NORWALK – 2014 has been a year of milestones for Downey resident John Alexander Alba and his staff at Alba Rapid Tax/H&R Block in Norwalk. Their family practice celebrated 50 years in business at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex in May. That event was attended by more than 350 guests, Norwalk Mayor Marcel Rodarte, state Senator Tony Mendoza, Norwalk/La Mirada school board President Jesse Urquidi, and the western regional director of H&R Block.

Alba received the inaugural Impact Award from the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the Keystone Award from the Norwalk Community Coordinating Council for his volunteerism and support for the community. He was a Conductor Sponsor for the City of Downey Summer Concert Series and Gold Leaf Sponsor of the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex.

Alba decided it was time to grow his practice dramatically and provide opportunities to his loyal staff of almost 20 employees. He joined H&R Block  as an independent franchisee. His experience over more than 30 years and his “can-do” attitude impressed H&R Block, and he was one of only 43 offices (there are more than 10,000 offices) in the country that H&R Block entrusted with using their new software called Blockworks.

Alba and his team were instrumental in providing insight as to how to improve the software. Producing a detailed recommendation report and offering his office as a laboratory H&R Block has been able to produce “an incredible” software platform.

Last month, Alba was invited to attend the 2014 H&R Block National Franchisee convention in Dallas as a top 10 nominee for Rookie Franchisee of the Year for the nation. Alba appeared before 2,500 of his fellow franchisees and was recognized as the winner of the 2014 Rookie Franchisee of the Year.

He received a crystal trophy and a $5,000 Emerald debit card from the president and vice-president of franchise operations. Alba thanked his clients, staff and family for their instrumental part in this national recognition.

Alba was also invited to lead a break-out session before hundreds of his fellow new franchisees to provide his insight for a successful transition to H&R Block.

The cherry on top of this celebratory year was the invitation to have a private luncheon with Henry Bloch, founder of H&R Block, and his son, Tom Bloch. Alba shared that honor with his son, Taylor, who is the third generation member of the Alba Rapid Tax/H&R Block team. Alba sat directly to the right of Henry Bloch during lunch and had “a wonderful hour of conversation.”

Alba represented Norwalk by wearing his honorary citizen pin as well as his Keystone Award pin at both the convention award ceremony and his lunch, and in pictures with the founder of H&R Block.

2015 looks to be another exciting year for the Alba family. Alba will be doubling his office capacity and completely remodeling his office in Norwalk.

On Jan. 8, his office will be hosting a free open-house regarding the Affordable Care Act. Alba and his staff will be available to explain the tax implications of the ACA.

Call their office at 562-868-3518 to make an appointment or online at hrblock.com.

Video and photos from the awards ceremony are posted on the Alba Rapid Tax/H&R Block Facebook page.

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Published: Dec. 11, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 35