Keys to good networking

SCV Chamber welcomes hundreds to Valencia Acura showroom

On Wednesday night, a crowd of about 200 crowded into Valencia Acura for an after-hours networking mixer hosted by dealership owners Don and Cheri Fleming and the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Guests mingled over the sounds of Frank Sinatra and The Temptations, enjoying enjoyed hors d’oeuvres catered by Salt Creek Grille and Wolf Creek Restaurant, as well as a raffle.

“This are the kind of events that Acura Corporate hopes all dealers do because it’s great to touch people, show them that we’re nice people and show them our product, as well,” Cheri said. “We’re the ‘friendship dealership.’ We’ve been doing this for 21 years, and it’s just good to have people come through our front doors.”

This was the first mixer event the Flemings have held since the automotive industry took a hit in 2008, they said. Wednesday’s mixer highlighted the launch of the newly redesigned 2019 Acura RDX, which, according to the Flemings, drew lines outside their dealership for the debut.

“The technology in the new RDX is unlike

anything I’ve ever seen,” Cheri said. “Technology is always changing, and it’s brought excitement back to Acura and proven a clear vision for our future. We’re in for a great summer of sales.”

About 30 percent of SCV Chamber event attendees are new and prospective members drawn in through word of mouth or advertising, according to SCV Chamber of Commerce Chairman Troy Hooper.

“Through these events, local businesses professionals can learn about each other and find opportunities for synergy and partnerships to support each other,” Hooper said.

Zack Gittlen, who works for Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar, said he was a Valencia resident but Wednesday’s event was his first SCV Chamber event. Gittlen appreciated the flash, flair and easy atmosphere of the mixer, as opposed to some of the more formal networking events he’s attended elsewhere.

The Flemings said they enjoyed welcoming guests and throwing parties so much, that hosting the mixer was like “muscle memory.” While they expressed interest in hosting future events, the couple isn’t too worried about planning them.

Austin Dave/ The Signal (Above) From left, Lisa Lujano and Dennis Sugasawara check out the 2019 Acura MDX. (Below right) Troy Hooper, SCV Chamber of Commerce chair, says a few words at the dealership Wednesday. (Below left) Valencia Acura co-owners Don and Cheri Fleming hosted the mixer in part to show off the new SUV.

Austin Dave/ The Signal (Above) John Musella, immediate past chairman and acting executive director of the SCV Chamber, enjoys a laugh at the mixer. (Below) Neil Fitzgerald, national chapter development director of JCI USA, speaks with attendees.