Contents

6 Welcome

8 Board of Directors

9 Mayor’s Message

10 Leadership Circle Members

12 Events Calendar

14 Board Member Spotlight

16 President’s Breakfast 2025

18 Spring Soiree 2026

20 Out & About

22  Healthy Pasadena: Past & Present

24 Crescent Yoga

26 Harvey Slater

28 Health Advantage

30 Japanese Discovery Trip

32 Member Directory

Welcome

Frank Girardot, Senior Communcations Director, BYD|RIDE,
Chair of the Board of Directors

Paul Little,

President and Chief Executive Officer,
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce

Thank You

To Our PASADENA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2025-26

Frank Girardot

Chair

BYD|RIDE

KATELYN BARCHOWSKY*

Immediate Past Chair;

Vice-Chair, Member Services

Storied Lane Marketing

PAUL LITTLE

President and Chief Executive Officer

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association

William (Bill) Ukropina

Treasurer

Coldwell Banker Commercial Pasadena

ISHMAEL TRONE*

Secretary

F&M Business Center

LYNNELLE BRYANT

Vice-Chair, Workforce Development Masbuild, Inc.

BRANDON STANSELL

Vice-Chair, Legislative & Government Affairs

SoCalGass

JUSTIN TSUI*

Vice Chair, Technology

TeamLogic IT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-26

RAYMOND ASAD

Member

Fuller Theological Seminary

MICHAEL BELL

Member

Sotheby’s International Realty

JOHN BURT

Member

John Burt Leadership

THOMAS DALY*

Member

Lewis Roca

GEORGE FALARDEAU*

Member

Pasadena Media

CLAUDIA GOYTIA

Member

Kaiser Permanente

SEAMUS GRAY

Member

Pacific Premier Bank

RAPHAEL HENDERSON*

Member

Retired

JOHN LEANO*

Member

Bryan’s Cleaners & Laundry

EMILIO PADILLA-LARIOS

Member

Langham Huntington Hotel, Pasadena

HILLARY SCHENK

Member

Casa Treatment Center

DON SCHWEITZER*

Member

Schweitzer Law Partners

STEPHANIE YAMASHIRO

Member

New York Life

EX-OFFICIO

David Klug

Member

City of Pasadena
Economic Development Director

PAMELA KNAPP

Member

Tournament of Roses Association

Rob McClinton

Member

Innovate Pasadena

Jens Weiden

Member

Rose Bowl Stadium

Mayor's Message

Pasadenans have long had a shared commitment of working together for the betterment of our community, and I have seen this commitment over the last year in countless ways as we have collectively worked through the process of recovery.

I am continually grateful for everyone that has come together during the last year to help our community recover and rebuild.

Concurrent with our rebuilding efforts, Pasadena continues to thrive as a hub of economic activity and innovation. From AI, robotics, life science and quantum technologies to healthcare, hospitality and tourism, we are home to businesses that will build our community’s future.

Pasadena companies are developing technologies that solve real-world challenges and create positive change. Founded here 60 years ago, Tetra Tech has grown from a small startup into a global technical leader with more than 25,000 employees. From its Pasadena headquarters, the company supports resilience and environmental recovery efforts, including cleanup following the Eaton Fire, demonstrating how Pasadena companies make a global impact while remaining rooted locally.

There is a lot happening in Pasadena and it is a source of pride that these businesses not only create jobs but also enhance the vibrancy of our community.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to Pasadena. I look forward to all that we will achieve together in the year ahead.

Leadership Circle Members

Events Calendar

Networking Events

1st Wednesday 11:30 a.m., Luncheon Alliance

3rd Wednesday 7:30 a.m., Breakfast Connection

4th Wednesday – Quarterly 5 p.m.
Chamber After-Hours Social and Young Professionals Mixer

Bimonthly

Board of Directors

Quarterly Board and Committees

Economic and Business Development

Legislative and Government Affairs

Member Services

Marketing and Technology

Workforce Development

Annual Events

June 2026

Inaugural Gala

October 2026

Economic and Business Summit

December 2026

President’s Breakfast Honoring the Tournament of Roses

March 2027

Pasadena Chamber Spring Soiree and Birthday Celebration

Board Member Spotlight

Michael Ferrera

The Boring Financial Company

Member,
Pasadena Chamber Board of Directors

President's Breakfast 2025

In December, more than 200 people attended our annual President’s Breakfast honoring Mark Leavens and the Tournament of Roses at the Hilton Pasadena. Guests had a chance to hear from Tournament President Leavens and meet the Queen and Court.

