Paramount Chamber Installs New President
The Paramount Chamber of Commerce
2008 Installation & Awards Luncheon proved to be a memorable event for all who attended. The luncheon was sponsored by long time Chamber member Weber Metals and was held at the Progress Park Plaza.
Outgoing President Leonard Crespo received certificates of recognition for his service as President from: Mayor Gene Daniels, Senator Alan Lowenthal, Supervisor Don Knabe, Assemblyman Dymally and Lt. Governor John Garamendi.
As President of the Chamber Crespo attended more than a dozen ribbon cuttings to celebrate the opening of new Paramount businesses.
July 2008
He also shared the Chamber’s accomplishments at the annual State of the City address, which included a report on the largest Job Fair hosted by the Chamber to date.
During the event Leonard presented awards to Executive Committee members Kevin Lindsay, Martin Johnson, Dr. Max Martinez and Darren Kurkowski to thank them for their service. Awards were also presented to Board Members Maria Angel, Leigh Clausen, Paul Dennis, Sheila Duke, Dr. Tom Hansen, Joseph Hernandez, Brenda Olmos and Bill Winters. As well as Board Liaisons City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal, PUSD Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo and Ambassador Chair John Colville.
Following the board presentations Ambassador Chairman John Colville presented awards to the following Chamber Ambassadors: Vice Chair Laura Warth, Secretary Karen Sonnenberg, David Avila, Ella Marie Bailey, Manny Dominguez, Lorraine Rincon, Daniel Trejo, and Patty Voth.
The event was also an opportunity to recognize some of Paramount’s finest which included Award of Excellence recipient Bill Kalpakoff (CalMet Services), Ambassador of the Year Laura Warth (Na -
tional Homes & Investments), Mayor’s Awards Richard Hollingsworth (Gateway Cities Partnership), Kirby LaCaze (Heath Machine), Special Recognition (Emmanuel Reformed Church), and Teacher of the Year Maria Loredo (Tanner School.)
Heading up the Chamber for the coming year will be Kevin Lindsay of Lindsay Lumber, a family business in Paramount since 1921.
The Lindsay family has a
long record of service for the Chamber, Kevin’s grandfather Warren Lindsay served as President of the Paramount Chamber in 1926 and again in 1938. This will be Kevin’s third time serving as President having previously served in 2000 and 2001. Kevin said his goals for the coming year include increasing membership while working to maintain current members, and exploring new benefits for the membership.
Outgoing President Leonard Crespo congratulates Incoming President Kevin Lindsay at the Paramount Chamber Installation & Awards Luncheon.
Combating Illegal Dumping
The City of Paramount has seen a persistent rise in the dumping of large, bulky trash items on local sidewalks and streets (things like furniture or appliances that won’t fit in a regular trash container). Not only does this create blight, but there are also numerous public health and safety concerns connected to such dumping.
State law requires that property owners maintain the sidewalk and parkway adjacent to their property, including the removal of bulky waste materials, trash or other debris.
It is already illegal to place oversized items adjacent to a street or public rightof-way without contacting CalMet, the City’s trash hauler, for a pick up. By calling (562) 634-5420 you can arrange for these items to be taken on your normal trash collection day. With residential buildings up to four units, this service is free. For commercial accounts or residential buildings with five or more units, there is a nominal charge of $15.45 per item.
Even though this pick up service is available, there has still been an increase in illegal dumping. To address this, a new ordinance has been passed that will impose a hauling fee for such cases. If items are discovered in the public right-of-way – and have not been placed there for an arranged pick up – they will be tagged with a “Notice to Remove.” If they are not removed within 24 hours of the notice being placed, the City will haul them away and bill the property owner at the rate of $50 per location, per instance.
This new fee went into effect on July 3, 2008.
It’s important to remember that there is a simple and inexpensive form of disposal for these items. It is equally important to know that, ultimately, the property owner will be responsible for any fees levied as a result of illegal dumping.
