January 2020
The Anaheim Business Connection
In this edition of The Anaheim Business Connection …
This year, more than 2,000 businesses opened or expanded their operations in Anaheim. Are you one of them? Join us at our Anaheim New Business Welcome Reception on Feb. 5 to network with other businesses and meet with business resource agencies. For more information, read Resources for Local Businesses below.
Anaheim's Economic Development Team is always looking for ways to improve and expand our offerings. In order to provide business services to our Spanish- speaking community, the team has partnered with the Small Business Administration and SCORE on two upcoming events. Join us on Jan. 16 for a business seminar covering a successful mindset for starting a business. On Feb. 19, the team will host a Small Business Financing Expo which will provide helpful information on business financing options. Both events will be presented in Spanish. For more information on these upcoming events, read Resources for Local Businesses below.
Anaheim is proud to be home to award winning companies distinguished as top places to work and leading charitable efforts. Learn which company was recently recognized by the Orange County Register as a top workplace or read this month's Anaheim Businesses Give Back to learn how TGR Learning Lab is creating enrichment opportunities for Anaheim youth.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and assisting you with your business growth and prosperity in 2020!
Wishing you continued success,
Jessica M. Gonzales Economic Development Manager City of Anaheim C ommunity & Economic Development Department Resources for Local Businesses
S CORE Spanish-Speaker Business Seminar: Successful Mindset for Starting a Business
The Anaheim Economic Development Team and SCORE invite entrepreneurs and small-business owners to participate in its upcoming business seminar series taught in Spanish. The first seminar will be held on Jan. 16, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Anaheim West Tower in the Gordon Hoyt Conference Center on the second floor. Attendees will learn key steps to start a business, hear how to have the mindset of successful entrepreneurs and access helpful business resources. Contact the Economic Development Team by ema il or at (714) 765-4592 with any questions. Click here to view the flyer and below to reserve your seat today.
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Anaheim New Business Welcome Reception Feb. 5
Did you start or locate your business in Anaheim last year? Attend the annual Anaheim New Business Welcome Reception on Feb. 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center. The annual reception includes networking with business resources agencies and opportunities to connect with other Anaheim businesses. Resource booths will be on hand offering loan and financing information, resources for manufacturers, employee hiring and training services, business marketing opportunities and more. Entrepreneurs that have not yet located in Anaheim but are interested in learning more are also welcome. Complimentary appetizers and refreshments will be provided. Confirm your attendance with the Anaheim Economic Development Team by Jan. 29. Re giste r for Re ce ption
S mall Business Financing Expo Feb. 19
Anaheim's Economic Development Team, in partnership with the Small Business Administration and SCORE, is hosting a Small Business Financing Expo on Feb. 19 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the West Anaheim Youth Center. This event is designed to provide entrepreneurs with information on business financing and opportunities to connect with various lending institutions. The expo will be offered in Spanish and feature a panel discussion and brief presentations on available business tools and resources. Community-based lending organizations will also be on hand to share financing options. Reserve your seat here.
Click Here to View the Flyer
FREE Security Lights for Anaheim Businesses
Keep your business bright and safe with high efficiency outdoor security lighting. Anaheim Public Utilities provides free lighting options that detect natural light to turn off during the day and automatically turn on in the evening. There are a variety of fixtures to choose from, including wall fixtures and pole mounted parking lot lights. Program limits and restrictions apply. Call (714) 765-4952 for more information or click on the link below.
Fre e Se curity Lights Information The City of Anaheim's Economic Development Team partners with commercial brokers to assist you in finding office, retail and industrial space for your business. Contact us today at [email protected] or (714) 765-4592 and learn why Anaheim is the perfect business location.
Available Commercial Space
Available Property for Lease
1598 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Property type: industrial
4,500 square feet
Warehouse, offices and Click Here for Property reception area Information
Looking for Commercial Tenants? We Can Help!
Interested in having your listing featured? Property managers and commercial brokers can promote available office, industrial or retail space in The Anaheim Business Connection and on the Anaheim Property Locator webpage. Send your listings to [email protected] or contact us to obtain information for your marketing materials.
