Kickoff Draws Big Student
ore than 300 Paramount school kids, from the 6th through 12th grades, and 50 parents came out to Paramount Park on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 8:00 a.m. to take part in the 7th annual MESA program.
MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) is a statewide program that focuses on those three subjects and is offered locally by the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP). It operates in conjunction with the College of Engineering at California State University, Long Beach.
The workshops take place on the CSULB campus throughout the year. MESA seeks to have all its participants attain degrees in math-based fields from four-year institutions and strives to make students competitively eligible for the most rigorous colleges and universities.
Showcase Your Business to the Entire Community
The Paramount Chamber of Commerce is wrapping up production of the 2010 Paramount Directory which will be dis
tributed in January. This valuable marketing tool will be given to 10,000 newcomers, residents and local businesses. The bi-annual directory contains a list of member businesses, residential listings, contact numbers for city hall the school district and more.
This must have directory is made possible through the support of members who advertise in the publication. Business listings are limited to members of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. If you are not a member of the Paramount Chamber and would like to have your business listed free of charge in the 2010 directory call the Chamber office today, 562.634.3980.
Paramount Vice Mayor Tom Hansen welcomes more than 300 PUSD students to the Saturday morning kickoff for this year’s MESA program.
TJ Maxx Opens
The national clothing chain TJ Maxx has opened a new outlet in town at the Paramount Plaza Shopping Center at Downey and Alondra. During a time when many cities are losing businesses and watching stores close, it says good things about Paramount that we have been chosen by this retail giant as a place for success.
The city worked closely with the owner of the shopping center, Red Mountain Retail Group, to attract TJ Maxx in the same way we brought in the neighboring Fresh and Easy Market. In fact, the center was completely remodeled and modernized using the city’s Commercial Rebate Program.
Our business-friendly partnerships in projects like this are designed to bring quality shopping and dining options to our residents. It’s very exciting to know that we’ll have this great store close by and available to our community.
Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner
This Month
Be sure and mark Thursday, November 19 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 1 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) 2202121.
11th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
It’s been a decade since the City began its Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Pond. This year’s 11th anniversary will take place on Wednesday, December 2, at 5:00 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) 2202121.
Paramount Pond – Public Plaza Hits the Decade Mark
Speaking of the Pond, the public plaza is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. Over this time, it has become a community gathering spot for everything from large special events to a simple shared cup of coffee.
The design and location gives a nod to the City’s rich ice skating history. The Pond features a collection of life-sized bronze sculptures called “Perfect Ice” that captures the artistry and athleticism of skating. It is located just down the street from Iceland, one of the oldest rinks in Southern California, and where the iconic Zamboni Ice Resurfacing Machine was invented.
The Pond – which won a California Parks and Recreation Society Award and a Crystal Eagle Award from the California Downtown Association – is a place where, each day, people take a stroll, admire the art pieces, or grab a seat and listen to the piped-in music. It’s a wonderful garden that can provide a few moments of tranquility in the rush of the day.
Santa Breakfast Pre-Sale
Breakfast With Santa and Snow Day will be held in Paramount Park on Saturday, December 12th from 8 a.m. till noon. There is no charge to attend the event, but it does cost $4 for the breakfast. Wristbands, which will act as tickets for the meal, can be prepurchased beginning Monday, November 16 through Friday, December 4.
Pre-sale wristbands can be bought at any of the 15 STAR school sites, the City of Paramount Recreation Yard (15300 Downey Ave.), and the Paramount Community Center (14400 Paramount Blvd.) Pre-sale tickets will allow you to take advantage of the “fast pass” line the day of the event. For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
Mayor, Diane Martinez
On Patrol
Crime Statistics Maintain Downward Trend
Crime continues to decrease in the City of Paramount. In reviewing Part 1 crime statistics for the first nine months of 2009 and comparing them with the first nine months of 2008, the category of violent crimes (homicide, rape, aggravated assaults and robbery) is down 5% from last year. There has been a drop in each category but the primary difference this year is a significant decrease in robberies.
In the category of property crimes, there has been a decrease of about 21%, with significant declines in burglaries, thefts and grand theft auto. The overall decrease in combined violent and property crimes is 18% for the 3rd quarter.