Again, to arrange for the proper disposal of large trash items, please call (562) 634-5420. For any questions about the new ordinance, please call (562) 220-2111.
Valedictorian Named As Prestigious Gates Scholar
Congratulations are in order for Paramount High School’s Raul Gutierrez. The Class of 2008’s valedictorian, holder of a 4.64 GPA (highest in the class), has been awarded a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Millennium Scholarship. He is one of only about 1,000 students in the entire country to be so honored.
The scholarship makes it possible for a student to “fulfill their educational dreams free of financial burden,” specifically in the fields of health, science and education. Recipients have their tuition, books and living expenses paid for completely at any school of their choice, including graduate studies if they pursue them in the stated majors.
Raul’s recognition continues an impressive streak for the high school, which had three students named as Gates Scholars last year. He plans to get his doctorate in electrical engineering with an emphasis on computer hardware. Besides the Gates Scholarship, he was offered a full scholarship to Notre Dame and has been accepted at Stanford, Harvey Mudd and Cal Tech (he’s chosen the latter).
Not only is this validation for a dedicated student, but it is also a testament to Raul’s family, teachers and counselors who have supported him along the way.
Kids Running In Paramount
Our Annual City Track meet was held Saturday, June 7, with a record number of 512 kids taking part from all kindergarten through 8th grade schools in the City.
The trophy for the most wins at the
event went to Paramount Park School, and congratulations are due to their team, as well as all the students who came out to run, jump and throw on a Saturday morning. Special thanks go to Paramount High School Varsity Track Coach Chris Barboza and her track team who again oversaw the entire event.
Second Chance For LowCost Pet Vaccinations
The City will be holding its second low-cost vaccination day for all dogs and cats in the community at Paramount Park on Wednesday, July 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Rabies vaccinations (required for all dogs under California law) will be priced at $5 each – a $10-$15 savings over traditional prices. A complete selection of other pet vaccinations will be available at discounted prices. Plus, popular flea control products Advantage and Frontline may be purchased at special prices. And, for only $35, you can have a microchip registration done for identification purposes if your pet is ever lost.
Pet licensing will also be available on site, as will free educational materials and general health care tips for dogs and cats. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers.
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. -Eleanor Roosevelt-
Mayor, Gene Daniels
DUI Checkpoint to be Held on Somerset
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in Paramount will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday, July 25, from 6 p.m. till 2 a.m. at 7110 Somerset Blvd. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol-involved crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving.
All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI/Drivers License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as insuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. A major component of these checkpoints is to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober designated drivers.
A DUI checkpoint is a proven, effective method for achieving this goal. By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, the Paramount Public Safety Department believes motorists can be deterred from drinking and driving.
Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. The objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.
This DUI Checkpoint is being funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For more information, call (562) 2202002.
Warm Weather Safety Tips
With the onset of warmer summer
weather, many residents like to open windows and garage doors for home ventilation. Leaving windows and garage doors open and unattended provides a would-be thief with the opportunity to inventory belongings for future reference, as well as gain access to a home. Generally speaking, burglars will use the easiest point of entry to get inside a home.
Many thieves are capable of stealing property in a very short amount of time. Passersby or vehicle occupants can quickly obtain bicycles, lawn care products, tools and other items in a matter of seconds.
Even worse, a burglar could enter a garage, close the door and have more than enough time to pry open the inner door to a residence while concealed from the street.
Sheriff’s deputies stress the need for a constant presence when your garage door is open. If your garage is open, remain inside of the garage or in the front yard where activities can be monitored. Keep in mind that a burglar is someone who likes to be present when you are not.
Don’t hesitate to make eye contact with anyone you suspect may be “casing” your property. This makes burglars extremely uncomfortable. Note a description of the suspicious individual, take down a license plate number of his or her vehicle and then immediately call the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002.
In addition, protect your home with deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Side garage doors that are not visible from the street should be constructed of a solid core and should not contain any glass. Locking pins should be installed and used on all sliding windows and doors.
