Workforce Development

 

SAN JOSE - Unite Strategies LLC is proud to serve not only corporate clients but also to extend our expertise into educational services. In August, our sister division, Student Industry Connections LLC (SIC), founded by Eddie Truong and skillfully managed by Michael Quach, hosted yet another successful workforce development fair. This impactful event was held in collaboration with the City of San Jose's Human Resources Department and tailored for the senior class at San Jose’s Yerba Buena High School.

The focus of this year’s event was on engaging students in the principles of effective public policy. Through this initiative, students were guided through the following steps:

1. Identifying a pressing public interest issue, such as homelessness or affordable housing.

2. Brainstorming innovative policies or enhancing existing public policy.

3. Undertaking two meaningful civic actions to support their policy proposals:

   a. Consulting with a policy expert.

   b. Advocating for their policy by speaking at a public hearing.

4. Concluding the program with a year-end presentation to their teachers.

We are deeply grateful to the five City of San Jose departments that participated—the Information Technology Department, Environmental Services Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Transportation Department, and Human Resources Department. Their invaluable contributions of staff time and dedication played a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of passionate and engaged leaders. 

The enthusiasm and participation of Yerba Buena High School students, as well as the praise from their teachers, affirm the program's success. SIC is excited to continue this meaningful collaboration and looks forward to making it an annual event. 

If you are interested in bringing a Workforce Development program to your high school, please reach out to Eddie Truong at eddie@dt-strategies.com.

UNITE Strategies - information

Los Gatos Is A Rocky Town

 

                           Al Freni/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Image

LOS GATOS - In 1975, Gary Dahl, an advertising guru, found himself between a rock and a hard place when inspiration struck in a California bar. As his friends lamented their pet peeves, Gary envisioned a pet that wouldn't bark up the wrong tree: the Pet Rock. This idea wasn't just solid; it was groundbreaking. Packaged in boxes with air holes and straw, these rocks became the pet sensation that didn’t need to be walked, fed, or groomed, and most importantly, they were rock-solid silent.

For a fleeting six months, Pet Rocks were the bedrock of holiday shopping, making Gary a millionaire. With his newfound wealth, he opened "Carry Nations," a bar in Los Gatos, CA that stood as a monument to his quirky venture. Despite facing lawsuits and threats from those who took his pet project for granite, Gary's sense of humor was never eroded.

The Pet Rock came with a 32-page manual that was a quarry of puns, teaching owners how to care for their sedimentary companions. Commands like "sit" and "stay" were a breeze, but "roll over" might have required a gentle nudge. Gary proved that with a little creativity, you could not only move mountains but sell them too, one rock at a time. The original retail price was $3.95 selling 5 million in the first 6 months earning Dahl $5 million dollars.
ROCK ON!

Fun Fact Shared By UNITE Strategies

Pro Bono Partnership with a Purpose

 

Founded in 1986, San Jose Jazz has been a cultural beacon in the Bay Area, nurturing a vibrant jazz community for nearly four decades. Known for its exceptional music festivals, educational programs, and community outreach, the organization continues to elevate the jazz scene while remaining deeply committed to the community. The 2024 Summer Jazz Festival was a resounding success, drawing record crowds and showcasing a diverse range of musical talent not to mention jazz legend and super star Herbie Hancock performed Saturday night.  Attendees went home with magical memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you Brendan Rawson, Executive Director of SJJ and your team for a wonderful and successful event.

Amidst the celebration of the 2024 Summer Jazz Festival, San Jose Jazz entered into a collaborative relationship that could have a lasting impact on its future: a new strategic partnership with Unite Strategies LLC. This government affairs consulting firm, known for its expertise in advocacy and strategic communications, is offering its services to San Jose Jazz Pro Bono. This generous contribution is more than a simple act of goodwill; it’s a testament to the belief in the mission and potential of San Jose Jazz.

UNITE Strategies - information

Frozen Water In San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO - The story of the Popsicle's creation is indeed attributed to Frank Epperson, but it occurred in San Francisco 1905 when he was just 11 years old. Frank mixed a powdered soda mixture with water in a cup and left it with the stirring stick on the porch overnight. The temperature dropped significantly that night, causing the liquid to freeze with the stick in it.

When Epperson discovered the frozen treat the next morning, he realized he had accidentally invented a delightful and refreshing treat on a stick. He initially called it the "Epsicle." Eventually, his children began referring to it as the "Pop's sicle," and the name stuck. In 1923, Epperson patented his invention and began selling it at a fireman's ball. The Popsicle gained popularity over the years and became a well-loved frozen treat enjoyed by people of all ages.

