Podcasts about laedc

Pasadena City College (PCC) is enhancing its focus on aligning education with industry demands through partnerships, equity initiatives, and increased internship opportunities, particularly in the sports and entertainment sectors. Emphasizing sustainability and athlete mental health, these efforts aim to prepare students for emerging trends and address the challenges driven by the rapid growth of sports teams in Los Angeles. Educational programs are equipping students with specialized skills for non-traditional sports like surfing and cricket, while hundreds of internships are being developed to connect underrepresented populations with industry opportunities. In panel with Stephen Cheung, President & CEO of LAEDC and WTCLA, Liliana T. Pérez-​​Palacios, Senior Director of Cultural Affairs for the L.A. Chargers, Monique Reaves, Chief Revenue Officer of Rose Bowl Stadium, Matthew Cacciato, President and CEO of the LA Sports Council, and Dr. Salvatrice Cummo,Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development, you will discover insights into the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment industries in Los Angeles and the crucial skills needed to thrive in these competitive fields.   You'll learn:  The importance of aligning education with industry demands. What skills are essential for success in the sports and entertainment industry. How career centers and professional development programs can benefit students. Why internships are crucial for career advancement in sports and entertainment. How education institutions can better prepare students for careers in sports entertainment.   Engage with us: LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website   More from Stephen Cheung, President & CEO of LAEDC and WTCLA Website: https://laedc.org/ LinkedIn: @Stephen-Cheung Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X: @laedc   More from Liliana T. Pérez-​​Palacios, Senior Director of Cultural Affairs for the L.A. Chargers Website: https://www.chargers.com/ LinkedIn: @liliana-t-perez-palacios Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube: @Chargers   More from Monique Reaves, Chief Revenue Officer of Rose Bowl Stadium Website: https://www.rosebowlstadium.com/ LinkedIn:@moniquemreaves Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X: @RoseBowlStadium   More from Matthew Cacciato, President and CEO of the LA Sports Council LinkedIn: @matthew-cacciato Website: https://www.lasports.org/ Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X: @lasportscouncil     Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking    Find the transcript of this episode here   Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts, we'd love to hear from you!  

Los Angeles thrives on unity, innovation, and collaboration for economic growth. In this episode, we explore the intersection of major global events and local economic growth with returning guest Stephen Cheung, President of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), and the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA). As LA prepares for the 2028 Olympics and other major events, Stephen shares his insights on how these opportunities can shape the region's workforce, infrastructure, and business landscape for years to come. Stephen highlights the need to align education with growth sectors like bioscience, space exploration, and sports/entertainment. He also discusses key infrastructure projects, technology's role in the future economy, and the importance of regional unity for economic competitiveness. Don't miss the upcoming Future of Work Conference at Pasadena City College, where Stephen will be moderating. Join us on October 29 to explore how we can prepare our workforce for emerging industries and take advantage of global opportunities. Register here today to secure your spot and be part of shaping LA's future! You'll learn:  What key growth sectors will shape LA's future economy. How small businesses can leverage global events like the Olympics for long-term success. The critical role of infrastructure in supporting both immediate and long-term growth. How technology and innovation will drive the next wave of job creation in Los Angeles. About the Guest: Stephen Cheung is the President and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA). He leads LAEDC's efforts in areas such as business assistance, workforce development, international trade, and public policy, aiming to advance growth and prosperity across the region. In 2023, Cheung became CEO after serving as COO and Executive VP. He continues as President of WTCLA, a role he's held since 2014. Previously, he served under Mayors Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa, managing international trade and foreign affairs, including major trade missions and clean technology initiatives. He also directed international trade for the Port of Los Angeles. Cheung sits on several advisory boards, including UCLA's Luskin School, Coro Southern California, and the LA County Workforce Development Board.   Engage with us: LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website   More from Stephen Cheung and LAEDC:  Website: https://laedc.org/ LinkedIn: @Stephen-Cheung & @los-angeles-county-economic-development-corporation Instagram, Facebook, Twitter: @laedc   Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking    Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts, we'd love to hear from you!  

