Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber News Newsletter
LARGEST BUSINESS ORGANIZATION IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY
Best of Tuolumne County Awards Every year since 1921, the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce has selected outstanding citizens from Tuolumne County to be recognized for their achievements and contributions to this great community. These awards were presented at our Annual Community Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 20, 2014, at the Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort.
December 2014
Seasons greetings from all of us at the Chamber ! Signatures?? Or photo? :)
This year’s winners for the Best of Tuolumne County are:
Citizen of the Year: Mike Albrecht Sierra Resource Management Sponsored by T. C. Chamber of Commerce
Administrative Prof. of the Year: Chris McCoy, BOCR Sponsored by Sierra Pacific Industries
Entrepreneur of the Year Ridge Schneider, Sonora Subaru Sponsored by Mother Lode Bank
Small Business of the Year: Steve & Cindy Zelinsky, Lazy Z Sponsored by The Junction Shopping Ctr.
Students of the Year: Tioga High: Dylan Marburg Sonora High: Tess Houghton Summerville High: Cassidy Weathers Sponsored by MOCSE Credit Union
Non-Profit of the Year: The Black Hat Foundation Sponsored by Blue Mountain Minerals
Teacher of the Year: David Winslow, Sonora High School Sponsored by The Union Democrat
Excellence in Government: Randy Hanvelt, Board of Sup. Sponsored by Black Oak Casino Resort
Congratulations to all our 2014 Awardees and thank you to all the award sponsors for your continued support!
IN THIS ISSUE Calendar of Events
Page 3
Business Briefs
Page 4
Order 2015 Employment Posters
Page 5
BOE & CalChamber Notices
Page 6
Hour of Code
Page 7
Health & Human Services
Page 8
Banquet Photos
Page 9
Drought Highlights
Page 11
CHOOSE TUOLUMNE COUNTY Photos on page 10 & 11
This Holiday Season…
“You can’t buy HAPPINESS but you can BUY LOCAL, and that’s kind of the same thing” - Unknown
MISSION - To provide leadership for a healthy and vibrant business environment and encourage responsible economic growth respecting Tuolumne County’s quality of life.
Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce OFFICERS Wendy Gast---------------------------------------------------President of the Board Amelia Harrison-------------------------------------------------------President Elect Jeff Redoutey------------------------------------------------------------Vice President Jim Costello-----------------------------------------------------------------GAC Chair Margaret Davis------------------------------------------------Past Chair/Treasurer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Vacant ----------------------------------------------------------------------Rep. Sonora Mark Truppner (KVML Radio)---------------------------------------Rep. Sonora Peggy Mosley (Groveland Hotel)----------------------------------Rep. Groveland Justin Myers (Caldwell Insurance)-----------------------------Rep. East Sonora Dayna Davis (Sierra Pacific Industries)------------------------Rep. Soulsbyville Jamie Lloyd (Chicken Ranch Casino)---------------------------Rep. Jamestown Sherri Langley (Black Oak Casino)-------------------------Rep. Tuolumne City Jeff Redoutey (Blue Mountain Minerals)-------------------------Rep. Columbia Amelia Harrison (Umpqua Bank)-----------------------------------Rep. At Large Margaret Davis (Junction Shopping Center)-------------------- Rep. At Large Wendy Gast (Union Democrat)--------------------------------------Rep. At Large Jim Costello (Mt. Brow Winery)------------------------------------Rep. At Large Vacant-------------------------------------------------------------------Rep. E. Sonora Brad Menary (Business First)---------------------------------- Rep. Twain Harte Teri Brockmire (Basket Diva)------------------------------- Chair, Ambassadors Lisa Mayo (Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau)---------Ex-Officio & TCVB Ron Kopf (Tuolumne County Business Council)---------------------Ex-Officio Shirley Sarno (Sonora Chamber of Commerce)----------------------Ex-Officio Steffanie Reed (Twain Harte Chamber of Commerce)--------------Ex-Officio James Nagle (Yosemite Chamber of Commerce)---------------------Ex-Officio Gary Neubert (Columbia Chamber of Commerce)------------------ Ex-Officio Constance O’Connor (Tuolumne County Arts Alliance)----------- Ex-Officio Joe Silva (Superintendent of County Schools)-------------------------Ex-Officio Steve Farrell (SCORE)-----------------------------------------------------Ex-Officio Thyra Lawrence (Leadership Tuolumne County)--------------------Ex-Officio Larry Cope (Economic Development Authority)---------------------Ex-Officio CHAMBER STAFF Michael Ayala----------------------------------------------CEO/Executive Director Monique Robertson-----------------Office Manager/Administrative Assistant Candice Kendall----------------Administrative Assistant & LTC Coordinator
Visit the Chamber Website
CHAMBER AFFILIATE SCORE----------------------------------------Service Corps of Retired Executives LEADERSHIP TUOLUMNE COUNTY Thyra Lawrence-------------------------------------------------------------------Chair YOUTH LEADERSHIP TUOLUMNE COUNTY Vix DeMattei-----------------------------------------------------------------------Chair Chamber News is published monthly by Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce 222 South Shepherd Street • Sonora, California 95370 (209) 532-4212 • Fax: (209) 532-8068 Email: info@tcchamber.com • Web: http://www.tcchamber.com Publisher & Editor-----------------------------------------------------Michael Ayala Design & Layout Editor--------------------------------------------Candice Kendall Editorial copy and advertising deadline is 25th of month for following month. Please note: Editorial opinions are not necessarily those of the Board of Directors or members of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce.
