World Zarathushti Chamber Of Commerce

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Commercial Real Estate Investing

Mr. Nadir Dhanani presented a topic on Commercial Real Estate Investing, at a WZCC Houston Chapter event on August 26, 2015. About 30 years ago, Mr. Dhanani started as a cashier at a gas station and worked his way to becoming a very successful real estate investor. He has invested in gas station/fast food combination locations, shopping strips, and commercial buildings, and is currently developing two hotel properties. He provided very detailed insights into different types of commercial real estate investments such as medical facilities, shopping strips, buildings, hotels, land, etc. and he discussed the return on investment that can be expected for the various investments. He also discussed how to obtain bank loans, the business entities that can be set up for partnerships, the typical items that should be included in tenant leases, and the types of expenses that can be incurred by the property owners. He also compared commercial real estate investing to residential property investments and Real Estate Investment Trusts. The presentation was very well received by the attendees with a long Q&A session.

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Talk on Property Market

Talk on Property Market – Mr.Trevor Evans, Vice President Exhibition and Events, Damac Properties.

AN EVENING WHERE ME (MIDDLE EAST) BECAME ‘WE’

AN EVENING WHERE ME (MIDDLE EAST) BECAME ‘WE’ WZCCME arranged a Member’s meeting on 12th February 2016 at the Dubai Creek Club, to introduce the Super Six – the new WZCCME Team. Mr. Alan Gordon (Head of Marketing, Majid Alfuttaim) was invited as a speaker. He amazed the audience by showcasing how Dubai will grow in the next few years and how mega events have played a major role in fueling the growth story of Dubai. RJ Vineet Sharma of Suno 102.4 FM gave an entertaining twist to the evening by taking the audience on a musical journey of 100 years of Bollywood. click here for more details

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Talk Show On Wills & Probate

WZCCME has arranged a Talk Show on 23rd April 2016, at the Park Regis Hotel, Dubai. The topic is WILLS and PROBATE including attestation of WILLS at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a new facility for expatriates.   Senior Advocate Bindu Chettur, Mohamed Salman Advocates and Legal Consultants, Kamkshi Mehlwal, Advocate Supreme Court of India along with two other judges will speak on significant aspects of succession and inheritance laws in the emirate and provide guidance to expatriates  on how they can register their Wills at DIFC.  All members are cordially invited to the meeting from 5.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m, which will be followed by refreshments click here for more details

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A Event On Mental Health

The Houston Chapter of WZCC holds dinner events for its members several times a year featuring distinguished speakers from various disciplines. The speakers are carefully chosen for their expertise in topics that help our members in their profession, business, or personal lives. On March 10, 2016 the Houston Chapter of WZCC presented Dr. Bahadur Sarkari, M.D., a distinguished psychiatrist with a long and successful clinical practice in London and the U.S. Dr. Sarkari is double Board Certified − in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In his one-hour presentation titled: “All You Wanted to Know About Mental Health But Were Afraid to Ask”, Dr. Sarkari kept the audience totally engaged with fascinating myths, facts, and actual cases of the wide variety of disorders that make up mental illness. In a very well organized talk, Bahadur Sarkari exposed the myths and wrong attitudes people have towards mental disorders. The spectrum of disorders that psychiatrists have to deal with ranges from anxiety, the most common problem, to schizophrenia, the most devastating mental illness. For each of eight different disorders, Dr. Sarkari covered its cardinal features and symptoms, along with the treatment and medications that help alleviate them. Particular attention was paid to Alzheimer’s disease and the special problems that mental health creates in the work place. He presented alarming statistics that highlighted the widespread and serious consequences of mental illness, leading to poor job performance, dysfunctional family life, and sometimes even suicide. Typical cases of mental illness that Dr. Sarkari encountered in his practice often brought humorous and astonishing reactions from the audience. Dr. Sarkari’s presentation was very well received, as evident from the animated discussions and questions that followed. WZCC (Houston) is grateful to Dr. Bahadur Sarkari for taking the time to share his knowledge with our members. “WZCC (Houston) helps members succeed as entrepreneurs and professionals through career enhancement, better financial management, and enrichment of their personal lives.”

