Business
‘Think Asia, Think Hong Kong’ comes to Los Angeles
Mega event to connect US businesses with Asian opportunities
Los Angeles, CA – September 10, 2019 – More than 1,500 business leaders and participating companies, representing a broad spectrum of industries, are expected to attend “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong”, a one-day symposium taking place on Friday, September 20 at the JW Marriott in downtown Los Angeles. Hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the mega event provides a seamless and thorough guide to help American businesses with a global focus use Hong Kong as a platform to successfully enter the Asian marketplace.
The event will see industry leaders from the US and Hong Kong share their insights on the city’s business advantages and offer advice on how US companies can seize global opportunities through the Hong Kong platform. Among the speakers are some of today’s hottest entrepreneurs, investors and start-up executives, including representatives from Impossible Foods, HSBC and many others who will share their personal experience on why Hong Kong is the right choice as a base for doing business in Asia.
Hong Kong remains the Asian business center most closely aligned with US business values and interests, offering low taxes, no tariffs, a vibrant stock market and ease of access for overseas companies looking to do business in the city.
The symposium’s morning program will feature two panel discussions – “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” and “Growing Businesses in the New Economy” – featuring prominent US and Hong Kong business leaders, including Ray Conner, retired Boeing Vice Chairman and President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Ken Hitchner, Retired Chairman & CEO of Goldman Sachs, Asia Pacific; Kent Ho, Founder and General Partner, S28 Capital; Yangbin Wang, Chairman, Executive Director and CEO, Vobile Group; and Jimmy Tao, CEO & Managing Director, Vitargent Biotechnology Limited. The panelists will address the current economic outlook and share their experiences having successfully leveraged Hong Kong’s platform and international business network for global success.
From Healthcare to Fintech to Smart Homes and More
In addition to the plenary symposium, the event will include thematic breakout sessions featuring globally prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, designers, investors, service professionals and a Hong Kong start-up showcase, all representing a variety of high-growth industries. One-on-one business consultations with professional services experts from Hong Kong will be arranged throughout the day, along with business-matching meetings.
Top executives and thought leaders representing a cross-section of industries and disciplines − including finance, food, logistics, technology, e-commerce, fashion/lifestyle and business
investment − will share their experiences, success stories and best practices for capitalizing on opportunities in Asia.
Attendees at the “Doing Business in Asia” breakout session will learn insights on pan-Asian branding and marketing, e-commerce and setting up a business in Hong Kong. Speakers include Nick Halla, Senior Vice President, International & Retail, Impossible Foods; Henry Ko, Managing Director, Asia, Flexport; Bonnie Chan Woo, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Icicle Group; Michelle Leung, Senior Vice President, Head, Fung Omni Services (HK) Limited; and Stephen Phillips, Director General, Invest Hong Kong.
Other important and fast-growing business topics to be highlighted include digital entertainment, health innovation and biotech, fintech, and legal services, intellectual property protection, fundraising, smart living, design and technology, and more.
Hong Kong’s Many Advantages for Global Commerce
One of the world’s most vibrant commercial hubs and an important financial center, Hong Kong offers numerous advantages to US companies looking to move into the Asian marketplace. Hong Kong has received high rankings from various US and global sources, including:
- Ranked as the world’s No.1 freest economy for more than 25 years by the US-based Heritage Foundation
- Since 1996, the Canada-based Fraser Institute has named the city as the world’s No.1 for economic freedom
- Hong Kong was ranked as the world’s No.1 center for economic openness by the UK-based Legatum Institute
- Named the world’s most business-friendly tax system by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the World Bank Group
- Hong Kong was ranked the world’s second most competitive economy by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development
- Ranked within the world’s top three places for business by Forbes
- Ranked in the top four for ease of doing business according to the World Bank’s 2019 Doing Business Report
- Hong Kong also ranks highly in various areas of finance, education, transport and infrastructure, among other categories.
For more about “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” and registration details, please visit www.thinkasiathinkhk.com/2019.
Media enquiries
In the first instance, please contact the HKTDC’s Los Angeles press office:
Chris Huppertz (Bob Gold & Associates)
Tel: 310-320-2010
Email: hktdc@bobgoldpr.com
The HKTDC New York office:
Mandy Lo
Tel: 212-868-8688 E
mail: mandy.mk.lo@hktdc.org
And for Hong Kong-related specific enquiries, the HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs Department in Hong Kong:
Angel Tang
Tel: (852) 2584 4544
Email: angel.hc.tang@hktdc.org
About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn
Business
Unisource Solutions Grows Its Inland Empire Presence with the Addition of TOTALPLAN Business Interiors
Southern California’s leading workplace design and furnishings resource deepens its regional presence by uniting with a 57-year Inland Empire institution.
