Business People

Free seminars for local business people are planned by the City's Small Business Development Center and the Center for International Trade Development, 1600 Huntington Drive. "Starting a Business" will be at 4 p.m. June 4 and "Import/Export" will be at 4 p.m. July 2.

A Dec. 5 Wake Up With Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast will benefit a local charity and call upon area business people to describe what they are thankful for this holiday season. Those who attend are encouraged to bring canned food, clothing, restaurant gift certificates and other items to help We Care, a Reagan Street nonprofit organization that helps needy families.

The hope of increased trade with Mexico will lure a group of local business people and elected officials south on a trade mission next week. About 19 people, 12 of them representing Southern California companies, will spend three days in the Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora. The trip was organized by the Southern California Assn. of Governments and the Mexican Trade Commission in Los Angeles.

Some of the things Americans take for granted are a source of wonder for visitors. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech . . . and cable television. Several Irish journalists, watching their country's team practice Wednesday at the Citrus Bowl, were exchanging tales of their experiences. Said one: "They have a channel just about the weather, and they even have weather reports for business people! Imagine that!"

The City Council has approved designating one person at City Hall to act as an ombudsman for local businesses. The ombudsman will serve as a central contact for business people who need information about city regulations and licenses. Councilwoman Paula Werner, who proposed having an ombudsman, said having one contact person to help guide business people through the city's bureaucracy will help people see that Irvine is not unfriendly to business. City Manager Paul O. Brady Jr.

There is a curious affliction that strikes business travelers in Pacific Rim countries, often without warning and sometimes with undesirable consequences. It is called "international communications disorder," a term used by international business consultant David James, author of "The Executive Guide to Asia-Pacific Communications: Doing Business Across the Pacific" (Kodansha America, 1995, $16).

Traveling business people often carry virtual offices, plus a few more intimate items. Here are some of their habits: Usually bring Laptop computer: 58% Personal photo: 49% Cellular telephone: 44% Pager: 25% Personal CD or tape player: 24% Printers or fax machines: 14% Religious item: 10% Stuffed animal: 7% Usually do Check office voice mail: 91% Travel by airplane: 68% Book my own room: 42% Drive a car: 31% Source: Phone survey of 302 business professionals by D.K.