Info on tax credits and incentives a hit

SACRAMENTO – Scores of small business owners and operators gathered in Long Beach Friday to hear tax tips from Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal and Board of Equalization members Michelle Steele and Jerome Horton.

The standing-room-only crowd heard not only from the political leaders but from an array of business-tax experts from the Board of Equalization, Employment Development Department, Franchise Tax Board, Internal Revenue, U.S. Small Business Administration, and Long Beach Small Business Center.  All offered information on federal and state incentives, tax credits, and free marketing and technical assistance.

"I was pleased to see so many business owners taking advantage of today's seminar," said Lowenthal, D-Long Beach.  "They walked away with valuable information on marketing, government-backed loans, and other helpful tools to survive this difficult economic period."

Over 150 business owners attended the free seminar.  Co-sponsors of the event were:  Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce, Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, State Black Chamber of Commerce, East Spring Street Business Association, and the Long Beach Assistance League.  Breakfast was furnished by Chick-fil-A and Polly’s Coffee.

“My Chamber members were amazed at the amount of helpful information that is available to assist businesses,” said Sandy Cajas, Executive Director of the Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  “This was one of the best seminars that we have been partners on.  Our business owners were able to speak one-on-one with government agencies that were willing to help them with their problems.”

Contact: Will Shuck (916) 319 2054