Unisource Solutions, California’s Haworth Best in Class dealership and a comprehensive workplace design resource, has announced the acquisition of TOTALPLAN a fixture of the Inland Empire business community since 1969. The strategic partnership brings together two organizations with a combined heritage of more than 80 years of expertise, unifying their complementary strengths to better serve businesses, architects, and interior designers across the Inland Empire.
Founded in 1987, Unisource Solutions has built its reputation as far more than a furniture dealer. The company operates as a full-service design resource — offering space planning, workplace strategy and analytics, installation services, project management, and custom furnishings through its in-house brand, Platform by Unisource Solutions. With access to more than 300 manufacturers, Unisource serves clients across corporate, healthcare, higher education, and financial sectors.

TOTALPLAN has spent more than five decades cultivating trusted relationships with businesses of all sizes throughout the Inland. Under the leadership of owner Denny Fosdick, TOTALPLAN earned a reputation for quality service, community investment, and a deep understanding of the regional market.
“For over 57 years, TOTALPLAN has been dedicated to providing exceptional workspace solutions throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. Now, we’re excited to join forces with Unisource Solutions. This partnership brings together our deep community roots with Unisource’s extensive resources and capabilities. I’m proud to pass the torch to a fellow Inland Empire resident who understands this community and will carry on the legacy we’ve built here.” —Denny Fosdick, Owner, TOTALPLAN Business Interiors
Jamal Nasserdeen, President of Unisource Solutions, who grew up in the Inland Empire, expressed the personal significance of the acquisition and its implications for Unisource’s long-term growth strategy in the region.
“Growing up and living in the Inland Empire, it’s a true honor to build on the tremendous 57-year legacy that Denny and his team have established. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey, significantly expanding our capabilities throughout the region and strengthening our position as Southern California’s premier workplace solutions provider. It’s a privilege to bring TOTALPLAN into the Unisource Solutions family.” — Jamal Nasserdeen, President, Unisource Solutions
The partnership also carries the endorsement of Haworth, the globally recognized furniture manufacturer for which Unisource holds its Best-in-Class dealer designation. Tom Peyton, Haworth’s Regional Vice President for the West Region, noted that the partnership reinforces the strength of Unisource’s regional coverage and honors the trusted relationships TOTALPLAN has spent decades building.
The combined organization now brings a unified offering across workplace design, multi brand furniture sourcing, custom fabrication through Platform by Unisource Solutions, and comprehensive facilities services including delivery, installation, reconfiguration, and relocation support. Clients across architecture, interior design, and corporate facilities teams will benefit from a single, deeply resourced partner capable of supporting projects from initial concept through move-in.
For businesses in the Inland Empire seeking to transform their workspaces, the new partnership signals expanded local access to a nationally capable team, one that is deeply invested in the communities it serves.
Business
Ontario Set to Open Newest Play Street Museum Location
A children’s museum and indoor play area that lets imaginations wander open soon to local community
Play Street Museum, an interactive children’s museum and indoor play area purposefully designed to encourage a young child’s sense of independence, exploration, and creativity, will be opening its newest franchise location in the coming weeks in Ontario, California. Locally owned by Teresa and Sergio Carreras, the coming location marks a key milestone in an expanding franchise program, with its first location in California.
“We’re thrilled to bring the newest Play Street Museum to Ontario for our local community to enjoy,” shared Teresa and Sergio Carreras. “After visiting Play Street Museum with our grandchildren, we knew we had to bring a location to California, and we’re excited to share it with the community and hope it serves Inland Empire families in big ways.”
“We’re proud empty nesters and even prouder grandparents of five wonderful grandchildren. Becoming grandparents has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. This season of life has given us the opportunity to slow down and truly savor the wonder of childhood again,” continued Carreras. “We look forward to welcoming local families, schools, and community groups to experience everything the new Play Street Museum has to offer.”
Teresa and Sergio Carreras believe children learn best when they’re having fun and can touch, build, pretend, and explore. Every exhibit at Play Street Museum Ontario is designed to spark curiosity, creativity and confidence. Whether children are running a pretend grocery store, experimenting with simple science, creating art, or climbing into imaginative worlds, children are learning skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. “This space is not just for kids. It’s for grandparents who cherish story time in a cozy corner. For parents who light up watching their child try something new. For caregivers who treasure the laughter and togetherness of play,” shared Carreras.
