Presorted STD U.S. Postage Paid Norwalk, CA Permit NO. 55
Chamber of Commerce
Serving and Supporting the Business Community Since 1923
APRIL 2011 • Vol 1, No. 5 • www.norwalkchamber.com • info@norwalkchamber.org
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Chamber Annual State of the County Breakfast
Savings Ideas for Small Businesses.” I would like to thank Art Husami of Husami & Associates for presenting this workshop which offered valuable information to the business owners about the many tax savings available for this year. If you missed this workshop - keep your eyes open, because there will be others coming in the future. One of the advantages to your membership in the Norwalk Chamber is free and discounted workshops, trainings and seminars all designed to support our Chamber members and help them to grow their businesses. We also held our Annual State of the County Breakfast which featured our own Supervisor Don Knabe. Mr. Knabe shared with us much information about how Los Angeles County is working within the economic constraints that all of
Supervisor Don Knabe joined the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the City of Norwalk, as we presented the Annual “State of the County” Breakfast at the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex. Special thanks to Sylvia Southerland and Southern California Edison for sponsoring this great event. We also thank Café n’ Stuff for sponsoring the breakfast. And of course, the event could not have been possible without Supervisor Knabe and his staff and their ongoing support to the Norwalk Community. Much information was shared by Supervisor Knabe about the current issues and successes that Los Angeles County is dealing with. He shared that Los Angeles County is in better shape than many because of good planning and the cooperation of all employee bargaining units. Still many burdens have been placed on the system because of economic hardships. Both the welfare and food stamp programs have seen a considerable increase in demand, and more than 20% of that increase comes from first time participants. The unemployment rate in the County has improved slightly but is still at 12.7%. Property tax and sales tax revenues are down, and there are statewide budget issues to contend with. Some of the creative ideas that the state is coming up with would put additional strains on the county systems. Concerns are that more administrative work will be given to the local governments but financial resources will not come with that additional responsibility. Becoming “partners” seems to be the buzzword or spin that is being used by the state, but a true partnership involves all parties sharing the responsibilities and revenues together. According to the Supervisor, the realty is the state budget gap is so large, even if you shut down the entire Cal State University system, the University of California schools, the Junior College system and the Highway Patrol, it would not cover the current budget gap. So there are still serious budget issues that will have to be addressed over the coming months and years.
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Betty Chacon President Wells Fargo Bank
L
ately it seems all you hear on the news are taxes and more taxes: “Tax day is fast approaching, Extend the sales Taxes, Put New Taxes on the Ballot” and more. That is why the Norwalk Chamber was pleased to offer a free workshop this last month on “Tax
Betty Chacon
Supervisor Don Knabe receives “thank you” from the Norwalk Chamber Board of Directors. Pictured here are Carol Trujillo, Camino Federal Credit Union, Maria Gonzalez, Norwalk Union 76 Service Center, Tracy Polley, Kelco Sales, Gary Murphy, Norwalk Florist, Karla Butler, Thompson Bookkeeping, Supervisor Don Knabe, Katherine Osterfeld, Office Depot and Rob Cazares, Outback Steakhouse.
Supervisor Don Knabe with local elected officials, Joseph Gonzales City of El Monte Councilmember, Marcel Rodarte City of Norwalk Councilmember, Ana Valencia Norwalk La Mirada USD School Board, Vivian Hansen, Paramount USD School Board, Cheri Kelley City of Norwalk Vice Mayor, Supervisor Don Knabe, Luigi Vernola City of Norwalk Councilmember, Tom Jackson President Cerritos College Board of Trustees, Bob Arthur Vice President Cerritos College Board of Trustees.
$30 Bottle of wine for $15
ArteARTE Cafe-Cerritos CAFE
food for voucher only $15at Purchase www.yourcitycoupons.net CLICK HERE! WE‘LL GIVE 10% TO YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY TOO! JUST GIVE US YOUR FAVORITE DURING REGISTRATION!
