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Businesses ready to shine at Expo More than 1,400 expected to attend 4th annual Latino Business Expo in Ventura April 8, 2010 By Frank Moraga |
Campo Azul’s Monica Izquierdo, Art Garcia of Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina and Adam Casillas of the Latino Business Expo enjoy a pre-show gathering and tequila tasting at Cabo on March 31 in Oxnard. The reception promoted the Latino Business Expo, being held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 8 at the Four Points by Sheraton, 1050 Schooner Drive, Ventura. Click on image to see entire set
Tickets are $5 at the door or click here to print a free e-ticket. For more information about the Latino Business Expo, call Adam Casillas at 805.216.1927 or visit the Expo's Facebook page |
CSUCI to launch Social Business Institute with discussions on Feb. 26 California State University Channel Islands will welcome Dr. Muhammad Yunus to its campus on Feb. 26 for its annual Campus Reading Celebration and to launch the new California Institute for Social Business, the university reported this week in a media release. “Social businesses promote social objectives and deliver positive social change using business methods and practices. The concept of social business fits perfectly with the mission of the University, said Dr. Ashish Vaidya, dean of faculty at CSUCI. Yunus, a 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient, will lead a discussion of his book "Creating a World without Poverty — Social Business and the Future of Capitalism" during a moring session. Yunus will also review a Service Symposium Poster Session from 11 a.m. to noon in the Broome Library, featuring service projects/events undertaken by CI students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Corporate sponsors for the event include Citi, Domino’s Pizza, Limoneira, Montecito Bank & Trust, Patagonia, Regenerate Films, SAGE, and Westlake Village Inn. General admission tickets may be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or the Civic Arts Plaza box office at www.civicartsplaza.com or 805.449.ARTS. |
Muhammad Yunus:
CSUCI President Richard Rush, left, and
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Elizabeth Alvarez |
True tales of an accidental housing advocate — Elizabeth Alvarez created free education classes for the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura that are offered throughout Ventura County. She is a writer, educator and a passionate advocate on behalf of the consumer in the mortgage industry. Read more at consumermortgageadvocate.org |
Joseph “Joe” Cabral, the City of Lancaster’s Communications Manager, has been named Public Information Officer of the Year by Public CEO. Cabral, a former Ventura resident, previously served as associate publisher of Southland Publishing, the parent company of the Ventura County Reporter, and as director of public relations and publicity at NPOWR Digital Media in Oxnard. Public CEO’s James Spencer cited a number of accomplishments contributing to Cabral’s award, including a redesigned and reorganized City website, an overhaul of the City’s cable channel, the launch of a weekly City e-newsletter and the innovative use of a variety of social media and networking sites. “Since becoming Communications Manager in October 2008, Cabral has transformed the voice of the City of Lancaster,” Spencer wrote. In addition to the city’s online and video outreach efforts, Cabral was recognized for substantial expansion in media coverage. Since he took the helm, the City of Lancaster has received more regional and national news coverage than ever before, including coverage on CNN, NBC Nightly News, Fox Business, and regular features on local affiliate news. “We continually strive to find innovative ways to communicate, utilizing methods which are even more convenient for our residents’ lifestyles,” Cabral stated in a media release. “The trend toward paperless communication is fast becoming a way of life, and we are working to use this to our residents’ advantage. “Meanwhile, our more conventional forms of communication, including the Outlook magazine and Outlook Lite, continue to be award-winning publications. “I am deeply gratified and humbled by this award,” he said. “To have our efforts recognized by such a distinction is truly an honor.” “The staff at the City of Lancaster is nothing short of remarkable,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Hiring the best individuals in their fields translates to the best services possible for our residents. I greatly appreciate the hard work of Joe Cabral and the entire Communications Division in reaching out to our residents, and I am very proud these efforts have earned Joe statewide recognition as PIO of the Year.” Public CEO is a media outlet covers California’s local governments, including municipalities, counties and special districts. To see the article announcing Cabral’s award, visit www.publicceo.com |
Los Empresarios chapter of BNI has recently moved its weekly business meeting to Casa Lopez Mexican Restaurant and Banquet Hall, 325 So. “A” St., downtown Oxnard, according to Shawn and Linda McCarthy, executive directors of Business Network Int'l. The chapter, which meets from 7:30 to 9 a.m. every Wednesday, is led by Pablo Ortiz of Gold Coast Broadcasting (chapter president), Miguel Noriega of Edward Jones (chapter vice president), and Karen Revay of Mary Kay Cosmetics (chapter secretary/treasurer). The group recently went over the $1 million mark in monies generated for the chapter members, Shawn McCarthy said. |
SCORE presenting workshop for small businesses Oxnard College is at 4000 So. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The registration fee is $49 and seating is limited. There will be an additional $5 fee for registration at the door. For more information, call SCORE Ventura County at 805.204.6022, e-mail to info@scoreventura.org or visit www.scoreventura.org |
CSUCI seeks nominations for 2010 Leadership Awards The Business & Technology Partnership at California State University Channel Islands is accepting nominations for the 2010 Business & Community Leader of the Year Award and the 2010 Technologist of the Year Awar, the university reported in a media release. Criteria for nominations and forms are available on the University’s Web site, www.csuci.edu/about/btp Deadline for nominations is Feb. 15, and nominations may be made by anyone in the community. The winners of the Business Community Leader and Technologist of the year awards, along with the winner of the Faculty Leader of the Year Award and five student scholarship winners will be honored at the sixth annual Business & Technology Partnership Leadership Dinner, sponsored by the CSU Channel Islands Foundation. The dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 22 at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Resort in Oxnard. For more information, click here for the full media release.
