Are there still banks out there willing to help small businesses grow in this ever-changing economy? Consider the Franco family, two brothers Lee and Xavier, founders of Chem-Mex Industries, a leading supplier of food ingredients and mixes for the tortilla industry, who will be attending this years Expo.
“For over 16 years we did things the old fashioned way: cash. We came realize that it was time to expand. Our operation needed money to purchase and develop property in Texas, and our accountant recommended Comerica Bank.” States Lee Franco, President, “We called them up and they proved to be first rate; we expect that this expansion will help us grow 25-30%.”
Since its inception, Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food has been a bridge builder connecting the worlds of Hispanic and Asian Food and beverage with the financial community.
As part of a series of educational programs scheduled at the trade show, the 1:00 o’clock session on Tuesday the 14th “Surviving a Tough Economy” will cover such topics as:
Wondering how to navigate the current economic climate?
How will recent changes affect the way you do business?
What are the Do’s and Don’ts of credit in these times?
Does this mean things will get better or worse?
The discussion will include the following panelists: Gamaliel (Gee) Padilla, VP, Comerica Bank; Sal Mendoza, Senior Vice President, Community Reinvestment Manager, City National Bank; Jesus Arguelles, Sr. Managing Director, Arguelles Capital Access, L.L.C.; and Natalie Orta, Chief, Business Development, Los Angeles District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration.
In addition to the education programs, on Monday, October 13th at the close of the show, Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food will host its first-ever Welcome Event which will be open to all registrants and press outside the show floor. The event, sponsored by Promexico, Continental Airlines, Comerica Bank, Bakemark and Trigal Dorado, will feature live entertainment with a cultural flair, food and drink, networking time and a special presentation of a lifetime achievement award to Marilyn Tausend, author and culinary guide, for her accomplishments, influence and impact on Mexican-American culinary professionals’
Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food Los Angeles will feature more than 350 booths of products and expects more than 4000 national and regional retailers, distributors, manufacturers, foodservice professionals and suppliers to come to this two-day event.
Working journalists are invited to attend the trade show and conference at no charge. To register please visit www.expocomidalatina.com, click the Press link and follow the link to register as press.
About Expo Comida Latina
Expo Comida Latina was launched in Los Angeles in 2002 as the first-ever business event for the Hispanic food and beverage market. Expo Comida Latina is now firmly established as a leading resource for the Hispanic food and beverage industry, where foodservice and retail buyers can explore new authentic Latin products from suppliers throughout the Americas. For more news and information on Expo Comida Latina in Los Angeles and Chicago, visit: www.expocomidalatina.com.
About All Asia Food Expo
All Asia Food is the only exposition series to exclusively spotlight the rapidly growing U.S. market for Asian food and beverages. Propelled by the growth of the Asian American population and spurred by a passion for Asian cuisine among citizens of all ethnicities, the market—both in the foodservice and retail sectors—has reached more than $5 Billion per year in U.S. sales. For more information on the All Asia Food event in Los Angeles and Chicago, visit www.allasiafood.com.
About Diversified Business Communications
Experts in bringing cutting-edge information and buying opportunities to food professionals, Diversified Business Communications produces over 20 food exhibitions, including All Things Organic, Kosherfest, and the International Boston Seafood Show; and trade publications for the food industry worldwide, including Comida News and All Asia Food News, on-line publications featuring the latest news and information critical to food industry professionals looking to navigate changes and maximize opportunities in North America’s dynamic food industry (www.divbusiness.com)