Proactive measures that have encouraged this downward trend include monitoring hot spots of criminal activity and performing strong crime analysis. Intelligence gathering, quality arrests and more involved residents have also helped the City’s crime fighting efforts.
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.
Vacation Home Checks
If you are a Paramount resident and have plans to be out of town during any part of the holidays, you can contact the Sheriff’s Station for a vacation home check. The City’s Volunteers on Patrol will periodically take a look around your home or property while you’re gone. (This service is available throughout the year, not just during the holidays.)
Call (562) 220-2002 for more information.
Gianna Youngblood Named Ambassador of the Quarter
certificate from the
for
as
Thursday, January 21, 2010 16297 Paramount Blvd. Beginning at 11:30 am Lunch Served
points
Los Angeles County District Attorney Bad Check Restitution Program
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office wants local merchants to be aware that more bad checks are passed during the holidays than any other time of year.
Merchants should take extra precautions when accepting a check during the holiday rush. Accept only checks drawn on a California bank account and always obtain identification, such as a valid driver’s license; record pertinent information on the front of the check.
If a merchant receives a bad check, there is help available through the District Attorney’s Bad Check Restitution Program. The program provides assistance free of charge for checks typically passed at the retail level or in exchange for service. The primary goal of the program is to obtain restitution and secondly, to hold check writers more accountable for their actions without creating an added burden to the criminal justice system.
This unique program requires bad check offenders pay restitution and attend an 8-hour diversion class at their expense. Those who fail to cooperate, risk having their case reviewed for a possible criminal filing. All this is accomplished without cost to Los Angeles County taxpayers! For additional information on the program, contact Victim Services at (800) 842-0733.
Chamber President Martin Johnson with Gianna Youngblood from So. Cal. Immediate Medial Care. Gianna received a certificate of recognition and gift
Chamber
her hard work
an Ambassador. Gianna earned the most
during the quarter for her efforts on behalf of the Chamber
Stater Bros. Super Rx Pharmacies Offer Free Antibiotics
Stater Bros. is the Only Southern California Supermarket Chain To Offer up to a 14-Day Supply of Selected Antibiotics for FREE
During these challenging economic times, Stater Bros. Supermarkets remain committed to the health and well-being of its customers. In September all 28 conveniently located Stater Bros. Super Rx Pharmacies throughout Southern California began offering a free 14-day supply of selected antibiotics, including refills, to anyone with or without health insurance coverage who presents a prescription.
Eight different classes of antibiotics are available, which include:
• Amoxil (Generic for AMOXIL)
• Ampicillin
• Ciprofloxacin (Generic for CIPRO)
• Doxycycline
• Erythromycin
• Penicillin
• Trimeth/Sulfa (Generic for SEPTRA OR BACTRIM)
• Tetracycline
“Stater Bros. realizes that the current economic environment coupled with climbing health insurance rates have made access to crucial medication difficult for many of our customers,” stated Jack H. Brown, Stater Bros. Chairman and CEO. “As the only Supermarket Chain in Southern California to offer this program free of charge, Stater Bros. is doing all that we can to ensure accessible and affordable health care to our valued customers.”
Stater Bros. is also committed to affordable health care through the Company’s $4 Generic Prescription Program. Over 300 commonly prescribed medications are $4 for a 30 day supply or $10 for a 90 day supply.
Jumpstart Your Career at El Camino College Compton Center
Have you ever considered a career as an automotive service technician or collision repair technician? Have you thought about working as a machinist, an industrial machinery mechanic, or a manufacturing machine operator? Or, perhaps you’ve wanted to become an office manager, purchaser, or Certified Public Accountant. El Camino College Compton Center can help you reach your career goals.
The Career and Technical Education department at Compton Center offers 11 different occupational programs for those looking to start a career, planning to transfer to a four-year college or university, or needing to upgrade their skills or develop new ones for a specific career.
