Event Featured Appearance by Rose Queen and Court, Past and Future Tournament Presidents and Local Dignitaries
200 people attended the annual Pasadena Chamber of Commerce President's Breakfast at the Pasadena Hilton on December 7, 2023. The event honored Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian and featured an appearance by the Rose Queen and Rose Court for 2024. Queen Naomi Stillitano and Rose Court members Olivia Botanec, Trinity Deli Cruz, Phoebe Ho, Mia Moore-Walker, Jessica Powell and Emerson Tucker were escorted to their seats by current and former Pasadena Chamber Board members.
The highlight of the morning were remarks by Mr. Aghajanian who enlightened and entertained with stories of his tenure as President as well as his history of community involvement and what went into his decision-making for 2024.
In introducing President Aghajanian, Chamber Board Chair Don Schweitzer noted the economic impact of New Year events in Pasadena, locally and regionally. “New Year events in Pasadena bring nearly $200 million in spending each year to Pasadena and the region,” Mr. Schweitzer stated. “Nearly two thirds of those attending the Rose Bowl Game in person come from outside the LA region. Possibly more importantly, billions of people around the work know of Pasadena because of our New Year events.”
Mr. Aghajanian shared insights and his own personal history. He related how his first application to join the Tournament was denied. He then enlisted the assistance of some senior volunteers and was approved on his second try. “With a little help from friends, I was welcomed to become a member.”
Mr. Aghajanian also highlighted his experience with the Tournament as well as his involvement in the community. He said he came up with the theme for the 2024 parade in the middle of the night. He and his wife Paula had been discussing possible themes related to music, one of their shared passions. He related how he woke up with the ensign to name the 2024 events “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” When he woke Paula to tell her, “She was enthusiastic but told me I could have waited until morning to tell her.”
Mr. Aghajanian related how he chose the multi-talented and award-winning actress and singer Audra McDonald as Grand Marshall for 2024. He also noted, “She is amazing. So talented and so recognized but still very down to earth. She has roots in Fresno and is just like all of us. We are so pleased she will preside over the parade and game.”
Mr. Aghajanian also discussed his involvement with the non-profit he and Paula founded called The Dream With Me Foundation. It provides support for students and people who may not have access to music with performances, instruction and more.
Guests dined on yogurt parfait with fresh berries and granola; a bakery basket of croissant, muffins and pastries; Croque Madame with cheese, ham and mornay sauce topped with an easy-over egg and micro greens.
The beautiful centerpieces were donated by Chamber member Orchid Elegance.
In attendance were former Pasadena Vice Mayor Andy Wilson also serves on the Board of the Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena Airport Authority, who was joined by other airport board members and Frank Miller, CEO of the Hollywood Burbank Airport. Pasadena City Attorney Michelle Bagneris was joined by Assistant City manager Brenda Harvey Williams and several city department leaders. Mike Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Center Operating Company, which includes Visit Pasadena, the Civic Auditorium and the Convention Center attended, as did David Eads, CEO of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.
Several members of the Chamber Board of Directors attended. Board Chair Don Schweitzer, Mike Antenesse, Katelyn Barchowsky, John Burt, Tom Daly, George Falardeau, Hope Hayman, Raphael Henderson, City Economic Development Director Dave Klug, Charlotte Lacey, John Leano, Emilio Padilla-Larios, Ishmael Trone and Bill Ukropina all supported the President’s Breakfast. We were honored to have Dr. Dennis Buckley and Patty Waggoner both former Board Chairs attending with former Board members Elizabeth Dever, Dr. Greg Sanchez and Valerie Prince.
We also had several future presidents of the Tournament of Roses with us: Ed Morales, Craig Washington, Mark Leavens, Pam Knapp and Ruth Martinez Baenen. Past Presidentsoif the Tournament in attendance were Sally Bixby, Rich Chinen and Brad Ratliff.
Wells Fargo was the presenting sponsor for the 2023 President's Breakfast.
Special thanks to Queen and Court Sponsors Athens Services, AT&T, BYD-RIDE, Crown Castle, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Home Instead Pasadena, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl Stadium and Visit Pasadena.
Thanks also to our Corporate Table sponsors the City of Pasadena, JP Morgan and Kaiser Permanente.
Thank you also to Bickley Printing, Lyd & Mo Photography, the Pasadena Hilton, the Tournament of Roses Queen & Court Committee, Orchid Elegance and West Coast Trophy.