2 NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • APRIL 2011
Norwalk
Chamber Of Commerce
12040 Foster Road, Norwalk, CA., 90650 Phone: 562.864.7785 FAX: 562.864.8539
info@norwalkchamber.com
Executive Committee PRESIDENT
Betty Chacon
Wells Fargo Bank VP FINANCE
Jesse Urquidi
Norwalk Lions Club PRESIDENT ELECT
Joseph Derthick
AFLAC VP COMMUNICATIONS/ SECRETARY
Karla Butler
Thompson & Associates IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Teri Bazen
Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing
Board of Directors Reggie Berry
Goals For Life Coast Plaza Hospital
Rob Cazares
Outback Restaurant
Rita DeBenedictis Café n’ Stuff
Lynda Fisher WalMart
Toni Grijalva
Cerritos College
Jennifer Kocaoglu
Costco Wholesale - Norwalk
Richard LeGaspi TNT Fireworks
Gary Murphy
Norwalk Florist/Flowers by Alan
Tracy Polley Kelco Sales
Lesley Watkins
Community Family Guidance Center AMBASSADOR CHAIR
Joseph Derthick AFLAC EVENTS CHAIR
Lynda Fisher Wal-Mart
Toni Grijalva
Cerritos College CHAMBER DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS Z-Ultimate Self Defense Martial Arts Studio Marcos Rubio 12521 Alondra Blvd. Unit A Norwalk CA 90650 562-229-9699 www.zultimatenorwalk.com
A & E Awards, Trophies & More Esmeralda Gallardo 15602 Graystone Ave. Norwalk CA 90650 562-650-0838 AE-Trophies@hotmail.com Expo Motor Cars Edmond Tavaniam 11301 Firestone Blvd. Norwalk CA 90650 562-868-8888 www.expoauto.com
The following companies and individuals renewed their membership with the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the services we provide are made possible by of their support. “Support the Businesses that Support Economic Growth in Norwalk” 30 Years Norwalk Records 15 Years Southeast ROP
• April 26, 2011 Cerritos College Mega Mixer • April 28, 2011 Networking Luncheon – Doubletree Hotel 11:30am– 1 pm PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.NORWALKCHAMBER FOR RESERVATION INFORMATION
13 Years Burrito Brothers 12 Years Tam’s Super Burgers
Scott Collins 15617 Bechard Ave. Norwalk CA 90650 562-965-6557 thecommish@verizon.net
11 Years El Taco Locco New Harvest Christian Fellowship John’s Sweeper Service
Small Business Counseling
Resources, Legal issues, Start-up help, Marketing and Sales. Contact the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce at 562-864-7785 to make your appointment.
The Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center are continuing to offer business counseling sessions at the Norwalk Chamber twice a month. These sessions are one-on-one, hour and a half sessions with a professional bilingual counselor. Appointments can be made with the Chamber office. The sessions are free and the counselor will work with you on your business plan, marketing and financial strategies. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a nationwide SBDC program that partners with federal and private entities to provide small business owners access to management consulting, entrepreneurial education, and other valuable business resources. If you own a business or are planning to start one in Los Angeles County, here are just a few areas that SBDC Business Advisors address: Business plans, Capital sourcing, Cash, Contracting and procurement, Financing, Human
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
9 Years Thompson & Associates
Norwalk Chamber Benefits Did you know…. That the Norwalk Chamber offers a Group Health Insurance Plan? If you are like most small businesses today, the high cost of health insurance is a major concern and can be a threat to your profitability. Ben-E-Lect offers opportunities to Chamber Members to find the best insurance provider at the lowest cost for you. Contact them today at 888-8867973 or on the web at www.chamber. benelect.com for more information. Did you know… That advertising on the Norwalk Chamber website is cost effective and easy? The Norwalk Chamber website has hundreds of hits every month. We offer affordable prices to place your business ad on our home page. Contact the Norwalk Chamber at
562-864-7785 or by email at info@ norwalkchamber.com for additional details. Visit our website at www. norwalkchamber.com Did you know… That you can mail flyers to all the Norwalk Chamber members with our monthly mailings at a low cost? If you’re interested in getting the word out about your business or want to promote a special, this is a cost effective way to do it. Did you know… That as a Norwalk Chamber member, we will do quarterly email blasts for you for FREE! Submit your .PDF file to the Norwalk Chamber at ceo@norwalkchamber.com Did you know… There is a free workshop on March 10th, hosted by the Norwalk Chamber and presented by Art Husami of Husami & Associates? Come discover all the tax tips you need to save your business money in 2011! The Norwalk Chamber always strives to provide relevant workshops for its members at little or no cost. Did you know… if you have career opportunities at your company – we will run a Help Wanted Ad for you for FREE.