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Minutes Of Meeting for WZCC BC Chapter

DATE: 24th April, 2016 TIME: 1:30 to 4:30 PM LOCATION: Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr, 6900 Halifax Street, BURNABY, BC V5B 2R5 We thank ZSBC B of D & Trustees of Arbab Rostam Guiv Foundation BC for use of the facilities. ATTENDEES: Total 22, including Speakers (M) = Members Dr. Farah Shroff (SPEAKER) (M) Murzban Eruch Chinvala (SPEAKER) Lorelei Tolosa (SPEAKER) (M) Nevill Bhagat (M) Fariborz Rahnamoon (M) Firdosh Mehta (M) Behramsha Mizan (M) Rostam Sasani (M) Arian Sasani (M) Kayras Irani (M) Homi Italia (M) Perviz Madon (M) Pesi Balsara (M) Percy Billimoria (M) Aubtin Yazdgardian (M) Farah Mistry (M) Kerman Kasad (M) Ruzbeh Lalkaka (M) Kersasp Bharucha And other non-members. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 pm and chaired by Firdosh Mehta. Firdosh recapped the previous meeting issues and invited younger members Kayras Irani, Aubtin Yazdgardian and Farah Mistry, to introduce and present gifts of appreciation to the speakers. 1:45 PM Presentation by Dr. Farah Shroff, PhD. Dr Shroff, is the principal of Shroff Consulting, and a part time faculty member at the UBC Department of Family Practice and School of Population and Public Health. She is also a teacher of yoga, dance and other movement arts. Her passions are about making the world a healthier place and her consulting and teaching emphasize the limitless possibilities for mind-body wellness. She has recently started a project to improve infant and maternal health in India. Farah’s Consulting firm has worked in the area of public health, social and educational issues, focusing on research, writing, facilitation, training and more. She gave us an overview of her early days growing up in a Parsi Colony in Mumbai. She talked about how Shroff Consulting emerged around the time of birth of her son Zubin, and how working from home as a mother helped care for her children, as well as consulting and part time university professor. We heard about the benefits of being self-employed and the rewards of self-marketing, as well as how to cope with the challenges of the feast and famine days in life. She discussed her latest ventures into real estate investing and shared how opportunities can be found. She talked about the applications of various Social Media, such as LinkedIn and others, and how they can be utilized in her work from home. 2:30 PM    Refreshments – Tea/Coffee, Pop, Spanakopitas, Chicken Nuggets, Cake and Coconut macroons. Rashna Mehta looked after the procuring and preparation of the refreshments. 2:45 PM    Presentation by Murzban Eruch Chinvala Murzban’s power point presentation was on “Mortgages – An insider’s viewpoint & all you need to know about it”. He provided insights on how one can save money and avoid making costly mistakes on our biggest debt, usually in homes. Being a mortgage professional with Dominion Lending Centers’ Clear Trust Mortgages, with access to various sources of funding from big banks, monolines and private lenders, Murzban explained the pros & cons of various funds. Murzban was Finance Controller of Canada’s largest private post-secondary education group before migrating to Canada, Murzban was Head of Finance & Member of the Board of Directors of GlobeOp Financial Services (I) Pvt. Ltd., a leading fund administrator co-headquartered out of London & New York, having USD 190 billion of assets globally. Prior to that he was Head of Finance for Yahoo in India having been employed with the company since its initial stages. He was also instrumental in playing a lead role in the incorporation and registration of Yahoo’s global Software Development Center in Bangalore, India. Murzban explained how he became a licensed mortgage broker with certification from University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business. In addition, he is a Commerce graduate, has an MBA with specialization in finance from Australia and is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He presented various scenarios of mortgage funding with charts and some hands-on activities, weighing different parameters applicable to mortgage funds. 3:45 PM Presentation by Ms. Lorelei Tolosa Her background has been in the entertainment and film industry where she spent 10 years as a production coordinator. An event led her to go the entrepreneurial route, a decision she’s very happy to have taken. Lorelei shared her story about her journey as an independent distributor of a personal franchise system in areas of whole-food nutrition and wellness, which is being marketed in 60 countries and discussed opportunities available to our members wishing to pursue this either full-time or on a part-time basis and create residual income. She helped us understand the over-all health benefits of using a unique plant based product from South East Asia and many other parts of the world. Brochures and her cards we made available to all. As an independent distributor, Lorelei’s business excelled quickly qualifying her for the award program in just a few months. She gave us an insight into her role as a major leader and trainer, building and supporting distribution teams globally. There were 5 new memberships added for FY 2016 at this meeting, to bring the TOTAL so far to 16 Individual + 1 Student. We would appreciate some Corporate memberships also. The following will be the newly elected Board of BC Chapter for 2016: Homi Italia Fariborz Rahnamoon Perviz Madon Firdosh Mehta Percy Billimoria Nevill Bhagat And the following will continue as the executive for 2016: Fariborz Rahnamoon (Chairman) Homi Italia (Treasurer) Firdosh Mehta (Secretary & Program Coordinator) Firdosh informed those present about the upcoming WZCC North American AGM, on 29 APR 2016, in Michigan, in conjunction with FEZANA AGM. Chapter Chair Fariborz Rahnamoon is scheduled to attend. Further details available next meeting. 4:45 PM    Firdosh thanked the Speakers and all who attended for their support. The meeting was adjourned and attendees were requested to further partake of the refreshments served, and encouraged to engage in networking. Fee Structure for 2016 year is : Corporate (Business, with 2 individual members)…. $ 50 Individual  (1 each)……………………………………………..$ 25 Student (1 each) …….…………………………$ 10 This was our second meeting for 2016. The next meeting is scheduled for 5 June 2016. Minutes Prepared by: Firdosh Mehta Date: 27 April 2016   Here are some photos of the meeting which we hope you will

