BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Showpros receives philanthropic award

Each year, the Orange County National Philanthropy Day Awards celebrate philanthropic actions of outstanding foundations, businesses and individuals in the field of giving.

This year, The Showpros, a Laguna Beach multimedia production and presentation company, is being honored with the 2006 Outstanding Corporation/Business with Under 30 Employees Award.

“I did not create this company 28 years ago solely as a way to make money,” said John M. Brown, president and CEO. “I wanted to connect with my clients and their audiences, and provide a service that would allow for me to be a part of the bigger picture.”

The “bigger picture” includes producing shows for nonprofit companies such as The Boy Scouts of America, Goodwill Industries, Children’s Catastrophic Assistance Network and National Charity League.

Brown says he has made it his life’s work to educate and motivate.

“I am able to do what I love for a living,” Brown said. “Isn’t that the point of all this?”

The Orange County National Philanthropy Day Awards will take place on Nov. 15 at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, 700 West Convention Way, Anaheim. For more information, visit www.npdoc.org.

The Showpros Group can be reached at (949) 464-0043.

Retirement in a foreign land topic of talk

Investment advisor Mark Monin will be the keynote speaker at the Laguna Beach Business Club meeting, 7:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Hotel Laguna, 425 S. Coast Highway.

Monin will talk about how people can retire in a foreign country and make the most of their assets. He has more than 25 years of experience in the securities industry, specializes in executive services, 401(k), endowments, foundations, high-level financial planning and asset management.

Monin received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y., and an MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu. He has held management positions with some of the largest and most respected investment companies while maintaining a clientele of corporate executives, credit unions and high-net-worth individuals.

The public is invited to attend. The cost is $20, payable at the door and includes a buffet breakfast. For reservations, contact Rick Cirelli at (949) 494-4701 or [email protected].