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The Brentwood Voice of Business February 2009
Vol. 45, No 2 Brentwood Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business Plan Introduction Page
The Chamber staff has developed the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Business Plan for 2009 with input from Chamber Board Members, Committee and Task Force members. At the Chamber's Annual Planning Session, Board members and staff spent a day reviewing past and current Chamber programs, and developing new ideas for future programs. The Chamber staff has organized the goals and objectives developed by the volunteers and staff. These goals were approved by the Board of Directors at the January 9, 2009 Board meeting. This Business Plan calls for the continued implementation of the current plan and making program changes that were started in 2008. The plans have an emphasis on the Chamber’s developing and implementing an overall marketing program to better reflect the Chamber’s image to both its members and to the general community. The Chamber’s Marketing Committee will take the lead in implementing the Chamber Branding, member surveying and communication of strategic elements of the Business Plan that will be integrated through all of the Chamber’s Committees and programs. Continual evaluation of the programs and events that the Chamber offers its members, and increasing the profitability and member value of programs will be the primary focus of the Member Programs Committee. The Downtown Committee needs to reenergized and reorganized with its primary goal to attract customers to the Brentwood Downtown core area. This committee will take some additional help from the Chamber staff and volunteer leadership. The Chamber has many Community focused programs that present a prospect for new Chamber revenue, and additional business to customer connections for our members. These Community events, including CornFest, with some simple changes, provide a great opportunity for the Chamber membership. The Membership Benefits Committee will focus on establishing a program that will lead to a “face to face” contact with every member in 2009, will add new meaningful affinity programs, and has set a goal to increase the Chamber membership back to 800 members. The major focus of the Chamber’s Business Development Committee will be to continue to strengthen the Chamber’s position as “the” advocate for business and intensify the communication efforts to demonstrate the Chamber as the leading advocate for private enterprise. Within the Business Development areas, the Chamber may either lead or co-lead with others, but the Chamber will be a Facilitator of Action based on the Chamber’s success in focusing on limited issues. We look forward to your participation in the implementation of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Business Plan for 2009. If you would like a copy of the full plan please contact the Chamber office at 925-634-3344.
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Page 2 DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE BY
BRENT AASEN, EQUUS GROUP Early January, 2009 Gunmetal gray,... the thick fog surrounds me - a penetrating chill. Predawn, the temperature hasn’t yet moved above 40 degrees. The trail ahead is obscured,...an uphill, winding path...only the next ten to twenty feet visible. The muscles log their protests,...thoughts of warmth plead for reconsideration. The wet, clay soil sticks to the tires beneath me (caused by the rain from the day before)...layers build,...more weight to carry as the pedals churn. Hands request another covering, as gloves do not isolate the frigid handlebars. Lungs expand, preparing for the steeper grade,...downshift,... find a rhythm,...set the mind for a long climb. A steep left turn appears ahead,...several large rocks protrude, angled faces extend a challenge. Traction diminishes,...wheels spin (another negative produced by the wet clay) threatens to force me off balance & out of the saddle... One yard at a time,...steep, slippery, wet. But, progress is made. Through one gate – a measuring point. Loose stones demand focus,...seeping water crosses the trail,...remnants of ice require prudent discernment in both steering & power. Lungs cry out,...legs near their limit. But, the goal, envisioned, is firmly set in mind. There is a finish line,...although not visible, ...a peak to crest. Another gate,...switchbacks turn right & left,...obstacles emerge - branches & rocks to cross over or avoid. The billowing fog has transitioned to a burnished platinum hue & is colder, pushed by a Southwest wind,...visibility improves,... evidence of the arriving morning sun. A third gate is reached,...now behind me. Three turns later,... a sharply pitched side-slope, steep, wet, and loose on the low side; a large angled plane of stone on the high. An approach line is chosen, balanced, with pressure applied for traction, but to no avail. One half a pedal stroke is lost as the snotty clay causes the rear wheel to slide. Quick – unclip,..just before the knee slams against the rock. The only injury – pride & preference. The mud will wash clean later. Walk. A few strides above the steepest section,...remount. Another turn,...Tendrils of fog dissipate, giving way to sunshine,...the grade eases,...upshift,...breathe deeper,...the crest comes into view. The top,...A goal achieved. A celebratory grin. Beneath an old oak, overlooking the valley - a glorious view,... a spot to sit, hydrate,... give thanks,...reflect. 2009. For most of us - An arduous path ahead,...at times steep, grueling, challenging,...our goals (& steps to reach them) may be obscured at times, but – we will succeed. With determination, hope & perseverance, we will succeed. And,... we will be stronger & better for the climb.
