"It is
impossible for ideas to compete in the marketplace if no forum for
their presentation is provided or available." Thomas Mann, 1896
The Business Forum Concept
We exist only to provide a forum where decision makers from business, government and academia in the Pacific States of America can meet to discuss future trends, common concerns and, hopefully to find solutions.
The Business Forum was established in 1982 so that a group of senior executives could question, or more importantly, hear their peers question, selected and recommended experts whose expertise we already believed we had a need to employ. At the very beginning we adopted the statement Thomas Mann made at the end of the 19th Century as our reason to create The Business Forum. This maxim has appeared on everything we have ever published and we believe is as true today at when it was first put forward:
their presentation is provided or available." Thomas Mann, 1896
What started in 1982 as a group of three dozen like minded executives seeking to educate themselves, was to grow to become the largest non-affiliated business organization on the West Coast of America by 1996, with the only "no cost and no obligation" ongoing program of debate and information sourcing throughout the Pacific States of America that was serving thousands of decision makers every year.
The operations of The Business Forum were always very simple and are totally dependent upon and directed for the benefit of our supporters. Even the way we choose which subjects on which to hold forums each month and who to put forward as an expert speaker depends entirely upon our supporters, the process we use is as follows:
-
One of our supporters suggests we should hold a meeting on a particular subject.
-
We then go out to our many contacts asking them if they can recommend an expert speaker from an organization that has already performed the service, or supplied the product involved, for them on time within budget and that they were completely satisfied.
-
We then approached this expert and asked them to provide us with a speaker and sponsor (to pay for) the event to be held.
Most sponsors jumped at the chance to participate. For essentially we are going to bring a number of their potential clients into a room at the same time, for far less than it would cost them to do it themselves. The result therefore is that everyone wins.
Business Forum Meetings - Speaker's Understanding
All speakers we present to our guests at a Business Forum event will have agreed to the following understanding and signed an agreement with us.
The Business Forum is dedicated to assisting the Business Community of the Pacific States of America and is an independent organization without political, religious or any other binding interest. The Business Forum has as it's objective the bringing together of supplier and end-user or decision-maker, in a non-sales situation where they may discuss shared objectives and concerns for the introduction of new technologies, products, information and services for the betterment of individual understanding and overall business efficiency.
We believe that identifying expert suppliers of services, products, information or technology, who can then meet with a group of decision makers responsible for the introduction of such expertise into their organizations, can only benefit those who participate, provided that the information and expert opinion are taken to be the prime consideration during any discussion, or presentation.
We understand that our sponsors are seeking to improve the market acceptance of what they are offering for sale, whereas the guests wish to improve their knowledge and ask questions relative to their individual needs and concerns. Everyone benefits from hearing the needs and concerns of other guests, and during this exchange the sponsor has the opportunity to conduct very personal and high level market research and to explain in an open conversational manner what they are presenting to the decision makers assembled.
There are few, if any, organizations that are able to do what The Business Forum did consistently and successfully every month throughout the Pacific States of America. Therefore, abiding by this understanding is essential to ensure the continuation of our reputation and the benefits enjoyed on an ongoing basis by all of our sponsors and guests. When the speaker/expert enters the room for a Business Forum, he or she is meeting a group where the overwhelming majority of those present will be pre-qualified decision makers, therefore we insist upon strict adherence to the rules we have developed. These rules are standard and have proven beneficial to our sponsors, members and guests over the years, in many meetings on an on-going basis with The Business Forum.
-
Guests are invited to attend at no cost and no obligation whatsoever, but must give two business cards to the moderator before the meeting.
-
Parking will only be validated at the close of the meeting.
-
Everyone agrees to behave in a civilized manner, not to interrupt while someone else is talking, refrain from any sort of profanity and obey the directions of the moderator at all times. Anyone who wishes to comment should inform the moderator by lifting their hand and they will be the next speaker. The moderator may ask anyone (expert or guest) to stop speaking and surrender the conversation to someone else, at any time.
