CONTENTS

6 Welcome

President’s Message: Learn, Earn, Live, and Thrive in the San Gabriel Valley

8 About the San Gabriel Valley
Regional Chamber of Commerce

10 Board of Directors

Regional Chamber of Commerce San Gabriel Valley Board of Directors

12 Economic Development

Where Business Meets Community: The Rise of
Gateway Corporate Center

16 Economic Report

2025 Economic Forecast Report

18 Legislative Offices

Legislative Guide Informs About
Policies and How to Contact
Elected Officials

20 Supporting Member Businesses

22 Resilient Cities

Ambitious Vision for West SGV Communities

26 Cross Border Trade

Cross-Border Trade and Glocalization: A Growth Path
for the San Gabriel Valley

30 Tourism, Culture & Global Identity

Transforming the San Gabriel Valley into a Global Cultural
and Economic Destination

36 Education/Workforce

Closing the Skills Gap: Preparing the Next Generation Workforce
for an Evolving Economy

40 How San Gabriel Valley Can Lead in the Supply Chain of Tomorrow

42 Why the San Gabriel Valley Is Poised to Lead the Future of Skills-Based Hiring

44 Year in Review 2025

46 Advertiser Index
49 Member Search

President’s message

Learn, Earn, Live, and Thrive in the San Gabriel Valley

Aligning Skills, Education, and Opportunity for a Resilient Future

As President of the Regional Chamber of Commerce – San Gabriel Valley, I am proud to share a vision rooted in empowerment: that every individual in our region deserves the opportunity to learn, earn, live, and ultimately thrive.

To bring this vision to life, we are aligning education and workforce development with the most urgent and promising opportunities of today and tomorrow. From strengthening the supply chain industry to accelerating recovery through community rebuilding in the aftermath of wildfires, we are investing in the skills that matter most—skills that fuel resilience, create economic mobility, and fortify our local economy.

Rebuilding our Communities

The devastating wildfires that have affected parts of our region in recent years have not only disrupted lives—they have revealed the urgent need for skilled labor in recovery and climate-resilient infrastructure. These challenges are also economic opportunities: to train a new generation of workers in construction, restoration, sustainable land management, disaster preparedness, and clean energy—and to ensure that these jobs go to our local residents. By connecting displaced workers and underserved youth to training and certifications, we can rebuild stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities across the San Gabriel Valley.

Highlighting Skills Currency

A cornerstone of this strategy is our alignment with the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) movement, which champions data-driven pathways to success by validating skills currency—the real-world, measurable capabilities that workers bring to the table. Rather than relying solely on traditional degrees, ERP emphasizes competency-based credentials that reflect what individuals can actually do in the workplace. By integrating ERP-aligned training into our workforce initiatives, we are empowering students, career changers, and incumbent workers to earn industry-recognized certifications in high-demand sectors such as logistics, enterprise systems, and climate-resilient construction. This approach ensures that talent development is responsive, inclusive, and directly aligned with employer needs and regional growth.

A Focus on Women’s Entrepreneurship

This year, I am placing a special focus on women’s entrepreneurship development. While women are starting businesses at rates that outpace men, they continue to face significant structural barriers. On average, women-owned businesses generate $193,000 in annual revenue, compared to $754,000 for men-owned businesses. Even more troubling, women of color-owned businesses experience greater disparities in financing and market access.

Through our Chamber’s advocacy, programs, and partnerships, we are committed to changing that narrative. We will champion equitable access to capital, mentorship, technical assistance, and market opportunities—ensuring that all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender or background, have the tools and support they need to succeed.

This year we will launch a Women in Leadership Forum Series empowering and motivating women to upscale their success.

Building a Glocal Future

The San Gabriel Valley stands at the crossroads of regional growth and global relevance. Through Glocalization, we are simultaneously tapping into global markets while building a stronger local economy. This includes supporting small and mid-sized businesses, nurturing diverse industries, and preparing our communities for the international spotlight of upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.

As we rebuild and reimagine the future of our communities—especially those impacted by natural disasters—it is essential that local talent development remains a core strategy. Whether it’s training youth in disaster recovery trades or equipping displaced workers with digital and operational skills, we are committed to ensuring that our people remain at the heart of economic transformation.

Together, let’s build a San Gabriel Valley where every resident has the opportunity to learn with purpose, earn with dignity, live with security, and thrive with pride.

