Burbank Chamber Mixer Draws Diverse Professionals

Eclectic gathering at Burbank Creative Office and Media Production Campus showcases the wide range of local business leaders and community members.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:50am

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The Burbank Chamber of Commerce hosted a networking mixer last week at the Burbank Creative Office and Media Production Campus, drawing an eclectic crowd of over 200 local professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries. The event provided attendees the opportunity to mingle, learn about each other's work, and discover the vibrant business community in Burbank.

Why it matters

These chamber mixers are valuable for connecting people across different sectors, allowing them to build relationships and discover synergies that may not otherwise arise. In a city like Burbank with a thriving creative and entrepreneurial scene, these events help foster a sense of community and showcase the depth of local talent and expertise.

The details

The mixer was hosted by Michael Cusumano of the Cusumano Real Estate Group, which owns the building housing the Burbank Creative Office and Media Production campus. Attendees had the chance to meet and chat with a wide range of local leaders, including Don Baldaseroni of the Burbank Historical Society, Judie Wilke, a former city official, and Kevin McCarney, founder of the Poquito Mas restaurant chain. Other notable attendees included Bob Greene of Community Chevrolet, Jon Schafer of Schafer Electric, and Kimberly Williams of The Enchanted Florist.

  • The spring mixer was held last week.
  • The Burbank Chamber of Commerce's Chili Cook-Off is scheduled for April 11.

The players

Jamie Keyser-Thomas

CEO of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce.

Carmenita Helligar

Board chair of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce.

Michael Cusumano

Managing director of the Cusumano Real Estate Group, which owns the building that houses the Burbank Creative Office and Media Production campus.

Don Baldaseroni

President of the Burbank Historical Society.

Judie Wilke

Former city official who worked for the City of Burbank for 32 years in various capacities, including as the elected city clerk, parks and recreation director, and assistant city manager.

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What they’re saying

“The cook-off is more than just a tasting event. It's a celebration of our community that will highlight our amazing local restaurants and caterers during a fun afternoon for family and friends.”

— Jamie Keyser-Thomas, CEO, Burbank Chamber of Commerce

What’s next

The Burbank Chamber of Commerce is accepting chili entries now for their upcoming Chili Cook-Off event on April 11 at the Burbank Historical Society.

The takeaway

Burbank's diverse business community and civic leaders came together at this chamber mixer, showcasing the depth of local talent and expertise while fostering new connections and collaborations across industries. These events play a vital role in strengthening the city's entrepreneurial spirit and sense of community.