As scores of business leaders prepare to gather Tuesday for the city’s eleventh annual Business and Economic Summit, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paul Little is painting a picture of profound economic uncertainty shadowed by the devastating Eaton Fire.
“I think uncertainty is the best way to describe it,” Little said about the mood among business owners. “Every day, something new comes along that could impact their cost and income.”
The summit convenes at Brookside Golf Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as regional businesses grapple with both immediate disaster recovery and longer-term economic pressures. California’s Business Confidence Index dropped to 94.8 in the third quarter of 2025, falling below the 100-point optimism threshold, according to Chapman University’s Economic Forecast.
When asked about the single opportunity that could most significantly enhance Pasadena’s business environment, Little’s answer was direct: “Rapid rebuild in Altadena.”
Little attributes the summit’s strong draw to “these topics as well as today’s unstable economic environment.” The Tuesday summit is expected to see large attendance this year.
The event, underwritten by the City of Pasadena, will feature Veronica Pugin, vice president of industry, trade and business at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, delivering a keynote address with an economic overview and forecast. Pugin previously served as senior policy advisor at the White House and senior advisor at the U.S. Small Business Administration.
A panel discussion on Olympics preparations will include executives from three key venues: the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena Convention Center and Santa Anita Park. With the 2028 Summer Olympics three years away, the discussion addresses how the city’s economy can capitalize on the Games.
Frank Girardot, board chair of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and senior director of communications at BYD|RIDE, will moderate the Olympics panel. Panelists include Mike Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Center Operating Company; Pete Siberell, director of community service and special projects at Santa Anita Park; and Jens Weiden of Rose Bowl Stadium.
David Klug, Pasadena’s director of economic development, will present current development initiatives. Mayor Victor Gordo is expected to welcome attendees.
“Pasadena has a very diverse economy,” Little told Pasadena Now. “There is no single driver or industry that solely impacts the local economy.”
According to NASA’s Economic Impact Report, JPL employs nearly 6,000 workers and contributes $2.6 billion annually to Southern California’s economy, while Kaiser Permanente’s Los Angeles Medical Center employs over 4,500 staff, according to their Community Benefit Report, illustrating the economic diversity Little describes.
Regarding the Chamber’s role representing small businesses, Little says, “We are their voice with the decision-makers.”
“We do not always change minds, but we are heard on behalf of our members and our business community.”
The Chamber is “involved as decisions and recommendations are formulated,” allowing them to “have a moderating influence.”
Mayor Victor Gordo has said that “recovery from the fires requires a unified regional approach including all affected communities,” according to a January 16 statement from his office.
LAEDC projects an 18-24 month timeline for full economic recovery in fire-affected areas, based on their economic impact assessment.
The summit is presented by the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. Gold sponsors include Kaiser Permanente, Verizon and Wells Fargo. UCLA Health is a silver sponsor.
For summit information visit www.pasadena-chamber.org
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