Anita Gabreilian, AT&T is one of the keynote speakers.

Glendale, CA -Business Life Magazine will salute San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys’ women leaders at the 21^st Annual Women Achievers Business Healthcare Conference and luncheon, Monday, beginning at 8:00 a.m., Sept. 26, 2011, Hilton Los Angeles North / Glendale, 100 West Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202.

The honorary co-chairs are LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and State Senator Carol Liu (21^st Dist.) The event offers free career workshops,

Event workshops are free with reservations. An early-bird session on Job Search Survival Skills starts the day at 8:30 a.m.

BeverlyWhite, General Assignment Reporter /Anchor NBCLA featured speaker.

Workshops on Dynamic Time Management, Access to Capital/Contracting Opportunities for Small Business Owners, will be at 9:30 a.m. A Woodbury University panel on Leadership Retooling, and a panel discussing the Impact of Healthcare Reform, both start at10:30 a.m.

The luncheon requires paid reservations and sells out quickly. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; lunch is at noon. Glendale Mayor Laura Friedman will welcome attendees. NBC4 reporter Beverly White and AT&T External Affairs Regional VP Anita Q. Gabrielian are featured speakers.

All honorees will be recognized during the luncheon. Table sponsorships are $1,000; individual tickets are $50. For reservations, contact www.itsmyseat.com, or Business Life Magazine, (818) 240-7088,1807 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Ste 205,Glendale,CA91201.

Major event sponsors are Woodbury University, Wells Fargo, Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Charter Business, Pacific Federal Insurance Group, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and The Gas Company. Sponsors and nonprofit organizations, including Soroptimist International, Women at Work, National Association of Women Business Owners, Foothill Workforce Investment Board, Links of Altadena /Pasadena, American Business Women Association, Glendale Status of Women Commission, Valley Economic Development Center, Zonta  and the American Lung Association. will have informational exhibits open all morning.

Conference Media Sponsor

MAYO Communications is a media sponsor.
For more about the event visit:
MAYO COMMUNICATIONS NEWS

They came from all corners of the region to help set the plan in motion to observe the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Business Life Magazine’s Women Achiever’s editions. The setting is the Glendale/LA Hilton, the site of the Celebration Banquet on Sept 22nd.

“The first Business Life Women Achiever’s edition was published Sept 1990, highlighted 36 fantastic women who to this day ‘Make a Difference’ in our communities,” explained Greg Krikorian, executive vice president, Business Life.  ”For the past 20 years Business Life has recognized more than 325 women leaders. Women Extraordinaire.”

For a full listing and to enter your vote for the top 20 visit http://www.businesslife.com and/or email: krik@businesslife.com.

They will be recognized at the Gala Banquet, along with those Women Achievers for 2010.  Please vote!

“Each year at the photo shoot gathering, the Women Achievers would ask for a reunion to continue networking and building relationships. We have finally taken up the call for action,” said Publisher John Krikorian.

The timing is right for the 20th event that will also have a showcase for sponsors and non-profits that participate. The timing on target with the state of the economy will inspire, motivate and lift the spirits of those outstanding achievers, who give of themselves year after year.  This will be truly a Celebration for “Women Extraordinaire”.

This event will honor the top women over the past two decades, along with the 2010 women leaders making a difference not only in their profession and business, but the community at large.  Honorees will be women of outstanding accomplishments, leaders, innovators, problem-solvers, and mentors to others and are philanthropist.

As word spreads for this spectacular event, names are being submitted, from previous women non-profits, civic organizations, by email for those to be honored for the past 20 years, along with those wishing to participate and support this year’s special event.

Past winners include prominent CEOs of businesses and service organizations, large and small, partners in professional service firms, education leaders and other fields with a commitment to reaching out to those in need.

The meeting announced the Honorary Co-Chairs for the event as Supervisor Michael Antonovich and Mrs. Christine Antonovich, a 2005 Women Achiever. The Advisory Team is made up of former Women Achievers and those that called to be part of this Celebration.

For more information please visit http://www.businesslife.com, call 818-240-7088, fax 818-240-7320, email: krik@businesslife.com

The event is sponsored by
MAYO Communications, Los Angeles.

Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority Board of Directors.

The project includes final design and construction of 11.5 miles of track, six stations, dozens of crossings, utilities, systems and much, much more. The project will take approximately four years to complete and is estimated to create nearly 7,000 jobs and $1 billion of economic output during construction according to a local study.

“This team presented the best of both worlds; the top ranked technical proposal and the lowest bid,” said Construction Authority Board Chairman and Glendora Mayor Doug Tessitor. “I am happy with the outcome and the selected team, and applaud the significant effort staff at the Authority put into conducting this procurement. Ultimately, we had three excellent teams vying for this important project, and the best team won.”

Kiewit and Parsons have teamed up nearly 20 times in the last decade to complete design-build projects and have designed and built more than 60 major infrastructure projects in the last forty years. Both are award-winning companies, providing world-renowned experience in successful completion of light rail transit projects.

Kiewit was the lead team member on Phase 1 of the Gold Line from Los Angeles to Pasadena (with Parsons as the lead design subcontractor), which was completed in 2003 on time and under budget. Kiewit also recently oversaw demolition of the Mulholland Bridge (part of the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvement Project). Coined by the media as “Carmageddon” for its potential impacts to Los Angeles’ heavily congested traffic corridor, the demolition was completed by Kiewit Pacific 17 hours ahead of schedule.

“Kiewit and Parsons both enjoy a long-time relationship with the Construction Authority, having both worked with the agency since 1999 when we began design on Phase 1. It is an honor to be chosen to continue that work 12 more miles east and to have a chance to work again with the hard working and dedicated team at the Construction Authority,” said Bill Westland, Vice President & Area Manager, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.

