Learn more.
In our Breakout Sessions

Attend FREE Hawthorne Business Expo Breakout Sessions to learn about new tactics, strategies and technologies that can give your business the edge it needs.

Knowledge is Power. We have offered a variety of Breakout Sessions at previous Expos on topics including:

  • Building & Protecting your Brand on Social Media
  • Accessing No Cost Business & Employment Services
  • Planning for the Success of Your Business
  • Tips To Create a Dynamic Website That Works
  • Contracting With Los Angeles World Airports
  • Commercial Insurance, Cyber Liability & Employment
  • Best Accounting Practices
  • Street Stories - Storefront Make-Overs
  • Social Media Tips for your Business
  • The Proper Care and Feeding of Your Website
  • Living & Doing Business in a Sustainable South Bay
  • Small Business & Permit Assistance for New & Existing Businesses
  • How Cyber Liability Insurance Can Protect Your Business Against a Data Breach
  • Free Business Services
  • And Many, Many More!

Participating in our complimentary workshops will give you hands-on experience with critical skills that you can implement in your business immediately.

2020 Hawthorne Business Expo Breakout Sessions

Deborah Deras

Deborah Deras Biography

Deborah Deras, Social Media Marketing Strategist, Trainer and Professional speaker has used her Social Media knowledge to grow her small business and to coach hundreds of small business owners to replicate her techniques to increase revenue in their businesses. She serves as a facilitator for the Beverly Hills Chamber, SouthBaySBDC and has presented on stages to conference of over 1000. She has booked speaking engagement with huge companies like Nasa, Verizon, J.P. Morgan, and Proctor & Gamble through the strategies she will share with you in this workshop. You will leave energized, inspired and with practical tools.

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Supercharge your Social Media: How to go from Likes to Sales

Polaris - 4:15pm

Presented by: Deborah Deras: El Camino College SBDC

Your business can transform likes to Sales, Shares to Raving Fans, and Comments to Customers.
Social Media Marketing can be overwhelming- from posting to monitoring comments to creating content. As busy small business owners we need to be efficient, lean, and ensure that our efforts lead to profit.
Deborah Deras, Social Media Marketing Trainer, for the El Camino College SBDC, has used her Social Media knowledge to grow her small business and to coach hundreds of small business owners to replicate her techniques to increase revenue in their businesses.
In this workshop, you will learn how to authentically connect and create compelling messaging on Social Media to develop lasting relationships that go beyond transactional customers to create a tribe of devoted followers to grow your business for success with ease and grace.

You will learn:

  • How to convert followers to sales
  • What platforms are right for your business
  • How to create compelling content
  • When to post and how to use time-saving techniques to post on multiple platforms.
  • All attendees will receive a copy of Deborah’s latest ebook on 5 C’s of Social Media Marketing Success.

Jerome Michalczak

Jerome Michalczak Biography

Jerome Michalczak has served in law enforcement for 20 years working as a Federal Correctional Officer, Patrol Officer, Bicycle Officer, Gang Officer, Training Officer, and Fraud Detective. As a Detective Jerome’s primary focus was on fraud, forgery and identity theft. He has attended numerous investigative course through the Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation which include the Core Investigation Course, the Homicide Investigation Course, the Identity Theft Investigation Course and the Computer Crimes Course. Jerome enjoys engaging the community for which he works and has provided training presentations to several local groups including the Hawthorne City Council, the Hawthorne Police Power Project and the Hawthorne Kiwanis Club.

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Joel Versh

Joel Versh Biography

Joel Versh Award Winning Farmers Insurance Agent I have been a proud member of the Hawthorne Community for the past several years. Through my active involvement in the Hawthorne Kiwanis Club, I support the local community's many great events. I graduated from Cal State University, Fullerton with a degree in Psychology. My wife, Nicole, and I are proud parents of a 4-year-old son. Prior to joining Farmers Insurance in 2013, I worked in the Banking Industry for almost 20 years in corporate America. I decided it was time to get back to my roots of being face to face and helping people. Being a local small business owner has allowed me to do just that. The best part of my day is educating my clients on their coverage options! I am here to help simplify the insurance process, making sure that you are not over or underinsured. In addition to your Auto/Home/Life/Rental/Business/Health Insurance needs; I am also Series 6 and 63 Licensed which allows me to assist you with financial options that not all Insurance agents can. These options include but are not limited to rolling over 401K plans, setting up a retirement plan for your business, college savings plans, and many other short or long-term financial plans for you and your families. I don't sell policies, I offer asset protection for you and your family for a lifetime, through Insurance. Contact me today for a free consultation to see if there are any changes that can be made to your current insurance that can protect you for a lifetime. Joel is located at 13666 Hawthorne Blvd #4 Hawthorne, Ca 90250 or call him at his office: 310-973-3514 or Text: 424-206-6959 His e-mail jversh@farmersagent.com or online at www.farmersagent.com/jversh

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Computer Security & Cyber Liability

Saturn Room - 4:15pm

Computer Security Presented by: Jerome Michalczak: Hawthorne Police Dept.

