Patriot June 2011

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Summer 2011 Details & Registration www.babcoc.org Serving Canapes, Pimms, Champagne, Lemonade & Tea Art Show, music, silent auction, stimulating conversation & best hat contest. Sunday - June 12, 2011 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Montage Resort, Laguna Beach. The BABC-OC & The World Affairs Council OC Request the pleasure of your company for Afternoon Tea Mergers & Acquisitions in the OC OC says goodbye to red, hello green & black Welcome New Members BritWeek 2011 Who's Reading What & Why 12 Investors x $1000 = 20 Years! Orange Students Turn Limey New Goals for Young Execs 10 Questions to Rev Up Your Networking Event Calendar Inside this issue: Surprising really, considering our economy that so recently teetered on the brink, is now mostly flourishing again; once we get our employment figures and real estate market in better shape, we should be firing an all cylinders again. Admittedly the improvement is due to an avalanche of money from the Federal Reserve that helped rescue the financial system from total meltdown and filled the gaping hole left when the biggest credit bubble in history essentially burst. And as the global and local economy recovers, we have no doubt all been re- focusing on positioning ourselves for growth and longer term success. This success will surely depend on retain- ing and growing our customer base as well as reviewing and fine tuning our strategic goals. Like business organi- zations that have formulated new initiatives, re-defined fiscal and production goals, we have all embraced our 'new normal' and are ready to grasp new opportunities. In this issue of The Patriot we've asked some members to share strategies and ideas that have enabled them and their clients to survive and thrive. I certainly hope you'll find a useful nugget of information or an idea, an “aha” moment even, that you can use in your own business. Celebrate the business decisions you make every day that have enabled you to survive and thrive, it's all good, and I believe getting better every day - believing as they say, is the first step in achieving! John Miller, Sharon Harroun Peirce & BritWeek Chairman Bob Peirce continued on page 3...

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Patriot is the official newsletter of the BABCOC.

Transcript of Patriot June 2011

Page 1: Patriot June 2011

Summer 2011

Details & Registration www.babcoc.org

Serving Canapes, Pimms, Champagne,

Lemonade & Tea

Art Show, music, silent auction, stimulating

conversation & best hat contest.

Sunday - June 12, 2011

1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Montage Resort, Laguna Beach.

The BABC-OC &

The World Affairs Council OC

Request the pleasure of your company

for Afternoon Tea

Mergers & Acquisitions in the OCOC says goodbye to red, hello green & blackWelcome New MembersBritWeek 2011Who's Reading What & Why12 Investors x $1000 = 20 Years!Orange Students Turn LimeyNew Goals for Young Execs10 Questions to Rev Up Your NetworkingEvent Calendar

Inside this issue:

Surprising really, considering our economy that so recently teetered on the brink, is now mostly flourishing again; once we get our employment figures and real estate market in better shape, we should be firing an all cylinders again. Admittedly the improvement is due to an avalanche of money from the Federal Reserve that helped rescue the financial system from total meltdown and filled the gaping hole left when the biggest credit bubble in history essentially burst. And as the global and local economy recovers, we have no doubt all been re-focusing on positioning ourselves for growth and longer term success. This success will surely depend on retain-ing and growing our customer base as well as reviewing and fine tuning our strategic goals. Like business organi-zations that have formulated new initiatives, re-defined fiscal and production goals, we have all embraced our 'new normal' and are ready to grasp new opportunities.

In this issue of The Patriot we've asked some members to share strategies and ideas that have enabled them and their clients to survive and thrive. I certainly hope you'll find a useful nugget of information or an idea, an “aha” moment even, that you can use in your own business. Celebrate the business decisions you make every day that have enabled you to survive and thrive, it's all good, and I believe getting better every day - believing as they say, is the first step in achieving!

John Miller, Sharon Harroun Peirce & BritWeek Chairman Bob Peirce

continued on page 3...

Page 2: Patriot June 2011

The UK: Europe'sNo.1 business location

Page 3: Patriot June 2011

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS IN THE OC

The Dow is off to its best start since 1999 and the deal environment is poised for a strong M&A market. While the first quarter of 2011 saw a notable decrease in the number of U.S. transac-tions versus the prior three months, this was expected; the fourth quarter of last year was artificially inflated by a large number of transac-tions that were fast-tracked to close before the capital gains tax cuts expired (albeit the laws were eventually extended in the eleventh hour).