This contract award keeps the first Measure R rail project to go to construction on schedule for a 2015 delivery.

(For the best business education campaigns, transportation campaigns, initiatives, strategic county media campaign, economic or business public relations contact http://www.MAYOCommunications.com 818-340-5300.

Be sure to save the date:

Women achievers award, business & healthcare conference,

Sept 26th, Glendale Hilton. They are still looking for a great

keynote speaker. Contact John Krikorian if you would like to

participate and or sponsor. John@businesslife.com.

Mavis Leno, wife of Late Night Talk Show Jay Leno, 

iF If you have a great suggestion for a keynote speaker, contact John Krikorian, editor, Business Life Magazine. He would love to
hear from you.

Herbal Chi Balm
in USA.

 “I tried it on my sore neck and back, and the pain went away, leaving me with a relaxed, warm, calm feeling in my muscles.  I’m going to use it next time I get a massage too!” said Anderson.

Late TV Kung Fu TV Series Icon David Carradine’s Ex
endorses Herbal Chi Balm by Sun Born Natural Products Co. 

LOS ANGELES, CA—Sun Born Natural Products Co. announced

Marina Anderson and Lulu, a cousin of "Lassie" TV Legend

today that it’s has earned the support of Actress Marina Anderson, the ex-wife of the late TV Kung Fu series Icon David Carradine.Sun Born Natural Product’s Herbal Chi Balm is a specialized natural product used for relief of pain from physical exertion, minor injury, and used for sports training.

The Herbal Chi Balm formula contains 100 percent pure organic unrefined Shea Butter, and lavender oil along with 20 hot and cold Chinese herbs. “I tried it on my sore neck and back, and not only did it help the pain go away, but it left me with a relaxed, warm, calm feeling in my muscles,” said Marina Anderson. “I’m going to use it next time I get a massage too!”

Actress Marina Anderson has a new line of Jewelry -TheFlyingGoddess.com

Anderson, a noted actress (Law & Order: Los Angeles, Desperate Housewives, The Good Life (1997), Natural Selection (1999)Dangerous Curves (2000) (to name a few) is also a voice-over artist, writer, producer, designer makeup artist, acting teacher and coach, personal manager and career consultant. For more than 35 years,Anderson has ventured in practically every facet of the entertainment industry in front of and behind the camera.

Anderson joins other worldwide celebrities, who are using the Herbal Chi Balm from Sun Born Natural Products Co. former Sambo World Champion, National Judo Champion, and 11 time Martial Arts Hall of Fame award winner Grandmaster Jody Perry support Balm.

Olympic Track Star Patrick Johnson

World Class Sprinter, 100 meter record holder, and previous Olympic Runner Patrick Johnson is another big supporter. “I have found Herbal Chi Balm to be extremely effective in relieving sore muscle discomforts, and it is very beneficial for training when used prior to my warm ups and later when I cool down,” he said.

   Both athletes use the product on a regular basis.

Besides being an excellent pain reliever, according many pro, semi pro, and sports enthusiasts who have used the product, Herbal Chi Balm has the added benefit of improving stamina, balance, focus, and flexibility, giving them an edge in their sport. The product was developed by combining ancient herbal science with 21st century technology involving quantum physics.

Image via Wikipedia

The actress was responsible, as personal manager and  publicist, for resurrecting the career of the late Kung Fu  TV Icon Actor David Carradine (her now, ex-husband),  which led to Carradine starring in Quentin Tarrantino’s  film Kill Bill (2004).

During their six years together, her life and career with Carradine has been highly publicized worldwide. Most recently Anderson wrote a book on David Carradine and also has a new line of jewelry called, “The Flying Goddess.” (pictured below)

TheFlyingGoddess.com

For the full story:

visit: http://www.mayocommunications.com/2011-NEWS%20RELEASES/NR-390.htm

Business Life Magazine presents student scholarships.

Business Life Magazine’s John Krikorian,  Publisher and Greg Krikorian, Executive Vice  President announced, with great pride the first  ever Business Life’s Women Scholarship award  of $2500 to Jennifer Balajadia, a student at  Woodbury University in Burbank.

The award was a direct result of the Business Life’s Women Extraordianaire Gala held in the Glendale Hilton Hotel.  Business Life coordinated the award with Kenneth Nielsen, Ed.D, President of Woodbury University and Don St. Clair Ed.D, Vice President of Marketing, Woodbury.  Business Life’s  goal was to recognize a worthy student majoring in Marketing & Communications and help give back to the community.

Jennifer Balajadia was selected from a top group of students.  Jennifer is presently a Undergraduate associate working at The Walt Disney Company, Corporate Citizenship.  Her favorite school projects are Thematic Seminar at Woodbury, working along side Hanze University on developing a game for the War Child Organization that would introduce normalcy back into the lives of children of Sudan, who have been affected by war.

The presentation was made in the President’s Board Conference Room, with near 40 in attendance representing past Business Life Women Achievers and community leaders.  Present was Anja Reinke, Mayor of Burbank, who offered Jennifer a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Burbank.  Former Mayor of Burbank Marsha Ramos, offered her kind words  of confidence and that of achievement to Business Life in its 20 plus years of service  Dignitaries included former Mayor of Glendale Carl Raggio and Lynn Raggio, along with others representing various civic and service organizations in the region. Attending the ceremony was Jennifer’s parents, grandmothers, brothers and friend.

