The Brentwood Voice of Business March 2012
Vol. 48, No. 3
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Announces Jilda Fairhurst, New Office Manager Jilda Fairhurst celebrates her 10-year anniversary working for the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce next month on April 8th. Jilda has more to celebrate than 10 years with the Chamber, however, as she was also promoted to Office Manager in February. Jilda has been the Event Coordinator for the Chamber since she was hired by Bonnie Lucchese in 2002. (As many of you already know, Bonnie passed away last December.) Jilda continues in her Event duties as well as managing the current staff of Lisa Hurt, Support Services; and Pat Trombino, Event Assistant. We interviewed Jilda about her 10 years with the Chamber, her new position, and her goals for the future. Here is what she said:
Jilda: Then and Now
Q: Tell us about your early days at the Chamber? When I started with the Chamber we were located on Oak Street. I worked with two wonderful ladies, Bonnie Lucchese and Paula Wong. I worked from 1-5 every day in very tight quarters. Although it was a very small office, we enjoyed working together and did whatever it took to get the job done. We were a great team, family as well as friends. I give all the credit to Bonnie for the person I have become today where the Chamber is concerned. She taught me everything I needed to know about growing the Chamber. Q: What are the biggest changes you’ve seen since then? We hired a CEO to help grow the chamber and we moved to larger quarters, but the economy did not bode well for us and our members. We struggled for a few years and let our CEO go. We have reduced our size, but not our service level. Q: What do you like best about working for the Chamber? Working with my wonderful staff, Lisa Hurt and Pat Trombino. I enjoy helping our Chamber members promote their businesses and the opportunity to have met many people over the years, such as our
Page 1: Jilda Fairhurst Page 2: Director’s Message; Board of Directors and Staff Page 3: Ambassador’s Corner, Upcoming Chamber Events Page 4: New and Renewing Members
members, vendors, volunteers, etc. I love that my job is flexible and allows me to devote myself to both my family and helping the Chamber grow. Q: What are your goals in your new position? To provide the best customer service possible and to provide new ways to help our members promote their businesses. For example, we are currently having a new website built which should be ready next month. We have also invested in new membership software that will fully integrate with the new website and will allow our members to log in and post news releases, hot deals, member to member deals and more. We are very excited to be rolling this out soon. Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the Chamber? Growing the Chamber amidst the current difficult economic times. Q: What advice would you give our Chamber members? Get involved and stay involved! Volunteer, attend mixers, network, get a booth at our events, display your business information here, etc.
Page 5: Members in the Spotlight Page 6: February Mixer Page 7: March Mixer Page 8: CornFest, Mixer Schedule for 2012
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Taste of Brentwood Cal Chamber News Member News General Information
The Brentwood Clarion
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 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
Hello Brentwood!!! I’m Maurice J. Daroy, a local Farmers Insurance Agent and Director for our Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. My Chamber life started back in 1998, as a new member attending everything under the sun. Mixers after Mixers, Ribbon Cuttings after Ribbon Cuttings, it’s been wonderful meeting new and old members month after month. Back in 2009 I was asked, “Hey, wanta be a Chamber Ambassador?” Without hesitation, I replied, “Yea!” Then I started thinking about it…What’s a Chamber Ambassador? It’s the opportunity to become more involved in our community, a chance to meet new people and make more friends. It’s a door opener for new conversations and new relationships, whether business or just casual. So is there really a value in being a “Chamber Ambassador?” Absolutely!!! That’s why I am now in my 4th year of being a Brentwood Chamber Ambassador. For 2012 I’ve taken a position as a Chamber Director. This has brought me the reward of helping our Chamber grow to a new level. There’s really something to be said about our Chamber, it has a positive buzz to it. From way back to when it was just our dear Bonnie, to now with a full supportive staff and more. It’s been a blessing watching the Chamber grow, from about 300 members to nearly doubling that, since I joined. Now a little about me. I’m a father of three wonderful boys - Reese (18), Dustin (15) and Ryan (12). I have a great wife Angela, my high school sweetheart and best friend for over 22 years. I have a mad passion for wheels. Whether its motorcycles or bicycles; if you can fall off it, I want to ride it! Oh…did I mention, I have a local Insurance Agency! Daroy Insurance Agency, is located right here in Brentwood. So for all your insurance needs, think of me, Maurice J. Daroy, LUTCF your local Farmers Insurance Agent. I’ve been serving Brentwood and the rest of California for the last 15 years. Maurice J. Daroy, LUTCF Farmers Insurance Group 9040 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-9999
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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 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 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, March 15, 2012
I’m Kerri Fritsch the owner of Monogramming By FRICHY (Logowear Anywhere). I have been a Chamber member for almost 13 years, an Ambassador for 5 years, and new to being a Director. We are fortunate to have awesome strategic partners. The partners you create through the Chamber and other Networking venues are what give you the tools to perform business. I have learned through the years that you promote your business better by promoting those businesses that you work with. Intellectual property is one of your greatest assets in business. This asset should always be included in your business plan. In my industry most customers have to have their logos digitized and vectored for embroidery and screen-printing. It is so important that when you have this process done you receive a copy. Most businesses like to hold you hostage. I make sure my customer has a copy of what they paid for because I want you to come back to us because we did a great job for a fair price.
