BusinessMarch/April 2007

Vol. 14 No.3L O N G B E A C H

Support Grows for Measure H

Insurance Commissioner to Speakat Chamber Lunch

Going Global—Trade BenefitsSmall Business

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California Chamber of Commerce “ADVOCACY PARTNER OF THE YEAR” for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

E ntrepreneurism is part ofCity National Bank’s DNA.

The bank was founded more than a half century agoby a group of local businessmen who saw a need…anda business opportunity. The big banks in Los Angelesweren’t meeting the needs of smalland medium-sized businesses, entre-preneurs, and members of the enter-tainment community. The founderscame up during the GreatDepression and knew that having abank on their side could make all thedifference. They also recognized thatentrepreneurs and fledgling compa-nies would play a major role in thegrowth of Southern California.

So, on January 4, 1954, CityNational Bank opened the doorsof its first office in Beverly Hills. Since then, it has grown

Molina Brothers Honored as Chamber’s Entrepreneurs of the YearCity National Bank sponsors annual Chamber event on April 26 celebrating entrepreneurs

Chamber Sides with Job Creation in 6th District Special ElectionChamber Board endorses Candidate Academy alumnus Ahmed Saafir to fill vacant Council seat

to become the largest bankheadquartered in SouthernCalifornia, with assets ofmore than $15 billion and 61offices, including 15 regionalcenters, in Southern California,

the San Francisco Bay Area,Nevada and New York City. Ithas grown by understandingand meeting the needs ofentrepreneurs, businesses, pro-fessionals, investors and theirfamilies on The way up.®

As author Johan Norbergeloquently put it, entrepreneursare the heroes of our world.“During the last 100 years,” hesaid, “we have created more

wealth, reduced poverty more and increased lifeexpectancy more than in the previous 100,000 years.

That happened because of entrepreneurs, thinkers, creatorsand innovators.”

City National continues to support those heroesthrough its commercial and private banking, wealth man-agement, investment and trust capabilities, internationalbanking, and cash management services.

Last year, City National became one of the first banksto introduce remote deposit capture (City National E-Deposit), a cash management tool that makes it easy for

clients—particularly those located far from a CityNational banking office—to deposit checks electronically.

Clients can also benefit from expanded exportfinance resources thanks to City National’s designation as

“These entrepreneurial leaders have built a leading business in Long Beach,

contributed to the strength of the communityand the economy, and helped raise the bar

of business excellence.”John C. MolinaChief Financial Officer,Molina Healthcare, Inc.

Dr. J. Mario MolinaPresident and ChiefExecutive Officer,Molina Healthcare, Inc.

U pon the recommendation of The Chamber’sPolitical Action Committee (PAC), the Long Beach AreaChamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted toendorse the candidacy of Ahmed Saafir in his bid tobecome the next 6th District City Councilman—unequiv-ocally recognizing that Mr. Saafir is the candidate bestequipped to promote a pro-jobs agenda for Long Beachand the 6th District.

Initially, The Chamber invited every candidate to inter-view for the endorsement. “Ahmed rose to the top of thepack, because of his obvious commitment to increasedpublic safety, quality affordable housing, and economicdevelopment in the 6th District,” noted Chairman of theBoard of Directors Byron Schweigert.

Over the last 20 years, Mr. Saafir amassed a track-record of community service and civic engagement, fromhis service as President and life member of the NAACP, tohis role as Vice President of the Long Beach Civil ServiceCommission. Mr. Saafir received numerous recognitions

for his service to the community, including commenda-tions from California State Senators Betty Karnette (for-mer) and Edward Vincent, Congresswoman JuanitaMillender-McDonald, and then-Assemblymember JennyOropeza; in addition to countless other elected officialsand community organizations.

In announcing the endorsement, Long Beach ProBusiness PAC Chair Dave Neary beamed, “Ahmed Saafir

is just the type of consensus-building leader we need onthe city council right now.” Mr. Neary continued: “TheChamber is pleased to join with a wide-range of commu-nity leaders, including former Mayor Beverly O’Neill insupporting Mr. Saafir’s bid for the Council.”