Woodbury, founded in 1884, is a private university of business administration and professional design. Its 22-acre campus is located in Burbank, in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

For additional information visit www.businesslife.com and www.woodbury.edu

The Balajadia Family flanked by Greg Krikorian, Executive Vice President Business Life and John Krikorian	From left to right: John Krikorian, Zarmineh Naccashian, Jennifer Balajadia, Seta Javor and Liz Mirzaian
Burbank Mayor, Anja Reinke presenting the award to Jennifer Balajadia	From left to right: Greg Krikorian, Carl Raggio, Marsha Ramos, Jennifer Balajadia, Anja Reinke and Don St. Clair, Ed.D

Celebrating with Business Life Woman Achievers and Woodbury University

Chief Economist Dr. Nancy Sidhu, LAEDC

Los Angeles – Southern California is the nation’s largest manufacturing economy, according to a report issued today by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). The 2011

“Manufacturing: Still a Force in Southern California”

report dispels the myths that manufacturing in the region is disappearing and that all manufacturing is moving to low-cost countries.

Nationally, the U.S. is the world’s largest manufacturing economy, producing 21 percent of the global manufactured products in 2009.  U.S. manufacturing generated $1.6 trillion worth of output, which represented 11 percent of the U.S.’ total GDP.  Productivity in the manufacturing sector is also very high with manufacturing jobs often paying premium wages and benefits.

“Industrial restructuring has intensified, making U.S. manufacturing more competitive than ever,” said LAEDC’s Chief Economist and report author Nancy D. Sidhu, Ph.D.  “The U.S. share of global manufacturing has remained at or above 20 percent for most of the past two decades.”

Locally, in Los Angeles County, the manufacturing sector employed 389,300 people in 2009, while the value of manufacturing shipments in the County was $153 billion in 2007 (latest data available).  Manufacturing is a “high-multiplier” activity, supporting many local area businesses and jobs in supplier industries such as energy, freight transportation, and business and professional services.

The top five industries in L.A. County (measured by dollar revenues in 2007) were: Petroleum Refining, Computer and Electronic Products, Food Products, Aerospace and Fabricated Metal Products.  Of the manufacturing employment in the County, 56 percent of the workers produced durable goods such as computers, transportation equipment and metal products, while the other 44 percent produced nondurable goods such as apparel and food.

The largest manufacturing sector in the County (measured by employment in 2009) is Computer and Electronic Products with 51,323 jobs. The apparel sector had the second highest number of employees, with 48,107 jobs.  However, the sectors suffering the largest employment declines over the past decade were Computers and Peripherals, Furniture and Textile Product Mills.

The LAEDC study also reported that the value of total manufacturers’ shipment in the six Southern California counties was approximately $271 billion in 2007, which was up by 32 percent from $206 billion in 2002.

In L.A. County, the total value of manufacturing shipments (excluding oil refining) increased by 21 percent between 2002-2007, though the gains varied by sector.  A similar pattern of growth held across the rest of Southern California.  In Orange County, over the same period, the total value of manufacturing shipments grew by 26 percent. Riverside and San Bernardino counties both saw increases in manufacturing shipments as well, of 76 percent and 62 percent, respectively.  San Diego and Ventura counties boasted gains of 24 percent 42 percent, respectively.

While many believe that manufacturing is destined for low-cost countries with a lower cost of labor, manufacturing in the U.S. has been an attractive investment for foreign investors.  The greater Los Angeles area’s appeal includes some significant advantages. Manufacturers in the region have ready access to global markets and suppliers through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as Los Angeles and Ontario International Airports.  The region also has a wide network of ground and air infrastructure which means fast, efficient connections to the rest of the U.S.  And perhaps most importantly, Southern California possesses a large work force, many of whom are highly educated.

The manufacturing report covers Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties.

About the LAEDC

The LAEDC, the region’s premier business leadership organization is a private, non-profit organization established in 1981 under section 501(C) (3). Its mission is to attract, retain, and grow businesses and jobs for the regions of Los Angeles County. Since 1996, the LAEDC has helped retain or attract more than 163,000 jobs, providing $8.5 billion in direct economic impact from salaries and $135 million in annual tax revenue benefit to local governments and education in Los Angeles County.

[Editors: For the Manufacturing Report visit http://www.laedc.org/reports/Manufacturing_2011.pdf.

Media, please call George McQuade or Aida Mayo, MAYO Communications for interviews: 818-340-5300 or 818-618-9229 or email Publicity@MayoCommunications.com.]

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s (LAEDC) Business Assistance Department has secured a number of Layoff Aversion grants from the Southeast Los Angeles County (SELACO) Workforce Investment Board, South Bay WIB, Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority, Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network and most recently the City of L.A. WIB.

Third Street Pomenade in Santa Monica.

Through this funding, the LAEDC, in partnership with local communities, workforce investment partners, employers, and workers, will assist small and medium-sized businesses explore alternatives to layoffs through human resource solutions.  The LAEDC’s team of professionals offers confidential, free-of-charge information and assistance to large and small, domestic and international businesses in the manufacturing, distribution and service industries.

•Private, confidential in-person needs assessment and coordinated business retention and sustainability efforts through one of its partners, the Valley Economic Alliance;

•Job placement and training assistance through the City of L.A. WIB;

•Rapid response services for recently terminated employees;

•Lean manufacturing programs through the California Manufacturing Technology Consulting;

•Assistance in accessing public financing programs (local, state and federal) and Industrial Development Bonds through the Valley Economic Development Center.

Visit http://www.laedc.org/businessassistance/contact/, call (888) 4-LAEDC-1 or email bap@laedc.org for more information.

