📈 Driving economic growth, investment, and job creation in the Pico Area.

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Economic Growth

Business Council

Pico Rivera

Uniting Business. Driving Growth.

An independent non-profit organization working collaboratively with government, academia, and the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce to enhance economic development and improve quality of life.

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+200 local businesses and
leaders engaged

Economic Development

Business Collaboration

Public-Private Partnerships

Job Creation

Community Impact

Workforce Development

Build Connections

ABOUT US

Building a Stronger Business Community

The Pico Area Business Council, Inc. is an independent non-profit designed to represent and promote the business community, working collaboratively with government, academia, and the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce to enhance economic development and improve quality of life.

  • Non-profit under IRC 501(c)(6)
  • Think Tank Environment
  • Government & Academia Collaboration
  • Chamber of Commerce Partner
Join Our Community

Think Tank

Recruiting intellectuals in business, academia, and professionals to form solutions for the community.

City Partnership

Working with the City and Chamber of Commerce to develop growth strategies.

Economic & Social Impact

Committed to develop and implement solutions for economic and social development.

WHAT WE DO

Comprehensive Support for Business Success

PABC offers a wide range of services and initiatives designed to support businesses at every stage of growth, from startups to established enterprises.

Business Advocacy & Networking

Collaboration with Pacto Group and partners to provide resources and networks.

Economic Development

Bringing businesses to the city and supporting PR 2035 Development.

Education & Literacy Programs

Financial literacy, legal literacy, AI & automation, and grant writing programs.

Job Creation & Entrepreneurship

Internships, volunteerism, entrepreneurship development, and micro-business support.

Environmental and Tech Startups

Building relationships with government and education for business success.

Community Programs

Monthly legal clinics, health & wellness, city events, and fundraising initiatives.

OUR MISSION

Creating a Future of Shared Prosperity

The Council has committed itself to develop and implement solutions across economic and social development—from financial literacy to smart city initiatives.

"A Think Tank environment recruiting intellectuals in business and academia to form solutions for the community at large."

2024

Determine & Remove Bottlenecks

Identifying and eliminating obstacles that impede business development and economic growth in Pico Rivera.

2025

Maneuver Resources for Growth

Strategically directing resources, partnerships, and talent to accelerate business progress across the community.

2026

Dia de los Muertos, City Events
& World Cup Ready

Preparing Pico Rivera to capitalize on the World Cup, Supporting and fundraising for city events including the Dia de los Muertos Parade 2026 and Smart City Development.

2028

Olympics

Preparing Pico Rivera to leverage the 2028 Olympics through real estate development and entertainment initiatives.

PARTNERS & ALLIES

Building Together

PABC works collaboratively with government, academia, and the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce to provide resources and networks for our business community.

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Board Members

Experienced professionals driving PABC's mission across business, law, media, and economic development.

Strategic Business Leadership

For over 25 years, Jorge Juarez has been a business consultant in the fields of accounting, human resources and taxation.
Jorge Juarez – CEO

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Program evaluation and mental health expertise

Ms. Hernandez has 10+ years of youth education, health & wellness services, and research and evaluation experience with numerous reputable organizations.
Ms. Dina Hernandez, LCSW

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Research Director & Board Member

Dr. Erick Guerrero completed his Ph.D. at University of Chicago in 2009 and was granted tenure at University of Southern California in 2016.
Erik Guerrero, Ph.D. — Board Member

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Award-Winning Director & Journalist

Rolando is an award-winning director, producer and journalist with 4 Emmys, 1 Peabody and 1 Edward R.
Rolando Nichols — TBD

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CEO & Digital Marketing Expert

Allen Ashouri is the CEO of EMRG and a renowned expert in digital marketing. He has worked with Fortune 50 and multibillion dollar companies. .
Allen Ashouri — Marketing Director

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Community Relations Executive

Carlos Illingworth is Senior Director of Community Relations at the Tournament of Roses, which has produced America’s New Year Celebration,..
Carlos Illingworth — Board

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Economic Development & Business Investment

Economic Development | Kansas Department of Commerce economic development: incentives, commercial real estate, industry sector information, or connecting to any other resources.
Peter Ruiz – Director of Economic Development

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Legal Expertise & Civil Rights

Zavala Law Group, P.C. — Specialized counsel in civil rights, personal injury, and general legal strategy for the community.
Salomon Zavala, Board & Governance

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Board Leadership & Strategic Governance

Jose Torres serves as Chairman of the Board, providing strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the organization’s long-term vision and mission are achieved.
Jose Torres - Chairman of Board

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Interested in partnering with PABC?

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CONTACT US

Let’s Connect

Have questions about PABC or want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out and let's start a conversation about building a stronger business community.

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Get in Touch

For general inquiries, media requests, or partnership opportunities, reach out using the information below.

Local

Pico Rivera, California

Email

info@picoareabusinesscouncil.org

JORGE JUAREZ – CEO

Strategic Business Leadership

For over 25 years, Jorge Juarez has been a business consultant in the fields of accounting, human resources and taxation. As an entrepreneur, he understands the nuances that a business requires and the struggles behind the entrepreneur. He has worked on coaching entrepreneurs to remove the mental fog that can stifle their creativity. He has also worked on international boards working on rural zone development through local resources for economic opportunity. Currently, he also sits on several boards as the Chief Financial Officer using the power of technology to automate and increase efficiency. He has also served on the board of Directors for the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce and a Past President.

