About 20 Pasadena business and nonprofit leaders representing all eight city council districts attended “Chamber Day at City Hall” on Sept. 3 to meet council members and present the chamber’s 2024 policy guide.

Christina Womack of the Pasadena Chamber told council the guide was developed from surveys of more than 600 member businesses and lists priority issues including small-business planning and permitting, workforce development, small-business support, strategic appointments to committees and commissions, and infrastructure. Womack said the Chamber has a new constituent-connection webpage to track issues and encourage engagement.

Nick Cavendish, an executive committee member of the Pasadena Chamber Board, described Impact Pasadena, an 18-month leadership program formed after a 2018 strategic plan by the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation. Cavendish said more than 50 graduates have taken active civic roles and invited residents to apply for the 2025 Impact Pasadena cohort via the chamber website.

Clint Castillo, identified as president of the Pasadena Rodeo, said the rodeo celebrates its 75th year and highlighted its volunteer base and community contributions. Castillo said the rodeo returned $657,000 to students and the community last year, listed parade and cook-off dates and noted an ongoing capital campaign for a new agricultural barn.

The city’s Community Information Officer, Laura Branch Morales, used her public-comment time to highlight National Preparedness Month and encouraged residents to sign up for Ready Pasadena emergency alerts at readypasadena.org or by texting PTX READY to 77295.

Council members thanked the visiting groups and paused for photos with Chamber representatives during the meeting record.