NMA Annual Banquet

NMA’S ANNUAL BANQUET CELEBRATING 25‐YEAR JOURNEY OF EMPOWERING FAMILY‐OWNED BUSINESSES

Earlier this year, the NMA held its 25th Annual Awards Banquet at the Town & Country Resort & Convention Center in San Diego. The theme of the event was “Celebrating 25-Year Journey of Empowering Family-Owned Businesses”. This year’s anniversary marked a significant milestone of a quarter of century accomplishments for the organization.

NMA was honored to host over 400 attendees that included elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, retailers and suppliers. Live music and entertainment made the event magnificent and a night to remember. Attendees enjoyed a five-course dinner, open bar, fantastic Cigars & Cocktails After-Party.

The event started with Pledge of Allegiance. Leading the pledge was Former Council Member and News Radio Host, Mr. Carl DeMaio. Senator and Pastor Brian Jones lead prayer and blessing of the gathering.

the invocation

The National Anthem of the United States of America was performed by guitarist Victor Krvaric. Victor is a San Diego native, who enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age 17 and has been playing guitar for 7 years. His powerful performance on rock's signature instrument, the electric guitar, just got everyone all patriotic.

The NMA Executive Chairman Mr. Samir Salem made his welcoming remarks by thanking all attendees. Mr. Salem expressed his gratitude to NMA retail and supplier members as well as all dignitaries and community leaders. His heart felt remarks of recognizing those retailers who stood up and fought with us to save the NMA and for those retailers who believe in us. Mr. Salem thanked the NMA executive board, NMA president Arkan Somo and staff. Mr. Salem then presented NMA 25-year history video.

NMA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD NASEEM SALEM

The NMA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Naseem Salem by the first recipient of the NMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, NMA President Arkan Somo. In recognition of his Leadership, Vision, Commitment and Dedication to the NMA’s goals and objectives for 22 years, and for being a strong pillar to build a great future for the NMA.

Naseem Salem arrived to San Diego in 1990. Over the past 30 years Mr. Naseem Salem has owned and managed some of the best businesses in San Diego County such as Carnival Supermarkets and Vine Ripe to name a few, offering job opportunities to 100s of people from different walks of life. Mr. Naseem Salem has been an important part of the NMA for the past 25 years, having served as a chairman for two consecutive terms. His key to success is hard work, based on great business ethics.

NMA RETAILER OF THE YEAR FIRAS “RUSS” SORO

The NMA’s Retailer of the Year award was presented to Mr. Firas “Russ” Soro by the 2008 Retailer of the year award recipient Mr. Saad Hirmez. “I am honored to present this award to gentleman whose journey has been very challenging, who continuous to work every day very hard, to my hero Mr. Firas Soro.” Said Mr. Hirmez.

The Retailer of the year award was given to Mr. Soro for setting an outstanding example as NMA member and in appreciation of his dedication, commitment and service to our industry and the community. Mr. Soro currently owns three stores, two gas stations and some real-estate in San Diego County.

NMA SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

The NMA’s Supplier of the Year award was presented by the 2001 Supplier of the year award recipient Mr. Al Paulus from Trepco West to Bank of America’s Senior Vice President Mr. Ali Arman. Over the past year Bank of America helped NMA members with their credit card processing and banking needs that resulted in enhancing their bottom line.

Bank of America received this award in recognition of its continued support, commitment and dedication to NMA members, our industry, and the community.

PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR SENATOR BEN HUESO

The Public Official of the Year award was presented to Senator Ben Hueso by Congressman Darrell Issa, the 2003 Public Official of the Year recipient, in recognition The Excellence in Law Enforcement Award was presented to District Attorney Summer Stephan by Sheriff Bill Gore, the 2011 Excellence in Law Enforcement recipient, for her outstanding leadership in the fight against human trafficking and advancing public safety with fairness through equal criminal justice. District Attorney Summer Stephan has devoted her life to protecting children and families and providing justice to the voiceless and most vulnerable. She is a national leader in the fight against sexual exploitation and human trafficking, who has served as a Deputy District Attorney in San Diego County for 29 years. On June 5, 2018, the voters overwhelmingly elected Summer as District Attorney. She has been named the 2017 Southern California District Attorney of the Year

of his dedication to California residents and for his outstanding vision and leadership to protect FamilyOwned Businesses!

Ben Hueso was elected as California State Senator for the 40th District in March of 2013. Prior to being elected as Senator, Mr. Hueso served in the California State Assembly from 2010-2013, where he championed legislation helping small businesses, protecting victims of domestic violence, and stimulating the economy. Senator Hueso has held several elected positions from 2006-2010 due to his strong leadership and consensus building skills, namely San Diego City Council member for the 8th District and Council President. He also served as Commissioner for the California Coastal Commission, protecting California’s beautiful coastlines, and as board member for San Diego’s Association of

EXCELLENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARD DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUMMER STEPHAN

Governments and the California League of Cities. by Crime Victims United. This year the NMA is honoring her with the NMA Excellence in Law Enforcement Award. For her outstanding leadership in the fight against human trafficking and advancing public safety with fairness through equal criminal justice.

NMA Executive Chairman, Mr. Samer Salem Presented Two Chairman’s Awards.

The first Chairman’s Award was presented to Ms. Kathleen Barnes. In recognition of her exceptional dedication to protect the public, and for proactively working with all licensees to comply with California ABC rules and regulations.

