The Brentwood Voice of Business August 2010
Vol. 46, No. 8
What’s Inside: Page 2: Director’s Corner & Board of Directors and Staff Page 3:Chamber Hours of Operation & New Members Page 4: Ambassador’s Corner Page 5: Chamber Events Page 6: 2010 Golf Tournament
Page 7: 2010 Golf Tournament Page 8: 2010 CornFest Page 9: 2010 CornFest Cont... Page 10: 5 Tips to Marketing... Page 11: 5 Tips to Marketing Cont...
Page 12: Postmaster Ribbon Cutting & Good Morning Page 13: CalChamber Article Page 14: Lead, Collaborate, and Innovate… Page 15: July Mixer @ LA Boxing
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Director’s Message I remember going back to Wisconsin as a child and visiting my grandparent’s farm. I always looked at the lifestyle as a slow and relaxed way of living. Boy was I ever wrong. I also use to watch my mom run an office and thinking it looked so easy. I could handle that. (But I remember I helped by licking envelopes) I think we have all looked at what other people do and think…that must be nice to have such an easy job. Oh it must be nice to work outside. Boy it would be fun to own a boutique, trying on clothes all day. If we only knew what really goes on behind the scenes. I believe as business owners we have all had our victories and challenges, and through it all really enjoy what we do. It’s never easy to keep up with technology, regulations and changes in our own trade. I have found that being involved in my community, the chamber and associations is crucial (especially small business) to stay in business. In the first couple of years I didn’t realize how important it was. I joined to be a part of something bigger than myself. What I found were others that had gone through the same learning curves that I was beginning and found their recommendations and referrals the best resource I could ask for. It saved time; I didn’t try and re-invent the wheel and moved me onto the next step with minimal stress. I have two “learning curves” this year. One is hiring an employee full-time. Going through all the steps to be an employer (this is different than telling my sons when and where they are helping) and doing payroll has been a very painless process. Because of the people I know in the chamber I was able to ask a couple of questions and jumped right in knowing I was in good hands. My second area is changing from excel spreadsheets to QuickBooks. Now that for me is a serious learning curve. Actually it’s been more like a learning circle, it just keeps going around. I laugh a lot to avoid crying, until I remember I have a bookkeeping expert to assist me, when I can’t remember what to do next. And anyone who knows me, knows remembering is not my strong suit.
BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Shayn Cutino, President Anja Wellness Karen Spann, Past President The Monthly Grapevine Joe Trebino, President-Elect Delta Pure Water, Etc. Ken Seamann, Chief Financial Officer Discovery Professional Services Olga Vidriales, V.P. Community Programs, Travis Credit Union Brent Aasen Equus Group Amy Alvis Alvis Frantz and Associates Greg Benner Les Schwab Tires Bill Fee Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists Paul Kelly Home One Mortgage Lori Knudsen California Payroll Shelly McMahon Shelly’s Garden Richard Perez-Pacheco Black Sheep Design Donna Spencer Cortona Park Dirk Zeigler Zeigler Insurance Group
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Staff Members Harry York, CEO
As we all know, it’s a difficult time. But stay active, stay involved as much as you can. Sometimes just being around another hard working business owner, will give you the extra boost of energy and will power to keep going strong.
Lisa Hurt, Support Services Dir. Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator Bill Putman, Volunteer Pat Trombino, Event Coordinator
Shelly McMahon Shelly’s Garden shelly@shellysfarmfresh.com
Kimberly Eubanks, Office Assistant
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CHAMBER HOURS Mon. - Thur. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday 9:00 am to 12:00pm
Phone: 925 634-3344 Fax: 925 634-3731 Email:info@brentwoodchamber.com www.brentwoodchamber.com
ANNUAL CHAMBER EVENTS October 8, 2010 Golf Tournament Shadow Lakes October 23, 2010 Hometown Halloween November 6, 2010 Fall Taste of Brentwood Restaurant Tour November 20, 2010 Holiday Parade
CHAMBER MIXERS August 19, 2010
Cedar Creek Stables September 16, 2010
Apex Securities
October 21, 2010
Markots
November 18, 2010
Shepherd’s Gate
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.