Do you know the tools and strategies you can implement within your organization to help develop the future workforce? Joining us today is Larry Holt, the Vice President of Economic & Workforce Development at the Los Angeles County of Economic Development Corporation. He's here to cover some of the most pressing issues the LA area is facing in the workforce development space, and cover which systems can work together to better support and expand the opportunities for students everywhere.   More from Larry Holt:  Visit laedc.org   Email: larry.hold@laedc.org  LinkedIn: @Larry Holt  Twitter: @lfholt   Find the transcript to this episode here To connect with us about the podcast visit our website Please be sure to subscribe, rate and review us on apple podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!  

How do we create global workforce opportunities for students? Joining me today to answer this question is Stephen Cheung, the President of The World Trade Center Los Angeles, and another one of our featured guests at this years' Future Of Work Conference. Stephen shares how LA can become more aggressive and assertive on their position within the global economy, and what they're doing to strengthen the pathways to employment within their industry. By sustaining long term relationships with community colleges and providing the funds to structure and strengthen training programs, The LAEDC will be able to reach and help a multitude of students. When we focus on developing the best recruitment practices, and hands-on support during the job searching process, we create opportunities for ALL students and future employers. Register for Pasadena City College's THE FUTURE OF WORK CONFERENCE for FREE & IN-PERSON   More from Stephen Cheung:  Visit www.wtcla.org & laedc.org   LinkedIn: @Stephen Cheung Instagram: @wtcla & @laedc Twitter: @WTCLAStephen Email: stephen.cheung@laedc.org  Find the transcript to this episode here To connect with us about the podcast visit our website Please be sure to subscribe, rate and review us on apple podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

How has the pandemic impacted Los Angeles, and more importantly, where do we go from here? Justin Thompson, LA Office Managing Partner and a partner in the Nixon Peabody Real Estate group, sits down with Bill Allen, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, to discuss the pandemic's economic impact. Justin and Bill discuss how we can grow and develop in the region by leading with the key principles of equity, sustainability, and resiliency. Both Bill and the LAEDC are critical forces in this city for economic growth and advancing equity, and champions of respected research, data, and advocacy.

China’s government warned Washington on Wednesday not to boycott next year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing after the Biden administration said it was talking with allies about a joint approach to complaints of human rights abuses. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson rejected accusations of abuses against ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region. He warned of an unspecified “robust Chinese response” to a potential Olympics boycott. Human rights groups are protesting China’s hosting of the games, due to start in February 2022. They have urged a boycott or other measures to call attention to accusations of Chinese abuses against Uyghurs, Tibetans and residents of Hong Kong. The U.S. State Department suggested an Olympic boycott was among the possibilities but a senior official said later a boycott has not been discussed. The International Olympic Committee and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee have said in the past they oppose boycotts. We discuss the potential repercussions of a U.S. boycott of the China games and their ripple effects to the 2028 Los Angeles games.  With files from the Associated Press.  Guests: David Wharton, feature sportswriter for the Los Angeles Times who’s been covering the Olympics; he tweets @LATimesWharton Stephen Cheung, president of World Trade Center Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization that focuses on attracting foreign direct investments to the Los Angeles region; he is also the chief operating officer for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), a non-profit that promotes and secures economic activity for the region;  he tweets @WTCLAStephen Nicholas Evan Sarantakes, associate professor of strategy and policy at U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island, historian and author of the book “Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War,” (Cambridge University Press, 2010)