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An update on what is happening in the real estate markets across Canada and some highlights about the market in the Greater Vancouver area

DAY:   Sunday 11th September,  2016  TIME:   1:00 to 5:00 PM LOCATION:   Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr,                                       6900 Halifax Ave.  BURNABY, BC V5B 2R5 We thank ZSBC Board of Directors & Trustees of Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar e Mehr BC.   PROGRAM:   Please email fdjmehta@shaw.ca  or call 604-544-8983, and confirm attendance by Friday 26th AUGUST, 2016.   1:00 PM     Arrive and Register   1:30 PM     Presentation  by:    Mr. Andrew Peck                        Andrew Peck is President-Elect of CREA for 2016 having served on the Board of Directors for the past six years.  Andrew is a fourth-generation British Columbian who has spent his entire career as a REALTOR® in the Metro Vancouver area. First licensed in 1983, Andrew became a managing broker in 1987. In 1996, he merged several companies to form Royal Pacific Realty Group – serving Metro Vancouver. Andrew is now the broker owner, vice-president and general manager, overseeing over 1,200 licensed REALTORS® and a staff of 30. Since 2001, Andrew has been a part of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, first becoming a director, serving on task forces and committees, then vice-president in 2003 and president in 2004.  In 2007, Andrew was elected president of the BC Real Estate Association. Andrew enjoys assisting Boards with progressive governance, teaching leadership courses for CREA and mentoring YPN members.   Topic :  “An update on what is happening in the real estate markets across Canada and some highlights about the market in the Greater Vancouver area.”                                           2:30  to 2:45  PM   Q/A, Discussions   2:45  PM    Refreshments – Tea/Coffee         No charge for refreshments   3:15  PM     Presentation  by:  Mr.  Rob Gawthrop, CFP, CLU, EPC Gawthrop Financial Group Inc. Customplan Financial Advisors Inc.   Topic:   Important Financial and Life Lessons learned from “The Richest Man In Babylon”   Taking some of the valuable lessons from the best-selling book “The Richest Man In Babylon” by George Clason, Rob will discuss and explain how the right knowledge, guidance and actions along with personal determination, can help you develop sound financial plans for your business, yourself and your family.   Rob will also explain the importance of systematic savings, asset accumulation, access to capital, minimizing taxation, protecting what you have, and leaving a legacy.   4:15  to 4:30  PM   Q/A, Discussions   4:30  PM     Vote of Thanks. Speaker appreciation.   4:45  PM     Future program announcements and speaker selections   5:00  PM     Adjourn meeting   Current Board members of WZCC Vancouver BC Chapter for 2016 Fariborz Rahnamoon  Chair Homi Italia  Treasurer Firdosh Mehta  Secretary & Program Coordinator Perviz Madon Percy Billimoria Nevill Bhagat   Even if you cannot make it to the meeting, we would like your response to Firdosh Mehta by email: fdjmehta@shaw.ca  or call 604-544-8983   Please let us know: Would you be willing to become a Member of this Chapter? Would you be willing to work on the board or a committee of this Chapter?   For more information on WZCC Chamber…….. visit  www.wzcc.net Thank you for your interest in WZCC. Firdosh Mehta WZCC BC Chapter Secretary & Program Coordinator