Bank of America Sherry Verduzco 241 Oak Street Brentwood, CA (925) 634-3561 Sherry.verduzco@bankofamerica.com Wells Fargo Bank Heather O’Connell 1115 Second Street Brentwood, CA (925) 513-6000 heatheroconnell@wellsfargo.com Brentwood Regional Community Chest Lill Pierce 1066 Claremont Drive Brentwood, CA (925) 624-3216 lillpierce@yahoo.com Ikon Carrie Woodin 390 N. Wiget Lane, Ste. 200 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (925) 988-4225 cwoodin@ikon.com Www.ikon.com
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Ambassador's Corner For at least the last five years our family business has been a Chamber Member. In that period we have enjoyed quality business with other Chamber Members and Businesses in the Brentwood area. As our Business has expanded outside the area on certain jobs, many times there is one thing we realize. The Brentwood area has special Business people with a special attitude of wanting to work together. The Chamber has always seemed to be a centerpiece for this activity. I have noticed this even more that the Chamber is linked with other Chambers on the internet. If you enjoy working with people I encourage you to be open to what the Brentwood Chamber has to offer. Our business has helped protect Brentwood with graffiti film and security film on glass. As well as reduced energy costs with clear solar energy film. If we can help you call me at (925) 766-6774. Paul Roman Window Innovations Inc. 2145 Elkins Way Ste. C Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 766-6774 www.windowinnovationsinc.com
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August Chamber Events August 5th– Downtown Brentwood Hot Brentwood Nights
August 5th– Brentwood Chamber Good Morning Brentwood with Guest Speaker John Smulo of Purple Cow websites. “Social Networking beyond Facebook & Twitter”
August 12th- Downtown Brentwood Movie Night
August 19th– Brentwood Chamber August Mixer @ Cedar Creek Stables 1095 EDEN PLAINS ROAD, Brentwood
August 19thDowntown Brentwood Home & Garden Show
Trying to get the word out?? Call the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and ask about how you can advertise your business... (925) 634-3344 Join Us on Facebook! Click the Facebook picture to the left to be directed to our page. Also Look for our CornFest Page.
August 26thDowntown Brentwood SummerFest
Also Join us on our Linked in page by clicking the link above.
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16th Annual “Fun Scramble” Golf Tournament Friday October 8, 2010
@ Shadow Lakes 401 W. Country Club Drive Brentwood, Ca (925) 516-2837
Early Bird Special ! For a limited time only! $400.00 per foursome with full payment for the four at the time of booking. Payment must be in the Chamber Office at 8440 Brentwood Blvd. Ste C on or before August 13th at 5:00 o'clock NO EXCEPTIONS Credit Card, Check, or Cash Second Chance Special! August 14- September 17 $450.00 per foursome All fees after September 17th, are individual golfer fees of $135.00 per player
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Player #1 Company: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Cell: Email: Shirt Size: I would like to bring __ (additional) guest to the Dinner. Player #2 Company: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Cell: Email: Shirt Size: I would like to bring __ (additional) guest to the Dinner. Player #3 Company: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Cell: Email: Shirt Size: I would like to bring __ (additional) guest to the Dinner. Player #4 Company: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Cell: Email: Shirt Size: I would like to bring __ (additional) guest to the Dinner.
Tear out and mail to 8440 Brentwood Blvd. Ste. C. Brentwood, CA 94513 with your payment
Team Players Call (925) 634-3344 if paying by Credit Card...