Kaleidoscope 2011 CAPC, Inc. and the Radisson Hotel Whittier invite you to participate
City Council Liaison
MAY 4TH, 2011 4:00- 7:00 PM RADISSON HOTEL WHITTIER *FREE TO ATTEND *SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP WITH HUNDREDS OF ITEMS AT SILENT AUCTION TABLES *5 TIMES THE NETWORKING POWER WITH CHAMBER AND COMMUNTIY MEMBERS FROM NORWALK, PICO RIVERA, SANTA FE SPRINGS, LA HABRA AND WHITTIER *ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY RMH ENTERTAINMENT *EAT DELICIOUS FOOD PROVIDED BY THE RADISSON HOTEL WHITTIER, CAFÉ N STUFF AND OTHER LOCAL FOOD VENDORS
Chamber Staff
Market your business to more than 400 guests! Please see the reverse side for details on sponsorship packages. All proceeds benefit CAPC, Inc.
Teri Bazen
Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing LEGISLATIVE CHAIR
Julia Emerson
So. Cal. Gas Company
Cheri Kelley
Executive Director
Vivian Hansen
Membership Services Director
Caren Spilsbury
Be a Sponsor!!
For more info, call CAPC (562) 693-8826 or email Erin Vega at vegae@capcinc.org We are a 501(C)3 organization. Thank you in advance for your tax deductible donation. Our federal tax ID number is 95-4389351
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • APRIL 2011
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital named one of the Best Hospitals in Los Angeles U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Metro Area Ranking. Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital (PIH) has been named as one of the 44 Best Hospitals in Los Angeles in U.S. News & World Report's first-ever Best Hospitals metro area rankings, available online at www.usnews.com/hospitals. PIH is ranked 18 on the list of hospitals. The new rankings recognize 622 hospitals in or near major cities with a record of high performance in key medical specialties, including 132 of the 152 hospitals already identified as the best in the nation. There are nearly 5,000 hospitals nationwide. U.S. News created Best Hospitals more than 20 years ago to identify hospitals exceptionally skilled in handling the most difficult cases, such as brain tumors typically considered inoperable and delicate pancreatic procedures. To be ranked in its metro area, a hospital had to score in the top 25 percent among its peers in at least one of 16 medical specialties. "As a 'Best Hospitals in Los Angeles' recipient, we are pleased to be among a select group of healthcare innovators leading the way to providing high-quality, high-value care," said James R. West, PIH president and chief executive officer. "At PIH we are focused on
March workshop provides needed information to business owners
Art Husami and Salena Barcenas of Husami & Associates at the Tax Incentives Workshop Art Husami, of Husami and Associates was the featured speaker for our March workshop where he presented
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Past President Teri Bazen, Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing [center], receives new member application from Marcos Rubio and James Dowd of Z-Ultimate Self Defense.
