Educational Events Fill Up Paramount Saturdays
“Safe and Smart” Fair Draws Crowds to Park; MESA Delivers Students to University
Paramount’s annual Community Education and Safety Fair was recently held at Paramount Park with a healthy turnout of kids and parents checking out “Safe and Smart” opportunities offered throughout the community.
Then in October the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) kicked off the 6th year of its MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program.
Close to 300 Paramount kids from grades six through 12 ventured out early that morning to take part in the program that focuses on the three mentioned subjects. MESA – a statewide initiative – operates locally in conjunction with the College of Engineering at California State University, Long Beach.
The students boarded buses at 7:45 a.m. in Paramount Park for the drive to the LBSU campus. There, they conducted various classroom experiments into the afternoon. Workshops will continue monthly throughout the school year.
The MESA program seeks to have
November 2008
annual Community Education and Safety
featured representatives from all levels
personnel from agencies like the Los
all its participants attain degrees in mathbased fields from four-year institutions. Since math and science educational requirements are now more stringent, and college admissions standards are also on the rise, MESA strives to make students competitively eligible for the most rigorous colleges and universities. It also gives students a chance – often for the first time – to experience life on a university campus.
The Paramount Education Partnership is a collaboration between the City and the Paramount Unified School District. PUSD is the sole funding source for MESA.
Two weeks earlier, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Paramount Park, area colleges and trade schools, all Paramount Unified District schools, local service clubs, public safety agencies and safety-related businesses shared the latest information about their respective fields and institutions with thousands of community members who attended the fair.
A special attraction was the “College Preparation” area set up by U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez to provide tips to students and parents about continuing education past high school,
Almost 300 Paramount school kids ventured out Saturday morning, October 11, to begin the 6th year of the MESA Program at in conjunction with California State University, Long Beach. The program aims to improve student achievement in the subjects of mathematics, engineering and science and prepare kids for acceptance to college. including information about applying for financial aid.
Music and entertainment were provided by local performance groups. Plus, the winners of the Earth Day T-Shirt De-
sign Contest from all PUSD schools were recognized by the City Council and Board of Education, as were the top students for 2007 from each grade and each school in the District.
Paramount’s
(Safe and Smart) Fair, held in Paramount Park on Saturday, Sept. 27,
of the educational system - from elementary to university - as well as public safety
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Mayor, Gene Daniels
New Communication System Connects City to Residents/Businesses
Paramount is launching ConnectCTY, a mass notification system that will enable the City to send voice or text messages to residents and businesses. These messages will convey vital information during times of emergency to help enhance public safety/first responder services, as well as occasionally communicating details of important community events.
This system is similar to one that the Paramount Unified School District has been using for some time. With Connect-CTY, there are the options of contacting residents through their landline telephone, cell phone or email address.
Please accept the City’s invitation to participate in this great service. There will be three ways that you can provide the City with phone numbers or email addresses you would like to have included. You can visit the City’s website at www.paramountcity.com or call (562) 220-2027. You
will also be receiving a postage-paid mailer that you can return to the City with your information. You may also use any of these forms of contact to have yourself removed from the system.
We know that your personal information is very important and confidential. Rest assured that the City of Paramount will not share it with anyone.
Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner This Month
Be sure and mark Thursday, November 20 on your calendar as our Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner. The annual celebration honors the elders of our community with a free day of entertainment, dancing, raffle prizes and a fine meal with all the trimmings. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Paramount Park gym. Business leaders from the Paramount Rotary Club and students from Paramount High School’s Corsairs will be serving the meals and local sponsors will be on hand with information about services they offer. Musical entertainment will be provided by the James Tobin Band.
We usually get upwards of 1,000 guests, and it’s always a fun and friendly good time. Hope to see you there.
For more information, call (562) 220-2121.
10th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
It’s been a decade since the City began its Holiday Tree Lighting
Ceremony on the Pond. This year’s 10th anniversary will take place on Wednesday, November 28, at 6:00 p.m.