About LAEDC (www.LAEDC.org)
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), the region’s premier business leadership organization, is a private, non-profit organization established in 1981.  Its mission is to attract, retain, and grow businesses and jobs for the regions of Los Angeles County.  Since 1996, the LAEDC has helped retain or create more than 162,000 jobs, providing $8 billion dollars in annual economic impact and more than $130 million dollars in annual tax revenue to support local government and schools.

[Editors Note: For media interviews please contact: Aida Mayo or George McQuade @ MAYO PR 818-340-5300 or 818-618-9229PR@mayocommunications.com.]

Los Angeles

Former Governors Gray Davis, Pete Wilson and George Deukmejian joined the Southern California Leadership Council (SCLC) in writing a letter urging the California Air Resources Board to recognize the fragile economic conditions in California and carefully consider how to proceed with AB 32, California’s climate change initiative.

AB 32 sets a goal of reducing California’s greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, with an ultimate goal of an additional 80 percent reduction by 2050.

With the state’s unemployment at 12.4 percent, the third-highest in the nation, the SCLC cited business and job loss information — including locations in other states where more than 2,500 of the state’s employers have taken 109,000 California jobs. The national relocation map provided shows all the other states where these businesses have gone and underscores the potential impact of new AB 32 regulation, particularly for sectors like manufacturing and wholesale trade where the state is losing two jobs for every one job added.

SCLC has offered CARB specific recommendations to minimize the unemployment consequences, including price ceilings on carbon allowances, adequate supplies of offsets, and free allowances for “trade exposed” industries like manufacturing and wholesale trade.

Also recommended is a package of economic development incentives to attract and retain manufacturers whose research and development and products are focused on energy and water efficiencies, air quality and greenhouse gas reductions for advanced transportation, renewable energy and other clean technologies.

Recent announcements from California-based CEOs, including those from Intel and Cisco, indicate any new expansions — potentially with thousands of good paying jobs — would go “anywhere but California.” According to the SCLC, this reinforces what business relocation experts already know, that the business and regulatory climate in California is already the worst in the nation, and that California must turn around this private sector job loses to grow the economy, reduce unemployment and solve its fiscal crisis.

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation reports that, for each job California loses in the semiconductor industry , Californians lose more than $450,000 in wages annually. LAEDC also notes that could have generated about $71,000 in annual state and local tax revenues. Each job in the semiconductor industry pays an average of $70,000 annually including benefits and helps support 4.6 other jobs in the state

These kinds of manufacturing jobs are in the crosshairs of AB 32.  We need to be growing jobs like Texas who has added more than three times as many jobs as we lost over the last year, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The Leadership Council said that improving California’s quality of life starts by making wise regulatory decisions to lower unemployment, which in turn can produce the “California gold” necessary to fund the state’s green aspirations.

About Southern California Leadership Council

The Southern California Leadership Council is a business-led-and-sponsored public policy partnership for the Southern California region. The Council provides proactive leadership for a strong economy, a vital business environment and a better quality of life for everyone who lives here. Founded in 2005 as a voice for the region’s business community and like-minded individuals to focus and combine their efforts, the Leadership Council’s objective is to help enable public sector officials, policy makers and other civic leaders to address and solve public policy issues critical to the region’s economic vitality and quality of life. The Council is comprised of business and community leaders from throughout the seven counties of Southern California and four former California governors.

[Editors note: For media interviews with SCLC Executive Director Lee Harrington and for more information about the Southern California Leadership Council, please contact George McQuade, 818-340-5300 or 818-618-9229.

For more on the business relocations from California, statistics and map showing business flight visit:http://www.laedc.org/sclc/documents/Global_102510_CARB.pdfFor more about SCLC or AB 32 Study visit: http://www.laedc.org/sclc ]

Do Won Chang, Founder, Forever 21

(pictured left) Founder Do Won Change of apparel brand Forever 21 to be honored for economic leadership in L.A. County

***

Los Angeles —The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) today announced Do Won Chang, the founder of Forever 21, one of the world’s fastest growing fashion brands, as its individual Eddy® Awards honoree. Inaugurated in 1996, the annual Eddy Awards gala has become the most important economic development award program in the state of California. This year’s 15^th anniversary event will be held on Wednesday, November 10^th, at the Beverly Hilton.

Headquartered in the City of Los Angeles, Forever 21 began in 1984 and has since become synonymous with trendy, affordable fashions. Do Won Chang and his wife Jin Sook Chang emigrated from South Korea in 1981 in search of the American Dream, and began their fashion empire with their first store in Highland Park. Since then, Forever 21 has grown to 457 stores in 15 countries with sales of nearly $3.0 billion annually.

In Los Angeles County, Forever 21 operates dozens of stores throughout the region’s malls and shopping centers, employing more than 3,000 people and thousands more through their supply network.    Taking advantage of the wealth of talent in Los Angeles County’s nation-leading creative industry, Forever 21’s apparel and merchandise is designed in L.A. County, with a large percentage of their products also being manufactured here.  Their vertically integrated model allows them to design, manufacture and distribute merchandise faster than their competitors, an important factor of Forever 21’s success.

http://laedc.org/eddy/

For the full story and more about the Eddy Awards visit: http://bit.ly/cpuTS6

Robert Swayze joins LAEDC

Long Beach’s manager of economic development, Robert Swayze, joins LAEDC as Sr. Vice President of Economic Development in September

Los Angeles —The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) announced today that Robert Swayze will join the LAEDC as Senior Vice President of Economic Development on September 1, 2010.

