Unanimous Decision

SAN JOSE - Right sizing government oversight is key for the survival of all businesses. While it is necessary to insure the protection of our people, the choking of free enterprise with hundreds of pages of legislation that is sometimes duplicative equally deserves constant review and adjustment.

On Tuesday June 10, Unite Strategies and their business client involved in a highly regulated industry found compromise in doing just this.  The Mayor of San Jose and all ten councilmembers agreed in a unanimous vote to reduce annual fees saving the client six figures out of an annual $1 million dollars for regulatory activity that is already being conducted by the State of California.

Unite Strategies is committed to assisting clients in right sizing regulations.

Contact us:  UNITE STRATEGIES, LLC

Unanimous Decision

LOS GATOS - In late 2022, Unite Strategies took on a client that owned an existing quick service restaurant (QSR) in Los Gatos and was looking to add a drive-through window. This was especially necessary to the owners to keep their business open during a difficult time with the Covid-19 shut down beginning in 2020 and not have to un-employ their loyal staff. Historically drive through windows on average can account for 60% to 70% of their business. Customers like the convenience of drive-through windows not just with QSRs but they can be found at such retailers as Walgreens, Starbucks and bank atm machines.

A drive through window had not been given permission to open and operate in Los Gatos since the 1980s!  Unite Strategies worked hard for their client and after several discussions with the Commissioners of the Los Gatos Planning Department their client won their application to build and open a drive-though window with a unanimous vote.  Now families with children and folks with physical challenges can easily find a warm meal without leaving their car.

Unite Strategies is committed to assisting clients in right sizing regulations.

Contact us:  UNITE STRATEGIES, LLC

Unanimous Decision for Drive Thru

Picture provided by Freepix

SAN JOSE - With a unanimous vote inside City Hall, history and hope converged at the San Jose Planning Commission meeting. A decades-old dream took a major leap forward thanks to the efforts of Lobbying/Consulting firm Unite Strategies LLC, a new chapter begins for one of San Jose's most beloved, family-run establishments:  the addition of a drive-thru to their ionic fast food restaurant was officially approved.

This April 22nd victory isn't just about convenience ~ it's about recognition. It's about a minority-owned, woman-founded business, born from the grit and heart of a mother in 1982, now poised to serve the next generation with greater accessibility.

Now with drive-thru access, families with small children and individuals with mobility challenges will finally have the ease and flexibility they have long deserved such as  places like Starbucks, Walgreens and Bank of America atm machines have offered for decades.

Unite Strategies LLC led the charge navigating policy, advocating with purpose, and amplifying a powerful story of resilience and community contribution. The unanimous support from San Jose Planning Commission affirms what the San Jose community has long known:

•     This business matters
•     Its roots run deep
•     Its future just got brighter

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Digital Innovation

 

SAN JOSE - Sean Kali-rai and Eddie Truong of Unite Strategies, LLC are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for our client Orange Barrel Media, a pioneer in smart city technology, with in a unanimous 11-0 vote in favor. The San Jose City Council on Tuesday approved OBM’s digital signage initiative in downtown San Jose.

After successfully winning a city-issued Request for Proposals (RFP) twice, OBM can now move forward with implementing four digital signage locations in the downtown core on city owned property—marking a transformative step in enhancing the city's urban experience.

We extend our sincere gratitude to San Jose city staff, the Mayor and District 3 Council Office, and Interim Councilmember Carl Salas for their support, dedication and collaboration in bringing this project to fruition. Their hard work and commitment to the city's progress have been invaluable. Our team would also like to thank Alex Stettinsky-CEO San Jose Downtown Association, Leah Toeniskoetter-CEO San Jose Chamber of Commerce and Rob Lindo-VP Director Casino M8trix and Secretary San Jose Museum of Modern Art Board of Trustees for their support and commitment to this exciting project. We look forward to seeing OBM’s innovative signage enrich the vibrancy of downtown San Jose.

<<ABC 7NEWS ARTICLE LINK HERE>>

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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.

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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

 

BAY AREA REGION - 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.

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Sweet 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.

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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

Astiva Health

 

Unite Strategies, LLC is thrilled to announce a new Government Affairs relationship with Astiva Health, Inc., a beacon of innovation in Southern California's healthcare landscape. Astiva Health, with its commitment to personalized care and diverse networks, exemplifies excellence in serving its members' specialized needs.

At Astiva Health, individuality is paramount. Their dedication to tailoring benefits and services underscores their unwavering focus on member satisfaction. Unite Strategies recognizes the importance of this ethos and is honored to support Astiva Health in amplifying its voice and influence in government affairs.

Through this union, we aim to navigate the intricate regulatory terrain, ensuring Astiva Health's unique approach to healthcare delivery is both protected and advanced. Our collective efforts will pave the way for even greater inclusivity and accessibility within the healthcare sector.