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December 2014
Don’t sit on the Sidelines, GET INVOLVED! DECEMBER 2014
JANUARY 2015
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5 Governmental Affairs Council: 11 a.m. – Chamber 7 Executive Board of Directors: Noon – Chamber 8 Ambassadors Committee: Noon – Chamber 12 SCORE: 9 a.m. – Chamber 14 Transportation Committee: 9:30 a.m. – Chamber 14 Board of Directors: 11 a.m. – Chamber 15 Marketing/Website Committee: Noon – Chamber 15 T. C. Chamber Mixer! 5-7 p.m. Pinnell’s Carpet One 22 LTC/YLTC: Noon—Chamber
Governmental Affairs Council: 11 a.m. – Chamber Executive Board Meeting: 12pm – Chamber Ambassadors Committee: Noon – Chamber SCORE: 9 a.m. – Chamber Board of Directors Retreat: 9am – Umpqua Bank Governmental Affairs Council: 11 a.m. – Chamber Sonora Chamber Mixer: 5:30-7 p.m. LTC/YLTC: Noon – Chamber Marketing/Website/Special Events Committee: Noon – Chamber 18 Chamber Christmas Mixer 5p.m Umpqua Bank at The Junction
Please be reminded The Chamber will be closed for the Holidays on the following days:
Christmas — Monday, Dec. 22nd to Friday, Dec. 26th New Year’s— Wednesday, Dec. 31st & Thursday, Jan. 1st
December 2014
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Bearly Quilting will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in business at the Junction Shopping Center in Sonora. Columbia College Employer Survey Columbia College is developing a new five-year strategic plan – and it wants to hear from the Tuolumne County business community about employment needs.
With continued growth, the business has recently reorganized and created the new positions of Office Manager, held by Tara Perry, Floor Manager, held by Debbi Nisser, and Sewing Machine Dept Manager held by Cindy Niebla.
Please access the links to the survey listed below to respond to a key question: “As an employer, what skills and qualities are you looking for in an employee?” This survey will close December 15th.
Congratulations to Larry & Nancy Bertuccelli on a decade of business in the County!
Columbia College Employment Skills Survey
209-694-0226 bearlyquilting@att.net www.bearlyquilting.net
or The Chamber would like to say a special
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9VZ779B
Thank You to Bearly Quilting for yet another very generous donation of an Autumn Leaves Quilt for live auction at our recently held Annual Community Awards Banquet.
Your answers are essential to help shape the future of Columbia College and establish priorities for programming and services to meet the education and training needs of the communities that we serve. Thank you in advance for your participation!
Thank You to Our Chamber Ambassadors! Chamber Ambassadors are members who serve as official Chamber representatives at Chamber functions including, but not limited to mixers, banquets, orientations, ribbon cuttings and award presentations. These dedicated Ambassadors volunteer their time to help their Chamber and community, and we greatly appreciate their dedication and commitment!
Diane Nowack California State Auto Assoc. Erin O’Hare Golden State Cellular
Dick Southern Carol Southern VVA
Donna Ledwick Sonora Insurance Agency
Carole Mutzner American Red Cross
Teri Brockmire The Basket Diva 4
Jeanne Shenefelt Paralegal
December 2014
Jamie Lloyd Chicken Ranch Casino
Nancy Gottschall Let’s Go! Travel Paula Cheatham Glenn Caldwell Insurance Charlotte Hague TuCare Crystal Birmingham Best Western Sonora Oaks
Gat Slor Legal Shield Brandon Russell 4th Dimensional Mktg. Michelle Dean New York Life Lyn Wilson, Mary Gorgas, Linda Eskandary Oak Valley Community Bank
Order your 2015 Employment Posters It’s the Law Click the link below to download the order form, or contact Monique at the Chamber 209-532-4212.