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Special Thanks to all the 2010 CornFest Sponsors 92.1 Diablo Valley, 95.3 KUIC, 101.7 KKIQ, 104.1 The Hawk, Kat Country 103, 110 Magazine, Allan Frank, MD, MS, Bank of America, Biglow Insurance Agency, Black Bear Diner, Black Sheep Design, Brentwood Ace Hardware, Brentwood MinuteMan Press, Brentwood Press, Brentwood Self Storage, Bud Light (Markstein), California Diesel & Power, Cinelux Delta Cinema, City of Brentwood, Coca-Cola, Comcast, Dallas Shanks and Sons Automotive, Delta Sun Times, Diablo Magazine, Dwelley Farms, ECC Bank, F.A. Maggiore & Sons, G&S Farms, Got-A-Party, Harvest Park Bowl, John Muir Health, Kendall Automotive, Kohl’s, KSFO 560, Mary’s Delicacies, Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists, Mimi’s Café, Nancy Kaiser, Quick Stop, Ron Nunn Farms, Safeway, Simoni & Massoni Farms, Streets of Brentwood, Sutter Delta Medical Center, The Monthly Grapevine, Travis Credit Union, Tri Delta Transit, Wayne E. Swisher Concrete, Inc., WR Properties, Wineshop at Home with Kathi Reed and last but not least Zeigler Insurance.
Once again a Big Thanks to everyone that made this years 2010 CornFest happen.
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This years 2010 Cornfest was an excitement because of the new layout and the variety of Downtown Businesses and vendors that were inside the gates of the festival. We had a handful of volunteers this year which became a major help throughout the entire CornFest, so we would like to give all of them a big thank you. The vendors and Downtown Businesses were awesome this year cooperating with all the changes and we hope that it will be better each and every year. A Big Thanks to all the Chairs, Leads, Staff and Entertainment: Shayn Cutino, Harry York, Lyle Miller, Ken Seamann, Sal Cutino, Panchon Guillen, Jilda Fairhurst, Kimberly Eubanks, Pat Trombino, Bill Putman, Lisa Hurt, Jeff Davis, Robin Evenson, Alida Garcia, Hazel Weatherford, Joe Trebino, Greg Reppert, Johnny Rodriquez, Olga Vidriales, Richard Perez-Pacheco, Ryan Accord, Dirk Zeigler, and Kevin Tate with California Carnival. The 2010 CornFest committee wants to Thank all the Non-Profit Organizations for all of their excellent work we could not have done it without them. This includes: American Cancer Society, American Legion Post 202, VFW Post and Auxiliary, Brentwood Kiwanis, Brentwood Lions Club, Brentwood Premier Soccer Club, Brentwood Rotary, BSA Troop 90, Daughters of the British Empire, Delta community Services, Delta Diablo Det. Police Explorers, Discovery Bay Lions, East Contra Costa Historical Society, Emmaus Men, Emmaus Women, Freedom High Boys Soccer, Heritage High School Band, Heritage Parents Club, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Job’s Daughters, Knights of Columbus, Masonic Lodge, One Day at a Time, Orin Allen Boys ranch, Resurrection Ministries, Soroptimist of East County, and Soroptimist of the Delta. Thanks to Julie Munana from Smiles: Creative Imaging and the Brentwood Press for all the wonderful variety of pictures that were taken during the 3 days of our 18th Annual 2010 CornFest.
