The Brentwood Clarion
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The Brentwood Voice of Business November 2009
Vol. 45, No. 10
Chamber President Spann Announces Brentwood Chamber Membership Drive In announcing this year’s annual Brentwood Chamber Membership Drive, Chamber President Karen Spann noted, “The way we have this year’s Membership Drive formatted, everyone benefits. The new member benefits by getting the $100 discount by joining now. The Chamber benefits by adding to the membership base. And members can benefit by referring or signing up a new member.” The way this year’s drive is set-up any member who provides the Chamber a “good” membership referral will receive two RAVE theater passes. If a member signs up a new member they will receive four movie passes to the RAVE theaters. For the new member who signs up during the month of November they will receive $100 of off their first year’s membership investment. This $100 discount is being sponsored by PG&E. (There are a limited number of discounts available.) In addition the new member will receive a free energy audit of their business by PG&E. The new member will also receive a 25% advertising discount from the Brentwood Press and $100 advertising discount from The Monthly Grapevine. Brentwood Chamber Executive Harry York stated, “The PG&E discount sponsorship has generated a lot of excitement and I expect the discounts to run out.” York also said, “On behalf of the Chamber he wanted to thank PG&E, RAVE Theaters, The Monthly Grapevine, and the Brentwood Press for their continued support of the Chamber.”
Brentwood City Council Votes to Move Forward on Civic Center Project After years of planning and many, many meetings, workshops and general input from hundreds of local residents, the Brentwood City Council took the final vote to sell the bonds and let the contract to start construction of the new Civic Center Project. Appearing before the City Council on October 13, Brentwood Chamber Executive Harry York noted the planning had gone on long enough and it was time to move forward. “It is a perfect storm. Not only are construction costs low, but the interest rates are at an all time low.” The project was expected to cost around $44 million dollars, yet the bid came in at $28.5 million, a $15.5 million dollar savings. (The day after the Council meeting, the City sold the construction bonds at an interest rate of 4.97 percent, for a savings of $14.6 million dollars under the original budget estimate.) The total civic center project includes a new city hall, community center, a new surface parking lot, an improved city park, an enlarged library, and the previously constructed Senior Center on Balfour Road. Chamber CEO York stated the Chamber would miss holding community events in City Park during the estimated two- year construction period, but looked forward to holding the Brentwood Chamber’s Annual CornFest and other events in a refurbished downtown park once construction is complete. Also on the agenda was the downtown streetscape project long supported by the Chamber and the Downtown Business Coalition. Downtown merchant Annette Beckstrand of His & Hers Formal Wear spoke on behalf of downtown business in support of the streetscape project. October 13, 2009 was a big night for moving Brentwood forward and highlighting the beauty of the Historic Downtown area. Yes there will be inconveniences during construction, but in the very near future we will all enjoy the beauty and share the pride of a new Civic Center and a Downtown area.
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Director’s Message It’s fun to look back and reminisce over the past five years as a Chamber director. When I was first elected as an Alternate Director in 2004, membership was around 450 and the Chamber’s main focus was on networking and community events such as CornFest, Hometown Halloween, the Holiday Parade, and “Citizen of the Year.” Over the next couple of years we saw membership soar to almost 800 members, and we felt the need to expand our horizons. While still sponsoring the community events which continue to give Brentwood the wonderful small, hometown feeling we all enjoy, it was time for the Chamber to increase its focus on more specific business-related activities. The Chamber became more involved in the City’s economic development efforts, started plans for a Business Resource Center (in conjunction with the City) to be located in the Chamber office, and instituted new programs including a “Business of the Year” award and monthly business luncheons co-hosted with the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce. In 2007 as the economy began to slow and we saw our membership numbers decline, we embarked on a five-year plan for Chamber growth and new programs to address member needs in a changing environment. After gathering information from our own members, from other chambers, and from the California Chamber of Commerce, we identified four priorities: increase annual revenue, hire a CEO with prior chamber experience, increase the size of the board, and find new office space large enough to accommodate a business resource center and a conference room for meetings and workshops. In March 2008, Harry York joined us as CEO and in the past year and a half we have implemented new programs such as: The Downtown Business Coalition and the Downtown Thursday events Good Morning Brentwood breakfast meetings, Ask the Experts lunch meetings, and Chamber Lounge after work informal events. Every Thursday of the month there is a Chamber activity at different times of the day to accommodate various schedules. Partnership programs with Office Depot and the current membership drive with PG&E. A Chamber presence at most City Council meetings, and we have sponsored events such as Congressman Jerry McNerney’s Economic Summit and Congress at Your Corner, Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan’s presentation in November, Supervisor Mary Piepho’s update to Chamber members, and Mayor Bob Taylor’s State of the City address. We have taken positions on pending legislation that directly impacts business and agricultural interests in the Brentwood area. We’ve taken other actions, as well: The Chamber office has moved to a larger location at the corner of Chestnut Street and Brentwood Boulevard that includes a large conference room which members may reserve as well as being used for Chamber events, and space for a business resource center. Score Counselors are available at the Chamber office on the 1st and 3rd Monday afternoons to meet and assist local business owners. New technology has been implemented which tracks membership, revenue and activities, and “talks to” the new Chamber website. What’s Happening email updates are sent out twice a week to members listing upcoming community and Chamber events. A Chamber directory is available online through the website, as well as a new paper directory recently distributed to all members and local public offices. The number of staff members has also increased to include Lisa Hurt as Support Services Director, Jilda Fairhurst as Event Coordinator, Lyle Miller as Membership Development, Pat Trombino as Event Assistant, and Bill Putnam as Volunteer Extraordinaire.
