Irvine Chamber of Commerce News

Business & Entrepreneurship Center and Orange County SBDC Introduce Profitable Sustainability Progra

*Open House Slated for February 22*

(Santa Ana)—As businesses struggle to balance their drive for profitability with a growing commitment to planetary stewardship, the Business & Entrepreneurship Center (BEC) and the Orange County SBDC are launching their Profitable Sustainability Program. Small businesses are invited to an open house on Wednesday, February 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Rancho Santiago Community College District Offices, 2323 N. Broadway, Room 107, Santa Ana, CA, 92706 for an introduction to the new program.

“Large corporations including GE, Walmart, IBM, and Google have incorporated sustainable business practices into their operations while maintaining their profitability,” said Maricela Sandoval, director, Business & Entrepreneurship Center. “Our newest program provides small businesses with a roadmap for developing sustainability practices that adapt to their size and needs. Our program takes businesses beyond energy savings to integrating sustainability in the structure of their companies.”

The BEC’s presentation at the open house will provide guests the following:

· A description of the components included in the new program;

· An understanding of sustainability and what it can do to spark innovation and growth;

· Information about current incentive programs and rebates through utility companies;

· Insights into how Goodwill Industries International has reaped benefits from its sustainability practices from Cindy Power, business development manager, Goodwill of Orange County.

Participating sponsors of the Profitability Sustainability Program include the Digital

Media Center, Filipino Chamber of Commerce in Orange County, Goodwill Industries of Orange

County, Huntington Beach Chamber, Irvine Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Water District, Small Business Administration, and Southern California Edison.

For more information, contact the BEC at (714) 564-5533 or at bec@rsccd.edu.

About the Business & Entrepreneurship Center

The Business & Entrepreneurship Center (BEC) program, an initiative of the Economic and Workforce Development Program through the California Community Colleges, is a network of Community Colleges professionals working in strategic partnerships with businesses, industry and community organizations to identify and meet California’s economic development needs in the areas of business improvements and entrepreneurship training. The BEC is locally hosted by Rancho Santiago Community College District.

About the Orange County Small Business Development Center

The Orange County Small Business Development Center (Orange County SBDC), an economic development program of Rancho Santiago Community College District, is partially supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the California State University, Fullerton and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. The Orange County SBDC is a one-stop source for business planning, business development, international business resources, education and training, loan assistance and expansion strategies.

Irvine Business Outlook 2012 Breakfast to Feature Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and UCI

Seats and Table Sponsorships are still available for the Irvine Business Outlook Breakfast presented by Wells Fargo. Executives will learn what it takes to crack the code for Today’s Economy.

IRVINE, Calif., January 13, 2012 – Still lingering two years after officially emerging from the recession and realizing the old economic models don’t apply to what we’re facing today, it is time for innovative changes for today’s economy. The UC Irvine Paul Merage School Business Outlook Breakfast will feature Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business Dean Andrew J. Policano who will present the attendees with real evidence that will “crack the code” for today’s economy.

The Irvine Business Outlook Breakfast, an Irvine Chamber of Commerce event held in partnership with the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business, will take place at the Irvine Marriot on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. This event is for the executives who need and want to know the model for today’s economy and the impact on their businesses.

What executive wouldn’t want advice on how to successfully navigate today’s economy? Granholm will present her experience as the Governor of Michigan during a financial crisis that threatened to put all America’s major car companies into bankruptcy and her recovery plan for the state. Dean Policano will bring his economic advice closer to home for small and emerging growth companies. Why should you want to attend the UC Irvine Paul Merage School Business Outlook 2012 Breakfast:

· Learn how to crack the code for today’s economy

· Hear the story of one of the largest, most economically significant states in the Union and it’s recovery to growth and job creation

· Executives, companies, states and our nation will require a mind-set shift to break with conventional wisdom about economic growth

· Companies will face the challenge for greater levels of fresh, creative thinking

· What does it mean to listen carefully to your customers when it comes to today’s economy

Those executives attending the Business Outlook Breakfast will have a front row seat to hear the former-governor’s story on a new economic model that includes education reform, economic revitalization, clean energy, and infrastructure development.