Pasadena Chamber Board Chair Frank Girardot of BYD | RIDE emceed the program which featured insightful remarks from Mr. Leavens.

Here is a link to the Pasadena Star-News story on the event: https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2025/12/04/how-rose-parades-2026-grand-marshal-was-chosen-timing-wordplay-and-more-than-a-little-magic/. (Subscription may be required.)

PasadenaNOW Also covered the President’s Breakfast:  Pasadena Chamber Salutes Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens – Pasadena Now

Thank you to our Queen and Court sponsors Athens Services, AT&T, BYD | RIDE, the City of Pasadena, Home Instead Senior Care, Optimum Seismic, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, and Wells Fargo. Thanks also to our Past President sponsor LA Fire Justice and our table sponsors Community Women Vital Voices, Kaiser Permanente, the Pasadena Star-News, the Rose Bowl Stadium, Union Station Homeless Services and Visit Pasadena.

Spring Soiree 2026

Our first Spring Soiree was a huge success. More than 125 people joined us March 26 at the newly retooled and reinvigorated Hideaway Bar at the Langham Huntington Pasadena for cocktails and appetizers.

The Spring Soiree celebrated the birthday of the Chamber and our predecessor organization the Pasadena Board of Trade. We honored several members for their longevity and commitment to the Pasadena Chamber. Attorneys Hahn & Hahn LLP were instrumental in the transition from the Board of Trade to the Chamber in 1919. Bickley Printing has been a member for more than 75 years. We honored the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center for their longevity as well as the tremendous asset the facility brings to Pasadena. Home Instead senior care was honored for their community impact and service.

Emcee and Chamber Board Chair Frank Girardot reminded those in attendance that, while longevity is important, impact in the community is what we recognize and appreciate.

Out & About

The Pasadena Chamber delights in supporting our members in their events and celebrations, as well as participating in regional and local ceremonies and activities.

Recently, the Chamber enjoyed supporting the dedication of a monument to Raymond G. Harvey, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from Pasadena. We were on hand for the inauguration of the LA Area Chamber board chair and the retirement of LA BizFed;’s founding CEO Tracy Hernandez. We celebrated with our members at their openings and anniversaries.

Again in 2026, the Chamber organized Cheeseburger Week to honor the invention of the cheeseburger in Pasadena in 1924. We appreciate KCBS and KTLA for showcasing some of our participants. It was a great week of tasty fun.

Healthy Pasadena: Past & Present

Pasadena’s health and wellness history reflects a blend of scientific innovation, community-minded care, and early public health initiatives that drew on its scientific institutions and progressive era ethos. Early on, Pasadena’s warm dry climate drew those suffering from asthma, tuberculosis and other respiratory ailments. Hiking and picnicking in the San Gabriel Mountains was a favorite pastime.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city benefited from burgeoning medical research and a culture that valued outdoor recreation, clean air, and access to fresh amenities around Caltech and the adjacent Arroyo Seco. Public health efforts, including vaccination campaigns and sanitation improvements, paralleled a growing interest in preventive medicine and fitness, with parks, bathing pools and organized recreation helping residents pursue healthier, more active lifestyles.

Mid-20th-century Pasadena further linked wellness to education and research, anchored by institutions like the California Institute of Technology and the Pasadena Unified School District’s emphasis on physical education and community health programs. The latter half of the century saw expanded access to healthcare services and wellness resources, along with a surge in fitness culture and preventive care-from community clinics and wellness workshops to the rise of local gyms and outdoor fitness activities in the surrounding hills and parklands.

Today, Pasadena’s wellness landscape continues to draw on its scientific heritage, prioritizing public health, mental well-being, and accessible, evidence-based health resources for residents and visitors alike.

Crescent Yoga: Building Wellness & Community in Altadena

In the heart of Altadena, Crescent Yoga offers more than a place to practice poses — it provides a welcoming space where movement, mindfulness and community come together.

Located at 2230 N Lincoln Ave., co-owner Carrie Meadows describes Crescent Yoga as “a charming, neighborhood studio — bright and airy.” It’s intentionally intimate, comfortably hosting about 25 students at a time to offer a personalized experience.

“We provide a community that you don’t get in the corporate chains and franchises,” Meadows says. “We know everyone’s name, what they are looking for in the practice, and where to guide them.”