Play Street Museum offers an expansive, rotating curriculum at each location specifically designed for children under nine years of age. Everyday and every week is different at Play Street Museum, providing motivation and justification
for a scheduled time in families’ busy calendars. Play Street Museum Ontario also offers one-of-a-kind birthday parties, complete with comprehensive themes and options for parents from “Do-It-Yourself” to “Sit Back & Relax”, in addition to special events and activities during evenings and weekends.
In Scientific American’s article, “The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development”, Yale professor Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman summarized the last 75 years of research by declaring imaginative play as a “vital component to the normal development of a child.” By narrowing the focus of Play Street Museum and its indoor play areas to the interests and imaginations of children eight and under, young explorers discover educational exhibits and activities in a world specifically crafted just for them. The deliberate and manageable scale enables children to self-navigate throughout the children’s museum and indoor play area to engage deeply in activities about which they are most interested and passionate. This freedom reinforces independence in the child and also has the benefit of creating a more relaxed and accommodating museum experience for the caregiver.
“Play Street Museum is thrilled to welcome and open the Ontario location soon with our incredible partners, Teresa and Sergio Carreras. As parents and grandparents, they understand the powerful impact of play and intentionally sought to bring its benefits to this part of the Ontario area. They’ve taken their passion for children, education, and play and applied it to building a dynamic, local business that will support the health and well-being of their own community,” commented Play Street Museum Founder and CEO, Courtney Muccio.
Located at 910 North Haven Avenue, Suite 150, the new Ontario location makes the extensive, and well researched benefits of play easily accessible to the local community. The museum’s team of highly knowledgeable associates can provide guidance on additional opportunities to expand the play and learning, either on site or at home, from corresponding activity kits, to pottery, to slime kits, to sensory kits. Customers can also book their play time in advance in addition to schedule birthday parties or private events.
Families and customers can visit
https://www.ontario.playstreetmuseum.com/ to book playtime, birthday parties, field trips, and to check out special events.
Business
Sweet Success: The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce Teams with The Freaky Cookie to Elevate Local WBENC-Certified Business
How The Freaky Cookie Grew with Chamber Support: A WBENC Success Story in the Inland Empire
At the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC), we pride ourselves on championing business growth and recognizing the powerful stories of our members. One standout example is Sheila Cavalier, founder of The Freaky Cookie—a fun and rebellious cookie catering company she launched in 2018 alongside her son, Marcus.

What began as a direct-to-consumer venture has grown into a business-to-business powerhouse, fueled by innovation, strategy, and strong community ties. The Freaky Cookie specializes in custom-labeled, individually wrapped cookies for corporate gifts, bulk orders, and special events. Their nostalgic family recipe, dating back over 90 years, delivers both flavor and flair. As Cavalier puts it, “There’s never not a need for a large amount of cookies.”
Recognizing a unique market opportunity during the pandemic, Sheila pivoted the business model to focus on custom-branded cookies—meeting the surge in demand for individually packaged baked goods that also serve as creative marketing tools. “Corporations were tired of traditional marketing,” she recalls. “Our custom-labeled cookies became a fun, fresh alternative.”
In 2022, Sheila connected with IERCC President Edward Ornelas Jr. during the Multi-Chamber Mixer at Ontario International Airport. That meeting led to The Freaky Cookie joining IERCC, which soon opened doors to strategic partnerships and increased visibility. Through the chamber’s vast network and advocacy, Sheila has built relationships with organizations such as Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, Top Golf, and Southwest Airlines, which featured The Freaky Cookie in their 50th Anniversary celebration at ONT.
“The IERCC has been a warm and welcoming space,” Cavalier said. “Having the chamber validate our business really means something. It’s helped us get our foot in the door with so many great companies.”
The impact has been tangible. With increased revenue and expanded operations, The Freaky Cookie is no longer just a clever name—it’s a growing force in regional commerce. As Sheila puts it, her goal now is simple but powerful: “Deliver smiles.”
-
Bizz Buzz4 months agoRegency Centers Unveils Oak Valley Village: A New Retail Hub Coming to Beaumont, CA
-
Technology5 months agoLA Tech Week Highlights Southern California’s Expanding Tech Ecosystem
-
Entertainment4 months agoROI: Return on Insanity—Lucha VaVoom’s High-Yield Investment in the Pomona Arts Colony
-
Transportation3 months agoRegional Leaders Launch “Coalition for Our Future” to Advance Urgent Safety Solutions for I-15 Corridor
-
Travel & Tourism4 months agoFly Ontario, Calif., to Honolulu aboard Southwest Airlines starting in June
-
Food & Lifestyle5 months agoFogo de Chão Heats Up Rancho Cucamonga Dining Scene

