CSBA Awardee-Van Tran

On May 2nd , I was honored as Small Business Honoree for
Assembly District # 68 by Assembly Member Van Tran for the 2007 California Small Business Day http://www.csba.com/home/ in Sacramento. What a delightful experience!

The California Assembly passed a resolution in 2000 to honor small business. This is an all day event with over 200 people meet with the legislative leadership and business honorees. Over 70 legislators attended !.. Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger was our keynote speaker.



On Tuesday, May 1st I was invited by one of my good friends from the Sacramento, Hispanic Chamber to attend the Legislative Reception at the State Capital.

Several Board members were recognized during the reception. The lady in the pink, Nancy Zarenda was invited to have dinner with President Bush during a Cinco De Mayo Event.

Here is my dear friend, Diana Borroel, CEO/President of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber. She was so sweet to recognize me among the Sacramento members that attended the legislative reception.

This is the Press Released that was sent out and published on the California Chronicle,

VAN TRAN
Assemblyman, 68th District

California Legislature, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 319-2068 FAX (916) 319-2168
News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2007

CONTACT
Dave Everett, (951) 233-7804

ASSEMBLYMAN VAN TRAN HONORS HEAVEN SENT JEWELRY
AS THE 2007 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Recognition for Outstanding Spirit of Entrepreneurship and Community Involvement

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Van Tran, R- Costa Mesa, today honored Heaven Sent Jewelry as the Small Business of the Year for the 68th Assembly District at an annual ceremony hosted by the California Small Business Association.

"Since 2003, our state's economy has made fantastic progress: revenues are up $20 Billion, we've added 636,000 new jobs and personal income is growing at an annual rate of 6 percent. Our economy is roaring and the best action we can take to keep it going is to support our small businesses and our small business owners, like my 2007 Small Business Day Nominee - Addy Perez-Mau, Founder and Designer of Heaven Sent Jewelry" said Assemblyman Tran.

Addy Perez-Mau, Founder/Designer of Heaven Sent Jewelry truly reflects the entrepreneur spirit and drive. While the business specializes in hand-crafted jewelry, Addy has another specialty of her own: community service and involvement. For that reason Heaven Sent Jewelry has earned recognition and various awards from the business community, and recognition from local, state and regional politicians. Addy's strategic plan involves the community, fellow business owners and her family.

"As I went through my entrepreneurship journey, all my time that was dedicated with leadership, donations, networking, volunteering, forming partnerships, assisting other entrepreneurs set a platform for my family and my business. Now I can see that all the hard work is being recognized by many" said Addy. She added, "The entrepreneurship road is not an easy one. As entrepreneurs, sometimes all we have is a vision of what will be. We learn to fight for what we believe in, struggle day in and day out, keeping the spirits up while we sacrifice time from our loved ones and devote to our dreams."

Addy Perez-Mau was recognized today by Assemblyman Van Tran at a special awards luncheon, along with other honorees from throughout the state. The Small Business of the Year event is an annual celebration to recognize small businesses in California that are improving the economy and making a difference in their communities.

Assemblymember Van Tran, R-Costa Mesa, represents the 68th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the cities of Westminster, Stanton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach.

After the awards, Van Tran invited us for a special certificate.

"California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition Presented to Addy Perez-Mau Heaven Sent Jewelry in Honor of

"Over 24 years of service to the business community, and and commitment unmatched by others.

Stay tuned as Addy's drives away in the Addy mobile with sparkle and bling.

SBA Champion

OH MY !..... I heard a phone message from SBA District Director, J. Adlaberto Quijada. My eye's were wide open, tears from joy fell upon my cheeks and a smile that was covering my entire face. I jumped up ,picked up my little boy and danced with him. Upon feeling like I was flying, I called Adalberto and "Thanked him from the bottom of my heart"!

Each year the SBA recognizes business owners nationally. The U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate it's 44th Annual National Small Business Week this May entitled "Business..Dream Big" . http://www.sba.gov/ While I attended my first SBA luncheon last year one of my friends, Janet Cronick, former NLBWA President suggested I apply. When November rolled around, I had a tough choice between completing all the documentation or my business. The process took about two weeks to complete. During this time I realized I had devoted many, many years in assisting business owners from Fresno, Bakersfield and Orange County, CA .

The O.C. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce http://hcoc.org/ nominated me . I was selected as the District and and Region IX 2007 SBA Home Based-Champion. I competed with people from California, Arizona, Hawaii and Nevada!

The SBA Nomination read......

"Addy Perez-Mau, Founder/Designer of Heaven Sent Jewelry truly reflects the entrepreneur spirit and drive. Heaven Sent Jewelry has earned recognition and various awards from the business community, and recognition from local, state and regional politicians. Addy strategic plan involves the community, fellow business owners and her family. Her story of perseverance as a child has continued to influence her role as a business woman. Addy began her role as a business advocate as a college student by being a founding member of the Central Ca Hispanic Chamber in Fresno. She served as the Executive Director of the Bakersfield Hispanic Chamber, Vice President, Membership Chair and attended quarterly board meetings for the CA Hispanic Chamber. In 1989, the Chamber was recognized by the US Hispanic Chamber for it’s growth. She is also a founder of the NLBWA (National Latina Business Women Association in OC) and Co-Founder of SHE (Stay Home Entrepreneur) . As a new business owner, Addy took a leadership role with our chamber as the Ambassador Chair. Her inclusive leadership and marketing skills benefited in promoting our chamber. In addition, she was instrumental in having our chamber partner up with SCORE. As a result, our members benefited with monthly SCORE workshops. Over 24 years of service to the business community exemplifies dedication. Regardless of the challenges Addy has been faced with, she holds on to her vision and courage with much stamina. "

I'm so happy that I never stopped dreaming endlessly. My dreams involved having high profile clients, authors, meeting celebrities, becoming national, being in fashion shows, helping my community and inspiring other entrepreneurs while caring for my two children. My community recognized my unselfish efforts which result in nominations for awards. The media fell in love with my gusto and devotion for my family. I took each opportunity with much passion.

My parents taught me to work hard and that is what I have been doing all my life. "Not to bad for a little girl that worked in San Joaquin Valley harvesting crops !" My family came to this country with little but taught us to respect and a strong work ethic. This award is dedicated to my family and all whom have a dream!.. Dreams are worth having and fighting for.

My dream took 3 1/2 years of non-stop devotion, dedication and sacrifice. Countless weekends from my family, late nights, lack of sleep and broken dreams. Yet it has been the most rewarding experience. I've met incredible people that have opened doors. In return, I'm committed to helping others. We can not grow if we do not mentor, coach or assist one another. My philosophy is "Win-Win".... things happen when you do things for the right reasons. Now I have an opportunity to assist business owners and utilize my talents. More news to come.

Stay tuned as Addy's drives away in the add mobile with sparkle and bling.