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MS. DINA HERNANDEZ, LCSW

Program evaluation and mental health expertise

Ms. Hernandez has 10+ years of youth education, health & wellness services, and research and evaluation experience with numerous reputable organizations such as Friends of the Family, Brighman and Women's Hospital, Harvard and Boston University school of medicine, and Helping Children Worldwide. Ms. Hernandez received her bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from Cal State Northridge and her master's degree in Social Work from Boston College.

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Erik Guerrero, Ph.D. — Board Member

Research Director & Board Member

Dr. Erick Guerrero completed his Ph.D. at University of Chicago in 2009 and was granted tenure at University of Southern California in 2016. His sub-fields and areas of research are implementation and organization science, healthcare disparities and delivery of culturally responsive and evidence-based practices. Since 2018, Dr. Guerrero has been serving as the Founder and Research Director at the I-LEAD Institute, Research to End Healthcare Disparities Corp. Dr. Guerrero has published more than 100 peer-review articles in management, cultural competence and evidence-based practices. He is currently leading research studies in effective drug prevention and treatment, as well as integration of primary and behavioral care in the United States, Mexico and some European countries.

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Rolando Nichols — TBD

Award-Winning Director & Journalist

Rolando is an award-winning director, producer and journalist with 4 Emmys, 1 Peabody and 1 Edward R. Murrow Award for his excellence in media. He has worked internationally for over 25 years. Mr. Nichols has a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

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Allen Ashouri — Marketing Director

CEO & Digital Marketing Expert

Allen Ashouri is the CEO of EMRG and a renowned expert in digital marketing. He has worked with Fortune 50 and multibillion dollar companies. With years of experience and industry data, he leads EMRG to specialize in legal marketing, e-commerce, medical, healthcare, and other business types. Allen has worked with some of the biggest firms in the country to produce extraordinary results. He is the author of the best-selling book, Powerhouse Websites, and well-known for authoring the “100-Point Checklist,” a fundamental-based outline for best website practices that has become a standard across multiple industries. He has lectured at the prestigious USC Entrepreneur, Marketing, and Business Schools and has been the keynote speaker on the topics of best practices in digital marketing and business in front of thousands.

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CARLOS ILLINGWORTH — BOARD

Community Relations Executive

Carlos Illingworth is Senior Director of Community Relations at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, which has produced America’s New Year Celebration, bringing the traditions of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game to Pasadena and the world for over 130 years. In this role, he leads the Association’s community relations and government affairs, and serves as Executive Director of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation. An external affairs executive with over 20 years of experience, Carlos is also Founder and CEO of The Illingworth Group, a strategic public affairs firm.

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PETER RUIZ – DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Economic Development | Kansas Department of Commerce

Peter Ruiz serves as Director of Economic Development at the Kansas Department of Commerce, where he works to support business growth and regional economic expansion. In this role, he assists companies, investors, and entrepreneurs by providing guidance on economic development incentives, commercial real estate opportunities, and key industry sector insights. He plays a vital role in connecting businesses with the resources they need to succeed, helping organizations navigate available programs, identify strategic opportunities, and access government-supported initiatives designed to stimulate economic activity. Through collaboration with public and private partners, Peter helps strengthen local economies by promoting sustainable development and fostering an environment that encourages investment and job creation. With extensive knowledge of regional industries and economic resources, he serves as a key point of contact for organizations seeking to establish, expand, or relocate their operations. His work focuses on building partnerships, facilitating strategic connections, and ensuring that businesses can effectively leverage the tools and opportunities available through the Kansas Department of Commerce.

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SALOMON ZAVALA – BOARD & GOVERNANCE

Zavala Law Group, P.C.

Salomon Zavala is an experienced legal professional and advisor specializing in civil rights, personal injury, and corporate legal counsel. Through his work at Zavala Law Group, P.C., he has built a reputation for providing strategic legal guidance and strong advocacy for individuals, organizations, and businesses. In his role supporting board governance, Salomon contributes valuable legal insight that helps organizations operate responsibly, maintain regulatory compliance, and make informed decisions. His experience allows him to evaluate complex legal matters, mitigate risk, and ensure that governance practices align with legal and ethical standards. Salomon’s background in civil rights law reflects a commitment to protecting the rights of individuals and promoting fairness and accountability within institutions. At the same time, his work in personal injury and general counsel provides him with a well-rounded understanding of legal strategy, dispute resolution, and organizational legal needs. By combining legal expertise with strategic governance insight, Salomon helps guide organizations toward responsible leadership, sound decision-making, and long-term stability.

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JOSE TORRES - CHAIRMAN OF BOARD

Board Leadership & Strategic Governance

Jose Torres serves as Chairman of the Board, providing strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the organization’s long-term vision and mission are achieved. He works closely with board members and executive leadership to guide governance, strengthen organizational strategy, and promote responsible decision-making that supports sustainable growth and impact.

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