Plaza Reaches Out

Music poured out of the speaker system set up in the parking lot, creating a high-energy feel to attract people passing by. Just off the 60 freeway, on Sunnymead Blvd., Palm Plaza held its very own community day summer kick-off, complete with games for the kids, raffles, and a petting zoo. The event featured nearly all the businesses in the Palm Plaza center, ranging from a barbershop, a veterinarian, and custom motorcycles all the way to tax services and a community church. Most of the businesses which participated had a booth set up just outside their shop, while others had live bands playing for community entertainment. Parents were given the chance to explore the different businesses while their kids were kept busy jumping in the bounce house, playing basketball and petting the goats in the petting zoo. Vanessa Gordon of Land Home Financial Services was the main sponsor of the event, hoping to not only bring more attention to the center, but also get their name out into the community. Iye Kandee owner Geo explained that he decided to collaborate with Land Home in order to put on this event, and attract more clientele by having the businesses offer some sort of service. Geo said, “We wanted to bring more exposure to the businesses here, and we wanted to create business rapport within the shopping center.” Kevon Gordon, owner of Hair Shack Barber, noted that everyone was quick to jump on board when the opportunity arose to put of the event. Gordon explained, “If we came out as a group collectively we thought it would be a good idea. With the economy being the way it is, everyone is trying to improve their business.” Many of the business owners seemed excited to be interacting with the community as they talked with guests and neighbors alike. Several new business owners seized the opportunity to network and establish a client base, like Infinity Nutrition and Walid Darwish, owner of Lara Insurance. Of the 19 businesses in the shopping center, 18 participated in the event, all of which were excited at the prospect of receiving more exposure and possibly gaining new clientele. Geo went on to say that with his new event permit, he would like to put on at least two events per month.