Pure, Unadulterated Joy

Recent South Bay Professional Connection Hospitality Appreciation Evening

By Joy A. Kennelly

You are curious about our recent South Bay Professional Connection "Hospitality Appreciation Evening" at The Shore Restaurant and Lounge this past week or you wouldn't have clicked on the link right?

So, without further ado... here's some pix and information on who graciously attended, and who our wonderful sponsors/participants were.

We had a great response from a variety of quality hotels from all over Los Angeles because we were fortunate to have someone who works with all the hotels through her concierge job circulating our invite on our behalf in addition to all the personal, hand-delivered invitations The Shore guys and I passed out, and all the emails I sent out.

Here's our invite just in case you're curious what got everyone so excited! Doesn't Brittney, our graphic designer on this invitation, do nice work?  She was truly a lifesaver the night of the event too.

Thank you Brittney!

Apparently a lot of people liked it because some of the hotels that responded included: Ayres Hotel, Indigo Hotel, LAX Marriott, Loews Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, Ritz Carlton, La Quinta Inn, Torrance Marriott, The Grafton on Sunset, Doubletree Hotel, Foghorn Harbor Inn, AM Resorts, Hawthorn Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, LAX Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn Express, The Westin LA and numerous others. Thanks for coming everyone!

These lovely ladies, Johanna and Molly, were on hand to welcome all guests including those representing Enterprise, Express Shuttle, and Air Canada which was a lot of fun.

Here's some more pix from the evening.

I also invited some of my new BNI buds to attend because then they could see The Shore in action too. You might recognize some of these professionals seeing as they're locals.

JC, the Redondo Beach Fireman on the far left of this shot is married to Dayla of UBS Financial Services (in yellow) and we all teased him about being the only guy in the shot. The other ladies represent the local Marriotts (Torrance and LAX respectively.)

Another fellow BNI'er, Gayle of Redondo Beach based G Body Therapy, joined JC & Dayla later on. Isn't that a beautiful dress she's wearing? Courtesy of our local Hermosa Fiesta thank you very much.

I took advantage of her massage therapy services the next day with much satisfaction. Felt like a new woman and may have to go back soon since my neck & back injury still isn't completely healed. Highly recommend her! Tell her I sent you!

Here's some of the Air Canada folks and others who came out to join us. Mike Sribney, the co-owner of The Shore, is Canadian and enjoyed catching up with them.

Isn't this a cute shot of he and his new wife, Kristina? I think they're a cute couple and very nice to boot. Say that with a Canadian accent ok?

I shot this pic just as the evening was beginning and the guy in blue is Stephen Haller, a local Redondo Beach resident, who represents Loews Santa Monica.

We had a great mix of Owners, General Managers, Sales Directors, Concierges, Catering Directors, Event Directors, Executive Assistants and everyone really connected on a personal, yet professional level.

One of my good friends, and event planner buddy who I've known for years since we produced a charity event together over at Luxe Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills when she was working there, Lana Leazer now Sales Director for Globiwest Hospitality Group, complimented my by saying this was one of the first hospitality oriented events where people actually let their guard down and were honest and friendly with others in the business.

Coming from her, I count that as high praise. Here's a pic of us goofing around together. She was trying to teach me the Paris Hilton/Nicole Ritchie pose, but I just didn't get it. Oh well, it's funny regardless right?


We actually had quite a fun bunch of people show up courtesy of Abigail Fernandez, Catering Director of the beautiful Portofino Inn and Yacht Club in Redondo Beach. Ironically, a lot of the guys who came out were the winners of the free manicures courtesy of the new Hermosa Beach Elegant Nails & Spa sponsor. Thanks Rebecca!

Here's some of the happy winners.

  And we had more winners too.

B-Side Players were performing later that evening and joined the raffle as our guests too. They won the $50 framing gift certificate courtesy of Lisa's Gallery over in Manhattan Beach.

Thanks Jay & Linda!

Local Manhattan Beach husband and wife hoteliers, Jim & Deidre, joined us and won a Dreadstar CD and amazing car detailing respectively.
This gentleman won the free hour fitness training from Debbie Dmirdijian (sorry Debbie, I'm ruining your last name!)

These handsome guys came out from Cardex and enjoyed Chef David Linville's cheesy fries along with their specialty Cocktail drink.

