The Brentwood Clarion
Page
MARCH 2008
Vol. 43, No. 3
The Best Way to Show Your Employees That You Appreciate them....is to bring them to the Employee Appreciation Luncheon and special fashion show on Wednesday, April 25! The luncheon will be held at Shadow Lakes Golf Club in their new event center and will feature your choice of Chicken Marsala or Tri-Tip for lunch! Prepaid Reservations only: $25.00 per person Special Gift for each attendee.
It could influence your business! Get to know the political issues and bills that affect businesses. Make a difference on proposed laws. Visit www.calchambervotes.com Not everyone has time to be a labor and employment law expert. HR Handbook for California Employers is employment law for the rest of us--the state and federal labor law basics presented in an easy-to-read, question & answer style focusing on the critical rules to follow, the appropriate forms to use and helpful step-by-step checklists to make sure you don't miss a thing.
Fill out the enclosed flyer and mail it to the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce at 240 Oak Street, Brentwood, 94513 with your check. Join us! Items for goodie bags are needed and appreciated. Call 634-3344 to donate items for bags or raffle prizes.
Stay in tune with the latest business news! Visit on a regular basis: www.calchamber.com/dailyheadlines
Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor with his new “green car”
Newsletter Contents:
Directors Message--Lyle Miller .....................................................3
New Member Profile - Pre-Paid Legal David Redding........4 Small Businesses Valuable Information....................................6 CENTER SECTION - TEAR OUT & SAVE
Chamber Classified Ads................................................................7 Lori’s Minute “Service Member Families”...............................8 Business Luncheon Sign-Up Sheet................... .........................9 Calendar of Events.......................................................................10 Chamber Event News..................................................................10 CENTER SECTION - TEAR OUT & SAVE
February Mixer Highlights..............................................12 & 13 Welcome New Members............................................................14 Chamber Ambassador Team...............................................15 2008 Board of Directors......................................................15
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PRO-TECH HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Bob & Sheri Dickson - Owners P.O. Box 2001, Brentwood, CA 94513
925-978-1776
925-516-1776 925-673-3776 Fax: 925-673-3777
www.protechheating.com
email: bob@protechheating.com Lic #705148
Citizen of the Year Dinner April 12, 2008 at Nines at the Brentwood Golf Club Get your tickets for the Citizen of the Year Dinner and Program honoring Helen Myers! Tickets are available at the Chamber Office for $45.00 each with a choice of Angus Prime Rib or Chicken Wellington. This is an evening you won’t want to miss!
Attention Chamber Members: Regarding the Membership Roster....While Chamber Members are entitled to receive a copy of the membership roster, please respect the privacy of other chamber members. The roster is provided to encourage networking and relationship-building. Before adding chamber members to your business database, please request and receive their permission. Unsolicited communications are discouraged. 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
Director’s Message
Page 3 #1 “BE Supportive” Make the effort to support your fellow chamber members. Participate at their ribbon cuttings and mixers. Take the opportunity to become more than just casual acquaintances with the people you network with. Shop at their stores, eat at their restaurants, and use their services before you go elsewhere. #2 “BE Involved” The Chamber Board has been working hard over the past several months to develop some new teams that will work on key areas of interest to benefit a vast majority of the Chamber Membership. It is time for each chamber member to come forward and volunteer to participate on one of these teams. Some of these teams will be working on Marketing, Community/Events, Agriculture/Tourism, etc.
by Alternate Director Lyle Miller
T
his year has started out great for the Brentwood Chamber and its members. We have new members joining, a new Chamber website, and some new networking activities like the CEO Coffee Clubs & the Traveling Chamber Lounges. But what can you do to make more of your Brentwood Chamber Membership? Here is a list of three “BEs” to get the extra mile out of your membership.
#3 “BEcome a Chamber Cheerleader” Over the past several years the Chamber has grown to over 750 members, but we still have the opportunity to grow. Each of us knows individuals that can benefit from membership with the chamber and can contribute something great to our whole organization. Invite these people and groups to come to our mixers and events or join the Chamber. Let’s all try to apply these three “BEs” as chamber members and we can see not only the Chamber grow, but our own businesses as well.
