The Brentwood Voice of Business April 2012
Vol. 48, No. 4
CornFest 2012 Applications are now available! Download from www.brentwoodcornfest.org Calling all Sponsors, Vendors and Info Alley Applications are available in the Chamber office, online or email us at info@brentwoodchamber.com to have one sent to you SPONSORS! See inside for details and form. Advertise your business! Page 1: Taste of Brentwood, CornFest Page 2: Director’s Message, Board of Directors and Staff Page 3: Ambassador’s Corner, Upcoming Chamber Events
Page 4: New and Renewing Members, Upcoming Ribbon Cutting Page 5: Relay for Life of Brentwood, Chamber Team Info Page 6: March Mixer Page 7: April Mixer
Page 8 and 9: CornFest Sponsor Info and Form Page 10: Cal Chamber Employer Article Page 11: Community News Page 12: General Information
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Page 2 BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Paul Kelly, President Prospect Mortgage Joe Trebino, Past President Delta Pure Water Dirk Zeigler, Chief Financial Officer Zeigler Insurance Group Brent Aasen Equus Group Amy Alvis Alvis Frantz and Associates Kathy Blanton Sutter Delta Medical Center Maurice Daroy Farmers Insurance Fred Ehler Ehler Management Group Kerri Fritsch Monogramming by Frichy Jacqueline Hanel John Muir Health Lori Knudsen California Payroll Greg Robinson Brentwood Press Robin Schiavone Raley’s Ken Seamann Discovery Professional Services ********************************
Chamber Staff Jilda Fairhurst, Office Manager Lisa Hurt, Support Services Director Pat Trombino, Event Coordinator Bill Putman, Volunteer
As I look back over my 5 or 6 years of membership and activity with the Brentwood Chamber, I have seen the change in the not only the membership of the Chamber but the direction of the Chamber. Likewise, I have seen changes in my own business. Starting my law practice a few years back with a partner is the first time I have ever had a partnership in my business endeavors. I was not prepared for all of the challenges that running a business with someone else can bring. But one thing I have realized, is that when you are in business with someone else, you expand your sales force and there is always someone you can depend on to help you out. That is what becoming involved in the Chamber can provide for a business owner, especially if they are in business by themselves. The Chamber provides a wonderful opportunity to not just market your business, but to network and grow your sales force. If you look at your networking in the Chamber with the idea that you are not looking for the next great client, but looking for the next great referral partner, you may find the benefits of your membership invaluable to your business. Look at how you can find other business owners that will not only refer business to you, but that You can refer business to. (Sorry for the dangling participle there). By engaging in smart networking with other Chamber members, learning how you can better refer clients to them, and sharing with them how to look for a good business referral for you, you are guaranteed to find more referrals to your business. You many never have any connections with a certain demographic that you would like to expand your business into, but someone in the Chamber in a completely unrelated field of business, may have that connection to that demographic into which you are looking to expand. Of course business does get done at Chamber events, but is it the most “bang for your buck” so to speak? If you do not believe you are receiving the value out of your Chamber membership, it would be a good thing to look at how you are using (or not using) your membership. You may want to attend an ambassador meeting, or stay after for a membership orientation, or maybe seek out a director that has been active and involved and see what it is that they do that you could incorporate into your own networking and marketing activities. As the old saying goes, you get out of things what you put into them. Take advantage of the value of your chamber membership. Work it and it will work for you. Amy Alvis, is the owner of Alvis Frantz and Associates, A Professional Law Firm located at 181 Sand Creek Road, Suite K, Brentwood, CA www.AlvisFrantzLaw.com. Their office specializes in Estates, Trusts, Probate, Business and Corporate Law, as well as Uncontested and Mediated Family Law. They can be reached at 925-516-1617. Sincerely, Amy Alvis, Esq. 181 Sand Creek Road, Ste. K Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone 925-516-1617 Fax 925-775-7008
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Chamber Ambassadors Vicki Sexton, Chair, First Bank
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Ambassador's Corner
Amy Alvis, Alvis-Frantz and Associates Kathy Blanton, Sutter Delta Medical Center Maurice Daroy, Farmers Insurance Nelda Devine Delta Community Services
Spring is here, a great time to live in East Contra Costa County. The fields are being planted, fruit trees are in bloom, a promise of warm days ahead. Spring, the time of new beginnings, a time of change and hope. Over the past several years we
Fred Ehler, Ehler Management Group have seen our booming economy take a tumble. Many were unprepared for this downward slide. Kerri Fritsch, Monogramming by Frichy Lori Knudsen, California Payroll Sam Lamantia, Lamantia Insurance Services Michele Lane, ReMax/Accord John Lawrence, New York Life Insurance Diem Nguyen, State Farm Insurance Kathi Reed, Wineshop at Home Kathi Regan, Maxx Worms Kurt Tomicich, KRT Services Dan Torres, New York Life Insurance Joe Trebino, Delta Pure Water, Etc. Pat Trombino, First Bank Kimberley Victor, Mary Kay Cosmetics
UPCOMING EVENTS
Chamber Mixers Thursday, April 19, 2012 New York Life Insurance Thursday, May 17, 2012 Bill Brandt Ford