In a book review of “A Governor’s Story” by Jennifer Granholm, former President Bill Clinton wrote, “Governor Jennifer Granholm faced extraordinary challenges with grace, intelligence, and tenacity. In a weak economy, no state was hit harder than Michigan. Granholm embraced the challenge of rebuilding Michigan’s economy for the 21^st Century with new ideas, new jobs, and new businesses. In 2011, Michigan had the largest drop in unemployment in the U.S., thanks in large measure to her tireless effort. Everyone who wants to revive the American economy and restore the American dream should read her book.”

Dean Andrew Policano is a nationally recognized macroeconomist who will provide business executives advice at the Irvine Business Outlook Breakfast to help in demystify the complexities of the current economic landscape. Currently, Policano argues that the confusion surrounding the European financial crisis has led the public to a loss of confidence and inaction. He comments, “There are clear strategies for individuals and businesses, but they are being stymied by a sea of politically entangled leadership globally.”

A limited number of seats and table sponsorships are available for this annual event, which is the largest gathering of business leaders in Orange County. For more information, or to register for the event, visit www.irvinebusinessoutlook.com or call (949) 660-9112.

About the Irvine Chamber of Commerce

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential Chambers in Orange County representing hundreds of local businesses. The ICC’s mission is to promote an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of local businesses while offering members a wide range of benefits, services, programs and information. The ICC is one of only 250 Chambers in the U.S. who meet the requirements for accreditation by the U.S. Chamber. For more information, please call (949) 660-9112 or visit www.irvinechamber.com.

About The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine

The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine offers four dynamic MBA programs – plus PhD and undergraduate business degrees – that deliver its thematic approach to business education: sustainable growth through strategic innovation. It graduates leaders with the exceptional ability to help grow their organizations through analytical decision-making, innovation and collaborative execution. In-class and on-site experiences with real-world business problems give students the edge needed to help companies compete in today’s global economy.

Six Centers of Excellence and an Executive Education program provide numerous and varied opportunities for students and the business community-at-large to enhance their education experience and update their professional expertise. While the Merage School is relatively young, it has quickly grown to consistently rank among the top 10 percent of all AACSB-accredited programs through exceptional student recruitment, world-class faculty, a strong alumni network and close individual and corporate relationships. For more information visit www.merage.uci.edu.

Irvine Entrepreneur Forum: January 15 Deadlines for Company Presentations and Early Registration

Peter Weedfald, president of Gen One Ventures and former marketing officer for Circuit City, Samsung, ViewSonic and Ziff-Davis Publishing to keynote Forum on March 1, 2012

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 11, 2012 – Have you ever thought about starting a business? Have you started a business and need a mentor or advice to prevent you from making a mistake? The 3^rd Annual Irvine Entrepreneur Forum (IEF), the signature event for the Irvine Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, is nearing the end of early registration for its forum to be held March 1, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Irvine, California.

The Irvine Entrepreneur Forum will feature keynote speaker Peter Weedfald, who will draw upon his experience to reveal how entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies need to focus on building their brands with great customer care and protecting their competitive advantages. There will be a series of presentations given by business-startup experts as well as presentations by six entrepreneurial companies from Orange County who will pitch their ideas to a panel of angel and venture capitalists in this day-long event. In addition to the Tech Expo and the high-profile keynote speakers, the attendees will be able to choose between topical sessions such as finance, distribution strategies, innovative marketing, protecting your intellectual assets, business planning and others designed to prepare entrepreneurs in emerging their businesses. Pre-registration and the forum program may be viewed at: www.iefinfo.com.

The deadline for submission by entrepreneurs to present their executive summary and three-to-five minute YouTube video clip of their product or service is January 15, 2012. Six entrepreneurs will be selected to make a five-minute business presentation before a panel of angel and venture capitalists during the forum with the winning presentation receiving $10,000. The entrepreneurs will receive a critique and recommendations for their business plan. This is a perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies to learn, gain exposure, and network with other entrepreneurs, investors, and local businesses and resources.

The IEF is dedicating time to encourage networking among CEOs, business development executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and academicians to connect face-to-face in thoughtful dialogue and discussion about business best practices, sharing experiences and exchanging of ideas.