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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Page 3 The Brentwood Chamber office is now able to provide you with all your Human Resource materials. We have copies of the 2009 California and Federal Posters, 2009 California Labor Law Digest, California Labor Law Administration, and the 2009c Employee Handbook software.
Now on sale in the Chamber office is a pictorial history of Brentwood by author Carol A. Jensen
Phone: 925-625-0278 P.O. Box 406 Oakley, CA 94561
All Sports Trophies Advertising Specialties Custom & Corporate Awards
(925) 516-8880 • Fax (925) 625-5316 Email: starawards@sbcglobal.net
Bob & Sharon Sherriff, Owners
Cell 925.813.1319
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CalChamber Urges Congress to Protect Workers’ Right to Private Ballot The California Chamber of Commerce is urging businesses to send letters to the California congressional delegation opposing any legislation that would abolish employees’ right to private ballot elections during union organizing drives and replace it with a ―card check‖ scheme. The card check procedure requires an employer to recognize a union once that union produces evidence that a majority of the employees have signed authorization cards. A secondary, and less well-known aspect of card check proposals is to amend collective bargaining law so that when a union is recognized for the first time, government arbitrators will set all the terms and conditions of the union contract unless the union and the employer can meet unrealistic timelines.
Affects All Types of Workplaces A card check campaign could happen in any workplace, large or small. Union organizers themselves oversee the card check process, and the workers’ votes are made public to the employer, the union organizers and co-workers, taking away the worker’s right to choose, freely and anonymously, whether to approve union representation. Once a majority of workers have signed authorization cards, the union is certified—no election is required. The employees are then union members and the employer must negotiate with the union on behalf of its employees. The CalChamber believes that the rights of workers and employers are best protected by the current private ballot system overseen by the National Labor Relations Board. Employees are better protected from interference and intimidation by casting their vote privately. The right to a private ballot is at the very foundation of democracy, and all employees should have that right. Subjecting workers to a public card check procedure takes away their privacy, power and choice. Court cases, testimony before Congress and National Labor Relations Act precedent have documented that the card check process has been accompanied by harassment, intimidation and coercion, including employees being threatened at home and away from the workplace.
Federal Legislation Efforts to enact federal card check legislation have been underway. In 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the card check bill, H.R.800 , known as the ―Employee Free Choice Act.‖ Contrary to the implications of its title, the socalled ―Employee Free Choice Act‖ strips workers of their right to privacy in union organization elections and increased penalties on employers significantly without any corresponding increase in penalties on unions. The House bill included provisions requiring federally appointed arbitrators to write labor contracts that are binding for two years. If there is no agreement for a first contract after 120 days of negotiations, the matter could be submitted to binding interest arbitration where a federally appointed arbitrator would decide all the terms and conditions of the union contract—from pay and benefits to work rules and outsourcing. As a result, employers would be forced to change their business models radically or eliminate important competitive advantages.
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In the U.S. Senate, S. 1041 fell just nine votes short of passage in 2008. The failed legislation would have created a system where unions hold all of the cards and imposed fines of up to $20,000 on businesses offering any type of increase in salary or benefits during the open-ended election period. This would have allowed only the union to compete for votes and seems to penalize employees from reaping the benefits of employers offering them better wages and benefits.