Everyone knows someone who sold their home via short sale or lost their home to foreclosure. In the middle of the great slide we saw unscrupulous people try to take advantage of homeowners. As part of the Federal Government bailout, banks were told they must offer homeowners loan modifications. The guidelines were unclear, with no standards and no system to monitor those who offered those services. Programs are now in place to help homeowners. Like the seasons these programs are not designed to last. There are many misconceptions of who qualifies to modify their mortgage. Whether you are on time or behind on your mortgage payments, have equity or not, there may be a program for you. Did you know that Contra Costa County is the home of the only Non-Profit Organization in Northern California that can analyze a mortgage loan and the homeowner’s finances using the same portals that banks use? I have been asked, why I would take time from my schedule to help homeowners save their homes? Yes, I sell homes. The ability to offer my clients one more option is a welcome relief. When the housing market suffers the entire economy suffers and the domino effect tumbles on. I have a great affection for our community and my clients. When the economy is strong everyone benefits. As a member of the Brentwood Chamber, I have the opportunity to meet like minded people to share ideas and visions. Being part of the team of Ambassadors gives me the opportunity to give back to the Chamber while meeting many business owners at a level we could never make time for in our day to day lives. Let’s work together to build a stronger community. Michele Lane GRI, SRES, CDPE, Realtor Foreclosure Counselor RE/MAX Accord The Lane Real Estate Team Your Avenue to Success in Real Estate (925) 513-2331 DRE 01252457
Mission Statement:
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization dedicated to the promotion of the civic and commercial progress of the community. We will continuously strive to maintain and foster a healthy business climate for Chamber members and the entire community.
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NEW MEMBERS The Brentwood Chamber is pleased to welcome the following new members: Connect Tek Jason Lehrer 2420 Sand Creek Road Suite C-1177 Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-8475 Jason@connecttekinfo.com Comcast Spotlight Brent Redford 1267 Arroyo Way Walnut Creek, CA 94546 (925) 482-0207 Brent_Redford@cable.comcast.com Virtual Planet Chris Hopkins Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 234-4489 Chris@virtualplanetvs.com
New Member and Mixer Offers! Thinking about joining the Chamber? Come to our next mixer, complete an application there and pay your first year dues and we will waive the $25 administration fee! Bring a friend to a mixer! You will receive a free drink ticket and if your friend joins the Chamber that night, you will receive a free 1/2 page ad in the Clarion! Bring a raffle prize and receive a free drink ticket!
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to the following members who recently renewed their membership. The Chamber appreciates your continued support. A&A Auto Parts & Sales
Got-A-Party
Biglow Insurance Agency
Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, DMD
Bill Brandt Ford Holy Rosary School Black Sheep Design Liberty Adult Education California Payroll New York Life Insurance Delta Networking Partners Discovery Professional Services
Reach Project
Upcoming Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Gallery on Second A division of the Brentwood Theater Company Saturday, April 14th at 4 p.m. 741 Second Street, Brentwood
Join Jack and Betty Gaughan at the Grand Opening of Brentwood’s newest art gallery. A complimentary reception will follow the ribbon cutting. Attendees will be able to view the gallery’s first show, meet many artists and enjoy light refreshments. For more information contact the Gallery on Second at 925-516-2741.
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March Mixer at Gursky Ranch Last month’s mixer was hosted by Relay for Life of Brentwood and Gursky Ranch. It was a wonderfully purple evening filled with food, drink, great company and loads of raffle prizes! Thank you to Relay for Life and Gursky Ranch for hosting such a terrific event. Relay for Life of Brentwood informed everyone that now is the time to join a team and support Relay for Life’s annual event taking place this year on June 16th and 17th at Liberty High School. Funds raised go to the American Cancer Society’s effort to fight cancer. If you are looking for a team to join, the Brentwood Chamber will have its own team this year. We’d love to have you! Thank you to the following who donated raffle prizes: Relay for Life of Brentwood, Gursky Ranch, The Brentwood Press, The Monthly Grapevine, Solar Universe, Pizzagoni’s Towing, Kimberly Victor-Mary Kay Cosmetics, Big Wave Dave’s Mongolian Grill, The Citations Blues Band, Maxx Worms, Nancy Kaiser, Delta Valley Athletic Club, Dr. Margaret Stahler, WP Fangirl, Sutter Delta Medical Center, Oak Street Boutique. We appreciate your support. Anyone who brings a raffle prize to a mixer, will receive a free drink ticket! If you haven’t been to a mixer lately, you are missing out! Members are invited to give a 30-second infomercial about their business. Members who bring a guest receive a free drink ticket. If their guest joins the Chamber that night, the member receives a free 1/2 page ad in the Clarion and the guest receives a discount on their first year-dues! The first to take advantage of this was member Jack Gaughan of Brentwood Theater Company who brought in a new member, Steve Kinsella of Kinsella Theater Group.
