Centennial Celebration a Resounding Success

Long-time member Guy Weddington McCreary provided a look back at our first century with historic photos and witty commentary. Gina Graziadio and Ermin Cruz III, members of the LA Opera, sang a variety of pieces, accompanied by Manuel Arellano. The Magic Castle’s Steve Reisberg proved that the hand is quicker than the eye with his many feats of magic.

Master of ceremonies Jaime Monroy, comedian and actor, livened up the evening with comic karaoke with select chamber members. City Council members Tom LaBonge and Paul Krekorian attended in person to congratulate the Chamber.

Our new Theater and Arts Scholarship was awarded to Jeanne Nguyen Huynh of the Art Institute of California–Hollywood. Three members were honored for their hard work and support in 2009—Carson Schreiber, Diane McCreary and Steve Rubin.

Special Centennial Awards for long-term continuous membership in the Chamber went to Kurt Banks and Ken Banks, Quisenberry Insurance; Herbert Pencille, Hydrex Termite and Pest Control; Guy Weddington McCreary, Weddington Investment, LLC; F. Bentley Mooney; Nicholas Pananicolas, Sitton’s Restaurant; and posthumously to Joseph Hurley, with John Anthony Malone accepting

Special thanks went to Jesus Arevalo of the Art Institute of California–Hollywood for his design of the centennial invitation; Art DeLorenzo of AIM Mail Center, for program production and copying; Nancy Sexton and the UCNH Jaycees; Fast Signs; and Universal Studios. Photographer Rony Armas and videographer Jefff Cerar chronicled the event.

The Centennial Directory premiered, featuring a tribute to our history and community, area highlights, listings for chamber member, ads, and listings for member-to-member discounts

We’ve come a long way since our founding in 1910 as the Lankershim Businessmen’s Association. Through the years, the Chamber has championed business and the community, evolving into a dynamic 21st Century organization. Our popular and highly visible website, www.noho.org, promotes members, tourism, the arts, and community causes.

Story by Jo Ellen Crum from the UCNH Chamber of Commerce Dispatch. Photagrahpy by Rony Armas.

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Jack Witt