Thank you, Kerri Fritsch Monogramming by Frichy “Logowear Anywhere”
Relay for Life at Gursky Ranch Thursday, April 19, 2012 New York Life Insurance
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.
The Brentwood Clarion
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NEW MEMBERS The Brentwood Chamber is pleased to welcome the following new members: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Jeffrey R. Martin 144 Continente Avenue, Suite 180 Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 513-9146 Jeffrey.Martin@wellsfargoadvisors.com State Farm Insurance—Ross Lopez Agency Frances Spijker 71K Sand Creek Road Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-0330 Ross.lopez.cm1m@statefarm.com Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge Jill Fister Discovery Bay, CA 94505 (925) 765-5701 jillfister@gmail.com
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Thank you to the following members who recently renewed their membership. The Chamber appreciates your continued support. A1 Transmission Service of Brentwood Brentwood Art Society Brentwood Taxes Farmers Insurance—Maurice Daroy Gursky Ranch Keller Canyon Landfill Liberty Union High School District Ed Foundation Marples & Associates Realtors Mary Kay Cosmetics—Kimberly Victor Maxx Worms Meridian Property Company
Summit Funding Teresa Tonne 141 Sand Creek Rd., Suite C Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-6600 ttonne@summitfunding.net
Moffatt & Moffatt Insurance Mountain Mike’s Pizza Precision Cabinets & Trim Re/Max Accord– Lane Real Estate Team
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!
Road Runner RV Parts & Service Center Special Events Speedee Oil Change & Tune Up Solar Universe of Brentwood Supervisor Mary Piepho Terracare Associates The Shrine Event Center Window Innovations WR Properties
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Members in the spotlight... Chamber members proudly displaying their plaques after receiving their 2012 date tags from our friendly Ambassador, Fred Ehler.
Dirk Zeigler of Zeigler Insurance
March 12, 2012
Greg Robinson of Business of the Year: Brentwood Press
Bob Nicoles of Minuteman Press
Press Release
A big thank you to Brentwood Funeral Home for their donation of a display rack for the Chamber lobby. Now we have even more space to display our members’ materials. Pictured above are Mark Sturgeon and Linda Mar-Veiga as they stopped by to donate a beautiful floral arrangement.
Local Printer Honored for Management Skills Tim and Cecilia Stone, Ready Print, Inc., Pittsburg, CA, received the top management award from CPrint® International during its semi-annual board meeting in Oakland, CA. Each six months, CPrint® selects the printer who has demonstrated the most significant positive changes in their company over the past six months from among its participants. According to Todd Nuckols, CPrint® president, Ready Print is among an elite group of companies whose growth and profitability are increasing in the face of ever increasing competition. “Ready Print continues to prosper as it focuses on principles and practices geared to exceptional service to both customers and opportunities for staff,” said Nuckols. “Ready Print is achieving success by being the best print provider for its business customers.” CPrint® is an organization of independently owned family-based businesses that strive for professionalism and performance among small business that commonly lack highly developed systems and leadership. Companies from throughout North America participate in the program. The CPrint® designation is available only to printers who demonstrate exceptional quality and service by maintaining standards in operations, training, equipment and software as well as worker benefits and working conditions. This program requires annual onsite recertification as well as participation in continuing educational programs.
Tim and Cecilia Stone of Ready Print receiving top management award from CPrint International.
The Brentwood Clarion
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January Mixer at
Owner, Dave Truhe
A big thank you to Dave Truhe for hosting February’s mixer and donating gift certificates to his restaurant, Big Wave Dave’s Mongolian Grill on Balfour Road. The event had a great turnout and everyone had a great time mixing it up while enjoying Big Wave Dave’s unique cuisine. Also, thank you to the Brentwood Press, Gursky Ranch, Health Hut, Sutter Delta Medical Center, Solar Universe and Wineshop at Home for donating additional raffle prizes. We look forward to seeing everyone at our March mixer held on March 15,2012 hosted by Relay for Life of Brentwood and Gursky Ranch. Bring a friend!
At left, guests select their own bowlful of meats, veggies and sauce and then have it grilled on the redhot round grill.