Chef made the rounds as he always does bearing foodie gifts for everyone which were a big hit. Notice the silver Equinox goody bag hanging from Lana's arm.

They, and Skechers, graciously provided bags that also included donations from our local Hermosa Beach businesses, Paciugo Gelato, Brix 1601, The Comedy & Magic Club, Pedone's Pizzeria, Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Breathe Activewear, and Manhattan Beach Business group, and Stylist Carmen Butts of The Loft, Barbie K, Iduna Medical Aesthetics, among many others.

Redondo Beach based Seeking Sitters service missed the goody bags due to our error. I'm giving them an extra plug here because I'm sure you all might have kids and would welcome a resource that provides easy, safe, reliable babysitting solutions.

Go to www.seekingsitters.com or call Michelle James at 424 634-1018 for more information.

Thank you sponsors one and all. If I forgot anyone, my sincere apologies, just know you are appreciated!

Okay, I think that's all. Thank you everyone for coming. This won't be the last time we hold a hospitality evening and look forward to meeting more of you in the near future.

SBPC's Surfrider Benefit/Tasting Party at The Shore hosted by She's Got the Look Finalist, Melissa Todd

By Joy A. Kennelly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 
THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION AND THE SHORE RESTAURANT TASTING PARTY BENEFIT  BY CHEF DAVID LINVILLE RAISED MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR SURFRIDER FOUNDATION 

TV Land’s She’s Got the Look Finalist, Melissa Todd, Hosted

 South Bay, CA--- The Shore Restaurant’s Chef David Linville and Co-Owners, Jason Baran  and Dr. Rainer Beck, along with South Bay Professional Connection Founder, Joy A. Kennelly,   co–hosted a tasting party benefiting Surfrider Foundation during an evening of networking, music, internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine, environmentalism and beauty in Hermosa Beach, CA at The Shore Restaurant on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

TV Land’s She’s Got the Look Model Finalist, Melissa Todd,  hosted the evening and interviewed attendees, Chef David Linville,  Surfrider Environmental Coordinator, Alan Walti,  and others on camera, and announced winners of the evening’s raffle prizes which included a $50 Dinner for Two to The Shore Restaurant, a designer dress donated by Luna G’s Stylist,  Greycie  Baran,  and Spyder beach chairs donated by Surfrider Foundation.

    Chef David Linville served numerous internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine appetizers during the tasting party with the Parmesan crusted New Zealand lollipop lamb chops in port wine reduction as the hands down favorite, and the Crab Cakes served with cream sauce a close second. Guitarist James McKenna played acoustically throughout the evening.

Surfrider Foundation South Bay Chapter Chairperson, Craig Cadwallader and Environmental Coordinator, Alan Walti, explained Surfrider’s mission and encouraged guests to speak out in favor of banning the use of plastic bags due to the negative environmental impact.  $500 was raised from entry fees and t-shirt sales for the charity.

Curly Hair and Color Specialist, Kym Chartrand of Maximus Salon in Hermosa Beach, sponsored the networking contest’s goody bag prize which guests: Independent Producer, Ed Sanders; Senior VP Wachovia Securities, Mike Girardi; Skychick, Ramona Cox;  Restaurant Consultant, John Bowler;  and Manhattan Beach Resident, Colleen  First; Paige & Coleman Interior Designer, Miriam Paige; Strong Project Sales Manager, Mike Pochepan; Chiropractor, Chris Ullman;    Creative Director, Hermosa Shorts Festival, Tom Kearney;  Manhattan Beach Stylist, Victoria Coleman; and  others enjoyed. Actor/Producer Patrick Kilpatrick was delayed casting his film, Vain Attempt, and Fitness Model, Brenda Kelly's flight delay prevented her from attending. 

ABOUT THE SHORE

Opened in March 2006, The Shore Restaurant and Lounge reflects the casual elegance of the South Bay, CA through its beautiful atmosphere and quality dining by Executive Chef David Linville,  formerly of The Standard Sunset Strip, Viceroy Hotel and Mastros Beverly Hills. Dining at The Shore allows guests to feel relaxed and catered to as if transported to a faraway locale while enjoying fresh, internationally inspired CA comfort food. 