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Successful Even if in the Worst of Times

Pradeep Anand is no stranger to the Houston Business and Cultural Scene. He also happens to have many friends from our Zoroastrian Community. For over 30 years, he has helped executives at more than 60 industrial and technology companies develop strategies and tactics that swiftly accelerate revenue and margin growth. His work experience ranges from High-Tech to No-Tech industries: in Oil & Gas, Engineering, manufacturing, Software, Technology and Services. He has published many papers on Oil & Gas, Career Development, Outsourcing, Business Growth/Marketing, India, etc. Pradeep is President and founder of Seeta Resources, Adjunct Faculty at Rice University MBA program; Mentor to Startups/NextGen Employees, etc. He is an Alumni of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and also the author of the book An Indian in Cowboy Country with stories from an Immigrant’s life that many of us are so close to. WZCC Houston Chapter invites you to attend this very interesting talk. Click here for more information

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WZCC BC Chapter Meeting Notes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING DATE: 11th SEPT, 2016 TIME: 1:00 to 5:00 PM LOCATION: Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr, 6900 Halifax Street, BURNABY, BC V5B 2R5 We thank ZSBC B of D & Trustees of Arbab Rostam Guiv Foundation for use of the facilities. ATTENDEES: Total 42 including Speakers The meeting was called to order at 1:30 pm and chaired by Firdosh Mehta. He updated members of past meeting issues and thanked everyone for the unusually large turnout. Meeting started with a Presentation by: Mr. Andrew Peck Firdosh thanked Piroj Amrolia for introducing the speaker to WZCC. He proceeded to introduce the speaker. Piroj Amrolia gave us a background on her professional connections and knowing Andrew for many years. Andrew Peck is President-Elect of CREA for 2016, having served on the Board of Directors for the past six years.  Andrew is a fourth-generation British Columbian who has spent his entire career as a REALTOR® in the Metro Vancouver area. First licensed in 1983, Andrew became a managing broker in 1987. In 1996, he merged several companies to form Royal Pacific Realty Group – serving Metro Vancouver. Andrew is now the broker owner, vice-president and general manager, overseeing over 1,200 licensed REALTORS® and a staff of 30. Since 2001, Andrew has been a part of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, first becoming a director, then vice-president in 2003 and president in 2004.  In 2007, Andrew was elected president of the BC Real Estate Association. Andrew gave us an update on what is happening in the real estate markets across Canada with some highlights about the market in the Greater Vancouver area. He explained the system of Realtors’ testing and exams and the recent withdrawal of Professional Status of realtors for neglect in self-regulation and member discipline. He also explained the issues of market pressures due to large influx of “Foreign Buyers”, that is those who do not have residency status for Income Tax purposes. This has led to the implementation of a new tax on those buyers. He also discussed some agencies who indulged in Flipping of not just the properties, but the sales agreements to multiple tiers of buyers without the additional gain to sellers, with increased profiteering by Sales Agents. Firdosh summarized the talk and offered a Vote of Thanks to Andrew as a token of our appreciation. Refreshments were served to all of Tea/Coffee, Pop, Samosas, Jalaybees & assorted fruits. We are very thankful to Piroj Amrolia for bringing Sandwiches and Cake. The