The Chamber’s support forMr. Saafir continues a recent-Chamber trend of endorsingalums of The Chamber’sCandidate’s Academy, whichtrains potential office-holders forpolitical involvement. “TheChamber’s Candidate Academyseeks to educate communitymembers within the Long Beach

area on all the various components and the sometimesharsh realities of a political campaign. Ahmed is really a text-book example of what the Academy seeks to accomplish-recruiting exemplary candidates to serve the community.”

Log on to www.LongBeachAdvocacy.biz for continuing coverage of the Long Beach Chamber’sendorsement of Ahmed Saafir. For continued news-coverage of this and other Saafir endorsements, log on towww.ahmedsaafir.com.

Ahmed Saafir

Continued on page 7

“Ahmed Saafir is just the type of consensus-building leader we need

on the city council right now.” – Dave Neary, Long Beach Pro Business PAC Chair

LONG BEACH BUSINESS2

One World Trade Center, Suite 206Long Beach, California 90831-0206PH (562) 436-1251 n FAX 436-7099 w w w . l b c h a m b e r . c o mw w w . l o n g b e a c h a d v o c a c y . b i z

Mission StatementThe Chamber is the platform for business toprovide leadership, education and advocacy so thatthe Long Beach area thrives in the 21st century.

Vision StatementThe Chamber will be the acknowledged leader increating community consensus to support local,regional, and international business.

Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Via MediaPrinting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Seaside PrintingAssembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Goodwill Industries

Members wishing to submit articles, press releases, or membernews items for upcoming issues of Long Beach Business, please fax to (562) 436-7099, attn: Jackie Kuhl, or e-mailjackie_kuhl@yahoo.com.

Circulation: Long Beach Business is mailed directly to more than2400 Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members, electedofficials and community leaders.

Chamber Staff:

Randy Gordon .... President & CEO ........................ (562) 436-6723Judy Donley ....... Executive Vice President ............ (562) 437-8823Brandon Kline ..... VP Public Policy........................... (562) 983-1241Shaun Lumachi ... Advisor, Government Affairs ......... (562) 843-0947Elisa Margoni ..... VP Special Events ....................... (562) 436-2810Judy Nelson ....... VP Business Councils .................. (562) 432-8128 Kelly Stortz ......... VP Member Services .................. (562) 590-9234Sarah Nguyen .... Executive Assistant .................... (562) 432-7830 Jackie Kuhl ......... Consultant, Publications.............. (562) 843-0951Bobbie Spohn .... Membership Coordinator . (562) 436-1251 ext 118Sterling Spector .. Consultant, Diversity ...... (562) 436-1251 ext 103Hope Altman....... Information Specialist ................. (562) 436-1251Linda Izzo ........... Member Relations Executive ................. ext 101

Chairman’sMessageByron Schweigert,MemorialCareMedical Centers

Project Labor Agreement—The Next Battle?

What is a “Project Labor Agreement”?A “Project Labor Agreement” ordinance is like-

ly to be considered by our city council in the com-ing months. This ordinance would require all cityrelated construction contracts to employee onlyunion labor. The Chamber certainly supports thecreation of jobs for needed city projects. However,the city council also needs to be fiscally responsi-ble. If the project can be done using union labor atthe best price—great. However, the track record in

other cities indicates that a “Project LaborAgreement” will increase the cost of the project by10-15%. For many major projects being consid-ered by the city this will amount to millions of dol-lars in project cost increases. In addition, manyconstruction companies will not even bid on theproject if a “Project Labor Agreement” is required.

So what would motivate our city council to con-sider a “Project Labor Agreement” ordinance? It isall about money—money spent by labor unions toget city officials elected and, in some cases, thehope for money for these officials to run for higheroffice in the future.

We have two recent city council decisions thatsupport this view. The city council approved a “BigBox” ordinance that would ban Wal-Mart, Targetand other large retailers that have large grocerysections within their stores. This is all part of anation-wide corporate campaign by union labororganizations against Wal-Mart which is not union-ized. Such a ban was not requested by Long Beachcitizens. In fact, 33,391 signatures were gatheredfrom Long Beach residents in order to qualify thisissue for the ballot. The Chamber does not believethat the government should dictate to the con-sumer where they should shop.