A week of manic trading on Wall Street with stocks including GameStop, AMC Entertainment and others soaring after individual investors on the popular free trading app Robinhood heavily bought those stocks in a social media frenzy while Wall Street investors placed big bets against those stocks. The wild moves in the market over the past several trading sessions have led to calls for congressional hearings and regulatory action. While others don't want to see any restrictions or regulations. GameStop shares soared 400% for the week. The Dow wrapped up the week with a closing loss of 621 points to 29,983, its worst week and worst month since October. Expert analysis on the markets and the economy, as well as an explanation of the manic market moves, from Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, President, Queens, Cambridge, Chief Economic Advisor, Allianz, former PIMCO CEO, Newport Beach and Kevin O'Leary, a.k.a. Mr. Wonderful on TV's Shark Tank, Chairman of O'Shares ETFs and Beanstox. The L.A. economy is being slowly reopened again this week. The latest from Wilmington-San Pedro L.A. City Councilmember Joe Buscaino and Bill Allen, President/CEO, The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) www.LAEDC.org  www.saferatwork.la  Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another week for the record books on Wall Street with the latest coronavirus vaccine news sending the Dow up to its first record high close since the vicious bear market sell off at the start of the pandemic. After closing just below 30K on Monday, stocks ended the volatile week mostly lower as alarming coronavirus case numbers prompted new business restrictions including a 10pm to 5am curfew in California at the start of Thanksgiving week. Many restaurant owners are outraged. The latest discussed with Chef Wolfgang Puck, creator of a global restaurant empire including Spago, Cut, Chinois and Wolfgang Puck Catering. The job picture improves dramatically in Los Angeles since the pandemic shutdowns early in the year. The latest on the L.A. economy discussed with Bill Allen, President/CEO, LAEDC. www.LAEDC.org  The latest on the markets and the economy with Art Hogan, Chief Market Strategist, National Securities and Kevin O'Leary, a.k.a. Mr. Wonderful on TV's Shark Tank, Chairman of O'Shares ETFs and Beanstox.  Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stocks move mostly higher as consumer confidence hits a pandemic high, retail sales move up for the fifth month in a row and stimulus hopes stay alive in Washington. Social media companies come under new scrutiny. LA's job numbers improve as businesses face tremendous challenges in the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Analysis of the latest news impacting the main street economy and Wall Street from Kevin O'Leary, a.k.a. Mr. Wonderful on TV's Shark, Chairman, O'Shares ETFs and Beanstox, Stephen Cheung, Chief Operating Officer, LAEDC, www.laedc.org President, World Trade Center Los Angeles and Joseph Lavorgna, Chief Economist, National Economic Council, Special Assistant to the President.   Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In California, the Arts contribute an exceptional amount to not only the cultural and creative capital of the state, but to its overall economic activity and well-being. With $650.3 billion in annual output in California, the fifth largest economy in the world, and $203.2 billion in annual output in Los Angeles, the largest county (by population) in the United States, creativity is a massive engine for economic activity and growth.   Heavily impacted by the global pandemic and the economic crisis that has ensued, a May report issued by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), noted the “Arts and Entertainment” industry was among the highest risk industries for job loss related to COVID-19. In that report, the LAEDC projected that initial job loss related to Stay At Home orders for “Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media” in the Los Angeles region could reach as high as 52.5% (year-over-year change).   Navigating these challenges and advocating for the interests and needs of the region’s creative community is Arts for LA. Join us for our conversation with Gustavo Herrera, Executive Director of Arts for LA as we discuss their critical role as a leading voice for the arts in the Greater Los Angeles region. Learn about their efforts to inform, engage, and mobilize individuals and organizations to advocate for access to the arts across all communities; arts education for every student; robust investment in the arts; and inclusion of diverse and underrepresented voices. Arts for LA invests in leadership development; growing networks of civically engaged advocates; building deep relationships with elected officials; and working in partnership across sectors to make LA a vibrant, prosperous, creative, and healthy society.   Gustavo will share his insights on the current state of the creative economy, initiatives underway to support the creative community, and share the work underway to develop a recovery strategy through a series of Community Strategy Sessions that will culminate in their upcoming ‘State of the Arts Summit’, taking place October 16th. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.artsforla.org. And for information about the State of the Arts Summit, please visit www.artsforla.org/sota2020.   For more information, please visit www.CivitasLA.com.   And we hope you’ll rate and review our show; and connect with us on Facebook (@CivitasLA), Instagram (@Civitas_LA) and Twitter (@Civitas_LA).

The World Trade Center Los Angeles can be considered the international trade arm of the LAEDC. The overall goal is to help the economy thrive and grow. The reality is Los Angeles is a gateway to 40% of the goods that are imported into the United States and California is the hub for much of the technology that is being developed, so how can we lean into the exchange and the industry that we have here in order to imagine an even better future for the United States as we enter the “New Normal”. It starts with our relationships with education and policy.  Visit https://laedc.org Find the transcript to this episode here To connect with us about the podcast visit our website Please be sure to subscribe, rate and review us on apple podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!  And share this episode with anyone in need of a little more insight to the topic of THE FUTURE OF WORK, especially if you reside in the Los Angeles, Ca or surrounding areas.   

