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The Brentwood Voice of Business Vol. 46, No. 3
March 2010
Director’s Message Last year Harry York, approached me and asked if I would be interested in returning to the Chamber’s Board of Directors. As a returning Board Member, I thought to myself what value can I bring to the Chamber? What things am I passionate about that would benefit the Chamber? What difference can I make? First I care about Brentwood and the success of local businesses. I have lived in Brentwood for 10 years and have been self -employed for the last six. I understand the highs and lows that a small business can go through. We all hear on the news about the unemployment rates and how the economy is going to take several years to fully recover. So what can a small business do to stay afloat? Many times when things get tough we tend to go the other direction in hopes that “What did I do today As a small business we don’t everything will magically get better. have the luxury of this. If we don’t that will make me money work we don’t make money and thus our livelihood will suffer. I ask you to take a step back at tomorrow?” the end of each day and ask yourself, “What did I do today that will make me money tomorrow”? Are you continuously marketing your business? How many people or new prospects did you meet with today? Did you follow up on the leads or referrals you were given? Self accountability is something that we all know and understand but do we actually hold ourselves accountable? At the beginning of each month set goals and track them. Each quarter look at different new ways to market your business. Track your numbers and hold yourself to it, you will be surprised at the results. All too often we get to work and do the same thing over and over yet we expect different results. A small change in how you go about your day to-day activities might bring new successes. Owning your own business can be one of the most rewarding things in life, but it takes hard work! Nothing in life worth having comes easy. Visit the Chamber office and ask about the resources available to small businesses. Take advantage of the SCORE program; attend the Brown Bag lunch meetings and definitely attend the mixers regularly. If people don’t know who you are how can they do business with you? Go out and make it a great 2010. Dirk M. Zeigler Zeigler Insurance Group 1300 Central Blvd Ste B & C 925-634-1240 (office) 888-347-3597 (efax)
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Walt Disney’s 8 secrets to success January 26, 2010 by Bob Hill
Posted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Leadership Walt Disney was an innovator and a visionary. But he was also one of the most successful business leaders of his time. Here are eight principles that made Walt Disney one of the greatest icons of the 20th century: Provide a promise, not a product: The legend goes that Walt Disney was sitting on a bench watching his daughters ride a carousel when he came up with the concept for Disney World. He noticed amusement parks and state fairs were always littered and poorly organized, and the employees were generally rude and resentful. His wife once asked, “Why do you want to build an amusement park? They‟re so dirty.” To which Walt replied, “That‟s the point. Mine won‟t be.” From day one, Disney has focused on “the experience” as a key component to increasing the value of its parks. Always exceed customers’ expectations: One of the reasons the Disney tradition stands the test of time is that Walt Disney was more critical of his creations than anyone else could ever possibly be. He was a relentless perfectionist with a keen eye for detail, often forcing projects to go over budget and past deadline because he wasn‟t satisfied with the finished product. Pursue your passion, and the money will follow: Walt Disney went bankrupt more than once, leveraging everything he had in terms of assets in order to build his studio, his films and his dreams. The more profit one project yielded, the bigger the next would be. His vision was constantly growing, and he used whatever capital he had to allow that vision to evolve. His films and theme parks were labors of love, built to revolutionize an industry, rather than maximize profits. Stay true to your company’s mission and values: Walt Disney was famous for saying, “I hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.” Decades later, Mickey Mouse is still the crown jewel of the Disney franchise, representing all the good will and imagination Disney represents. He‟s also a constant reminder that the company has strong roots and it embraces American values. Differentiate your offer: Every facet of Disney‟s operation is unique. Employees are called “associates,” visitors are called “guests,” creative designers are called “Imagineers.” And that‟s just the beginning. The experience of being at a Disney theme park or staying at a Disney resort is all about creating a dream vacation – one where the attention to detail and personal service is just as memorable as the attractions themselves. Lead by example and delegate: Walt Disney was the artist who originally sketched Mickey Mouse, as well as several of the other iconic Disney characters. He even voiced several characters and provided the inspiration for a lot Disney‟s animated classics. But as he built a studio and then an empire, he hired reliable men and women who understood his vision and trusted them to translate that vision to others. By the time Walt broke ground on Disney World, he hadn‟t drawn a character for decades, nor was he a daily fixture at creative meetings. He built a strong foundation and developed self-reliant managers who embraced his vision. That allowed him to turn his attention to even bigger dreams, while the company and its employees continued to prosper. Defy convention: So much about Walt Disney‟s rise was about bucking the odds and ignoring the critics, whether it was show biz insiders telling him no one would ever sit still for a feature-length animated film, or others saying Walt was crazy for buying acres and acres of murky swampland in central Florida, Disney always trusted his instincts first. Einstein once said, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” Walt Disney was a perfect example. Leave behind something to grow: According to one historian, “The true measure of a man‟s greatness is what he‟s left behind to grow.” Disney World didn‟t even open its gates until nearly a year after Walt Disney‟s death. And yet, the tradition continues to evolve, almost 45 years later. While Disney has diversified in a number of ways, it‟s still the company that started with a mouse. Perhaps Walt himself put it best: “Disney Land is something that will never be finished something I can keep „plussing‟ and adding to. I just finished a live-action picture. It‟s gone. I can‟t touch it. I want something live, something that will grow. The park is that.”
