Networking…in the Time of COVID-19

Culture, , , ,

Even though we are living in social distancing times, we must still somehow “live” and that means work, create, do business and network.  But we have to do it safely. Here are some local entities that are doing just that.

One example is the upcoming Q&A discussion put out by JAPAN HOUSE LA.  On July 17, the a discussion will take place on line entitled “How Japanese-Style Business Culture Applies to Today’s New ‘Business Normal.’” Starting at 10am, the discussion will be moderated by Mark Frauenfelder, the Director of the Institute for the Future Research.  Insights will be offered on Japanese culture within the business communications industry and what we need to understand about Japanese culture and etiquette practices to succeed.

According to Yuko Kaifu, President of JAPAN HOUSE LA:

“The pandemic has changed the way people conduct business. Even as cities open up, there is a new ‘business normal’ whether you’re working from home or back in the office. While most professional seminars focus on general techniques and best practices, this discussion aims to create awareness for Japanese culture through proven business practices, allowing attendees to see how these might benefit their business.”  

Another plan of sorts – necessary during these times – is the COVID-19 Reimbursement Program.  In order to offer compensation to businesses that are offering coronavirus testing to their employees, any company that has less than 200 workers will be eligible for grants offered by enacting this testing.  $300,000 has been put in the pot for the program and the monies will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis with up to one grant for each company up to $15,000.

Investing in the Entertainment Industry in the Wake of COVID-19

Entertainment, ,

Two million dollars has been earmarked for the Beverly/Fairfax District entertainment industry. The money is being given by Television City in an attempt to “promote diversity” as well as “heal, empower and rebuild” the region’s industry.  The other half will be used for the formation of job training, career mentoring and other work-related ideas for those looking to get a kickstart in the industry.

According to CEO and founder of Hackman Capital Partners (which has an affiliate operating Television City) Michael Hackman:

 “Television City has called this community home for nearly 70 years, and it pains us to see our neighbors, community organizations and small businesses — many of which are trying to reopen their doors in the first time in over three months — suffer through these challenging times. We believe Television City can spearhead a catalytic effort among local stakeholders to provide meaningful help. This community is resilient and will come back even stronger, more vibrant and cohesive.”

In related news, just last week some local theaters – following intense rules and guidelines – were given the green light to open up following the major restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic.

Re-Opening of Local Eateries

Restaurants,

One by one, region by region, industry by industry, counties in the US are re-opening.  Los Angeles County now has a variety of eateries to choose from where diners can even eat in. the re-launch has not been without its challenges – especially with the riots and local curfews – and thus some restaurants  have opted to remain closed.  Still others need to work out how to re-open as they had laid off staff, have to get used to the new rules and thus are not quite yet ready.

Time will tell how successful it will be.  There is still much economic uncertainty as well as cumbersome protective clothing which could make going out to eat a less attractive option.

The other issue restaurant owners are talking about is the fear that the guidelines are not clear/strict enough for their comfort levels.  Still, even with all of this it is nice to see some kind of return to normalcy.

The Re-Opening of LA County

Economy, ,

Two days ago it was announced that all LA County retailers will be permitted to re-open, within guidelines and approval from health officials – the same as those put in place for how Walmart has been permitted to operate during this time. this basically translates into: social distancing, the wearing of masks and limiting the amount of people in the store at any one time. 

Janice Hahn, LA County Supervisor noted:

“I think it’s a real lifeline that has been thrown to our small businesses – at a time when many of them, frankly, were wondering whether or not they could make it.”


This new measure would not currently be extended to personal hygiene/cosmetic stores.  However, houses of worship will be able to re-open.  The laws have already received approval in Riverside County.

LA: Getting Back to Business

Economy, , , , , , ,

Policy makers in LA set out guidelines last week to help people get back to work.  Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that certain local businesses will be able to reopen if they have a low amount of cases of the novel coronavirus.

This will include local eateries and shopping malls so long as they are in line with the guidelines including social distancing, testing and disinfectant/cleaning laws. As well, pet groomers and car washing facilities will be able to re-open.