Remember that it is easier to cool your home by opening windows upon your return, rather than leaving them open and increasing your risk of becoming a victim.
Yearly Event A Smashing Success; Students Receive Scholarships
The Paramount Education Partnership would like to extend our gratitude to all who supported and attended PEP’s 5th Annual Benefit Auction, “A Night in Spain,” on Friday, June 6. We hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed the music, food and silent/live auction portion of the event.
It was a pleasure to have Dr. Max Martinez perform master of ceremonies duties on behalf of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce Committee on Education. In addition, we were honored to have Mayor Gene Daniels give welcoming remarks on behalf of the City of Paramount and School Board President Vivian Hansen on behalf of the Paramount Unified School District.
At this year’s event PEP awarded 12 very promising young students a scholarship. This year’s scholarship winners are:
Guadalupe Cervantes, attending UCI
Jacqueline Robles, attending CSUF Daniel Varela, attending UCLA/ CSULB
Luis Guzman, attending CSULB
Chinedy Troy Kwankwo, attending UCI/UCLA
Alving Heng, attending Stanford Veronica Salazar, attending CSULB
Dustin Salazar, attending UCI Noel Sanchez, attending UCLA
Steffani Perlata, attending CSULB Dulce Vargas, attending CSULB Ebony Beauford, attending Advance College
PEP is pleased to help our 5th annual scholarship recipients reach their dreams, desires and hopes.
The total amount raised at this year’s auction was $73,562 before expenses. We are happy to announce that we made the following dollar amounts:
• PEP Raffle: $7,320
• Event Tickets: $1,080
• Sponsorships/ Donations: $46,000
• Live Auction: $10,750
• Silent Auction: $8,412 (Some items have not been included; the total amount may change.)
A special thanks to Bianchi Winery for providing such an exquisite wine selection, Paramount Unified School District for their delicious Spanish menu, the City of Paramount and city staff, RWB Party Props for their Spanish-feel decor and to the Paramount Chamber of Commerce Committee on Education for their support.
We would like to give a special thanks to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Weber Metals, Inc.
Gold Sponsor
Fenico Precision Castings, Inc.
Paramount Petroleum Corporation
Silver Sponsor
KIS Computer Center
The Lions Club
Vernon Security
Zamboni Company/ Paramount Iceland
Bronze Sponsor
California Financial Services
Carlton Forge Works
CSULB– METRANS/CITT
LPA, Inc.
The Willdan Group
The Office of Supervisor Don Knabe
Westgroup Designs, Inc.
Food Sponsor
Paramount Unified School District
Wine Sponsor
Bianchi Vineyards
Special Contributions
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group
City of Paramount
Compass Investment Properties, Inc.
Dr. Max Martinez, D.D.S
Gateway Business Bank
Hollydale School Social Committee
Phil Jakobi
Joseph Kalmick
Kenny’s Auto Body Towing
Kurt Ketlerer
Matt Knabe
Kohrs & Fiske
Michael Bishop & Associates
Mission Hill Mortgage Bankers
Natural Marketing Inc.
Oustland Equities
John Park
Richard Proudfit
RWB Party Props
Smith & Smith Investments, LLC
The Clippenger Living Trust
David Thornburg
Richard F. Wackeen
PEP also wants to thank all the local businesses and groups who continually show their support – ACE Clearwater Enterprises, AT&T Mobility, Casa Gamino Family Restaurant, Starbucks on Jackson Street, Gazebo Flowers, The Paramount Grill, Soroptomist of Paramount, the Paramount Chamber of Commerce, Martinez Dentistry, Natural Marketing Inc., former resident Nuvia Crisol Guerra, and the Los Angeles County Fire Station Number 31.
Each and every year the support we receive from the community allows us the opportunity to give back through these scholarships. We could never say “Thank You” enough.
rewards attractive and well maintained homes in town.
