February 27, 2006
Welcome
Welcome to another issue of the FIBR Sampler, an electronic newsletter
that keeps you connected with FIBR and regional food industry issues. Tell your
friends and colleagues to sign up for this e-letter by filling out the information
at www.fibr.info/emailnews. However,
if you do not wish to receive future issues of the Sampler, you can
be removed from our mailing list by sending an email to list@fibr.info with
REMOVE FIBR in the subject line.
Topics covered in this issue--
Mark Roth Received Lifetime Achievement Award!
The Dairy, Deli and Bakery Council of Southern California (DDBC) honored FIBR’s own Mark Roth of El Burrito Mexican Food Products, Inc. with the Lifetime Achievement Award at their February Meeting. It was the largest attended meeting in years as Mark’s friends, family and colleagues came out to celebrate his accomplishments. Mr. Roth was honored to have received such a special award and said “It was a night I will always remember”.
 Mr. Roth is one of the Founding Board Members of FIBR and FIBR’s immediate Past President. Throughout the years he has demonstrated steadfast dedication to FIBR and to the industry. A member of the DDBC for many years, Mark was chosen for this award for his many achievements.
El Burrito began as a humble little tortilleria inside of a grocery store called Mars Market, located in El Monte, California. The little market, owned by Mark Roth and his wife Grace, serviced the Hispanic community. At their grand opening, a special salsa was served as part of the celebration, and not as an intended sales product. But soon, the little tortilleria was filled to capacity with customers, and the meat department was overrun with people clamoring to buy tubs and jars of the fresh salsa that tasted so much like home made.
After operating a supermarket for many years, the Roth’s finally realized that they needed to move into manufacturing to deliver the demand for their products. Today, El Burrito manufactures a fine line of fresh salsas, restaurant-style salsas, soy products such as Soyrizo, SoyTaco, NeatLoaf and SoyLoaf, as well as traditional Mexican favorites like Masa and Nixtamal. El Burrito’s Soyrizo product is the number one fresh deli soy product on the the supermarket shelves.
FIBR knows first hand that Mark values his employees and community – so not only is he successful in business – he personal achievements have earned his widespread respect and success in all aspects of his life.
Congratulations Mark! FIBR is proud to have you as family!
Back to top
Fire Devastates Dorsey Culinary Arts Program
In late January, Dorsey Culinary Arts training classroom was devastated by a fire. There was over $800,000 in damage to the classroom (furniture, text books, structure) and over $100,000 personal lost to the programs instructor, Ms. Erevetta Marzette. It is suspected that arson was the cause.
The school district will try and recover what it can, but donations are poorly needed.
If you can help please call Ms. Marzette on her cell at 909/228-0828 or email her at TSAProfessional@aol.com.
Dorsey Culinary Arts, a long-time member of FIBR and whose class helped out at our last Taste of FIBR, can use any assistance you can give weather it is monetary or perhaps in equipment replacement.
Let’s help out a fellow member.
Back to top
FIBR Board of Directors Meet for Annual Retreat
The FIBR Board of Directors had their 2006 Annual Board of Directors Retreat in January. The half-day retreat included regular board business, planning and approving a 2006 Calendar of Events (See Home Page for Calendar) and approving new partnership and benefits.
Some of the new member benefits for 2006 including FIBR’s partnering with Pacific Community Ventures, a non-profit organization, that is offering FIBR members high-value, no-cost business services. Members were sent information about how to qualify for this great program and the many benefits it has to offer. For more information about Pacific Community Venture, visit their website at www.pacificcommunityventures.org.
FIBR also announced that it has become Associate Members of both the United Agribusiness League (UAL) (www.ual.org) and the California League of Food Processors (CLFP) (clfp.com). Through the UAL membership, all FIBR members and their employees will be eligible to participate in the many benefit programs offered by UAL. Some of these benefits include a credit union, a low-cost health care program, scholarship programs and much more. FIBR members will be receive details about how to take advantage of these benefits.
Through our affiliation with the CLFP, FIBR will be able to share information and resources with a food industry leader in Northern California. We will gain access to their legislative and regulatory expertise and will be included on some of their industry-focused committees. Building partnerships with other associations is one way FIBR is working to strengthen FIBR and to grow member benefits.
The Board of FIBR also discussed updating the website and scheduling live discussion forums on subjects suggested by our members. There is always an open invitation for you to share you ideas with us. If you have not registered at our site yet, please go to the “email newsletter” section of this website to sign up for newsletters, legislative alerts and other important announcements.
