Cypress Mayor Dr. Prakash Narain delivered his State of the City address on Jan. 24 at the Cypress Community Center, where more than 300 community members, dignitaries, and business leaders were in attendance.
Cypress Mayor Dr. Prakash Narain delivered his State of the City address on Jan. 24 at the Cypress Community Center, where more than 300 community members, dignitaries, and business leaders were in attendance.
“I am proud to report that the City of Cypress continued its path of successful and prudent financial management. The city’s goal is to leave a debt free legacy to future city councils and residents,” said the Mayor.
“During the six years as a council member and mayor serving the citizens and businesses in Cypress, I have developed a greater appreciation of local government,” said Mayor Narain. “I feel it is local government where accomplishments are made.”
In 2013, the city will work diligently towards the goal of bringing more quality commercial, retail, and dining options into Cypress. The city will also build on current successes by improving municipal services, beautifying neighborhoods, and enhancing city infrastructure. The city’s goal is to increase its regional influence in business, employment, and cultural activities, and continue efforts to become a shopping and dining destination, as well as a leader in cultural arts, according to Mayor Narain.
Three businesses were also honored during the event with the Annual BRACE, AGENT, and SPIRIT program awards. The recipient of the BRACE program award was FujiFilm Holdings America Corporation. In attendance to receive the award on the company’s behalf was Human Resources Manager Jean Berrien. FujiFilm has been a long-term member of the Cypress business community. The company serves a broad spectrum of industries in the U.S. including medical and life sciences, electronic, chemical, graphic arts, information systems, motion picture, broadcast and photography.
“The City of Cypress is honored to have FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation as an integral member of our business community, and I am delighted to present this award to them today,” said Mayor Narain.
The AGENT program award honor went to Crest Steel Corporation. Crest Steel’s President, Kris Farris was in attendance to receive the award. Crest Steel is one of the Southwest’s leading steel distributors. As part of the $50 billion steel service center industry, they supply a full spectrum of steel products. Their clients include construction contractors, structural steel fabricators and manufacturers, as well as new and evolving industries such as solar and alternative energy. Mayor Narain recognized and thanked Crest Steel Corporation for their “support and commitment to the Cypress community.”
The recipient of the SPIRIT program award was Los Altos Trophy. Vice President, Mark Norton accepted the award on the company’s behalf. Los Altos Trophy is one of the largest awards manufacturers on the west coast. The company was established in 1958 by Beverly & Murray Gittleman, and is family owned and operated with three generations involved in the business. For over 40 years, Los Altos Trophy has been crafting high-quality awards and trophies. The company’s expertise has helped create custom awards for a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and bowling.
BRACE is the city of Cypress’ “Business Retention, Attraction, Creation & Expansion” program, a forum for the larger business leaders to come together to network and share ideas through quarterly forums. The AGENT program, or “Assist, Grow, Educate, Network & Thrive” is similar to the BRACE Program but geared towards mid-size businesses. The SPIRIT program or “Sole Proprietorship – Identify, Realize, Inspire & Transform” is a program designed to assist small businesses, sole proprietors, and home-based business thrive by partnering with agencies such as the Small Business Administration and the Board of Equalization to provide quality informational workshop and referral services to help them succeed.
For more information regarding the city of Cypress, the BRACE, AGENT, and SPIRIT programs, other city services for the business community or for information on how to relocate your business to Cypress, please contact Redevelopment Project Manager Steve Clarke at 714-229-6728.