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Top 10 Things Employers Do to Get Sued CalChamber highlights top mistakes that cause employment lawsuits (April 3, 2012) There is no question that California has some of the most stringent and complex labor laws in the nation. The California Chamber of Commerce white paper, “The Top 10 Things Employers Do to Get Sued," details some of the mistakes that could lead to employment lawsuits. CalChamber knows that one of the toughest tasks for an HR manager or business owner is managing risk to prevent lawsuits. Employers may unintentionally violate employment laws and never realize the risk they create for the company. Trying to provide some flexibility for an employee, saving money for the company, or just being nice are all ways that an act of kindness can become a business liability. Although this list does not apply to all employers (regulations and collective bargaining agreements may override these general rules), these 10 HR examples can help employers better manage their risk:. 1. Classify all employees as exempt, whether they are or not. 2. Be nice to employees — let them work through lunch so they can take off early. 3. Make everyone an "independent contractor" because having employees is too much trouble. 4. Don't bother providing training about harassment and discrimination to managers and supervisors. They won't need the information. 5. Let employees decide which hours and how many they want to work each day. 6. Terminate any employee who takes a leave of absence, whatever the reason. It is too much trouble to administer leaves of absence, and who knows if the employee will return. 7. Don't give employees their final check if they fail to return company property. 8. Provide loans to employees and deduct the money from their paycheck each pay period. 9. Use non-compete agreements to protect confidential information such as business secrets, customer lists and pricing information and prevent employees from working for the competition. 10. Implement a "use it or lose it" vacation policy and avoid paying out all the money at termination.
The Top 10 white paper can be found at http://www.calchamber.com/hr-california/Pages/top-10-lawsuit-risks.aspx
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In Our Community... Upcoming Events and Ongoing Programs 450 John Muir Parkway Brentwood (925) 516-8006
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group: Third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Pet Adoption with Halo: Saturday, April 28th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. “A Pet for Every Personality!” Featuring Pet Fashions, Pet Groomers, Kennel Owners, Trainers, Vet Services
Champagne & Shortcake Tour: Wednesday, May 9th from 5:30—6:30 p.m. Please RSVP, Seating is Limited
Volunteers Needed for Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation Pet Hug Pack Program!
Based on information from research groups (and from our
Page 11 Spring Trade Faire Saturday, April 28th 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. At Landmark Mortgage 813 First Street, Brentwood DNP members will have a booth showcasing their products and services. RSVP by April 25th to Linda LoGrasso at (925) 783-9872, llograsso@lmglending.com or Kerri Frichy at (925) 513-8054, kerri@frichy.com
May 10, 2012
Visit: ebbc.org/btwd 511contracosta.org
very own residents!), it is quite clear that visits from specially trained animal friends can help with the healing process and curb boredom and loneliness. These caring animals offer comfort and diversion for residents of Assisted Living communities and patients at skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) is expanding their animal therapy program “Pet Hug Pack” to East Contra Costa County. To apply to train as a pet therapy volunteer, you must first meet the requirements for becoming a Pet Hug Pack Volunteer. Please join us for an informational meeting on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30
The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has a program that offers small business, schools and organizations (like the Boy Scouts) a FREE Recycling Starter Kit (RSK) to help them start their own recycling program.
a.m. at The Commons at Dallas Ranch, 4751 Dallas Ranch Road, Antioch, CA 94531.
Light refreshments will be
served. For more information contact Dina Osakue, Community Relations Director at (925) 754-7772.
A free recycling bin, printable labels, posters and more are available at bottlesandcans.com or by calling 1-800-RECYCLE.
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Page 12 IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS City of Brentwood
(925) 516-5400
Parks & Recreation
(924) 516-5444
Community Development
(925) 516-5405
Brentwood Library
(925) 516-5405
Police Non Emergency
(925) 634-6911
Fire Department
(925) 634-3400
Brentwood Aquatic Park
(925) 516-5430
Newspapers Brentwood Press
(925) 634-1441
Contra Costa Times
(925) 757-2525
Brentwood News
(925) 779-7120
Transportation Tri Delta Transit
(925) 754-4040
Hotels Hampton Inn
(925) 513-1289
Holiday Inn Express
(800) 345-8082
Medical Services Sutter Delta Medical Center
(925) 779-7200
John Muir Outpatient Center (925) 308-8100 Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center
SCORE Counselors, Counselors of Small Business Now at the Brentwood Chamber Office ----Call (925) 634-3344 for your appointment today.
(925) 813-6500
Theaters Delta Cinema
(925) 240-7370
Rave
(925) 809-0030
The Brentwood Clarion Brentwood Chamber of Commerce 8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C Phone: 925-634-3344 Fax: 925-634-3731 Email: info@brentwoodchamber.com www.brentwoodchamber.com