Meadows and co-owner Emily MacLean bring decades of combined experience teaching yoga throughout the Los Angeles area. Both found their way to yoga through physical movement — Meadows as a distance runner seeking balance, and MacLean through an initial love of the practice’s physicality — but each developed a deeper connection over time. Today, their classes reflect that dual focus, blending strength, mobility, breathwork and thoughtful sequencing with an appreciation for yoga’s broader philosophy.

Classes are designed to meet people where they are. “We have all walks of life come into the studio,” Meadows says. “Our belief is that yoga is a benefit to everyone, whether that’s a meditative practice, a more robust physical practice like flow, or something in between like our flow and restore in the evenings.”

While the physical benefits of yoga are well known, Crescent Yoga places equal emphasis on connection and overall wellness. That sense of community has been especially meaningful in challenging times. After local fires impacted the area, the studio rallied around its members — organizing fundraising efforts, providing scholarships and free class packages for those who lost their homes, and even bringing together a group of students to participate in a commemorative marathon. “Having been through the fires, our students are like family,” Meadows says.

In Crescent Yoga, the Altadena community has not just a studio, but a place to belong. For more information on their classes, visit www.crescentyoga.la, email [email protected], or call 626-922-3467. You can also follow them on Instagram at @crescentyoga.la. Walk-ins are welcome.

“We provide a community that you don’t get in the corporate chains and franchises.”

-Carrie Meadows, Co-owner

Harvey Slater: Helping Clients Build Healthier Habits That Last

By Lynn Morley

Breaking free from the cycle of dieting isn’t easy, but for clients of Pasadena-based nutrition and wellness coach Harvey Slater, it’s a sustainable shift. Slater focuses on helping people build healthier habits and “re-learn food,” creating lasting change rather than quick fixes.

“Most people are looking for a more sustainable solution that actually works in their real-world lives,” Slater says. “They feel stuck in patterns that only yield short-term success and then backfire.”

Slater is a certified holistic nutritionist, weight management consultant, chef, blogger and author of the best-selling book The Thrive Handbook. He works with clients on a range of goals, from improving body composition and increasing energy to overcoming unhealthy habits and reshaping their mindset around food. Rather than prescribing strict meal plans, he helps clients understand the “why” behind their choices and equips them with tools to make better decisions over time.

“We only focus on what matters,” he says. “The goal is to make the process efficient, not more complicated.”

Slater’s approach draws on techniques such as motivational interviewing, which encourages clients to take an active role in their progress. By emphasizing autonomy and practical application, Slater empowers clients to build habits that are both realistic and sustainable.

In a space often crowded with conflicting advice, Slater also works to simplify nutrition. “Diets are just theory until you put them into practice,” he says. Instead, he encourages a balanced approach: prioritizing whole unprocessed foods, incorporating lean protein and vegetables, and practicing mindful eating habits such as stopping before feeling overly full.

Equally important, he says, is shifting perspective. “Stop putting good or bad labels on food,” Slater says. “Learn how nutrition applies to you and what you want from your body.”

Slater’s passion for coaching is rooted in his own journey. After years in the catering and event planning industry, he made a career change to focus on his health and well-being — a decision that ultimately led him to help others do the same. Since then, he has logged thousands of coaching hours and developed strategies that support long-term success.

For Slater, the most rewarding moments come when clients experience meaningful breakthroughs. “When a client gets that ‘aha’ moment,” he says, “that is truly priceless to watch.”

An active member of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Slater values the relationships he has built through local networking and community involvement. He’s a strong believer in face-to-face networking and recommends Chamber membership to all business owners who want to meet people, form friendships, and build a reputation.

At the heart of his work is a simple idea: lasting health is possible with the right support. “Effective coaching is a partnership,” he says. “It’s about creating meaningful change that leads to a healthier, more fulfilling life.”

To learn more about the lives Slater has impacted, and to request his free resources or book a free consultation, visit harveyslater.com. You can also follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

“Effective coaching is a partnership. It’s about creating meaningful change that leads to a healthier, more fulfilling life.”

Health Advantage: Emphasizes Whole-Body Care

At Health Advantage Health & Wellness, Dr. Dennis Buckley has built a practice focused on more than just relieving pain. A co-owner and founder of the multidisciplinary clinic alongside Dr. Miwa Yoshida, Buckley brings a long-term commitment to wellness to his work helping patients achieve lasting health and improved quality of life.

Before entering the field, Buckley spent 18 years working in retail at a grocery store. It was a back injury that ultimately changed his career path. After seeking chiropractic care, he saw firsthand how treatment not only aided his recovery but also enhanced his performance as a runner and triathlete. That experience set him on a new course. “In searching for a lifelong career direction, chiropractic chose me,” he says.