CSUCI receives Amgen scholarship gift CSUCI recently announced that it has received a graduate scholarship gift for $30,000 from Amgen for the M.S. in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics program and the M.S. in Biotechnology and MBA dual degree programs for the second year in a row. This gift will be used to provide financial assistance to graduate students wishing to enter the biotechnology field. Students in these programs will, in turn, provide an educated workforce for the many biotech companies surrounding CI’s campus, the university reported in a media release. For more information, click here for the full media release.
CSUCI presenting program Jan. 28 on California's economy Abraham Lowenthal will talk about themes in his new book, "Global California: Rising to the Cosmopolitan Challenge," Jan. 28 at California State University, Channel Islands in Camarillo. The program begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 6 p.m. at the Martin V. Smith Center for Integrative Decision-Making. The program is sponsored by the center and the World Affairs Council — Central California Coast. Lowenthal will describe how California has a huge international presence in the entertainment industry, agriculture, high technology and biotech, the knowledge-based economic sectors, and other fields, but has failed to think strategically about its global opportunities. For reservations, contact the World Affairs Council at 805.340.0220 or Kathy Musashi at CSU Channel Islands at 805.437.8540 or kathy.musashi@csuci.edu. For more information, click here for the full media release. |
Miguel A. Noriega |
Time for year-end investment checklist Next, if you meet the income requirements, consider the option of converting all or part of your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, which grows tax-free under certain conditions. However, you’ll need to have assets available outside your IRA to pay the taxes due on this conversion. Also, if it’s appropriate for your portfolio balance, consider selling some investments that have lost value to take the tax losses. Consult with a tax advisor before making this move. By taking these steps, you can close out 2009 on a positive note. This is Miguel A. Noreiga, your Edward Jones financial advisor in Oxnard, member SIPC. For more information, call 805.488.9870 or visit Edward Jones
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Miguel A. Noriega |
Surviving 'Market Cycles of Emotions'
Please go to the Edward Jones page and click on the "Market Cycle..." link You can also click on Miguel's photo to be connected to his Web page.
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Oct. 12, 2009 By Frank X. Moraga It’s been a little over a month since Dr. Jaime Casillas moved into his new position as dean of Economic Development for the Ventura County Community College District, responsible for administering district-wide economic and workforce development. “It’s going well. We’re really excited about it,” he said. The goal of the move to a consolidated division is to create a one-stop center for businesses countywide that are seeking a skilled workforce. Toward that move, Casillas and the division are located at the old district office on Day Road in Ventura, near Ventura College. “In the past, employers had a problem figuring out what college to go to to get customized training,” he said. “Now, they only have to have one point of contact.” Getting training for their workforce is vital for businesses in these competitive times, Casillas said. “In this whole new environment with constant change, the biggest challenge with employers is maintaining a skilled workforce,” he said. “Our job is to provide customized training right on the site. We will do an assessment and then a customized curriculum for them.” The economic development division has eight lead staff members and more than 100 trainers in a variety of occupational areas, ranging from computer information systems to management and leadership training, he said. Casillas was long a fixture at Oxnard College, serving there for more than 10 years in various capacities including, most recently, as interim vice president of instruction, along with previous stints as dean of Career and Technical Education, dean of Economic Development and Innovation and dean of Off-Campus Programs and Community Initiatives. He previously served as a counselor and dean of Industry and Technology at Ventura College where he worked for 17 years before transferring to Oxnard College. Casillas, who took over the district-wide position on Sept. 1, said he still has a strong connection with Oxnard College, but now is strongly connected to all three colleges. “It’s a great opportunity to get into a larger venue, and our division will be working with the whole county,” he said. “It’s both a challenge and an opportunity.” Casillas earned an Ed.D. in higher education with an emphasis in community college administration and leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He also earned an M.S. in Counseling and Guidance from California Lutheran University and a B.A. in Law and Society from the University of California at Santa Barbara, according to a media release. He has experience in enrollment management, strategic planning, curriculum development, educational master planning, accreditation, career/technical education, workforce education, economic development programs and community initiatives. Casillas has long been involved in community initiatives. He’s been a member of the Professional Latino Advancement Network of Ventura County and the Commission for Farm Workers’ Rights. He also is a former Executive National Board Member of the Service Employment and Redevelopment Board and was awarded the Educator of the Year Award by El Concilio del Condado de Ventura in 2005 for his many years of contributions to public education. Employers seeking more information about programs offered through the Economic Development Division can call 805.654.6429. |
