Super Bowl COVID-19 Style Entertainment

Sports

So how did the Super Bowl work in the times of COVID-19?  It was definitely unique and unprecedented.  That is, the actual event and the week leading up to it!  Rather than the usual 70,000+ who scored tickets for the 2019 event (which is an average number of attendees at such a highly-anticipated US football game), there were just 22,000 mask-wearing people (7,500 of them who were specially-invited healthcare workers as a thank you for their service).

It is hoped – and planned – however, that the 2021 scheduled LA event will “triumphant[ly] return to normal.”  According to Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee Chair Casey Wasserman:

“Today more than ever the Super Bowl stands for hope and perseverance. We are proud and excited that Los Angeles will once again host the nation’s biggest sporting event, however it’s the promise of recovery and opportunity that Super Bowl LVI brings to our city’s people and industries that reigns supreme.”

Annual Inaugural Awards

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The 133rd Annual Inaugural Awards recently took place. This year the theme was “Together for Tomorrow,” and was hosted by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.  The goal in this year’s theme is the hope for the world’s economic recovery in 2021.  As well,   President of Business Banking at Bank of America and Market President for Greater Los Angeles  Raul A. Anaya, will begin his new role as 2021 Chamber Board Chairperson. According to CEO and President of the LA Area Chamber, Maria S. Salinas:

“The last year has been difficult on many levels. Not only did the pandemic disrupt business and decimate small businesses, but it also shed light on the deep inequities in our communities of color. This annual awards program is an opportunity to focus on the critical work in the coming year for recovery and to celebrate those whose work inspire us. Our event theme, Together for Tomorrow, is a signal of hope, we still believe that together, our region can create a better tomorrow.”

The awards included: Corporate Leadership Award which was given to Ralphs supermarket chain with respect to its Zero Hunger Zero Waste Program during the pandemic. The Civic Medal of Honor to Constance L. Rice for advancing democracy and her work as a civil rights activist. Beacon of Light Award to LA Dodgers and LA Lakers  for their championship roles both on and off the field.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Business Journal selected Brien R. Kelly and Enrique A. Monagas as Minority Leaders of Influence: Attorneys in Los Angeles.  Josh Schimmels explained that these individuals are: “particularly impactful on the legal scene, while serving as trusted advisors, along with maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. Brien and Enrique are exceptionally skilled attorneys and they have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to deliver the firm’s clients with the highest level of strategy and service.”

Oxygen Coming to LA

Medical, ,

There has been a problem with a lack of Oxygen reaching hospitals where most needed during coronavirus challenges.  Los Angeles has been hit quite hard.  But now there is some good news thanks to the Army Corps of Engineers.  According to University of Cincinnati respiratory therapist Rich Branson (who is also Respiratory Care journal editor in chief) when there are multiple weak links the supply chain such as equipment freezing due to an abundant volume of cold liquid oxygen, the system will get blocked and an “entire hospital supply” of oxygen could be shut down.

Freezing pipe issues is now being dealt with in a huge array of facilities and hospitals.  According to a spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers, Mike Petersen, the situation is worsening due to a huge peak in local cases.

Now, crews from the US Army Corps of Engineers are coming to update oxygen delivery systems to prevent these problems from re-occurring and enable medical entities to function with what is needed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Alto to Come to LA

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Alto – a rideshare company headquartered in Texas – is opening up in Los Angeles now also.  Local commuters can now get rides with the luxurious rideshare firm.  According to co-founder and CEO of the firm, Will Coleman:

“At such a critical time, we’re thrilled to bring Alto’s elevated rideshare and delivery experience to the Los Angeles market. Knowing how many people have benefited from our consistent, high-quality and safe offerings in our initial market in Texas, we know we have a lot to offer to the LA community.”

The company is working hard to ensure that rides are given in a coronavirus environment, all safety precautions are taken.  This means that they are all vehicles and cleaned thoroughly using disinfectant.  In addition, plexiglass separates the driver and passenger sections with the use of a HEPA cabin air filter eliminating air particles.

Over in public transport there is expansion in the Metro Micro ride-sharing service.  The NextGen Bus Plan has just been rolled out from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, aiming to make bus trips faster, add more trips and generally enhance the reliability and accessibility of the network.

According to Eric Garcetti, who, as well as being city mayor is also chairman of the Metro Board:

“Our mission is to create a world-class transportation system for Los Angeles by giving Angelenos a wide array of convenient, reliable and affordable transportation options to get where they need to go. With NextGen and Metro Micro, we are rolling out two key projects in our pursuit of a city and region defined by greater mobility and expanded prosperity for every rider, commuter and resident.”

With the use of devices, apps, etc., planning and paying for trips from A-Z will be facilitated.

Getting Ready for Corona-Safe Christmas

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Just because there is Corona and the situation (especially locally) seems to be worsening, does not mean that Christmas has to be canceled.  On the contrary it is possibly a great opportunity to actually hunker down and do Christmas the old fashioned way…in your own familial setting, with everyone in pjs, no-one going out and no outsiders entering your COVID-protected “bubble.”

But before that day, what about the essential Christmas shopping?  Thankfully – keeping corona-safe – there is the online shopping but what about something different, getting out there (in a socially-distanced, mask-wearing capacity) and trying to bolster local businesses with your trade?