Mark your calendar now. The Irvine Entrepreneur Forum is scheduled for March 1, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine, California. To attend, visit the IEF website: www.iefinfo.com.

The Irvine Entrepreneur Forum is currently seeking a select number of sponsors who desire to increase their visibility and to make vital connections with all facets involved in starting a company. The biggest benefit to a sponsoring company is that it gives employees, customers and vendor companies a sense of pride to be associated with companies who support regional initiatives that are critical to the economic, social and cultural vibrancy of the communities in which they live, work and play. This support is driven by the notion that healthy communities are healthier places to do business.

If you or your company is interested in being an IEF sponsor, please contact Chris Lynch via e-mail: clynch@irvinechamber.com or call (949) 660-9112.

Survey: Economy top challenge for local business

Jan Norman, OC Register

The economy was of greatest concern to retailers and food companies with 74 percent calling it a challenge, followed by wholesalers at 65 percent and professional services, 60 percent.

The survey was conducted by the Irvine office of MacKenzie Corp. of 400 Irvine businesses for the Irvine Chamber’s Economic Vitality Committee. The Orange County Register is a partner in the project.

More than two-thirds of respondents have their headquarters in Irvine; more than half are professional or business services; 47 percent have fewer than six employees and an equal number have been in business in Irvine for more than 10 years.

While economic concerns have businesses reluctant to grow, fewer companies are planning on layoffs, the survey found. Almost seven out of 10 responding companies said they will maintain current operations in the next six months, while 23 percent said they plan to expand, 6 percent will downsize in Irvine and 3 percent will relocate outside the city, the survey found. That is a 3-point boost in companies planning to expand and a 9-point drop in companies planning to leave Irvine.

Eight out of 10 respondents said they are completely or very satisfied with Irvine as a place to do business, up from 69 percent in 2010. Respondents listed the city’s image as its top attribute for business, followed by its access to transportation (It has three major freeways, two toll roads, a train station and is near John Wayne Airport). The businesses listed local colleges as third in importance.

Irvine’s image was most important to financial services, manufacturing and life sciences companies.

Important to the survey’s sponsor, 98 percent of those surveyed said the chamber is a valuable business resource.

“We are encouraged by the positive impact, as well as the positive change in consumer behavior our members are seeing as a result of the chamber business development initiatives,” said Chamber President and CEO Tallia Hartman. The Irvine chamber is one of 250 nationwide accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

View the report: http://www.irvineecondev.com/uploads/misc/irvine_chamber_survey_results_120911.pdf

Irvine Chamber Announces January Webinars Aimed at Small Businesses

Weekly Irvine Micropreneur Program Provides Valuable Information on How to Increase Capital & Building a Better Workforce

IRVINE, Calif. – January 3, 2012 – The Irvine Chamber’s Micropreneur Program www.irvinemicropreneur.com, hosted by Robert Coleman, President of The Pacific Venture Club, is designed to teach entrepreneurs and small business owners how to raise capital, market their products, develop new business opportunities, manage finances and plan for greater prosperity. The January webinar lineup features topics on how to get your business out of a rut, free programs for building a better workforce, marketing to the affluent and increasing the value of your business. The webinars are free for all to participate.

“We have tailor made our January webinar lineup to focus on the critical need for job creation,” says Christopher Lynch, VP of Business & Economic Development at the Irvine Chamber. Lynch also mentions, “We are challenging companies to add at least one employee this year. Our January 12^th webinar will showcase how companies can get wage reimbursement for training new employees.”

Since the Irvine Micropreneur Program launched in the fall of 2010, the weekly series has steadily gained popularity and has seen a steady increase in viewership since its introduction.

The Irvine Micropreneur Program January Line-Up:

January 5, 2012

Get Out of Your Business Rut- Even If You Don't Think You Can

In this webinar you will learn:

* The real reasons for a business getting stuck that are GUARANTEED to be overlooked

* Why resource limitations such as too little time and money are rarely the primary cause for getting stuck

* How to move from confusion to clarity

* How to get your business moving no matter what

Presented by Robert Coleman.

January 12, 2012

Free Programs to Build a Better Workforce Earn as Your Employee Learns!