Many famous celebrities and sports players from the Lakers, LA Kings, LA Clippers, LA Galaxy Soccer Team also enjoy the 11 plasma/projection screens, well rounded international wine list, and beachside ambiance.  After 10pm, The Shore also offers live music, dancing and top quality DJ's. For more information, please review: www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com or call 310 376-0414.

THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION

The South Bay Professional Connection’s (SBPC) mission is to promote the interests of the South Bay as a whole to the media, the public, businesses, and residents. SBPC provides a wide variety of community, professional, social and business opportunities for professional groups, companies, and others interested in connecting with South Bay businesses, residents, visitors, and cultural, entertainment and educational institutions.

South Bay Professional Connection achieves these goals through membership, special events, a comprehensive calendar of events, local, state and national government advocacy, public-private partnerships, and public relations/marketing for members.

Inquiries:

Joy A. Kennelly

The Joy Writer PR & Marketing  (310) 714-2077 thejoywriterpublicity (at) gmail (dot) com

South Bay Professional Connection Surfrider Benefit at the Shore adds new celebrity guests!

MEDIA ALERT

 WHAT: The South Bay Professional Connection (SBPC) announces a Tasting Party at The Shore Restaurant featuring Executive Chef David Linville’s menu of fresh, internationally inspired California comfort food from 5:30pm – 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 in Hermosa Beach, CA. TV Land’s “She’s Got the Look” finalist, Melissa Todd, a Redondo Beach native, will host the evening and raffle drawing. Goody bags will be given to the top 20 winners of the SBPC networking questionnaire contest open to all attendees. 100% of the $20 suggested entry fee donation will be given to The Surfrider Foundation. (www.surfrider.org)

 WHO: Chef David Linville, TV Land’s She’s Got the Look Finalist, Melissa Todd, and special guests, Fitness Model Brenda Kelly, and Actor Patrick Kilpatrick

WHEN: Tonight, Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:30pm – 8:00pm

WHERE: The Shore Restaurant 

1320 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com

WHY: The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches.  

The South Bay Professional Connection’s (TSBPC) mission is to promote the interests of the South Bay as a whole to the media, the public, businesses, and residents.

For more information, please contact Publicist, Joy A. Kennelly 310 714-2077

#END#

 

 

 

 

South Bay Professional Connection (SBPC) Announces June 25 Surfrider Benefit at The Shore with TVLand's She's Got the Look, Melissa Todd, hosting

By Joy A. Kennelly

THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION (SBPC) ANNOUNCES A TASTING PARTY AT THE SHORE RESTAURANT IN HERMOSA BEACH, CA ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 from 5:30PM – 8:00PM

Hosted by TV Land’s “She’s Got the Look” Finalist, Melissa Todd; Evening benefits The Surfrider Foundation

South Bay, CA The South Bay Professional Connection (SBPC) announces a Tasting Party at The Shore Restaurant featuring Executive Chef David Linville’s menu of fresh, internationally inspired California comfort cuisine from 5:30pm – 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 in Hermosa Beach, CA.

TV Land’s “She’s Got the Look” finalist, Melissa Todd, a Redondo Beach native, will host the evening and raffle drawing. 100% of the $20 suggested entry fee donation will be given to The Surfrider Foundation. Goody bags will be given to the top 20 winners of the SBPC networking questionnaire contest open to all attendees.

The Shore’s Executive Chef Dave’s Tasting menu includes: Garlic Shrimp sauteed in compound butter with goat cheese crustinis; Crimini Mushrooms stuffed with spinach, shallots and smoked bacon; a Greek Trio served with hummus, tapenade, tiziki and toasted pita; Ginger Soy Marinated Poki served with shaved Japanese pickled cucumbers and fried wontons; Buttermilk and Tabasco marinated Southern Fried chicken with Belgium waffles and maple syrup; Parmesan crusted New Zealand lollipop lamb chops in port wine reduction; Crab Cakes served with Dijon cream sauce, and Mac & Cheese with Amsterdam imported cheese enhanced by a well-rounded international wine list. “It’s all about the food,” says Chef Dave. “I love the South Bay because people care more about enjoying my food than they do about being seen.”