-
No selling of any kind by either the guests, the speakers or the sponsor, is allowed during the meeting. Presentation materials from the sponsor may be placed in the meeting room, however no guest is obligated to take these materials, nor may materials be handed out during the meeting without the prior public agreement of the moderator.
For the benefit of
all our sponsors, members and guests, it is essential that all of our speakers understand and agree to these rules at the outset.
By 1996
The Business Forum was active in:
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA IDAHO
NEVADA
OREGON UTAH WASHINGTON
The Pacific States of America Disclaimer
The Business Forum, its Officers, partners, and all other
parties with which it deals, or is associated with, accept
absolutely no responsibility whatsoever, nor any liability,
for what is published on this web site. Please refer to:
The Business Forum
Beverly Hills, California, United States of America
Email:
[email protected]
Graphics by
DawsonDesign
Webmaster:
bruceclay.com
©
Copyright The Business Forum Institute - 1982 - 2015 **
All rights reserved.
The Business Forum Institute is not responsible
for
the content of external sites.
Read more
Charter Members
of
The Business Forum
The date below each name signifies when each person was inducted as a Charter Member. The professional position the Charter Members held when they joined The Business Forum is shown.
John Hathaway-Bates
June 12th, 1982
At the time of establishing The Business Forum John was
a Commercial Tactician with many years of International experience. He has
been elected a Fellow of the British Society of Commerce, the Institution of
Buyers, the Institute of Directors, the Institute of Administrative
Accountants, and the Institute of Purchasing & Supply and a member of the
Institute of Marketing, the British Institute of Journalists and the Institute
of Management. He is the author of "Tactics" and "Fast
Track Marketing in a Global Economy" and he wrote the American Management
Association's "Executive Guide to Office Space Planning &
Design" and several other works published in Europe and America.
He has also lectured on business and marketing in Europe, Asia, Africa and
America at major Universities and before other professional audiences.
Cris H. Dawson
June 12th, 1982
At the time of joining The Business Forum Cris was President of Dawson Design.
He graduated from the Chouinard Art Institute with a degree in Fine Arts and
also holds a Masters Degree in Fine Arts & Design from the California
Institute of Arts. His conceptual and communications graphics have been
featured in exhibitions both in America and abroad and he has been presented
with awards from prestigious societies and organizations.
David W. Millington
June 12th, 1982
At the time of joining The Business Forum David was Vice President of
Administration for MGM/UA. He graduated from Brixton College (London) and
holds a professional designation in Building & Construction Industry
Management from the University of California Los Angeles. David has wide
International experience in the fields of Real Estate Development,
and Administration with major corporations in Europe and
America.
Robert R. Sherman
June 12th, 1982
At the time of joining The Business Forum Rayne was President of the Sherman
Design Group. He is a graduate of Woodbury University with a degree in
Interior Design and also teaches Interior Design at California State
University Long Beach. Rayne has many years experience in Facilities &
Commercial Interior Design and is a past President and Member of the Board of
Trustees of the Institute of Business Designers (California Chapter).
David R. Brooks
June 12th, 1982
At the time of joining The Business Forum David was completing his accounting
degree at California State University Long Beach while with Regency Financial
Services. Subsequent to gaining his degree David has worked with the tax
departments of Coopers & Lybrand, KMPG Peat Marwick and Ernst & Young.
David is currently providing tax consulting and compliance services to a wide
variety of industries, including: financial services, manufacturing and real
estate.
Harold Amens
May 26th, 1987
At the time of joining The Business Forum Hal was President of Lyon, Popanz
& Forester. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the
University of Denver and an MBA from Harvard Graduate School of Business
Administration. Hal has wide international experience in information systems
working with some of the world's leading firms and corporations in the areas
of corporate strategy for communications and electronic media.
James C. Moore
August 11th, 1987
At the time of joining The Business Forum Chip was the Human Resources
Director at Pepperdine University. He holds degrees in History, Languages,
International Relations & Business from the University of Southern
California and Pepperdine University. Chip has lectured and written on the
subject of Human Resources for both academic and professional audiences and
has taught Political Sciences in Europe and America. He is also fluent in
several languages.