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, a non-profit focused on creating economic opportunity and prosperity for all through out the county. This is achieved collaboratively with government, businesses small and large, non-profits, education, workforce partners and the Institute for Applied Economics which helps navigate the changes that we are all faced with during the Covid-19 era allowing the LAEDC to support their partners in being demand-driven and industry responsive. Jessica shares with us how the LAEDC and it's partners are finding ways to innovate to provide attainable opportunities to aid in the current situation and moving forward as the economy begins to reopen.  Visit the LAEDC Website For data and resources visit Competitive Workforce LA Find the transcript to this episode here To connect with us about the podcast visit our website Please be sure to subscribe, rate and review us on apple podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!  And share this episode with anyone in need of a little more insight to the topic of THE FUTURE OF WORK, especially if you reside in the Los Angeles, Ca or surrounding areas. 

Mottek On Money Special Edition - Coronavirus Crisis Bear Market: Stocks kick off a holiday shortened week with a rally as economies around the world continue to reopen following the coronavirus lockdowns. The latest reports of new efforts by various companies to develop a coronavirus vaccine and treatments helped give the markets a boost. Energy names and travel related companies rallied while so called "stay at home" stocks pulled back. The Dow popped 700+ points, moving above 25K during the trading session, before closing up 530 points to 24,995. Market analysis from Jim Hausberg, Managing Director, HighTower Advisors in Los Angeles. The enormous contribution made by foreign firms to the California economy is detailed in the latest report on Foreign Direct Investment prepared by the World Trade Center Los Angeles. The report and outlook for the post pandemic world discussed with Stephen Cheung, President, World Trade Center Los Angeles and Executive Vice President, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, LAEDC www.laedc.org   Support the show.

More economic pain on Main Street as California's unemployment rate hits a record high. Rental car giant Hertz files for bankruptcy. Stocks end a winning week with a mixed finish as tensions rise between the U.S. and China over the coronavirus pandemic and China's new action to curb pro democracy protestors in Hong Kong. Analysis of the latest news on the economy and financial markets from Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Advisor, Allianz, former PIMCO CEO in Newport Beach, Bill Allen, CEO, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, LAEDC, and Kevin O'Leary, Chairman, O'Leary Financial Group, O'Shares ETF's, a.k.a. Mr. Wonderful on TV's Shark Tank. Beau Boeckmann, President, Galpin Motors in the San Fernando Valley and Star of Car Kings on the Discovery Channel discusses business following the reopening of auto dealerships and what car buying consumers need to know. Support the show.

Mottek On Money Special Edition - Coronavirus Crisis Bear Market: Stocks rally with big tech names leading the way. Both Facebook and Amazon hit record highs. Oil stocks also rose with the price of oil hitting the highest price seen in 10 weeks as energy demand picks up on the easing of coronavirus business lockdowns. The Dow posted a closing gain of 369 points. Midweek analysis of the markets and the economy from Wall Street veteran Art Hogan, Chief Market Strategist, National Securities. Nursing homes continue to be ground zero for the coronavirus crisis. Elder law attorney Zoran Basich, founder, Nursing Home Solutions www.NHSCare.com discusses the latest news and how you can get the nursing home care needed for your loved one without going broke. Los Angeles businesses weathering the coronavirus economic storm have a range of resources now available. The latest discussed with Judy Drucker, Senior Director, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, LAEDC, www.LAEDC.org Support the show.

The coronavirus crisis and its impact on Main Street and Wall Street: The economy gets hit with the worst monthly job loss on record. The U.S. unemployment rate hits the highest seen since the Great Depression as the coronavirus crisis continues. The April jobs report shows 20.5 million jobs lost and the unemployment shot up to 14.7%. Meanwhile, the stock market rallied as coronavirus restrictions begin to ease and the economy begins to slowly reopen. Tech stocks led the rally with the Nasdaq erasing recent losses and turning positive for 2020. Analysis of the week's history shattering news on the economy and the markets with Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Advisor, Allianz, former PIMCO CEO in Newport Beach. Art Hogan, Chief Market Strategist, National Securities. The coroanvirus crisis is having an enormous impact on the Los Angeles economy. Bill Allen, President/CEO, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation ( www.LAEDC.org  ) discusses unprecedented job losses due to the business lockdowns and resources available to help L.A. businesses. Millions of homeowners are not paying their mortgages during the crisis. The latest discussed with Jeff Lazerson, President, MortgageGrader and OC Register Columnist.   Support the show.