Genesis Lewis and Colleen Cooley
The Council also offered its congratulations to a couple of Paramount High School graduates. Genesis Lewis and Colleen Cooley have been standout basketball players at Cerritos College and are being recruited by four-year universities. Both young women also work in the City’s STAR after school program. From left, Councilmember Tom Hansen, Lewis, Cooley, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
Raul Gutierrez
Raul Gutierrez, the valedictorian for Paramount High School’s Class of 2008, has been awarded a prestigious Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship that pays for all tuition, housing and books all the way through a doctorate degree. Raul, who will be attending Cal Tech, was commended by the Council. From left, Councilmember Tom Hansen, Paramount Unified School Board President Linda Garcia, Raul’s mother, his sister, Raul himself, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
Sheriff’s Officers
Sheriff’s Department Detective Robert Williams and Deputies Steve Capra, John Bailey and Jorge Marchena were congratulated by the Council for receiving “108-51” pins from the California Highway Patrol. These pins are given to officers who arrest at least three suspects of vehicle theft in a 12-month period.
The Paramount City Council recognized the winners of this year’s Paramount Pride program at its June 3 meeting. Paramount Pride
P ARAMOUNT C HAMBER I NSTALLATION
President Leonard Crespo with Silver Sponsor’s from left: Manuel Alberty (Clinica Medica Hispana), Hector Gonzalez Jr. (Northgate Market), Ben Berg (Transcom Services) Erin Stibal (representing Supervisor Don Knabe.)
From left President Crespo, Outgoing Board Members Joseph Hernandez (ASAP Banner & Sign, Inc.) Dr. Tom Hansen, Paul Dennis (Weber Metals), Bill Winters (Paramount Petroleum), Brenda Olmos (Apple Care Medical), and Maria Angel (National Homes & Investments.)
From left Ambassadors John Colville (Cal-Tex), Laura Warth (National Homes & Investments), Daniel Trejo (Farmers Insurance), Karen Sonnenbeg (TotalWestern), Ella Marie Bailey (Paramount Women’s Club), and Chamber President Leonard Crespo.
Pictured from left is President Leonard Crespo with Gold Sponsors Martin Johnson (Carlton Forge), Don Tomeo (Fenico Precision Castings), Paul Conrad (Total-Western), Jay Ellsworth (Vernon Security), and Rick Creed (Weber Metals.)
Executive Board members Martin Johnson (Carlton Forge), Kevin Lindsay (Lindsay Lumber), Leonard Crespo (Total-Western), Dr. Max Martinez, and Darren Kurkowski (Bianchi Theatres.)
Accepting the Mayor’s Award for Richard Hollingsworth is his daughter Aoife Hollingsworth and his wife Marianne (pictured center) they are joined by President Crespo and Mayor Gene Daniels.
President Leonard Crespo with Board Liaisons City Manager Linda BenedettiLeal and PUSD Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo.
Madeline Crain accepts the Mayor’s Award for Kirby LaCaze of Heath Machine. She is joined by Chamber President Leonard Crespo and Mayor Daniels.
& A WARDS L UNCHEON
Paramount Chamber of Commerce Free & Fee Based
Workshops
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
Business Resource Center 15357 Paramount Blvd., Paramount
Upcoming Business Workshops
Reservations are required. * Workshops are from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. All workshops are in English unless specified
Writing an Effective Business Plan: Part II, The Marketing Plan
Thursday July 17, 2008 Workshop Fee: $35
In the second part of this three part workshop, you will learn how to market your business, how to find your customers, how to launch and grow your business.
Starting a Small Business
Tuesday August 5, 2008 Workshop Fee: $35
This seminar will get you on the right path to starting a small business. Topics to be discussed include: Researching your business idea, Business Plan outline, Start-u[ expenses & financing, Legal aspects, General Management issues.
