotary President Ramon Rodriguez expressed their support for the Chamber in the light of the explanation from President Cardenas as to how the chamber is operating, to include adherence to the requirement that there be a rotation of responsibilities within the Chamber. Raj pointed out that he was the principal author of the chamber's By-Laws, and inquired whether they are being adhered to. Both Raj and President Ramon Rodriguez emphasized the need for transparency in all the work of the chamber.  It was stated that there should be a rotation of Chamber board members of one third each year.  President Ramon Rodriguez stated: “I like what I see happening.”

 

Before the presentation, Rotary Club President Ramon, discussed all the coming events, to include the Rotary District Picnic and boat race, this Sat, Aug 27, 5pm to 9pm In Redondo Beach Lagoon.  See the cover page attachment for the list of coming events.   After this weekend's major District Picnic event, the next event is Thursday, Sep 8, The Annual District  Literacy Breakfast, at Lawry's The Prime Rib Restaurant on La Cienaga Blvd, from 7am to 9am.  Ramon was pleased to announce that a total of five members will attend this annual event. Also there will be a Rotary table at the Lynwood Union End of Summer Festival in Lynwood Park, Sat, Sep 17, organized by Rotary Volunteer, Rowland Becerra.

At the end of the meeting, new Rotary member Ruben Cervantes announced a planned Fitness Fair that he is organizing for Saturday, October 1, 10 am to 3pm.  Events will include in Lynwood Park, an obstacle course for a physical workout, and a Lucha Libre Event in the adjacent gym.