Despite the decline in the number of transac-tions, the average transaction size experienced a significant increase, more than 90% higher than last quarter, and more than 130% higher than the first quarter of last year. This signals a return to higher quality deals that are indicative of a healthy M&A market.

Parallel to the rest of the country, Orange County experienced a slight drop in the number of transactions, with 38 versus last quarter's 47. However, this represents a significant improve-ment from last year when we witnessed only 27 in the first quarter. We attribute the improvement over last year to a broad recovery in the markets, led by the strength of Orange County's more popular industries: technology and healthcare.

The technology sector tends to lead markets during an economic recovery as companies play catch-up with their systems upgrades; meanwhile, the healthcare sector has been the beneficiary of recent changes in healthcare legisla-tion. Seven of Orange County's ten largest deal announce-ments over the last year have been within these spaces, including Danaher's acquisition of Brea-based Beckman Coulter and Newport Beach-based Conexant's pending buyout by Golden Gate Private Equity. We expect these sectors to lead the pack as industry consolidation creates an elevated level of demand for strong companies that survived

the downturn and are now well-positioned within their space.

From a seller's perspective, not only have businesses recovered to pre-crisis levels, but multiples have also improved, bringing valua-tions closer in line with the owners' expecta-tions. In the broader Middle Market, EV/EBITDA multiples increased from 7.3 in 2009 to about 8.8 in 2010 according to Mergerstat.

On the other side of the equation lies approxi-mately $2 trillion looking for investments.

Strategic buyers that have been hoarding cash since the downturn have seen a significant improvement in free cash flow and are now looking for opportunities to gain a foothold in new markets and make acquisitions to accelerate growth. Private equity groups will be competing for these targets as they look to invest several hundred billion dollars of commit-ted capital before being forced to return the unused portion to their limited partners.

To top it all off, the credit markets have recently ignited and banks are starting to offer cheap debt at leverage ratios reminiscent of pre-crisis days. Lenders relaxed their required leverage ratios with current total debt to EBITDA ratios for middle market LBO loans of less than $50 million increasing to 4.3x up from 3.4x in 2010 according to S&P's Leveraged Lending Review. It appears that all of the crucial elements are present for a robust M&A market and we should expect to see an increase in activity throughout 2011.

Article contributed by Scott Ryder, SVP Operations and Chief Compliance Officer, McGladrey Capital Markets LLCEmail: [email protected] Web site: www.mcgladreycm.com

Scott Ryder

...continued from cover

For our new readers, the BABC OC is a unique and diverse group of professionals unlike most other groups in Orange County, with varying levels of membership from Fortune 500 companies to entrepreneurial individu-als. The purpose of our uniquely wide ranging events is to support and foster one another, to do some great networking and relationship building….and to have fun!

So check out our calendar of events on the back page, or our web site www.babcoc.org; we have some really good ones coming up, and I sincerely look forward to seeing you there.

The BABC-OC wishes to acknowledge with thanks the

contribution made by Allergan to the success of the Patriot

and the BABC-OC. Allergan's continued support

and participation is most sincerely appreciated.

Thank You!

John Miller2011 BABC OC President &Broker Associate, Prudential California RealtyPhone: 949-735-3093 [email protected]

Page 4: Patriot June 2011

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist

expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”

William Arthur Ward

Our knowledgable professionals have the expertise to identify growth opportunities in this complex business landscape and execute a well designed

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Member FINRA. ©2011 McGladrey Capital Markets LLC

Page 5: Patriot June 2011

OC SAYS GOODBYE TO , AND HELLO TO AND BLACK...

REDGREEN

Here in the OC we've recently enjoyed some balmy days and the sense that Spring has sprung and with it a new sense of hope as trees, flowers and dare we say it, Orange County's moribund economy finally shows some fresh signs of life and it would seem that a recent report from Chapman University's A. Gary Anderson Center for Economic Research bears out that premise.