Warm regards,

Lauren James
President, Board of DIrectors
Regional Chamber of Commerce - San Gabriel Valley

Women in History Month Honoree – LA County First Supervisory District -2025

Women of Achievement CA Senate 30th District -2025

ABOUT THE

San Gabriel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

Founded through the bold merger of the Walnut Chamber of Commerce and the Diamond Bar Chamber of Commerce in 2005, the Regional Chamber of Commerce – San Gabriel Valley was established to unify and strengthen business advocacy and economic development in the region. That pivotal decision over 20 years ago created a dynamic organization that reflected the shared values, resources, and ambitions of two thriving communities. Since then, the Chamber has evolved into a powerful regional voice, serving businesses across city boundaries and connecting members to broader economic opportunities.

Today, we find ourselves at another historic juncture — the digital transformation era. Under the leadership of a more diverse and representative board, the Chamber is boldly embracing the next evolution: integrating AI, cloud technology, and a robust digital platform to enhance member engagement, regional visibility, and economic impact and explore emerging opportunities and enter new markets.

With a renewed commitment to innovation, inclusiveness, and regional prosperity, the Chamber is positioned not just to keep pace with change — but to lead it.

Regional Chamber of Commerce – Post-COVID Transition Period

In the wake of unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Regional Chamber of Commerce – San Gabriel Valley responded with resilience, innovation, and unity. Guided by a four-fold strategy to Refresh, Renew, Revive, and Pivot, the Chamber has emerged stronger, more connected, and better equipped to serve our region’s dynamic economy.

We began by refreshing our digital presence with an updated, user-friendly website to improve communication and access to resources. We renewed our organizational strength by expanding and diversifying our Board of Directors, ensuring representation across industries and communities. Our revival efforts included the adoption of updated bylaws that reflect modern governance and the successful stabilization of our financial health, positioning the Chamber as a sustainable and trusted institution.

Through these efforts, we expanded our regional footprint, raised awareness about our work across city lines, and established meaningful networks with neighboring chambers. This laid the foundation for regional collaboration and unity in a time when our communities needed it most.

2025-2026 - time to PIVOT

We are entering a new paradigm—one where chambers of commerce must evolve from traditional membership fee-based models to mission-driven engines of economic innovation, social entrepreneurship, and workforce alignment. Our next phase will focus on strategic partnerships, community reinvestment, and future-ready business development, ensuring that our Chamber not only survives change but leads it.

The Regional Chamber stands ready to champion a future that is inclusive, collaborative, and built on shared prosperity across the San Gabriel Valley. Together, we will shape a resilient and opportunity-rich region for all.

Aziz Amiri, CEO
Regional Chamber of Commerce - San Gabriel Valley

Regional Chamber of Commerce San Gabriel Valley

Board of Directors

2025-2026 Executive Committee

Ken Liebman

Past President and Board Chair

Lauren James

President and
Chair of the Board

Nef Cortez

President-Elect Co-Founder and Past President

Paul Wrightsman

Secretary

Joe Raquel

VP Finance/CFO

Past President

Ray Galan

VP Membership Services

Ruben Torres

VP Gov’t and Community Relations

Nathaniel Oubre

VP Economic Development

2025 Board Members

Teresa Aguilar

Melissa Castro-Salavati

Angie Valenzuela

Ryan Ferguson

Mike Brown

Co-Founder and Past President

Jeanette Diaz

Lorena Xochimitl

Mitch Brunyer

Aziz Amiri

Co-Founder, Past President

Chief Executive Officer

Where Business Meets Community

The Rise of Gateway Corporate Center

Originally established in the mid-1980s, the Gateway Corporate Center began with just a few office buildings late in the decade." is less repetitive. If you keep the same words, no hyphen in "late 1980s.

“The vision was to create a premier office campus complex unique to the eastern San Gabriel Valley,” said Dan Fox, Diamond Bar City Manager. “Back then, there were just a few buildings. It wasn’t until the city incorporated in 1989 and into the early 2000s that Gateway really took shape.”

Now with more than 1 million square feet of leasable space, Gateway is home to large corporations such as Niagara Bottling Corporate Headquarters, Newegg Inc., and Kaiser Permanente. There are also local businesses, medical providers, and public offices and spaces such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Diamond Bar City Hall and Diamond Bar Library, that do business in Gateway. “What makes Gateway special is its mix,” Fox said. “It’s not just big corporations – it’s local businesses, public offices, and medical providers all sharing the same space.”

