Ernest Garcia, president of Los Angeles-based West Coast Metal Finishing, a galvanizing company, had a humble beginning, growing up in East Los Angeles and later working part-time at his father-in-laws' metal finishing business while keeping full-time employment elsewhere.

Today, Garcia and his partner, Robert Trimino, have expanded their leading electroplating corporation into the global market, when they recently signed multi-million dollar contracts to have metal parts partially manufactured in Jiaxing, China.

The contracts were consummated during Garcia's October journey to Asia with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the delegation the Mayor led to China, Japan, and Korea.

Upon returning from China Garcia expressed his excitement about the new deal. "Now I have two different companies in China that can fill my orders!" he exclaimed. I also had an opportunity to meet Mayor Jiag Ren Huan of the Jiaxing Muncipal People's government. He would actually like to assist me in starting a business over there. It's still in the incubation stages," Garcia said, admitting he is not sure this is the direction he wants to take.

Having the deal with China means a lot to Garcia. In 1996, an arson fire completely destroyed West Coast Metal Finishing Company, bringing much pain and anguish to his dreams of business success.

"We are still trying to overcome the loss from the fire, he said. With this deal it will get us where we need to be, especially with the increase of metal and other raw material costs, our profit margin has not been where it needed to be. This deal will keep the 50 something West Coast families working and we will be able to continue to grow."

Garcia expects to reduce West Coast's overhead and make the company more competitive in the marketplace. The parts will be produced in China but finished in Los Angeles.

"I will machine and galvanize the product here, he says. Believe me they [the China companies] wanted to do all everything there; but I have been working to create jobs here for the longest time.

For 15 years Garcia has advocated for job creation in Los Angeles. His company began in 1994 with seven employees. Today, he has 52 people working at West Coast.

"Everybody who works for me - we are all family. To cut them out of the picture right now would be like doing something to your own family. My advisors tried to encourage me to stay ahead of game, meaning to be more competitive. But, I care about the people that work for me."

Garcia's strong sense and caring attitude is winning him the best of both worlds. By having the parts started in China and shipped unfinished back to Los Angeles he is accomplishing his company goals to be more competitive and to keep jobs in Los Angeles. In fact, Garcia expects to create between 20-35 new Los Angeles based jobs over two years.

"Coming back I realized that China has an incredible number of people who are willing to work hard regardless of their level of technology. Even with our advanced machinery the fact is that they have so many people there it automatically advances their ability to produce as much or more than we can with our automated systems."

However, making the trip alone was not the deal sealer. The Los Angeles Minority Business Opportunity Center (LA MBOC) worked closely with Garcia to assist him with connecting with manufacturers in China. After two trips to China, the first in May 2006 and the second in October, his deal is now signed, sealed and delivered.

"I am looking forward to this whole deal, says Garcia. It will put me back where my cash flow needs to be, so I can be in the black."

CR & A Customs

C.R. & A. Custom is a large digital print production and visual display company. C.R. & A. manufactures environmentally friendly biodegradable banners, using UV inks, and specialized new HP equipment that does not release fumes into the atmosphere and has revolutionized its printing process to be entirely green.

Carmen Rad started C.R. & A. Custom with only 2 employees out of her home and now has over 35 employees operating out of a 28,000 square ft building purchased with the help of MBOC a part of the Mayor’s Small and Disadvantaged Business Program.

“Bulb Star began its operations in July, 2006 as an S Corporation and still functions under that legal structure. We are a wholesale distributor of energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs. Our mission is to conserve energy and bring wondrous lighting to the world”.

“MBOC Assisted Bulb Star in obtaining a line-of-credit. MBOC also encouraged me to bid on the DWP contract which I obtained in 2007 as well as business coaching. Bulb Star is a member of the Los Angeles Minority Opportunity Center. The economic development under the mayor office offers many opportunities for minority business”.

“I believe MBOC is a fine agency that helps minority companies grow and become contract-ready to bid on contracts. Bulb Star would like to thanks the Mayor’s office and its staff for their contributions to helping minority businesses growth”.

“Patten Energy Enterprises, Inc. would like to say the Minority Business Opportunity Center of Los Angeles; under the leadership of Linda Smith has been the most proactive office since its establishment. Ms. Smith as former banker understands the plight of Small & Minority Business in their effort to get procurement contract with the City of Los Angeles; her associate, Dorothy Randle, has exhaustedly worked toward assisting Small & Minority Businesses access contract opportunity with City of Los Angeles. In addition, she has worked feverously to act as a liaison for Small & Minority businesses during conflict with Primes with great success.”

Patten Energy, Inc. salutes LA-MBOC