meeting continued with a presentation by: Mr. Rob Gawthrop, CFP, CLU, EPC of Gawthrop Financial Group Inc. and Customplan Financial Advisors Inc. Firdosh introduced the speaker with an exhibit of the book to be discussed. Topic: Important Financial and Life Lessons learned from “The Richest Man In Babylon” Taking some of the valuable lessons from this best-selling book “The Richest Man In Babylon” by George S. Clason, Rob explained how the right knowledge, guidance and actions along with personal determination, can help you develop sound financial plans for your business, yourself and your family. He stressed on what the book promoted as the discipline of SAVING and then making wise investments with those savings. Rob did this by explaining the importance of systematic savings, asset accumulation, access to capital, minimizing taxation, protecting what you have, and leaving a legacy for your family and causes that were dear to you. He guides his clients towards successful financial decisions. Rob also introduced and briefly reviewed his new book titled, “PAY CHEQUES & PLAY CHEQUES: RETIREMENT INCOME SOLUTIONS FOR CANADIANS.” He proceeded to give that book to Homi as appreciation for introducing him to WZCC. Homi requested that the book should be included in the ZSBC Library for all to read. Thanks a lot, Homi.   Firdosh summarized the talk with insight into one of the unusual investments mentioned in the book that involved the simple knowledge of heat transfer as imperative understanding for that investment. He highly recommended that all should read this book. He offered a Vote of Thanks to Rob with a Speaker appreciation gift. Firdosh thanked the Speakers and all who attended. The attendees were requested to further partake of the refreshments and encouraged to engage in networking. With no other business to discuss, the Meeting was adjourned at 5 PM. We request those who have not paid membership fees for 2016 year yet, to please do so. We welcome new members and request others to join. We would like to offer our thanks to Aubtin and Kayras for their assistance in audio-visual equipment set up and taking some photos. We have an excellent speaker lined up for the next meeting on 20 NOVEMBER 2016. Please note this meeting will also be our Chapter AGM. Announcement to follow. Minutes Prepared by: Firdosh Mehta Date: 24 SEPT 2016

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Business after Brexit

The speaker for the event is Stephen Fry CEO – Hounslow Chamber of Commerce

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The World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) North American Regional Meeting

WZCC invites you to Houston to participate in an interesting program on Thursday, April 27, 2017 (A day before the FEZANA AGM), designed for business people, entrepreneurs, professionals and anybody with interest in business, finance, industry, etc. Youth is particularly encouraged to attend. PROGRAM: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm –  Visit a Zarathushti owned industrial facility, Coating Industries Inc. – Cll that provides serious corrosion protection for substrate to shipbuilders, chemical companies, major oil companies and industrial plants. We will also visit their adjacent J R Manufacturing facility, a fabricating plant for piping, skids and packages. (Light refreshment included Advanced reservation required. Cost: FREE 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm – Panel discussion on financial sources for starting a new business with speakers from academic and  financial institutions – Talk on how to grow your business (topic to be finalized)   For more information: Rustom Engineer rustom47@hotmail.com

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