Executive Insights - Interview with Pam Milliken, Event Coordinator for Enderle Center

Outdoor shopping centers are very popular here in Southern California, and one of the first to be built in Orange County is Enderle Center, at the corner of Yorba and 17th streets in Tustin. In addition to shopping and restaurants, the Center is often the site of various community events, such as car shows and a Christmas program.

This year’s Summer Concert Series, featuring local artists, is being held the third Thursday of each month, from May through August, from 5-8 p.m., which I think is a terrific idea. We chatted with Pam Milliken, the event coordinator for Enderle Center, about the Concert Series and more.

Q: The Enderle Center is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Orange County. How long has it been here and to what do you attribute its enduring appeal?

A: The center was built in 1978. The Enderle family, after whom the center is named, has been in Orange County since the late 1800s. I would have to say there are two major reasons for the center’s success. Number one is that Al Enderle, the owner, dedicated the entire center to Jesus Christ.

Number two is that the center is built on strong relationships between management, vendors, merchants, and customers. We are all about loyalty, using the same people over and over. We care about the individual, not just the money. The Enderle Center is unique, one-of-a-kind.

Q: What makes Enderle Center such a great venue for the different events and activities that are held here, including the summer Hawaiian Event, various car shows, pooch parade, Swimming for Patriotism Rubber Ducky Derby, customer appreciation days throughout the year, and the annual Christmas program?

A: Our holiday event is held the Thursday before Thanksgiving, and is the traditional kick-off for the holiday season in Tustin. The entire community gets involved, beginning with the Mayor’s prayer breakfast at 7 a.m.

There are lots of children’s activities, and entertainment, including carolers and bell-ringers, and then the highlight of the evening is when the Tustin Police Department pulls Santa and his sleigh into the Center.

The holiday event is Al’s favorite, because he loves giving back to the community, and everyone really looks forward to it every year.

Q: Why did you decide to have the Concert Series in the summer?

A: Management and merchants love doing things that our customers appreciate. Enderle Center is not like a mall, with pushing and shoving. It’s beautiful, with five fabulous restaurants and very unique stores.

Our center is for strolling and leisurely shopping, a place where someone will wrap your package and help you to the car. So what could be better for shoppers than listening to music while strolling, especially on a beautiful Southern California summer evening?

Q: Event planning is a lot of work, with many, many behind-the-scenes details that must be attended to in order to ensure success. What makes it worthwhile for you?

A: Planning events is really hard work. We always want a successful event and to show our uniqueness. At the end of the event, when the customers and merchants tell me that they enjoyed it, what a great event it was and that they appreciate it, that makes me feel good. That makes it all worthwhile.