An experienced TV host/model, Melissa  Todd, will host the raffle offering a $50 Gift Certificate to The Shore, a designer dress donated by local retailer Luna G’s Personal Stylist, Greycie Baran, among other items. Melissa will be available for guest’s questions and comments about her appearance on TV Land’s show, “She’s Got the Look,” throughout the evening.

Surfrider Foundation information will be available for interested guests to review and additional donations will be accepted throughout the evening.

The Shore is located at 1320 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 and is open Monday through Friday: 5:00pm - 1:45am and Saturday and Sunday: 1:00pm - 1:45am. Executive Chef David Linville, formerly with Standard Hotel Sunset Strip, Viceroy Hotel, Mastros Beverly Hills, and St. Regis Hotel, offers an internationally inspired California comfort cuisine menu. For more information, please review: www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com or call 310 376-0414.

ABOUT THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION

The South Bay Professional Connection’s (TSBPC) mission is to promote the interests of the South Bay as a whole to the media, the public, businesses, and residents. TSBPC provides a wide variety of community, professional, social and business opportunities for professional groups, companies, and others interested in connecting with South Bay businesses, residents, visitors, and cultural, entertainment and educational institutions.

ABOUT MELISSA TODD

“She’s Got the Look” model, Melissa Todd, a sexy 38-year-old originally from Redondo Beach, CA, is a finalist on TV Land’s new series, in collaboration with Wilhelmina Models, Inc., which seeks to discover a sophisticated, beautiful and confident woman 35 or older to become the next great supermodel. Prior to her TV Land appearance, Melissa enjoyed an active hosting career as an on-camera host for the Hallmark Channel, Toyota Corp., LA Fitness and a PBS cooking show among others, in addition to commercial & film appearances. She has also graced the covers of Shape, Muscle and Fitness Magazines.

ABOUT THE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. http://www.surfrider.org or call Nancy Hastings 310 995-7873.

ABOUT THE SHORE

Opened in March 2006, The Shore Restaurant and Lounge reflects the casual elegance of the South Bay, CA through its beautiful atmosphere and quality dining by Executive Chef David Linville, formerly of The Standard Sunset Strip, Viceroy Hotel and Mastros Beverly Hills. Dining at The Shore allows guests to feel relaxed and catered to as if transported to a faraway locale while enjoying fresh, internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine.

Many famous celebrities and sports players from the Lakers, LA Kings, LA Clippers, LA Galaxy Soccer Team also enjoy the 11 plasma/projection screens, well rounded international wine list, and beachside ambiance. After 10pm, The Shore also offers live music, dancing and top quality DJ's. For more information, please review: www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com or call 310 376-0414.

(Look for our scallop ad in the local papers!)

Joy Kennelly's Surfrider Fdn promotion & Miami photo blog coverage for your review.

This is an old blog post I wrote in June '08, and in reading it again I realized it is a showcase of what I have done in the past to promote clients through blogging and provide photo essay examples of my travel coverage as well.

I've edited out other information to make this focused on topics I support and love- i.e. Surfrider Foundation and art in Miami.

Enjoy the read.

By Joy A. Kennelly

Ever since returning from Miami I've been going through something of a life/career transition. While vacationing I had the epiphany that although I will always love art and am still open to representing artists, it's not what I want to focus my entire business on any more.

With the economy the way it is...

Here's a quote from a recent NY Times article entitled: Gatekeepers to the Art World, "As contemporary art’s Armory Show in New York concludes this weekend and the auctions unfold later this spring, many are watching to see what impact the sliding economy will have on the art market.

Mary Parr, a director at Cheim & Read in Chelsea, noted that if real estate slows noticeably, the art market follows suit about six months later. High-end collectors, she said, 'don’t get affected as quickly.'

A springtime thaw in prices may well trickle down to the gallery’s front desk. When the public, perhaps of necessity transformed into eligible customers, pushes open those chilly opaque doors, will gallerinas finally look up and smile?"

Click the link here for the entire article. VEERRRRRYYYY Interesting.

That's all I'll say about that. Plus, the other reason to go back to a more diverse client roster is I miss the variety I've always enjoyed. There's something to be said for being a generalist or jack of all trades. I still love artists though! Art rules!

Oh, and since you've been so patient, here's some of my architecture and art pictures from my vacation in Miami, FL.