The Pond is on the corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd. The show will feature musical entertainment, refreshments and a warm way to begin the holiday season.
For more information, call (562) 220-2121.
Paramount Is Financially Strong
With the recent news of the financial crisis in the country involving banks and the stock market, and how it has impacted many governmental bodies, it’s important to mention that the City of Paramount is still economically very sound.
The City has its monetary investments in what’s called the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF). This is a very conservative fund, and less prone to volatility when the stock market takes major swings. The LAIF invests funds in a wide range of securities, which minimizes the City’s exposure to the vulnerability of the current financial market. In addition, it does not invest in the kinds of financial institutions that have been in the headlines lately, often for going out of business.
The City also has for many years had a solid budget surplus that is available to see us through any lean times, should we need to call on it.
Disposing of Medical Needles Used at Home
As of this past September it has been illegal to throw “sharps” into your household trash or recycling bin. These “sharps” are defined as items used in a home with a sharp tip such as disposable hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, syringes or any similar device that penetrates the skin for blood tests or self injections.
They must now be put in a special “sharps container” and dropped off at either a collection center or a county household hazardous waste collection event.
To pick up free sharps containers (as well as postage-paid mailers) in Paramount, you can go to the Goodwill store at 8524 Alondra Blvd.; phone, (562) 602-1856.
To find a collection center near you or for a schedule and location of collection events, you can call 1-888-CLEANLA or visit www.888CleanLA.com on the internet. There is no charge for disposing of sharps at these locations.
Safe Shopping Tips For the Season
As the holiday season approaches and people begin their shopping excursions, here are a few easy, safety-related tips to keep in mind.
· Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
· Always park in a well lighted area.
· Never leave packages, bags, cell phones, purses or other valuable items in plain sight in your vehicle. Place these items in your trunk, where they cannot be seen from outside your car.
· Carry small amounts of cash. Your front pocket is ideal for carrying cash.
· Never leave children in the car unattended.
· If possible, try to shop in pairs. Robbers often focus on, and target, solo shoppers.
· Never buy items from someone who approaches you in a parking lot. Often these items are stolen.
If You Can See It, Thieves May Steal It
To revisit the tip above about leaving things in plain view inside your vehicle … many people don’t pay attention to low-value items visible through a window, thinking that thieves are only interested in expensive objects such as stereos and laptop computers. However, vehicle burglars steal more low-value items than you may realize.
The following list of stolen items reported to law enforcement agencies proves that vehicle burglars don’t always go for the expensive stuff. Although you may not mind if someone steals your $5 sunglasses, a smashed car window is not worth leaving goods in plain sight.
Backpacks, briefcases, cameras, cash, CDs, cell phones, checkbooks, clothing, cologne, computers, credit cards, documents, DVD players, garage door openers, GPS units, groceries, IDs, juice pouches, keys, knives.
Liquor, medical equipment, MP3 players, parking permits, prescription medications, purses, a radar detector, rear bucket seats, scooters, shoes, sleeping bags, Social Security cards, stereo accessories, sunglasses, tools, TVs and wallets.
Remember, too, that an opportunity can be exploited by a criminal when a person walks away from a stroller or shopping basket that contains a purse, checkbook or wallet. Using an ATM at night by yourself also presents an opportunity to those looking to commit a crime.
Successful crime prevention comes with removing these opportunities by thinking about the security of your personal property and the safety of yourself and your family. There are simple precautions we can all take – secure all doors and windows before leaving your home, don’t leave an open garage door unattended, and don’t leave property where it can be easily taken. Constantly be aware of your surroundings and the conditions you create that can make you or your property vulnerable.
All Businesses Need Insurance
By Maria F Galli State Farm® agent
The dream of owning a business becomes a reality for thousands of people each year.
For many of these would-be captains of industry, that means starting the operation on a small scale. However, your enterprise may be in jeopardy if you don’t have business insurance.