Greg Strick
August 11th, 1987
At the time of joining The Business Forum Greg was Manager of Operations
Systems for Litton Data Command Systems Inc. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine
University, a PhD in Sociolinguistics from Georgetown University and
degrees in the field of Education and Government/International Relations. He
has international experience in Operations, Logistics, Project Management,
Information Systems, Training and Education.
Joseph Byrne
August 11th, 1987
At the time of joining The Business Forum Joe was the Corporate Director of Human
Resources with Unocal Corporation. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering
from Stanford University and a Masters from MIT. Joe has wide
International Operations experience and is an active member of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science, American Institute of Chemical
Engineers and American Petroleum Institute.
Larry R. De Jarnett
August 11th, 1987
At the time of joining The Business Forum Larry was a Partner with A T Kearny
Management Consultants. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with
degrees in Business Administration and Personnel Management. Before
joining The Business Forum he was Vice President of Information Technology for Lear Siegler and before that spent fifteen years with Ford Motor Company with
responsibility for Financial and Systems Management.
Gary L. Saenger
September 9th, 1987
At the time of joining The Business Forum Gary was Senior Vice President of
Human Resources for Security Pacific Automation Company. He is a graduate of
Idaho State University with degrees in Education and Personnel. He has
experience in Employee Relations, Communications and Policy Implementation and
Training. Previously he served with the American Hospital Supply Corporation
as Human Resources Director.
Roger O. Schultz
September 14th, 1987
At the time of joining The Business Forum Roger was President of ROS
Associates. Roger holds a degree in Sales & Marketing from Syracuse
University, and he also holds degrees in Business Education, Marketing and
Economics from Cleveland State. He has International experience in
Marketing, Research & Development, Engineering, product planning &
introduction, management and business evaluation.
Stanley C. Abraham
November 19th, 1987
At the time of joining The Business Forum Stan was Professor of Marketing
Strategy & Management at Pepperdine University. He graduated from the
University of London with a degree in Engineering and holds a PhD in
Management from UCLA and a Masters from MIT. Previously he was senior policy
analysts at the Rand Corporation. He is a member of the Academy of Management
and the World Future Society.
David T. Hulett
November 30th, 1987
David holds a PhD in Economics from Stanford University and holds an AB from
Princeton. He is a member the American Economic Association. and the National
Association of Business Economists. He was Economist for the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve, and Chief of Economic Statistics at the US
Office of Management and Budget and Director Energy Source Analysis for the US
Department of Energy.
Frank Kiyomura
November 30th, 1987
At the time of joining The Business Forum Frank was President of the design
firm of Kiyomura Associates Inc. He holds a degree in Business from the
University of California Los Angeles. He is a prominent member of the
California Facility Planning & Architectural Community, his work is
recognized Internationally and he was the founder and President of Interspace
Inc. He is active in multi-national business ventures, especially in the Far
East and he is fluent in Japanese.
Scott Kohno
September 27th, 1988
At the time of joining The Business Forum Scott was President of Chaix &
Johnson Inc. Scott holds a degree in Economics from the University of
California Los Angeles and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University. He has
wide international experience in the world of Architecture and Interior Design
and he is active in the international architectural community and is
recognized as one of the world's experts on retail space planning.
Robert H. Gassner
January 1st, 1988
At the time of joining The Business Forum Bob was President of CNS Inc. He has
taught at several Universities and has also published many articles and
specifications. He is a Fellow of the American Society for Metals and is also
a past Chairman of the Aerospace Metals Engineering Committee. He was
previously Chief of the Metals Section and the Administrator of Research and
Development for the Douglas Aircraft Company.
June Jones
January 13th, 1988
At the time of joining The Business Forum June was Senior Vice President of
Human Resources Policy at First Interstate Bank. She holds degrees from the
University of California Los Angeles in Philosophy and Sociology and holds
certificates on Labor and Business Management, Industrial Relations and
Personnel Management. June has many years of teaching & professional
experience in Labor management and employee relations.