Fun Fact Shared By UNITE Strategies

AAPI Business Advocacy

 

Leader in Business Advocacy:

Sean Kali-rai, with his wealth of knowledge of economics and public policy, engaged in various challenging issues including assisting family-owned and minority-operated fast-food franchisees. Additionally, his tenure as Finance Director for the BART to San José, Measure A campaign in 2000, underscores his ability to drive significant civic projects.

Sean is our 2024 AAPI Leader in Business Advocacy.

California Assemblymember Ash Kalra, District 25.

VIDEO: Assem. Ash Kalra Introduces Sean Kali-rai, AAPI Leader in Business Advocacy

VIDEO: Sean-Kali-rai Acceptance Speech, AAPI Leader in Business Advocacy.

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Purple Lotus Cannabis

 

A grand opening is always fun, but it is even better when it is legal cannabis. Purple Lotus Patient Center, a family owned cannabis dispensary since 2010 was proud to open its second retail location in downtown San Jose on Friday, May 3rd. This is the very first legal cannabis dispensary to be located in the heart of downtown in a former Peet's coffee shop. Purple Lotus' first location is also located in council district 3 on Commercial Street. There was much fanfare as approximately 100 eager shoppers gathered on the sidewalk at the dispensary front door on 66 W. Santa Clara Street to look on to the official presentation.

Enormous bright purple scissors cut the ceremonial ribbon.  An impressive guest list of Mayor Matt Mahan, District 3 Council member Omar Torres and Alex Stettinsky of the San Jose Downtown Association were all in attendance to celebrate the happy occasion.  Sean Kali-rai, Founder of the Silicon Valley Cannabis Alliance; a sister company to UNITE Strategies, who helped 7 of the original 16 citywide legal cannabis dispensaries open back in 2015 says this is a great day for the residents of downtown San Jose.  Statistically, when a legal cannabis dispensary opens a storefront business there is a palpable decline in crime due to high security measures taken by the business owner and giving citizens access to legal medical and adult use product.

Purple Lotus Patient center is open 7 days a week, they offer easy pick up service and delivery. Live. Love. Lotus.

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Student Industry Connections

 

It was a full day for San Jose high school students today.

Student Industry Connections, ('SIC') a sister company to UNITE Strategies, LLC held another one of their student education programs on Friday, April 26 inside San Jose City Hall Rotunda and Council Chambers. 'SIC' delivers industry experts to augment academic learning and career readiness for high school and community college students. 'SIC' is administered by UNITE Strategies' partner Eddie Truong, and Michael Quach.

'SIC' was thrilled to include  over a dozen industry professionals to open opportunities to approximately 225 eager young San Joseans. The topics covered were various facets of healthcare, biosciences, human resources and engineering. Students also participated in workshops that practiced job interview and communication skills.  Participating East Side Union High Schools were Andrew Hill, Independence, Oak Grove, Santa Teresa and Piedmont Hills.

This event was made possible by the following sponsors:

• Asian American Women's Alliance - AAWA
• East Side Union High School District
• Councilmember Bien Doan, District 7

Students were not the only beneficiaries of the day. Teachers were recognized and awarded for their excellence in education within the confines of their classrooms. You can't have an event without door prizes not to mention snacks and a nutritious lunch to top off the day. Investing time and talent with our youth, giving them a head start helps to guarantee a bright future for our city and our communities.

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L'Eggo My Eggo

 

SAN JOSE - Embark on a culinary journey back in time to the bustling streets of San Jose, California, where the air was infused with the tantalizing aroma of innovation. Meet the unsung hero of home-cooked delights, Frank Dorsa, a maverick inventor with an insatiable appetite for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. As a serial inventor, Frank's genius sparked a gastronomic revolution, starting with the convenience of jarred mayonnaise and the crunch of perfectly crafted potato chips.

But it was the dawn of a frozen breakfast era that truly set his legacy ablaze – the birth of the Fraffle, a Frozen Waffle that defied the breakfast norm. In 1966, the sizzling success of Frank's creation caught the attention of Fearn Foods, Inc., leading to a savory acquisition and, ultimately, a dance with destiny in the arms of The Kellogg Company in 1970. Thus, the Eggo Waffle emerged, a crispy sensation christened for its real-egg infusion. Unravel the layers of flavor and history as we delve into the delicious narrative of Frank Dorsa, the culinary visionary whose innovations left an indelible mark on the breakfast table.

Fun Fact Shared By UNITE Strategies