Los Angeles, CA – Governor Gray Davis announced on August 22, 2002 that he has appointed Raffi Kradjian to the State Assistance Fund for Enterprise, Business and Industrial Development (SAFE BIDCO). The announcement was made in Sacramento and was followed by a press release on Kradjian’s appointment that was issued directly from the Governor’s Office.

Kradjian is the Executive Vice President of the Glendale-based Kradjian Importing Company. This international food products and import and distribution firm is known for its quality products and the increasing line of goods it imports directly from the Republic of Armenia. Kradjian is currently an active member of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors.

“Governor Davis has made an outstanding choice,” commented ANCA-WR Board member Raffi Hamparian. “Raffi Kradjian will certainly enhance the operation of SAFE BIDCO, a body that is charged with improving the health of California’s small businesses. As everyone who has met him knows, Raffi Kradjian is a solid citizen. He is both active in the business affairs of California and active in strengthening the Armenian-American community. I am confident his fine business acumen and distinguished character will serve to boost the efforts of SAFE BIDCO in aiding small businesses in California,” Hamparian added.

The California Legislature created SAFE BIDCO over 20 years ago in order to enhance the availability of financial assistance for small businesses in California. Currently, SAFE BIDCO operates several state and federal loan and guarantee programs that assist hundreds of California small businesses at all stages of their development.

SAFE-BIDCO acts as a catalyst for economic development in California. They serve as a non-traditional financing source for existing and start-up businesses, whose financing needs are under served by traditional lending institutions. For more information on SAFE BIDCO please visit: www.safe-bidco.com.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.