All Sports Trophies Advertising Specialties Custom & Corporate Awards At-Home Tastings •Premier Wine Gifts Custom-Labeled Corporate Gifts
Kathi Reed Independent Wine Consultant
925-240-8382 www.winealongwithme.com wine@kathireed.com
(925) 516-8880 • Fax (925) 625-5316 Email: starawards@sbcglobal.net
Bob & Sharon Sherriff, Owners
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New Member Profile
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. David Redding, Independent Associate Cell: 925-759-1550 Email: redd1753@aol.com www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/reddingd68
There are many situations in life that require legal assistance. David Redding is a PrePaid Legal Independent Associate. David has credentials as a Small Business Specialist, Group Benefits Specialist, and Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist. Pre-Paid Legal Services has been in business for 35 years, is traded on the NYSE, and uses a law firm that has been in business for 78 years. Included in their services are their “Your Life Events Legal Plan,” providing preventive legal service for the entire family, motor vehicle service, trial defense service, and a free living will for husband and wife; “Identity Theft Shield,” providing complete identity theft services by Kroll International; and “Legal Shield,” providing 24/7 attorney phone consultation for special circumstances. They also offer special plans for real estate agents, teachers, law enforcement officers, and foster parents. Protect yourself today and call.
LEGAL EMPOWERMENT FOR YOUR LIFE Your Family
•
Your Will
•
Your Money
•
Your Retirement
•
Your Car
Business Management Bookkeeping Income Taxes for Small Business and Individuals 8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite H 925-240-1242 “Best of Brentwood” 2002-2007 Business of the Year, 15th Assembly District
www.reaganmanagementservices.com
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David Mengel, MBA, Managing Partner
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Contra Costa Small Business Development Center is a partnership program of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Northern California SBDC Network, and the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County. Other sponsors include: the Cities of Brentwood, Pittsburg and San Ramon, the Community Development Block Grant programs of Antioch, Concord, Contra Costa County and Walnut Creek.
Helping your business . . . Start. Grow. Succeed! Contra Costa Small Business Development Center Email: execdirector@contracostasbdc.com Phone: 925-646-5377 www.contracostasbdc.com
SBA's Online Business Assessment Tools WASHINGTON - More than 125,000 entrepreneurs interested in starting or expanding a business have used the U.S. Small Business Administration's newest online assessment resources, the SBA announced today. The SBA is helping hundreds of prospective entrepreneurs each day through two online assessment tools, the "Small Business Readiness" and the 8(a) Business Development assessment tools. In just over three months, more than 125,000 budding entrepreneurs have benefited from the latest Web-applications. "These new tools represent a changing SBA, where more Web applications are being used to better serve our small business customers so they can have information when they need and wherever they are doing business," said SBA Associate Administrator Anoop Prakash. Since the SBA introduced the online "Small Business Readiness" assessment tool, usage has climbed rapidly. The assessment tool - the first of its kind - helps budding entrepreneurs evaluate their readiness for starting a small business. The Small Business Readiness assessment tool helps prospective entrepreneurs determine their level of preparedness for venturing into a new business through a series of automated questions. It helps them evaluate their skills, characteristics, and experience as they relate to starting a business. Based on their scores, entrepreneurs are directed to the SBA training resources that support the identified needs to improve business preparedness. The Small Business Readiness assessment tool is available on the SBA's Web site at http://www.sba.gov/assessmenttool/index.html, or by clicking the "Assessment Tool" icon under the spotlight heading on the SBA home page. The 8(a) Business Development assessment tool was launched in October to help small business owners decide whether they are suitable and eligible for the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program. The program helps small disadvantaged businesses compete in the U.S. economy through business development. Like the small business readiness assessment, the customized 8(a) Business Development assessment tool directs entrepreneurs to targeted training and resources online. It too is available online at http://training.sba.gov:8000/assessment. The Small Business Readiness and the 8(a) business development assessment tools help take away the guess work, and are easy to use. They are customer-focused and designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to evaluate and recognize needed business skills. The new Web-based tools are simple to use and take about 10 minutes to complete.
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Chamber Classifieds Looking for Commercial Space?
Office Space Available 1. Ideal Downtown Location 240 sq. ft. Office Space for Rent 161 Chestnut Street in Downtown Brentwood For information, call 925-634-5361 2. Furnished office space available 500-2000 sq. ft. Call Sam at 925-516-0870.
PG&E is offering no-cost energy consultations which help business owners take advantage of energy efficiency rebates. Please call PG&E’s Brentwood Customer & Community Relations Manager Jacqueline Clarke at 925-674-6590 to schedule an appointment. Jacqueline will be able to assist you in becoming energy efficient and reducing your energy costs!