The county's Composite Index, which is made up of production, employment, new orders, inventories of purchased materials, commodity prices and supplier deliveries shows a promising uptick. The index read 65.3 for the second quarter, up from 61 in the first quarter. Statewide, the measure rose to 62.2, up from 59.7 in the first quarter, which marks the highest level in five years. The readings point to a faster rate of expansion in the period compared to the previous quarter (a measure over 50 signals growth).

Locally, new orders, employment, commodity prices and inventories of purchased materials are expected to show higher growth rates in the second quarter over the first; but the production index “decreased marginally” to 68, down from 68.9 in the first quarter. Orange County's business and economic climate suffered under the weight of the economic recession, but factors such as international trade and visitor spending are emerging as bright spots moving forward.

In another report, the ranking of Orange County's business climate "rebounded" last year, based on a report, which uses Forbes magazine’s ’2010 Best Places for Business’ for the measure. Orange County landed at No. 79 out of the 200 metropolitan areas ranked on the 2010 list, up 28 places from the previous year (its peak was at 27 in 2005). While Orange County ranks well in crime rate, culture and leisure, educational attainment, and projected economic and income growth; it ranked poorly in the cost of doing business, cost of living and job growth.

We asked them how they survived the OC economy that was so badly dragged down by the lead shoes of a freaked-out consumer, a punk housing market and weak employment opportunity.

For some businesses the tough economy actually helped their business – case in point . Stingy Campus is an online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell items, look for housing, search for jobs. Although its main focus is as a practical resource for students, it also appeals to non-student users and anyone who likes or needs to save money. According to co-founder Solomon Tesfaye starting up a new business in tough economy meant that they had to be especially flexible and lean to adjust to market conditions. “Our business plan is a 'live' document that is constantly under review” says Solomon who notes that “all our expenses are reviewed by outsiders to facilitate a totally unbiased review of

www.stingycampus.com

our budget”. Their cost effective 'guerilla' marketing is based on the use of free interns who earn school credit while posting and passing flyers on campus to other students.

“You can't look at what was, you have to look at things differently” said Joey Benedretti, CEO and President of Syspro USA a privately held company which provides custom software to 14,500 companies in 60 countries. Joey credits their continued success on their ability to focus on core competencies and to not only have the right people in place, but to empower them to leverage opportunities and apply change management when needed. “You have to defend your customer base” stated Joey “and make sure you have the right customers – someone who pays you!” Joey is strong advocate for seeking out creative uses for technology and innovation. Syspro develops software solutions that not only enable businesses to attain new levels of efficiency, but to facilitate green practices. Joey proudly noted that in helping one of their customers to leverage green technologies in the way they handled waste disposal, they not only helped the customer to 'go green' but a product that was formerly simply discarded as waste, is now reclaimed and 10% of its value is given back to the company. To be successful says Joey “You have to invest in quality people - no matter what the market, retain the right customers and procure strong relationships.”

Don't tell Realtor Stacy McCullough of Prudential California Realty that the market stinks, she's busier than ever. According to Stacy the secret to her success is keeping in contact with her 'warm' sphere of influence – her family, friends and past clients. By utilizing Facebook and LinkedIn Stacy says “everyone knows I'm still around and still working”. Stacy posts and blogs several times a week – usually items of interest, or tips of interest to homeowners, buyers and sellers. “A friend I hadn't seen in over two years contacted me by Facebook and within months we had closed a real estate transaction together” she noted.

According to publican Simon Collier, The Olde Ship British Pub and Restaurant has managed to keep the regulars coming in while introducing new patrons to the pub by way of joint alliances and events with local community groups. The pub is the OC viewing venue for The Los Angeles Galaxy, an American professional soccer club, based in Los Angeles, and The Olde Ship Santa Ana is also a route stop for The Swagger Club a Futbol networking group whose bus makes the pub a regular stop on their way from San Diego to LA

ndGalaxy home games. “Our 2 Annual Blues Festival on May th15 featuring a local high school jazz band is a win-win for all

because helps the local youth, and gives us recognition in the community,” said Simon.

If you have embraced green to keep your Orange County company out of the red, or you've enacted strategies that helped keep your bottom line in the black - please share your strategies of success with Patriot Editor Deb Shrider (714) 990-6619 [email protected].