To fellow healthcare providers: consider this collaboration a testament to the power of strategic collaboration in driving positive change. Join us in our mission to revolutionize healthcare advocacy, one tailored solution at a time with UNITE Strategies.

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Cannabis Retail San Jose

 

Sean Kali-rai, Managing Partner of Unite Strategies and Founder of the Silicon Valley Cannabis Alliance, together with Attorney Sharmi Shah and sponsors of the Silicon Valley Cannabis Alliance, extend heartfelt gratitude to the 10 members of the San Jose City Council. Their collaborative efforts tirelessly aimed at slashing annual business fees for legal cannabis retailers from $139,000.00 to $30,000.00. Council votes in favor 10 - 0.  PSFSS April meeting will seek to clarify the details on this fee reduction. Watch complete 3/19/2024 City Council meeting below.

Leveraging decades of experience in Government Affairs and fortified relationships with elected officials and city staff, Unite Strategies consistently delivers results for our clients.

VIDEO: City Council Meeting link 49 minutes  <click here>

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Clorox Bleach

OAKLAND - In the early 20th century, the Electro-Alkaline Company, now known to us as Clorox, teetered on the brink of failure. Its inception in 1913 by a diverse group of five investors who plunked down $100 each was marked by innovation, yet public unfamiliarity with liquid bleach nearly led to its demise. Enter Annie Murray, whose vision and determination played a pivotal role in the company's turnaround.

In 1916, with the company struggling, her husband, investor William Murray, took charge and Annie stepped into an informal but crucial role. She recognized the potential of liquid bleach not just as an industrial product but as a household necessity. Annie ingeniously proposed a less concentrated version suitable for home use, a move that not only revolutionized the product line but also directly engaged potential customers. Her strategy of distributing free 15-ounce sample bottles at the family's grocery store in Oakland was nothing short of marketing genius. This grassroots approach built customer demand from the ground up, transforming Clorox into a household name and today boasting $7 billion annual gross revenue. Annie Murray's intuition and entrepreneurial spirit essentially saved the company.

Fun Fact Shared By UNITE Strategies

Responsible Building Ordinance - San Jose

 

On January 23, 2024, the San Jose City Council convened to discuss the Responsible Building Ordinance. Eddie Truong, Partner at UNITE Strategies, eloquently represented the interests of NAIOP-Silicon Valley as he addressed the Mayor and City Council. Notably, Council member Dev Davis of District 6 demonstrated leadership by crafting a thoughtful compromise memo for inclusion in the final policy deliberations, see below:

Council voted in favor 11-0

    Limit the basis for violation to an unpaid wage theft judgment to employees and contractors who are working on the San Jose permitted project that is the subject of the certificate of occupancy.

    Limit the unpaid final wage theft judgements to final judgements that can be confirmed by the contractor through the California Labor Commissioner's portal.

    Exempt from the regulation projects that are subject to prevailing wage and under state law and projects that are under 10,000 sq. ft.

VIDEO: City Staff Presentation and Eddie Truong - 4min. 56 sec.

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Tables For Taxes

 

On January 17, 2024, Eddie Truong, Partner at UNITE Strategies, passionately advocated before the San Jose Rules Committee. He emphasized the crucial imperative for the City of San Jose to expeditiously and comprehensively implement all aspects of the voter-approved Measure H from 2020, representing the interests of Casino M8trix. Councilmember Omar Torres, representing District 3-Downtown San Jose, set the stage with his insightful opening remarks. The Rules Committee responded decisively with a unanimous 5-0 vote in favor of the initiative, signaling a significant step forward in the pursuit of realizing the objectives laid out in Measure H.

VIDEO-CM Omar Torres and Eddie Truong remarks : 3 min. 4 sec.

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Digital Billboard RFP

 

On January 17, 2024, Eddie Truong passionately advocated before the San Jose Rules Committee, pushing for the advancement of a long-overdue Request for Proposal (RFP) on behalf of his client, Orange Barrel Media, with regard to outdoor advertising in the City of San Jose. Councilmember Omar Torres, representing District 3, took the initiative by drafting a memorandum, urging a thorough and timely update from city staff to propel the initially approved project forward. The Rules Committee responded decisively with a unanimous 5-0 vote in favor, signaling a significant step towards the realization of this crucial initiative.

VIDEO-CM Omar Torres and Eddie Truong remarks : 2 min. 31 sec.

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UNITE Strategies - A Business Solutions Firm

 

January 31, 2024 - Today marks the dynamic debut of UNITE Strategies, LLC, a comprehensive business solutions firm boasting a cumulative professional experience spanning over seven decades. Committed to delivering enduring value-added solutions tailored to meet your business imperatives, we take pride in our team of seasoned experts. UNITE Strategies operates as a regional powerhouse, strategically positioned to cater to the diverse needs of the greater San Francisco Bay Area, encompassing the South Bay, Central Coast, and Los Angeles County. For a detailed insight into our offerings and the industries we serve, explore our website. Your journey to optimized business solutions begins here.

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