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.

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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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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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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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