I've been very busy with producing another event for my South Bay Professional Connection starring Hermosa Beach's own amazing Chef David Linville of The Shore Restaurant, and TVLand's She's Got the Look Finalist, Melissa Todd, a native of Redondo Beach, CA (she's the tall blonde sitting down wearing a black dress to the left of Kim Alexis.) which will benefit Surfrider Foundation. More details soon.

Now here's Miami and South Beach... I recommend hitting the Jewish Holocaust Memorial, Bass Museum of Art, Ocean Drive (of course! I especially loved visiting Ritz Carlton and the Delano), the Miami Design District and the Lincoln Road art and cafe scene. Very cool.

Enjoy!

The South Bay Professional Connection's event at Verch Insurance Services & CA Associates!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Sorry for the delay in writing about the last South Bay Professional Connection event announcing the Grand Opening of CA Associates and Verch Insurance Services.

I think I've been coming down with the flu which would explain why I was sleeping so much and it finally hit full bore on Monday. Today I'm finally feeling a little better which is why I'm going to attempt to write. Finally able to sit up longer than 10 minutes!

What I loved about last week's South Bay Professional Connection event was that it really was a "Professional Connection." A friend of mine had given me the idea of creating ice breaker questions for a contest that would help people get to know each other and those who chose to participate really enjoyed themselves.

I think a lot of people got to know people they probably wouldn't have talked to either which was the whole purpose. It's hard to go somewhere and try to start a conversation with someone you don't know and this really helped. Plus, the motivation to win the goody bags we were offering sponsored by Director of Sales, Lana Leazer, and her Globiwest Hospitality Group’s Holiday Inn Express Century City and LAX helped too! Thank you Lana!

You might recognize some familiar faces among our attendees.  The yellow paper was the questionnaire and included questions like what is your favorite restaurant in the South Bay? Shark's Cove, Houstons, Chez Melange, Lido, and Blue Water Grill got a lot of kudos. People were pretty unanimous that A New Earth was their favorite book to date. Almost everyone said their favorite place to escape when not working was the beach. Of course.!:)

Thanks to Darold and Kathy Verch and their daughter, Sonja McColgan, we      also did a raffle for two Dodger tickets, resume help, $100 discount off insurance, and an emergency kit provided by CA Associates and Verch Insurance Services. Thank you Verch's and Sonja! 

 We were very pleased to have Shark's Cove MB provide amazing appetizers which really were more like a meal!  They  sponsored our event with some of their famous Shark Attack wraps, two wonderful salads - a Chicken, Apple & Goat Cheese Salad and a lovely Garden Salad, two delicious pastas - a Chicken penne and an alfredo penne and everyone loved it! Thank you McColgan's!  

What made this evening special to me was to see all the people who came out to celebrate the Grand Opening  and to remember their son, Brent. There were people from as far away as Orange County who attended.

What was also special was to see how much love and concern this family has for the people they do business with. No wonder they're so successful right?

Why Sonja stopped what she was doing in the middle of the party to counsel people who had driven up for career advice. Right in the middle of the party!

Every beach city was represented, all ages were represented and it was really a great success. Thanks to all of you who attended! Great meeting you and/or seeing you again!

  Now to finalize the next one! I'll keep you posted!

  Thanks for popping by. Enjoy the pix!   

 

Last night was wonderful, but I want to share this short film with you first

By Joy A. Kennelly

Last night we must have had 200 people attend the third South Bay Professional Connection event announcing the Grand Opening of CA Associates and Verch Insurance Services. It was a really special evening. I'll write more about it later because I must run and my camera is jammed preventing me from uploading pix. Just know, it was fantastic!

Right now I want to share this amazing short film with you called The History of a Sign that my good friend Dianne just emailed me. She sends me the best stuff.

This film reminded me why I ran my short film festival for so many years. It's touching, it's beautiful, it's hopeful, and it's an amazing testimony to the power of one person making a difference in the life of someone less fortunate. Film can change the world in the right hands.

Made me realize I was way ahead of my time producing a shorts film festival if Cannes is now doing it online. In any case, so glad to see a short film touching so many people.