Smart Marketing and Promotional Tactics
Tuesday September 30, 2008 Workshop Fee: $40
In this session we explore marketing ideas for the small business. Topics to be discussed include: Analyze who customer is, How to reach the customer, Develop a marketing budget, Marketing effectiveness analysis, Marketing strategies. (This workshop will also be offered on Wednesday, November 19, 2008)
Reservations are required. Workshops are from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
For more information call 562-634-3980 x10 or email mvillasenor@paramountchamber.com
Workshops Presented by the SBDC (Small Business Development Center)
Please make check payable to SBDC
**Free One-on-One Business Counseling Also Available** ($25 deposit required, to be returned after appointment ends)
Chamber President Leonard Crespo with Platinum Sponsor Darren Kurkowksi (Bianchi Theatres.)
Platinum Sponsor Bill Winters (Paramount Petroleum) with President Crespo.
Chamber President Leonard Crespo with 2008 District Wide Teacher of the Year, Maria Loredo.
Ambassador of the Year Laura Warth (National Homes and Investments) with Leonard Crespo, president.
Chamber President Crespo presents Bill Kalpakoff of Cal Met Services with the Chamber’s Award of Excellence.
Outgoing Ambassador Chair John Colville introduces Laura Warth as the new Chairperson for the Ambassadors.
$25 Buys a Clear Conscience
The Paramount Library recently received a check for $25 to atone for a “sin” committed 35 years ago. It seems that a young Paramount student at that time checked out a book on cows (Paramount was once a cow/hay town) and forgot to return it. He never told anyone
of this indiscretion and all this time has had a guilty conscience. He now lives in Colorado but has never taken out a library card in all these years.
Perhaps, now at last for $25 he feels forgiven and will apply for a library card wherever he might be.
A Day in the Life of a Senior
Many of us have had to deal with issues related to safety and our sense of vulnerability. As a widow, or an elderly person in general, safety concerns are more often than not a daily occurrence. As people age they sometimes are faced with health challenges and vision problems which cause them to rely on other people to assist them with daily activities.
Since 1997, Pathways’ Volunteer Caregiving Program has been assisting seniors with these challenges. By providing volunteer in-home supportive services, case management and resource and referral, Pathways’
helps seniors remain independent and safe in their own homes for as long as possible.
Pathways will sponsor a free community workshop focusing on safety issues in and around the home on Monday July 28, 12:30 pm at 3300 South Street, Suite 206, Long Beach, space is limited so please RSVP by Friday, July 25.
For more information regarding Pathways programs and services, how to become a Pathways volunteer, or to RSVP for the presentation, please call Client Coordinator Donna Baranyay at 562-531-3031.
HELP WANTED
AUTO MECHANIC WITH TOOL EXPERIENCE. Trouble-shooting. TOP DOLLAR for TOP MECHANIC. Apply at Herald’s Garage, 8124 E. Alondra Blvd, Paramount. 562-633-2136, Ask for Joe.
SECURITY OFFICERS - Immediate Full Time & Part Time Positions. Must have valid guard and or gun permits. Call Central Patrol Service (562) 621-1500
Charles G. Hardy, Inc., Distributor of Building Material DRIVERS AND WAREHOUSEMEN wanted.15723 Vermont Ave., Paramount, Ask for Mark (562) 634-6560
SECURITY and PATROL OFFICERS NEEDED - Vernon Security currently has openings for Unarmed Guards and Patrol Officers to work all shifts in Paramount and surrounding cities. Must have a current guard card and a clean DMV for Patrol. Call Charles at 562-790-8993 Ext.102 or apply in person at 15317 Paramount Blvd Suite 201, Paramount, CA. Must bring your guard card when applying.