The Gateway’s importance to Diamond Bar’s economic vitality cannot be overstated. The Center’s two business class hotels generate transient occupancy tax, there are a number of sales tax producing businesses located throughout the complex, and the thousands of people who work there help support the local retail businesses and restaurants. The city is also hoping to increase the employment and tax base at the Center by attracting corporate headquarters and e-commerce businesses.

Gateway’s location is a key selling point and benefits those who work and visit the Center, as it offers convenient access to Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, as well as Ontario International Airport and the Metrolink Industry Train Station given its strategic location at the confluence of the 57/60 freeways.

“One of the best things about Gateway is how it cuts down commute times,” Fox said. “Diamond Bar is a family-oriented community with great schools, parks, and open spaces. Being able to work close to home means more time with family – and that’s a big deal for quality of life.”

Looking ahead, the hope is to transition into a more vibrant, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented village. There are already plans to improve Gateway’s common areas and landscaping throughout the campus with drought-tolerant plants to make the center more sustainable and visually appealing.

“There’s a lot of potential for Gateway to evolve,” Fox said. “The infrastructure is there – it’s just a matter of building on what we’ve already created.”

Much more than just a 255-acre business park, Gateway Corporate Center has become a community hub, a driver of economic activity, and a key part of Diamond Bar’s future.

For more details on Gateway Corporate Center, please visit: https://gatewaycorporatecenter.com or the City's Office of Economic Development at https://www.DiamondBarCA.gov.

“Diamond Bar is a family-oriented community with great schools, parks, and open spaces.
Being able to work close to home means more time with family – and that’s a big deal for quality of life.”

— Dan Fox, Diamond Bar City Manager

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

2025 Economic Forecast Report*

The San Gabriel Valley (SGV) started 2025 with tragedy. The wildfire that ripped through Eaton Canyon and into Altadena shocked the region and shifted priorities across many industries and all levels of government. No economic forecast can promise what SGV residents fervently wish to see happen — namely, that the victims will be able to rebuild swiftly and affordably. Disaster recovery is a multi-year process, and it is never an easy one.

But the San Gabriel Valley is strong. Before the Eaton Fire, the region’s economy was performing well on multiple dimensions: employment was growing at a healthy pace, inflation was subsiding for most goods and services including energy costs, housing prices were growing at approximately the same pace as the rest of the country, capital was starting to flow back into commercial real estate after the interest rate shock of the last couple years, and the local office sector was outperforming its competitors throughout the larger Los Angeles metropolitan area. In short, the SGV had all the fundamentals necessary to weather a storm.

Within the 2025 Economic Forecast Report (located at https://sgvpartnership.org/EconomicForecast), we document these trends, and we forecast that many of them will continue. However, weighing the negatives against the positives, the SGV is likely to experience a significant slowdown in economic growth in 2025, with contraction likely for several industries, as we detail in our employment projections below.

On the positive side, the manufacturing sector was still experiencing growth in production before new tariffs took effect; the yield curve has been a neutral indicator, oscillating between negative and positive over the past year; oil prices remain much lower than they were in the run-up to and immediate aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and they show no signs of returning to that peak; the hospitality and retail sectors are performing better than they were in recent years; and the office sector appears to have reached its bottom and begun the slow road to recovery, especially in the SGV.

On the negative side, housing production has slowed considerably since the multifamily boom of the pandemic years, exacerbating the shortage of affordable units throughout the SGV and keeping housing prices elevated; insurance costs are rising at a rapid pace and will grow even faster after the wildfires; a glut of industrial properties has pushed rents down and vacancy rates up after the surge of pandemic-era construction; new tariffs will raise the cost of doing business and reduce employment in several industries; and new uncertainty in federal policymaking is a risk that is too dependent on political whims for us to incorporate reliably into our economic models.

To weigh these many variables, we have created the first-ever San Gabriel Valley Leading Economic Index that summarizes the leading economic indicators impacting the SGV distinctly from other regions. It suggests that economic growth is likely to slow significantly, especially due to the pullback in construction activity, and probably reflecting other macro tailwinds like fiscal austerity, tariffs, and maybe even an expensive stock market that is unlikely to continue growing at its recent fast pace.