* Learn about FREE training resources for the small employer located in Orange County

* How to interview your new employees and hire them on the spot

* Learn how to receive a wage reimbursement for training new employees

* Utilize your own training program and schedule that fits your needs

* Learn how to receive a wage reimbursement for training your current employees Receive tax credits for hiring Veterans

Presented by Chris Strom, Director of Business Services, Orange County Business Service Center and One-Stop Center

January 19, 2012

Marketing to the Affluent

* Learn the most successful products and services to offer the affluent

* Learn how to locate and target affluent customers

* Identify the key success points that will influence affluent customers to buy

* Learn how to make an effective presentation to affluent customers

Presented by David Wurth, Publisher of C-suite Quarterly

January 26, 2012

Double, Triple, Even Quadruple the Value of Your Business

In this webinar you will learn:

*5 essential ways to steadily boost the value of any type of business in America- retail, manufacturing or service

*How to transform your managerial mindset to get the most out of time and financial investments *How to use value-building strategies to raise growth capital and get the best terms

*How to guide R & D activities

You’ll discover it’s never too late to improve the operating value of your business and it’s perceived “worth.”

Presented by Susan Schreter, founder of TakeCommand Information Media, Inc.

The free Micropreneur Webinars are scheduled for every Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and feature a different topic each week. Past archived programs can be accessed in the multimedia section of www.irvineecondev.com. To learn more about the Irvine Micropreneur Program visit: www.irvinemicropreneur.com, or contact Victor DiCarlo at (949)502-4112 for more information.

3rd Annual Irvine Entrepreneur Forum Call for Submissions

Applications are now being accepted for entrepreneurs to present at the 3rd Annual Irvine Entrepreneur Forum (IEF) on March 1, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Two companies will receive $10,000 in cash prizes for the best business plans (Best Overall Business Plan & Best Digital Media Plan).

Six entrepreneurs will be chosen to present at IEF, in front of a panel of angel and venture capital investors. In addition, entrepreneurs will also receive valuable coaching on how to effectively present to investors.

The deadline to submit business proposals for consideration is January 15, 2012. Applicants should submit a 2-3 page executive summary and a 3-5 minute YouTube.com video clip promoting their product or service.

To submit your application and to find out more about the 2012 IEF visit: http://iefinfo.com/enter-company2011.php.

About the Irvine Entrepreneur Forum

The IEF provides entrepreneurial companies the unique opportunity to make pitch presentations to a panel of angel and venture capital investors interested in discovering, and possibly investing in, emerging companies. Visit www.iefinfo.com to learn more.

Irvine entrepreneur uses strengths to give back

NOV

27

Irvine entrepreneur uses strengths to give back

Samantha Schaefer, OC Register

Ash Kumra took his first trip to the White House last week to address the nation about his success and to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

“I want to help create, find and nurture game changing opportunities,” Kumra said in his speech. “At the end of the day, entrepreneurs are what makes the world go round. We are the poeple that move and shake our society. I want you all to feel proud of what you also are going to do.”

Being honored at the White House was more than an award, said Kumra, 30. He left Washington, D.C. with the drive to inspire the next entrepreneur and to continue doing what he’s already doing.

Entrepreneurism is the smartest way to create job growth and spur the economy, he said.

“I left there thinking, wow, I’m this small person in Southern California, but the impact I can make every day could help motivate our nation,” he said.

Kumra, president and CEO of DesiYou, and co-founder Harish Rao noticed there was a market for Indian entertainment, but the content wasn’t being distributed.

They started kicking around ideas at a Panera Bakery in 2006 and founded the company in 2007. After testing a few models, the site shifted from a one-stop shop into a distribution role, where the company signs deals with studios and connects the content with YouTube and other sites and channels.

It was a great opportunity for DesiYou to be a leader in Indian entertainment, he said, adding that the company is continuing to rebrand itself and expand farther into mobile distribution.

Kumra said he knows his talent is public speaking and was raised to appreciate what you have in life, adding that he doesn’t want to waste his gift. The first time he spoke to a large group was in college at UC Irvine when he ran for the Inter Fraternal Council. He gave a last-minute speech off the top of his head, but his 800-person audience was engaged and he felt empowered when he finished.

A lot of entrepreneurs are fearful, he said, and he wants to use his knack for motivating people and focusing on their skills to inspire them to do what they dream.