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seems we’re all getting a little tired and weary of the wet, winter weather we’ve been experiencing these last couple months – but I assure you, Spring is on it’s way! And along with it, is the need to de-clutter our lives. This is as true for your business as it is for your home! Although Spring hasn’t yet officially sprung, it’s a good time to take stock of what you have going for you in your business, and what you need to get rid of in order to make room for newer, and potentially more profitable, goods or services. This really couldn’t be more true in the consignment store business. We’re pulling the winter clothes off the racks, and getting the spring items out and ready to go! It’s what we all do this time of year. Spring is a time for “cleaning out”. We clean out garages and closets, desks and drawers – all with a plan to simplify and organize. And the same is true for business! Often mental and emotional “clutter” is the most difficult clutter to overcome. We allow so many things to interrupt our day, or get in the way of doing things that we know will ultimately help our business. We skip Chamber Mixers or ribbon cuttings because we’re “tired” or “too busy”. We can always go “next time”. But have you noticed, that often times “next time” never really comes? Changing that behavior can often be overcome by the simple task of redirecting our thought process. Sometimes (okay, more than sometimes) I have to play little mind games with myself just to make sure I get it all done. And you know what? They actually work! Try this trick the next time there’s a lot on your to-do list. Tell yourself you are leaving on vacation – TOMORROW – and somebody else is going to come in to work your business while you’re gone. What would you do today? How much do you think you could accomplish? You’d want your files in order, your space clean, all phone calls made and returned, bills paid – the list is long. But when you take “tomorrow” off the “available” list, you’ll be amazed at how much you will get done. So give it a try. And find me at the next Chamber Mixer and tell me how it worked for you. I ’ d love to hear your stories! 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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Pictured at top: Jim and Brenda D’Amico, owners of Black Bear Diner with staff member Jilda Fairhurst (Jimmy’s sister).
Pictured at top: Jim and Brenda D’Amico with Brentwood Chamber President Shayn Cutino of Anja Wellness.
Pictured at top: Pat Trombino of First Bank, Sarah Jamar of Paychex, John Smulo of Purple Cow Websites, and Ashley Guzman of Pre Paid Legal Services.
Pictured at top: Shane Watkins of MidCal Drywall along with a couple of guests that joined us at the Black Bear Diner.
The Brentwood Chamber would like to give a big Thanks to the owners of Black Bear Diner, Jim and Brenda D’Amico for all the wonderful food, and for hosting the February Mixer. The Chamber would also like to Thank the following for all the raffle donations: Hampton Inn, Delta Community Services, Brentwood Press, Wineshop at Home, Quality Stitches, Unique Visions, The Monthly Grapevine, Arbonne, and Black Bear Diner (they donated dinner for two, won by Chamber member, Kelly Jo West).
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Balfour Dental Congratulations to Balfour Dental for their Grand Opening on February 3, 2010. “Looking for Dental Services please visit Sien K. Siao, D.D.S or Dimple Rayani, D.M.D. at 3120 Balfour Road Suite D in Brentwood.” Balfour Dental can be reached at (925) 634-9901 or on the web at www.balfourdental.com.
A Ribbon Cutting was held on February 4, 2010 at Cowboys & Angels a newly opened resale childrens’ Boutique and Photo Studio They are located in Downtown Brentwood , at 240 Oak Street. Stop by and check out the great prices on children’s Clothing. They can be contacted at (925) 200-7315. Please visit their website as well at www.cowboysandangelsboutique.com .
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Good Morning Brentwood March 11, 2010 - 7:30 a.m. Brentwood Chamber Board Room 8440 Brentwood Blvd # C, Brentwood Corner of Brentwood Blvd & Chestnut St “Update on Los Vaqueros Watershed & Dam” Learn about the Dam’s possible expansion and the use of the Watershed open space. Guest Speaker: Joe Campbell, President Contra Costa Water District
Brides Day Out Fred Miller & Bill RogersGetaway Cruises N Tours, Melinda and Eric Torgerson, and Kathrina Santos of Brentwood Progressive Dental.
Dafne Swisher and FriendsBrentwood’s Co Co County Wine
Downtown Brentwood’s Brides Day Out was a success for our participating businesses. Pictured above is our $1000 Grand Prize winner, Denise Lefebvre of Oakley, pictured holding the bingo card, along with Melinda Torgersen of Catwalk, Shayn Cutino Brentwood Chamber President, Jim Ross of Crème Dela Gem, Melissa Franco, Susanne Larson, Ashley Allen & Annette Beckstrand of His & Hers, and Cozette Hileman of Red Door Dance Studio.