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Director’s Message continued: The past five years have seen Chamber membership soar, decline due to a down economy, and begin to increase again. I like to think that the recent increase is because businesses can see the value in their membership. The Chamber’s work is far from done. However, it’s exciting to look back at what has been accomplished in the last five years … especially in these trying economic times. I feel the Chamber has served somewhat as a role model for other businesses. It would have been very easy to pull up the covers and wait for better times. However, we felt the responsibility to focus on what was most important and kept moving forward. Yes, there’s more to do … and next year’s Board is ready to make it happen. It’s been a privilege and an honor to serve on the Chamber Board for the past five years. Thank you for the opportunity. Continued Success, Kathi Reed
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
Presents
The 27th Annual Holiday Parade November 21st
THE BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS THE NINTH ANNUAL “TASTE OF BRENTWOOD” RESTAURANT TOUR DATE: TIME: COST:
Application inside newsletter, at Chamber Office, or visit www.brentwoodchamber.com Call 634-3344 for more info.
November 7, 2009 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. $15.00 Per Person OR Two For $25.00
TICKETS ON SALE OCTOBER 13TH BRENTWOOD CHAMBER BRENTWOOD, CA 94513 925-634-3344
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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The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following businesses to the Chamber network: Catwalk 306 Oak Street Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 240-9890 Melinda Torgersen
Marketing Online Media 1389 Clay Ct. Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 240-1848 Kimberley Doyal
Dr. Bill Moore, Ph.D 1111 Burghley Lane Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 308-4231
Maselli Bros Shoe Repair 7911 Brentwood Blvd. Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 516-0272 Ron Maselli
Elements Beauty Lounge 316 Oak Street Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 420-5901 Sally Berry Gilbert Bookkeeping, Tax and Consulting PO Box 21434 El Sobrante, CA 94803 (510) 758-7260 Sharlet Gilbert JoJo the Clown PO Box 1959 Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 212-2465 Joan Smith Just Teach It, LLC 3850 Balfour Rd., Suite I Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 240-7140 Jenny Kuban LA Boxing 8650 Brentwood Blvd Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-2691 Joseph Garcia
Picture People 2535 Sand Creek Rd, 132 Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-2800 Justin Hemphill Salon Vitor 6560 Lone Tree Way, Ste D Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 240-0032 Kim Johnson Trina Rodriguez Select Frame 1200 Chestnut Street Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 513-9000 Frank Bloch Silpada Fine Sterling Jewelry 1644 Century Oaks Drive Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 516-8708 Kristen Harjo
La Tea Da 219 Oak Street Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-8180 Lorrie Sadler Shelley Rebello Theresa Hartman Plum Crazy Golf Enterprises 2425 Positano Avenue Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 513-3029 Matt Plumlee The Game Sports Pub n Pizza 235 Oak Street Brentwood, CA 94513 Jeff Baxter and Joe Abreu
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Ambassadors Corner When we first moved to Brentwood two years ago, I had never been a member of a chamber, much less been to a chamber mixer. If you had asked me what the Chamber of Commerce did, I probably would have asked “What Chamber?” I guess you could say that a few things have changed since then! I first joined the chamber not because I saw the networking potential, or the chance to get involved in my community, but because my manager told me to. Good reason, right? I am truly grateful that I followed his advice though. The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce has proved me with the opportunity to meet new business partners, become more comfortable talking about my business, and, of course, meet new friends that are now more than just my “chamber buddies.” I feel that, as with anything you do, you will get out of chamber what you put into it. Participating in the mixers, volunteering for events, attending the lunches, becoming an ambassador, etc all contribute to your success in the chamber. I have found that the more involved I have become the more contacts and the more business I have gotten out of my membership. It pays to participate! As for my business, I am a sales consultant for Paychex. Paychex, Inc. is a local payroll service provider for small business in the East Bay. Established in 1971, Paychex offers payroll preparations, payroll tax payments, tax form preparations and filing, as well as a variety of human resource and employee benefits administration.
