Hawthorne Business Expo signage: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Hawthorne Mayor Alex Vargas: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
*(Hawthorne, CA) — The Hawthorne Memorial Center was buzzing with excitement and energy as attendees gathered for the Hawthorne Business Expo & Job Fair. The Hawthorne Business Expo & Job Fair was held on Thursday, March 14, from 3:00-7:00pm.
Vontray Norris, City Manager, Dayna Williams-Hunter, City Clerk, Councilwoman Katrina Manning and Hawthorne Mayor Alex Vargas: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
The Hawthorne Business Expo is an eagerly anticipated event for a diverse audience of business owners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and job seekers. Hawthorne Business Expo & Job Fair featured 65+ exhibitors, so that attendees can gain insights and make valuable connections across different sectors.
Engaging speakers offered guidance and fresh perspectives on various business topics. The expo provided resources tailored to job seekers, including potential career paths, recruiter connections, and industry-specific knowledge.
Hawthorne City Councilwoman Katrina Manning served as this year’s Chairman for what turned out to be an impactful event. 2024 Business Expo & Job Fair theme “Connect, Collaborate, and Cultivate Your Business.
Councilwoman Katrina Manning: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Several hundred people were in attendance to engage with local businesses and potential employers. Attendees were able to build valuable connections with industry leaders and professionals. There was something for everyone!
Hawthorne Business Expo & Job Fair: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
There were two panels which was well attended and interesting. Dominique DiPrima, host and supervising producer of First Things First on KBLA Talk 1580 served as Emcee.
Hawthorne Business Expo Panel signage: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
The first panel entitled Extraordinary Stories of Failures and Triumphs. This panel consisted of a distinguished group of influencers in their respective industries. Danny Bakewell, Jr., President of The Bakewell Company, and Executive Editor and Chief of Staff of the Los Angeles Sentinel; Kameale C. Terry, ChargeHelp, Inc.- an app that enables on-demand repair of electric vehicle charging stations; Sergio Mortara, Owner, Continental Gourmet Market; and Brian Davis-Owner and Operator Legends The Barbershop.
Dominique DiPrima, Danny Bakewell Jr., Kameale C. Terry, Katrina Manning, Sergio Mortara and Brian Davis: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
The panel shared an example of failures in their respective journeys, as well as the lessons learned as they were able to pivot from failure to triumphs! The important take away is being able to scale up.
The next panel- Access and Opportunities was held in front of a captivated audience. The esteemed panel featured Julie Clowes-Director of U.S. Small Business Administration, Los Angeles District Office; Ingrid Merriwether- President & CEO of Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services; Angel Patrana- Senior Regional Manager for Zero Barriers to Business (Southern CA. Northern CA. & Mountain Regions) and Judy Ambers- Director, Senior Executive Producer at Microsoft, curating and delivering CXO level programs. This was great panel for people interested in starting a business as well as for established businesses that want to take their business to new heights.
Dominique DiPrima, Julie Clowes, Ingrid Merriwether, Councilwoman Katrina Manning, Angel Pastrana and Judy Ambers: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Drum Roll Please… the moment many have been waiting for! Several local businesses received a prestigious award during the Awards Ceremony.
Small Business of the Year Award was presented to The Lab, Mykel Reto, Owner, accepted the Award. The Lab is a custom-tailored production space that has multiple rooms each with different theme that will accommodate any type of productions. Create The Lab supply equipment rentals for all types of shows, films, and events.
Vontray Norris, City Manager, Dominique DiPrima, Mykel Reto and Councilwoman Katrina Manning: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
I hope that you are reading this at lunch or dinnertime. The next two businesses are worth a visit after you view their menu. Now that March Madness is amongst us, these businesses can cater your March Madness viewing party so that you don’t miss out on the action!
Community Partner Award presented to MidiCi Wood Fried Pizza & Kitchen, located in Courtyard by Marriott LAX/Hawthorne.
Most Supportive Business Award presented to Continental Gourmet Market. Sergio Mortara, Owner, was on site to accept the Award.
Dominique DiPrima, Vontray Norris, City Manager, Sergio Mortara, and Councilwoman Katrina Manning: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
The Hawthorne Business Expo & Job Fair lived up to the city’s motto “City of Good Neighbors.” Hawthorne City Councilwoman/ Chairwoman Katrina Manning and the Hawthorne Business Expo Planning Committee should be applauded for their help, time and hard work to ensure the success of the Annual Business Expo & Job Fair. Special shout out to Vontray Norris, Hawthorne City Manning.
Hawthorne Business Expo & Job Fair Planning Committee consisted of Chase McDaniel, Grant Smith, Brenda Williams, Maria Majcherek, Kimberly Mack, Schwana Conley, Rebecca Sanchez, Erika Lampkin, Shuntell Dixon, Catherine Alcantara, Kywanna Bowie and Kenice Washington.
Hawthorne signage: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Step & Repeat- Sponsors, Partners, and Exhibitors: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California-based writer, music reviewer, and photographer. contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net
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