The entire FIBR Board of Directors anticipates an exciting year for our members and the entire Southern California Food Industry. We hope you will take advantage of the many programs and services being offered in 2006!
Back to top
FIBR Affiliate Member: California League of Food Processors Announces Tomato Processing School
FIBR’s new Associate member, the California League of Food Processors is offering it’s Tomato Processing School March 7-8, 2006 in Stockton, California. In co-operation with the University of California at Davis, the CLFP designed the program for current employees of tomato processing companies who wish to expand their knowledge of the entire operation of the business. Here is where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about processing tomatoes, from dicing to canning, package and paste – and some understanding of microbiology as well!
If interested in this program, visit the CLFP’s website at www.clfp.com for details and registration. Remember if you are a FIBR member, you qualify for the Affiliate price structure.
Back to top
Mas Hori, Lulu's and Flanigan Farms Honored At 2005 A Taste Of FIBR!
Mas Hori, FIBR Community Partner of the Year receives Congressional; Recognition from Angela Sur, Field Deputy for Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard FIBR held it’s annual A Taste of FIBR on October 26th at the So. Ca. Gas Company in Downey where over 25 FIBR members showcased their products to the delight of everyone’s tastebuds! Everything from Chinese Noodles (Quon Yick Noodle Co) to Chicharrones (Gaytan Foods) and Butternut Squash Ravioli’s (Pasta Mia) to Crawfish Etouffe (Uncle Darrow’s) were displayed at this annual event.
The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony where three of FIBR’s members were honored:
Maria de Lourdes Sobrino, President of LuLu's Dessert receives FIBR Food Processor of the Year Award Masaaki “Mas” James Hori received the Community Partner of the Year Award; LuLu’s Desserts received the FIBR Food Processor of the Year Award and; Flanigan Farms received the FIBR Food Safety Achievement Award!
The Dr. Soda Company received the “Most Innovative Product” Award! – An award voted on at Taste of FIBR.
Cathy Flanigan and the Flanigan Farms crew are proud recipients of FIBR's Food Safety Achievement Award Congratulations to all of our Honorees! Good Food, Raffles, Networking & Awards -- What an evening!
Save the date of September 20th for the 2006 A Taste of FIBR – Our 10 Year Anniversary Celebration!
And watch your mail and this website for information about how to nominate your company or another FIBR member for the 2006 Awards! You could be our next Community Partner, Food Processor of the Year or Food Safety Achievement Award recipient!!
Back to top
Board Member Founds New Business Bank!
Plaza Bank to Target Small and mid-size Business
 FIBR Board Member, Horacio Bellofiore, is proud to announce the opening of Plaza Bank! A new commercial bank in Irvine, California. As a Founder and Director of Plaza Bank, Horacio told FIBR that “the bank will offer one-on-one personal service to its customers.” Mr. Bellofiore is President of California Specialty Farms in Los Angeles, but was a C.P.A. for 28 years. His extensive banking experience will be well utilized in his position as one of the Founding Board Members of Plaza Bank.
Plaza Bank opened its doors on December 28, 2005 with a full menu of services including Commercial, Consumer, Real Estate and SBA Loans. The bank’s CEO, Donald L. Solsby said “We hope to become a valuable business banking opportunity for small to midsize business and professionals.”
Plaza Bank is located at 19900 Mac Arthur Boulevard in Irvine. For information regarding new accounts please contact Maria Casequin at 949/502-4300 or you mail e-mail her at mcasequin@plazabank.net. There are also investment opportunities available at Plaza Bank and the bank’s President and CEO, Mr. Donald L. Solsby would be happy to talk with any interested parties.
The bank is building a website at www.plazabank.net and hopes it will be available for viewing by the time this newsletter hits the web.
Back to top
FIBR Board Members Meet with Turkish Delegation
At the request of the Office of the Turkish General Consulate, FIBR Representatives meet with two members of a delegation from Turkey to discuss Turkey’s new strategy in trade relations with the U.S., and specifically California. At a luncheon meeting hosted at FIBR’s downtown location, the delegation met with FIBR to discover new ways and means of initiating close cooperation between the processed food industry and sectors of both countries.
The FIBR Board members who participated in the meeting included Don Whittemore, FIBR President and President of Dandy Don’s Homemade Ice Cream; Horacio Bellofiore, FIBR Board Member and President of California Specialty Farms; and Stephen Summers, FIBR Board Members and Treasurer, who is with McKinney Travers Realty, which specializes in commercial property and building sales (with a focus on the City of Vernon and the Food Processing Industry), and former Vice President of Top Notch Foods.