Dean K. Allen
February 10th, 1988
At the time of joining The Business Forum Dean was developing Real Estate in
Rancho California. He holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania and a
BEMA from the University of Southern California. Dean is also a member of the
American Association of Cost Engineers, and the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers and is a Director of the American Society for Macro-
Engineering. Previously he was Chairman of Fluor Engineering Group.
Robert J. Brown
April 29th, 1988
At the time of joining The Business Forum Bob was President of Computer
Dynamics Inc. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in
Business Administration. He is a member of the Business Network and a Vice
President with Rotary Club. Previously Bob held key executive positions with
Xerox Corporation (Computer Services Division) and I.B.M. Service Bureau
Corporation in Product Development.
William A. Sleeper
May 6th, 1988
At the time of joining The Business Forum Bill was Vice President of Finance
for Mika Company. He holds an MBA from the University of California Los
Angeles and is active in the Financial Executive's Institute and the
California Society of CPA's. Before joinign The Business Forum Bill was with
Coopers & Lybrand, and he has extensive experience in the fields of
Financial Management, Budgetary Controls and especially Financial Systems
design and implementation in several fields.
Eugene F. Page, III
July 15th, 1988
At the time of joining The Business Forum Gene was the International Director
for The Faulkner Company. Gene holds a degree in Economics from Villanova
University and an MBA from the University of Southern California. He has
international expertise in Real Estate and is a member of the Society of
Industrial Realtors, Urban Land Institute and the International Development
Research Council. Gene is fluent in German and has taught English at Seoul
National University Korea.
Duanne A. Paul
January 13th, 1989
At the time of joining The Business Forum Duanne was Senior Economist with
Bank of America in Los Angeles. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from
the University of California. He is Chairman of the Greater Los Angeles
Chamber of Commerce Panel of Economic Advisors, and also a member of the Los
Angeles County Economic Development Corporation and the National Association
of Business Economists. He has written for many publications.
Bruce M. Clay
December 31st, 1989
At the time of joining The Business Forum Bruce was the General Manager
ServTel Corporation, a division of ACER America. He holds a BSc degree in Math
& Computer Sciences from Western Illinois University and an MBA from
Pepperdine University. Bruce has wide experience in computer sciences and has
written many articles published in Europe and America, appeared on Radio, and
he has spoken at many industry conferences on diverse computer related
subjects.
Barbara J. Montz
May 3rd, 1991
At the time of joining The Business Forum Barbara was President of Marketing
by Design. Barbara holds an MBA from New York University, and a degree in
Political Science from Pennsylvania State University and studied International
Relations at the University of Mannheim and the University of Cologne in
Germany. She has wide international experience in the field of
multinational Project Management and Marketing on all five continents and is
fluent in German.
Robert Anderson
May 24th, 1991
At the time of joining The Business Forum Bob was serving as the Vice
President of Human Resources for International Rectifier Corporation. He
graduated from the with a degree in Arts and Social Sciences from the
University of California Long Beach. Bob has industry-wide experience in
negotiation and personnel planning and held the position of Western
Regional Director with the International Service Employees Union, AFL/CIO.
Robert J. Toering
March 1st, 1996
At the time of joining The Business Forum Bob was President of MascoTech
Norris Industries Inc. Bob holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from
Purdue University and a Masters in Product Design from the Illinois Institute
of Technology. He has wide experience in the field of
Manufacturing and contract negotiation. Previously he held executive positions
with General Defense Corporation, Mare Mont Corporation and Rodman
Laboratories.
David Paulson
March 1st, 1996
At the time of joining The Business Forum David was Treasurer and Controller
with the Los Angeles Times. David holds a degree in accounting from the State
University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of California Los
Angeles. He is a member of the Los Angeles County Technology for Learning
Project, International Newspaper Financial Executives Association and the
Printing Industry Association Mayor's Round Table.
Emeritus
George H. Banks
June 12th, 1985 (1982 - 1994)
At the time of joining The Business Forum George was a Partner with Parker
& Cabaldon. George is a graduate of Oxford University and holds a Masters
degree. He has wide International experience in the discipline of management
team development and is a recognized authority in the field of senior level
executive search. He has held management positions in corporations both in
Europe and America and George is fluent in several languages.