The first Irvine Entrepreneur Forum in 2010 was a pivotal moment for Kumra. An undergraduate at UC Irvine, he was curious about starting a business and decided to enter the competition, ultimately winning. His business plan for an online magazine was nothing to brag about, he said, but the competition taught him how to build a strong team and solidified his resolve to start a business.

Finalists in the competition were given one-on-one coaching, and were asked to create a powerpoint presentation for their plan, said Chris Lynch, vice president of economic development and tourism for the Irvine Chamber of Commerce.

Kumra came in the room with a presentation he was sure about and left knowing that he had to change it to make it better, said Lynch, who continues to advise Kumra.

“That is really the sign of a successful entrepreneur, a person is able to sit down and listen,” he said.

His business concepts have been the same since the outset, Lynch said, but Kumra adapts and evolves to make sure his companies really have a niche in the market.

Kumra is Irvine’s “poster child” for entrepreneurs because he is receptive to coaching and has stayed involved and given back to the community after becoming successful, he added.

Kumra said his life has recently expanded in a new direction, with the co-founding of dreamitalive.com. Users can create an online dream board to share with friends, family and the community to receive supportive comments or donations so they can achieve their goals.

The company has the perfect balance of creativity, business and technology in its co-founders, Kumra said, which is exciting for him because there is a huge amount of energy driving the operation.

Kumra also advises several companies, including Spawnd.com, where video gamers can earn points that turn into charitable donations, and Speak With Me, Inc., which specializes in voice recognition technology, and is a fellow at Occidental College. He said he loves advising companies because he sees his experiences reflected in their growth and wants to be a part of that journey.

“I want to create game-changing opportunities,” he said. “I want to make people’s dreams happen.”

As chairman of Spawnd.com, he sets high goals for the company, which motivates employees to meet them, said CEO Naren Sathiya, adding that Kumra is always willing and able to answer questions their by drawing on his past experience.

Irvine Chamber Congratulates IEF Winner and Chamber Member for White House Presentation on Entrepren

IRVINE, Calif. – November 21, 2011 Ash Kumra, President and CEO of DesiYou Inc. and winner of the 2010 Irvine Entrepreneur Forum (IEF) www.iefinfo.com, had the privilege to speak earlier today at the White House about the role of entrepreneurship in the U.S., its effect on the economy and supporting game changing opportunities by nurturing up and coming entrepreneurs.

Kumra was honored along with other top American entrepreneurs as part of the Empact100. The Empact100 list represents the talent and potential of today's young entrepreneurs and is meant to inspire others to join the movement to revitalize our economy by starting a business.

The Empact100 was created by Empact, the Kauffman Foundation, Opportunity International, the White House Startup America Partnership, and other partners.

In 2010 Kumra was the recipient of the $10,000 prize for the best entrepreneurial idea at the 2010 IEF. Kumra highly recommends every entrepreneur in the community to participate in the annual IEF and adds that even those who do not win the competition gains valuable skills that will catch potential investors attention.

Applications are now being accepted for the 3^rd Annual IEF. The deadline for submissions is December 15^th 2011. The forum will take place on March 1, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

About the Irvine Entrepreneur Forum

The Irvine Entrepreneur Forum (IEF) was established by the Irvine Chamber of Commerce at the successful inaugural event on June 1, 2010 in an effort to bring together local entrepreneurs with angel, venture and private equity investors. The IEF provides entrepreneurial companies the unique opportunity to make pitch presentations to a panel of angel and venture capital investors interested in discovering, and possibly investing in, emerging companies. Two $10,000 cash prizes are awarded to the two winners of the event. To learn more about IEF 2011 visit, www.iefinfo.com.

Irvine Chamber Holds Ethics Forum at Local Middle School

For the past five years, the Irvine Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee has joined with local Irvine high schools to present an Ethics Forum and Workshop for students. This event brings together the Irvine business and education communities in a unique and interesting way, introducing students to the world of business and the importance of ethical decision-making throughout everyday life.

This year the annual Ethics Forum is being expanded and brought to the middle school level. “We feel ethical decision making is important throughout life and the lessons learned during these forums would be valuable starting earlier in a student’s life,” said Tallia Hart, President and CEO of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce.