Here’s how some BABC OC member businesses fared

The OC Spring

Page 6: Patriot June 2011

Alan Parker, Owner - Parker Finishing.310-399-4421 Email: [email protected]

Contact Parker Finishing for all aspects of residential and commercial interior or exterior painting, as well as diverse range of wall coverings and professionally applied faux finishes.

949-916-9910 Email: URL: [email protected] www.parkerlawgroup.com

Claudia Parker, Parker Law Group, Inc.

Claudia Parker, Esq. is the President and founder of the Parker Law Group, Inc., made up of former big firm transactional lawyers covering general business, real estate, finance and technology law. They represent publicly traded, privately held and non-profit US and international clients.

949-361-6831 Email: URL: [email protected] www.calbanktrust.com

Larry Perfetto, California Bank & Trust.

Larry Perfetto serves as a Business Banking Manager for Orange County for California Bank & Trust (CB&T) one of the leading banks in California with over $11 billion in assets. Branch offices are located throughout the state.

310-266-4186 Email: URL: [email protected] www.ambritintl.com

Joseph Grillo, AMBRIT Int’l Services (AIS).

American ingenuity combined with British Intelligence, AMBRIT International provides legally sound investiga-tions and security consultation worldwide. Their impartial and cohesive team is trained to report upon, collect, train, and react to a variety of workplace issues and security breaches globally.

Jim Hart, Littler Mendelson.949-705-3003 Email: [email protected] www.littler.com

Jim Hart, Esq. exclusively represents and counsels public and private sector employers in a wide range of employment and labor matters with an emphasis on defending companies in complex wage and hour class actions and wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment and retaliation lawsuits.

Arthur Knowlson, Jr., Law Firm - Case, Knowlson LLP.

949-729-0700 Email: [email protected] www.caseknowlsonllp.com

Arthur Knowlson, Jr., Esq. is a partner of the law firm Case, Knowlson LLP. The firm specializes in corporate transactions, US and international taxation, estate planning and probate. Besides California, Art is licensed to practice law in England, Wales and the British Virgin Islands.

Michael Shipman, IllumiNations.949-923-8771 Email: [email protected]

Michael Shipman is the President/CEO Founder of illuminated keyboards and IllumiNations licenses illumi-nated technologies to major computer manufacturers.

Welcome New

Please say hello to these newyourself to them the next time

Page 7: Patriot June 2011

Members!

BABC-OC members and introduceyou see them at a mixer or event.

Rick Quinlivan's trial and litigation experience for more than 35 years includes matters involving personal injury, property damage, business and commercial disputes, employment matters, and trust disputes. Additionally he handles business formation, contracts, succession planning, asset and stock sales, and general business counseling for small to medium sized businesses.

Ralph Liu, President/CEO InvestorsAlly, Inc.

949-371-9139 Email: URL: [email protected] http://www.InvestorsAlly.com

InvestorsAlly provides matching services to aspiring homeowners and prospective property investors for a new creative and innovative housing ownership structure called Flexible And Reversible Joint Home Ownership (FARJHO).

Roberta Ruddy, Royal Bank of Canada.

646-241-4006 Email: [email protected]

The Royal Bank of Canada serves private clients, as well as corporate and institutional clients, with a broad array of financial products, services and multi-jurisdictional offerings from office locations that span the globe.

Rick Quinlivan, Esq., Tredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle.

949-756-0684 Email: [email protected] www.ltdlaw.com

If you know of a potential BABC-OC member – please contact Valerie Blackholly and she'll be happy to follow up. [email protected] (949) 472-2221.

Roger Sanderson is a fully licensed freight forwarder with over 49 years of experience in the multi-modal freight industry. He employs a global network of agents and partners throughout Asia Pacific, the UK/Europe, Middle East, and Indian sub-continent providing import and export solutions for small to medium sized businesses.

562-495-4855 Email : www.intlcargowest.com [email protected]

Roger Sanderson, President/CEO of International Cargo West.

562-233-7861 Email: [email protected] www. geniusstone.com

Paul David Walker, Founder & CEO Genius Stone Partners.

213-443-4097 [email protected] www.LloydsTSB-Offshore.com

Akary Busto, Head of Corporate Account Management, Lloyds TSB International.

Lloyds TSB International helps companies within the United States create a unique expatriate package for their American employees who are relocating to the UK and Europe, or UK and European employees relocating to the United States.