Here's the blurb from You Tube regarding it:

"Fourth annual Short Film Online Competition - Cannes 2008. The NFB, in association with the Cannes Short Film Corner and partner YouTube, is proud to announce that the winner of the NFB Online Competition Cannes 2008 is Alonso Alvarez Barreda for his short film Historia de un Letrero (The Story of a Sign) produced in Mexico/U.S.A.

Director : Alonso Alvarez Barreda
Running Time : 04:50
Year : 2007
Country : Mexico/ U.S.A
Category : Short film

With a stroke of the pen, a stranger transforms the afternoon for another man in this emotionally stirring short film by Alonso Alvarez.

Alonso Alvarez Barreda was born in Mexico City in 1984. He met Alejandro Monteverde, who was still in film school, and since then Alejandro became his friend and mentor. Alonso wrote, produced and directed his first short film, called El Algodonero. His second short film, Historia de un Letrero, was named best short film in the Festival Internacional de Cine en Corto and also won the Hispanoamerican jury award in the Short Shorts Film Festival in Mexico City. It has also been an official selection at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, Cine Festival in San Antonio, Texas, Short Shorts Film Festival Monterrey and Morelos, and in the Short Film Corner in Cannes.

Currently, Historia de un Letrero is part of the regular programming on National TV in Mexico. Alonso lives in Los Angeles."

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I cried at the ending - but it was happy tears.

So moving... Please click the link to see what I'm talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9eUBVpL0ZU

Positive South Bay Professional Connection news! (repeated on my wordpress blog too...)

By Joy A. Kennelly

Ever since returning from Miami, FL, I have been slammed with work and unable to catch my breath. (Okay, I did enjoy my Memorial Day holiday BBQ down in San Diego with a very good friend, and my lounging by the pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt on Sunday, and my playing with two hilarious dogs in Manhattan Beach, but otherwise - working!)

Really can't spare much time today, but did want to share some great news regarding my next South Bay Professional Connection event occurring tomorrow night over at CA Associates and Verch Insurance Services new office in El Segundo from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Here's some pix to showcase what you're in store for.

Just know, next time you see this space, it's going to be packed with people!

We had a great write-up in The Beach Reporter's Business section last Thursday - Thanks Eric! Also, over 1000 postcard invites have been distributed on top of the 100's of emailed invitations and media relations we've all done to promote this event.

I passed out 40 invites alone last night at a PV mixer with lots of people saying they're planning to come. Should be a great mix of businesses, industries and people since Sonja McColgan, the owner and Career Coach extraordinaire of CA Associates, and Darold Verch, her father and owner of Verch Insurance Services, know so many people having been in business for so many years.

For 20 lucky winners of our "Who's the Best Networker?" contest, guests will receive the following beachy type goody bags courtesy of Globiwest Hospitality Group's Holiday Inn Express Century City and LAX:

944 Magazine
Nice Pen or Computer cleaner from Holiday Inn Express LAX or Century City
Lip Balm from Holiday Inn Express Century City
Scented Candle in container
Complimentary Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express LAX or Century City courtesy of Director of Sales, Lana Leazer.

Apparently, not only will you get to meet some great business and local people if you come by, you will also get to experience the local El Segundo Farmer's Market with a live band and all kinds of great produce and other stuff to buy.

However, as a result, please note you need to park behind the building since Main Street will be full. If you've never been to El Segundo, you're in for a real throwback in time. I call it the Mayberry of the South Bay. Others have called it the last real beach community of the South Bay. It's quaint, quiet, and cute. Lots of great restaurants, services, and local people call El Segundo home.

We had such a great time at our last South Bay Professional Connection, I can't wait to see who shows up for this one. For those of you who missed the last one, here's some highlights and pictures to share with you (I'm editing an original post I wrote for This is Hermosa website.)

Last month's attendees included: Sharkeez Owner, Ron Newman & UPAC Member, Kim McMullan ; Hermosa Beach City Council Member, Michael DiVirgilio; Hermosa Beach Resident, Gary Mallette; Union Cattle Owner, Jed Stanford;

Why Was I Dissed? Founder, Rachel Morton ; the Mackinga clan; Jayme Mackinga's groupies; local icon and Club 705 consultant, John Bowler; Hermosa Beach Writer's Group Representative, Gerry Althas-Vazquez; PV resident, Lane Mayhew; Beach Cities Relay for Life Volunteers, Jill Morales and Susan Cohen; Nutritionist Jayne Justice ; RB resident, Christie and HB Resident Lotus; Strong Project El Segundo Representative, Michael Pochepan; Beach Massage Business Development Representative, Kimberly Blaine; A Fresh Face Skincare Owner, Victoria Coleman; Project Touch Representative, Carol Shakely; and out-of-towners/friends like John Herzberg, Lana Leazer, Damien Carmean, and many others came to mix and mingle. Lisa Bollinger graciously managed the door.