Sub-Lease at 3330 Main St. in Oakley Almost 900 sq. ft. $1,200 per month, includes utilities, parking lot, large windows, nearly new carpet & paint. Require first/last. Call 925-625-2879 for more information.
Positions Available Brentwood Family Pet Care Veterinarian Hospital Animal Handler Wanted: Technician Assistant part time A.M. or P.M. On-the-job training. Duties include handling animals (dogs/cats), restraining animals, paperwork, and cleaning. Cleaning includes kennels, sinks, floors, etc. MUST have a great attitude, be a great team player, love to stay busy and be a hard worker. Please contact Kindra at 925-240-7387, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Servpro of Concord Servpro of Concord is now hiring for Administrative assistant. Duties include answering phones, filing, and maintaining job files and work flow, scheduling appointments, invoicing, data entry, some cleaning required. Computer skills a must, QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook. Must have great attitude, be a team player, willing to tackle special projects, and problem solve. Must want to work hard and like to stay busy. Insurance knowledge a plus! Please fax resume to 925240-8701.
Looking for Employment?
Go to www.brentwoodchamber.com and type the word “employment” in the search box. We have several Chamber Members who can help you find that perfect job!
If you're not volunteering to make this incredible event happen on July 11, 12 and 13, why not be a vendor? Have you thought about the exposure you and your business could get as thousands of people walk by your booth as you are advertising or selling your products? For a vendor application, go to: www.brentwoodchamber.com/cornfest
Your free classified ad can be here -- for Chamber Members only. Ad must be related to your business but cannot be used to advertise the business itself. Office furniture for sale? Space available? Need employees? Call 634-3344 or email us at info@brentwoodchamber.com
TEAR OUT THIS CENTER SECTION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! STAY INFORMED---STAY INVOLVED!
Rent in Brentwood - 800 to 1600 square feet available Call Sunset Plaza Properties at 925-634-2900
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“Lori’s Minute” TEAR OUT THIS CENTER SECTION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! STAY INFORMED---STAY INVOLVED!
(by Lori Knudsen of California Payroll)
New FMLA Changes Cover Service Member Families The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) now gives family medical leave rights to qualifying family members of military personnel. One of two extensions of the FMLA benefits to families of military personnel became effective Jan. 28 when President Bush signed the newly passed legislation. 1st Change. Taking effect immediately is Caregiver Leave: This new benefit allows a "spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin [nearest blood relative]" to take up to 26 workweeks of leave to care for a "member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or Reserves, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in outpatient status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness." Note: This new caregiver leave allows a qualifying employee to take up to 26 workweeks of leave in a 12-month period. This 26 workweeks of leave is new for an FMLA benefit since other types of FMLA leave allow only 12 workweeks of leave in a 12-month period. 2nd Change. Active Duty Leave: Taking effect as soon as the Secretary of Labor issues final regulations defining "any qualifying exigency" is family leave due to a call to active duty. This new FMLA leave will provide up to 12 weeks of leave for "any qualifying exigency...arising out of the fact that the spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent of the employee is on active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty) in the Armed Forces in support of a contingency operation." A dictionary definition of exigency is: A situation calling for immediate attention, urgency, pressing needs. A qualifying exigency for FMLA purposes soon will be defined by the Secretary of Labor. Two other significant terms in the new FMLA legislation are covered servicemember and next of kin. A covered servicemember is "a member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or Reserves, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in outpatient status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness." A next of kin is "the nearest blood relative" of an individual. The new FMLA law states an "eligible employee may elect, or an employer may require the employee, to substitute any of the accrued paid vacation leave, personal leave, family leave, or medical or sick leave of the employee for leave provided under [the new FMLA provision] for any part of the 26-week period of such leave..." In addition, if a husband or wife are employed by the same employer, the aggregate number of workweeks of leave they're entitled to under the new FMLA benefits may be limited to 26 workweeks during a single 12-month period. Two more important definitions: Covered employer and eligible employee. Covered employer: The FMLA covers all employers who employ 50 or more employees for each working day during each of 20 or more calendar workweeks in the current or preceding calendar year. Eligible employee: Under FMLA, an eligible employee works for a covered employer: (1) and has worked for the employer for at least 12 months, (2) has worked for the employer for at least 1,250 hours during the 12-month period immediately preceding the start of the leave, and (3) is employed at a worksite where 50 or more employees work for the employer within 75 miles of that worksite. (The 12 months of employment need not be consecutive months.) [NOTE: Information and guidance in this story is intended to provide accurate and helpful information on the subjects covered. It is not intended to provide a legal service for readers' individual needs. For legal guidance in your specific situations, always consult with an attorney who is familiar with employment law and labor issues.]
