TomatoBank Endorses Leadership Development Program
Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program Cultivates Local Leaders
10/22/2007

Alhambra, CA – TomatoBank, N.A., today endorsed the Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program (RVLDP).  The RVLDP, founded in 1990 at the request of former Los Angeles Mayor, Richard Riordan, offers Los Angeles’ young professionals with hands-on nonprofit mentored board training.  Through a ten-month program the RVLDP offers young professionals the opportunity to acquire and develop the skills needed for board service on nonprofit organizations.   The RVLDP is administered by the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce (lajcc.org)

Through the RVLDP, participants experience organizational, professional and leadership development as well as opportunities for strategic connections with the nonprofit community.  The RVLDP provides training in fundraising, philanthropy, financial management, board development, marketing/public relations, volunteer management, human resources, strategic planning, leadership skills development and partnerships.

“My RVLDP experience was invaluable – both personally and professionally.  Through the program I acquired skills that immediately enhanced my contributions to the nonprofit organizations that I work with.  The skills further allowed me to capably and effectively assume greater responsibility within those organizations,” said TomatoBank Executive Vice President and RVLDP graduate Jesse Torres.  “There are many young professionals seeking nonprofit board service that do not know how to prepare themselves for such activities.  RVLDP is a one-of-a-kind program that provides participants with the training necessary to succeed in nonprofit board service.”

“As a community bank it is critical for TomatoBank to actively participate in the local community.  Our success is attributed to the patronage of our local customers.  As such, it is essential that TomatoBank give back to the community.  Through our community activities, including the involvement of our employees in the governance of community-based nonprofit organizations, TomatoBank is able to make significant contributions,” stated TomatoBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Stephen Liu.  “RVLDP enhances the quality of employee contributions and provides employees with opportunities for heightened involvement.”

Further information regarding the Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program is available by contacting Richard Diaz at (213) 989-2151 or rdiaz@lajcc.org

TomatoBank (www.tomatobank.com) is Los Angeles' dynamic, leading multi-ethnic bank.