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RP&B CPAs Announces Death of Founding Shareholder, Richard D. Piquet, CPA

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RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA – July 30, 2019– RP&B CPAs, a premier CPA firm located in Riverside, California is mourning the loss of a founding shareholder, Richard D. Piquet, CPA.  Mr. Piquet, 69, who until recently was actively working with clients and colleagues, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack.

Mr. Piquet was respected for his technical expertise in tax and related accounting matters, his passion for learning and teaching, and his kind and welcoming demeanor which gave clients and colleagues trust and confidence when working with him.  A constant learner and mentor to his team, Mr. Piquet worked with RP&B team members to constantly raise the bar and help them succeed.

“Rick has always been a leader and mentor in the firm. Through the years, he built strong relationships with clients, who became like family and provided a great example for our team. Not only has our team learned from and looked up to him, but he has been a huge part of our senior leadership transition as he planned for his retirement. We are all shocked and saddened by his loss” commented Michael Kouyoumdjian, Managing Shareholder of RP&B CPAs.

Mr. Piquet grew up as a farmer in Idaho with a constant passion for learning,.  After graduating from Idaho State University, he moved to California and became a CPA working for ‘Big 8’ firms before forming RP&B CPAs with colleagues, James Roorda, retired, and Robert Bessee.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Piquet family.  His priorities were always his faith, his family and his colleagues. We have great memories of Rick and will continue his legacy for learning and growing” Mr. Kouyoumdjian concluded.

Memorial services are scheduled for Friday, August 2, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church, 1510 Taber Street, Corona, California.  The viewing will be at 9:00am with the funeral service at 10:00am. All are welcome to attend.  Flowers should be sent to Thomas Miller Mortuary in Corona. Donations or memorials can be sent to: https://ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services.

About RP&B CPAs

RP&B CPAs is a premier, full-service accounting firm located in Riverside, California.  The firm has been serving clients for over 35 years in the Inland Empire, Southern California and throughout the U.S. RP&B CPAs provides financial statement compilations, reviews, audits and tax compliance services and tax/business planning and ESOP consultation to manufacturers, distributors, transportation, contractors and related privately held businesses. Known for its technical skills and for their sound understanding of the business life cycle – from start-up through succession – RP&B CPAs is proud to serve clients in all stages.  For more information about RP&B CPAs, call (951) 684-7781 or visit RPBCPA.com.

The Inland Empire Business Journal (IEBJ) is the official business news publication of Southern California’s Inland Empire region - covering San Bernardino & Riverside Counties.

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Supported by Local Leaders, CALED’s Annual Conference will be in Ontario this May

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Empowering Economic Growth: CALED Conference Set to Unite Industry Leaders in Ontario

CALED’s ‘Growing Local Economies from the Ground Up’ Conference is being held in Ontario at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport on May 7-9. This event is co-hosted by the City of Ontario and San Bernardino County, with Jennifer McLain Hiramoto, CALED’s Chair of the Board and Derek Armstrong respectively representing their city and county as Co-Chairs of the event.

With over 950 members and 45 years of empowering economic developers, CALED is the largest economic development association in the country and the annual conference is the number one place to meet and connect with the boots-on-the -ground, decision makers in our communities. 

The conference will include a pre-conference teaching tour, ‘Building & Paying for Development Projects’ on May 6th and then begin in full on May 7th, with a welcome session and breakouts. Overall, there will be four general assembly sessions and 18 breakout sessions, which will delve into local economic development practices and innovative tools.

In addition to compelling content, the conference will have numerous opportunities to connect with community leaders and valued peers through networking receptions, the culinary crawl, and new this year, the Tournament of Champions, where conference attendees will navigate a gauntlet of games to win the grand prize on the evening of Thursday, May 8th.

To learn more about the conference and register, visit the CALED website at www.caled.org.