None of these indicators can capture one important X-factor, however: the resilient spirit of the SGV and its residents. Disaster experts talk often about the importance of community cohesion — of neighbors sacrificing to help their neighbors and consensus-building to find a way forward — to make it through these difficult times. The SGV has risen to this challenge before our eyes. The outpouring of support for wildfire victims has been overwhelming.

But the hard work continues. We do not forecast that most property owners will begin rebuilding on burned parcels in 2025. We must prepare for a longer-term process. This year is only the beginning.

If our findings can offer any guidance for this undertaking, it is the value of working together as a region to rebuild and rehouse. The decline in housing production is a particularly concerning trend in this report. It is not only an indicator of economic weakness ahead. It is also a shortcoming in the very functionality of the economic system, depriving the region of space to resettle disaster refugees and to meet future unknowable challenges that will threaten residents’ financial stability and send them adrift in search of more affordable housing.

The impacts of natural disasters always spill over neighborhood borders. Far from the burned sites, SGV residents are feeling the economic ramifications. No community is an economic island. When we build for each other, we create a powerful force that undergirds long-term economic success: regional resilience.

*Excerpted from the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership’s
2025 Economic Forecast Report

Legislative Guide

INFORMS ABOUT POLICIES AND HOW TO CONTACT ELECTED OFFICIALS

Interested in learning more about policies that encourage job growth
in the San Gabriel Valley?

A Legislative Guide is made available thanks to the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, a regional economic development corporation covering eastern Los Angeles County. For more than 35 years, the Partnership has been committed to advancing the economic vitality and quality of life of the San Gabriel Valley.

The San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership advocates for policies that encourage job growth and promote a business-friendly environment in California. The guide helps inform Partnership members, local elected officials, and representatives in Sacramento and Washington D.C. about regional needs, policies supported and how to contact one’s elected officials.

The guide includes what the Partnership supports regarding education and workforce development, energy and environment, healthcare, housing and homelessness, labor and employment, local control and regulation, emergency response, transportation and more. A listing of federal, state and local elected officials are included, including contact information.

To view the latest guide,
visit this link:
https://sgvpartnership.org/legislative-guide.

To learn more about the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, visit www.sgvpartnership.org.

Supporting Member Businesses is Now Just a Scan Away

Use this QR code to visit an online listing of Regional Chamber of Commerce San Gabriel Valley members.

This eco- and mobile-friendly option
replaces the member information traditionally
found as printed pages in our directory.

Scan below, or visit https://business.rccsgv.com/list.

Building Infrastructure for Tomorrow

Ambitious Vision for West SGV Communities

Adopted in March by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the West San Gabriel Valley Area Plan (WSGVAP) “is a long-range planning and policy document” that will guide development of the nine unincorporated communities in the West San Gabriel Valley: Altadena, East Pasadena-East San Gabriel, Kinneloa Mesa, La Crescenta-Montrose, San Pasqual, South El Monte Island, South Monrovia Islands, South San Gabriel, and Whittier Narrows over the next 20 years.

The WSGVAP promotes walkability, natural resources conservation, connectivity, and community vibrancy and will “include a comprehensive land-use analysis of the unincorporated areas.”

Those involved in the development of the plan, according to the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, include community residents, local businesses, community-based organizations, external public agencies and surrounding jurisdictions, and other County departments.

“So basically we’re trying to figure out how to handle all the growth coming to the West SGV without completely screwing things up,” said Louis Castaneda, CEO and founder of West Covina-based Castaneda Networks, LLC, a geospatial and data consulting firm that delivers custom GIS, data integration, and smart city solutions for businesses and municipalities. “It’s this whole balancing act between development, transportation, and not destroying what makes our communities livable. Pretty ambitious if you ask me.”

Castaneda said the 2025 Eaton Canyon Fire helped shape the plan’s focus on resilience and recovery. “Man, that fire was a wake-up call,” he said. “I remember driving past the burn areas thinking, ‘this could’ve been so much worse.’ Now everyone’s suddenly interested in evacuation routes and defensible space.”

Implementing the WSGVAP will rely heavily on technology, according to Castaneda. “We’ve been pushing hard on the GIS (Geographic Information System) front - real-time tracking, public dashboards, the works,” he said. “Some cities are all-in (looking at you, Pasadena), while others… well, let’s just say they’re still figuring out how to update their PDFs.”