Likewise, the city council approved a “LaborPeace Agreement” ordinance. A “Labor PeaceAgreement” would force two hotels in Long Beach(the Hyatt Regency and the Long Beach AirportMarriott) and future hotels that are located on city-leased property to recognize a union when amajority of workers sign authorization cards. A voteby employees to recognize the union would notoccur. The signing of an authorization card wouldbe all that would occur. The National LaborRelations Act recognizes the right of employees to

Continued on page 4

A “Project Labor Agreement” is counter-productive and we strongly encourage

the city council to leave the idea…off of any future city council agendas.

Creating a Stronger Community

LONG BEACH BUSINESS3

2006-2007 Chairman’s CircleDiamond

DeVry University n Farmers & Merchants Bank n Hyatt Regency Long BeachLong Beach Memorial Medical Center/Miller Childrens’ Hospital n Port of Long Beach

PlatinumThe Boeing Company n Holthouse, Carlin & Van Trigt, LLP n Long Beach City College n Press Telegram

Verizon n Westland Construction, Inc.

GoldCharter Communications n City National Bank n Community Hospital of Long Beach n Epson America, Inc.

Keesal, Young & Logan n Sprint together with NextelSeaside Printing Company, Inc. n Sound Energy Solutions n St. Mary Medical Center

TABC, Inc./Toyota n Universal Care n Yellow Book USA

SilverBNSF Railway Company n BP Products North America, Inc. n California State University, Long Beach

Catalina Express n Denso Sales California, Inc. n Laserfiche Document Imaging n Long Beach AirportLong Beach Business Journal n Long Beach Ice Dogs n Long Beach Towne Center n Marriott/Renaissance Properties

OPEN from American Express n Paragon Steel n Sea Launch n Southern California EdisonTHUMS Long Beach Company n Tredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle, LLP n Windes & McClaughry Accountancy Corporation

BronzeBoeing Realty Corporation n City Light and Power, Inc. n Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Color Broadband, Inc. n Comerica Bank n Construction Consultant Services, Inc. n Davis GroupDDR-Developers Diversified Realty/The Pike n DirecTV—California Broadcast Center n Ensemble Investments, LLC

Ford West n Guzman & Gray, CPAs n Harbor Breeze Corporation n Hilton Long Beach n HR NETwork, Inc.Jobing.com n Lennar Corporation n Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

Matson Navigation Company, Inc. n Metropolitan Water District n Moffatt & Nichol Engineers n Parkers’ LighthouseSpirit Cruises n Via Media Graphic Design n Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club n Watson Land Company

The “Chairman’s Circle” is a special group of members that have committed to support the LBACC through sponsorships at various financial levels and at special events. If your company would like to become a member

of the Chairman’s Circle, please contact Randy Gordon, President/CEO, at (562) 432-7830 for details.

I have been honored to serve asyour City Auditor for the past sixmonths and I certainly look forwardto the next 3 years in office. Duringthis time, one of the most enjoyableparts of my job has been to meetwith community groups and discusswith them not only what the job of

the Auditor actually entails, but engage them in one ofmy current projects, the Police and Fire Public Safety Act.This measure will be on the May 1 City-wide ballot and,as the main proponent, I encourage everyone to getinvolved and support this measure.

First, however, let me tell you what the office of theCity Auditor actually does. According to the City Charter,the Auditor is the “general auditor of all city depart-ments, commissions and agencies. Additionally, the CityAuditor shall produce audited financial statements, con-duct operational reviews, perform revenue complianceaudits, verify the cash in the City treasury, oversee all pay-ments to City vendors and contractors and conduct fraudinvestigations.”

Furthermore, my mission statement directs that allthe work done by my office to promote excellence ingovernment, protect the public’s interests and assets,ensure that City resources are used efficiently and appro-priately and provide stewardship and transparency in theuse of City funds in order to improve the quality of, andconfidence in, City decision making.

Yes, it’s a big job—and I love it!