Action Needed It is anticipated that early in the current congressional session, the ―Employee Free Choice Act,‖ or something similar, will be reintroduced for a vote. The CalChamber urges members to contact U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-San Francisco) and Barbara Boxer (DGreenbrae), as well as congressional representatives. Ask them to oppose any legislation that would abolish private ballot elections during union organizing drives, and to preserve private ballot elections to protect free enterprise and free speech. For a sample letter, visit www.calchambervotes.com. Staff Contact: Marti Fisher
2008 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Brentwood Fine Meats was announced and honored as the 2008 Business of the Year at the annual installation dinner held at Shadow Lakes on January 24th. They were honored for their customer service and commitment to the community. At left is Bill Harris and Greg Karkas accepting the award from Chamber CEO Harry York. (Photo courtesy of the Brentwood Press)
Income Tax Preparation Financial and Tax Planning Business Management Bookkeeping
8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite H 925-240-1242 “Best of Brentwood” 2002-2007 Business of the Year, 15th Assembly District
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“The Bay Area’s Headquarters For Hot Rods And Muscle Cars” We at Red Barn Hotrods believe in making future hot rodders’ dreams come true one car at a time. We are simply here to help people get behind the wheel of the car of their dreams, affordably. At Red Barn, we do everything from rebuilding engines, suspension and brake upgrades, metal, aluminum and fiberglass fabrication, to complete frame-off rotisserie, restorations/customizations for cars from the early 1900’s to present. Red Barn Hotrods has been Dave Munkelt’s dream since he was young while he was working in the garage with his father. Dave’s reputation started in Southern Cal. when he was racing Volkswagens by building one of the first bugs that ran under 11 seconds in the ¼ mile that was naturally aspirated. After years at the track, the show circuit started to attract his attention and Dave set forth to build an awesome 1970 Volkswagen Bus that won almost every show it was in for two years. Dave met the love of his life (Pam) only to find out that she was somewhat of a car enthusiast herself. Spending most of her time growing up in Wisconsin, Pam decided to move to California to pursue her modeling career and found herself in a 1970 Hemi Cuda as her first car. Needless to say, it was bad enough losing a ¼ mile drag race to a Lime Green car but it didn’t make it any better to find out the driver was an 18 year old girl. After 20 or so years of marriage and retail management, Dave always had the burning desire to get into the Hot Rod business. Building several projects in the garage over the years just didn’t cut it anymore. For the last 4 years, Dave was a Superintendent with Lennar Homes and seeing the writing on the wall in the housing market, Dave and Pam decided to take the leap of faith and start Red Barn Hotrods in September of 2007. Quickly outgrowing their first location in Brentwood, they had to move the business to their current 7000ft. sq. location in Byron after just one year. “We just couldn’t do what we wanted to do in the other location”, says Dave. While Dave runs the production on the floor, Pam helps out with running the office and even works on some of the cars. Pam also makes sure that Red Barn is involved with giving back to the community by donating her time to local charity events, fund raisers and sponsoring different car shows (e-mail her with your charity event information at pam@redbarnhotrods.com for continued support).
“We have been truly blessed and humbled by both World-wide and Nation-wide customer support”, says Pam. “If not for the initial and continued support and advice from local industry leaders like Leonard Lopez of Dominator, Larry Clark and Dave Baxter of Vintage Trans. and Gear/Done Right Automotive Repair, Carl Watkins of Brake Stop, and Daryn Cordua of Gotcha Covered Upholstery, we just wouldn’t have been able to be as successful and grow as fast as we did”, remarks Dave. Come by and visit us at our new address; 14711 Byron Hwy, Byron, CA 94514 just minutes away from Brentwood and Discovery Bay. Or, you can always give us a call at 925.634.4848 or check out our website at www.redbarnhotrods.com. And remember, “EVERYBODY KNOWS THE BEST CARS ARE ALWAYS FOUND IN THE BARN”.
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BRENTWOOD CHAMBER 2009 CORNFEST If you are interested in securing a place in Info Alley for the Brentwood CornFest, you will find an application in this newsletter. Don’t delay in returning the application because it does fill rapidly. The vendor applications for space on the streets should be available by February 15th. At-Home Tastings •Premier Wine Gifts Custom-Labeled Corporate Gifts
Kathi Reed Independent Wine Consultant
925-240-8382 www.winealongwithme.com wine@kathireed.com
The Chamber is also looking for volunteers to help with the CornFest. If you are interested in joining the work force either call the Chamber office or email us at info@brentwoodchamber.com with your contact information.
