The Brentwood Voice of Business December 2010
Vol. 46, No. 12
Shayn Cutino - 2010 Chamber President As your outgoing Chamber President, I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to the membership for your support and dedication and to all that you give to the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. We have an astonishing membership that is truly concerned with and actively supports our ever expanding community as well as our community's needs. Brentwood is fortunate to have such a comfortable mix of agriculture, retail business, banking, healthcare, food service, and education along with talented entrepreneurial diversity thrown in for good measure – all working together for the benefit of the community. The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce understands that in order to have a strong economic environment, you must have a strong community that supports and encourages growth and innovative thinking. We are truly blessed in Brentwood to have leaders, business owners, educators, and a wealth of private citizens who recognize that we all share in the responsibility of creating economic success and stability as well as a healthy community environment for our children and grandchildren. As a community, we all share the vision. We work, we volunteer, we support and serve as we build on the successes of those who came before us and develop new and innovative strategies that will make Brentwood even better. I would also like to extend at this time my heartfelt thank you to the Chamber staff. In addition I would l like to thank the Chamber Board of Directors. This diverse and unselfish group of individuals represents the best of our community leadership. These caring people volunteer their time and expertise to guide the Chamber's efforts to make our community a better place to live, conduct business, and raise our families. Every New Year brings new challenges but also new opportunities. My hope is that the Brentwood Chamber continues to be a viable resource for members to address their challenges, and take advantage of the numerous opportunities. The Chamber offers a wide array of benefits to its members. These include Email Blasts, Educational Opportunities, Business Referral Services, Directory Listings and Grand Opening/Ribbon Cuttings, among others. I believe the success of the Chamber is best measured by the success of its members. I assure you the Chamber Staff and Board will continue to work diligently so that we may all succeed. I wish you all a safe, happy and prosperous New Year!
Page 2: Awards Dinner & Board of Directors and Staff Page 3: Chamber Events, Ambassadors & Ambassadors Corner Page 4: Groundbreaking Page 5: Membership Renewals
Page 6: Holiday Parade Page 7: Holiday Parade Page 8: “Six Tips for Rewarding Employees When Cash is Tight” Page 9 Page10: New Brentwood City Map Sign-Up Form
Respectfully, Shayn Cutino
Page 11: New Brentwood City Map Page 12: November Mixer at Shepherd’s Gate Page 13: Holiday Mixer Page 14: New Members Page 15: American Cancer SocietyRelay for Life Benefit Concert
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Page 2 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
INVITES YOU TO THE 2011 ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER HONORING CITIZEN OF THE YEAR JEFF SCHULTS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR KENDALL AUTOMOTIVE
Greg Benner Les Schwab Tires
SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 2011 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Paul Kelly Home One Mortgage
Trilogy at the vineyards
Lori Knudsen California Payroll Shelly McMahon Shelly’s Garden
Club Los Meganos Event Center 1700 Trilogy Parkway Brentwood, CA 94513
Richard Perez-Pacheco Black Sheep Design
$40.00 per person if paid by Thursday, December 23, 2010. $50.00 Per Person after December 23, 2010.
Donna Spencer Cortona Park
All reservations must be in the Chamber office no later than January 21, 2011
Dirk Zeigler Zeigler Insurance Group ********************************
Staff Members Harry York, CEO Lisa Hurt, Support Services Dir. Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator Bill Putman, Volunteer
Pre-paid reservations only. Open seating! No Tickets will be sold at the door.