You need business insurance because most beginning entrepreneurs don’t have the financial resources to handle adversity if it should come. Adversity can happen in many ways: fire can destroy your inventory, a power outage could cause your goods to spoil or a customer could be injured accidentally while visiting your location.
Business insurance can protect you from these hazards and others by providing many or all of the coverages listed below:
· Accidental direct physical loss coverage for business personal property,
· Broader off-premises property coverage,
· Loss of income coverage and
· Extra expense coverage.
This list is just a sample of what’s available. You should contact your insurance agent to see what coverages are right for your business. Many entrepreneurs start their businesses on shoestring budgets and try to cut corners by keeping expenses at a minimum. But when you consider what you get, business insurance becomes a tool you can’t afford to work without
Chihuahua Movie Prompts Appeal From Animal Shelter
Beverly Hills Chihuahua opened in theatres in early October! That’s great news for Disney and all associated with the movie, including theaters, but animal shelters are concerned that a Chihuahua buying frenzy will follow. “Much like what happened after the 101 Dalmatians movie, we tremble at the thought of impulsive puppy purchases, which may ultimately end up in our animal shelter in just a few short weeks,” say Dan Morrison, Executive Director of SEAACA.
SEAACA appreciates the entertainment value of mov -
ies featuring animals, especially when the message includes responsible behavior. However, SEAACA is keenly aware of the appeal puppies have on the general public, and we caution the public to allow a two-week period after viewing the movie before making any firm decisions about bringing a new Chihuahua into the home.
SEAACA, a founding member of the Border Puppy Task Force (BPTF), is also issuing a Buyer Beware notice, cautioning against puppy purchases from throw away newspapers and internet sites. “We have done a tremendous amount of work in the area of sick and underage puppy sales in Southern California which has revealed Mexico as the source for many of these pups, says Captain Aaron Reyes, Director of Operations of SEAACA and BPTF Manager. “Many of these puppies found in newspapers and on the internet are indiscriminately bred, pulled from their mothers at 5-6 weeks of age and smuggled into the United States for immediate re-sale,” Reyes said. SEAACA officials remind potential puppy buyers to always see the puppy’s parents, get a sales contract, positively identify the seller, avoid paying all cash for a puppy and have a veterinarian examine your puppy immediately. “Make sure the veterinarian confirms the age of your puppy, as many of these puppy’s ages are misrepresented”, Reyes cautions.
Chihuahuas can make great pets! They are typically smart, loyal and social, according to SEAACA officials. However, they can be high strung and display behavior consistent with that personality type. “Always do your research before adopting a dog, and spend some quality time with any potential adoption,” says Morrison. “It’s important to know if the adoption is a good fit, and if the dog even wants to go home with you,” Morrison jokes.
“If you’re serious about brining a Chihuahua into your home, please adopt for an animal shelter,” exclaims Morrison. “Our animals are awaiting good, lifelong homes and come with all the bells and whistles (vaccinations, microchip, de-worming and spay/neuter) in one affordable price.”
Ambassador of the Quarter
Best Table Top Display
Cerritos College Offers New Technical Education Program
Cerritos College has an exciting new Career Technical Education (CTE) Teacher TRAC Program that assists students and industry professionals in becoming high school or community college teachers in Automotive Technology, Welding, or Woodworking. The program offers four pathways designed to help CTE students understand the necessary educational plan for completing applicable degrees (associate or bachelor) and/or credentials (Designated or Single Subject Credential) in order to meet the California State CTE Teacher minimum job requirements. The program also offers various activities by which CTE students may explore a CTE teaching career such as internships, mentorships, class
observations, and four-year-college campus visits (CSU Long Beach and CSU L.A.), conference attendance, and teaching demonstration workshops. If you are an industry professional with experience in Automotive Technology, Welding, or Woodworking, who wants to share your expertise and looking for a different career option, please contact Carina Huynh, CTE Project Manager, Teacher TRAC, Cerritos College (562) 860-2451 x2745. For further information about our program or CTE job openings at college or high school level, please visit the following web site: http://teachertrac.com/CTE/ CTE_What_is_Career_Technical_ Edu.html.
