Item 360/2026
Final
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Lisa L. Kim From: Matthew West
Dept:
City Manager Dept: City Manager
Date: 9/8/2026
Subject: Approval for City staff to travel to Republic of Korea to participate in the 2026 KBIZ Leadership Forum to promote the City as a business destination and continue to foster the relationship with KBIZ. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
To obtain travel authorization for two (2) staff members to participate in the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business (KBIZ) Leadership Forum to promote business opportunities and tourism interest of the City and further strengthen our relationship with the business community in Republic of Korea, from October 16-23, 2026, including travel time.
BACKGROUND
KBIZ was established in 1962 as a support organization for small and medium sizes (SMEs) businesses and currently represents the rights and economic interests of the 7.29 million SMEs in Republic of Korea. KBIZ is the Korea co -host of the World Korean Business Convention (Hansang), which held its first US convention successfully in Anaheim in 2023.
DISCUSSION
This year, KBIZ will be hosting its annual KBIZ Leadership Forum in Jeju, Republic of Korea.
KBIZ has invited the City to participate as a speaker and attend variety of events and seminars that will take place from October 20-23, 2026. KBIZ will provide all lodging, ground transportation, and interpreters for the participating staff while staying in Jeju (4 days, 3 nights). Prior to the Leadership Forum on October 19th, staff will meet with various members of KBIZ to promote tourism and showcase the City as a business destination from the Republic of Korea to Garden Grove. This will be great opportunity to not only discuss tourism and promote Garden Grove as a tourism destination but to promote the City as a business destination. It is anticipated that KBIZ members will be further e ncouraged to invest in and promote business opportunities within the City of Garden Grove as a result of this visit.
Item 360/2026
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The KBIZ Leadership Forum portion of the trip will be primarily funded by KBIZ, including lodging, ground transportation and some meals. The estimated cost for flight and lodging not covered by KBIZ is approximately $3,000 per person, for two staff members. Together with ancillary expenses, not expected to exceed $3,000, will be funded by the existing FY 2026- 27 City Manager budget.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
Authorize travel for the two staff members to travel to Republic of Korea to participate in the 2026 KBIZ Leadership Forum.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Korean Federation of SMEs (KBIZ) Invitation Letter