There are a wide range of classes available at Compton Center, including the following:
Automotive Technology – Prepares students for careers as technicians in automotive service, repair, tune-up, smog certification, and air conditioning. Automotive technology classes teach students about safety practices, automotive service, testing, troubleshooting, brakes, suspension, wheel alignment, engine tune-up and repair, electrical and fuel systems, emissions systems, transmissions, drive trains and automotive machining.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) – Prepares students for employment in the field and provides upgrade opportunities for the currently employed. Students can work toward an associate degree, certificate, or transfer program. HVAC courses teach proficiency in service, troubleshooting, and installation of residential, commercial and industrial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Students will learn to read wiring diagrams, interpret the Uniform
Mechanical Code, diagnose control circuits, operate test equipment, and service pneumatic and electronic controls.
Machine Tool Technology – Prepares students for employment in machine shops, tool rooms, and instrument and experimental laboratories. Machine Tool Technology classes will teach students about the setup and operation of drilling machines, lathes, mills, grinders, electrical discharge machines, and computer-aided manufacturing systems.
Business Administration – In addition to the Accounting Program, Compton Center offers both certificate and degree programs in Business Management, Marketing and Office Administration. The programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity for a transfer business major or to earn an associate degree. Business students learn basic accounting principles, business law, and economics, as will as management principles, marketing strategy and general offices procedures, depending upon the student’s selected emphasis.
Secure your future now by enrolling in Career and Technical Education classes at Compton Center. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industries that have seen growth since 2007 include management, business and financial operations, professional and related occupations, service occupations, and installation, maintenance and repair occupations. Compton Center can help you prepare for a career in these fields.
New and returning students can register online by going to www.compton.edu and clicking on MyECC, or by calling 310-5169339. Computers are available for student use in the Welcome Center, Financial Aid Lab, Admissions and Records Office, VT 209 and Library.
National Crime Prevention Month
meeting. From left, Dep. Miguel Rivera, Lt. Eddie Hernandez, Capt. Christy Guyovich, Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer and Councilmember Gene Daniels.
Homework Help Basics For All Grade Levels
You can ensure that your child is getting the most out of his or her assigned homework. This article contains tips you can implement in order to become a more effective homework helper.
Parents are often unsure how best to help their children with homework and, as a result, many children don’t maximize their homework time. Below are some suggestions from the United States Department of Education (USDE), www.ed.gov, that establish general homework and studying guidelines. Tailor these guidelines to match your children’s needs, and you’ll be on your way to improving their academic experience and performance.
Be Proactive
First, show through your own actions that education and homework are important activities. Put an emphasis on education at home in the following ways:
• Talk to your child. Agree on a regular time each day for homework. Stick to the schedule!
• Provide your child with necessary homework supplies and resources.
• Set a good example by reading and writing, showing that these activities are valuable for other reasons than just school.
• Stay in touch with your child’s teachers.
When you are proactive in your children’s education, you are helping them cultivate values that are needed to succeed in school and in life.
Keep in Touch
Next, monitor your children’s homework assignments. Make a point to ask your children about their daily assignments, and help them schedule an appropriate amount of time to complete each one. Ask your children’s teachers how involved you should be in various assignments. Some homework tasks children attempt without help, while others are intended to get the entire family involved. By learning more about assign-
ments and their accompanying due dates, you will be better able to monitor your children’s skills and progress.
Be There
While you should not take over your children’s homework, you can certainly provide helpful instruction. When providing guidance, learn about and understand your children’s learning style. People learn differently and this knowledge affects the type of help your children will need to comprehend new material. Additionally, help them to become more organized. Children can be disorganized and lose assignments. When you show your children how to keep an organized notebook or folder, you enable them to keep track of their homework.
Know When to Find Outside Help
Finally, if your children continue to struggle with their homework, contact a teacher or counselor at school. They will be able to look through your children’s work and make recommendations that would help your children with learning. The recommended help may include conventional, online, or peer tutoring. The most important thing for you to do is to keep open the lines of communication with your children and their teachers.
PEP Homework Help
The Paramount Petroleum Community Learning Resource Center at Spane Park is now open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Homework help and math and literacy tutoring are being offered during these hours.
