Briefly In Business

Networking mixer is Wednesday

The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce holds a networking Sunset Mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at The Cliff Restaurant, 577 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. Cost for members is $10, nonmembers, $20.

For more information, call (949) 494-1018.

Kollenda to address Business Club

“The State of Art in Laguna” will be the subject of the upcoming Laguna Beach Business Club meeting on Thursday.

Arts Commissioner Pat Kollenda will discuss the role of arts in Laguna “” both as good business and community-building.

The Arts Commission works on a variety of programming to enhance the cultural experience for residents and visitors, in addition to providing opportunities for local visual and performing artists.

The presentation begins at 7:30 a.m. at Hotel Laguna, Catalina Room. The public is invited to attend. Admission is $25 and includes buffet breakfast. To attend, RSVP to Catharine Cooper at (714) 296-5250 or ccooper@cooperdesign.net. For more information, visit www.lagunabeachbusinessclub.com.

Baez leads business delegation to China

Armando Baez, a Laguna Beach resident, is leading a delegation of U.S. business executives to China to explore insurance-related business opportunities and teach Chinese business leaders and government officials about self-insurance issues.

Baez is president of the Self-Insurance Institute of America, Inc., a national trade association representing companies involved in the self-insurance/alternative risk transfer industry. Today, more than 52% of employees in the U.S. receive their health care through self-insured benefit plans.

The tour will connect participants with insurance executives, key government officials, representatives of multinational corporations and others who will provide practical information about how to do business in China, as well as opportunities in the employee benefits/risk management marketplace.

“Through international exposure SIIA has learned that there is a great global appetite for American-style self-insurance and alternative risk transfer,” Baez said. “This tour is another example of how SIIA promotes educational and cultural exchanges among our members and the people we visit.”

Baez helped SIIA stage its first international conference in Barcelona, Spain in 2008 and is currently engaged in planning additional international events.

The China tour will include a full schedule of business meetings augmented by several social and networking events and sightseeing.

Reilly, Prelitz join Endangered Planet

Endangered Planet Foundation has named Chris Prelitz to its Board of Advisors. Prelitz is the author of “Green Made Easy: The Everyday Guide for Transitioning to a Green Lifestyle.”

His design-build firm Prelitz + Partners has been responsible for developing projects that include the first solar-powered LEED certified auto dealership in the U.S.

Douglas C. Reilly has been appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer. He has 30 years of experience working with public agencies, community organizations and business groups, including staff support to city councils, city commissions, and task force groups.

He formerly held the position of executive director with the Irvine Transportation Authority, City of Irvine. Currently Reilly serves as Assistant City Manager for the City of Laguna Woods, a position he has held since 2000.

Prelitz and Reilly were elected at Endangered Planet Foundation’s Board of Directors meeting in April.

The board now consists of eight directors, including the Chairman of the Board and 25 advisors.

The foundation is launching its 2009 Membership Drive. Volunteers are being sought to help with marketing, outreach, special events and projects.

For more information, call (949) 497-5690 or e-mail info@endangeredplanet.net.