GIS technology is playing a crucial role in developing safer transit corridors, which Castaneda said need “serious work.” “We’re talking dedicated bus lanes, protected bike lanes - the whole nine yards,” he added. “Used GIS to map where people actually get hit by cars. Not fun data, but necessary.”

The ambitious plan faces challenges aligning community needs with zoning, environmental constraints, and technological capabilities.

“Everyone wants more housing but ‘not in my backyard,’” Castaneda said. “Everyone wants better transit but not if it means losing parking. And don’t get me started on cities still using zoning codes from the 1960s. Plus half the smaller cities don’t have the budget for fancy tech solutions we’re proposing.”

Looking ahead, Castaneda remains cautiously optimistic.

“If we get this plan adopted, secure funding for even half the projects, and break ground on transit improvements by 2026, I’ll call it a win,” he said.

For more information on the WSGVAP, please visit: https://planning.lacounty.gov/long-range-planning/wsgvap/.

Cross-Border Trade and Glocalization

A Growth Path for the San Gabriel Valley

The San Gabriel Valley (SGV) stands at the intersection of diverse cultures, international trade routes, and rapidly evolving global markets. Its unique mix of local talent, diaspora communities, and strategic location near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach make it a natural hub for cross-border trade and glocalization—the strategy of adapting global products and partnerships to fit local market needs while exporting SGV’s own strengths abroad.

Why Now

Global supply chains are shifting. Companies are diversifying sourcing beyond single regions, tourism is bouncing back, and consumer demand for authentic, culturally rich products is growing. For SGV, this is an opportunity to leverage its cultural diversity and entrepreneurial energy to connect local small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) to foreign markets while attracting international businesses seeking a U.S. foothold.

Key Opportunities

1. Diaspora-Led Exporting – With large Chinese, Taiwanese, and Mexican communities, SGV can act as a launchpad for local products into diaspora-driven distribution channels abroad. These might include specialty grocers, e-commerce platforms, and ethnic retail chains where bilingual packaging and culturally tailored bundles can accelerate adoption.

2. Nearshoring and Dual-Sourcing – By partnering with suppliers in Baja California and Northern Mexico, SGV manufacturers can shorten lead times, reduce transportation costs, and maintain quality control while keeping design and intellectual property in the U.S.

3. Cross-Border E-Commerce – Leveraging platforms like Merado Libre, Amazon Mexico/Canada, and Asian marketplaces, SGV businesses can sell directly to consumers internationally using binational logistics partners to handle customs and compliance.

4. Inbound Soft-Landing for Foreign Firms – International SMEs, especially from Asia and Mexico, can use SGV as their U.S. entry point, benefiting from temporary workspaces, legal and compliance guidance, and pilot projects with Chamber members.

5. Tourism-to-Trade Conversions – Visitors brought in by “Visit SGV” and Route 60 corridor campaigns can be more than tourists—they can become buyers, distributors, or investors after engaging with food tours, beauty pop-ups, and cultural festivals.

6. Green Rebuild Supply Chains – As California invests in fire-resilient and sustainable infrastructure, SGV can become the assembly and certification hub for imported fireproof materials, solar systems, and landscaping technology sourced from Canada, Mexico, and Asia.

Light Manufacturing
Advantage in a Tariff War

In the current tariff environment, where importing fully assembled products from certain countries can trigger high duties, SGV’s light manufacturing and final assembly capacity becomes a strategic asset. By importing components or semi-finished goods that carry lower tariffs, local manufacturers can perform value-added assembly, customization, or packaging within SGV, allowing products to qualify for U.S. origin labeling or favorable trade classifications.

This not only reduces landed costs but also keeps critical manufacturing jobs in the region. It offers flexibility for foreign companies seeking to sidestep tariff pressures by producing the final product domestically and for SGV businesses to control quality, adapt products to U.S. consumer preferences, and respond faster to demand changes.

Light manufacturing also pairs naturally with SGV’s proximity to logistics hubs, enabling quick turnaround for both domestic distribution and exports to Canada, Mexico, and Asia under existing trade agreements. For SMEs, this is a way to stay competitive without massive capital investments—especially when paired with shared manufacturing spaces, co-packing facilities, and Chamber-led supplier matchmaking.

Priority Sectors

Several industries have the highest potential for SGV cross-border growth:

•  Food & Beverage – Specialty sauces, snacks, premium teas, and heritage-based products.