unremitting innovation and dedication to providing a superior healthcare experience for our patients." "All of these hospitals provide first-rate care for the majority of patients, even those with serious conditions or who need demanding procedures," says Health Rankings Editor Avery Comarow. "The new Best Hospitals metro rankings can tell you which hospitals are worth considering for most medical problems if you live in or near a major metro area." About Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital is a 400 plus bed acute care, non-profit hospital which was founded in 1959 with the community's trust and support — values retained today by maintaining the highest standards in medical services, in turn making us the area's acknowledged leading healthcare center. Through commitment to outstanding patient care, respect and compassion for all, responsiveness, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship, the PIH team is devoted to serving the needs of its community. PIH's healthcare team is comprised of a stellar clinical staff of almost 600 board-certified physicians representing a broad range of medical specialties, highly qualified nurses, and other exemplary staff. “Tax Incentives for Small Businesses.” Mr. Husami has a wealth of experience in business and financial management and is a certified investment management analyst in addition to being an enrolled agent licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department. The underlying message in this workshop was that “It does not pay or make sense to cheat ourselves or the tax man.” Many businesses don’t even realize they are cheating themselves because of small actions they could be taking everyday. In addition, 2010 brought a host of incentives and deductions that will be gone in 2011. Questions were answered about buying or leasing vehicles, Section 179 deductions, how cell phones are classified on your taxes and how the government is going to make up for all of the tax money they will lose because of these credits and deductions. Mr. Husami kept the workshop relevant to those in attendance and was able to personalize his information to various types of businesses. From sole proprietor to S-Corp, he answered every question asked with intelligent and resourceful answers. The Norwalk Chamber of Commerce thanks Mr. Art Husami and Selena Bareness of Husami & Associates for this wonderful presentation.
3
BUSINESS AND LABOR LAW CORNER Holiday pay mandatory or not? Question:Do we have to pay holiday pay to our employees, and if so, what is the rate – time-anda-half, or double time? We are a small employer and don’t pay holiday pay until an employee has worked for us for three months. Is that permissible?
hires so as to avoid any claim of discrimination or a discriminatory impact. Keep in mind that if a non-exempt employee is required to work a holiday after working 40 hours in a week, overtime would indeed apply at the applicable rates. Overtime also would result if the employee works more than eight hours on that holiday. In addition, an exempt employee must be paid for holidays, if he/she is ready, willing and able to work, regardless of if that exempt employee actually works the holiday. Also, some employers enter into agreements with their employees to pay holiday pay, agreeing on terms between the employer and employee, sometimes negotiated as part of an employment contract. Employers may adopt policies and practices that work with their individual schedules, as long as employees receive the required minimum wage and overtime, if applicable.
MESSAGE from page 1
well informed about the “State of the County.” Be sure and check out upcoming events for the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce. This month we have two networking opportunities for you. April 7th is an Evening Mixer being hosted at Budget Rent-A-Car and a networking lunchon on April 28th at the Norwalk Doubletree Hotel. Networking is the key to your success in growing your business, so we encourage you to attend these events. More information can be found on our website at www.norwalkchamber.com about these events and more.
Holiday pay is not mandatory in California; therefore it is completely within a company’s discretion whether to pay an incentive (overtime) rate to employees who work on holidays. Many employers do pay an incentive rate so as to lessen the “sting” of having to work on a holiday, but it is not mandatory per California law. Any amount is equally allowed, given, of course, that minimum wage is satisfied. Accordingly, putting a “probationary period” on earning holiday pay also is permissible, as long as the probationary period for holiday pay is applied equally to all new
us are dealing with. He expressed concerns for the future with regard to the California State Budget issues, shared with us the strains being put on the County resources because of the current economic situation and also that there were some success stories. One that was very touching was about the Safe Surrender Program that he developed, in which he was able to meet with some of the very children whose lives had been saved by the Safe Surrender Program. The Supervisor was informational and engaging and all who attended came away BREAKFAST from page 1 On a happier note, the Supervisor shared the latest Safe Surrender success. To date, there have been 83 babies saved through the Safe Surrender program. The purpose of Safe Surrender is to protect newborns from being hurt or killed because of abandonment. Safe Surrender allows a parent or legal guardian to confidentially handover an infant, three days old or
younger, to any hospital emergency room or other designated Safe Surrender site. This program is one of the Supervisors greatest accomplishments during his time as in office. The event was a great success with over 85 business and community leaders in attendance. The Norwalk Chamber and City of Norwalk thank Supervisor Knabe and his staff for their support of community events such as these.
Member to Member Discount Program The Member–to–Member Discount Program is a special Chamber program that encourages members to do business with fellow Chamber members. The program helps our members to save money and to increase their exposure. Take advantage of the discounts offered and shop in Norwalk today! Please note that the following discounts are available to Chamber members only who present a membership card at time of purchase. As a Chamber member, if you would like to offer a discount as part of the program or make a change to your current discount, please fill out the form below. You may also call the Norwalk Chamber office at 562.864.7785. Your current Chamber Membership Card must be presented when requesting the discount.
