Magazine Spotlight: Legal Services 1

Pg. 49 of the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

Attorney Matthew Swanlund is a creative at heart. He is a painter, writer, photographer and designer—and an attorney. This dual perspective allows his company, Aesthetic Legal, to translate complex legal concepts to creative individuals and companies in a language they understand, to the benefit of both parties involved.

Through his work, Matthew is seen as a leader in Art Law. He represents numerous artists (local and international), art galleries, museums and arts-related businesses. He is involved in local arts-related community groups and organizations to promote public art in our community and is even an adjunct professor at UC Irvine School of Law.

Because Matthew has a particular affinity for protecting artists, a profession that has routinely been taken advantage of and wields little to no bargaining power, he recently launched a subscription legal service directly for artists, art galleries and arts-related businesses called Artside Counsel. The age-old legal model of billing by the hour doesn’t always work for start-ups and creative businesses, so he changed the model to better address the changing needs of his clients. According to Aesthetic Legal, Matthew believes that creativity both shapes and improves our society, culture and world. Thus, creativity must be protected.


Read more in the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

Magazine Spotlight: Housing & Apartments

Pg. 47 of the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

AMLI is making great strides in building apartment communities with an emphasis on sustainability—not only as it pertains to the environment, but also the health and wellness of its residents. Last year, AMLI partnered with architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) and Multifamily Executive to reimagine AMLI 900, their first foray into green-building more than a decade ago. What they developed was quickly put into place for AMLI Marina del Rey, outfitted with various new green and wellness technologies. Here are a few core takeaways from AMLI Marina del Rey:

Making Spaces Healthier and More Flexible

One of the most important considerations to make when designing an apartment community is creating spaces that maximize comfort and encourage healthy choices. The easiest way to complete these objectives is to keep your spaces fluid, able to be repurposed as the times dictate and culture changes. Spaces were recast with designs that would encourage residents to take the stairs and traded square footage in individual apartments in favor of larger community spaces for all to use and enjoy. This was done on the idea that more publicly shared space would foster more interaction between residents, developing a community of stable, lasting relationships. escort gaziantep , gaziantep escort , erotik film izle , rus escort , seks hikayeleri

Smoke-Free Living

AMLI’s Breatheasy® program prohibits smoking by residents and guests, creating a healthy and clean living environment for their residents. The feedback from this program has been overwhelmingly positive, with everyone appreciating the opportunity to live in a completely smoke-free community.

Sustainability For All

AMLI strives to create healthier lifestyles for all, across arbitrary generational divides. According to their annual sustainable living index, millennials and baby boomers alike show increased interest in green living and sustainability issues. By placing emphasis on their communities as a whole, they can work toward the overall wellness of each and every resident that calls AMLI Marina del Rey their home.


Read more in the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

Magazine Spotlight: Hospitality 2

Pg. 45 of the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

See Los Angeles from a new angle. The Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport Hotel recently renovated their Penthouse 280, an elegant 1,950-square-foot event space located on the top floor of the hotel alongside Century Boulevard. This breathtaking space not only comes with all of the amenities offered by their high-class hotel but features a sweeping 280-degree view of our LAX Coastal community—highlighting our beautiful scenery from LAX to the mountains.


Read more in the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

ChamberFest Connects Business & Community

The LAX Coastal community is getting ready for an evening of food, fun, and business at the annual ChamberFest LAeXpo! Hosted by the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, ChamberFest is one of the largest networking events in our neighborhood, attracting over 1,500 guests, 9 restaurants, and 70+ businesses at Playa Vista’s own CenterPointe Club.

“ChamberFest LAeXpo is an exciting and high-energy community event,” said Chamber President/CEO Christina Davis. “It’s an opportunity to socialize with your neighbors and meet the area’s local business owners and operators. The success of ChamberFest is the combination of food, music, fun, prizes, and networking—and, of course, the great people!”

Attendance is free and open to the public, with entrance to the Taste Of Food Court only $10 per person. This year’s featured eateries include local staples such as Tony P’s Dockside Grill, Melody Bar & Grill, and Benny’s Tacos & Chicken Rotisserie, as well as community highlights like El Pollo Loco, Hotel MDR, La Pain Quotidien, Rainbow Acres Washington Blvd., and Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill. Looking for something sweet? Yogurtland will also be joining the event with everyone’s favorite frozen yogurt.

