-- Small Business CEO's Learn To Survive at US Bank Sponsored Event

On October 3, 2009, at the Fullerton Marriott Hotel, the ABAOC and the Dept of Communications, Cal State University (Fullerton) put on a workshop that provided an estimated 135 small business owners and CEO's with information on how to survive and grow in a recessionary economy. Speakers, Dr. Fred Zandpour (CSUF), Dr. Dean Kasoleas (CSUF), Mark Stohs (CSUF), Rachel Baranick (SBA), Quang Vu (Dahl Taylor Associates -Constructors, Inc.) and Linda Stone (APR Consulting) simply captivated a large audience with their detailed insights on marketing your business online, taking advantage of the SBA-driven programs and loan products, and organizing your business model so as to first start up, survive and then expand in a so-so economy.

The all day event also provided an incredible networking opportunity for the attendees who raved about the topics, the speakers and the ABAOC for organizing the crisply presented workshop. A sampling is listed below:

Lynn Dangtu, of EBD, Inc. (which is a "small business incubator" with executive suites/conference rooms located in Fountain Valley), was so impressed with the event that she immediately offered a 20% discount off the rental rates for temporary office suites and conference rooms at her facility for all ABAOC members. "I was impressed. What can I say? I have to go to these things to get the word out about my incubator but I ended up staying for the whole event on a Saturday no less. It was a good opportunity for me." 

Dwight Nakata, CPA, (whose CPA firm is in Cerritos) noted, "There are many such workshops out there which are similar to this one but here, the speakers were exceptional--people who have worked in business or have had their own businesses and can speak with both expertise and experience. I've got about 10 pages of notes that I wrote down.".

Sarah Gunther, Financial Planner, commented, "ABAOC, as they do with most of their events, puts on an enviable presentation -- good speakers, great topics, a free buffet lunch, enough raffle prizes for a boatload of attendees to go home happy and plenty of time to allow people to network as well. They really understand how the local business community works and what it thrives on. Sure, it was an all day event and a real investment of time but the information was so good, the time just flew by. Great job guys"

Archie Lim, Branch Manager, US Bank (Event Sponsor) concluded in the aftermath of the successful event, " We were extremely pleased with the turn-out and response. I have filed a report with the people upstairs saying how favorable this event was for us. Congratulations ABAOC and well done!"

Ester Milapas, of Print Technologies, was chairman of the event. Kerry Osaki, of Wheatley & Osaki, Construction Lawyers, acted as emcee.