“We are thrilled that Robert will be joining the LAEDC team,” said Bill Allen, LAEDC President and CEO.  “He is recognized as one of the premier economic development practitioners in the region and state, and will provide significant experience and insight to our efforts to lead the implementation of L.A. County’s first-ever Strategic Plan for Economic Development.”

Swayze is currently Manager of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs for the City of Long Beach, a position he has held since 2005.  Previously, he was Manager of Regional Economic Development for the Community Development Commission of Los Angeles County.

“Robert brings three great qualities to the LAEDC: significant experience with cities and the County, in-depth familiarity with business financing and technology issues, and a sophisticated policy perspective that is complemented by years of successful hands-on experience attracting, retaining and growing jobs for L.A. County,” said Allen.

Among Swayze’s credits are conceiving and developing the Business Technology Center (BTC), one of California’s largest high tech innovation centers; establishing four business loan programs, including the first equity program for high tech start-ups administered by a county; leading Long Beach’s C-17 Red Team that helped Boeing secure more orders for the C-17 and pushed production out to 2014; and securing a 15-year re-designation for the Long Beach Enterprise Zone.
For the full story visit: http://tinyurl.com/24asbmv

Jack Kyser, LAEDC will deliver his last official forecast July 21st.

What: 2010-2011 LAEDC Mid-Year Forecast Report
Embargoed Until 12:01 A.M. Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Who: PANEL I: Investments in 21^st Century Infrastructure

Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. Executive Director • Port of Los Angeles

Arthur Leahy, Chief Executive Officer • L.A. County MTA

Gina Marie Lindsey, Executive Director • L.A. World Airports

Richard Steinke, Executive Director, Port of Long Beach

PANEL II: Economic Outlook

Richard K. Green, Ph. D., Prof., Dir. Chair USC Lusk Center for Real Estate

Jack Kyser, Founding Economist, The Kyser Center for Economic Research

Nancy D. Sidhu, Ph. D., Chief Economist The Kyser Center for Economic Research

When: WEDNESDAY MORNING, JULY 21st

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.:       Continental Breakfast & Networking

8:00 – 10:30 a.m.: Opening Remarks, Presentations and Q&A Session

Where: Los Angeles Marriott Downtown, Grand Ballroom, 333 S. Figueroa Street, L.A., 90071

Background

More than 400 of the region’s top business, government, education, and civic leaders are expected to attend the LAEDC’s Mid-Year update on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. New this year – experts will discuss the $50 billion that have been committed to upgrade our region’s infrastructure. The LAEDC Economic Forecast and Industry Outlook is Southern California’s premier source for in-depth economic information and analysis on Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas.  The LAEDC’s economic research reports are broadly used by the media, government, and private industry organizations, and have been ranked #1 by the Wall Street Journal.

[Editors Note: For the embargoed study link and advanced media interviews, please contact:
Aida Mayo or George McQuade 818-340-5300 Publicity@mayocommunications.com]

Stephen Keehn, SDGE and Peter Wiersman, vice president PERI discuss smart grid technology at recent conference in San Diego.

PERI Software Solutions Inc. spotlighted in upcoming 20thAnniversary issue of Business Life Magazine

“After servicing clients in California and on the West Coast, we realized it was vital to bring our services closer to a rapidly growing technology market.,” Sarav Periasamy, PERI Software told Business Life Mag.

Los Angeles, CA – PERI Software Solutions Inc., a global business solutions company will be featured in this month’s (June) 20th Anniversary issue of Business Life Magazine. The monthly publication is based in Glendale California covering national, regional and business trends and news in tourism, manufacturing, entertainment, international trade, financial services, technology and state politics.

Sarav Periasamy, president, PERI Software solutions at Asian Business Assn. golf tourney and fundraiser for scholarships.

“When I founded PERI Software, I knew in my heart that it was going to be a successful business enterprise,” President and CEO Sarav Periasamy, PERI Software Solutions Inc. told Business Life Magazine. “I love it when my team of engineers can provide solutions to help business streamline their costs of operations.”

PERI, a global business solutions company, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey.  Earlier this year PERI opened offices in the Wells Fargo Tower in the business district of downtown Los Angeles. Additionally, the worldwide company has offices in San Jose and Chennai, India. “PERI started as me becoming a consultant and gradually adding team members,” he said. “PERI has grown to more than 700 employees and has earned more than $50 million since I started it in 1999.”

“After servicing clients in California and on the West Coast, we realized it was vital to bring our services closer to a rapidly growing technology market. We have just opened an office here, because we believe Los Angeles leads the Pacific Rim in just about every industry and we want to help business grow to meet the technology needs of regional and international markets.”

A recent LAEDC SoCal economic forecast finds that technology, tourism, entertainment and international trade will be leading industries to the economic recovery. Research reveals that the business demand for technology products was very weak in the first three quarters of 2009, when businesses were reducing costs drastically in order to survive the recession. But, demand picked up noticeably during the fourth quarter and sales of technology products held up better on the consumer side.

Periasamy was asked “what’s the next hot new technology coming up for business in SoCal?”

“Smart Grid technology, mainly used by utilities, and thanks the Obama Administration will be more affordable to customers and consumers,” he said. “A Research show that 60 percent of the electricity generated in this country is lost to inefficiencies, and the fact that smart grid technology is green and does not cost more, customers will feel good about saving energy and the environment.”

PERI has been offering Smart Grid technology after testing and measuring successful cost saving results over the last two years. “We are the Asian Business Owned Smart Grid Technology leader in this space providing end-to-end smart grid business solutions,” he said.

Periasamy is scheduled to speak at the California Utilities Diversity Council’s 2010 Green Diversity Summit later this month.  The June 28, 2010 Energy Summit takes place at the Sacramento Convention Center. He’ll speak about how he grew his successful company from a small startup to global business.