Guests are also encouraged to enter the event’s Opportunity Drawing, featuring countless prizes donated by the vendors. From items such as a weekend stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Westside, free acupuncture from A.I.M. For Wellness, and one week of complimentary dance classes at Artistico School of Dance, each winner will be sure to leave with a smile. And don’t forget the ChamberFest LAeXpo grand prize: one roundtrip ticket on Southwest Airlines! Aşık Etme Duası

Don’t miss out on this year’s ChamberFest LAeXpo on Thursday, June 13 from 4-7 p.m. at the Playa Vista CenterPointe Club, located at 6200 Playa Vista Drive, Playa Vista, CA 90094. For more information, please contact the Chamber at 310.645.5151 or visit www.laxcoastal.com


The LAX Coastal Chamber would like to once again thank their host, the Playa Vista CenterPointe Club, an indoor/outdoor venue that provides each exhibitor a beautiful backdrop to display their products and services. They would also like to thank the evening’s generous sponsors:

Business Sponsor: Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, and Southwest Airlines

Premier Vendor: The Argonaut, AMLI Marina del Rey, Courtyard by Marriott LAX/Hawthorne, Courtyard by Marriott LA Westside, Hillside Memorial Park & Mortuary, HomeTown News, Jane St. John RE/MAX Estate Properties, Los Angeles World Airports, Marina del Rey Marriott, MyBus Charters, Parviz Printing, Providence St. John’s, and Signarama


Celebrating 20 Years of the Parade

It was the year 2000 and excitement was at an all-time high. The community was embracing a new century, full of bright futures and endless possibilities, and residents were coming together in celebration. The eyes of every man, woman and child were bright as they relished the small-town feel of this big city in a new age, and local leaders were looking for an iconic event to help bring everyone together.

That is where history begins for the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade.

2000 – Community with a Kindred Spirit

Westchester had already begun to celebrate the millennium, thanks to a series of events dubbed “The Gathering” and hosted by the Westchester/Playa del Rey Historical Society, but something larger was needed to commemorate such a momentous occasion. Historical Society President and longtime Westchester resident, Mary Lou Crockett, spearheaded the idea of a community parade. Needing a community partner to help bring this idea to life, the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce (formerly known as the Westchester/LAX Chamber of Commerce) jumped on board to help.

Then Chamber President, Gwen Vuchsas, worked with the inaugural parade committee to rally participants, volunteers and sponsors to celebrate America’s birthday under the theme, “A Community with a Kindred Spirit.” The committee worked tirelessly to produce an event worthy of this amazing community; they ensured streets were closed, signage was placed, announcer booths were set up, posters were printed and more.

2013 – Red, White and Blue Goes Green

On the morning of July 4th, each committee member was nervous, wondering if anyone would show up to what they believed to be Westchester’s first—and only—community parade. When thousands appeared, it was clear this was more than just a celebration of the year 2000; it was the start of a brand new Westchester tradition. This would be first of many LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parades!

Over the years, the parade has seen many faces. From themes recognizing “Hometown Heroes” (2005), “America’s Moments in History” (2007), or “LMU at 100” (2011), to including more than 50 parade entries, attracting more than 8,000 spectators and printing a robust parade program (courtesy of the HomeTown News), this parade has truly grown since its inauguration
The parade committee, still spearheaded by Gwen Vuchsas and the LAX Coastal Chamber, is honored each year to watch this community come together in a sea of red, white and blue. It is said that true hometown events are rare in large cities, but through the dedication of local residents and businesses we can truly say that the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade is our area’s version of a Norman Rockwell painting: proudly patriotic with community camaraderie, and a splash of happy smiles.

2019 – America, Better Together!

The year 2019 marks another special milestone for our local parade: its 20th anniversary. Everyone can agree that when it comes to both country and community, we always work better when we work together. To celebrate the beauty of the diversity, inclusivity and collaboration that helped create this great nation, this year’s Parade Committee chose the theme, “America, Better Together!” This parade will celebrate what connects us, with entries promoting unity, diversity, working together and thriving in this prosperous country.

“The parade is such a positive community event, and with our 20th anniversary, we really wanted to highlight that great things can be accomplished when everyone comes together for common goals and collaboration,” said LAX Coastal Chamber President/CEO, Christina Davis in an interview. “Our parade wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, neighbors, sponsors and our participants, and we’re excited to celebrate what unites us all as members of our community, our city and our country.”
The LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade is a tradition—our tradition—and we cannot wait to spend another year with you celebrating community, country, and how America truly is better together.

View the complete Parade Timeline.


Magazine Spotlight: Hospitality 1

Pg. 44 of the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island, New York, Michael began his hospitality career at the Pittsburgh Greentree Marriott as the Executive Steward, an entry-level food and beverage management position. Michael was no stranger to hard work and quickly climbed the ranks.

Many different hotels and 11 cities later, Michael is now the Vice President, Operations at Interstate Hotels and oversees a portfolio of properties owned by Seaview Investors. Some of his hotels include the Embassy Suites by Hilton LAX North, Residence Inn by Marriott LAX and the dual-branded Homewood Suites by Hilton LAX/H Hotel, Curio Curio Collection by Hilton (all proud LAX Coastal Chamber members).