Price Includes Dinner & Dessert Baked Chicken, veggie, pasta bolognese, salad, rolls and dessert. Name:_________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________ City:____________________ Phone:________________
How many attending:___________
Check:_________ Cash:____________ Billing Zip Code for Card:___________ Credit Card____________________________________Exp. Date:_________ Please mail this form along with your payment To the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce 8440 Brentwood Blvd. Ste. C Brentwood , CA 94513 By Friday, January 21, 2011
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Brentwood Chamber Ambassadors Vicki Sexton, Chair, First Bank
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Ambassador's Corner
Amy Alvis, Alvis -Frantz and Associates Andrew Dourgarian, California Payroll
January 20, 2011 The Commons at Dallas Ranch
It’s now been seven years since my husband and I moved to Brentwood from the San Ramon Valley area. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know this community and making new friends. It’s been my pleasure to serve as Community Outreach Representative for First Bank since it opened its Brentwood branch located at 6590 Lone Tree Way, in October, 2007. The Brentwood branch is one of 150 locations throughout California, Florida, Illinois and Missouri. California alone has 59 branches. First Bank is a family owned bank which opened 100 years ago in 1910 when William Dierberg became its president. Today, the family legacy lives on with James Dierberg from the 3rd generation of Dierbergs, who serves as Chairman of the Board. First Bank is committed to living up to its name by being first in customer service, first in serving the community, and first in delivering innovative banking products. The unique benefit experienced at First Bank is our customer service. Many other banks describe themselves as offering the same but at First Bank, it is our primary commitment. We have the resources of a large bank but our uniqueness is the way these resources are passed on to our clients - through our staff. Each staff member is proud of living and working here in our community. We care about our customers and know them by name. We will and have done whatever it takes to make things work for our customers’ benefit to the best of our ability. I’ve served as a Brentwood Chamber Ambassador for 3 years now. One of the many benefits by serving as an Ambassador is the opportunity to welcome new businesses to our community and call on our existing businesses as well. We periodically survey Chamber members to provide feedback to the Chamber. We are truly interested in finding ways to serve, network and enhance membership with our members. One of the ways I’ve found to enhance membership in the Chamber is by being involved. Being an Ambassador provides a valuable way to do so. Please attend an Ambassador meeting and find out for yourself how beneficial it is.
Chamber Awards Dinner
SCORE Counselors, Counselors of Small Business
Ashley Guzman, Pre Paid Legal Services Fred Ehler, Terracare Associates Jennifer Jost, Edward Jones Joe Trebino, Delta Pure Water, Etc. Karen Spann, The Monthly Grapevine Kathi Regan, Maxx Worms/Maxx Imprints Kerri Fritsch, Monogramming by Fritchy Kurt Tomicich, KRT Services Lori Knudsen, California Payroll Maurice Daroy, Farmers Insurance Olga Vidriales, Travis Credit Union Pat Trombino, First Bank Patti Schneider, The Right Choice Paul Roman, Window Innovations, Inc, Sarah Jamar, Paychex Suzanne Lowe, Essential Care Chiropractic Terry Aldaya, Hampton Inn
ANNUAL CHAMBER EVENTS Chamber Mixers December 16 hosted by: Travis Credit Union
January 29, Trilogy Vineyards
Now at the Brentwood Chamber Office 1st and 3rd Monday’s: 1:30 and 2:30 pm----Call (925) 634-3344 for your appointment today.
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Downtown Brentwood Road to Revitalization Project Groundbreaking Ceremony On Friday, November 19th a brief Groundbreaking Ceremony was held at the corner of First and Oak Streets in Downtown Brentwood. The event marked the commencement of new streetscape improvements that will widen the downtown sidewalks and make Brentwood’s downtown a more visitorfriendly place to shop and dine. To keep informed about the downtown construction schedule, visit the City’s website at www.ci.brentwood.ca.us/streetscapes.
Mayor Bob Taylor addresses the crowd of onlookers. Next to him is a depiction of what downtown will look like when construction is completed next summer.
Contra Costa County Supervisor Mary Piepho speaks. Pictured to her right are City Council Members Erick Stonebarger and Bob Brockman.
Bob Taylor and Mary Piepho literally breaking the ground. Attendees pictured include downtown merchants, city management, Councilmembers, and Chamber management.
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MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to the following members who renewed their membership in November. We appreciate your continued support!
Page 5 Join Us on Facebook! Click the Facebook picture to the left to be directed to our page. Also Look for our CornFest Page.
American Legion Post 202 Brentwood Funeral Home Brentwood Spice & Olive Oil Co. Costco Wholesale Family Life Center Law Offices of Douglas J. Hartsough Lollipop Haircut Shop Marples & Associates Realtors Cathy Marples Reach Project
Place your Ad right here! Call the Chamber office today to advertise your business in the monthly Clarion!
Also Join us on our Linked in page by clicking the link above.
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The 28th Annual Holiday Parade Saturday, November 20, 2010 At The Streets of Brentwood
ance Studio Melody’s D
Belly dancers from the
Red Door Dance Studio
Miniature horses, Vicky and Snickers
Citizen of the Y ea
Mr. Bill and Gra nd Marshall, Bon nie Lucchese
r Rick Lemyre
Girl Scouts from East Contra Costa
Edna Hill Middle Sc
hool Cheerleaders
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Fire Truck Knightsen
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Event sponsor, Sutter Delta Medical Center
Despite the wet weather, the Holiday Parade went on as planned. This year’s annual event was moved to The Streets of Brentwood as the downtown Brentwood area is undergoing streetscape improvements. The Brentwood Chamber thanks all the parade participants for braving the rain and making the parade a success. A big Thank You also goes to our sponsors John Muir Health, Sutter Delta Medical Center, and PG&E; The Streets of Brentwood for hosting the parade, and all the volunteers who helped with registration, staging, parking, judging, announcing and whatever else needed to be done. Parade winners will be announced at the Chamber’s Holiday Mixer on December 16th at Travis Credit Union.