Members of the Turkish Delegation included Mr. Aytac Yenal, Head of the Department of General Directorate of Exports, which specializes in US trade relations and Mr. Fatih Altunok, he is a Foreign Trade Expert for US relations.
Back to top
Call For Nominations!
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2006 Awards
Help recognize the ingenuity of entrepreneurs in the Los Angeles area by nominating them for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2006 Awards. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the business awards program is one of the most prestigious in the country. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2006, with the awards ceremony scheduled for June 27, 2006, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.
Last year, nine entrepreneurs in six categories from Los Angeles were selected as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award recipients from more than 100 nominations. Past award recipients in Los Angeles have included Bruce Karatz of KB Home, George Rathman of Amgen, John V. Shields of Trader Joe’s Company, David Gold of 99 Cent Only Stores, John E. Anderson of Topa Equities, and James David Power III of J.D. Power and Associates. Los Angeles award recipients are selected by a panel of independent judges that includes area leaders from business, academic, and civic organizations.
This year Ernst & Young has added a new category for emerging firms. Companies nominated in this category must have been started five years ago or less (in 2001 or later) and must have a growth rate of at least 20% per year. While the industry is irrelevant, community involvement is essential.
Awards Criteria
Awards are given to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Self-nominations are encouraged and there is no fee for nominations, which must be received by March 31, 2006.
To be eligible for consideration, the nominee must be an owner/manager of a private or public company who is primarily responsible for the recent performance of the company and an active member of top management.
Individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the entrepreneurial spirit in America or helped an entrepreneur become successful through business, economic, or academic means are eligible for the Supporter of Entrepreneurship award, presented by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Nominees need not have founded a company and may come from the corporate world or any level of academia.
For more information and nomination forms contact: Marietta Uebelhack, Program Manager, at (213) 977-3554, marietta.uebelhack@ey.com or visit www.ey.com/us/eoy
FIBR encourages all Southern California Food Processor to consider applying for this prestigious award!
Back to top
Certified Food Handler Review Course Offered
The Food Safety Alliance is offering A Certified Food Handler Review Course & Examination on March 20th. The course will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Southern California Gas Company in Downey. Early registration for new candidates is $99 (Late $120) and $89 for Recertification (Late $110) and Free re-training; with a $40 retake exam fee for those who did not pass the first time.
Click here for a registration form (449 KB, PDF) or contact Akiko Tagawa at 323/823-1764 or email her at qualityfacts@aol.com for more details. Akiko is a member of the FIBR Training Council.
Back to top
Kosher & Halal Seminar Kicks Off 2006!
On January 11th, FIBR held a “How to Get Kosher/Halal Certified” seminar at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (www.ladwp.com) in downtown Los Angeles. FIBR would like to thank L.A. D.W.P. and John Chen, Rene Baluyot and Reginald H. Brewer for generously hosting our event!
Our two guests speakers, Rabbi Zvi B. Hollander of the Kosher Overseers of America (www.kosher.com), and Dr. Ahmad Sakr of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, (www.ifanca.org) both well known experts in their field, provided a very informative program. Participants who attended the seminar gained valuable knowledge about both forms of Certification and more importantly, their differences.
Following are a few interesting facts learned at the seminar, there were many various food items covered including products like gelatins and enzymes. Some of these comparisons are obvious and may seem like common knowledge. Others, however, are not as clear cut as they may seem:
|
Kosher |
vs. |
Halal |
| Pork |
Prohibited |
|
Prohibited |
| Blood |
Prohibited |
|
Prohibited |
| Alcohol |
Accepted
(some restrictions) |
|
Not Permitted |
| Fish |
With Scales Only |
|
All Fish Accepted |
| Seafood |
Not Accepted |
|
Varying Degrees of Acceptance |
| Combining Meat & Dairy |
BIG Problem |
|
Not an Issue |
| Sanitation of Equipment |
Kosherization
Idle Period if heat treatment is involved |
|
Ritual Cleansing
No Ideal Period |
| Special Occasions |
Restrictions during Passover |
|
Same Rules Year-round |
Why have your company Kosher or Halal Certified? Well, the bottom-line reason would be that the market for these products is hugh. In fact, some countries have strict laws about imported foods and will only accept them with proper certification.
In the U.S. alone, there are 6 million Jewish People and 8 million Muslims. Worldwide, there are 14 million Jews and 1400 million Muslims. As Dr. Sakr shared these statistics, he told the seminar participants that he strongly believes that 100% of Muslims observe Halal. And although Dr. Hollander said that the number of Jews who observe Kosher may be less than 100%, most consumers, Jewish or not, see the Kosher symbol as a universal sign of quality.