•  Beauty & Wellness – Skincare, herbal supplements, and personal care devices.

•  Arts & Music – Instruments, pro-audio equipment, and cultural merchandise.

•  Construction & Green Tech – Fire-resistant building materials, solar + energy storage, water-saving irrigation.

•  Crafts & Gifts – Artisan goods with authentic storytelling.

•  Hospitality & Experiences – Culinary events, heritage tourism, and sports-related packages.

Building the Ecosystem

Partnerships will be essential. Local colleges like Mt. SAC and Cal Poly Pomona can supply student talent for export readiness projects. Economic development agencies such as LAEDC, SBDC, and the SBA can provide funding and technical assistance. Logistics partners tied to LAX, ONT, and the Ports can streamline shipping and customs. International trade offices, consulates, and chambers can open doors abroad.

Policy and Infrastructure Support

Advocating for export readiness vouchers, micro-fulfillment zones along the Route 60 corridor, and a regional foreign trade zone (FTZ) can reduce barriers for SGV exporters. Green procurement preferences could boost demand for imported sustainable materials assembled locally.

The Payoff

By focusing on cross-border trade, glocalization, and light manufacturing, SGV can:

•  Increase export revenues for local businesses.

•  Reduce tariff exposure and improve supply chain resilience.

•  Create new jobs in logistics, manufacturing, and product customization.

•  Strengthen SGV’s identity as a global business gateway.

With the right mix of programs, partnerships, and policy support, the San Gabriel Valley can turn its cultural diversity, strategic location, and light manufacturing strength into a thriving export and inbound investment engine—benefiting both its residents and its role in the global economy.

TOURISM, CULTURE & GLOBAL IDENTITY

Transforming the San Gabriel Valley into a Global Cultural and Economic Destination

Visit SGV” Campaign Expands to Promote Tourism, Culture, and Culinary Excellence

The San Gabriel Valley (SGV), a dynamic region rich in cultural heritage and economic diversity, is entering a new era of growth and global recognition. Through the expansion of the “Visit SGV” campaign, local leaders are reimagining the Valley as not just a place to live and work, but as a thriving destination for cultural tourism, international sports, and culinary exploration.

Positioning SGV for Global Tourism

The expanded Visit SGV initiative seeks to harness the region’s unique blend of global cultures, community charm, and business innovation by launching curated local-global tourism packages. These experiences are designed to draw international visitors while supporting local businesses and enhancing community pride.

Planned packages include:

•  Weekend cultural escapes featuring traditional art, music, and multicultural markets.

•  Sports tourism experiences tied to the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

•  Culinary journeys showcasing the region’s world-renowned Asian, Latino, and fusion cuisines.

Olympic Spotlight:
six SGV Venues Take Center Stage

The San Gabriel Valley is home to six official venues for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, putting the region directly in the global spotlight. These include:

•  Industry Hills Mountain Bike Course (City of Industry) – A purpose-built mountain biking course nestled in the rolling hills of the City of Industry, offering challenging terrain for Olympic cyclists. The site will showcase SGV’s open spaces and natural topography.

•  Fairplex (Pomona Fairgrounds) – A historic fairground and events complex that has hosted generations of LA County Fairs. For LA28, it will be transformed into the venue for the Olympic cricket tournament.

•  Santa Anita Park (Arcadia) – One of America’s most iconic horse racing tracks at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. It will host Olympic equestrian events, blending tradition with international sport.

•  Whittier Narrows Shooting Range (South El Monte) – A premier clay shooting center located within the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. It will serve as the Olympic venue for shotgun sports, including skeet and trap shooting.

•  Rose Bowl Stadium (Pasadena) – A National Historic Landmark and world-famous stadium with a 90,000+ seating capacity. It will host Olympic soccer finals, bringing global attention back to Pasadena.

•  Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (Pasadena) – A state-of-the-art aquatic complex adjacent to the Rose Bowl, known for training elite swimmers. It will host Olympic diving and other aquatic competitions.

Experience-Driven Tourism: SGV’s Competitive Edge

Today’s travelers seek authentic, immersive experiences, and SGV delivers. From hand-pulled noodles in San Gabriel to traditional Oaxacan embroidery in Baldwin Park, the region offers cultural depth and diversity that is unmatched. The Visit SGV campaign places these experiences at the center of its branding—inviting visitors to connect with the people, flavors, and stories of the Valley.