Volunteer Fred Ehler directing traffic while Mayor Bob Taylor and Councilman Stonebarger supervise.
City Co un his trusty cilman, Erick Stoneba tractor. rger and
tenos de Equestrian group, Charros Los Cos ses. hor cing dan r Brentwood and thei
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SIX TIPS FOR REWARDING EMPLOYEES WHEN CASH IS TIGHT Reprinted from Business.GOV
As small businesses have struggled to survive during the recession, it has been difficult to reward employees with raises and/or bonuses. In fact, many small firms found it necessary to cut employee salaries, perks and benefits in order to survive financially. As we approach the end of 2010, the picture doesn’t appear to be appear to be getting any better. Only a small percentage of small businesses say they’ll be offering salary increases this year. And those who do, plan for the increases to be very small. So how can you reward employees for outstanding performance without breaking the bank? some ideas that can help you reward and motivate your team without breaking the bank.
Here are
Cash vs. Recognition: Research has confirmed that many employees are motivated as much, if not more, by recognition as they are by cash. Personally, I know people who make a good salary and regularly qualify for bonuses, but they are miserable in their jobs. On the other hand, I also know talented individuals who work for less money than they might earn somewhere else because they enjoy their work environment and feel as though they are recognized for their contributions. As a result, they are loyal and committed to the companies with which they work. Reward Throughout the Year: A lot of companies fall into the pattern of rewarding employees once a year -- usually in conjunction with a performance review. A better approach is to reward your team sincerely, and freely throughout the year. That helps motivate your team and keep them energized. Make it Public. Don’t recognize employees behind closed doors. Do it publicly. Everyone enjoys being acknowledged for their efforts in front of their peers. Give the Gift of Time. As the mother of four step-grandchildren, I can tell you the gift of time is as appreciated as expensive presents. The same is true with employees. Give a high-performing employee an extra day off or allow him or her to work a flexible schedule. You may want to consider offering the employee an opportunity to tele-commute for all or part of the work week. Be Spontaneous: Rewards and recognitions don’t have to be doled out at specific times. Be spontaneous and fun. And don’t do the same thing all the time. Shake things up. For example, bring a massage therapist into the office as a special reward or have an outstanding employee’s car washed on site. A Small Thank You. Small gifts bring big smiles as a thank you for a job well done. A gift card to a favorite restaurant or spa could be a nice treat. Tickets to a sporting event or theatre performance are also a nice way to say thank you. Remember, you can get discounted certificates on many websites so you don’t have to pay full price. Most employees understand the current economic climate and will appreciate your creative efforts to recognize their contributions.
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NEW MEMBERS Century Publishing David Carrillo (909) 224-8167 Email: davidcarrillo@verizon.net Sprint by Wireless Lifestyle Jamie Burks 5819 Lone Tree Way, Suite E Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 978-0610 Email: marketing@wlexpress.com Supervisor Mary Piepho 181 Sand Creek Road, Suite L Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 240-7260 Email: dis3@bos.cccounty.us
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings Dec 17th, 6:00 p.m. Sprint by Wireless Lifestyle 5819 Lone Tree Way, Suite E Brentwood Dec 17th, 7:30 p.m.
Brentwood Regional Community Chest’s Gift Basket Packing Brentwood Elementary 200 Griffith Lane Brentwood
Advertise your Business here!! For more information call the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
(925) 634-3344
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c i t s a t n Fa ! y t i n u Opport
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NEW BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CITY MAP It's coming soon! A new Map of Brentwood with its unique features and attractions will be published as soon as possible. This new image piece will aid newcomers and visitors in deciding where to go, what to do, and how to find what they need throughout our community. For visitors and new business people, Maps are always the most requested publication from the Chamber. Since the Chamber Map supply is exhausted, these new four-color image pieces will be published as quickly as possible. This Chamber benefit is a marketing tool that reaches new people we normally can't reach ourselves as the Map brings new business through our doors. With the Chamber distributing thousands of Maps each year, it means a vast new marketing exposure for every business featured on the new Brentwood Map. People love Maps! Because there is not enough room for all our members to be on this popular marketing tool, only the earliest members who request spaces can be accommodated. Member firm, Century Publishing's Map Masters division will create an accurate Map with an attractive design within this new showpiece for member businesses. Space reservations will be accepted according to the earliest fliers returned to the Chamber. David Carrillo will contact as many members as space allows to help members achieve their marketing objectives, but it is expected to sell out quickly. To secure the space you want to help your business reach visitors, new residents, and all of our member businesses, send the flier on the previous page back to the chamber immediately. See you on the exciting new Brentwood Map!