I and all the staff at the City Auditor’s office are con-stantly seeking to ensure that all monies that are due tothe City are identified and collected, and we also havemade a commitment to find potential new sources of rev-enue in order to fund city services and serve city resi-dents. In so doing, this past fall we followed up on anaudit that had been conducted on the city’s “oil produc-tion tax” several years ago.

The oil production tax (OPT) is a tax that is levied onoil producers—not on consumers. It is a fee that is paidby the companies who are producing oil from the oilresources in the city. In 1990, an ordinance was createdwhich mandated a set fee for “every person conducting,managing or carrying on the business of oil from any welllocated in the City of $0.15 per barrel.” In 1990 when thisordinance was passed, the cost oil was $24.50 per barrel.In 2006, the per barrel cost of oil averaged $67.28.

This ordinance and the set fee of $0.15 per barrel wasnever updated even though the cost of oil itself nearlytripled. Working with Mayor Bob Foster, CouncilmemberGary DeLong and companies engaged in the oil produc-tion business here in Long Beach, we determined thatthe fee should be raised to $0.40 per barrel.

This increase was not decided upon randomly. Rather,we reviewed the oil production tax in neighboring cities,examined the costs of extracting oil here in Long Beachand discussed the proposed increase with all stakehold-ers. It was agreed that increasing the fee to $0.40 was afair and equitable rate for all—and would reap substan-tial financial benefits for the city.

On January 23, 2007 I proposed to the Mayor and theCity Council that the existing ordinance be revised andthat the rate should be increased to $0.40 per barrel. TheCouncil agreed. Further, under Councilmember GaryDeLong’s leadership, the Council decided that 100% ofthe revenue from this fee should be dedicated to policeand fire protection. Entiitled The Police and Fire PublicSafety Oil Production Act, the Council voted to put themeasure on the May 1 ballot as “Measure H.”

What does passage of “Measure H” mean to the res-idents of Long Beach? Updating the tax means that anestimated $3.7 million in additional revenue will come tothe City and be used for public safety purposes. Thismeans more police officers, new fire equipment and othercritical public safety needs can be funded. All this, and with-out any general tax increase on citizens here in Long Beach.Further, since the oil extracted in Long Beach is not highenough quality for gasoline but rather is used for industri-al purposes, the increased fees that the producers will paywill not be passed on to consumers. Remember, the oilproducers were part of the discussion—they too agreedthat an increase of this amount was both fair and equitable.

I am now talking to community groups, public opin-ion leaders and everyone I can to ask for support for“Measure H.” In fact, just a few weeks ago the LongBeach Area Chamber of Commerce voted to endorseMeasure H. I am very grateful for the support of TheChamber and look forward to working with its membersto promote passage of “Measure H.” You will be hearinga lot more about “Measure H” in the near future.

Again, thank you for allowing me to serve as your CityAuditor. I pledge that I will continue to work everyday tofind ways to increase revenue to the City, protect your taxdollars and have a world class auditing office working foryou, the residents of Long Beach.

Support Grows for Revenue Generating Measure on May1 BallotBy Laura L. Doud, City Auditor

Updating the tax means that an estimated $3.7million in additional revenue will come to theCity and be used for public safety purposes.

organize for the purpose of bargaining for compensa-tion and working conditions. This right to organize isprotected by federal law. The “Labor PeaceAgreement” bypasses one fundamental right of everyemployee—the right to cast a vote in private either foror against the union. The Chamber in collaborationwith the Hospitality Alliance gathered almost 36,000signatures in order to put this ordinance on the ballot.The signatures have been submitted to the city clerkand if the needed signatures are validated, the “LaborPeace Agreement” ordinance will also become a bal-lot decision by the citizens.

Each of these measures is going to cost hundredsof thousands of dollars in order to complete the ballotprocess—money that could be better spent on repair-ing sidewalks, streets and providing public safety (fire-fighters, police officers).

The reason for writing this column now is to helpyou be informed before this issue comes before citycouncil. We want our city council to critically reviewand approve needed projects for the city of LongBeach. At the same time we want the city council tofulfill their financial responsibilities by getting compet-itive bids and selecting the best firm at the lowestcost—after all these projects are funded by your taxdollars. A “Project Labor Agreement” is counterpro-ductive and we strongly encourage the city council toleave the idea of a “Project Labor Agreement” off ofany future city council agendas.