Anaheim in the Spotlight Featured Business: Commercial Bank of California: Taking Investment to a New Level
The City's Economic Development Team recently sat down with Commercial Bank of California's CEO to learn more about the company's journey to Anaheim. CEO Ash Patel was the founding President of Premier Commercial Bank, which was located in Anaheim from 2001 to 2011. At Premier Commercial Bank, Patel built a highly capable team with exceptional customer service and banking experience. The bank experienced consistent growth and profitability and was acquired by California United Bank in 2011.
Patel joined Commercial Bank of California, or CBC for short, in 2014. As a full- service, FDIC-insured bank they offer customized lending solutions for businesses including business lines of credit, equipment financing, construction loans, commercial real estate loans and Small Business Administration, or SBA, guaranteed lending programs. Working with companies as an SBA Preferred Lender they identify the best government supported program for their business.
Remaining true to his belief in investing in his employees, he decided to open a new office in Anaheim and invited members of his former team to join him at CBC to provide the same high standards of service and responsiveness to Anaheim businesses. Today, eight of Anaheim's CBC team members can trace their roots back to Premier Commercial Bank and work together to empower Anaheim businesses.
"Businesses need a bank that is focused on the success of its clients. While CBC's robust financial condition and advanced technology have long been our hallmarks, it is our unique approach to personal service that is making us the bank of choice for businesses in Southern California. Our focus remains on further enhancing the banking experience in order to contribute to our clients' success," Patel said.
CBC's commitment to its clients has paid off. Earlier this year, it surpassed $1 billion in assets for the first time and was recently recognized by the Orange County Business Journal for its investment and employee growth over the past year. "CBC is focused on more than financial investments. We are committed to investing in our employees, local businesses and the communities we serve," Patel said.
CBC prides itself in taking investment to a new level. It recently invested $500,000 to boost distressed communities through Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution, Clearinghouse CDFI for short. This investment will benefit low-income and distressed communities by continuing to finance community facilities, affordable housing, commercial real estate and other projects that help create jobs and services in underserved areas.
"CBC is dedicated to promoting the 'life wealth' of communities we serve. Through this investment, we are proud to lend our support to Clearinghouse CDFI's important work financing innovative projects that help create jobs and provide affordable housing, community facilities and small-business support in the community" Patel said.
Commercial Bank of California's Anaheim regional office is at 1900 S. State College Blvd. For more information on CBC's history and business services, watch their video here or visit its website. Above: CBC CEO Ash Patel in front of Above: CBC team at work Commercial Bank of California location
New Business Alert
Sustainability Ally: Helping Anaheim Businesses Go Green
With more than 20 years of experience in specialty lighting and energy projects, John Ortiz is sharing his expertise through his consulting firm Sustainability Ally. Ortiz located his firm in Anaheim because of his extensive experience working with Anaheim companies including the Disneyland Resort and Angel Stadium of Anaheim, among others. Many of Ortiz’s clients reached out to him for further help on energy saving measures including smart thermostats, water conservation and energy storage.
By implementing sustainable strategies into a company's operations, Sustainability Ally has helped many businesses go green and achieve energy savings. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the firm offers free consulting services to start-ups to provide them with a foundation for energy efficiency when launching their businesses. Sustainability Ally is excited to continue advancing sustainability strategies in the city and surrounding areas. For more information, visit its website. Welcome to Anaheim, Sustainability Ally!
Did You Know? You can have your business featured in an upcoming issue of The Anaheim Business Connection! Email us at [email protected].
City Updates
Anaheim Economic Development Conference
The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Team recently held the Anaheim Economic Development Conference, with more than 300 attendees. The conference featured an economic update and forecast by Dr. Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics and a panel discussion with local representatives from the office, industrial, hospitality and retail development markets. Economic updates and outlook were positive, with maintained low unemployment rates and steady growth in wages and median household income. The development panel also featured an in-depth look at various projects throughout the city and highlighted the city's vast amenities that position Anaheim for future growth.
Above: Dr. Christopher Thornberg shares his Above: Dr. Christopher Thornberg moderates economic outlook at the Anaheim Economic a panel discussion with local development Development Conference experts
Photos courtesy of Grant Romancia Photography and the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce.