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November Chamber Mixer at Shepherd’s Gate The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce thanks Shepherd’s Gate for hosting November’s mixer. Attendees brought canned food for the local shelter and enjoyed a wonderful dinner of soup and chili as well as a boutique and a tour of Shepherd’s Gate beautiful facility. We would also like to thank The Monthly Grapevine, Postmaster Diane Torres, The Brentwood Press, Gursky Ranch, Kimberly Victor and Shepherd’s Gate for donating raffle prizes. We look forward to seeing everyone at December’s Holiday Mixer on December 16th at Travis Credit Union on Balfour Road.
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61 Business Owners Are Determined to Accomplish Something This Month! Reprinted from Barry J. Moltz, Your Business Unstuck It is easy to get caught up in all the holiday hoopla and cheer. December is an important month to finish strong and get off to a good 2011. Sixty one small business owners tell us what they will accomplish this month. (We are mentioning only a handful of them here.) It’s Always Thanksgiving Write client new year's cards. Before we were so busy I sent quarterly thank you letters, which clients loved; it showed them how much we appreciate them. As we all know, repeat and referral business is the best kind, and it's nice to be nice, so the letters were win-win! I want my clients to know how thankful we are for them, and wish them a great 2011. (It's a good non-religious, non-birthday way to say hello, so it helps you stand out too!)
Contact Sport in December December is the easiest month to contact my database. Holiday cards to everyone on the database, and anything I bring in person to my favorite people is appreciated. This year I'm handing out candy canes I found at Office Depot. 45 for $10. At 22 cents each I get to make people's day and of course thank them for keeping me in mind for referrals. This has made my new year's business begin on January 2nd for five years in a row.
Good To Great Our company will celebrate our one-year anniversary in January, and we want to charge toward greatness. It starts with upgrading our resources, honing in on a singular vision, and pushing forward. December is a perfect month to set a plan in motion. My recommendation is to outline your goals for 2011 - financial, personnel, personal, etc. - and spend one weekend crafting your strategy. When January comes, you and your team will have a clear picture of what the company
Thinking Outside Of The Gift Box One of the most inspiring and productive actions I will do before the end of the year is get out of the office and go somewhere. Being away allows the thought process to open up and not be as influenced by 'business as usual' thinking. For me, getting away from the usual environments is critical to this process. It encourages thinking about new ways of conducting business that are good for the company, our existing and potential new customers. Its become a required exercise in this economy.
Set The Course For The Coming Year Before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, I want to make sure I have my clear set of goals ready for 2011. There is nothing worse than starting the new year with your ideas and mindset scrambled all over the place. Make a list of your top goals for 2011. Write them on a piece of paper, send them to yourself in an email or whatever is necessary for you to have a list that is easy to access and take action. Print it out and stick it on your wall as a daily reminder and to stay motivated.
Have My 2011 Planning Done Before 2011! My goal in the next month is to have all of my planning done for next year before January 1. I want to have my marketing plan, my client and revenue expectations, and my budget all in place. Included within that is also some daydreaming time - so I can envision what I want my business to look like by the end of 2011. Then, when the new year comes around, all I have to do is execute.
The Secret To A Positive Ending One of the mottos I have embraced as a business owner is "if it is uncomfortable, then I ought to be doing it." My outlook has changed significantly due to this quote. I have realized 90% of success is due to mindset. That quote has opened doors, creating opportunities I previously would have walked away from. Now, I look forward to stepping out of my comfort zone. My commitment to the end of 2010 is to reach out to as many people as possible by doing the things which make me the most uncomfortable. So I am dedicating the remainder of this month to direct mail campaigns, cold calls and public speaking. My goal is to do these activities in a manner which feels genuine, authentic and service oriented. I am looking forward to the people I will meet along the way. You never know where your
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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
Transportation Tri Delta Transit
(925) 754-4040
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS AND BEST WISHES FOR A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
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
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 925-634-3344 Fax: 925-634-3731 Email: info@brentwoodchamber.com www.brentwoodchamber.com