FREE BUSINESS COUNSELING
C OUNCIL A WARDS N IGHT
The
also proclaimed October as National
the
the
and
Fire
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Parker – who has served in the City of Paramount for 15 years and was recently promoted to sergeant, and transferred to another location – was honored by the Paramount City Council at their October 7 meeting. From left: Councilmember Tom Hansen, Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Sgt. Parker, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
October was also noted by the Council as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and November as End Domestic Violence Month. Both issues have been adopted by the Paramount Soroptimist Club. Club member Karen Sonnenberg was at the meeting to accept a proclamation on the topics.
From left: Councilmember Tom Hansen, Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez (also a Soroptimist), Sonnenberg, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Peggy Lemons (a Soroptimist, as well) and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer
October was declared
Prevention Month in Paramount, with a message of preventing home fires and encouraging all residents to plan and practice fire escape routes for their homes. To receive the City’s proclamation was Los Angeles County Fire Department Asst. Fire Chief David Richardson.
From left: Councilmember Tom Hansen, Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Asst. Chief Richardson, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
Council
Crime Prevention Month, which celebrates
City’s partnership with
L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, as well as joint efforts with residents
businesses in crime prevention. A number of Sheriff’s Department personnel accepted the proclamation. From left: Lt. Rod Armalin, Sgt. Dave Parker, Councilmember Tom Hansen, Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Capt. Christy Guyovich, Mayor Gene Daniels, Dep. Miguel Rivera, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, Dep. Greg Berg and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
Ambassador Chair Laura Warth presents Debbie Jameson with a certificate of recognition as Ambassador of the Quarter. Jameson received the award for acquiring the most Ambassador points for volunteer efforts for the Chamber. They are joined by Chamber President Kevin Lindsay.
Laura Warth, ambassador chair presents a check for $25 to Maria Galli of State Farm Galli Agency for having the best table top display at the October Networking Breakfast. The cash prize was donated by the breakfast sponsor Vernon Security.
At El Camino College Compton Center, Music Technology’s Got the Beat!
If a career in the music industry is what you seek, El Camino College Compton Center is the place to be. The Music Technology program offers classes in music business studies, electronic music studios, songwriting, digital audio/recording using industry standard software, commercial keyboard and jazz performance band. Associate degrees and certificate programs are available.
Music technology program highlights include professional faculty who are in the entertainment industry, industry workshops and guest speakers, and opportunities for internships. Many students have gone on to successful careers, and some professionals in the music industry continue to take classes at Compton Center. Hector Galeano, who specializes in Spanish popular music, has released six albums. The lead saxophone player for the jazz performance band, Alford Jackson, was the music director for Ray Charles for over 20 years.
The director of Commercial Music Technology at Compton Center, Professor Harvey Estrada, has been teaching on the campus since 2000 and initiated the Music Industry
Club. He is an alumnus of Compton High School, earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance from California State University Fullerton, and a master’s degree in Commercial Music Composition from California State University Los Angeles. Professor Estrada is a composer, arranger, audio-engineer, bassist, pianist and has studied the music business and multimedia technology at University of California at Los Angeles. He has performed with such artists as Aaron Copeland, Stevie Wonder and Sarah Vaughn, and served as music director for the group, “Otis Day and the Knights.” He also provides original compositions for TV, film and multimedia projects such as educational children’s books and video games.
“The Music Technology program curriculum is intended to take students to their full potential whether it be as an artist, performer, songwriter, music publisher, audio-engineer or composer, and to familiarize them with the business of music as well,” says Professor Estrada. For information about the music technology department, please contact Professor Harvey Estrada at 310-900-1600, ext. 2975.
Orchid Moon
-Orchid Moon specializes in event planning and decorating for all occasions…corporate, birthdays, holidays, weddings, anniversaries and more. No event is too small or too large according to owner, Kelly ten Berge, “If you can dream it… we can build it together.”