Also, adult aerobics class is Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. An Adult ESL class is being taught, as well, by the Paramount Unified School District Adult School and is offered Monday through Thursday from 9:15 a.m. to 12 noon.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2145 or (562) 220-2250.
Laughlin Excursion
December 9, 10, 11
$98 per person (double occupancy)
$118 per person (single occupancy)
Depart: 9:00 am
Return: Approx 6:30 pm
Candlelight Pavilion
December 18, 2009
Candlelight Christmas
New show filled with holiday songs
$53.50 per person
Includes meal, gratuity, and coffee
(Registration begins October 27 at 10am)
Depart: 9:30 am
Return: Approx 5:30 pm
Cruise to Alaska
Months of Sailing:
May through July of 2010
Deposit: $350 per person
Cost of trip will depend on sailing date
Catalina Island
If interested in taking an excursion to Catalina Island, please visit the front desk or call (562) 220-2090 to begin an interest list.
Exercise class every Monday 11 am to 12 pm
Fee: 1$ per class
Held at Paramount Park
Bingo Tuesdays 11 am to 12:30 pm
Donation $1 for 3 Cards Cash Prizes!
Held at Paramount Park
Oil Painting Class Every Thursday 9 am in Rooms 1 & 2
Sign up at the class $3 per lesson
HELP WANTED
OUTSIDE SALES AND BODY & PAINT TECHNICIAN WITH TOOL EXPERIENCE. Trouble-shooting. Apply at Herald’s Garage, 8124 E. Alondra Blvd, Paramount. 562-633-2136, Ask for Joe.
INSURANCE SALES – Growing company seeking hard working, energetic, bilingual (Spanish/English) and sales oriented individuals with a strong interest in educating the community about Insurance and Financial Products. A positive attitude and commitment to providing exceptional customer service are required. Insurance experience is a bonus but not a necessity. More importantly, we are looking for ambitious quick learners who are excited about determining their own salary and want to be an integral part of a growing company. Email resume to maria@galliagency. com or fax resume to 562-817-5621.
Sister Cities Club Mourns Loss of Paul Ichino
Members of the Paramount Tepic Sister Cities club are mourning the loss of long time club member Paul Ichino. Paul was born on February 12, 1923 and passed away on August 17, 2009. Mr. Ichino grew up in Pasadena and attended Los Angels City College. While in college World War II broke out and Paul was forced to enter the Manzar Relocation Camp even though he was a first born Japanese-American.
During his 14 months in camp Paul learned x ray technology at the Manzar Hospital which he later made his lifelong career. He studied his craft at Loma Linda University and after graduating went on to teach at Los Angeles City College, El Camino City College, Long Beach City College and Orange Coast Community College from which he retired in 1989. Paul served two terms as President of the California Society of Radiologic Technologist and established several radiology programs for various colleges.
As a club member Mr. Ichino hosted
many visitors in the student exchange program and helped establish a clinic named Paramount & Tepic Sister Cities Casa de Salud Conic in Nayarit, Mexico and in 2003 he received Downey’s “Outstanding Volunteer” award.
Mr. Ichino is survived by his wife of 58 years Junet and three daughters Joyce, Yoko and Laurie.
Pathways Helping Those in Need with Thanksgiving Baskets
Every year, the Pathways team of volunteers gets together the week before Thanksgiving to make special baskets for hospice and caregiving clients. Many clients have little to no family, so this is Pathway’s way of letting them know they are thought about and cared for. The baskets are filled with everything from freshly baked cookies to hand lotion. All items are donated, assembled and delivered by volunteers. This is just one of the many events put on by Pathways. If this project is of interest to you Pathways is always looking for new volunteers to add to their special team. Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Meg Fisch, 562.531.3031 to ask about training dates.
Paul Ichino
Tips & Tricks for the Cold Weather Season
• Start the Season Right with a Clinical Corrective Facial from a Licensed Esthetician (not from a day spa): like most of us, being busy encourages poor diet and uncontrollable stress which can be costly to correct. A great facial can be relaxing, cast off blemishes and keep the health of your skin fresh and polished. Remember, the face is most memorable when your skin looks flawless!