“The best part of the hospitality industry is hiring and mentoring my staff,” said D’Amodio. “I love helping my team members grow their careers.” Michael’s real passion has been working as a general manager. “Running a hotel is like being the mayor of a little city,” shared D’Amodio. “People come here to eat, sleep, and be entertained. We sell an experience and our job is to make sure that experience is memorable and our guests want to come back again and again.”

On July 1, 2019, Michael will assume his role as Chairman of the Board of the LAX Coastal Chamber. His energy and enthusiasm, both for hospitality and small business, are infectious. “I have a passion for community, local government, business and giving back. As businesses, we have a role to play in the neighborhoods where we operate. The Chamber is very instrumental to the vitality of our area and I am excited to serve as its incoming leader with the support of the Chamber board and our members.”


Read more in the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

Magazine Spotlight: Home & Business Improvement

Pg. 43 of the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

Posner Fine Art knows how to make a lasting impression. With five decades of experience in large-scale commissions and public works, Posner has worked on notable projects including an educational exhibition of historical photographs at Cal State Dominguez Hills, the Mecca Area basketball court floor in Milwaukee, painted in 1960 by artist Robert Indiana, and most recently an exterior installation for Graye LA, an artfully curated design gallery in Los Angeles.

Posner presented the work of artist Ali Silverstein to Graye for inclusion in their showroom in honor of the grand reopening of their location on Sycamore Ave. Because the paintings suited the space and aesthetic so well, the owner of the showroom approached Posner about a possible exhibit on the building’s exterior in honor of Frieze Los Angeles, an international contemporary art fair that saw its first iteration in Los Angeles this year. Aşık Etme Duası

Posner worked with the paint company Farrow and Ball, who donated the paint for the project, as well as the original artist to create 20 50’ paintings on canvas to be mounted on Graye’s exterior walls. Ali worked as she always does: by lying the canvas on the floor of her studio and applying paint in pools and broad gestures, sometimes using brooms to sweep the paint across the canvas’ surface. In the end, Posner Fine Art feels that the final painting remains true to the artist’s traditional means of production, all while creating a highly visible installation within the creative hub of Los Angeles.


Read more in the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

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Chamber Honors 23 Teachers of the Year

Congratulations to our 2019 Outstanding Teachers of the Year

Last Wednesday, the LAX Coastal community celebrated “How Sweet It Is To Be Taught By You” at the Teacher Eddy Awards. Presented by the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel on May 15, this year’s event attracted more than 300 educators, administrators, business leaders, and community members for an evening of celebration and recognition. Guests felt the spotlight during this sweets-themed event, dined at tables with ice cream sundae floral centerpieces and candy galore, and honored 23 Outstanding Teachers of the Year from our local schools.

The LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of education for a successful community. Our region is made stronger by inspiring the leaders of the future, and it is during the Teacher Eddy Awards where we express our thanks to the men and women who spend each day teaching in our local schools. Each outstanding teacher is presented with a special photo op with Zsuzsi Steiner Photography and a crystal Eddy award, inscribed with the words “For Excellence in Education” and a star representing that, to the LAX Coastal Chamber, our teachers are some of our community’s biggest stars. Once again, the Chamber would like to say thank you to the below honorees. You are incredibly deserving of this award.

  • Sherrevia Williams | Carousel School
  • Ana Sepulveda | Cowan Avenue Elementary School
  • Jessica Miller | Goethe International Charter School
  • Daisy Alvarado-Muñoz | Katherine Johnson STEM Academy
  • Allison Schildts | Kentwood Elementary School
  • Dr. Katerina Zacharia, PhD | Loyola Marymount University
  • Jeanine  Holguin | Loyola Village Fine & Performing Arts Magnet Elementary School
  • Soo Kim | Otis College of Art and Design
  • Laurie Brousseau | Paseo del Rey Natural Science Magnet School
  • Chryssa Elliott | Playa del Rey Elementary
  • Jon Weisbart | Playa Vista Elementary School
  • Lisa Scaltrito | St. Anastasia School
  • Taryn Hartley | St. Bernard High School
  • Amber Spence | St. Jerome School
  • Brent Rojo | Venice High School
  • Carolina O’Connor | Visitation Catholic School
  • Patricia Prokopidis | Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets
  • Ryan James | Westchester Lutheran Church & School
  • Rebecca Braer | Westport Heights Elementary School
  • Megan Dalziel | WISH  Community School (TK-5th Grade)
  • Matt Lee | WISH Community School (6th-8th Grade)
  • Dr. Jennifer D. Branch | WISH Academy High School
  • Sheamonique Ellis | Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet

At this event, the Chamber also recognizes local professionals that have given their time, talent, and treasure to elevate our education system. This year, we presented the “Friend of Education Award” to Stephanie Younger of the Stephanie Younger Group | Compass, Dr. Michele Cooley-Strickland, and Matthew Swanlund of Aeshthetic Legal, former President of the LAX Coastal Education Foundation.