Today, Buckley and his team at Health Advantage offer what he describes as “safe, effective and affordable care to help people regain, retain and optimize their health.” Through a combination of complementary services, the practice works to both accelerate healing and support long-term performance and wellness.

While many patients initially come in for pain or injury, the goal at Health Advantage is to look beyond immediate symptoms. “Care is structured to help people regain health and put out the fire, keep it out, and rebuild the structure to prevent future flare-ups,” Buckley explains. That philosophy guides treatment across a wide range of conditions, including neck and back pain, headaches, neuropathy, sports injuries and posture-related issues.

A key focus of the practice is identifying and correcting underlying imbalances. Buckley points to common structural problems — such as collapsed arches in the feet — that can affect the entire body. Addressing those foundational issues, sometimes with solutions like custom orthotics, has helped many patients find relief from chronic conditions that had previously gone unresolved.

Buckley also emphasizes the importance of preventive care in maintaining an active lifestyle. “Most problems people seek care for can be traced back to lifestyle issues or failure to take proper care of themselves,” he says, underscoring the role daily habits play in long-term health.

A Pasadena Chamber of Commerce member for more than 30 years, Buckley has remained deeply involved in the local business community, including serving as chairman of the board and emceeing the Chamber’s Connection Breakfast since 1997. He credits those connections with helping him grow his practice while staying engaged with the community he serves.

For Buckley, it comes down to a simple philosophy: “Health is your most valuable asset,” he says. “You have a responsibility and opportunity each day to make a difference.”

To learn more about Health Advantage or to book an appointment, visit health-advantage.net, or call 626-605-2728.

“Health is your most valuable asset. You have a responsibility and opportunity each day to make a difference.”

PASADENA CHAMBER PARTNERS WITH MEMBER INDUS TRAVELS TO OFFER CLASSIC JAPANESE DISCOVERY TRIP IN SEPTEMBER, 2026 $3,699 INCLUDING HOTELS, ECONOMY AIRFARE AND MORE

Tour the highlights of Japan for $3,699 including round-trip economy airfare, accommodations, breakfast, entry to venues and attractions, travel within Japan and more.

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce offers members, friends and the general public the unique opportunity to tour the highlights of Japan for only $3,699. The price includes round trip airfare, accommodations, entry to venues, travel within Japan, some meals and more. The trip is offered in collaboration with Chamber member Indus Travels.

“I am very excited to be able to offer this amazing trip to Japan at such an affordable price,” said Pasadena Chamber President and CEO Paul Little. “By partnering with our member Indus Travels, we are able to give our members and the public a chance to visit Japan at an unbelievable price. I can’t wait to go.”

The Classic Japanese Discovery Tour includes:

•  Explore the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo - a perfect blend of the modern traditional;

•  Experience a ride on Japan’s world-famous Shinkansen (Bullet Train);

•  Experience Osaka famously known as the kitchen of Japan;

•  Visit Nara Park and feed the friendly deer;

•  Discover Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital and heart of Japanese culture;

•  Experience the harmony of Japan’s heritage, nature, and lifestyles.

Optional added activities include sumo wrestling, a traditional tea ceremony

The $3,699 cost includes:

•  International roundtrip airfare from LAX in economy class including one checked bag;

•  8 Night’s accommodation on a double occupancy basis at listed hotels or similar;

•  Daily buffet breakfast at the hotels;

•  Dinner in Hakone;

•  Arrival and departure private transfers on a group basis;

•  All transportation between cities and to venues and attractions listed on the itinerary;

•  Services of an English-speaking guide daily between 9am and 5pm;

•  Bullet train ride in standard economy class from Tokyo to Kyoto (including reserved seats);

•  Entrance fees to the venues and attractions listed as part of the trip;

•  All Air taxes and fuel surcharges & local applicable taxes.

The very special pricing for the Classic Japanese Discovery tour is made possible because of the relationship between member Indus Travels and the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.

For 25 years, Indus Travels has been offering value vacations to over 80 destinations around the world. Indus Tours are designed by Expert Tour Planners with the freedom and flexibility of passengers in mind. Indus travelers get unbeatable prices to breathtaking destinations in Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas with exceptional value and unparalleled comfort. The Indus Travel Experts are highly knowledgeable and passionate about helping clients design their dream vacations and prepare for unforgettable adventures.

For more information, contact Devinath (He/Him), [email protected] 1.866.978.2997 x 913