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Strengthening Community Connections: Our Exciting New Partnership with Toyota Arena, Ontario Convention Center, and GOCAL

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Contributed Content | By Chris Venhoff, Senior Vice President and Inland Empire Market Leader for Consumer and Business Banking at U.S. Bank

As the Inland Empire market leader for U.S. Bank, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: we are proud to be the Official Bank Partner of Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center. This partnership represents a reflection of our deep commitment to the Inland Empire and our dedication to fostering a vibrant, thriving community.

At U.S. Bank, we believe that strong partnerships drive meaningful progress. Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center are at the heart of the region’s culture and economy, bringing people together for world-class entertainment, business conventions, and community events. By joining forces, we’re not only expanding our presence but also creating opportunities to engage with residents, businesses, and organizations in ways that make a lasting impact.

Through our sponsorship, we’ll support concerts, sporting events, and conventions that showcase the diversity and energy of the Inland Empire. But this is only the beginning. As our partnership evolves, we’ll work closely with Toyota Arena, Ontario Convention Center, and GOCAL to introduce community-focused programs, including financial literacy workshops and charitable giving initiatives.

This partnership is designed to bring added value to the people we serve. For our customers, we’re introducing the U.S. Bank Fast Pass Lanes, providing priority access at Toyota Arena events. Special offers, exclusive event experiences, and tailored financial solutions for businesses operating in the region are just a few of the many perks we’re excited to roll out.

Our employees are at the core of our success, and this partnership allows us to recognize their dedication. Through exclusive access to events, corporate hospitality opportunities, and community volunteer programs, our team will have new ways to engage with and celebrate the community they serve.

The Inland Empire is a dynamic, fast-growing region, and we’re committed to supporting its continued success. By investing in Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center, we’re helping to create and sustain jobs while driving local business growth. These venues bring in visitors, revenue, and visibility, strengthening the region’s economy.

This collaboration is about more than just sponsorship—it’s about making a difference. By working together, we can elevate not just these venues but the entire Inland Empire. At U.S. Bank, we’re committed to being a partner in progress, supporting our customers, businesses, and communities every step of the way.

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Inland Empire Celebrates Entrepreneurial Excellence at Spirit Awards Gala

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Honoring Visionary Leaders Driving Innovation and Community Impact

The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Gala, held at the Riverside Convention Center, celebrated the brightest entrepreneurial talent across the Inland Empire. Among the evening’s finalists was Edward Ornelas, Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, who was honored in the Social Entrepreneur category for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the region.

Although Ornelas did not win, the Social Entrepreneur award went to Cesar Navarrete, President & CEO of Children’s Fund, a proud Chamber member. “Being a finalist alongside such remarkable leaders is an incredible honor,” said Ornelas. “I am especially thrilled to see Cesar, a Chamber member, recognized for the transformative work he’s doing to improve the lives of children in our community. It’s a proud moment for us all.”

Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of Hilda Kennedy, President & Founder of AMPAC Business Capital, another Chamber member, who was awarded the Top Female Entrepreneur category. Hilda’s leadership at AMPAC, a mission-driven business lender, has been instrumental in empowering small businesses and fostering economic growth across the region.

“It’s amazing to see leaders like Hilda and Cesar being celebrated for their contributions,” added Ornelas. “Their achievements underscore the talent and dedication of entrepreneurs in our Chamber and across the Inland Empire. They are setting the standard for excellence and impact in their fields.”

The evening also featured the prestigious “Best of the Best” Award, sponsored by Best Best & Krieger LLP, which was awarded to Mauro Gomez, Chief Growth Officer of Anita’s Mexican Foods Corp.. Based in San Bernardino, Anita’s Mexican Foods has grown from modest beginnings into a leader in the food production industry under Gomez’s strategic direction.

The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Gala continues to shine a spotlight on the transformative work of Inland Empire entrepreneurs, celebrating their innovation, resilience, and commitment to the community.

For more information about the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards, visit https://www.spiritawardsie.com.

For more details about the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and its members, visit www.iechamber.org.

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