One of the special features offered by Orchid Moon is Repeccci’s Real Italian Ice which is great for all occasions and is available in different packages.
Kelly said, we joined the chamber for more exposure. I feel every city has a client who needs an event planner’s services. The planner is there to help coordinate the event and create a less stressful environment for the client. Services are available 24/7 from creation to completion. For a free consultation contact Kelly at 562.708.7165.
Antonio Di Matteo 1942-2008
Owner and President of Apollo Metal Spinning & Stamping Co. passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 18 following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 12, 1942 in the town of Casteldaccia, Sicily to the late Bartolo and Rosalia Di Matteo.
He came to the United States in 1968 to be reunited with his family and begin a new and wonderful life. Throughout his life Antonio had many great achievements. Among these are becoming an American citizen and successful business man whose humility, skill and integrity earned him the respect of his valued employees and colleagues. His greatest success was being a loving father, devoted brother, caring uncle and loyal friend. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and simple pleasures like good food, music, dancing, classic movies and good conversation. His passion for life lives on in the memory of his smile and the echo of his laugh.
Antonio is survived by his son, Anthony; his daughter and her husband, Tracy and Ben Wallingford; three sisters, Giovanna (Salvatore) Bica, Giuseppina (Salvatore) LoCoco, Sara (John) LoCoco and his sister-in-law, Josephine (George) Di Matteo. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved brother, George.
The funeral mass was held at St. Raymond Catholic Church in Downey, CA on Saturday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Ossy. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, Los Angeles, CA. Family was assisted by Miller-Mies Mortuary, Downey CA.
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.
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.
INCOME TAX PREPARATION. Experienced tax preparers preferred. Training available. (562) 630-4004
EXPERIENCED OR NEW TRAVEL AGENTS. Hands on training available. Bi-lingual in Spanish is required. (562) 630-4500
We are proud to be part of an All-American City and want to thank the local businesses, residences, schools and friends for your support over the years and are grateful to be involved in community support activities such as:
Paramount Chamber of Commerce Presidents Award, 2004
Paramount Education Partnership Platinum Sponsor
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 Prevention performance according to the Environmental Defense Fund
Paramount Petroleum, YOUR good neighbor!
14700 Downey Avenue Paramount, CA 90723
Phone: (562) 531 – 2060 Fax: (562) 633 – 8211
The Hair & Skin Care Center
Chamber and City officials join Luz Ahumada and her daughter Virgina for their membership opening celebration of “The Hair & Skin Care Center.” In business for more than eight years the center offers a wide variety of services including professional makeup application, hair care, skin care, and massage treatments. The Hair & Skin Care Center can be found at 7922 Rosecrans Ave., Ste. F. Please call 562.634.79.42 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
In Memory
Chuck
Catch the Reading Bug
More than 1500 books were read during the two-month summer reading program held at the Paramount Library and sponsored by the County of Los Angles Public Library youth services. The “reading club” theme was “Catch the Reading Bug.” Approximately 331 children ranging from 3 years old to 8th grade students participated in the event. At the end of the program children were given certificates of participation, prizes and a goody bag. Members of the Friends of the Paramount Library provided punch and cookies for the occasion
Recipe of the Month
Pumpkin Bars
1 ¼ cups flour
4 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup raisins
1 egg, beaten
1 ½ cup chocolate chips
1) Mix dry ingredients with the raisins
2) In a separate bowl, mix the egg and pumpkin. Stir into dry ingredients.
3) Spread the thick batter in a 9 x 12 inch greased baking dish.
4) Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
5) Bake at 350˚ for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cut into squares. Makes 24 squares. (91 calories and 1 gram fat per serving)
Know, Plan, And Take Action!
By Vivian Shimoyama Long Beach SBDC
Small business owners use many tools and techniques to manage and grow their businesses. One of the ways that business owners get their insight is through information provided by their trade and professional organizations, chambers of commerce, other business owners, and a source at their fingertips -- internet intelligence: website resources specific to the needs of small business owners, business and economic information easily accessible through the internet.