Donna & Jim Ross– Crème Dela Gem
Charleen EarleyThe Vineyards at Marsh Creek
Liza Andrade & Diane O’BrienRibbons and Roses
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BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
“Spring Taste of Brentwood Tour” In Historic al Downtown Brentwood -This will be a walking Tour of the Downtown Restaurants-
Date: May 15, 2010 Time: 1:00– 5:00 p.m. Cost: $20.00 per person or two for $30.00
Participating Establishments: Cap’s Oak Street Bar & Grill, Gabby’s Grind, La Fuente Mexican Restaurant, Scrumdillyumptious, Sweeney’s Bar & Grill, Sylvia’s Sabor Latino Mexican Restaurant The Game Pub n Pizza, Pho Vietnam, Prevot’s Oyster Bar & Grill, and Brentwood’s Co Co Wine Company. Pick up your tickets now at the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce 8440 Brentwood Blvd. Ste. C Brentwood, CA Only 300 Tickets will be sold, don’t delay
The Chamber Ambassador Team Pat Trombino, First Bank 2008 Ambassador of the Year
Michael Hernandez, Chair, New York Life Jeanette Hemenway, Tummies to Tots Maurice Daroy, Farmers Insurance Amy Alvis, Living Trusts by Amy Dr. Suzanne Lowe, Essential Care Chiropractic E. Scott McKnight, E.S. McKnight Insurance Agency Ed Gutierrez, Certa Pro Painters Harry York, CEO Brentwood Chamber Joe Trebino, Delta Pure Water Karen Spann, The Monthly Grapevine Lori Knudsen, California Payroll Nelda Devine, Real Estate Investor Olga Vidriales, Travis Credit Union Paul Roman, Window Innovations Sarah Jamar, Paychex Susanna Wahl, First Bank Vicki Sexton, First Bank
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 Greg Benner Les Schwab Tires Bill Fee Mazzy‟s Fire Protection Specialists Paul Kelly Home One Mortgage Lori Knudsen California Payroll Shelly McMahon Shelly‟s Garden Richard Perez-Pacheco Black Sheep Design Marlon Smith Best Buy Donna Spencer Cortona Park Dirk Zeigler Zeigler Insurance Group
****************************************** Harry York, CEO Lyle Miller, Membership Services Dir. Lisa Hurt, Support Services Dir. Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator Bill Putman, Volunteer Pat Trombino, Event Coordinator Kimberly Eubanks, Office Assistant CHAMBER HOURS
Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Phone (925) 634-3344 Fax (925) 634-3731 email: info@brentwoodchamber.com www.brentwoodchamber.com
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TerraCare Associates Environmental Mitigation & Restoration Bill Horn 1950 Arabian Lane, Unit A-2 Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 374-0060 Email: bhorn@terracareassociates.com www.terracareassociates.com Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Financial Services Michele Bethea Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 626-3689 Email: mmbethea@sbcglobal.net WR Properties Real Estate Services Wes Olson 651 First Street Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-3100 Email: wesinvest@sbcglobal.net Balfour Center/ Brentwood Junction Paul Erickson 500 Washington Street, Suite 475 San Francisco, CA 94111 The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is now offering:
2010 California and Federal updated Labor Posters. Pick yours up today at 8440 Brentwood Blvd. Ste. C Paper Version: $23.00 Plastic Version: $39.00
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2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 11
Good Morning Brentwood
Los Vaqueros Watershed & Dam
Brentwood Chamber Office 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
March 18
March Mixer hosted by Tres Jolie 236 Oak Street Brentwood 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
April 8
Good Morning Brentwood Social Networking on the Internet Brentwood Chamber Office 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
April 13
Ribbon Cutting / WR Properties 651 First Street, Brentwood 5:30 PM
April 15
April Mixer hosted by Delta Valley Athletic Club 120 Guthrie Lane, Brentwood 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
May 13
Good Morning Brentwood Brentwood Chamber Office 7:30 a.m.– 9:00 a.m.
May 15
Spring Taste of Brentwood Restaurant ( walking tour ) 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
May 27
May Mixer hosted by Contra Costa Fairgrounds 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Events may be subject to change at any time. Check the Calendar of Events on our website for updated information at
www.brentwoodchamber.com CornFest Application are available at the Chamber of Commerce
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CELEBRATION DINNER DANCE SATURDAY MARCH 13, 2010. RAFFLE PRIZES, NO HOST BAR A NON PROFIT FUND RAISER SPONSORED BY DELTA COMMUNTY SERVICES, INC. TIME 5:30 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M. DINNER 6:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.
Advance Tickets $20, At the Door $25
*Eskaton Lodge, * Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, *Health Hut, Weathervane Western Wear, * SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune Up * Delta Community Services, Inc. WEBSITE: WWW.Delta-comm.org E:mail: DeltaCommunity@yahoo.com.
(925) 634 – 8275
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Want to get the word out for your business???? Advertise your space here!!!! Contact the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce at (925) 634-3344 And ask for Lyle Miller to get your advertising going in our monthly Clarion.
All Sports Trophies Advertising Specialties Custom & Corporate Awards
(925) 516-8880 • Fax (925) 625-5316 Email: starawards@sbcglobal.net
Bob & Sharon Sherriff, Owners
The Brentwood Clarion Brentwood Chamber of Commerce 8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: 925-634-3344 Fax: 925-634-3731 Email: info@brentwoodchamber.com www.brentwoodchamber.com