Economic Development Team: 2019 in Review
Last year was a productive one for Anaheim's Economic Development Team as it connected with Anaheim businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs and shared ample business resources. From entrepreneurship training to assistance with business expansion, energy incentives and employee hiring and training services, Anaheim's Economic Development Team remains committed to empowering the Anaheim business community. Check out the team's Year-in-Review video highlighting business efforts and successes in 2019. For more information on how Anaheim's Economic Development Team can assist your business, ema il or call us at (714) 765-4592.
Join the Economic Development Team at Upcoming Industry Trade Shows
Are you attending or exhibiting at an upcoming trade show? There are several industry trade shows coming to the Anaheim Convention Center. Anaheim's Economic Development Team will attend and promote Anaheim's business services and the exceptional companies that call Anaheim home. Email our team if your company will also be attending and let us know how we can assist you.
Medical Design & Manufacturing West Feb. 11- 13
Medical Design & Manufacturing West, or MD&M West for short, is the world's largest medical device design and manufacturing event. From 3D printing and automation to research development and medical device components, this show has it all. More than 20,000 industry professionals and nearly 2,000 companies will attend this three-day event to connect with suppliers and industry experts.
Natural Products Expo West Mar. 3-7
Natural Products Expo West is the largest natural, organic and healthy products trade show in the world. More than 3,600 companies and 86,000 people will attend this trade show to connect with other companies and learn the latest information on organic products, global exports, supply chains and more.
Contact the Anaheim Economic Development Team with any questions.
Center City Open House
The City of Anaheim is conducting a grant- funded study of the corridors running through Center City and gathering public input on ways to enhance transportation, infrastructure, parks, open space, land use, aesthetics and economics. The City is holding a Center City Open House to confirm the main themes shared by residents, businesses and property owners. The open house will take place on Jan. 9 from 6-8 p.m. at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center. Click on the flyer for more information. Can't make the open house? Share your feedback in the online survey.
Ce nte r City Corridors We b Page
Anaheim Businesses in the News
Bag of Hope Project Shares Holiday Cheer with 1,000 Children
Bag of Hope Project was started in 2005 to provide gifts, hope and holiday cheer for families in need. The nonprofit provides duffel bags of toys, school supplies, gift cards, toiletries and other items to local children who are homeless or "underhomed," living in motels, shelters or moving between relatives' homes.
The program continues to grow each year. This holiday season, Bag of Hope Project provided more than 1,100 bags to local children in need at its annual distribution night. "Our goal for our Bag of Hope Project distribution night is to spread joy and to give hope to fellow community members who are dealing with difficulties this time of year. Through tears of joy, a number of parents expressed how important these gifts are to their families, and the excitement on the faces of the children is worth every moment spent making this happen," program founder Penny Tucker said.
Bag of Hope Project would like to extend its sincerest thanks to all Anaheim businesses and participants who generously donated items and volunteered their time. For more information on Bag of Hope Project, click here. Above: Local families participate at Bag of Above: More than 1,100 bags were donated Hope Project's distribution night containing toys, school supplies, gift cards and more
Voit Real Estate Services Selected as Top Workplace
Voit Real Estate Services was recently selected as one of the Orange County Register's Top Workplaces. Each year, the Orange County Register conducts an employee survey at Orange County companies to identify the best places to work. Employees said they chose Voit Real Estate Services because of the company's flexible work schedules and open-door policy encouraging employees to share ideas and opinions. Voit Real Estate Services has offices in Anaheim and Irvine, as well as Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Click here to watch Voit Real Estate Services' video highlighting its workplace amenities.