Those who attended enjoyed the acoustic guitar of 16 year old Jayme Mackinga who has a voice akin to Corrine Bailey Rae. Everyone loved her music. What impressed me the most was the poise she exhibited while performing for around 100 people who sat in rapt attention while she sang.

During the break, John Bowler entertained the crowd and invited everyone to support the Beach Cities Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society who had a table set up with all their information. What a great cause and great event coming up! Click the link for all the details and join the team.

Although we didn't raise as much money as I had hoped, it was a great start to a partnership that I hope to continue until the summer's event. Although I personally haven't experienced serious cancer, my grandmother died from lung cancer and my family suffers from non-malignant skin cancer every so often. Damn freckles!

John Pieplow gave a rousing concert which everyone enjoyed as well. He was grateful to be sharing his birthday for such a great cause and had a lot of fun visiting our little city. I'm hoping to get him back at a later date. Everyone who stayed received a free CD of his music as a thank you for coming.

Xavier and his wonderful staff served some great seafood appetizers too. A local HB Resident won the Dinner for Two at The Ardmore in our raffle. Thank you X and all your servers for helping make this a special evening at The Ardmore in 705! 

THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF CA ASSOCIATES & VERCH INSURANCE SERVICES’ EL SEGUNDO OFFICES

The South Bay Professional Connection announces the Grand Opening of CA Associates Employment Specialists’ and Verch Insurance Services’ new El Segundo offices with a night of Networking and Celebration on Thursday, May 29, 2008 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. The new offices are located at 425 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245.

As part of the Grand Opening Celebration, California Associates’ Career Coach, Sonja McColgan, will offer resume critiques, information on industry trends and interview techniques while Verch Insurance Specialists will offer complete insurance analysis. California Associates Employment Specialists focus on placing candidates in Media, Technology, Accounting, Engineering, Human Resources, Fitness, Sales & Marketing, Administration and Entertainment. For more information, refer to: www.caworkingforyou.com. RSVP to CA Associates: 310.416.8797.

“We chose to move to Downtown El Segundo because it has been voted the ‘Most Business Friendly City,’” says Verch Insurance Services Founder/Owner, Darold P. Verch.      Verch Insurance Services is a multi-line, family owned agency with 40 years experience specializing in all types of insurance. For more information: www.verchinsurance.com

Appetizers will be provided by Shark’s Cove Manhattan Beach, CA.  A portion of the proceeds from GoChi Juice drinks will benefit the Brent Verch Memorial Fund which was created to honor Brent Verch and his life’s desire to support his three young niece’s college education. For information, www.brentverch.com

The South Bay Professional Connection’s (TSBPC) mission is to promote the interest of the South Bay as a whole to the media, the public, businesses, and residents. For more information, please contact tsbpc2008(at)gmail(dot)com.

It's not too late to attend Spa Riviera party tonight!

By Joy A. Kennelly

People have been contacting me worried that they didn't RSVP in time. To be honest, everyone has lost the fine art of rsvping, so just come on down. The more, the merrier. Just know, it is to promote businesses, restaurants, Sugar Cups, Maria Rangel and other surprise guests ok?

See you there!

Join us at Spa Riviera on
Thursday, February 7, 2008

6pm – 9pm

                            1611 South Catalina Ave., Lower level – L40, Redondo Beach, CA

(Corner of Catalina and Avenue I –free parking underneath)

Special Guest Appearance by Actress Maria Rangel, Renowned Microdermabrasion Specialist, Tony Cutrona, & Clarisonic skincare demonstrations, New GoChi – Himalayan Goji juice tastings, and lots of free Giveaways too!

 Enjoy Appetizers by Lou-e-Luey’s Restaurant

And

Delectable Valentine’s Day Desserts courtesy of Chef Melinda