December 9, 2004


Almaden Business Association’s sizzling year-end mixer

Impressive 2005 Leadership Team launches game plan
for small business assistance

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

The Almaden Business Association [ABA] ended their first full year on an impressive note, with the announcement of several exciting and innovative business-enhancing services designed to grow and expand small businesses.

Angela Reid, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber’s new Vice President of Membership Services, spoke about how the Chamber will be supporting ABA’s 2005 activities.

“We want to be able to provide you with the services you need to grow,” said Angela Reid, Vice President of Membership Ser-vices at San Jose Silicon Valley, who talked about where the chamber has been and where they are going. “We want the chamber to be something you consider a partner with you and what you have to get done.”

Reid explained the survey that the chamber is sending out to get a better grasp on business assessment and challenges that will enable them to provide industry specific programming and vertical campaigns that respond to those needs.

“I was going to start off by saying I’m from the government and I’m here to help you,” joked Executive Director Jeff Ruster, as he explained the multitude of resources that are now available through the new Business Services Council and Workforce Investment Network, which will offer free or low cost business development and employment services assistance and up-to-date information on everything from education to employment opportunities, technical and training assistance to legal advice, and access to capital, thanks to the San Jose Office of Economic Development.

The initiative centers upon nearly 20 different organizations that have come together to provide a wide variety of services to small businesses located in and around the San Jose area.

“One of the most important things we need to run a business is knowing what it is out there in the way of competition and what’s cutting edge,” said B.J. Sims, Silicon Valley Workforce Investment Network [SVWIN] Business Services Manager. “We get information from many sources, such as West Valley College, the Employment Development Department, and the Office of Economic Development. We pull all of this together so we can put together information on what’s happening in the industries and businesses.

“Locally, about seven out of eight jobs are created by small businesses,” Ruster explained. “This is clear recognition in terms of the importance of small businesses and how important they are in terms of helping our economy come out of the recession and hopefully, grow our economy going forward.”

For more information on ABA and its services, visit: http://www.almadenbizassn.org/.