How do business owners remain optimistic during tough economic times? According to a recent study of the NFIB Research Foundation, “Small Business Owners found a way to become more optimistic again, a two month run in improved sentiment (hopefully turning into a trend). Though spending and hiring measures remain weak, they are improving.” Business owners and experts find that optimism and results can comes through paying: more attention on the details – “know your numbers”; incorporating better methods to plan and adapt to change; taking action!
Know Your Numbers
It is difficult to manage what you don’t measure. This means from watching the financial aspect to operational/production metrics, measuring progress or heading off downswings in the business comes through paying attention to the numbers – quarterly, monthly, weekly, even daily, if necessary. Each operation has key business indicators that are a tool for the owner and management team. These internal indicators are not only a report card on how the business is doing, but a tool that helps identify areas that need improvement. The basis for forming the key business indicators comes through a company’s: business planning
process; annual projections and budgets; analysis of company and industry historical data; pricing, financials, and sales/volume projections included in the business model; internal/external regulatory factors that impact the costs of doing business.
Incorporate Better Methods for Planning and Adapting to Change
There are also external indicators to include in the growth and management of a business, which translates to ongoing attention to key economic indicators. These key economic indicators are what a business tracks regularly: unemployment numbers, inflation, housing starts and industry trends. Knowing what is going on in the local, national, and global community helps a business owner to plan and better adapt to changes that may impact their business.
Take Action!
Business owner find it increasingly important to manage their time wisely and take action during tough times. Here are a few tips:
· Put a Plan In Place Or Revisit Your Plan – Business and marketing plans are not put into place just to get funding or place on a shelf. The main reason to put any plan into place is to have realistic projections of where the business should be, and on an ongoing basis to track the progress to the plan.
· Manage to the Plan – Ongoing, track progress, meet with employees, and get clear on the projections and results. What gets measured gets done! Share your enthusiasm with employees to exceed the projections, and explain these goals in a way that the team can associate how the numbers relate to their contribution to the quality products and services that the company provides.
· Talk to Your Customers – Specifically your best customers. Focus the attention on the business strengths, and ensure that the
company has met their needs. Look for the ad-on sales, see what else may be offered to the customer that they are not already purchasing. They may not know about your expanded product or service line. Get additional information on the needs of your customers.
If energy costs and the cost of doing business have impacted your business, and the company needs to raise prices make sure the customer has the information well in advance, and emphasize the strengths of the quality products and services and business relationship.
· Get Focused - Identify the best things that the company does and build on them. This goes back to analyzing your numbers. What product/service lines are the strengths of your business? Take a hard look at the expenses and make sure that the business is focused on those areas that are bringing in the best return on the investment of your hard earned dollars. Then focus your team efforts on doing more in the three best things that your company does.
· Stay Connected – Don’t internalize all your efforts, stay connected with the business community and informed on issues facing other business owners. Utilize these shared experiences to stay ahead. Take time out (at least once a month) to connect with your peers: attend a chamber meeting; enhance
your company’s web presence and stay in front of your customers – enewsletter; be a speaker at a local or industry meeting, and more.
Small business owners know how to persist and adapt to the challenges of growth and tough times. The growth or your small business helps build a strong economy through providing quality products and services, jobs, and an economic force that is invested in our streets, education system, and security and safety. Don’t go it alone, there are many resources to assist you and your business.
Vivian Shimoyama is a consultant to the LA Regional SBDC Network – Lead Center and will introduce you to the Long Beach SBDC Succe$$ Team. The Business Corner is brought to you by your local Small Business Development Center and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. The LB SBDC is hosted by Long Beach City College and provides training and one-onone consulting services in such areas as business planning, marketing, access to funding resources, procurement/contracting assistance, legal, accounting, international trade, technology, web development, and other business specialty areas. Bilingual consultants (Spanish speaking) are also available. To make an appointment call: (562) 570-4574.
