Small Business Advisory Board Convened by Sarah Weinstein - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

AUGUST
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Small Business Advisory Board Convened

By Sarah Weinstein, Community Writer
April 14, 2016 at 08:47am. Views: 216

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino) recently hosted the inaugural meeting of his Small Business Advisory Board in San Bernardino. Local business owners and community members from across the Inland Empire joined Rep. Aguilar to discuss everyday obstacles that small business owners in San Bernardino County encounter, and what can be done at the federal level to alleviate those concerns. The Small Business Advisory Board was a recommendation included in Rep. Aguilar’s Jobs Plan. “Our small businesses are a driving force in the Inland Empire economy,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “Since the Great Recession, small businesses have created about 60 percent of all new jobs across the nation. We need to do more to empower our small business owners so they can expand their workforce and help lift our region as we work to get our economy back on track.” Manal Iskander, owner of the Green Shack Market, participated in the meeting and said, “Congressman Aguilar was very personable and was able to relate to the smaller businesses as well as the larger businesses that were in the room. I also liked that he addressed real life issues such as the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) or the minimum wage increase. He really dealt with things that really affect a small business on a daily basis. And he was able to allow us all to interconnect. He found issues that would face all businesses.” Ryan Berk, owner of à la minute ice cream, participated in the event and said, “The fact that we could all brainstorm together and sit down at one table, pretty much a round table meeting, and just be able to communicate based on what’s necessary to help us achieve and move forward with the next five to ten years in growth based around our companies—I think the fact that we could all get there together and actually communicate about those types of things was probably the most important aspect of the meeting.” Rep. Aguilar has made creating jobs and growing the Inland Empire economy his top priority. After taking office, he hosted a series of jobs round table discussions and small business tours throughout California’s 31st Congressional District. Last April, he released his Jobs Plan, a strategy for kick-starting San Bernardino County’s economy. Since releasing his Jobs Plan, Rep. Aguilar has put a number of his initiatives into action, including three jobs bills, hosting U.S. Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to meet with local lenders, holding a Jobs Fair to connect job-seekers with Inland Empire employers, and establishing a Small Business Advisory Board to recommend proactive steps to help support the small business community.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 841

Pedestrians walk past locally owned shops and outdoor cafés in a vibrant downtown district, illustrating how small businesses contribute to economic growth, community pride, and a welcoming environment in San Bernardino.

Photo Courtesy of: MapQuest

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 727

Hikers enjoy scenic trails and panoramic views from Blue Mountain Open Space in Grand Terrace, one of the city's most treasured natural landmarks and recreational destinations.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 539

Families and children participate in educational activities at a public library, reflecting the Grand Terrace Branch Library's commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 642

Residents enjoy a tree-lined walking path and community park, reflecting Loma Linda's long-standing commitment to healthy outdoor living.

Photo Courtesy of: AllEvents

By Nolan Hayes, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 644

Local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members gather for a networking luncheon focused on economic development and collaboration.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 669

Healthcare professionals lead a community wellness program designed to educate residents about healthy living and preventive care.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Caleb Foster, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 618

Children and families gather at a public library to enjoy story time, browse books, and participate in educational activities during the summer.

Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 26, 2026 at 07:56am. Views: 1396

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s pediatric subacute program has become the only program
of its kind in California to earn the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award from the American
Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living

Photo Courtesy of: Highland Glo MedSpa

By Highland Glo MedSpa, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1524

Claudia Torres, Aesthetics Consultant, Mairah Angulo, Aesthetics Consultant, Jill Ali, FNP-C (Provider), Dr. Namita Mohideen, MD, CEO, Dr. Kelly Jeu, MD, Provider, Dr. Jose Arciniega, DO, Provider, Ilsse Castillo, Office Manager, Alexia Sanchez, Office Manager

Photo Courtesy of: The Civil Rights Institute

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1396

Photo caption: The Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors and the community celebrate the Woman of Achievement Awardee. Photo L to R: Ken Gutierrez, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Kathy Wright, Community Leader; Sabrina Gonzalez, Civil Rights Institute Executive Director; Launa Wilson, The Civil Rights Institute Board President; Q'Vinc Asberry, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Irma Asberry, Community Leader/Retired Judge, Superior Court of Riverside County.

Photo Courtesy of: Chris Sloan

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1014

Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez, SBCUSD ETSA Wil Greer, Ionatauna Asu, Student, Equity guest teacher Fernando Tanioka, then Equity Counselor Francine Blacksher, celebrate Asu’s achievement, taking his grades from a low F to a high A, at An Evening of Excellence.

Photo Courtesy of: Christina Gaitan

By Chamber Inducted new President , Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1119

left to right -Nelky Rodriguez ( secretary) - Arnise Dejohnette ( board member)- Anna Juarez (board member) David Toro (Council member) Belen Cordero(Board member) - Javier Gomez (treasurer) City Manager -Mayor Frank Navarro- Brian Childstrom (Emeritus) Christina Gaitan (Coordinator) Shelley Burnach ( Vice President ) Lesley Stevens ( Board member) Frank Aguliar (president ) Matthew Hernandez (board member) Councilman Dr. G - Chief Vega Colton Police Department .

--> -->