Through cultural festivals, artisan markets, performance showcases, and storytelling tours, SGV is redefining the visitor experience beyond sightseeing—into one of meaning and memory.

Culinary Tourism: SGV’s Signature Identity

Long considered Southern California’s culinary gem, SGV is home to some of the most authentic and diverse dining experiences in the U.S. From high-end dim sum and Taiwanese night markets to Salvadoran pupusas and Mexican seafood, SGV is a dream destination for food lovers.

The campaign will spotlight this richness with:

• Signature tasting events

• Pop-up culinary villages during Olympic events

• Food trail maps and influencer-led restaurant tours

Redefining the SGV Brand

Once seen as a suburban extension of Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley is now being rebranded as a cultural and economic force of its own. The Visit SGV campaign is not merely about boosting tourism—it’s a long-term strategy to revitalize local economies, celebrate cultural identities, and promote inclusive prosperity.

As Chamber CEO Aziz Amiri puts it:

“We are inviting the world to not just visit, but to connect. This is about creating economic opportunity while preserving the stories, flavors, and values that make SGV home.”

With the global spotlight approaching through the 2028 Olympic Games, SGV is ready to take the world stage — not just as a host, but as a destination of heart, heritage, and hospitality.

For more information on tourism packages, Olympic venue updates and promotional opportunities, visit: VisitSGV.com.

Also visit LA 28 https://la28.org/en.html.

Closing the Skills Gap

Preparing the Next Generation Workforce for an Evolving Economy

By Jill Dolan

As the economy of the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding region continues to evolve, the need for a skilled, adaptable workforce has never been greater. Industries from manufacturing to logistics are rapidly transforming, driven by technological advancements such as robotics and artificial intelligence. Yet, despite these economic shifts, a growing gap remains between available jobs and the trained professionals needed to fill them.

In bridging this gap, Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), one of California’s leading and largest community colleges, has played a significant role. By aligning its programs with industry needs and providing hands-on learning opportunities, Mt. SAC helps prepare the region’s workforce to meet today’s — and tomorrow’s — economic demands.

Besides offering courses in Aeronautics and Transportation and Logistics, Mt. SAC has also been involved in the annual Supply Chain Summit, an event that brings together education, industry, and community partners to address workforce development challenges head-on. The Third Annual Supply Chain Summit was held most recently on the Mt. SAC campus. Co-hosted by the Mt. SAC Business Management Department, Cal Poly Pomona’s Technology and Operations Management Department, and the Regional Chamber of Commerce of San Gabriel Valley, the event highlighted career pathways and industry trends in the fast-changing world of supply chain management.

Mt. SAC Business Management Professor Derek Dokter emphasized the importance of events like this in changing public perception about supply chain careers. “This is an opportunity to showcase that supply chain jobs go beyond traditional roles,” he said. “You can start at the entry level and advance to top positions, offering a more rewarding experience than many may realize.”

Dokter also noted that advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities for employees to upskill and adapt to the evolving workplace. “The future of the supply chain industry looks bright with plenty of growth opportunities,” he said.

To watch the video about the Summit, locate “Supply Chain Summit 2025” at Mt. SAC’s Vimeo site, or visit Supply Chain Summit 2025 on Vimeo.

Jill Dolan is director, Public Affairs for
Mt. San Antonio College

For more information on Mt. SAC's programs, visit: www.mtsac.edu.

How San Gabriel Valley Can Lead in the Supply Chain of Tomorrow

By Matt Beardmore

As keynote speaker at the Third Annual Supply Chain Summit, Dave Porter, partner and executive recruiter at Orion Solutions Group, delivered several main messages to the audience at the Mt. SAC campus – the tremendous opportunity for well-paying logistics careers in Southern California, the importance of staying current with technology “as it relates to AI, CRM use, and even basic Excel,” and how critical it is to build and curate a strong professional network to succeed in the job search process.

Looking forward to the rest of 2025 and beyond, Porter sees the integration of technology as the biggest issue shaping supply chain management. “It will be gradual, but automation and robotics will at first massively increase the productivity of today’s workforce but eventually, they may be replaced,” he said. “So the government will definitely have a role to play in navigating these waters. Will we wind up with UBI (Universal Basic Income) or a very different form of capitalism? Also, it will be critical for business leaders to not fall behind in the adoption of these technologies or their companies will not be competitive from a cost standpoint.”