A lot of these local markets have already closed their stalls but if you rush you can still get to a couple of them. The last day of De Buena Planta Holiday Market is today.  Created by the founder of the Butcher’s Daughter this market focuses on organic margaritas, Mexican food and fine mezcals. Using  locally-sourced fresh produce to make these dishes, some of the items on the menu include: Grilled Cauliflower Tacos, Vegan Pozole and Pineapple Habanero Mezcalita.

Now doesn’t that sound more interesting to give as a gift than a tie you have no occasion to wear or some bath salts?  Shop local this Christmas and enjoy a safe holiday at home!

Economic Recovery for Southern California

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According to a meeting held at the beginning of this month, the economic recovery from COVID-19 is set to be “long and uneven” in the Southern Californian region.  This was the conclusion of the annual Southern California Economic Summit  held by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom.  At the summit, Governor Gavin Newsom said:

“We’re going to be alright. In fact, not only be alright, there’s no state better positioned in the future than this state.”

There is however, work to be done.  This involves the importance of home ownership expansion in 2021; investment in people-of-color-owned SMEs; bolstering education, pushing forward the manufacturing industry, etc. 

Over in Long Beach, it is hoped that the City Council will approve the proposal for a $5m fund in support of personal care service providers (cosmetic stores, hair salons, tattoo parlors etc.).  so far it already has the support of Al Austin, Rex Richardson and Robert Uranga from the Council. The money will come from the next federal stimulus package.

Living with the Pandemic

SMEs,

Life has to go on.  Even with the pandemic and the havoc that it is wreaking on every single aspect of our lives.  Businesses are desperately trying to adapt. That is the only way they have any possible chance of surviving.

Taqueando – the all-you-can eat taco tasting festival – has done just that.  In its first year of operation (2019) it was a regular tasting festival.  But corona hit and this year it looked like it would be impossible to happen.  But the organizers have managed to adapt and thus the festival this year has been renamed Taqueando Takeover. 

The event – lasting five weeks and created in accordance with all coronavirus guidelines – is a pop-up takeout menu.  Featuring taqueros and taqueras devised by James Beard Award winner Bill Esparza, the rotating event took place in Downtown LA at the former Church & State restaurant space.

The first event was held on 12th November and will be followed by a new event each Thursday from 5.30-11.30pm.

LA: Investing Throughout Society

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Investments are always important in every industry.  But it’s especially welcome when the investments made are done so in the sectors where minority groups work and live. 

PayPal Holdings Inc. just made a substantial investment in LA in the black and Latino communities.  In all, $50m was put into eight VC funds in this group, two of which are in the Los Angeles region.   This translates into two firms – Slauson and Co. and VamosVentures – each receiving $10m in funding. Slauson and Co.’s mission is “intentional inclusion” and VamosVentures seeks to “to empower diverse communities through wealth creation, talent pipeline building, social mobility and unique tech-driven solutions to challenges persistent in our communities.”

This investment is exactly in line with the mission statements of the above two firms. As Dan Schulman, CEO of PayPal explained:

“Black and Latinx founders have been underrepresented in venture capital funding for far too long. By directing our dollars to investors from underrepresented communities, we’re supporting their investment in Black and Latinx entrepreneurs at the earliest stages. We’re honored to support this outstanding group of venture capitalists as we seek to bring more equity to the fundraising process.” 

Meanwhile, REEF Technology is receiving a generous investment of $700m from Mubadala and SoftBank.  The mission of Mubadala is: to “build upon the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan, who envisioned a free, stable and dignified life for the people of this country,” also in line with the overall sentiment of looking out for all demographics.

This money will be put to almost doubling the amount of locations nationwide and re-purposing the parking lots into neighborhood hubs.

How Pop Stars Make Rebranding Work

Culture, Entertainment, Featured, Media, ,

Branding is an integral part of any entity’s ID. Every industry is crowded with personalities and products competing for attention and customers. That is why a noticeable and recognizable campaign is so important.

Expert marketer Evan Metropoulos has worked with some of the biggest brands and pop stars to rethink and revitalize their image. His vision and strategies drastically heighten brand awareness and create new points of contact for fans and customers.

Evan Metropoulos and Sylvester Stallone
Evan Metropoulos, left, with actor Sylvester Stallone

According to Metropoulos, branding campaigns need to incorporate all forms of media and span numerous platforms to be effective. Whether in the movie, music, or merchandise world, from New York to L.A., the United States or Europe, branding must be bold and striking and reflect the values and persona of its representative icon.

Evan Metropoulos and Michael Bay
Evan Metropoulos with movie director and producer Michael Bay

When considering a rebrand for a superstar, Metropoulos says it is most important to work slowly and methodically, convey authenticity, and exercise humility. “It is absolutely possible to rework a personal brand,” he says, “but it needs to be done with intention and thought.”

Local Support of Minority Groups

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A bill was signed by Gavin Newson that will ensure any publicly traded company to appoint at least one “underrepresented community” member to its board. This will go into effect by December of 2021. Those in the underrepresented community are those who identify as either Asian, black, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, or LGBTQ.

According to Chris Holden, Bill co-author and member of the California Assembly, this new law:

“represents a big step forward for racial equity. While some corporations were already leading the way to combat implicit bias, now, all of California’s corporate boards will better reflect the diversity of our State.”

In related news, Indian Americans held a ‘Get out the Vote’ (GOTV) rally was organized by entrepreneur couple Ajay and Vinita Bhutoria in support of California’s Indian Americans. Its aim was to send out a message of the importance of this community voting for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the upcoming elections.

In attendance were local business owners, community leaders, doctors, elected officials,  entrepreneurs and students.