We will discuss basic computer and physical security measures in order to minimize victimization through theft, improper document destruction and other means of intrusion. Additionally, aspects of personal and vicarious liability will be discussed and presented making attendees aware of the pitfalls associated with a breach in cybersecurity.

You will learn:

  • Information security
  • Target Hardening
  • Electronic communication analysis
  • Liability issues
  • The aftermath of a breach

Cyber Liability Presented by: Joel Versh: Farmers Insurance

We will be covering the importance of protecting not only your identity but that of your clients. The issues that come from not protecting the data and how Insurance can help. A small data breach can cost you thousands of dollars in remediation between credit monitoring, communicating with your clients and legal fees. In small business your reputation is everything, what would a data breach do to that reputation.

You will learn:

  • How to protect yourself from being a victim of Cyber Theft
  • If you are a business owner, how costly data breach really is.
  • Ways a business owner can protect themselves and clients.
  • What to do if there is a breach

Omari Valentine

Omari Valentine's Biography

With over a decade of experience managing software projects, Omari Valentine has guided the development of websites and mobile apps in games, finance and news media.

In 2017, Omari founded his agency, Off the Lip, bringing with him his passion for producing premium online experiences, this time for small businesses. Off the Lip offers clients performance-optimized websites along with a suite of brand asset creation services.

Omari recently joined the South Bay SBDC as an advisor, assisting clients through workshops and one-on-one consultations.

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Website Essentials for Small Businesses

Pluto Room - 4:15pm

Presented by: Omari Valentine : Off The Lip

This workshop focuses on features any small business website should have to maximize search engine performance and convert visitors into paying customers. We will discuss fitting your website into your wider digital marketing strategy, and how these enhancements can connect you with your target audience.

You will learn:

  • The Goal of Every Website and How to Achieve It
  • The Importance of Analytics
  • What is Search Engine Optimization?
  • How to Drive Visitors and Get Them to Take Action
  • Keeping Your Website Secure
  • Where to Focus Your Resources and How to Set a Budget

Chris Cagle

Debbie Goldfarb Biography

Chris Cagle is the Regional Affairs Manager for the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB). He specializes in helping businesses succeed by connecting them with regional resources that promote growth. The Workforce Board provides “no cost” business and employment services throughout the Los Angeles South Bay area. Business resources include programs that provide wage subsidies and funding for employee training. Services also include assistance with hiring and recruitment and much more. Chris is frequently a guest speaker on workforce development issues at many community events and was previously a two term city councilman representing the residents of district 2 in Redondo Beach. He holds a master degree in Political Science and resides in Redondo Beach with his wife Diane.

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No-Cost Resources for Entrepreneurs

Mars Room - 4:15pm

Presented by: Chris Cagle: South Bay Workforce Investment Board

Learn how you can improve your bottom line with no cost Recruitment Services,
Hiring Support, Subsidized Labor Programs and On-The-Job Training Programs
provided by the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB). For more than
35 years, the SBWIB has been matching employers with qualified candidates
in the South Bay region through its four One-Stop Business & Career Centers.
Find out how you can take advantage

You will learn:

  • Recruitment Services
  • Business & Support Services
  • Hiring Support
  • Subsidized Labor Programs
  • Hire an Intern

Damon Skinner, CPFA

Damon Skinner Biography

Damon has been in the financial services industry since 1998 and joined Merrill Lynch in 2016.
He is well versed in Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution plans, manager screening/selection and strategic & tactical asset allocation. During his career in Chicago, his team consulted on Institutional Taft-Hartley plans and Endowments & Foundations.  He has extensive experience in alternative investments, including working with Institutional accounts for an Alternative Investment firm and as a business banker, providing solutions to small and medium size entities.
A native of Southern California, attended High School in Connecticut and a graduate of Purdue University. Lived and worked in Chicago, before moving back to Southern California in 2007. He lives on the Westside of Los Angeles with his wife Paola. Damon volunteers at St Monica’s Parish since 2007, starting as a Hospitality Minister before graduating to Hospitality Team Leader. Damon has been on the Administrative Council for 4 years, 2 years at Chair. Damon has served Thanksgiving Dinner at St Monica’s for the last 11 years. In 2017 Damon became Hospitality Coordinator working alongside of Dale and Dan.

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Financing Your Business

Jupiter Room - 4:15pm

Presented by: Damon Skinner, CPFA: Merrill Lynch/Bank of America

As a business owner, you face several competing demands: building your company, rewarding talented employees and designing the continuity of the business. You still have to have a plan for providing for your family, being available for your spouse/children, as well as planning for retirement.

You will learn:

  • Building your company
  • Rewarding talent
  • Ensure business continuity
  • Prepare exit strategy and succession planning
  • Planning for family’s future & retirement
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