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5 Tips for Marketing Your Business Online – to Get the Biggest ROI by smallbiztrends Online marketing is taking up an increasing share of the budgets of small businesses. There’s no mystery behind it: online is where customers are gravitating. So if you want to attract customers, and serve existing customers with new products and services, you too need to be placing an increasing proportion of your marketing budget online. But in a small business it’s important to spend wisely, because our resources and budgets are limited. You want to focus on techniques that consistently deliver a powerful return on investment (ROI), as the following 5 techniques do: (1) Commit to regular email marketing -- Email is a top online strategy for small businesses – especially among businesses that are not satisfied with the status quo, but want to grow. For instance, in one survey 82% of small businesses that currently use or plan to use email marketing, expected revenue growth.* You’ll want to build a house email list consisting of those who opt in (elect to receive communications from you). That list is like gold because it consists of people who have shown interest already in your products and services – and who WANT to hear from you again. For more information, check out the article here at Business.gov on: Getting Started with Email Marketing. (2) Start a blog or renew your efforts with your existing blog – A blog offers so many benefits – here are just a few: It helps your business get found by search engines, because of the great content you provide. It helps you engage more effectively with existing customers and new prospects – blogs are conversational and help you develop a closer bond than with static websites. And a blog also gives you the opportunity to tell the world more about what you do, how you do it, and how your business is different. For detailed pointers, read: Thinking of Starting a Blog? Tips to Help You Start, Maintain & Grow a Small Business Blog! (3) Leverage others’ blogs – Not sure you can commit to writing regularly in a blog? Or perhaps you have a blog, but are looking for additional ways to promote your business? If you like to write, then guest posting on other blogs is a no-cost (other than your time) way to spread the word about your business. And at the very least, you can comment on others’ blogs, and participate that way. For more about guest posting, read: How to Guest Post to Promote Your Blog.* So, what are you waiting for? Jump on these 5 techniques and you’ll be able to craft a costeffective marketing strategy that is in sync with today’s customers’ behavior. Anita Campbell is the Founder of Small Business Trends*, an online publication and community serving small businesses. Continued on page 11...
The Brentwood Clarion (4) Advertise cost effectively with pay per click advertising – Pay-per-click advertising (such as Google AdWords) is a technique that literally can pay for itself. You pay only for clicks back to your website, meaning that you only pay for people who see your ad and click through to your site. That way you know you are paying for qualified traffic, i.e., those who have seen your ads and have some interest in whatever you’re advertising. However, programs like Google AdWords require some knowledge if you want to maximize your return; otherwise, you could end up wasting money. And remember, if you feel Google AdWords may require too much time and attention, you can always outsource the management of your PPC ad programs to a professional. To get started, read: Google AdWords Explained – Growing Your Small Business with this Cost Effective Marketing Tool. (5) Jump on the social media bandwagon – Think of social media like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Bizsugar.com and the like as being a way to “amplify” and spread your message. The Web is increasingly becoming a social place. Consumers and businesspeople increasingly share information, product recommendations, and content that they like. Wouldn’t you like to encourage and make it easy for others to share your content or recommendations about your products/services? That’s where playing in the social media sandbox can help. For more information, please check out: Getting Started with Social Media Marketing. You may also find this article of interest: Adding Social Media to the Business Marketing Mix - No Longer a Question of "Why?" but "How?" For more information about online marketing, please also check out the videos that the SBA just produced in partnership with Google.
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Advertise your Business here!! For more information call the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
(925) 634-3344
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Ribbon Cutting
Good Morning Brentwood August 5, 2010 - 7:30 a.m. Brentwood Chamber Board Room 8440 Brentwood Blvd # C, Brentwood Corner of Brentwood Blvd & Chestnut St
Program: “Update on Social Networking beyond Facebook and Twitter” Guest Speaker: John Smulo of Purple Cow Websites
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Diane E. Torres for becoming the new Postmaster of Brentwood. The City of Brentwood’s Post Office held an Installation Ceremony for the new Postmaster of Brentwood California on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 10am on Oak Street. If you would like to contact the post office you can reach them at (925) 240-2067. They Can also be located at 18 Oak Street, Brentwood.
Only $10 for paid members $15 for non-members -- Includes Light Breakfast – RSVP @ info@brentwoodchamber.com or 925-634-3344 Next Breakfast September 9, 2010
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CalChamber Reports on Status of Major Business Bills (July 26, 2010) Numerous business priorities remain to be considered when legislators reconvene after their summer recess, according to the California Chamber of Commerce summary of the status of top priority bills for the business community. Among the pending proposals are 29 “job killer” bills still moving through the legislative process. The CalChamber report presents the status of bills as of July 2, when the Legislature began a summer recess break with legislators on notice that they could be asked to return within 24 hours if a budget deal is reached. Within each subject area, the list presents bills in order of priority with the highest priorities at the top. The CalChamber will publish a second status report in September, showing the status of priority legislation when the Legislature adjourns the session on August 31. September 30 is the last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature on or before September 1. The CalChamber will publish its final status report, showing the ultimate fate of priority bills sent to the Governor this year, in October. Each fall, the CalChamber also publishes a record of legislators’ votes on key bills affecting the California business climate. Generally, the bills selected for the vote record have appeared in one of the status reports. This year’s vote record is scheduled to be published on October 22.
