The first Pasadena Economic and Business Summit drew 140 to the University Club on October 24th to hear speakers discuss our local economy, trends and issues, and more. Emcee Pasadena Chamber Chair CL Keedy gave a brief update on Chamber membership and activities, followed by Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard who gave a brief overview of City finances and priorities.

Keynote speaker Bill Allen of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation provided a report on international, national and state economic conditions before highlighting conditions in the San Gabriel Valley and pointing out some areas of concern for the future.

A panel of local business leaders discussed their companies, industries and local Pasadena conditions.

Zareh Astourian, CEO of engineering firm TTG, talked about impacts of Federal budget woes on construction contracts and explained why Pasadena is home to his internatonally known firm.

Michael Giardello, Ph.D., President, CEO, CTO (and co-founder) of Materia, Inc. explained that his company impacts everything from medical devices and pharmaceuticals to automobile engine parts. He complimented the City of Pasadena as easy to work with and supportive.

Singpoli Group founder and CEO Kin Hui discussed his company's investments in Pasadena and why he sees our real estate market as undervalued (and a good investment).

Andy Ogden, Chair of Graduate Industrial Design at Art Center College of Design discussed issues and trends in higher education, including increasing costs for students and advances in technology that are impacting teaching and learning at the university level.

The inaugural Pasadena Economic and Business Summit was sponsored by the City of Pasadena and presented by the Economic and Business Development Committee of the Pasadena Chamber.

Corporate Table sponsors were Christie, Parker and Hale, Citizens Business Bank, Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors, Pasadena Star-News, Singpoli Group and TTG.

You can read the Pasadena Star-News story on the event here: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/business/20131024/pasadena-business-summit-notes-trends-in-san-gabriel-valley-and-throughout-california

CL Keedy, Chamber Board chair, of UBS FInancial Services served as host of the summit.
Mayor Bill Bogaard told those at the summit that Pasadena's finances are strong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAEDC CEO Bill Allen suggested several economic development concerns that need to be addressed to rebuild our economy.
Zareh Astourian of TTG discussed his frim and trends in the construction and engineering industries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Giardello of Materia introcued Innovate Pasadena, a new organization that promotes Pasadena as a start-up community.
Kin Hui of Singpoli Group explained why he sees Pasadena as a great place for investment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andy Ogden of Art Center discussed online education and how universities need to show value to their students.