On Friday, May 4, Pacific Coast Regional (PCR) a small business development center, will hold a gala luncheon to celebrate its 35th year of service to the small business community of Los Angeles. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live.
PCR has been providing small firms educational and funding resources, including counseling, and loan packaging since opening its doors in 1977. The number of businesses assisted by PCR annually has grown from 200 in the first year to currently 1,400. The center focuses on small businesses of five employees or fewer that face a challenging environment, both in starting-up and in staying open.
The luncheon will feature various sponsors, and keynote speakers, including Larry Reed, the new PCR chairman of the board.
Reed, headed the PCR loan committee for eight years, and also served as senior regional community development manager at HSBC Bank. A proud alumnus of Dorsey High School, and graduate of the University of La Verne, as well as a previous operator of a small, nonprofit business, Reed brings a unique perspective to PCR–he was raised in South Central Los Angeles, and as a small business owner and banker, knows the difficulties of entrepreneurship firsthand.
He also wants to spread the word by encouraging the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
“The perspective of knowing what it takes to be on the loan committee helps support better policy development. That experience helps color what you’re doing going forward and assists with the focus on support services and understanding the needs of entrepreneurs,” explains Reed.
“I view my role as one of supporting PCR, because they have been running a great program. I don’t anticipate changing anything, because it has been run at a high level. I mainly want to focus on getting the information out to young entrepreneurs and serving to assist its growth, not for sake of growth itself, but in order to serve the community. There are great programs for young entrepreneurs and the community, and PCR has been a reliable and dependable source of information for the last 35 years. It is a place to discuss your dreams and aspirations and get the support you need to make it real,” noted the new board chair.
PCR director, Constance Anderson, says she wants the community to see Reed’s new position as one of not only support, but of leadership as the organization moves forward and expands services into the cities of Glendale and Pasadena.
Tickets for the luncheon are $150 each, and proceeds will help the organization obtain the additional resources it needs to operate its educational programs. For more information on Pacific Coast Regional or the anniversary luncheon, visit the website www.pcrcorp.org or call (866) 301-9989.