Gold Coast Hispanic Business Council charting new course Sept. 25, 2009 By Frank X. Moraga Anyone recently checking out the web site www.gchcc.org will notice a subtle change: “The Gold Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is now operating as the Gold Coast Hispanic Business Council. Gold Coast is a voice for our region’s Hispanic and non-Hispanic businesses,” according to an announcement on the site’s home page. The change from a member-driven chamber to an events-driven business council should help the organization partner with more business organizations to better serve the local Hispanic business community, said Ashley Bautista, executive director of the business council. The change also allows the group to better partner with area chambers, rather than been seen as a competitor for their members, she said. “We’re still connected to the national Hispanic chamber and the California Hispanic chamber,” she said. “We’re still going to be offering the same services, but it’s easier to partner as a business council rather than as a chamber.” Board members have been talking about making the change for the past year and made an official announcement this past summer during one of the group’s business seminars, Bautista said. Mary Howard continues as president of the board, with Lin Graf continuing as the organization’s chief executive officer. “There are a number of organizations seeking to reach the Hispanic business community and so we are seeking to be that go-to organization and become a bridge to those groups,” Bautista said. “We’ve just partnered with Cal Lutheran University, which just kicked off its Hispanic Entrepreneur program,” said Bautista, who also met recently to discuss partnership opportunities with Bill Watkins, executive director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at CLU. The business council is looking at producing quarterly business seminars, in addition to its monthly breakfast meetings. It would also like to have more events in the east county. In the past, the chamber also held an annual gala dinner and a Posada toy drive. At one point, the Hispanic chamber had more than 100 members. Rather than members, individuals and companies will be able to join the Gold Coast Hispanic Business Council as associates, Bautista said. Associates fees are $100 (one to four employees), $300 (five to 25 employees), $500 for 25-plus employees. Roberto Juarez, executive director of Clinicas del Camino Real in Saticoy, is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the council’s October breakfast meeting. For more information, call Bautista at 805.299.2394 or e-mail her at Ashley@gchcc.org. Frank ... |
July 24, 2009 By Frank Moraga Surviving a recession is challenging enough. But it can be especially difficult if your business is located in an area that has traditionally been perceived as a downtrodden downtown. Downtown Oxnard is one of those areas. Abel Magaña hopes to do something about that — both in helping businesses prepare for the upcoming economic rebound and erasing those negative perceptions. Magaña is the new executive director of the Oxnard Downtown Management District, which is being managed by the Economic Development Corp. of Oxnard. Up to now, EDCO, overseen by President Steven L. Kinney, has been a major player in bringing large employers to the city, helping them cut through red tape and creating the conditions for business and job growth. But smaller businesses — retail stores, restaurants — need help and guidance too and that is a major goal of Magaña, who officially started his position on July 1. Previously, the district was involved in maintenance and upkeep projects. However, the need is great in helping small businesses learn about programs that are available to them to help them survive the current recession and thrive when the economy rebounds, Magaña said. “We’re trying to help move them from a maintenance emphasis to more of a business development and marketing emphasis,” he said. “Business attraction is very important to us.” Small business loan, signage improvement and other programs are available to downtown retailers, Magaña said. But up to now, downtown business owners have not had the time or the help to sit down with them to research and explore these options. “There is money set aside for forgivable loans to improve signage,” Magaña said. “EDCO is here to help out by being that middle person so (business owners) don’t have to go to the planning counter themselves. “I was walking around downtown today, talking to guys who are eager to take advantage of that program,” he said. “We’re just giving the tools to the little guys that the big guys have enjoyed. This will save people a lot of time and headaches.” Magaña is no stranger to business development efforts and the city of Oxnard. Born and raised in Oxnard (he grew up down the street from the old St. John’s Hospital), he graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism, then worked early in his career for ad agencies in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. He also oversaw online content for Hispanic Business Magazine in Santa Barbara, and worked in various capacities at the Small Business Development Center in Ventura County and the Los Angeles Business Assistance Program. Magaña, whose office is in the Third Street parking structure across from City Hall, said the business climate in downtown is a mixed bag. “We have a lot of challenges and there is a bit of cynicism out