International Freight Forwarding Co. Hiring OPERATIONS, ACCOUNTING, CUSTOMER SERVICE & SALES REPS for its Paramount Ca. Houston Tx., & NYC offices. Experience not required. Proficiency in Chinese a plus. H/Ins. 401K provided. EM to laofc@zencon.com or fax 562-663-6899
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SERVICE TECHICIANS NEEDED. 3 – 5 years minimum experience required. Must have a good DMV record. Bring a current DMV report when applying. Must be EPA certified. Must have own tools. Immediate employment for the right person. Benefits. Apply @ W.R. Smith, Inc. 14908 Gwenchris Court, Paramount. (562) 408-6400. Ask for Bill or Debbie.
A part of the City of Paramount for over 70 years, did you know that: Paramount Petroleum is one of the largest suppliers of asphalt in the United States; Paramount Petroleum is in the top 15% of all U.S. refineries for Pollution
Elks Lodge
More than 600 children attended an event held by the Paramount Elks Lodge at Paramount Iceland in June. The fee to attend was $3.00 and included ice skating and refreshments. The Elks raised $1,800 for children in need of physical therapy who do not have access to a rehab facility, the Elks pay for the therapist and transportaton cost. The event would not be possible without the generosity of Paramount Iceland who donates the facility for the fundraiser.
Pictured are Paramount students and members of the Paramount Women’s Club. The photo was taken at a Women’s Club luncheon in May at which students received scholarships checks from the club.
PARAMOUNT ROTARY CLUB TO THE RESCUE!
Paramount Rotarian and businessman David Avila had the dream of working with the Club to provide an ambulance for the city of San Isidro Mazatepec, Jalisco, Mexico. David had served as a physician in San Isidro and knew the city had never had an ambulance to meet its emergency needs. His dream was adopted as one of the Club’s International Service goals. Joseph Hernandez, a fellow Rotarian and local businessman, knew the owners of MedCoast Ambulance Service and asked them for help. Instead of wholesaling a serviceable but older diesel ambulance, MedCoast generously donated
it to Paramount Rotary as a gift for the people of San Isidro Mazatepec. Joseph had the ambulance detailed like new and in mid-June David had it loaded onto a truck which will deliver it to a cooperating Rotary Club in Jalisco. David will go to San Isidro to make a formal presentation. Dreams come true in Paramount Rotary!
The Rotary Club is an organization of local business and professional people who provide humanitarian assistance to Paramount residents. For more information, call Club Secretary Duane Mahan at 562-634-0234 or click on www.clubrunner.ca/paramount.
E-WASTE COLLECTION EVENT
Lifegate Foursquare Church Saturday, July 19th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Drop off your electronic waste; televisions, monitors, CPU’s or laptops) Proceeds benefit the Lifegate Foursquare Children/Youth Center building fund
David Avila and Joseph Hernandez pictured with the donated ambulance.
Best Approach to Seek Capital to Expand Your Business
By Ian Lamont Director- Small Business Development Center
Over the years, I have had lots of business plans presented to me for both start-ups by excited entrepreneurs and for the next phase of growth, from established businesses run by experienced business professionals.
There is no set formula to the length of a Business Plan. I have seen one page BP’s (written by a recent MBA graduate which was too little) and I have had very detailed and extensive BP’s dropped on my desk, that have exceeded 100 pages (written for a start-up by an entrepreneur with no assets which was too much).
While the goal of these two BP’s were the same; to get funding for their business, both BP’s were done poorly since neither was applicable to the audience they were trying to reach, the banker or the investor.
So lesson number one, write your BP to your audience. Putting together your BP, when its intended use is to secure financing, is to make sure you know and provide exactly what your banker or investor most needs and wants to see.
Most entrepreneurs and even experienced business owners will end up preparing
their BP by following a prescribed outline (perhaps from the SBA) or filling in the blanks using one of the innumerable commercial software templates (like the excellent softwareBusiness Plan Pro). In these cases you usually end up with BP that is written for the business and not the actual purpose of seeking funding.
If your purpose is to raise capital to start-up your dream business or to expand your current business then the best BP would focus on the “Five C’s” of credit, which are Conditions, Capital, Character, Capacity and Collateral.