** At press time, City Clerk Larry Herrera certifiedthat the Labor Peace Ordinance will appear in frontof the Long Beach voters, as the petition referen-dum received over 36,000 validated signatures toqualify for the ballot.

Serving as the Voice of Business

LONG BEACH BUSINESS4

Visionary Founder of Lifesaving GPS Technology ‘SnapTrack’to Meet with Long Beach Business Community on April 5 California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner to be honored for entrepreneurial spirit at California Visionary Leaders Luncheon sponsored by Health Net

In one of his first major addressessince being sworn in as CaliforniaInsurance Commissioner, StevePoizner will be honored for his con-tributions to the entrepreneurialspirit of California; and will subse-

quently deliver the keynote address at The Chamber’sacclaimed California Visionary Leaders Luncheon onThursday, April 5, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. at the HyattRegency Long Beach.

A highly-successful businessman and entrepreneur,Mr. Poizner took the oath of office stressing his commit-ment to bipartisanship and innovation. “Consumer pro-tection is not a Republican or a Democratic affair,” saidthe Commissioner. Prior to assuming elective office, Mr.Poizner founded several companies. The most recent ofwhich, “SnapTrack,” pioneered life-saving technology

that put GPS receivers into cell phones. As a result, 9-1-1emergency responders are able to locate with pinpointaccuracy those making emergency calls from cell phones.This technology is now the industry standard and can befound in more than 200 million cell phones around the world.

Sponsored by Health Net, Mr. Poizner’s speech willhighlight the newly-elected Commissioner’s invention,and will also address a wide-range of issues; includingthe business climate and his vision for the future of the California insurance industry.

Chairman’s MessageContinued from page 2

"Consumer protection is not a Republican or a Democratic affair." – CA Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner

Paul HanPresident & CEOhan@divinestaffing.comMobile: (562) 879-3611

Corporate Headquarters18000 Studebaker Road, Suite 285, Cerritos, CA 90703T: (562) 809-0090 F: (562) 809-2015www.divinestaffing.comLos Angeles | Long Beach | Cerritos | Orange County

“We find the right person, for the right job, for the right company,at the right time, anywhere in the world.”

Featuring: California InsuranceCommissioner Steve Poizner

Thursday, April 5, 2007 • 11:30 amHyatt Regency Long Beach

Individuals $35 • Sponsor tables $500Ticket information, contact Brandon Klineat (562) 983-1241 or bkline@lbchamber.com

Keynote sponsor:

2 0 0 7 C A L I F O R N I A V I S I O N A R Y L E A D E R S

L U N C H E O N S E R I E S

Miller Makes it OfficialLong Beach City Manager Announces RetirementDate Set for July

Long Beach City Manager Gerry Miller is hanging uphis hat. He formally announced his intention to resignfrom his position effective July 7. “I have had the greathonor and distinction of serving the City of Long Beach forwell over 20 years, with nine of those years in the citymanager’s office and as the city’s 19th city manager overthe last four years,” he said in a recent letter to the mayorand city council. “My combined years of service have provid-ed me with countless extraordinary experiences along theway; experiences which have been shaped by the manytremendous citizens, employees, colleagues and electedofficials I’ve had the opportunity to serve with.” ComeSeptember, he will consider various options includingteaching, consulting and interim city manager stints forother municipalities.

LONG BEACH BUSINESS5

Highlighting the Membership

Welcome to The ChamberThe Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes our newest members. The businesses listed below

have made a significant commitment to the community and an important investment in their future by joining The Chamber. Several of them were referred by you, our valued members. Thank you for your support.