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2008 CHAMBER BOARD 2009 CHAMBER BOARD The Chamber would like to THANK the following businesses for your generous raffle prize donations:
MAYOR TAYLOR SWEARING IN THE 2009 CHAMBER BOARD The evening of January 24th turned out to be a fun-filled event. The dinner at Shadow Lakes was good, the company was excellent and the Casino Night was enjoyed by all. The Directors were installed for 2009 by Mayor Bob Taylor. Ambassador of the Year was named—Pat Trombino who has attended most of the Chamber functions for the past year and helped out greatly in the Chamber office. The Chamber’s Business of the Year—Brentwood Fine Meats was honored for their customer service and commitment to the community. Last, but not least, the Citizen of the Year was announced. Gene Clare’s name was received with to a standing ovation.
American Pacific Mortgage Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Best Buy Cabanas in the Garden California Payroll Delta Pure Water, Etc. El Dorado Hotel Casino Holiday on Ice John Ascuaga’s Nugget John Muir Health Les Schwab Tires Lyle Miller, Pastry Chef Mary Kay Cosmetic McCauley Olive Groves Monogramming by Frichy National Championship Air Races Orchard Creek Ranch Paychex Rave Motion Pictures Ready Print Recollections Media Transfers Roddy Ranch Golf Club Ruggiero’s Italian-Style Catering Shadow Lakes Golf Club The Body Shop at Home The Monthly Grapevine WineShop at Home
Some serious gambling going on here with that lovely blue play money. Everyone enjoyed the Casino Night games of chance.
CONGRESSMAN McNERNEY WITH CHAMBER PRESIDENT-ELECT SHAYN CUTINO
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2009 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR GENE CLARE PRINCIPAL OF INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Gene Clare was announced as the Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Citizen of the Year at the Chamber Installation Dinner on January 24th. His dinner will be held on March 28, 2009 at Nines Restaurant at the Brentwood Golf Club. Invitations will be ready to mail shortly, be sure to get your reservation in early as this will be a very popular event and there is limited seating.
FEBRUARY CHAMBER MIXER
2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS February 5
Traveling Lounge—Vic Stewart’s
February 19
Mixer—ECO Water/Servisoft
February 26
Good Morning Brentwood Breakfast
March 5
Traveling Lounge—Tailgaters
March 12
“Ask the Experts” Luncheon
March 19
Mixer—Cortona Park
March 28
Citizen of the Year
April 16
Mixer—Eskaton
April 22
Employees’ Appreciation Luncheon
April 23
Good Morning Brentwood Breakfast
May 21
Mixer—Contra Costa Fair Ground With Antioch Chamber
June 18
Mixer—Brentwood Golf Club
July 10,11,12
CornFest
July 16 August 20 September 17 Mixer—First Bank
Hosted by ECOWATER/SERVISOFT 380 CARROLL COURT OFF ELKINS WAY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2009
September 18 Golf Tournament October 15
Mixer—John Muir Health
October 24
Hometown Halloween
November 7
A Taste of Brentwood
November 19
Mixer-Scary Larry's
November 21
Holiday Parade
December
Holiday Gala
5:30 TO 7:30 P.M. Mixer Locations (or Ribbon Cuttings) can (and do) change at
RAFFLE PRIZES SHARE THE POT
any time. Check the Calendar of Events on our website for updated information:
www.brentwoodchamber.com
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JANUARY MIXER Hosted by
TRAVIS CREDIT UNION 3111 Balfour Road (corner of Balfour & Fairview) 925-634-9145
Travis Credit Union did an outstanding job of hosting the January mixer. Travis is a full-service financial institution and can help you with your financial needs. For information contact Olga Vidriales, Manager, or any of the wonderful staff A huge crowd of business people attended to network with each other and partake of the new appetizer menu from Ruggiero’s Italian-Style Catering. Thanks to all the generous businesses who donated prizes for the raffle: Bella Luna Chocolates Brentwood Press Brockman Engineering Edible Arrangements
Mary Kay - Kimberly Victor Monogramming by Frichy The Monthly Grapevine WineShop at Home
Niel Ruggiero shown with some of his delicious food.