If you would like to learn more about how to get Kosher or Halal Certified, please contact:
Dr. Ahmad H. Sakr, President
Foundation for Islamic Knowledge
Post Office Box 2205/610 El Vallencito Drive
Walnut, CA 91789
Phone: 909/595-7800
Fax: 909/595-6391
Email: ahmadsakr@yahoo.com www.Ahmadsakr.com
TORA (The Orthodox Rabbinical Association) LLC- KOAOA
Rabbi Zvi B. Hollander
Kashrus Administrator
Post Office Box 10209
Beverly Hills, CA 90213
Phone: 323/870-0011
Fax: 323/567-4371
Mobile: 310-270-3605
Email: rabbizbh@kosher.org www.kosher.org
Back to top
Members In The News!
FIBR Member Michael Banner Leads “Great Street Symposium” For Mayor's Office in Washington DC
In late January, Michael Banner, a long-time FIBR member, was chosen to Chair a panel of experts to advise the Great Streets Program, a project of the The Urban Land Institute (ULI) – which promotes exciting and creative solutions for revitalizing inner-city neighborhoods, in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Banner, a former commercial banker and well known community development activist who serves on ULI's national Inner City Advisors, represented the Los Angeles District Council at the symposium. Banner serves on the Board of the New Markets Tax Credit Coalition and Community Reinvestment Fund and chairs its Audit Committee and is President and CEO of the Los Angeles LDC, Inc., a non-profit community development financial institution, investing in community development transactions and small businesses in Southern California.
Congratulations Michael! Yet another fine example of the great leadership that makes up FIBR’s membership! For more details about the Los Angeles LDC, Inc., go to www.losangelesldc.com.
FIBR Member Jeffrey Nelken Featured on Dateline NBC
On January, 22nd, FIBR member Jeffrey Nelken, President of HACCP Solutions, was featured on Dateline NBC’s story “Protecting Yourself from Dirty Supermarkets”. A Food Safety Expert, Mr. Nelken offered great advice for consumers on how to avoid food borne illness. Click here to view the story.
Back to top
Member Recruitment Is The Name Of The Game In 2006!
MEMBER RECRUITMENT….is FIBR’s theme for 2006! Help us to grow the association by encouraging your friends and colleagues to join FIBR! The more we grow, the more resources we can generate, which translates into more programs and services, and a stronger voice with the regulatory and legislative community.
FIBR wants to remind you about the FIBR Membership Recruitment Program: Any FIBR member who recruits a new member will receive a 25% credit toward their next year’s membership dues, not to exceed 100%. (Board members are excluded, of course).
So, get your suppliers, distributors and customers to join! What about your food broker, third-party auditor or banker? Be sure they indicate that you referred them on their membership application. An application can be found on this site by clicking the JOIN button, also FIBR would be happy to mail membership applications to potential members on your behalf. Just e-mail your request to Yvette at ynunez@fibr.info.
RECRUIT A NEW MEMBER TODAY!
Back to top
Low Cost Financing for Manufacturers and Food Processors
Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs) and Empowerment Zone Bonds (EZ/EC) offer taxable and tax-exempt financing for commercial and industrial users. The bonds may provide funds qualified businesses at rates significantly below those of conventional financing.
Borrower’s may use bond proceeds for property acquisition, equipment/machinery purchase, and building improvements/construction. Tax-exempt IDBs are restricted solely to manufacturing; EZBs and taxable issues may be used for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing projects.
Financing terms usually range from 5 to 25 years, depending on the useful life of the underlying collateral provided as security.
Additional capital in the form of subordinated debt may be available to qualifying borrowers under the LDC 504 ACE Fund program or other specialized capital access programs.
For additional Information please call:
Michael Banner at (213) 362-9113 or mbanner@losangelesldc.com
Claudia Lima at (213) 362-9115 or clima@losangelesldc.com
Ron Lowe at (213) 362-9117 or rlowe@losangelesldc.com
The Los Angeles LDC, Inc. is located at
1055 W. 7th Street, Ste. 1940
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: (213) 362-9111
Fax: (213) 362-9119
A Community Development Financial Institution where"TRANSACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS"
www.LosAngelesLDC.com
Back to top
Join FIBR Today!
New business opportunities like the ones described above are just some of
the benefits of membership. The FIBR Sampler will profile member
companies and individuals to help you grow your business. For more information
about membership, contact Yvette Nunez at ynunez@fibr.info.
Back to top
|
