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PULSE BEAT March 2020 • Paramount Chamber of Commerce (paramountchamber.com) • Serving the community since 1947
State of the City event draws largest crowd ever
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he annual Paramount State of City address and luncheon at Progress Park Plaza on Feb. 12 drew the largest crowd in the history of the event as political and civic leaders, law enforcement officers, educators and members of the business community gathered to assess the accomplishments of the past year, to provide their unique perspectives into events and circumstances shaping the community and to share plans and goals for 2020 and beyond. World Energy Paramount, which produces sustainable aviation fuel and other renewable fuels at its Paramount facility (see the ad on page 3), was once again the sponsor for the event, which was hosted by the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. After Pastor Larry Jameson offered the invocation, Paramount Chamber of Commerce President Ben Berg (of Transcom Communications) welcomed attendees and shared an overview of chamber membership. He then discussed various ways that Chamber of Commerce members have made such a positive impact during the past year by giving back to the Paramount community. Dr. Ruth Perez, Superintendent of Paramount Unified School District, reported that a record number of district graduates were accepted into college last year. She attributed this signal achievement to three key factors: active, ongoing support that students receive to complete courses required for college entry; the district’s unique program that allows students to be “dual enrolled” in both high school and college in certain courses; and Paramount High School Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, including engineering, computer science, media arts, entrepreneurship, hospitality and medical patient care. Each pathway includes internship and work-based learning opportunities that lead to industry-recognized certifications. (See the related story on page E3 of the PUSD Education News contained in this issue of the Pulse Beat.) After sharing memories of his own long personal history in Paramount, Mayor Tom Hansen offered two videos promoting the city. He also outlined recent public safety initiatives and reported on the rising property values in the community. City Manager John Moreno presented a historical survey showing how much Paramount has advanced over the years, then focused on recent achievements related to public safety, infrastructural improvements, water services, special events and programs aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and attracting new businesses to the city. It is noteworthy that Pulse Beat stories over the past year have covered many of the topics mentioned by the speakers. To see a video of the complete State of the City presentations, please visit the City of Paramount’s YouTube channel.
State of the City speakers gave their unique perspectives about the past year and provided insights into programs and events that are shaping the future of Paramount in 2020 and beyond.
Mayor Tom Hansen
Chamber of Commerce President Ben Berg (left) at the podium.
Dr. Ruth Perez, PUSD Superintendent
City Manager John Moreno shared Paramount history and discussed new programs.
Event Sponsor :
Pastor Larry Jameson
PA R A M O U N T
PULSE BEAT Paramount Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Boulevard Paramount, California 90723 Telephone: 562-634-3980 paramountchamber.com
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T H I S
From the Mayor’s Desk.................................................................3 City Council News...........................................................................4 Public Safety.......................................................................................4 PEP Talk...............................................................................................4 Paramount Chamber Cares.........................................................5 Employment Opportunities.........................................................6 Membership Renewals & Calendar of Events.....................6 Local Dining Discount Coupons................................................7 Member-to-Member Discounts.................................................7
I S S U E
Women in Business & Leadership Luncheon................8 Network & Go Luncheon........................................................8 Ribbon-cutting Ceremonies................................................10 Lions Club Speakers Contest..............................................11 Business Corner.......................................................................12 Business Card Directory........................................................13 Chamber Networking Events..............................................14 CityScape....................................................................................15 Job & Community Fair...........................................................16
Image credit: DreamyArt (Pixabay)
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