Anaheim Restaurants Have Best Fried Chicken in Orange County
Two Anaheim restaurants made the Orange County Register's list of top 10 places to get fried chicken in Orange County. Anaheim's Reunion Kitchen & Drink and Georgia's Restaurant ranked fifth and seventh, respectively. Georgia's was recognized for its cornmeal-battered chicken and the list praised Reunion's dish as "beautifully seasoned fried chicken." Reunion is at 5775 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road in Anaheim Hills and Georgia's is in the Anaheim Packing House at 440 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim Businesses Give Back
TGR Learning Lab: Creating Opportunity for Anaheim Youth
More than 20 years ago, Western High School alum, Tiger Woods made a commitment to "create a world where opportunity is universal and potential is limitless" by establishing the TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods Charity. With roots in Anaheim and a mission to create opportunities to positively impact the next generation, Woods opened the flagship TGR Learning Lab in 2006. Empowering students through education, the TGR Learning Lab focuses on youth education, creating a space where young people can feel safe and explore their passions.
The 35,000-square-foot facility offers daytime, after school and summer programs for students in grades five through 12 focused on STEM, or science, technology, engineering and math, college prep and career readiness. The flagship Learning Lab along with satellites in Washington, D.C., South Florida, Philadelphia and the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Virginia have served more than 675,000 students.
TGR Learning Lab courses feature project-based STEM courses in more than 50 areas of study, college-access programs, a digital platform and educator professional learning. All courses are designed and piloted in-house at the Learning Lab in Anaheim. Its student-focused programs inspire youth to accelerate their STEM knowledge, pursue careers in STEM and develop leadership and employable skills for the workplace.
Classes at the TGR Learning Lab cover a variety of disciplines from forensic science, aerospace and coding, to college applications and financial aid workshops and more. With a commitment to integrate mindfulness training into student and teacher curriculum, the Learning Lab offers classes and workshops geared towards mental wellness.
Through its award-winning programs, TGR Foundation has impacted more than one million students. Visit TGR Foundation’s website, for more information on ways to help underrepresented students through education.
Above: Woods poses with students at TGR Above: Students conduct a science experiment Learning Lab at TGR Learning Lab
Information From Our Resource Partners
CSUF Extension and International Programs: Advance Your Career Goals
Looking to advance your career but not sure where to begin? The professional development program at California State University, Fullerton is a great place to start. With business and technology certificate programs, a wide array of campus resources and short-term timelines, you can choose a plan that works within your busy schedule.
CSUF Profe ssional Ce rtificate
Anaheim Business Awards Luncheon Feb. 13
Celebrate the success of fellow Anaheim businesses at the Anaheim Business Awards Luncheon on Feb. 13 at 11 a.m at Hilton Anaheim. Businesses will be recognized for top performance in business excellence, best practices, corporate citizenship and community leadership. Reserve your seat using the registration link below.
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Orange County Dale Carnegie: Professional Development Opportunities
This month Orange County Dale Carnegie is offering several courses to help you meet your professional development goals in 2020. From workshops on employee engagement and sales training, to goal setting and time management, courses are designed to help professionals and businesses grow. For a list of upcoming workshops, click here.
National Small Business Week Awards
The Small Business Administration, Orange County/Inland Empire District Office is accepting nominations until Jan. 7 for its 2020 Small Business Week Awards. Since 1963, National Small Business Week has recognized the achievements of America’s small businesses for their contributions to their local communities, and to the national economy. Award categories include Small Business Person, Exporter, Young Entrepreneur, Woman-Owned Small Business, Micro-Business, Family- Owned Business and more. For more information on how to nominate your business, click here.
Upcoming Events/Seminars
Jan. 7 Jan. 15
Event: Do's and Don'ts of SBA Event: Overcoming Stalled Sales Financing Location : National University Location : Staples 3390 Harbor Blvd. 241 East 17th St. Costa Mesa Costa Mesa Time: 1-4 p.m. Time: 9 a.m.-noon Host: SCORE Orange County Host: SCORE Orange County Register Here Learn More Here
Jan. 22 Jan. 22
Event: Accounting for Startups Event: HR & the Law: Top Location: Rancho Santiago Reasons Why California Community College District Businesses Fail Digital Media Center Location : Staples 1300 S. Bristol Street, Room 103 241 East 17th St. Santa Ana Costa Mesa Time: Noon-1:30 p.m. Time: 6-8:30 p.m. Host: Orange County SBDC Host: SCORE Orange County Learn More Here Register Here
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