The Brentwood Voice of Business February 2012
Vol. 48, No. 2
Congratulations! Citizen of the Year Karen Rarey And Business of the Year Brentwood Press Rick Lemyre and Greg Robinson receiving their award from Chamber President, Paul Kelly
Paul and Karen Rarey arriving at the Awards Dinner
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards and Installation Dinner on January 28, 2012 at Club Los Meganos at Trilogy at the Vineyards. It was an elegant evening with over 160 guests in attendance to honor Brentwood’s best—Citizen of the Year, Karen Rarey and Business of the Year, the Brentwood Press. The Brentwood Press’ Greg Robinson and Rick Lemyre along with owner, Jimmy Chamoures, received the award on behalf of the Press. Many of their employees were on hand as well. Proclamations and certificates were also bestowed from the City of Brentwood, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan and State Senator, Mark DeSaulnier.
Karen Rarey was recognized for her numerous volunteer efforts for the Brentwood community, including involvement with the LUHSD Education Foundation, Kiwanis, Relay for Life and the John Marsh Historic Trust to name a few. Her husband, children and many friends and colleagues were in attendance. Karen also received recognition from the City of Brentwood, Assemblymember Buchanan and Senator Mark DeSaulniers’ offices. This year’s event, included a performance by local singer, David McClellan of McClellan Entertainment, who sang show tunes and customized a special “audience participation” song just for Karen.
Also honored was Fred Ehler, who was named the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year for his dedication and effort as a volunteer Ambassador. The Directors of the Chamber were also recognized for their contributions to the Board and outgoing and incoming directors were announced. Thank you to Jilda Fairhurst and Trilogy at the Vineyards for coordinating a wonderful event. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year to honor the next Citizen and Business of the Year. Nominations are accepted starting in November. The Chamber appreciates all assistance in helping locate individuals and businesses worthy of this honor.
See inside for pictures and highlights of the 2012 Awards Dinner
Page 1: Citizen and Business of the Year Page 2: Director’s Message; Board of Directors and Staff Page 3: Ambassador’s Corner, Upcoming Chamber Events
Page 4: New and Renewing Members Page 5: Ribbon Cutting Page 6: January Mixer Page 7: February Mixer Page 8: Awards Dinner photos
Page 9: Awards Dinner photos Page 10: City of Brentwood Entrepreneur Training Page 11: Cal Chamber 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 Olga Vidriales, V.P. Community Programs, Travis Credit Union 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 Kerry 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
Hello Chamber Members: It’s a pleasure to be back on the board again! I look forward to meeting and working with you in 2012. As Paul stated last month in his article about the Etch-A-Sketch, that 2012 should be a fresh start, get involved with the Brentwood Chamber. My message for the month is to be PRO-ACTIVE. Come Out, Get Involved, be Pro Active! I believe one of the biggest benefits of being a Chamber Member is networking at the monthly mixers. We all need to grow our businesses in order to survive in this day and age. By networking with other business people you will meet many new people to exchange ideas with, get referrals, and make some new friends, with a Goal to grow your business. I encourage you to mark your calendars now to join us on the 3rd Thursdays of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Check out our website www.brentwoodchamber.com for locations. My challenge to you for this year is to bring a friend and fellow business owner (non-Chamber member) to the mixers. As one of the Chamber’s primary goals this year is to grow the Chamber Membership and attendance at the mixers. Currently, we have about 40-50 people attending the monthly mixers--we’d like to get this attendance back up to 70-80 people per month. This year we are sweetening the pot by offering you and your guest a free cocktail at any of the mixers that you bring a guest to.
Chamber Staff
Lastly, another way to get a little more exposure for your business is to bring a raffle prize to be given away at the monthly mixer where you will then have a chance to give a quick commercial on your business- every little bit helps!
Jilda Fairhurst, Office Manager
It’s your business, put some quality time into it with other business people—you may be surprised at who you will meet and what you can learn.
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Lisa Hurt, Support Services Director
See you on the 3rd Thursdays!
Pat Trombino, Event Coordinator
Greg Robinson Chamber Board Member Publisher, Brentwood Press Past Chamber President 2003
Bill Putman, Volunteer
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Chamber Ambassadors Vicki Sexton, Chair, First Bank 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 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 Regan, Maxx Worms
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Ambassador's Corner Protecting Assets During Challenging Business Times Small businesses are the engine of the economy, and when the economy sputters they often feel it first. In the current climate of uncertainty, many small businesses have drastically cut expenses and tried to make their operations as lean and efficient as possible. But even if a small business owner can't control the marketplace, he or she can take steps to protect their key assets: the people the business relies upon. Details Matter To Customers A recession tests customer loyalty, as people cut back on spending and carefully weigh their options for even necessary purchases. For businesses that are cutting back themselves, it may be easy to let attention to the details of customer service slip. But this is the time that details matter most, whether it's taking the trouble to send a holiday note to your mailing list or offering special incentives to prized patrons. The key to their loyalty is to let them know they matter to you. Appreciate Your Employees Of course, you want your employees to know they're important, too. You need their knowledge and experience to navigate the uncertain times. The recession might mean sacrifices for everyone, but it is also a time to make sure valued workers know how much they are appreciated. Even small gestures, like movie tickets or a night at a local restaurant, can keep morale steady.