The Brentwood Clarion
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March Mixer Thursday, March 15, 2012 5:30 to 7:30 pm Relay for Life of Brentwood
Gursky Ranch 1921 Apricot Way Brentwood
Limited Parking Carpools encouraged
If you are interested in joining the Brentwood Chamber Team contact Ron Yarolimek at ronyarolimek@yahoo.com Receive One Free Drink ticket when you Bring A Friend or a Raffle Prize. Join the Chamber at the Mixer and we will discount your membership fees
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The Brentwood Clarion
CornFest 2012 Applications are now available! Calling all Sponsors, Vendors and Info Alley Applications are available in the Chamber office or email us at info@brentwoodchamber.com to have one sent to you Hurry Don’t Delay, Reserve Your Spot Today!
New Member Offer! Bring a friend to a mixer and if your friend joins the Chamber, you will receive a free 1/2 page ad in the Clarion!
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The Brentwood Clarion
March 9, 2012
California Employer UI Taxes Set for Steady Annual Increases
$10.7 Billion Unemployment Insurance Fund Deficit Forecast by End of Year Persistent high unemployment in California and the continuing insolvency of its unemployment insurance (UI) fund mean employers in California will be paying ever-increasing federal taxes for years to come—unless there is corrective action. California is one of 28 states listed on the U.S. Department of Labor website as having an outstanding loan from the Federal Unemployment Account (FUA), accounting for 26% of the total $38.85 billion owed as of February 29. California’s outstanding loan balance of more than $10.2 billion is close to triple (2.75 times greater than) that of the state with the next highest balance (New York, which owes more than $3.7 billion). California’s UI Trust Fund became insolvent in January 2009. Absent any corrective action borrowing for the rest of the decade, according to the state Legislative Analyst’s Office. Continual borrowing has serious consequences for the state, particularly in the form of ongoing interest payments and increases in the federal unemployment tax rate on California employers.
Insolvency Factor California’s current UI fund insolvency is not caused only by significant unemployment, but also can be traced back to the UI benefit increases imposed in 2001. The California Chamber of Commerce opposed the increase in benefits because it was not coupled with cost savings. Benefit increases along with high unemployment have led to insolvency for the UI Trust Fund. Further exacerbating the situation, as unemployment and duration of benefits increase, the state is collecting fewer tax revenues and paying more benefits to unemployed Californians. With annual UI benefit obligations projected to be around $7 billion this year, California can expect its UI Trust Fund to be in debt by $10.7 billion to the FUA by the end of the year. If California does not have sufficient UI tax receipts to both pay ongoing benefits and repay the FUA loan, the principal debt will remain outstanding and the state will continue to pay interest on the balance. The first annual interest payment on the FUA loan was slightly more than $303.4 million, which was paid in September 2011. Federal law prohibits paying interest from the UI Trust Fund. Therefore, given the dire state of California’s budget, the interest payment was paid for with a loan from the State Disability Insurance account, and will be paid back with interest from the General Fund.
The Brentwood Clarion
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In Our Community... The State of California offers a program that can provide up to $100,000 in funding to help local businesses to train employees. On Thursday, March 29, 2012, the City of Brentwood will host a free informational presentation to educate Brentwood businesses about this program: the Employment Training Panel. The presentation will be held:
Pleasant Hill, CA - Quilt Sale at Concord Hospice Thrift Shoppe: March 30, 31 and April 1 Find a wonderful selection of old and new quilts at the Hospice of the East BayThrift Shoppe Quilt Sale, 5350 Clayton Road, Concord. Sale hours will be Friday and Saturday, 10 - 5 PM; Sunday, 12 - 5 PM. Most items will be reduced by 50% on Sunday.
March 29, 2012 -10:00 a.m. Civic Center 150 City Park Way Brentwood, CA 94513 2nd Floor – Terrace View Conference Room
A range of handmade, vintage, as well as contemporary quilts, vintage lace, linens, fabrics, antique furniture and collectibles will be showcased.
The Employment Training Panel (ETP) is a state agency that assists employers in strengthening their competitive edge by providing funds to off-set the costs of job skills training necessary to maintain high-performance workplaces. The program serves as the State's premier economic development tool, encouraging many companies to locate or expand in California with the assistance of ETP's job training funds.
Come early so you won't miss out on these one-ofa-kind finds!
Got Glasses? 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 free recycling bin, printable labels, posters and more are available at bottlesandcans.com or by calling 1-800-RECYCLE.
Drop off your old prescription eyeglasses in the donation box at the Chamber office. Lions Club collects these to recycle and sort for distribution to people in need in developing countries.
The Brentwood Clarion
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