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Lead, Collaborate and Innovate Professionally and Personally Summer tends to take over. Vacations, schedules change, the pace of life and work slows and things tend to get quiet. Re-engage and Refuel here are five ways to use what is left of summer to recharge in every way— Professionally—Think about the leader you’ve become. Do you like what your thinking? Are you being all you need to be for your team, your colleagues, clients/customers? What do you want to change? Read and share this article and make a commitment to leadership, collaboration and innovation. Personally—Read a book for fun, get organized, clean out a closet and donate stuff you don’t need, host a barbeque/potluck and reconnect with family and friends. Physically—Get outside, Nike says it best, “Just do it!” Walk, run, swim, hike, bike, throw a ball with your kids or grandkids, or get out there and do that neglected yard work. The toughest part of any kind of physical activity is getting started but once you “do it” we guarantee you’ll feel recharged. If your still not feeling it then read Younger Next Year (Crowley & Lodge— pink for gals and yellow for guys) it will convince you! Financially—Visit Dave Ramsey’s website, it is sure to give you both profound and simple ideas. Make a commitment to reviewing your budget and find at least 3 ways to cut your expenses, you’ll be amazed at what you find. We know this sounds radical, but we stopped visiting Starbucks everyday…yes really. We're embarrassed to share the expense but proud of the savings! Spiritually—Garbage in leads to Garbage out. Breathing life into your heart will clear your head of the all the clutter. Replace the garbage (or balance it out) with good stuff. Buy a daily devotional to get started, it’s a settling way to focus and start your day. Three recommendations: Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment (morning and evening); Eugene Peterson’s The Message; and if you are married, John and Staci Eldridge, Love and War —this book is enriching our relationship and affirming our commitment to each other. As you take the lead to refresh and recharge in each of these areas stress will fade and fulfillment will grow. Go for it and by all means circle back to us with your feedback on any of these suggestions! Cheers to making the most of your summer.
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The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Joseph Garcia and the staff of LA Boxing for hosting the July Mixer on July 15, 2010. The Chamber would also like to thank John Smulo of Purple Cow Websites, Karen Spann of The Monthly Grapevine and Joseph Garcia of LA Boxing for all the wonderful raffle donations. Congratulations to Bill Fee of Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists and Bill Putman from Delta Community Services, the winners of the Free month membership for LA Boxing. LA Boxing is located at 8650 Brentwood Blvd. in Brentwood and can be reached by phone (925) 634-2691 or by email at cococounty925@gmail.com.
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Page 16 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
Stop by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce today for your very own copy of “Images of America Brentwood.” Cost: $21.65
Newspapers Brentwood Press
(925) 634-1441
Contra Costa Times
(925) 757-2525
Brentwood News
(925) 779-7120
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is now offering:
Transportation Tri Delta Transit
(925) 754-4040
Hotels Hampton Inn
(925) 513-1289
Holiday Inn Express
(800) 345-8082
Hospital Sutter Delta Medical Center
(925) 779-7200
John Muir Medical Center
(925) 308-8100
Theaters Delta Cinema
(925) 240-7370
Rave
(925) 809-0030
The Brentwood Clarion Brentwood Chamber of Commerce 8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C Brentwood, CA 94513
2010 California and Federal updated Labor Posters. Pick yours up today at 8440 Brentwood Blvd. Ste. C Paper Version: $23.00 Plastic Version: $39.00 Phone: 925-634-3344 Fax: 925-634-3731 Email: info@brentwoodchamber.com www.brentwoodchamber.com