• Introduce a Skin Care Line that is Recommended for Your Skin Type: Ask your esthetician for suggestions on which products compliment your makeup collection. Skin is the foundation for fabulous makeup, not your compact. There’s nothing worse than piling on makeup to hide skin texture, some cosmetics clog pores and accentuate problem areas.
• Try a New Look: Although we all have certain colors we just can’t live without, add warmer bolder colors to spice up your makeup. Ask a makeup artist to show you different shades of cosmetics to try on and for tips on how you can transition your favorite products into the new fall collection.
• Update Your Compact: No matter what ethnicity all people loose pigmentation during the fall and winter. The best skin color match is your neck and chest, not your arm. No one wants to look like two different people as a result of selecting the color for their skin tone.
• Please Refrain From Using Toilet Paper Or Paper Towels As A Substitute For Kleenex: The Particles Used In These Products Tear The Sensitive Skin Around The Upper Lip And Nostril Area. Colorless Lip Balm Can Be Applied To These Areas To Decrease Dry Patches That Will Show Up When Make Up Is Applied.
• Remove Dry, Dull And Dead Skin Cells By Balancing The Hydration Levels Of Your Skin: Moisturizing And Exfoliating Religiously On Both The Face And Body Combats An Unhealthy Ashy Appearance. This Includes People With Oily Skin Too.
• Lipstick: Choose the perfect shade of reds, berries and plums to draw attention under the mistletoe.
Lazaire
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Home
By Luis Acosta State Farm® agent
Based on your home size, and the number of potential fire hazards, you should consider having one or more working extinguishers. You should also choose the extinguisher type that best fits your needs. Generally, there are three common classes of home fire extinguishers:
Class A – These are for wood and paper fires. This class cools material below its ignition temperature and soaks fibers to prevent re-ignition.
Class B – These extinguishers suppress flammable-liquid and grease fires. They work by removing oxygen from the area sprayed and preventing vapors from reaching the ignition source. Chemical reactions that remove oxygen suffocate a fire.
Class C – These models are for electrical fires. They use an extinguishing agent that is
not capable of conducting electricity. Multi-Class – These chemical extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and are labeled with more than one letter - A-B, B-C or A-B-C. (Note: Most multi-class extinguishers contain a corrosive agent that should be cleaned up immediately after use to prevent damage to sprayed surfaces).
Extinguisher use – remember to P.A.S.S.:
· Pull the pin at the extinguisher top.
· Aim at the base of the fire.
· Squeeze the handle/lever to discharge. (Stand back 6 to 8 feet from the flame.) · Sweep the spray back and forth at the base or source of the fire.
Home fire extinguishers along with maintained smoke detectors are important components of your home’s fire defense system. Make certain all are working properly and maintained according to manufacturers’ instructions.
Teen Drivers
By Maria F. Galli State Farm/Galli Agency
562.817.5620
So, your teenage son or daughter wants to drive! Suddenly, driving has become one of the most important things in your child’s life. Scary, isn’t it?
Naturally, you may dread the increase in your auto insurance premiums. However, there is a lot more at stake than higher premiums. As parents, we all share the fear of our children becoming involved in an automobile accident. These concerns are all too often confirmed by the reality of teen crash statistics.
- As important as your driving skill, or aptitude, is your attitude. Always act responsibly behind the wheel.
There’s no doubt your age has a lot to do with your chance of being in an accident. A study by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for example, found that although teen-agers drive only half as many miles as adults, their accident rate per mile is four times the adult rate.
We’d all like to pay less for auto insurance. Here are a couple ways that your child can help:
Although premiums are derived from the monetary cost of auto accidents, lives are priceless. No amount of premium can ever bring back a life or reverse disabilities.
Let’s look at how to reduce accidents:
- Drive defensively. Watch out for the other person.
- Obey the speed limit. Speed increases the likelihood of an accident. And adjust your speed according to road conditions. Drive more slowly on wet or icy pavement.
1. Many insurance companies offer lower rates to young, single drivers who are better-than-average students in high school or college. They do that because statistics show good students have considerably fewer accidents than students whose grades are average or below average.
2. Obey all traffic laws. You can’t always avoid an accident, but you can avoid traffic tickets, which can cause your insurance premiums to go up.