The job picture goes from bad to worse as the economy slips into reverse during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. More pain on main street as the business lockdowns continue but reason to cheer on Wall Street. The stock market saw an impressive rebound in the month of April on government moves to bolster the economy, positive results on experimental coronavirus treatments and efforts to restart the economy. The month of May gets off to a rough start on the latest earnings reports. Special coverage continues with Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Advisor, Allianz, former PIMCO CEO in Newport Beach, Stephen Cheung, President, World Trade Center Los Angeles, Executive VP, LAEDC   www.LAEDC.org  and famed Wharton Finance Professor Dr. Jeremy Siegel. Mortgage rates hit record lows. The coronavirus crisis takes a toll on the real estate business. The latest discussed with Jeff Lazerson, President, MortgageGrader and O.C. Register columnist.         Support the show.

Mottek On Money Special Edition - Coronavirus Crisis Bear Market: Financial markets rally on hope the coronavirus pandemic is starting to stabilize in some places around the world, including New York.  With most of the global economy still shutdown and unemployment seeing a severe spike higher, stocks rallied on hope there's light at the end of the tunnel. The Dow came in for a closing gain of 1,627 points to settle at 22,680, a gain of nearly 8%. Market analysis from Jim Hausberg, Managing Director, Partner, HighTower Advisors, Los Angeles. Bill Allen, President and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, discusses the LAEDC's response to the crisis and the resources available at www.laedc.org to help local businesses make it through this unprecedented time.      Support the show.

Investors turn cautious after a record run up as the number of coronavirus cases outside of China grows. South Korea becomes the latest battle ground for the virus. Stocks pull back. Bonds advance, Gold soars. Analysis from prominent wealth manager Michael K. Farr, President and CEO, Farr, Miller & Washington and CNBC contributor. The LAEDC releases its economic forecast with special attention this year on affordable housing in the L.A. area. The outlook and big issues discussed with Bill Allen, President/CEO, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. L.A.'s international trade and potential impact of the coronvirus crisis in China on the local economy discussed with Stephen Cheung, President, World Trade Center, Los Angeles. Mortgage rates move lower as long term government bond yields hit record lows. The latest on rates from Jeff Lazerson, President, Mortgage Grader.  Support the show.

Stocks rally to record highs but end the week with a pull back on economic uncertainties over the coronavirus in China. January jobs report shows employers added 225K jobs, unemployment rate ticks slightly higher to 3.6% coming off a 50 year low. Tesla takes a wild ride to record highs. Ken Winans, President, Chief Investment Officer, Winans Investments discusses the rally and what market history tells us about pandemics. Bill Allen, President/CEO, LAEDC, previews the LAEDC Economic Forecast event on February 19th. Hollywood director J.J. Abrams hosts a pre-oscar U.S. Ireland Alliance Oscar Wilde Awards event honoring another Hollywood giant, Norman Lear. Plant based meat is on the menu for celebrities at the Academy Awards Governor's Ball. Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck tells us what he's preparing this year and discusses his growing restaurant empire. Real estate outlook discussed with  Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist, Corelogic including the latest readings on Los Angeles real estate and mortgage rates. Support the show.

Stocks slip for the second week in a row as political drama plays out in Washington. The markets reacted positively to news the US and China have agreed on dates to talk trade next month but then pulled back on reports the U.S. is considering additional pressure on China including de-listing Chinese companies on US stock exchanges. Bryan Perry, Editor, Bryan Perry Investing and author of The 25% Cash Machine discusses the market outlook and stock picks. The latest trends in college savings in the face of lower investment yields. The LAEDC's next Future Forum focuses on Healthcare Personalization and bio hacking. Among the speakers Elias Arjan, VP L.A.-based Biostrap. The view from the top on L.A. business and real estate from Lewis Horne, President, Pacific Southwest Division, real estate giant CBRE. Support the show.