Californians whose jobs have been impacted by COVID-19 and not been able to work from home will be allowed to return to their offices on two conditions: their particular counties are considered safe and the offices in which they work are following all regulations.

The first seven counties that have met the regulations and will be permitted to reopen are: Amador, Butte, El Dorado, Lassen, Nevada, Placer and Shasta.

Arts District

Architecture, , , ,

In this video we see some of the developments taking place in Downtown Los Angeles (the area that spans Alameda Street, Little Tokyo, First Street, LA River, Violet Street). 

Currently: “Network pioneers are attempting to make balance in the midst of the monetary issues achieved by improvement and the need to safeguard the character of the Arts District as an innovative network that has made commitments to the social and financial prosperity of the city for a considerable length of time.” 

LA Real Estate in the Time of COVID-19

Real Estate, , , ,

Universe Holdings Development Company – a real estate firm based in Century City, LA – had been doing very well before the outbreak of COVID-19.  While the firm is now concerned that its activity will decrease it is hopeful that its overall strategy will not be negatively impacted.

In February Universe Holdings singed a deal on a 249-unit Southern Californian portfolio in Los Feliz for $65 million.  The following month it bought an apartment complex in La Mesa.  The $34.5 million price tag was for the Serena Vista 100 unit homes.  And even with COVID-19 last month it managed to land a Granada Hills deal of a 112-unit portfolio for $25.5 million.

According to Henry Manoucheri, the company’s founder:

 “This pandemic is yet another down cycle with a lot of similarities to what I’ve seen in the past. We believe there could be a lot of opportunities coming out of this disaster.” 

And now, realtors are moving toward digitalization in their work.  Since it is too oppressive to give actual tours of homes, they are now using technology to give multi-home tours through mobile devices.  Agents come with full mask protection (even shoe covers) and “walk” potential clients through the properties.

Helping ALL Californians

Economy,

Undocumented immigrant workers in California will be the first to receive financial aid.  Those who have not been able to get Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or are not eligible to collect unemployment insurance will be assisted in this way.

The value of this – according to a recent statement by Gov. Newsom – is $125m.  $75m of that will be in the form of state funds for disaster relief assistance.  A further $50m has been committed from charitable entities.  As Newsom said:

 “Even if there’s gaps, we can help begin to fill them.  I’m not here to suggest that $125 million is enough. But I am here to suggest that it’s a good start and I’m very proud it’s starting here in the state of California. We feel a deep sense of gratitude for people that are in a fear of deportation but are still addressing the essential needs of tens of millions of Californians.”

What this means is that $500 will be given to around 150,000 undocumented Californians – $1,500 maximum for each household which is 10 percent of the entire workforce in the region.

Micro Loan Program

Economy, ,

A $50 million initiative for LA’s most at-risk businesses was recently announced by Gov. Newsom.  It is hoped that all California firms with up to 750 employees will be able to benefit from the Small business Loan Guarantee Program, funded by the taxpayer.

The endeavor is being undertaken by the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank), in an effort to offer some aid to the smaller firms that are undergoing losses that have resulted from the COVID-19 global pandemic. These are those which will not qualify from the $349 billion that nationwide, the federal government has earmarked for small businesses in “forgivable loans.” This is because the process of getting an SBA loan is not so simple and thus excludes many business owners who need the money.

This micro-loan announced by Newsom is to help those who would otherwise “fall through the cracks.”

Coronavirus Impact on Small Business Supply Chain

Economy, , , , ,

This video is a recording of a hearing held by the Senate Small Business Committee examining the impact COVID-19 is having on the small business supply chain.  Featuring Rosemary Gibson, senior advisor at The Hastings Center, Dr. Gerard Anderson, Professor at Hopkins University and Tim Morrison, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, discussions are held on the subject matter.  Wynne Briscoe, acting director of Southern MD Region at the Small Business Development Center also joined the discussion.