Paul Roman, Window Innovations, Inc.
Supplement Benefits, Not Costs You may want to consider enhancing your employee benefits package. A “Voluntary Payroll DePatti Schneider, The Right Choice duction” (VPD) program is one of the simplest ways employees can purchase additional, personally-owned permanent life insurance. A VPD program can usually be set up using your existing Kurt Tomicich, KRT Services procedures for payroll deduction. A life insurance agent would then meet individually with each Dan Torres, New York Life Insurance employee to explain the benefits of life insurance and the ease with which it can be purchased. Joe Trebino, Delta Pure Water, Etc. All products purchased through VPD are employee-owned and paid for, with virtually no direct out-of-pocket cost to you. Adding a VPD program can be a smart way to supplement your overall Pat Trombino, First Bank benefits package, without draining your budget.
Kimberley Victor, Mary Kay Cosmetics
UPCOMING EVENTS
Note: Employee participation in a payroll deduction insurance program is completely voluntary. Since this program is not intended to be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), employers cannot contribute to, or endorse, this program. Protect Yourself
Chamber Mixers
As the owner of a business, you are the most important piece of the puzzle. And especially during difficult times, it is important to think about how the business would function without you. One thing that can provide a greater sense of security is a comprehensive life insurance policy. It Thursday, February 16, 2012 can be tailored to fit your needs and ensure that those who rely on you every day would be proBig Wave Dave’s Mongolian Grill vided for.
Thursday, March 15, 2012 Relay for Life at Gursky Ranch
So when you think about protecting your assets in this economy, consider your human assets first.
This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by Dan Torres. For additional information on the information or topic(s) discussed, please contact Dan Torres at 925-679-5519 or torresd@ft.newyorklife.com. Dan Torres, Agent CA Ins. Lic #0G66370 New York Life Insurance Company, 191 Sand Creek Rd. Suite 200 Brentwood, CA 94513
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NEW MEMBERS The Brentwood Chamber is pleased to welcome the following new members: Newberry Estate Vineyard Sabrina Rippie/Jeremy Newberry 2525 Sunset Road Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 516-3300 allprolimousine@gmail.com Pronto Cleaning Solutions Kelly Allison PO Box 30412 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (925) 915-0960 Kelly@ProntoCleaningSolutions.com Ralph’s Catering Ralph and Charlene Skelton 71 Sand Creek Road, Suite C Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 625-2307 ralphscatering@yahoo.com The Solar Company Michelle Jogopulos Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 642-6918 michelle@thesolarco.com WP Fangirl Sallie Goetsch (510) 969-9947 sallie@wpfangirl
Mission Statement:
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to the following members who recently rnewed their membership. The Chamber appreciates your continued support. Arbor Ridge Apartments Brentwood Auto Service Brentwood Rotary Club Dallas Shanks Chevron Delta Diablo Det. 1155 Marine Corps H.A.R.P. Nancy Kaiser Kids N Cribs Roddy Ranch Golf Club Tracy Benhamou, DDS Veterans of Foreign Wars Vornhagen Body & Paint
New Member Offer! 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!
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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Seen around Brentwood... When our members renew their membership they receive a friendly visit from one of our Ambassadors. These members were visited by Fred Ehler who brings them a thank-you letter and their 2012 sticker to place on their Chamber plaque. Great job, Fred and thank you our members for their involvement with the Chamber.
Greg Karkas and Bill Harris of Brentwood Fine Meats
Donna Ross of Crème dela Gem Jewelry
Olga Vidriales of Travis Credit Union
Menchie’s Yogurt mascot greeting visitors at their Grand Opening celebration. Menchie’s wildly popular frozen yogurt has come to Brentwood in the Sand Creek Crossing shopping center. A Grand Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting were held on Feb. 3rd. Menchie’s is a serve-your-own frozen yogurt shop that carries a wide array of rotating flavors and toppings. Customers pay by the weight of their frozen concoction. Check them out at www.menchies.com and visit their local store at 2530 Sand Creek Rd., Suite B-2.
Cutting the ribbon is Susan Rowe, owner of Menchie’s, along with Chamber Ambassadors, Directors, Members and Mayor Bob Taylor and his wife, Pam.