The next Ethics Forum will be held at the Southlake Middle School located at 655 West Yale Loop Irvine, CA 92614 on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Media representatives are invited to join the Irvine Chamber of Commerce as it teams up in full support with volunteer business facilitators, Irvine Chamber members, the school administration, their teachers as well as the students that morning at 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.

The event will be set up to facilitate several round-table discussions as the entire group works through a curriculum packet designed specifically for this school. This packet will cover two different ethical dilemmas. Each table of six students, facilitated by a local businessperson, will come up with a response to the dilemmas and selected tables will share their response with the group.

Irvine Chamber Conducts 2nd Annual Irvine Business Outlook Survey

Five Vizio Tablets will be awarded to businesses that completed the Irvine Chamber’s 2011 Business Outlook Survey

On October 27th the Irvine Chamber of Commerce (ICC) concluded its 2nd Annual “Irvine Business Outlook Survey”, of more than 12,000 local businesses to assess the business climate in the city. This year’s survey serves as a continuation of last year’s questionnaire which was used to gauge the city’s business climate and provided insights to local business leaders and elected officials. The results of the analysis will be available early December and will be distributed to all Irvine businesses.

As an incentive to complete the questionnaire, the ICC announced it would award five Vizio Tablets to randomly selected businesses who completed the survey. The five lucky winners are:

• Howard Conn MD, Howard Conn MD, Inc.
• Hamid Hamadanchy, Eastland Financial Corp.
• Florence Johnson, Fanie International
• Zach Gonzales, Irvine Omaha HIF, Inc.
• Gary S. Martinez, Risk Strategies Co.

The information gathered from the survey will be submitted to the City’s elected officials, and will be studied by the Irvine Chambers Economic Development staff, and used to develop an economic development plan as well as aid in the ICC’s current business outreach and retention programs.

Destination Irvine Director of Sales Named one of Rejuvenate Magazines 40 under 40 Award Recipients

Staff Member Recognized as an Industry Leader in the October Issue of National Meeting Planning Publication

Michelle Carlen, Director of Sales for Destination Irvine has been recognized as an industry leader in the October edition of Rejuvenate Magazines “40 under 40” award. The recognition came from Carlen’s peers, industry leaders and others in the meeting planning world.

“This group of individuals represent the present and future of our industry,” says Chris
Collinson, chief strategist of Collinson Media and Events. “We are very proud that Michelle has received this significant recognition. Destination Irvine has really continued to lead and promote the city as a mecca for business and tourism. Michelle has been a great asset for the team,” adds Tallia Hart, President and CEO of the Irvine Chamber, which is the parent organization of Destination Irvine.

For the past 12 years Carlen has been involved in the hospitality industry, developing the skills she originally learned while working for a travel agency. Carlen’s love of traveling and helping others inspires her to provide a superior travel experience. A member of organizations such as American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), she has been Director of Sales for Destination Irvine where she is hard at work promoting Irvine as a premiere location for meetings and conferences in Orange County.

Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority Visits Irvine Chamber to Promote Trade

Korean Trade Group Visits Irvine Chamber of Commerce as Part of a Multi-City Tour to Stimulate Trade with the Busan-Jinhae Region

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce, and the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority (BJFEZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Oct. 19th, which will strengthen ties between the two regions. The signing took place at the Irvine Civic Center in front of Mayor Sukhee Kang, himself from Seoul.

“Both sides are putting the mechanisms in place to take advantage of the boom in trade following the passage of the Free Trade Agreement,” Stated Christopher Lynch, VP of Business & Economic Development at the Irvine Chamber. He also added, “This deal will be worth of billions of dollars in annual trade… we are hoping for a quick implementation of the treaty so we can begin our path to economic growth.”

The BJFEZ visit was part of a three-city tour, which also included Washington D.C and Philadelphia. Irvine was the final stop before returning to Korea. The Korean delegation was led by Myeung Keun Ha, Commissioner of the BJFEZ Authority. The BJFEZ represents a specific area which covers a 83.1 sq km area with a population of 243,000, and is dedicated to providing the best environment for business and living to attract leading multinational companies, and businesses to make Korea the business hub for the Northeast Asia region.