California

The Artesia Business Expo: Blending Business and Fun at a Multicultural Event

On October 15, Agent Jay Shaheen and his staff participated in the Artesia Business Expo sponsored by the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Approximately 50 local businesses participated in the expo which drew a crowd of nearly 1,000. There was plenty of free food, giveaways, performances, and activities for kids.

Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo was in attendance, and Shaheen was there for State Farm’s first time participating in the event. He and the State Farm Good Neigh Bear® were there to show support and let the community know that State Farm is a worthy partner for a city with a diverse community of people and businesses representing cultures from all over the world, including China, India, Mexico, Vietnam, Korea, Italy, Philippines, and Portugal.

Performances at the event exemplified this with the Filipino Cultural Association dancing the traditional Tinikling, and the Cerritos Folk Dancers performed Taiwanese dances, while the Academy of Polynesian Performing Arts showcased Hawaiian dance. Also performing traditional dance were the Savithri Ars Academy (classical Indian) and the Nepali Cultural Association. Just for the kids was the 3-2-1 Action! Kids’ Musical Theatre and the American Red Cross put on a puppet show.

Shaheen’s staff members, Krystal Solorez and Buffy Armantrout, and State Farm employee Denise Morales helped out in the State Farm booth and had fun meeting many attendees. Visitors to the booth got to spin the wheel and receive State Farm memorabilia. The agent’s grandchildren helped out making animal balloons for the kids.

Shaheen said, “My goal is to have our office become better known in the community and that sure happened. We met a lot more people than we expected and that is always a good thing. Having the Good Neigh Bear in attendance brought some extra fun at our booth and provided a good experience for the whole event.”