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January Mixer at
A big thank you to National Flooring and Supply and Leonard McCurley for hosting January’s mixer at their showroom on Brentwood Blvd. and for donating great prizes for the Business Card drawing. The mixer was a fun-filled night filled with the wonderful aroma of hot dogs on the grill, great company and several new members and guests. Also, thank you to The Brentwood Press and Sutter Delta Medical Center for donating additional raffle prizes. We look forward to seeing everyone at our February mixer held on February 16, 2012 at Big Wave Dave’s Mongolian Grill in Brentwood and at our March mixer at Gusky Ranch being hosted by Relay for Life of Brentwood on March 15, 2012.
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Chamber President, Paul Kelly, presenting Karen with Citizen of the Year Award
Karen Rarey and her proud father, Robert Murray
Outgoing Chamber President, Joe Trebino receiving a plaque from Paul Kelly
Bob and Chris Nicoles and Beth and Dirk Zeigler
Rick Lemyre and Greg Robinson with Mayor Bob Taylor At left, Singer David McClellan entertains everyone before the program officially begins
Gretchen and Gene Clare
Rick and Cindy Lemyre Gary and Karen Kendall
Dan and Jackie Hanel
Ike Montanez David McClellan and guest
Kerri and Jeff Fritsch
Pam and Fred Ehler
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Coby and Sonia Beasley
Madelynn Krebs Dawn Fischer and David Navarrette
Richard Wisdom and Bill Putman
Jim and Janet Frazier Jeff Schults
Maurice and Angela Daroy Wendy Robertson and friend
Kathi Regan and Pat Trombino
Eric and Judy Volta
Jack Gaughan
Bob and Kathy Blanton
Linda Mar-Veiga and Mark Sturgeon
Pat Trombino with John and Jilda Fairhurst
Glenda and Neil Cohn Paul and Lisa Hurt
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Entrepreneur Business Training Program “The Complete Business Planning Process” for existing brentwood businesses and serious start-ups...
March 5 – May 9, 2012 Classes will be held on Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Brentwood City Hall, 150 City Park Way
Call (925) 602-6806 to apply! Scholarships are currently being provided by the City of Brentwood for its citizens. This financial support does not include a $300 Non-Refundable Fee for Registration and Training Materials once your application has been finalized.
The instructional objectives are: • Help you learn and adopt entrepreneurial skills, attitudes, and behaviors for success. • Develop your best possible written business plan with plenty of collective intelligence. • Facilitate the healthy start and sustainable growth of your business. You will experience and apply in 10 weeks of learning: • The Power of Your Mission as a Strategic Force and Compass • Goals, Focus and Success strategies by Canfield, Ziglar, and Csikszentmihalyi • A Review of Covey on Effectiveness and Tracy on Time Management • How to Use Research to Create a Good Business Plan • Managements 5 Key Roles, Planning and Control by Peter Drucker • Guerrilla Marketing from Levinson and a Seven Sentence Marketing Plan • Pricing for Profitability from the Power of Branding Your Business • How to Create a Sales Forecast That Is Realistic and Useful in Making Sales Financial Management Basics, Sales, Costs, & Profits The Entrepreneur Business Training Program is student-centered, collaborative and interactive, and will be taught by John Smulo, an experienced professional educator and entrepreneur.
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New Website Helps Employers Navigate Federal Health Care Law
(February 14, 2012) A group of California business organizations has collaborated to launch a first-its-kind businessoriented website aimed at providing employers with accurate and easy-to-understand information about the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Health Law Guide for Business, tailored for the business community, will help business owners navigate through all 2,409 pages of the health care law with one website www.healthlawguideforbusiness.org.
TAX CREDIT CALCULATOR One website feature is a “tax credit calculator” that helps employers estimate savings available under the law. With videos, interactive surveys and an easy-to-use format, the online tool includes numerous elements to serve a variety of preferences for gathering and retaining information.
CURRENT INFORMATION The Health Law Guide for Business website reflects the most significant updates and developments in the process to implement the health care law in California. In 2010, California became the first state in the nation to enact legislation creating an Affordable Insurance Exchange as required under the federal health care law. Starting in 2014, the California Health Benefit Exchange will allow individuals and small businesses to compare health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they are eligible for tax credits for private insurance or health programs, and enroll in a health plan that meets their needs. The Exchange is separated into two programs, the Individual Exchange and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). The SHOP will allow small businesses to band together to create a large purchasing pool so that small business owners will have access to the same lower rates that large employers have enjoyed for decades.
MORE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP The website, funded by The California Endowment, was created by a partnership that includes the Bay Area Council, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, California Small Business Development Centers, Pacific Business Group on Health, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Small Business Majority, Small Business California, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. The partnership aims to address the need of California’s business community to stay informed about the implementation of the law and counter misinformation.
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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
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