949-336-8345 [email protected]

Glen Carnes, Portfolio Manager, TYRON CARNES Private Wealth Management.

As an experienced financial consultant Glen helps clients with managed asset plans, investment portfolio analysis, investment & portfolio management, as well as college & insurance planning.

As a strategic business partner with over 25 years of experience, Paul David Walker helps to develop insight driven leaders. He provides business plan and sales strategies, brand development, product launch, market-ing and team coaching that fuels both company and leadership growth.

I

Page 8: Patriot June 2011

Scott Ryder, SVP Operations and Chief Compliance Officer, McGladrey Capital Markets LLC.

My favorite 'go to' business website is

I just finished reading “Too Big to Fail: The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial

www.wsj.com

System---and Themselves” by Andrew Sorkin and my favorite 'dog-eared' book is “Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything” by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner.

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW:The Patriot asked the BABC OC Board of Directors

“What are you reading these days & what are your favorite 'go-to' business resource sites? “

Josh Teeple, Forensic Services Market Lead - Orange County Crowe Horwath LLP

Favorite website:This business site is a wealth of informa-tion, directed specifically to Accountants and CFOs. My current favorite is Conscious Business by Fred Kofman. This book focuses on the nature of human interactions and self in a business context.

www.goingconcern.com

Paul Jenkinson, Vice President Global Commercial & Corporate Finance, Allergan Inc.

I may be cheating here, but my favorite business web site is The Economist on my IPad. I have been reading The Economist for almost 40 years and still immensely enjoy it. From a business

viewpoint, the site provides insights that help me in my global role. But much more than that, I find its broad approach, uniquely written pros, strongly opinionated editorials and the eccentric obituaries on some strange or unheard of person a wonderfully refreshing approach and indeed, something to look forward to each week. The Christmas edition is particu-larly interesting but often not because of business informa-tion – I still recall with delight an article, many years ago now, on John Harrison who invented the marine chronometer that finally unraveled the secret of longitude. (And The Economist must also rate as one of Britain's most successful exports to the United States.)

My favorite business book? “I Claudius” by Peter Graves. Again I am caught cheating, but let's not slow down when I am on a roll. It is a wonderfully refreshing reminder of how corporate politics work and although based on the life and times of a Roman Emperor, “I Claudius” is transferrable to modern business life as it would appear some aspects of human nature never change but, perhaps these days, the severe consequences for failure are not so drastic.

Dr John R. Gibson President & CEO Jangus Music, Inc

Favorite website is - provides value well beyond the obvious. Favorite read is the OC Business Journal – content is very relevant to Orange County both on a business and social perspective. I also read the Journal of the Royal Society

www.octaneoc.org

of Medicine and the British Medical Journal – both publications address the world of medicine scientifically, but also address the human and philosophical aspects of medicine. “Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by

, challenges readers' assumptions about making decisions based on rational thought and has been highly recommended, it is the next book I plan to read.

Dan Ariely

John Kuykendall, President Benefit Solutions

My favorite business book is Talking Straight by Lee Iacocca, the fearless business innovator who invented the Ford Mustang and created the muscle car genre, then went on to save Chrysler. My current favorite business web site is the Kaiser Family

Foundation (different from the Kaiser Health Plan), which provides complete, unbiased information about the sweeping new Obamacare legislation. Their web address is www.kff.org

Darlene McGrath, UK Trade & Investment Business Development Associate

A site which I find really useful in my 'line of business' is . The next book on my reading list is “New Ideas from Dead CEOs” (I know - awful title!) - but apparently it uncovers the

www.hoovers.com

secrets of success of great CEOs by giving readers an insight in the professional and personal lives of CEOs such as Walt Disney, Estee Lauder, and Sam Walton to name a few.

Sarah Agee, Founder/President Sterling Search Inc.

My go-to business resource web site is it’s a great recruiting

tool for me. I like the book SPIN - Situation, Problem, Implication, Need-payoff, by research psychologist Neil Rackham – it tackles selling and sales,

www.linkedin.com

but is really a book about success and how to get there.