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March Working Business Luncheon (just off Balfour Road, west of Highway 4 Bypass, in Brentwood)
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be a buffet with sandwiches, salads, drinks. Event is $15.00 per person with or without lunch. PREPAID RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
Carma’s Word Creative Writing and Editing Services
Presents: How to Write Effectively Without Drawing Blood! Reserve your space today! Names of Attendees in your party: __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ ______________________________________________
Please bring this reservation sheet with your payment to: 240 Oak Street in Brentwood by Friday, March 7, 2008
TEAR OUT THIS CENTER SECTION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! STAY INFORMED---STAY INVOLVED!
Location: Willy’s Bagels & Blends (their new location)
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BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
TEAR OUT THIS CENTER SECTION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! STAY INFORMED---STAY INVOLVED!
March
JOIN US FOR THE
March 6
March Mixer
New Traveling Chamber Lounge See ad on opposite page
March 11
hosted by:
Business Luncheon at Willy’s Bagels & Blends Pre-paid reservations only - 634-3344
March 12
Shadow Lakes Golf Club
New CEO Coffee Club See ad on opposite page
March 20
Mixer at Shadow Lakes Golf Club
April April 12
Citizen of the Year Banquet
April 17
Mixer at Contra Costa Fairgrounds
April 23
Employee Appreciation Luncheon
May May 15
Mixer at McCurley’s Abbey Carpet Center
June June 19
Mixer at Pierce Chiropractic Group
85°
July Location: 401 W. Country Club Drive, Brentwood
DATE: TIME:
Thursday, March 20, 2008 5:30-7:30 p.m.
July 11, 12, and 13 CornFest 2008
July 17
August August 21
*Raffle Prizes *Share-the-Pot Drawing *Network with your fellow Chamber members
Pricing for Mixers: Members: $ 5.00 each Visitors:
$15.00 each
Please note: If you haven’t paid your membership dues for 2008, you are considered a visitor.
Mixer at Calif. Pac. Federal Credit Union
Mixer at Arbor Ridge Executive Apartments
September September 18
Mixer at Discovery Professional Services
October October 16
Mixer at Shepherd’s Gate
October 25
Hometown Halloween
November November 1
A Taste of Brentwood (restaurant tour)
November 20
Mixer (TBA)
November 22
Holiday Parade
December December 18
Holiday Mixer at Veterans Hall
Mixer Locations (or Ribbon Cuttings) can (and do) change at any time. Check the Calendar of Events on our website for updated information: www.brentwoodchamber.com
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Phone: 925-625-0278 P.O. Box 406 Oakley, CA 94561 www.linmarkltd.logomall.com
Cell 925.813.1319
Sample Showroom: 707 “A” Street in Antioch
The Brentwood Clarion
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“California Cuisine with a Comfort Foods Edge” Kerri Marvel, Owner 622 First Street Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-240-6830 Email: Kerri@Gooseberryfool.net www.Gooseberryfool.net
Welcome back, Maurice Daroy of Delta Valley Insurance! Maurice bought his raffle tickets and went home with $73.00 in cash from the Share-thePot drawing. The other $73 went to the Chamber. A smiling Maurice is pictured above with Chamber President Kathi Reed of WineShop at Home. Maurice went on to win the choice of a free flier or a write-up in the Clarion for the Business of the Month drawing. A big thank you to all the generous Chamber Members who donated raffle prizes! We appreciate you!
Business Card Drawing Winner: Photographer Jennifer Fink of Generations Photography accepts the beautiful gift basket from Gooseberry Fool owner, Kerri Marvel.
Y
ou are really missing out if you don’t stop by Gooseberry Fool and check out their menus for lunch, dinner and full-service catering. Gooseberry Fool Cafe, Catering, and Gourmet Grocery has so much to offer in addition to their exciting menu, items such as oils, vinegars, chocolate, jellies, cookbooks, pastas, sauces, culinary, and seasonal items. Owner Kerri Marvel (who is also head of the Downtown Merchants Association) prides herself in serving fresh, healthy, made-on-the-premises delicious entries, with many organic and “natural” choices. Our hostess served some wonderful food to a huge crowd at this mixer. It was great to have just a taste of what is served at Gooseberry Fool!