For communities like San Gabriel Valley to become regional supply chain hubs/innovation centers, Porter says the key is “working closely with the various employers in supply chain, such as warehouses, trucking companies, international freight forwarders, 3PLs, railroads, airports, ports, etc., to understand their needs for talent and to help train and aggregate needed talent for them.”

And the advice for the students, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who want to be part of this evolving supply chain landscape? “Get out there and take massive action in terms of preparation and outreach to secure that first position,” Porter said. “I always say, getting a job is a full-time job. Take it seriously and work 8-5 every day on the phone, sending email, LinkedIn messages, etc. Then, you have to be a lifelong learner. You must stay current with current technology.”

Porter shares there is reason to be optimistic.

“The future will be exciting and very bright for those that are prepared and stay current with the changing technological landscape.”

To learn more about Orion Solutions Group,
please visit https://www.orionsolutionsgroup.com.

The future will
be exciting and very bright for those that are prepared and stay current with the changing technological landscape."

Why the San Gabriel Valley Is Poised to Lead the Future of Skills-Based Hiring

By Alex Barrios

In a bustling nation of supply-and-demand labor markets, one movement is gathering steam: skills-based hiring. It’s a shift away from hiring based on degrees and résumés toward hiring based on demonstrated abilities. Increasingly, employers are realizing that traditional credentials offer only a partial glimpse of a candidate’s potential. What truly matters is whether job seekers have the relevant skills to do the job — and grow within the organization. This is not a future trend; it’s happening now, and it’s reshaping how employers recruit, develop, and retain talent.

Yet, while more employers are moving toward this model, our education systems haven’t fully caught up. Academic institutions continue to measure success in terms of credits, grades, and diplomas — none of which directly translate to the skills employers are asking for. The result is a misalignment: students may be gaining the skills employers need, but there’s no shared language to make those skills visible to the workforce.

This doesn’t mean schools aren’t doing their job. On the contrary, students are learning essential skills — critical thinking, communication, and problem solving — every day in classrooms. The issue is that these skills are hidden in transcripts and GPA reports, rather than clearly identified and translated into terms that employers understand and value.

This disconnect presents a powerful opportunity for both educators and employers in the San Gabriel Valley. The region is emerging as one of California’s most promising models for aligning education and employment through a concept known as skills currency. It is home to a diverse, growing population, strong K–12 schools, community colleges, and a dynamic business community. Most importantly, it is one of the leading regions in the state actively working to build a bridge between the classroom and the workplace—without asking schools to change how or what they teach.

Skills currency is a breakthrough approach that uses the academic data we already collect — grades, coursework, and standardized assessments—to identify the skills students have. It then translates those achievements into job-relevant skills, enabling employers to understand the capabilities of the emerging talent pool and giving students a better sense of the opportunities available to them. No additional testing or curriculum changes are required. Educators continue teaching as they always have. The difference is in how we interpret and communicate the value of that learning.

This innovative approach is gaining momentum in the Valley. Local school districts are beginning to explore how their students’ learning can be matched to real job skills. Employers, in turn, are starting to express their hiring needs in terms of specific skills rather than just credentials. This shared language — skills currency — is what allows both sides to meet in the middle.

The groundwork for this collaboration is already being laid. A recent example is the Honor Roll Schools Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Regional Chamber of Commerce San Gabriel Valley, which brought together educational leaders and business representatives to celebrate school excellence and explore new ways to align student success with workforce needs. Events like this signal a regional commitment to strengthening ties between education and employment — and ensuring students leave school with a clearer pathway to good jobs in their own communities.

Skills currency doesn’t reinvent the education system. It simply makes its value visible. It builds a bridge between school and work using tools we already have — and makes those tools more useful for students, employers, and economic developers alike.

If the San Gabriel Valley embraces this approach, it can become a national model for unlocking homegrown talent, attracting forward-thinking businesses, and building a more inclusive and resilient economy. The opportunity to join the movement is in front of us — not to change what’s being taught, but to change how it’s understood, valued, and acted upon.

Alex Barrios is president of the Educational Results Partnership (ERP)in Sacramento, California. ERP is a nonprofit organization that applies data science to help improve student outcomes and career readiness throughout the educational system.

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