Your BP needs to clearly show that your fully understand the “Five C’s” and that you grasp the impact your business goals will have in these areas and that you can execute your BP. This combination will give the banker confidence that you and your business are an excellent risk for funding.
So let’s explore in more detail the “Five C’s” in the remainder of this column and future columns and how best to incorporate these concepts into the prose of your BP.
Conditions
Market, economic, physical, political or environmental are all conditions that a good BP should address.
Fiesta 2008 September 19, 20 & 21 Paramount Entertainment Center (corner of Paramount Blvd. & Rosecrans) Community Booth’s Available for Paramount Chamber Members For More Info: 562.634.3980
The strength of a good BP will have excellent sections on Market. The market analysis, should clearly illustrate what the market conditions mean to the company in terms of share, growth and profitability. If possible, distill the analysis to the customer level. If historical data exists, the profitability per customer should be calculated. If projections are utilized, make every effort to express the customer level impact in the notes or assumptions to the projections.
In fact, the easiest way to quantify your projections is to express the profitability in terms of the number of customers required to achieve a given result. Understand that the banker may not have the time or desire to read the entire plan in detail–make it easy for them to see, understand and accept the results of your calculations. Economic conditions, both macro and micro, determine the credibility of your market analysis. Is the target market driven by different factors? What is the difference between the average demographic and your target demographic? Do you have local demographic information supporting the conclusion?
Virtually every city has an economic development department. They use specific demographic data to recruit new business and that data is available for the asking. Other local trade groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Building Industry Association and the Board of Realtors are excellent sources of this information. These results should then be correlated to your market analysis and included in your executive summary to insure that you have the attention of the reader.
Are the physical conditions of your plant (or office or garage) able to sustain the business activity projected? If your BP proposes growth that outstrips your premises, and you have not projected the additional expense of moving, equipment acquisition, new hires and training, your credibility will be damaged irreparably. When does your lease expire? What will be the consequences? Do you have a renewal option that will preclude the expense of a move? Have you programmed the increase in rent into your projections? The lender will want to see photographs of your location. How does the setting enhance your business prospects?
Political conditions are far more subtle and easy to misjudge. Do you require special licensing to operate your business? How difficult is it to obtain that license? Do you have the qualifications or will you have to hire someone to act as your qualifier? Does the nature of your business require that it be located in a specific area (are there zoning restrictions or benefits)? Are there recent or proposed legislation that impacts your plans?
Environmental concerns also impact most businesses. The Environmental “Condition” is complex, especially in California, that if your business and therefore BP has a strong environmental impact, then you must spend all the time necessary to make sure you convince all who will read the BP that you have the knowledge and expertise to manage this challenge.
Doing your BP right the first time, will establish your creditability with your banker making them your advocate for the loan amount you are
Rosalind Henderson of Life Key Inc.
Rosalind Henderson of Life Key Inc. helps businesses become more profitable through seminars, workshops, books and more. Her expertise helps employers and their employees overcome self-limiting habits resulting in greater morale and production. For more information contact Rosalind at 562.633.8817 or visit her website at www.rosalindhenderson.com.
seeking.
In next month’s column, I will address the remaining C’s, so by the time you have read both columns you will have a BP that will have banks competing over you to fund your business and therefore put you in the drivers seat to get the best loan rate and overall deal available.
Ian Lamont is the Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located in North Long Beach. The SBDC provides “no-cost ever” 1-on-1 business counseling and mentoring. Your Paramount Chamber has partnered with the SBDC to provide this free business counseling at the Chamber office for any business. The SBDC has nine experienced business counselors, including, an Accountant, Attorney, Banker, Webmaster/Technologist, Sales & Marketing Executive, along with experienced counselors in starting and running your own successful business. There is never a charge to meet with any of these counselors 1-on-1. The SBDC is hosted by Long Beach City College. To set up your appointment, call the Chamber or call the LB SBDC office at 562-570-4571. For more information, go to http://lbsbdc.lbcc.edu
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