Sarah Jamar Paychex Sales Consultant (925) 242-0700 x 30450 (925) 596-0864 cell (877) 311-0602 direct fax sjamar@paychex.com
Phone: 925-625-0278 P.O. Box 406 Oakley, CA 94561 http://linmarkltd.logomall.com Email: linmarkltd@att.net
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Key Tax Changes from Budget Agreements (October 16, 2009) The California Chamber of Commerce is urging businesses to review the important tax changes resulting from this year’s budget agreements. Changes include estimated tax payments, income tax withholding, and use tax registration and reporting. The information is technical in nature and may require additional assistance from a tax professional or accountant. Following is a look at some key tax provisions. For more information about the new jobs credit, see the full version of this article by Gina Rodriguez of tax specialists Spidell Publishing, Inc. on HRCalifornia.com. Estimated Taxes
Instead of paying 25 percent of the annual required payment each quarter, both corporations and individuals must make accelerated estimated tax payments for the 2009 and 2010 taxable years (see left side of chart). The budget also creates a new non-conformity provision to the federal exception to the underpayment penalty. The annualized installment method, or full payment spread throughout the year, allows taxpayers to compute estimated taxes based on annualizing actual taxable income earned over the months in the taxable year ending before the due date for the installment over any amount paid in prior installments. These percentages have changed as well. When using the annualized installment method, taxpayers must use an accelerated payment scheme for both the 2009 and 2010 taxable years (see right side of chart). Income Tax Withholding
The budget increases withholding for certain payments made on or after November 1, 2009: Withholding on wages increases by 10 percent. Withholding on supplemental wages increases from 6 percent to 6.6 percent. Withholding on stock options and bonus payments increases from 9.3 percent to 10.23 percent. The Legislature revised the state’s withholding tables once already in April 2009 to reflect the February 2009 budget changes—an 0.25 percent across-the-board increase and a reduction in the dependent exemption credit of about $210 per dependent. The 10 percent increase in withholding on wages is “optional,” meaning employees may file a new Form DE 4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, with their employer to change their withholding. An employee may change his/her withholding at any time, and as often as needed. Backup Withholding
The budget also conforms, with modifications, to Internal Revenue Code Section 3406 federal backup withholding rules. For payments made on or after January 1, 2010, the budget requires: Backup withholding at a rate of 7 percent for California whenever required for federal purposes; and The Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number of the recipient of income to be furnished on demand of the person paying the income.
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Key Tax Changes continued: For purposes of backup withholding, the budget requirement includes only payments of income defined in California’s withholding-at-source statute, with respect to rents, prizes, compensation for services and other fixed or determinable annual or periodic income. The budget specifically excludes from California’s backup withholding rules interest and dividends and any release of loan funds made by a financial institution in the normal course of business. California’s backup withholding provisions supersede any other withholding provision required under the administrative provisions of the Revenue and Tax Code. Also, the payer required to withhold must notify the payee of the withholding in the form and manner prescribed by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). The FTB made more information available at the beginning of October through its web page, www.ftb.ca.gov, and “Tax News” newsletter. The backup withholding obligation will begin January 1, 2010. Use Tax Registration/Reporting
The budget requires qualified purchasers to register with the Board of Equalization (BOE) and report and pay any use tax owed for purchases made in the preceding year. The first use tax returns will be due on April 15, 2010, for untaxed purchases made in 2009. A qualified purchaser is a business that meets all these tests: Is not required to hold a seller’s permit with the BOE. Is not required to be registered and is not otherwise registered with the BOE. Is not a holder of a use tax direct payment permit (see Revenue and Taxation Code, Section 7051.3). Receives at least $100,000 in gross receipts per year from business operations worldwide. The primary change under this new budget is the requirement to file with the BOE. Before this law, only retailers selling tangible personal property were required to register. The BOE planned on mailing notification letters to businesses potentially subject to the new registration requirement starting in September 2009 using data from 2007 IRS tax returns to target its audience. Once a business replies to the letter, the BOE will send the business an account number and log-in code for efiling purposes (which the BOE expects to be available in March 2010). If a business fails to respond to the letter, the BOE will register the business automatically and mail it an account number. Once registered, the BOE will ask for 2007 and 2008 tax returns. The BOE is likely to waive any penalties on unpaid use tax, but businesses must pay interest. Registered businesses must file a sales-and-use-tax return with the BOE, and may not report any use tax liability on their income or franchise tax return filed with the FTB. All businesses required to register with the BOE under this new program must file a return with the BOE, even if there is no use tax liability. Companies face no penalty for not registering with the BOE or for failing to file when no use tax liability exists. If payment is late, however, a business may owe a penalty equal to 10 percent of the use tax liability.