Division Chief, Kathleen Barnes has served 24 years with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Ms. Barnes began her ABC law enforcement career as an Agent in eastern Los Angeles County. Ms. Barnes has had a distinguished career with vast experience serving as a department Equal Employment Opportunity, Backgrounds, and Internal Affairs Investigator.

Second Chairman’s Award was presented to Trustee Richard Kipperman - In recognition of his leadership and professionalism with his exceptional dedication and support of the NMA when it needed the most.

A former Captain U. S. Marine Corps and Vietnam Veteran, a panel trustee for the Southern District of California from 1986 - 2018, during which he was assigned as chapter 7 trustee in approximately 45,000 cases, involving an excess of 100-chapter 11 bankruptcy cases! Three of the bankruptcy cases in which he served as trustee, were Ponzi schemes with claims in excess of $300 million dollars! Mr. Kipperman has been appointed in over 150 receiverships for various areas and issues. These receiverships have included actions by the SEC, Attorney General State of California, and the San Diego

District Attorney. We could go on and on about the breadth and range of his honorable service and duties, yet knowing that he has spent over 3,000 hours in court gives us a very good idea and a great deal of respect.

NMA President, Mr. Arkan Somo Presented Three President’s Awards.

Three companies stepped up to the plate in so many ways and supported the NMA and its members over the past year; Trepco West, Southern Wine and Spirits, and Young’s Market Company. They received the NMA President’s Awards in recognition of their leadership, continued support, commitment and dedication to NMA members, our industry, and the community.

Arkan Somo, John Martinico & Samir Salem

SWGS

Arkan Somo, Samir Salem & Al Pauls

Trepco West

Arkan Somo, Samir Salem & Scott Blackburn Young’s Market Company

San Diego City Council President Georgette Gomez

Council President Gomez expressed her gratitude for NMA’s incredible work and congratulated the work NMA has done over the years. “I’m proud to be your friend and continue serving our communities. I’m here to support and ensure that all businesses in our region continue to succeed. Thank you for being partner and I’m looking forward to continue this partnership.”- Georgette Gomez

San Diego County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar

Supervisor Gaspar shared her experience of owning her family business and the big disconnect and push back from government that supposed to help these businesses. Mrs. Gaspar recognizes the NMA as a powerful force representing family-owned business in our community. “Thank you so much NMA for getting behind me always supporting me. We going to do incredible things together. I can’t wait to crawl myself back to the chair and represent you proudly.” -Kristin Gaspar

Assembly Member Todd Gloria

Mr. Gloria is the lead mayoral candidate for the City of San Diego. His vision for San Diego is to stop thinking that we a small town. We are the eighth largest city in the nation and second largest in the California. Mayor Todd Gloria will make sure that the city is responsive in issuing permits and taking care of the businesses quickly. Mayor Todd Gloria will make sure we have affordable housing in our community. Todd wants to resolve the homelessness issue in your community so business owners can focus on managing their businesses. “I'm happy to see the NMA is back! I’m proud to be your endorsed candidate.”- Todd Gloria.

San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliot

NMA members and the community have been well served by City Attorney Mara Elliott since 2016. Mrs. Elliott is focused on addressing the issues of our communities: domestic violence, preventing sex trafficking, and ensuring the older populace is being protected. As the first woman, the first Latina, and the first mother elected to her position, Mara has been fearless in standing up to special interests, safeguarding taxpayer dollars, and advancing programs that keep our most vulnerable citizens safe “I’m pleased to be here and see NMA is back and in full force” Mara Elliott.

Congratulations for the No on Measure A that was approved by the voter. Big thanks to the bipartisan coalition that included the San Diego County Democratic and Republican parties, business groups and other union locals.

Republican Chairman Tony Krvaric and Democratic Chairman Will Rodriguez-Kennedy attend the banquet and made their case against the measure. NMA were very delighted to see the spirit of corporation between the two parties.

“The Neighborhood Market Association’s history book has 25 chapters so far. One chapter for every year since its inception in 1995. The 25-year journey has been filled with challenges that we have overcome and wonderful milestones that we are continuing to achieve.” Stated NMA president Arkan Somo.

Mr. Somo took the banquet’s distinguish guests and dignitaries down memory lanes and share some of the lessons learned from few chapters of the NMA’s history book.

Chapter 1, 1995, How and why was NMA established?

In 1994, the California legislators passed a law that gave the power to local municipalities through their zoning authority to decide if a business can have the privilege of selling alcoholic beverages. In 1995, dozens of cities and counties passed ordinances with restrictions on businesses that sell alcoholic beverages. The major associations representing the big box chains were able to get exemptions for their members. Only the small mom and pop retailers were the ones affected by these new restrictions. These family-owned businesses had no one to advocate for them and protect their interests. These small businesses were already at disadvantage when buying products and services in comparison to the big box chains. Family-owned businesses couldn’t afford the big law firms fees to help them comply with the massive legislations passed by the legislators every year. Thus, the NMA was born.

Chapter 20, 2015, Fight for what you believe.

When the NMA leadership refused to produce financial documents to its members after inappropriate disbursement of NMA President Arkan Somo funds, NMA members stood up and fought to hold the leadership accountable. Just like what Rosa Parks did when she refused to sit in the back of the bus and challenged the status quo and change history. The members who fought for what they believe won and a new leadership emerged.

Chapter 26, 2020, Continue the journey of empowering Family-Owned Businesses.

The NMA will continue its journey to advocate, protect and empower Family-Owned Businesses to succeed. There are still many challenges facing our members. Nevertheless, there are also great opportunities. This chapter begins tonight and it will be written by the people who joined our celebration of this 25-year journey. Thank you for being a part of NMA history.