Congratulations to Dr. Michele Cooley-Strickland on receiving the Friends of Education Award

The LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce is a proud supporter of education, and would like to recognize the sponsors who helped to make our 2019 Teacher Eddy Awards a success:

  • 3-Star Sponsors | Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, HomeTown News, William H. Hannon Foundation
  • 2-Star Sponsors | LAX Coastal Education Foundation, Loyola Marymount University, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary, Sarlo Income Tax, Stephanie Younger Group | Compass
  • 1-Star Sponsor | Kaiser Permanente, SoCalGas
  • Table Sponsor | Goethe International Charter School, Otis College of Art and Design, Westchester Lutheran Church & School
  • Teacher & Principal Sponsors | Jane St. John/REMAX Estate Properties, Los Angeles Airport Marriott, Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel, Wells Fargo

Learn the Difference Between Advertising & Marketing

Do you know the difference between advertising and marketing? If you think they are the same thing, please keep reading. You’re not alone. This quick read will be a powerful lesson to get you on the right path and save you time and money.

Advertising is a specific communication that attempts to sell your product/service to an audience. It’s an attempt to make a sale.

Advertising is:

  • When you purchase space in print in a local publication
  • When you mail a coupon to every household in your city giving them 25% off an item
  • When you hire a local podcaster to pitch your upcoming sale of widgets
  • When you produce a TV commercial for your business

Advertising does not educate. It does not research. It does not generate referrals. It simply asks people to buy.

Marketing is not one specific action. It’s like an umbrella over different strategies aimed at generating revenue for your business. Marketing is about building and maintaining relationships with your target audience.

Marketing includes:

  • Advertising
  • Research
  • Public Relations
  • Branding
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Website Strategy
  • Pricing
  • Publicity
  • Referral Generation
  • Product Offering
  • Product Placement

Each component of marketing is meant to increase revenue. But they are very different ways to achieve a similar goal. The most profitable businesses do not focus on one component of marketing. Instead, they understand that marketing is comprehensive.

Advertising Strategy
Buy our widget. It’s amazing!
If you buy our widget today, I’ll give you 25% off.
The sale is ending soon! Quick! Buy our widget!
We decided to extend the sale! There’s still time to buy our widget!

Marketing Strategy
Research: This person fits the profile of someone who would be a good fit for our widget.
Branding: These bright colors and silly brand voice are likely to appeal to this target client.
Publicity: Our widget company is a sponsor of a cause that is personally significant to this target client.
Social Media Strategy: Several of our target client’s friends like our widget.
Public Relations: Our widget company recently won an award for the best widget in our city.
Referral Generation: Existing customer X thought you’d be interested in our widget.
Advertising: Buy our widget. It’s amazing.

A marketing strategy builds a relationship. An advertising strategy simply asks for a sale. Effective advertising strategies are built as a component of a comprehensive marketing strategy. Don’t throw your money away on advertising that is targeted to the wrong people. If they don’t know who you are, where to buy your product, or how it works, they aren’t going to buy (no matter how amazing that sale is). Before asking for a sale, educate and build trust. Once your target market knows you and trusts you, they will be more likely to make a purchase.


4 Oranges is committed to bringing you weekly tips in the form of To-Do List items that you can complete in an hour or less. These tips were generated from reviewing best practices from the hundreds of businesses I’ve worked with over the past 15 years. I expect you’re already doing some (but not all) of them. Improve your business by making quick fixes that have long-lasting results.

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Magazine Spotlight: Financial Services

Pg. 39 of the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide

Xceed Financial Credit Union is deeply committed to financial education. From offering free financial tutorials, calculators and blog posts, as well as seminars and webinars so their members can achieve financial fitness, Xceed’s services extend far beyond being a full-service, federally chartered not-for-profit workplace credit union. But their support for education doesn’t stop there.

Each year, Xceed offers $1,000 scholarships to deserving young members who are preparing for college through the Romeo Doty Scholarship Program. Named for a long-time Board member, Romeo Doty, who dreamed of making higher education accessible for all students, the program has awarded nearly $150,000 in scholarship money to students nationwide since its inception.

“Each of our scholarship winners has an impressive record of achievement and service, and we’re proud to support them as they embark on the next chapter in their academic lives,” said Xceed Financial President and Chief Executive Teresa Freeborn. Honorees are chosen every year by the Credit Union’s scholarship committee, who consider information submitted such as GPA, extracurricular activities within the student’s school and community and essay responses to questions such as, “What can a Credit Union do to remain competitive in an environment where technology is rapidly evolving?” Here’s to another generation of thoughtful, influential leaders—thanks to Xceed Financial Credit Union. Marmaris escort


Read more in the 2019 LAX Coastal Magazine & Business Guide