The Dow racks up longest weekly winning streak since 1995. Optimism over ongoing US China trade talks and new signals from the Fed about showing "patience" when it comes to interest rate moves fueled the latest rally. Josh Welsh, President, Film Independent, talks about Hollywood's biggest weekend including the Independent Spirit Awards. A Korean-American entrepreneur in L.A. taps in to Asian focused beauty products. The LAEDC releases its 2019 economic forecast. Questions raised about a couple of high profile construction projects in Downtown L.A. Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck talks about the awesome job of preparing the star studded Governor's Ball dinner after the Oscars. He also shares plans to put up a Frank Gehry designed restaurant in Malibu current site of Gladstones.Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com

Renewed optimism over trade talks between the U.S. and China sends stocks higher. The market rally of 2019 also gets a boost on the spending deal in Washington heading off another federal government shutdown. Economists are skeptical about the latest retail sales report for December showing the worst sales since 2009. LA business leaders set to gather for the LAEDC economic forecast event. There's new interest in Modernism style. Mortgage rates hit the lowest in more than a year. What you need to know before you put your taxes together for 2018. Gregg Wind, CPA, former President California Society of CPA's, LA Chapter, gives us a preview.Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com

Renewed concerns about U.S. China trade weigh on financial markets. A late turn around sends major averages slightly higher for the week. The 2019 rally continues. Southern California home prices level off and sales drop as affordability continues to be the #1 issue for home buyers. Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist, Corelogic talks real estate. The Latino Coalition set to unveil new tools for small business. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti talks about the return of the Grammy's to L.A. and the business outlook for 2019 ahead of the LAEDC's economic forecast event. A top Cedars Sinai heart doctor says money troubles can lead to heart troubles - a subject addressed at the annual Dr. Sheila Kar Health Foundation Valentines event in Beverly Hills. Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com

2019 has the best new year's start for the stock market in 13 years. The rally continues on easing concerns about the Fed's interest rate path and US China trade. Google announces big plans to move into West L.A.'s Westside Pavilion when the mall is converted to creative office space. The LAEDC releases an earthquake preparedness guide for businesses for the 25th anniversary of the Northridge earthquake. Virtual assistants steal the show at the Consumer Electronics Show this year. An Orange County company has come up with an innovative plan to give consumers incentives to help to get more cars with recalled Takata airbags off the road.Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com

Market volatility continues. Bankruptcy concerns impact California utility PG&E after deadliest wildfire in the state's history. My Frank N Stein discussion on markets and economy with financial commentator Ben Stein who survived the fires in Malibu. West Hollywood set to go big for small business this holiday season. Bevelry Hills goes BOLD for the holidays honoring first responders and working to help neighboring fire storm victims. The LAEDC honors business friendly cities and sees many positives after leading LA's bid for Amazon's HQ2. Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com

Turkey rattles investors nerves after the Turkish currency plunges against the US dollar. Trade tensions heat up as the US announces a doubling of tariffs on Turkish steel and aluminum imports. The LAEDC cheers Amazon and LA community colleges teaming up for a cloud computing certificate program. The first Milken Institute Calfiornia Policy Summit focuses on big issues including affordable housing. California State Treasurer John Chiang encourages the issuance of Green Bonds to fund major infrastructure projects. Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com