About PERI

Founded in 1999, PERI is a global business solutions company, which has grown to more than 700 plus employees and delivers high value-cost effective technology based business solutions. PERI draws on deep industry expertise and a portfolio of interrelated consulting, business processes, application development along with smart-intelligent hardware and software products. PERI blends strategic design, proven technology, and timely delivery of solutions that maximize customers return on IT investment. Be sure to visit PERI’s blog for company updates and developments

http://perisoftware.wordpress.com.
[Editors: For images and advanced media interviews with PERI Founder and President Sarav Periasamy, please call: Aida Mayo or George McQuade at 818-340-5300 or 818-618-9229 or email: Publicity@MayoCommunications.com.]

The San Fernando Valley finally becomes a “place”

100 Years after the digging of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, cities and communities in the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley’s have made history once again uniting in a Joint Powers Agency to help steer this region of over two million. This morning’s vote of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors officially actuated the new agency, which had already been approved by the cities of Burbank, Glendale, Los Angeles, San Fernando and Santa Clarita.

The new “San Fernando Valley Council of Governments” will be led by existing elected officials—council members and supervisors from each jurisdiction. “This is not a new level of bureaucracy” assures Acting Director Robert L. Scott of the Mulholland Institute, “but a forum in which leaders of our Valley cities can collaborate—to come up with efficient and highly-leveraged solutions, to lobby for state, federal and local funds and resources, and to build consensus for planning at the highest levels.”

Part of the role of the COG is to oversee planning within the recently adopted San Fernando Valley subregion of the Southern California Association of Governments. Because SCAG represents six counties and 189 cities, this allows for Valley-specific input at macro planning levels. The subregion’s first project is already underway: an initial Interstate-5 Corridor Economic development Plan.

“There are great possibilities when we bring the creativity and agility of the smaller cities together with the clout and credibility of the City and County of Los Angeles,” according to David Fleming, Chair of the Valley Economic Alliance. “We have more than a decade invested in the COG, the SCAG subregion and the creation of the San Fernando Valley Statistical District—which goes into full swing with the 2010 Census. Specific ‘San Fernando Valley’ data will finally be available, online at the U.S. Census Bureau.”

The COG will explore areas of intergovernmental cooperation, public private partnerships, coordination of government planning and programming across jurisdictions, and provide recommendations for issues of common interest among its members.

has opened a new branch office in Coimbatore, India launching its suite of hardware and software products and services.

The launch was presided by Thiru. K. Ilango, President, Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA).

PERI’s suite of applications, offer clients solutions that can enhance and optimize operations in various verticals. Highlights of the product launch was the PERI’s D2000 series of computer systems and PERI iSystem – Enterprise Communication Solutions.

While PERI’s D2000 series of computer systems will target the fast growing consumer market and will be available for customers on various configurations, the PERI iSystem - enterprise communication solution will target the market for IP based inter-office communication solutions. The iSystem offers a scalable, flexible, robust platform that offer organizations a unified platform for voice, video and data communications while providing potential cost savings over traditional telephony solutions.

PERI’s other solutions offer modular approaches to various requirements of the industry, where products like iAsset (Asset management), iPass (Personnel identity management), iDocs (Document and File management), iFleet (Fleet management) offer independent solutions that can over a course of time be integrated to offer a complete ERP solution at optimal costs.

Coimbatore is a strategic market both in terms of location and business potential. With the inauguration of the branch here, PERI are poised well to provide the best solutions for companies to invest in. PERI will be committing significant resources to support marketing, sales and customer support initiatives out of the Coimbatore branch office.

About PERI

Founded in 1999, PERI is a global solutions company, which has grown to more than 700 plus employees and delivers high value-cost effective technology based business solutions. PERI draws on deep industry expertise and a portfolio of interrelated consulting, business processes, application development along with smart-intelligent hardware and software products. PERI blends strategic design, proven technology and timely delivery of solutions that maximize customers return on IT investments.

Media Contact :

Kausik Kannan | 900-303-8708 | kkannan@perisoftware.com

PERI Software Solutions, No.4, 9th Avenue. Ashok Nagar, Chennai – 600083

In USA Contact Aida Mayo or George Mc Quade, MAYO Communications, Los Angeles, CA, 818-340-5300 Publicity@MayoCommunications.com

Front page story on
LA Daily News
(click on image to read it)

LAEDC report forecasts two-way trade to grow by nine percent in 2010 with separate report showing striking economic and personal ties with China

***

Los Angeles — Southern California’s key international trade industry will see improving activity during 2010 and 2011 after two dismal years in 2008 and 2009, according to theInternational Trade Trends & Impactsreport released today by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC).

The total value of two-way trade through the Los Angeles Customs District should increase by 9.0 percent to $308.5 billion, while the number of containers moved at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will grow by 10.2 percent in 2010.

“The global economic downturn was a huge problem in 2009, as the economies of four of the Los Angeles Customs District’s top five trading partners dropped into recession,” said LAEDC Chief Economist Nancy Sidhu, Ph.D.  “However, all five economies have now returned to growth mode, which bodes well for international trade activity in 2010.”

Trade growth at the ports was helped by a number of new projects to meet environmental mandates and expand capacity.  At the port of Los Angeles, work is moving on both the Transpacific Terminal and the China Shipping Terminal.  At Long Beach, construction at Pier G continues, and the completion of the environmental impact report (EIR) for the Middle Harbor project cleared the way for construction to begin there as well, which has the potential to create additional jobs .  The steady increase of export volumes helped by the early recovery in the Asian economies will also contribute to the growth in international trade activity.