A-Advantage Networking &Consulting I.T. Services

Warren Holyfield (562) 726-1408

www.a-advantage.netComputer Support Services

ADvantage MarketingKathy Mardyks (805) 383-2303

www.admlogo.comPromotional Products

Amelia Cameron PhotographyAmelia Cameron(562) 394-3838

www.ameliacameronphotography.com

Photographers / Video

American Home MortgageKevin Donaldson(562) 988-1774

www.americanhm.com/kevindonaldsonMortgage Loans

American Laser CentersKelly Gajewski(562) 435-4526

www.americanlaser.comLaser Hair Removal

Auto DriveawayThomas Beug(800) 366-1368

Transportation Services

AVACOMBarry Hossini

(562) 436-0703www.avaserv.com

Computer–Hardware, ImagingProducts

BusinessTalk 360Robert Houchin(909) 941-9552

www.biztalkinfo.comAdvertising Agencies

Car29 ProductionsMike Carillo

(562) 208-1817www.car29productions.com

Video Production/ DVD Authoring

divine Staffing ServicesPaul Han

(562) 809-0090www.divinestaffing.comEmployment Agencies

& Services

Eco Vantage ReprographicsRebecca Manuel(562) 989-5500

www.ecovantage.comPrinting/Reprographics

Harbor Custom CanvasDaniel Loggans(562)436-7708

www.harborcustomcanvas.comBoat Canvas

Keller Williams Realty–Los Alamitos

Tammy Newland(562) 626-8654

www.sellbeach.comReal Estate

Once Upon a StoryCyndie Kalina

(562) 433-6856www.onceuponastorybooks.com

Children’s Book Store

Sexual Assault Crisis AgencyLinda Berger

(562) 989-0309Crisis Intervention Agency

Raj Shah OutsourcingRaj Shah

(562) 926-4849IT Outsourcing

Skylinks Golf CourseLida Matthews(562) 421-3388

www.herecomestheguide.com/location/detail/skylinks-golf-club/

Catering & Banquets/Food Service

Teamwork Mortgage & Equity Management

GroupKeith Terry

(562)433-3781www.teamworkmortgage.net

Finance Company

The Lumen GroupErick Burton

(562) 249-0185Finance Company

Thrivent Financial for LutheransLana Howard

(562) 981-1358www.thrivent.com

Financial Services & Advisors

WachoviaSergio Aguilar (562) 496-0177

www.wachovia.comBank

The Aquarium of the Pacific recentlynamed J. Mario Molina, M.D. as thenew Chairman of the Board of Directors.Named one of Time Magazine’s 25 most

influential Hispanics in 2005, Molina is the chairman, presi-dent, and CEO of Molina Healthcare, recognized as one ofAmerica’s 400 Best Big Companies by Forbes Magazine.

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International City Escrow is pleased toannounce the hiring of Pam Summerfeltto head business development. Ms.Summerfelt is an escrow officer with experi-ence in tract escrows and escrow coordinat-

ing and holds a notary public license. International CityEscrow, Inc. is a full-service escrow company serving allareas of real estate since 1985. For more info, visitwww.ICEscrow.com.

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The 33rd Annual Toyota Grand Prix ofLong Beach is coming to town. The funbegins on Saturday April 7th with a full eightdays of activities, family entertainment and

fast cars. Serious racing starts on Saturday, April 14th withthe star-studded Pro Celebrity Race at 11:45am followedby the 4pm American Le Mans Series. Sunday, April 15thfeatures the Champ Car Atlantic Series followed by themain event—the Champ Car World Series race national-ly televised on NBC. For further information, visitwww.longbeachgp.com.

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The Community Hospitalof Long Beach Foundation

recently announced the election of John Koenig asChairman of the Board of Directors for 2007. He is theowner of The Koenig Companies which builds commer-cial retail shopping centers in California, Nevada andArizona. Joining the Foundation Board as a new directoris former Long Beach Councilman Frank Colonna.

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A $4 million renovation has been complet-ed at The Residence Inn Long Beachlocated at 4111 E. Willow Street. All guest

rooms and public spaces on the property were upgradedaccording to the hotel’s General Manager Lucas Fiamengo.He said it was time to “freshen up” the hotel and in addi-tion to a new color scheme, the Residence Inn now offersthicker mattresses and new bedding.

For all your personal and business banking needs.