Contact your local insurance agent for more information on how to protect your teen driver and save at the time with great personalized coverage.
How to Avoid Online Credit Card Fraud
If you’ve ever shopped online, then you might know about some of the dangers associated with online purchasing and online credit card fraud. If you’re not careful, you could end up being a victim of online fraud, which could leave you with a large bill for items you never purchased. Here is some information about the dangers of online credit card fraud and how to avoid them.
Why shop online?
If there are dangers to shopping online, then why do so many people do it? The dangers of online fraud are equal to any other type of transaction. Also, online shopping is often much cheaper and quicker than regular shopping, and consumers who want to find great deals without leaving their home are turning to online stores.
Use credit not debit
To avoid online fraud use a credit card to purchase goods rather than a debit card. Credit cards are safer than debit cards and have far more security features. If someone gets hold of your debit card information you are less likely to be protected. However, credit cards are usually covered by purchase protection, meaning that items you did not purchase will be refunded.
Use trusted web sites
Only use protected and trusted websites when purchasing online. Using small or unknown sites can lead to problems. Sticking to large company sites means you are more likely to be protected. Large company websites usually have better security features and are more likely to help you with problems regarding unauthorized transactions.
Keep all details
If you make a purchase online, make sure that you print out all of the details of the order, such as: company name, address, invoice number and amount of purchase; that way if anything goes wrong you have a record of the transaction.
Computer protection
Its important to remember that as well as being safe online, you should make sure your computer itself is safe. The easiest way for a fraudster to get to your financial information is to hack your computer. Make sure you have anti-virus protection that is up-to-date and that you have firewall in place.
Now is the time for small businesses to export
The recession has been disproportionately harsh to small businesses: scarce credit, depressed demand, and consumer confidence have all contributed to nearly 639,146 small businesses failing in 2008, according to the US Small Business Administration. Even if Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan are setting record profits this quarter ($3.03 & $3.59 billion respectively), chances are you’re still struggling.
Despite the hostile climate, many businesses have been forced to re-examine past habits, question assumptions, become more creative, and explore other avenues for success. I have seen the latter personally with many current or former businesses owners. They recognize that demand may be down locally, but there is still high-growth in markets beyond our shores.
Per year China, Israel, and Indonesia are growing at 7%, 3.95%, and 4.22%, respectively, as opposed to the sluggish US economy. These and other markets present enormous opportunities for US companies. Those who are willing to work hard will be rewarded with greater profits and stability for their firms. The US Department of Commerce has found that “Exporting firms are more likely to stay in business than are non-exporting firms, pay 13%-18% above average, achieve 20% faster employment growth, and exhibit greater productivity than companies that are not marketing their products overseas.”
Exporting can be a huge boon to a firm. However, exporting is not a panacea for all of your business woes. If your product or service is not performing in the US market, find out why. Is it due to other factors, such as local economic conditions, over saturation, etc? Or is it inherent to the product? Some products that are obsolete in the US are sold successfully overseas, but other products may simply not be marketable. Ask yourself if going overseas would make a difference.
Secondly, look at your business. Is it running as smoothly as you would like it to? Are products and services being delivered in a timely manner? Are your books accurate and up-todate? Do employees efficiently and effectively handle their tasks? If not, fix the structure of your business first. These cracks will only grow.
That brings me to my final point: Exporting places stress on your company, your employees, and yourself. You need to make sure you and your management team are deeply committed to expanding abroad. There will
be frustrations dealing with a company that can be both geographically and culturally distant from your own. Many things taken for granted here may be more difficult depending on your country of export. It is a challenge, but not an
insurmountable one. If you are committed and decide to engage in international trade you are laying the foundation for future success. Your team and company will be the better for it by gaining new skills, customers, and the prestige of becoming a
You are not alone. There are many resources available to help you, including the US Department of Commerce, the Small Business Development Centers, and the Centers for International Trade Development.
Cesar Arellanes is the Manager of the Center for International Trade Development (CITD) at Long Beach City College. For more information on exporting or other international trade matters, contact the CITD at (562) 938-5018.
Business Card