“All of these projects have a two-part impact,” said Sidhu.  “Jobs are being created today—when they are desperately needed—and capacity will be increased for the future when trade activity revives.”  “Capacity at the local ports has been a concern in the past, but expansion plans are moving again,” said LAEDC Founding Economist Jack Kyser.
For more on the 2010 International Trade Report and the studies visit:http://tinyurl.com/2fqtorl

Shenzhen New World Group Co.,  Ltd. Buys Los Angeles Marriott Hotel

World Trade Center Association Los  Angeles-Long Beach provided critical      guidance to Shenzhen Group during   acquisition process

Los Angeles, CA –  Shenzhen New World Group Co., Ltd., a leading privately-held real estate development company in China has announced that it will close escrow on its purchase of the Los Angeles Marriott Downtown Hotel, which had filed for bankruptcy protection last year.  The purchase will help retain up to 400 existing jobs.

The World Trade Center Association LA-Long Beach (WTCA) provided critical guidance during the acquisition process, including meeting regularly with key executives from the Shenzhen Group, local government leaders and members of the L.A. business community to help facilitate incentives and foster key relationships that made this purchase possible.

Shenzhen New World Investment (USA) Inc., the U.S. arm of Shenzhen New World Group, expects to invest $12 to $13 million in renovations and upgrades, which has the potential to create hundreds of additional jobs over the next two years. Plans are under way to upgrade the hotel to LEED energy-efficiency standards, as well as enhance its service offerings to include 5-star amenities.

“We appreciate the Shenzhen New World Group investment in our community and look forward to new investments in L.A. County in the future,” said Baugham. “Foreign companies based in the L.A. County play such a critical role in the region’s economy, supporting almost one in ten private sector jobs.”
[Editors: For media interviews please call: George McQuade at
818-340-5300 or 818-618-9229. Email: Publicity@mayocommunications.com.

Mariam Aguilar, California SBDC, Miriam Aguilar, BDC and Bus Anlayst Latino Business Chamber of Greater LA with Business Life Mag Editor John Krikorian at 2010-LAEDC Economic Forecast.

LAEDC Forecast Report Says U.S., California and Southern California face a measured economic recovery, with stronger growth in 2011

Entertainment, international trade and tourism cited as regional industry leaders, with an economic boost from major infrastructure projects and a modest rebound in residential real estate

Los Angeles— A measured economic recovery is underway in the nation, the state and Southern California, according to the 2010-2011“Economic Forecast & Industry Outlook” report released today by the Kyser Center for Economic Research at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC).

In California, three sectors will see employment growth during 2010: information, private education and health services.  Like the national experience, unemployment rates in the state will remain high with the LAEDC forecasting a 12.3 percent average rate in 2010, easing down to 11.9 percent in 2011.

“We project that the U.S. economy will grow by 2.6 percent in 2010 and by

2010-2011 LAEDC Economic Forecast

3.1 percent in 2011, after plunging by 2.4 percent during 2009,” said Nancy D. Sidhu, Ph.D., the LAEDC’s chief economist.  “However, unemployment rates in the U.S. will remain uncomfortably high, averaging 9.9 percent in 2010 and 9.4 percent in 2011.”

Sidhu observed that consumer spending holds one of the keys to the economic recovery, with inflation-adjusted gains of 1.9 percent in 2010 and 2.7 percent in 2011 forecast, after falling by 0.6 percent in 2009.

Sponsor Business Life Magazine's Editor John Krikorian brings his latest publication to the LAEDC forecast.

“California’s economy is also on the recovery track, but the state will still lose 121,800 jobs in 2010,” said Sidhu.  “However, this will be a huge improvement from the 668,200 jobs lost in 2009.”  California’s housing industry will see a modest recovery in 2010, according to Sidhu. For the full story and link to the forecast visit: http://tinyurl.com/yf85d5m

For images and media interviews call Aida Mayo or George Mc Quade, MAYO Communications, 818-340-5300 or Cell: 818-618-9229.

Executive Director Josie Marquez, LA County WIB speaks at Economic Recovery Forum.

“We have to use separate computers to track the federal stimulus money coming to California, and this year we plan to spend $60 billion dollars, this despite the golden state’s $22 billion dollar state deficit,”  Grutzius said. “We have had to cut back on staff, which is why there only one – me – from the state Recovery Task Force. There is stimulus money coming, and small and large business should take advantage of that.”

Jennifer Grutzius and Michael Landver, CDC, Sun Valley.

Grutzius advises the Administration and Task Force member on policy opportunities within the American Reinvestment adn Recovery Act of 2009. Prior to joining the Task Force, she was the assistant secretary for Economic Development at the California Businss, Transportatoin and Housing Agency, and Grutzius previously served as an assistant Cabinet secretaryu in the Governor’s office.

Josie Marquez, LA County WIB and Paul Audley, FilmLA, Inc

“We also have funds to help the economy,” said Josie Marque, executive director, Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board (WIB). “We plan to spend $60 million in 2010,  and I am resonsible for the administration of more than $32 million in Workforce Investment Act formula funds and an additional $34 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment funds.”

Marquez is an active board member to the National Workforce Association and a is a member of the National Association of Workforce Boards and California Workforce Association.

She is a 13 year veteran Los Angeles County employee.

Other speakers included US Small Business Administration District Director Alberto G. Alverado, Los Angeles Office.

“I brought a half dozen representatives, and yes there is money for small business and loans, so now is the time to expand and hire more employees,” he said.