Save money, increase your exposure!
4 NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • APRIL 2011
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
We'll give 10% of our sales to your school, club, or non-profit organization.
www.yourcitycoupons.net
“Norwalk Chamber Networks” “Business Development”
Business development begins with relationship building. The Norwalk Chamber is providing you this opportunity to reinforce your important business connections for 2011! This luncheon will provide you with an opportunity to display your marketing materials to promote your business. Also included with your lunch is the chance to present a "30-second elevator speech". A business card drawing will be held for one business to take the spotlight position to tell more about their business and why others should do business with them. In these challenging times continued exposure and networking of your business is critical.
Seating is Limited! RESERVATIONS ONLY! Begins at 11:30am—ends at 1:00pm DoubleTree Hotel — Norwalk Sonoma Restaurant & Grill 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk Cost: $15 Members ~ Non Members $20
BRING YOUR MARKETING MATERIALS!!!! YES! I will attend the “NORWALK CHAMBER
Name
NETWORKS” Luncheon on Thursday, April 28, 2011
Company
Cost: $15 Members ~ $20 Non Members
Address
I would like
Phone
Fax
Method of Payment: Check
Reserve your seat by Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Simply call (562) 864-7785 Or E-mail info@norwalkchamber.com
Visa
Important: Reservations not cancelled by Tuesday, April 26, 2011 will be invoiced.
Total:
MC
reservation(s) for this event. Included is my . payment of $
AMEX
Please Call, or e-mail reservations to: Credit Card # Signature
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Norwalk Chamber of Commerce 12040 Foster Road | Norwalk, CA 90650 Phone: 562.864.7785 fax: 562.864.8539 email: info@norwalkchamber.com
NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SECOND ANNUAL MINIATURE “GOLDEN GOLF BALL” TOURNAMENT GOLF ‘n STUFF y 10555 E. Firestone, Norwalk, California
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 4:00 PM TO 7:00 PM - SHOTGUN START BIG BEN SPONSOR $450 -
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS:
4 Teams, 2 Tee Signs, Hole in 1 Package, game tokens, Program Recognition, Pre-Tournament Publicity, Newsletter Mention
LIGHTHOUSE SPONSOR $250 TEE SIGN SPONSOR - $50
2 Teams, 1 Tee Sign, Hole-in-One Package, game tokens, Program Recognition, Pre-Tournament Publicity, Newsletter Mention
GOLFING RATES
TEAM (4 Golfers) $100 - CHILDREN WELCOME INDIVIDUAL GOLFERS (1) $30 REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 3:00 PM
(Fee includes golf club and ball rental and 10 game tokens per person) TEAM T-SHIRT CONTEST AWARD - FOR BEST DECORATED T-SHIRTS - HAVE FUN!!!!
HOLE-IN-ONE PACKAGE $25 - An add on to golf, includes: 45 Raffle Tickets, 2 Mulligans, 3 Hole-in-One Contest Attempts - CONTEST 3:15 - 3:45
COMPANY NAME:__________________________________________CONTACT NAME________________________________ PHONE # ____________________________FAX#________________________EMAIL__________________________________ Big Ben Sponsor_______
Lighthouse Sponsor_______ Tee Sign Sponsor_______ Hole in One Package_______
I will donate a raffle prize/goodie bag items, please call me: _______________________________________________ Method of Payment: Visa / Master Card / AMEX (Please Circle) Credit Card Billing Zip Code _____________ Card # ____________________________________________________ Amount _______________________________ Card Expires: _____________________ Signature: ___________________________________________________ NAMES OF GOLFERS: 1. ______________________________________________ 3. ______________________________________________ 2. ______________________________________________ 4. ______________________________________________
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 For More Information on TOURNAMENT DETAILS contact: Norwalk Chamber of Commerce / 12040 Foster Rd. / Norwalk, CA 90650 Phone 562.864.7785 / Fax: 562.864-8539 / Email: ceo@norwalkchamber.com / info@norwalkchamber.com