LONG BEACH BUSINESS6

Promoting the Economy

O ver the past year, international trade and investment have taken a beating from crit-ics. The current round of world trade negotiations came to a halt.

Several candidates for Congress ran-and won-on a protectionist platform. It’s time todispel the fears and misperceptions and set the record straight with facts.

First, trade and investment grow the economy, create jobs, and lift incomes. Exportsdirectly support an estimated 12 million good paying U. S. jobs, and imports boostchoice, quality, and purchasing power. Foreign direct investment in the United States sup-ports another 5.1 million high-paying jobs.

Second, trade is important to the success of America’s small business owners, who

represent 97% of all U.S. exporters. With advances in Internet technology and financial and logistics services, the future for entrepreneurs in the trading area is phenomenal.

Why are trade and investmentunder attack? According to former U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman,“Economic isolationists tap people’ssense of insecurity about the rapidpace of change even when the factsare not on their side.”

Withdrawal from the global economy is the wrong reaction to rapid change andcompetitive pressures. Instead, the U.S. Chamber believes that a strategy for successin the global economy begins with a program of domestic initiatives, including thefollowing:

n Reforming our legal systemn Expanding domestic production of all forms of energyn Passing President Bush’s competitiveness agendan Improving K-12 educationn Strengthening U. S. capital marketsn Modernizing tax, regulatory, health, pension, and entitlement systemsn Combating the threat of intellectual property theft and counterfeiting

These steps, along with continued efforts to expand trade and investment opportunities,will ensure that America maintains its competitive edge. I challenge each and every busi-ness to think big, take chances, embrace change, and go global!

“Globalization and Beyond”WTW LuncheonFriday, May 18, 2007 • 11:30am - 1:30pmCoast Long Beach Hotel

KEYNOTE ADDRESSTom McMahon, Regional Vice President,Starbucks Coffee CompanyINTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDpresented to:Jacobsen Pilot Service, Inc.For more information, contact Judy Nelson at (562) 432-8128 or jnelson@lbchamber.com.

W O R L D T R A D E W E E K 2 0 0 7

Going Global—Trade Benefits Small BusinessBy Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Daniel W. Christman, Published by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce

“Trade is important to the success of America’s small

business owners, who represent 97% of all U.S. exporters.”

World Trade WeekSOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

LONG BEACH BUSINESS7

Entrepreneur of the Year Continued from page 1

a “delegated authority” lender by the Export-ImportBank of the United States. In fact, City National and oneof its clients became the first in the nation to use the Ex-Im Bank’s 15-year environmental exports loan program,which supported the sale of solar equipment to a compa-ny in South Korea. City National also formed an alliancewith the Bank of East Asia, the largest independent bankin Hong Kong, to help clients set up banking accountsand obtain other business services in China.

City National also helps its clients manage theirwealth. Through City National Asset Management and itsnine investment affiliates, City National now manages oradministers assets of more than $48 billion. In 2006, forthe sixth year in a row, Barron’s magazine named CityNational to its list of America’s top wealth managers.

Yet for all of City National’s remarkable growth fromcommunity bank to regional powerhouse, it is still verymuch the same bank with the same core values uponwhich it was founded five decades ago. That’s becausethe founders had a timeless vision: to create a client-cen-tered, service-driven financial institution that placed theneeds and interests of its clients and community first.

City National has not wavered from that mission sinceits founding and is proud to honor, salute and supportCalifornia’s entrepreneurs, along with the Molina broth-

ers: Dr. J. Mario Molina and John C. Molina from MolinaHealthcare, Inc. who have been selected as this year’sLong Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneursof the Year.

These entrepreneurial leaders have built a leadingbusiness in Long Beach, contributed to the strength ofthe community and the economy, and helped raise thebar of business excellence.

Founded over 20 years ago by the late C. DavidMolina, MD, to address the special needs of Medicaid

patients, Molina Healthcare is among themost experienced managed healthcarecompanies serving patients who have tra-ditionally faced barriers to quality health-care. Headquartered right here in LongBeach, Molina has health plans inCalifornia, Indiana, Michigan, NewMexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah andWashington as well as 21 primary careclinics located in Northern and SouthernCalifornia.

