Annual Meeting

The 24th Annual Meeting of the Membership for the Cen Cal Business Finance Group was held Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at Pardini’s Banquet facility in Fresno California.

The featured Speaker for the event was Mr. Tapan Munroe, PhD, recognized author, speaker, consultant and advisor in the area of economic and policy analysis.  Dr. Munroe provided a current overview of the U.S economy, its effects on the state of California and the Central Valley and made his personal prediction for the future economic health of the United States.   

Fashion Furniture was honored as the Outstanding Small Business by the Cen Cal Business Finance Group for their use of the 504 loan program to expand their business resulting in the creation of 100 jobs. 

The 49 year old family managed business is the largest locally owned and independent furniture store in the San Joaquin Valley.  Through the use of Small Business Administration’s 504 loan program, Fashion Furniture was able to construct a 50,000 square foot show room and a 25,000 square foot warehouse in the River Park Shopping Center in 2001.

Also honored were Professional Business Bank represented by Ms. Lesley Lang Lopez, Excel National Bank represented by Ms. Dorothy Thomas and Wachovia National Bank represented by Mr. Patrick Furlong for participation in Cen Cal’s loan programs.  Together these banks were responsible for over $24 million in projects in Fresno and the creation of 100 jobs.