If you live in Southern California you have much to brag about when it comes to the advantages our region has to offer.  However, traffic congestion is definitely not one of them.  By (far too) many measures, SoCal delivers the worst traffic on planet earth.  And one of the lead organizations in addressing the issue is the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.  We sat down with the non-profit's head of Aerospace & Advanced Transportation, Judy Kruger, to discuss the economic portion of the mobility equation here in Los Angeles County and its surrounding area of influence.  Find out how autonomous parcel delivery will play a role in alleviating traffic in this iDriveSoCal Podcast. ***Transcript*** Recorded April 17, 2018, Los Angeles, CA Judy Kruger: whether they have a new technology that will go on a cube satellite or a flying car or a new data collecting technology for vehicles. It's just all converging, whether it's aerospace or advanced transportation, all the platforms that are around it. We've got the perfect setting with our 11 million people in one small, tight spot. Tom Smith: Driving each other nuts on the 405. Judy Kruger: Exactly. We've got the right setting to move this technology forward, and it's going to be very exciting to see it. Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. I'm Tom Smith, and today I'm downtown Los Angeles at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. Joining me is the director of the industry cluster development ... long title here ... of aerospace and advanced transportation. Judy Kruger is with me. Judy, thank you for joining me. Judy Kruger: Thank you, Tom. It's a pleasure to be here. Tom Smith: Judy is in charge of basically the portion of the LA County Economic Development Corporation that we here at iDriveSoCal, in our mobility interest ... Judy's in charge of that whole space. Anything that has to do with mobility, transportation, as it pertains to the county of Los Angeles, which I'd imagine also impacts greater than just the county of Los Angeles, Judy's in charge of that development. Very excited to be sitting with you, Judy. Tell us a little bit about just high-level what your organization does, and what you do within it. Judy Kruger: Certainly. At the LAEDC, we are focused on driving growth with these industry clusters. Advanced transportation could be, as you know, anything related to mobility, electric, autonomous, infrastructure, charging stations, alternative fuels, design studios. What we're trying to do with our industries is grow them organically, and grow them in innovation. Tom Smith: It's a little bit of everything, and with that in mind I'd kind of like to focus on maybe the top kind of three-ish things, if we can right now, that you have on your plate. Judy Kruger: If I were to pick the top three, what's unique to Southern California in addition to our innovative culture is, Southern California by policy and environment was way ahead of the game in electric vehicles. Some of the spinoff of that is, unlike any other place in the US, we have six bus manufacturers in LA County. Actually, eight bus manufacturers in the region, electric bus manufacturers. Judy Kruger: We are targeting assisting that industry grow, because it has a ripple effect to driving growth with an industry like that, that will additionally play into autonomous. That's our second area. We're looking at, how can we add urban planning to industry planning, and where can we help roll out projects on the autonomous side? Judy Kruger: Then thirdly, we're helping with infrastructure and charging stations, rolling out what the county needs. We have charging manufacturers in the region and designers in the region as well. Tom Smith: Electric vehicles, electric buses. I know you're very proud of the electric bus manufacturers that are here.

Consumers came out in force over the holiday shopping season ringing up the best results for retailers since before the Great Recession. Stocks extend a new year's rally, wrapping up the second week of 2018 at record highs. The LAEDC names a new chief economist. Lots of fun innovations on display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com

Another record shattering week for stocks. The Fed signals another rate hike will be coming soon. California's Attorney General issues a consumer alert on the Equifax data breach. September is College Savings Month. The LAEDC honors the most business friendly cities. And it's Frank n Stein as financial commentator Ben Stein joins Frank for a discussion on the markets and the economy.Support the show: https://www.frankmottek.com

The USC Price Center for Economic Development (CED) welcomes the first Advanced Manufacturing Partnership for Southern California (AMP SoCal) Bi-Annual Meeting. Speakers: David Blanco President, Performance Ascent, Inc. Operational Improvement & Capital Access Chair, AMP SoCal Mike Quindazzi Managing Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) David J. Blanco is the President of Performance Ascent, Inc., a California company that supports the mission of assisting aerospace and defense (A&D), and other major industry suppliers to develop supplier competitiveness across the U.S. He is a leader in implementing continuous improvement systems for small- to mid-size business suppliers to help them become significant players in the A&D industry. He is a former member of the Board of Examiners for the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, former Senior Examiner for the California Awards for Performance Excellence (CAPE), and CAPE Judge, as well as numerous community and civic organization boards. Blanco is also a former founder and Board Officer of the Supplier Excellence Alliance (SEA). Blanco currently serves on the Board of Directors for California’s Baldrige program, co-chairman of the SoCal Aerospace Council – an LAEDC initiative. His education in Business Management includes undergraduate studies at the University of Redlands, and graduate studies at the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont University. Mike Quindazzi is Managing Director for the Pacific Southwest region of PwC. He has over 25 years of management consulting and industry experience. He is responsible for growing revenues for a $650M business unit within PwC and developing innovative approaches to solving complex business issues. He is a frequent speaker on PwC's Global Megatrends that influence business, emerging technology and society alike. Recently Quindazzi and his team worked closely with the LAEDC & SDREDC on “The Changing Face of Aerospace in Southern California” report. Quindazzi’s team oversees PwC’s local community service efforts with a focus on youth education. He is active with the LAEDC Board of Governors and the Co-Chair of the Aerospace Council with passion for economic development. Quindazzi holds a BA from Montclair State University where he graduated with highest honors, Summa Cum Laude, and was granted honorary membership from the Phi Kappa Phi Honor.

-Nancy Sidhu, Chief Economist for the LAEDC Please call 1-800-388-9700 for a free copy of the LAEDC’s e-book version of the mid-year economic forecast.