“The good news is the Box Office had a record year,” said Paul Audley, president, FilmLA, Inc., “But the bad news for Conan O’Brien is actually good news for TV prodouction business in Hollywood, because for every one hour of prime time drama shows shot in LA it spells 15o jobs and $15 million dollars a week.”

Hollywood Rebounds

On-location film, television and commercial production activities in Los Angeles have seen a 19 percent drop as recession, runaway production and lingering effect of contract dispute between management and actors took their toll on local productions.

Audley told the crowd, “Although 2009 has been a bumper year at the box office, the city still saw the steepest year-over-year decline since 1993 when the statistics became available. The production has been a major employer and key economic engine of the city, home to Hollywood and the related entertainment industries.”

FilmL.A. reports taht the hardest hit was feature film production, which had been steadily falling over much of the last decade as L.A. lost jobs to Canada and, increasingly, other states such as New Mexico, Louisiana and Michigan that offer tax credits and incentives to filmmakers.

The uptick wasn’t enough to keep features from falling 30 percent for the year, however. Feature films accounted for 4,976 permitted production days.

The master of ceremonis was Greg Krikorian, executive vice president of Business Life magazine.

Greg Krikorian, Josie Marquez, Michael Landver at the Economic Recovery Forum.

“Small business firms are the most reliable job creators we have, and they’re vital to our overall economic recovery,” Krikorian told the audience at Woodbury University, also a sponsor of the event.

“This forum gives us an outline of business toolst that are needed to create jobs and help lead our country back toward prosperity. Improving the state of our nation’s economy is critical,” said Krikorian.

Krikorian noted that the uncertainty over the economic impact of added taxes, health care reform, the cost of cap-and-trade and the unfriendly business environment are just a few of the factors causing small business to tighten their budgets and plans to expand.

“This event was a great opportunity for business leaders to network, and to learn about access to the federal, state and local government funds,” said Michael Landver, CEO, Community Distribution Center (CDC), Sunland, CA. The CDC is expected to open in May with a goal to feed 500 hungary families per week.

For more about Business Life Magazine visit their site at:

www.businesslife.com or their blog at SoCal Business Blog.

To learn how to create a buzz for your business visit www.MayoCommunications.com/home.htm

Valley Business Expo ’10

By George S. Mc Quade III

A business to business expos put on by The Valley Economic Alliance attracted huge crowd this week in Burbank. There were a half dozen business workshops sessions, one every hour from mid morning until 5 p.m to help small and large business owners get the edge in this down economy.

“This is an incredible business expo and it is the best thing for any business owner,” said M C Townsend, Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, San Fernando Valley.  ”We service more than 35 cities and we have our business member taking turns working our display table. Access and visabililty are key. Networking is ultimate resource for businesses and the chamber is trying to provide that.”

M C Townsend  - Regional Black Chamber of Commerce San Fernando Valley

“I can not agree more  with MC Townsend.  Visibility is so important today with the new media environment, that any business no matter how big or small it is, must to pay attention to  the changes that are coming so fast,” explained  Aida Mayo, president, MAYO Communications, who attended the Valley Business Expo ’10. “For a public relations professional, understanding the role and how to utilize the social  media channels, becomes essential in any publicity campaign.”

Aida Mayo, presidentMAYO Comm.

Mayo notes that a website, nice brochure, and exhibit booth are not enough to get your brand out there. “I was surprised to see how many companies at this event I talk to, do not  make publicity part of their marketing efforts,” she said.

“Whatever the needs are – increasing sales, attracting new partners or investors, creating a brand for a start-up, reaching potential donors, educating, or outreach – publicity is the best  approach to obtain visibility today.  It is the most cost-effective way to create brand recognition for your company. The longer you wait, the deeper you bury your business.”

Some of the exhibits included Ultra Glass, VICA, LAEDC, Metropolitan Water of Southern California, The Gas Company, The Governor’s General Services Dept., The Valley Economic Alliance, Weyant Enterprises, City of Burbank, City of Glendale, Pierce College, SOI, Pickwick Gardens (events planner), Santa Clarita Valley Economic Alliance and the Port of Los Angeles.

It was everything you wanted to know about doing business in the San Fernando Valley.

The next big Economic event comes Feb. 17, 2010 at the Los Angeles Marriott in downtown Los Angeles, put on by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC).

To create a buzz for your business visit: MAYO Communications & MAYO PR, Los Angeles Public Relations Firm at www.mayocommunications.com/home.htm

For the latest business news in the valley visit the website of
BusinessLife.com

LAEDC study
finds
new leases
are still
being signed.

New leases, however, are still being signed inprofessional business services, logistics and warehousing, and entertainment industries
despite labor turmoil  Los Angeles—The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) has just released the annual survey of major business expansions in the Los Angeles five-county area.  In 2008, there were 176 major expansions in the region, down by 13.7 percent from the 203 reported for 2007. This is not unexpected news, as activity has been declining since 2004 when there were 348 major expansions in Southern California.

 The LAEDC defines a “major business expansion” as a new lease (or expansion of an existing lease) of at least $1 million in value or of 20,000 square feet or more. A useful rule of thumb is that for every major expansion, there are at least three smaller ones not tracked in the LAEDC’s survey.

In Los Angeles County, the number of major expansions in 2008 decreased only slightly from 100 projects in 2007 to 98 projects in 2008. In nearby Orange County, major project counts dropped by 19 to a total of 43 projects in 2008. Despite its economic problems, the Riverside-San Bernardino area’s major project count remained stable over the year with 27 major expansions in 2008. However, Ventura County saw a marked decline from 14 projects in 2007 to eight in 2008. 

For the full story and study results visit: http://tinyurl.com/cgczpe