there, but we do have a few things on our side,” he said. “We have the credibility (of being part of the EDCO), we have the enthusiasm of some business owners and the economy is helping us.” While some buildings are vacant and other businesses are struggling, new business owners are taking advantage of the downturn to negotiate for better lease rates, niches and taking advantage of marketing opportunities. Magaña cites the Fresh and Fabulous Café as one example. The business started out in a small location in the old Woolworth’s building, and has since grown, taking over space that has previously seen a number of businesses come and go. “They’ve come in with the technical expertise and they have some marketing smarts and a good web site.” http://myfreshandfabulous.com/Home.php Another challenge facing businesses is the old negative perception of downtown Oxnard, Magaña said. To combat that, EDCO will push for beautification projects and attract a variety of businesses to get the downtown booming. “While there are businesses that have been here forever, we want to raise the level and create a real retail experience, diversify restaurant choices and create some nightlife, at the exclusion of no one,” he said. For more information on the Oxnard Downtown Management District and the Economic Development Corp. of Oxnard, call 805.385.7444 or visit http://www.edco.us/ |
July 2, 2009 By Frank Moraga Dr. Adolfo Murillo is a man with a new vision of the future. The Ventura County optometrist is seeking to spread the word about the benefits of organic farming — protecting farm workers, consumers and the environment — while giving devotees of fine tequila the opportunity of treating themselves at the end of a hard day at work. For the past 16 years, Murillo has labored to create an organic agave farm on the family property in Agua Negra in Jalisco, Mexico. Those efforts came to fruition recently when his Tequila Alquimia received Organic Certification from the USDA. “We are really excited about that,” Murillo said. “It will definitely be a big help as far as our marketing and opening up for us the health and environmental consumer segment of the marketplace.” This hasn’t been an overnight success for Tequila Alquimia (pronounced al-kee-myah). “It’s a very long and expensive process, but we saw the need,” Murillo said. “We had to fly the inspector down to the ranch to inspect the fields and the factory. But a lot of folks are conscious about health issues and do know to look for the USDA seal for the products they buy. We have now come full circle.” The story of Tequila Alquimia began nearly two decades ago and Murillo shares the information with excitement and pride in his voice and the knowledge that this is the right thing to do. “We’ve been doing organics since day one, since we took over the family ranch 16 years ago,” he said. “One of the reasons for doing organics is that we wanted to do something productive with the ranch and if we did well, we could spread the word and teach organics to local growers, help them improve the soil and productivity and especially help the small growers to survive.” Growing organics helps on so many levels, said Murillo, who has a degree in biological sciences. Traditionally, “growing agave and making tequila is chemically intensive,” he said. “They use toxic pesticides and there is little protection for the workers.” Those chemicals eventually reach the consumers in the products and also the general public through pollution of the ground water, he said. Murillo first started growing the organic blue agave for other tequila makers. “It got to the point where it was too good to sell, so we decided to create our own tequila and form our own brand,” he said. Proof of the success of the product can be found in the numerous awards Tequila Alquimia has received. Its Alquimia Anejo (aged in oak barrels for up to three years) recently won the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for the second consecutive year. Its Alquimia Blanco won the Chicago Beverage Institute’s International Review of Spirits Gold Medal for 2008. “We are in the No. 1 spot on GQ Magazine’s men.style.com Hotlist for best tequilas, and the top Editor’s Pick,” he said. The tequila can be found in retail locations from San Diego to San Francisco. As word has spread about Tequila Alquimia’s quality and commercial success, interest has come from other growers in Mexico. “We started teaching the growers in the immediate area and then some of the larger growers heard about what we were doing and we started doing some training for them,” he said. Word has quickly spread and now Murillo has traveled to Michoacan to teach avocado growers about organics, as well as strawberry growers in Guanajuato, and growers of chilies, garlic and other crops in other Mexican states. Murillo is a firm believer of the concept of paying it forward. “We do it all on a volunteer basis, but we do it with an understanding that they will then teach others,” he said. “This is the only way to make a greater impact.” Tequila Alquimia has also made an impact locally, sponsoring a number of local events including the recent Rebozo Festival in Camarillo and fundraisers for the local Boys & Girls clubs. “The folks here in Ventura County have been wonderful,” he said. “That’s what makes things so worth it. We want to use our tequila for the benefit of the community.” For more information about Tequila Alquimia, visit www.tequilaalquimia.com. You can also follow Tequila Alquimia on Twitter and Facebook. |
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Providing individual counseling, group workshops, media distribution and other communications training services. |
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