LPC offers astute political consultancy, China markets and even own division

LOS ANGELES: So you want to run for political office? Or maybe market your products to the vast Asian and South Asian population in the US? Or maybe you want to do business in China. For many South Asians with any of these dreams the search for a good company to represent you can be daunting.

With top clients that have included the former Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, the Walt Disney Company, HSBC Bank, and large developers like Westfield and Tremco, LPC Public Relations could be an answer. Founded by David Lang and Joe Pan over ten years ago, LPC is known as one of the best political consultancy companies in California, and of particular interest for South Asians planning to run for elected office.

But LPC also has recently opened two offices in Beijing and Shanghai and has a network of support staff for doing business in China, while also providing key steerage for project development and media relations right here in the US.

On the political front, founding partner, David Lang was former chief of staff for LA City Council Member, Michael Woo, as well as being expertly connected to the Democratic Party (including the Obama Election Committee). Lang also has a remarkable success story of getting 95 percent of the candidates he's supported into seats including renown former clients such as current Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Governor Gary Locke of Washington.

"I think we are well positioned and have the expertise to assist Indians running for office; we've had excellent experience assisting Asian and Latin candidates," says Lang who emphasizes that a lot of people don't appreciate the expertise needed to run an astute political campaign.

"As a candidate you should focus on a couple of things.  Get the message out, convince people why they should elect you and raise money. If you're not focused, then you're not going to make it. All the rest -- doing the mailers, copying the message, organizing fund raising; candidates should leave to good consultants to handle," he says.

Lang definitely thinks South Asians wanting to do business in China can benefit at this time. "We have a support team over there to provide the translations or research or setting up meetings for our clients.  For instance, we're working with one of the largest developers in the United States to develop projects in China. And vise versa we're working with Chinese developers interested in doing joint ventures with them," says Lang who underscores that facilitation is a key element he provides.

"Chinese often like the process of getting to know you first (when doing business), getting to know you're background, your family. A lot of agreements are concluded outside the business room and will be completed in a restaurant or karaoke bar," he says, adding that the lessening of visa restrictions for China to the US could also benefit Indians in the jewelry business because Chinese tourist like to buy items such as real Rolex watches.
As an advisor for big developers, Lang has helped set up mall developments and currently is involved in a major transportation and service center in El Monte.

"We've worked with some big developers to bring their projects to fruition, like Westfield, Tremco, Majestic Realty, and even with smaller developers working on various projects in Southern California.

When you have a project you have to go through the planning commission, the city council, the EPA, and that body will voice yes or no.  We have excellent relations with the Cerritos City Council and city management office, for example, and have assisted clients in their dealings with them," he says, adding that he sometimes advises developers not to see cities as "the enemy" but as partners. To contact Lang/Pan/Chan Public Relations call (213) 239-6688 in Los Angeles.

-India Post News Service