Cozette’s Ballroom Dancing The Brentwood Press Bella Luna Chocolates Delta Community Services Dreams Are A Wish Your Heart Makes Gooseberry Fool Mainly Margaritas Mary Kay - Kimberley Victor The Monthly Grapevine WineShop at Home President Kathi Reed welcomed our visitors from the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and introduced our Directors and Ambassadors. It was great to see, for the first time at a mixer, Mr. Jack Jiang, owner of Mangetsu Japanese Cuisine. Jack had fun meeting new people and seeing the many familiar faces of people who are already regulars at his restaurant at 50 Sand Creek Road in Brentwood.
Photos Courtesy of Generations Photography
www.generationsbyjennifer.com
The Brentwood Clarion
Page 13 We thank our new members for coming to this mixer, introducing themselves to dozens of fellow chamber members, and for getting involved! We enjoyed meeting you!
We welcome Nicole Miliano, Wellness and Weight Loss Coach! Welcome to Brenda Goodie, Max Muscle Brentwood!
We look forward to seeing all of you at the next Chamber Mixer on March 20th at Shadow Lakes Golf Club!
(Above) Chamber Alternate Director Lyle Miller of Scheer Home Systems accepts his raffle prize from Bella Luna Chocolates President Annalee Herman. (Below) Annalee presents a box of her delicious chocolate creations to winner Bill Putman of the Brentwood Chamber.
Donna Ross (r), owner of Creme dela Gem Jewelry in Downtown Brentwood had the winning raffle ticket for the gift certificate donated by Ernie Young of Mainly Margaritas!
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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS! Nicole A. Miliano, Wellness and Weight Loss Coach 4577 Ford Court Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-418-5635 Email: WellnessByNicole@msn.com Law Office of Jim Price Jim Price, Esq. 6569 Brentwood Blvd. P.O. Box 1417 Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-516-4686 Email: mail4Jimbo@sbcglobal.net Max Muscle Brentwood Sports Nutrition Pierre and Brenda Goodie, Owners 5887 Lone Tree Way, Suite R Antioch, CA 94531 Phone: 925-757-6299 Email: MaxMuscleBrentwood@yahoo.com
Support our new members! Visit them, introduce yourselves, network with one another! The road to success can be challenging....let’s pull together!
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The Chamber Ambassador Team Paul Roman, Window Innovations 2007 Ambassador of the Year
BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kathi Reed, President WineShop at Home
Amy Alvis, Living Trusts by Amy Liz Beth Fletcher, Mary Kay Cosmetics Chris Krohn, The Emerging Soul Richard McDaniel, Mutual of Omaha David Mengel, Gemini Staffing Vicki Sexton, First Bank Eric Soiland, Wachovia Securities Katherine Van Hatten, Skin Care by Katherine Olga Vidriales, Travis Credit Union Pat Trombino, First Bank Susanna Wahl, Edward Jones Renee Woodruff, MAP Donna Zickerman, The Monthly Grapevine
Shelly McMahon, Ex-Officio Shelly’s Garden
Shayn Cutino, Director Anja Wellness
Bill Fee, Director Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists
Toni Grimes, Director Notary Public
De-De Hays, Director Prudential California Realty
Richard Inglis, Director Reagan Management Services
Paul Kelly, Director Home One Mortgage
Richard Perez-Pacheco, Director Black Sheep Design
Ken Seamann, Director Discovery Professional Services
Karen Spann, President-Elect The Monthly Grapevine
Joe Trebino, Director Delta Pure Water, Etc.
John Fink, Alternate Director Delta Ranches & Homes
Lyle Miller, Alternate Director n! the fu n i n i Jo
Contact the Chamber regarding CornFest 2008! Step up to the plate, all you energetic, volunteer-minded people! We need Chairpersons, assistants, and hard workers to help with every aspect of the CornFest; YOU are needed! Get involved! Call today....925-634-3344!
Scheer Home Systems & Security ——————————————————
Bonnie Lucchese, CEO Office Manager
Paula DeYoung-Wong Administrative Assistant, Newsletter Editor
Jilda Fairhurst Administrative Assistant, 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
www.brentwoodchamber.com
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The Brentwood Clarion Brentwood Chamber of Commerce 240 Oak Street Brentwood, CA 94513
The Brentwood Clarion
Phone: 925-634-3344 Fax: 925-634-3731 Email: info@brentwoodchamber.com www.brentwoodchamber.com
TEAR OUT THE CENTER SECTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER AND GET INVOLVED!