On Thursday, April 26, 2007 at theHyatt Regency Long Beach, TheChamber’s most prestigious individualbusiness award—the Entrepreneur of the

Year—will be shared by Molina Healthcare’s Presidentand CEO, Dr. J. Mario Molina, and Chief Financial OfficerJohn C. Molina. Presenting the award will be CityNational Bank’s Executive Vice President Dallas Haun,who will also deliver the luncheon keynote address.

For ticket information for The Chamber’s “CityNational Bank Entrepreneur of the Year Luncheon,”please call Elisa Margoni at (562) 436-2810 or registeronline at www.lbchamber.com. Don't miss out on the mostimportant business luncheon in Long Beach this year!

F E A T U R E D M E M B E R B E N E F I T

Bottom Line Savings with Office DepotB usinesses thrive when they increase productivity andcut unnecessary expenses. The exclusive program betweenOffice Depot and members of the Long Beach AreaChamber of Commerce helps achieve both of those goals.

Every Chamber member can take advantage of theOffice Depot program—it includes discounts of up to60% on the 170 most-ordered items. Members can save15 to 25% each year on their total purchases. Orders canbe made easily on the Internet, by fax or by phone. Everyorder over $50 received before 4 p.m. will be deliveredfree of charge the next day.

“This is just one of the many benefits Chamber mem-bers can enjoy,” says Chamber President & CEO, RandyGordon. “Businesses that take advantage of our OfficeDepot program can save significantly every year depend-ing on the items they buy.”

To join the Office Depot program online, simply go toour website at www.lbchamber.com, click on the “Chamber

Info” tab at the top, click on “Member Benefits” on theright, and scroll down to “Office Depot” information. Youmay also call Bobbie Spohn at (562) 436-1251, Ext. 118 tosign up. Sign up today and start saving!

“Businesses that take advantage of our Office Depot program can save significantly

every year...”

GotPosters?

Have confidencethat your employ-ment postings and

notices are current and meet all the federal andstate requirements by updating your materials tothe 2007 version. Failure to post these mandatorynotices could result in fines. You are required todisplay the posters at each work site in an areaaccessible to all employees.

The Chamber offers posters, pamphlets, andother compliance products at discounted prices.Visit “The Chamber Store” at www.lbchamber.comto purchase these materials or call Bobbie Spohnat (562) 436-1251 ext. 118 or bspohn@lbchamber.com for more information.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

“City National Bank ENTREPRENEUR

of the YEAR Luncheon”

“City National Bank ENTREPRENEUR

of the YEAR Luncheon”

Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce presents the

PRESORTED STANDARD

US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 416LONG BEACH, CA

One World Trade Center, Suite 206Long Beach, California 90831-0206

Upcoming EventsMarch/April 2007See Enclosed Flyers

California Visionary LeaderLuncheon Series

Featuring California InsuranceCommissioner Steve Poizner

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2007, 11:30 AMHyatt Regency Long Beach

200 S. Pine at Shoreline Dr.Brandon Kline (562) 983-1241 bkline@lbchamber.com

Tech Point Luncheon“Technological Security

in an Ever-Changing World”TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2007 REGISTRATION 11:30 AM

12:00 PM LUNCH & PROGRAM

The Grand 4101 E. Willow St.$22 Tech Point members $25 Chamber members

Kelly Stortz (562) 590-9234 kstortz@lbchamber.com

Women’s Business CouncilScholarship DinnerTHURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2007

5:30 PM REGISTRATION/NETWORKING6:00 PM PROGRAM BEGINS

8:00 PM PROGRAM ADJOURNS

Holiday Inn Long Beach AirportJudy Nelson (562) 432-8128 jnelson@lbchamber.com

The Chamber’s “City National BankEntrepreneur of the Year

Awards Luncheon”THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2007

10:30 AM REGISTRATION/EXPO11:00 AM SPONSOR BREAKOUTS11:45 AM AWARDS LUNCHEON

Hyatt Regency Long Beach200 S. Pine at Shoreline Dr.

Elisa Margoni (562) 436-2810 emargoni@lbchamber.com