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Tummies to Tots and Recollections Media Transfer The latest Chamber Mixer was co-hosted by Jeannette Hemenway of Tummies to Tots and Chaya Rowland of Recollections Media Transfer. The mixer was held in the Tummies To Tots children’s consignment shop on Balfour Road and Chaya displayed how her services can preserve your memories still stuck on out-of-date media. The Chamber thanks you both!
Thank you to the following businesses for donating wonderful prizes for our mixer raffle:The Monthly Grapevine, Wineshop at Home, Yogurt Pizazz, Kimberley Victor of Mary Kay; and to Jeanette and Chaya for the business card drawing prizes.
O
KTOBERFEST
This year’s Downtown Thursdays series featured Oktoberfest with great music, motorcycles, a beer garden, brat dogs, and lots of activities for the whole family. Pictures courtesy of Discovery Bay Studios.
The Brentwood Clarion CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS WHO RECEIVED $100 OFF THEIR FIRST YEAR MEMBERSHIP UNDER PGE’S ENERGY AUDIT SPONSORSHIP!
Gilbert Bookkeeping, Tax and Consulting Services Jojo the Clown Silpada Fine Jewelry Select Frame Marketing Online Media Just Teach It, LLC Maselli Bros. Shoe Repair Salon Vitor Plum Crazy Golf Enterprises The Game Sports Pub n Pizza
Key Tax Changes: continued from page 7 It is important to note that the use tax has been in effect in California since 1935, and applies to purchases made from out-of-state sellers. A taxpayer may have a use tax liability when making purchases from an out -of-state retailer if the seller does not collect California sales or use tax or if the buyer uses, gives away, stores or consumes the item in California.
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2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS November 3 Joan Buchanan Luncheon Caps Restaurant 12 noon November 7 A Taste of Brentwood Restaurant Tour 1-5 p.m. November 12 Good Morning Brentwood 7:30 a.m. Chamber Office November 19 Mixer-Scary Larry's 5:30—7:30 November 21 Holiday Parade Downtown Brentwood December 2 Joan Buchanan Visit 11:30-2:30 Chamber Office
7th Annual Brentwood CityRead The Brentwood City Read program continues until November 21st. You can pick up a copy at the listed locations. There is a bookmark to complete with your comments and return to the Brentwood Library. Your opinion may be in the Brentwood Press! With your permission, of course. Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Brentwood Press Gabby’s Grind Panama Bay Coffee Company Peet’s Coffee & Tea Starbucks Summerset libraries Willy’s Bagels & Blends When you are finished with the book, pass it on to a friend or return it to the Brentwood Library.
December 17 Holiday Gala- TBA Events may be subject to change at any time.
Check the
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Page 11 BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2009 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 Amy Alvis, Director Living Trusts by Amy
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
The Chamber Ambassador Team Pat Trombino, First Bank 2008 Ambassador of the Year Michael Hernandez, Chair, New York Life The Chamber welcomes two new ambassadors: Sarah Jamar, Paychex E. Scott McKnight, E.S. McKnight Insurance Agency Paul Roman, Window Innovations Amy Alvis, Living Trusts by Amy David Mengel, Gemini Staffing Vicki Sexton, First Bank Olga Vidriales, Travis Credit Union Donna Zickerman, Fifth Avenue Ed Gutierrez, Certa Pro Painters Lori Knudsen, California Payroll
Sean McCauley, Director McCauley Olive Groves
Richard Perez-Pacheco, Director Black Sheep Design
Marlon Smith, Director Best Buy
Olga Vidriales, Director Travis Credit Union ——————————————————
Harry York, CEO Lyle Miller, Membership Services Dir. Lisa Hurt, Support Services Dir. Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator Bill Putman, Volunteer Pat Trombino, Event Coordinator 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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Hometown Halloween a Howling Success! The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce presented its Annual Hometown Halloween on Saturday, October 24th. The event was a huge success and had one of the best turnouts ever! A big Thank you to our event sponsor, Travis Credit Union, the businesses that passed out candy, and to the many volunteers who work behind the scenes to provide a fun and safe Halloween for Brentwood.
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