Page 9: Patriot June 2011

Issued by Lloyds TSB Bank (Gibraltar) Limited. Registered office: 323 Main Street, Gibraltar. Registered in Gibraltar, no 99982. Regulated and authorised by the Gibraltar Financial ServicesCommision for the conduct of banking, investment and insurance mediation business. Lloyds TSB Bank (Gibraltar) Limited is a participant in the Gibraltar Deposit Guarantee Scheme(”the Scheme”) established under the Deposit Guarantee Scheme Act, 1997. Details of the Scheme are available on request. Lloyds TSB Bank (Gibraltar) Limited has registered the businessname of Lloyds TSB International in Gibraltar. Lloyds TSB Bank (Gibraltar) Limited reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without prior notice. Legislation or regulations in yourhome jurisdiction may prohibit you from entering into such a transaction with us. We reserve the right to make final determination on whether you are eligible for any products andservices. Terms and conditions apply.

When you’re living and working abroad, gettinga Premier International Account makes a lot ofsense. It comes with a dedicated concierge serviceand you can manage your money in differentcurrencies without paying foreign exchange fees.And because you can use it in more than onecountry, when you move, your finances don’thave to.

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Valerie Blackholly, Cora Riley, Alexander Hernandez & John Miller

The BABC OC Student Scholarship Program is ongoing. It is supported by a variety of fundraising events held by the business chamber throughout the year for more information contact BABC OC Executive Director Valerie Blackholly. [email protected]

Orange County High School of the Arts senior Cora Riley and Alexander Hernandez from Corona Del Mar High School were the delighted recipients of the OC Student Scholarship Program. For acing the essay topic 'Why do I want a trip to the UK' the girls won an all inclu-

'ORANGE' STUDENTS TURN 'LIMEY' FOR TWO WEEKS!

sive trip to England where they will attend the ACS International School - British Studies Summer Program in Cobham. Established in 1996 this program was created to explore the enduring impact of British culture. They will study European history, English literature, art and theatre laying the foundation for a lifelong understanding and appreciation of the lasting impact of British Culture. What are they most excited to see and experience? “Anything Shakespeare” says Cora a self avowed Shakespeare lover and acting major. Alexander has a dream of being a photographer for National Geographic and the London Eye is top of her 'must- see' list.

ReceptionCelebrating British Contributions to California

Page 10: Patriot June 2011

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12 investors x $1000 = 20 years

Ha, I bet the title made you think you'd be reading some scandalous news of a local financial dis-grace, with the perps thrown into jail to do some hard time. No, this is a story about a small group of people who weren't afraid to take a chance to juice-up a new start-up in the OC 20 years ago. Today we tip our hat to the BABC OC's founders and say thanks as we celebrate the anniversary of the BABC OC's 20th year.

The BABC OC was born out of discussions in 1990 with the then Consul General, Reg Holloway and several board members of the British American Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Los Angeles. Traffic challenges thwarted endeavors to encour-age participation at BACC events from Orange County locals.

However, towards the end 1990 the 'Festival of Britain' trade fair hosted at South Coast Plaza by the Consul General's Office, created a stir of interest amongst the British community in Orange County. Taking advantage of this interest, Gordon

Executive Editor: (714) 668-1234

Managing Editor/Contributing Writer: Debra Shrider.(714) 990-6619 [email protected]

Art Director: Kenneth Slidders.(714) 779-5451 [email protected]

Advertising: Valerie Blackholly, BABC-OC. (949) 472-2221 [email protected]

Josh Teeple, Crowe Horwath [email protected]

From the archives...Pictured at a past BABC OC event are: Valerie Blackholly, Richard Branson, Gordon Tippell, Jim Hinch and Dennis Chant.

start the BACC including staunch supporters Jim Hinch and Dennis Chant. Valerie Blackholly was hired in the Fall of 1991 and continues to serve as Executive Director, the BABC OC's only paid staff position.

Under her exemplary guidance and with the help of many capable volunteers and strong leadership from a dedicated and diverse Board of Directors, the BABC OC has grown in strength and status. It continues to enjoy member participa-tion in a wide array of volunteer positions, committees and philanthropic enterprises. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has,” said Margaret Mead, and indeed it would seem that a small group of Orange County residents - 12 to be exact, may not have changed the world, but definitely had an impact on the OC business community. Congratulations BABC OC - 20 great years and still growing strong!