Charlotte Beer
May 31st, 1991 (1991 -1996)
At the time of joining The Business Forum Charlotte was Director of Facilities
and Communications for Recycler Publications. She is a graduate of Exeter
University (England). She is a member of the British Academy of Film &
Television Art, and the International Facility Management Association of which
she is Program Director, Los Angeles, and the British American Chamber of
Commerce. Charlotte is also fluent in French and Italian.
Mary Cogswell
June 12th, 1985 (1982 - 1996)
At the time of joining The Business Forum Mary was President of Gardens in
Glass. She studied Fine Arts at Pennsylvania State University and at the
Southern Methodist University and her work has been exhibited internationally.
She has been recognized as a world leading stained glass artist and was
commissioned by the City of Los Angeles to create a limited edition which the
City presented as gifts to foreign dignitaries.
JoEllen M. Hagerty
December 2nd, 1987 (1987 - 1989)
At the time of joining The Business Forum JoEllen was Director of Human
Resources for Sierra Concepts. She is a graduate of the University of
California Berkeley. She is a member of the American Society for Personnel
Administration. She has wide International experience in recruitment,
compensation, affirmative action and the field of employee relations, having
worked in South America and Europe. JoEllen is also fluent in Spanish, Italian
and Portuguese.
Jerome M. Lyons
September 16th, 1987 (1987 - 2000)
At the time of joining The Business Forum Jerry was an Independent Consultant.
Jerry previously was Vice President, Administration for Cherry Textron VSI
Corporation. He graduated from Loyola University with BA and M.Ed. degrees and
held an MBA from Pepperdine University. He taught courses on Labor Relations
and Business Law and was well experienced in the field of manufacturing in the
Pharmaceutical and Retail Industries.
Kenneth W. Oder
April 22nd, 1988 (1988 - 1994)
At the time of joining The Business Forum Ken was Chairman of the Employment
Law Department of the law firm of Latham & Watkins. He graduated from the
University of Virginia and is an active member of the State Bar of California
and the District of Columbia Bar. He has lectured and written for the
University of Virginia Law Review, American Arbitration Association, the
California Trial Lawyers Association and other professional bodies.
James P. Sundquist
January 1st, 1987 (1987 - 1998)
At the time of joining The Business Forum Jim was in private practice, Jim was
previously Director of Administration for Decision Management Company Inc. He
graduated with an Arts degree from Hamline University and held a Juris Doctor
degree from William Mitchell College of Law. Jim had wide experience in both
Contract and Proposal negotiation on an International basis with both major
Corporations and Government Organizations.
Alan Hensley
September 14th, 1987 (1987 - 2001)
At the time of joining The Business Forum Alan was Vice President of
Distribution for the Fashion Channel Inc. He graduated from Iowa State
University with degrees in Science and Business Administration. He has wide
experience in the field of Distribution Management, having held
executive positions with such organizations as Yokohama Tire Corporation,
Aaron Brothers, May Company and Pacific Connections.
Marshall W. Vorkink
February 10th, 1990 (1990 - 2001)
At the time of joining The Business Forum Marshall was a Senior Partner with
Cummins & White. Marshall graduated from the University of California Los
Angeles with a BA and Juris Doctor degree. He is a member of the State Bar of
California & the LA County & American Bar Associations and was elected
to the American Board of Trial Advocates. Previously he supervised the
California-Nevada litigation department of the Union Pacific Railroad.
Robert E. Nelson
February 28th, 1998 (1998 - 2007)
At the time of joining The Business Forum Bob was the Vice President of
Business Strategy with Northrop Grumman Corporation. Bob holds a degree in
Engineering and a Masters Degree in Engineering Systems Management from UCLA
and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Prior to joining Northrop Bob held
management positions with Singer Librascope and with Magnavox where he worked
on navigation systems. In all Bob has over thirty years of aerospace industry
experience.