Richard Perez-Pacheco of Black Sheep Design was the lucky winner of the beautiful gift basket donated by Travis Credit Union. Richard is shown here with Olga Vidriales, Manager of Travis and also a new Director for your Chamber. The $78.00 Share-the-Pot drawing was won by Jeannette Hemenway of The Body Shop at Home. GOING GREEN By Deborah Miller and David Navarrette In a MSNBC segment titled “Corporations find business case for going green” businesses like Wal-Mart, DuPont, BP and HewlettPackard all agree that “going green” not only can save cost but also make money. As Pat Tierman from HP says, “sustainability is about making business sense.” Locally, we can begin our green process by becoming certified through the Green Business program of Contra Costa County. Certification begins with knowing where the business is already, identifying which areas need to be addressed, then coming up with workable solutions before applying. At Our World Enterprises, Inc. our mission is to help businesses become certified by assisting them in the County process. Some of us already practice recycling and energy efficiency in our day-to-day lives; parlaying those practices into our work environment is a must. Encouraging our co-workers to recycle and become resource conscious is an important step. While the majority of green activities are obvious, we can assist your business and employees in recognizing those that are not, such as type of fixtures and bulbs, water saving devices, etc. Currently thee are 300+ businesses in Contra Costa County certified through the Green Business Program, with over 10% of auto repair shops being certified. Only three businesses in Brentwood have been certified through the Green Business Program. Brentwood has been the county leader in agriculture sustainability and should become the leader in resource sustainability. Our World Enterprises, Inc. commits to working with businesses and the City of Brentwood in order to achieve this goal. Look for our tips on helping our businesses become certified green and also how to profit in the process in the upcoming months. Please contact us for more information on certification, the process and the benefits at http://www.ourworldyourchoice.com.
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Page 11 BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Karen Spann, President The Monthly Grapevine
Kathi Reed, Past President WineShop at Home
Shayn Cutino, President-Elect Anja Wellness
Ken Seamann, CFO Discovery Professional Services
Joe Trebino, Executive Committee Delta Pure Water, Etc.
Brent Aasen, Director EQUUS Group
Greg Benner, Director Les Schwab Tires
Bill Fee, Director Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists
De-De Hays, Director Prudential California Realty
Paul Kelly, Director Home One Mortgage
Sean McCauley, Director McCauley Olive Groves
The Chamber Ambassador Team Pat Trombino, First Bank 2008 Ambassador of the Year Paul Roman, Window Innovations Amy Alvis, Living Trusts by Amy De-De Hays, Prudential California Realty Richard McDaniel, Mutual of Omaha David Mengel, Gemini Staffing Vicki Sexton, First Bank Olga Vidriales, Travis Credit Union Susanna Wahl, Edward Jones Renee Woodruff, MAP Donna Zickerman, Sarah Coventry Clarissa Perez-Pacheco, Black Sheep Design Susan George, Ayurveda Knowledge For Life Liz Andrade, Ribbons & Roses Ed Gutierrez, Certa Pro Painters Melina Perdom, Certa Pro Painters Joe Randall, Randall Investment Group, Inc Michael Hernandez, New York Life Lori Knudsen, California Payroll
Lyle Miller, Director Lyle Miller, Pastry Chef
Richard Perez-Pacheco, Director Black Sheep Design
Marlon Smith, Director Best Buy
Olga Vidriales Travis Credit Union t——————————————————
Harry York, CEO Bonnie Lucchese, Support Services Director Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator Bill Putman, Volunteer CHAMBER HOURS Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone (925) 634-3344 Fax (925) 634-3731 email: info@brentwoodchamber.com
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The Brentwood Clarion Brentwood Chamber of Commerce 240 Oak Street Brentwood, CA 94513
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Phone: 925-634-3344 Fax: 925-634-3731 Email: info@brentwoodchamber.com www.brentwoodchamber.com