Check out today's BABC OC at and

www.babcoc.orgwww.facebook.com/babcoc.

Tippell, Chairman of Taylor, Woodrow Homes, Orange County got the ball rolling and invited about twenty people to a meeting to discuss forming an Orange County Chapter of the British American Chamber of Commerce. At that meeting twelve future members formed a committee and contributed $1000 each to

Page 11: Patriot June 2011

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and ser vices of fered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce,

Fenner & Smith Incorporated, member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Investment products:

© 2011 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose value

Tod Myerscough, Financial Advisor

(949) 859-2945

24422 Avenida de la Carlota Suite 400 Laguna Hills, CA 92653

We all know the value of networking and eagerly turn up at mixers and events with our game face on and a pocket full of business cards, and then we trot out the same tired and boring questions...”What do you do? “Tell me about your company”, and “How long have you been with insert company name here” blah, blah, blah.... these typical openers get the usual answers.

Next time you have the opportunity to network why not try some new conversation starters instead:

1. “What business problem does your company solve?”

2. “What is the best example you have of how you are

doing that?”

3. “What has been the biggest win for you/your company

in the last six months?”

4. “What do you think it will be in the next six months?”

5. “What is the most interesting enterprise you have

planned at your company this year?”

6. “How will that change your company the most?”

7. “What best practices do you use to market your

business?”

8. “Who is your competition in the OC area?”

9. “Is your company's focus business-to-business, or

consumer directed?”

10. “What would you identify as your company's core

competencies?”

10 New Questions To Rev Up Your Networking

What other thought provoking questions could you use to get your networking dialogue out of the doldrums? And, don't forget ask the most important question of all....”That’s impressive, is there some way I can help you?”

Young Execs Shoot for New Goals

After successfully kick-starting the BABC OC's Young Executives (YE) network these past two years, Andrew Kuykendall has passed the ball to Josh Teeple at the start of a new season. The YEs' most successful event last year was centered on the World Cup soccer match between the USA and England, hosted at the Costa Mesa Hilton and Josh is hoping for a similar cross border event to occur so they can repeat the fervent turnout again.

In the meantime, Josh and his team of young executives are refining their popular mentor lunch series to an evening social cocktail event with featured guests. Other plans call for a summer pool side BBQ and a gala dinner that will be open to YE members only.

The YE group is a sub-chapter of the BABC OC intended to generate involvement of younger members who are positioned to be future leaders. Noted Josh, “Our events are designed to provide members with opportunities to meet like-minded people as well as top executives and to connect with them in a mean-ingful way. I and my executive team plan to take the group to the next level by offering more opportunities for networking and development and by aggressively growing membership.”

Challenges for the group beside membership growth, are to expand the group's name recognition and marketing footprint. Josh and his team will be reaching out to the BABC constitu-ency to help in this regard.

Encouraging these young go-getters to become active BABC OC members will not only invigorate the overall BABC membership, but is sure to provide a terrific pool of involved members to fulfill future leadership positions of the BABC OC. Say hello to the YE at the next BABC event you attend, but be warned…their energy and passion is contagious!

Contact: for additional information.

[email protected]

Celebrating British Contributions to California

Car Show

Page 12: Patriot June 2011

Your Portal to Orange County

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For photos of BritWeek and other events check our Facebook page www.facebook.com/babcoc

With sincere appreciation we'd like to acknowledge Quattro Caffé, the Pacific

Symphony, South Coast Plaza, Corona Del Mar High School Music

Department, and Cinderella Cakes for their support and contributions to the thBABC OC Royal Wedding Reception held April 30 .

Date: Event: Venue:

Visit www.babcoc.org regularly to view our updated calendar and to register for events and pay online, or contact Valerie Blackholly, Executive Director. Phone (949) 472-2221 e-mail: [email protected]

This is just a sneak peek at some of our upcoming events.

Scheduled Events as of June 2011

May 25 Business After Hours Shady Canyon

June 12 Garden Party Montage Resort

June 22 Business After Hours –Art A Fair Laguna Beach

July 28 International After Hours Mixer Newport Beach Country Club

Dec 9 Annual Christmas Lunch Hilton Costa Mesa