Order Form OOPS! We did not have a draw for the December Business Spotlight
If you are reading this AND are the FIRST to let us know, we will feature your business’s ad for the rest of December on our business spotlight page…...GO! Last Call …..
The Chamber is looking for involved, community minded business members to join the Chamber’s Board of Directors. We have one (1) more open Board seat we are looking to fill within the city of Sonora. We ask that you be active and able to attend the Board of Directors meeting the second Wednesday of each month from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You are also expected to participate in a committee which meets once a month for about an hour. All meetings are normally held at the Chamber office. A candidate for the Board of Directors must have been a member in good standing of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce for a minimum of one year prior to being elected to the Board. A term of office is three years. If you might be interested, please call the Chamber office at 209-532-4212 and ask to speak to Michael Ayala.
December 2014
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Senator George Runner (Ret.)
CalChamber Releases 2015 List New Employment Laws Affecting Businesses
MEMBER, BOARD OD EQUALIZATION DISTRICT 2
Outreach to Restaurant Owners Doing business in California has become increasingly difficult, and to be successful it's important business owners know their tax obligations and the rights and the resources at their disposal. That's why I recently hosted another "Tax Help for Restaurants" telephone town hall with the California Restaurant Association where we discussed sales and use tax issues that affect restaurant The California Chamber of Commerce released a list of new employowners, such as the "80/80 rule," hot vs. cold food and mandatory ment laws scheduled to take effect in 2015 or earlier that will have an impact on businesses in California. tips and gratuities. Similar to last year's event, participants had the opportunity to ask specific questions, and we had a number of great questions from restaurant owners across my district. They brought up topics such as catering to non-profit organizations, food spoilage, tax included sales and how to apply tax when dealing with a common seating area. In case you missed it, here's the audio recording.
New Laws Some of the new laws for 2015, such as mandatory paid sick leave, make significant changes to California’s legal landscape. Other new laws make changes to different parts of existing law or may only affect employers in specified industries, such as farming. Unless specified, the list of new legislation goes into effect on January 1, 2015.
More details are available in a free CalChamber white paper, availaYou can also find the town hall recording, a recording of my ble here (http://goo.gl/stcWQl) 2013 town hall and additional taxpayer resources for restaurants at boe.ca.gov/restaurants. Courtesy CalChamber
December 2014
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decision increases your chances of poor judgment, resulting in a greater risk of severe, and potentially deadly, consequences.
Important Reminders for a Safe and Fun Holiday Season The end of the year is rapidly approaching, meaning that many people are well underway with planning their holiday and New Year celebrations. Though most are focused on enjoying the festivities with friends and loved ones, it is equally important to recognize the driving dangers that are associated with the holiday season.
Find a safe ride home: If you have been drinking, call a sober friend or family member, or utilize your local taxi or driving service to ensure that you get home safely. Remember, there is always an option for a safe ride home. Law enforcement will be out in full force: The annual DUI crackdown period will take place from Dec. 12- Jan. 1, with law enforcement actively on the lookout for those who are driving impaired. With the average first time DUI costing $10,000, spending a small amount on a safe ride home is by far the most logical – and economical – choice.
With alcohol being a common staple at holiday parties and gatherings, it is no surprise that the month of December equates to an increased number of DUI offenses and drunk driving crashes. In fact, over the month of December 2012, a staggering 830 people lost their lives across the nation in crashes involving a drunk driver, including 92 killed and over 1,800 injured in California alone.
Additionally, remember to visit the OTS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ CaliforniaOTS for non-alcoholic drink recipes created specifically for Designated Drivers. Developed by popular food and drink establishments throughout California, these “DDrinks” (Designated Driver Drinks) are perfect for any holiday gathering. Party hosts are encouraged to check out these simple recipes, giving sober drivers a fun way to take part in the festivities, too.
To avoid risking these serious consequences, and to ensure that your holiday celebrations are both fun and safe, the California Office of Traffic Safety offers the following reminders: Plan ahead, designate a sober driver: If you plan to consume alcohol during your holiday festivities, make it a point to designate a sober driver ahead of time. Waiting until you’ve been drinking to make this
The California Office of Traffic Safety wishes you a safe and happy holiday season!
Help your kids learn how to CREATE video games, not just PLAY them Sign up them up for an Hour of Code! According to the federal government, the “STEM” fields —science, technology, engineering, and math—are expected to grow 1.7 times faster than other occupations between now and 2018. Those in STEM-related fields also earn 11 percent more than their counterparts in other fields. By introducing students to computer science education at an early age, we can ensure they will be better prepared to succeed in the 21st century workforce, and we can do our part to help facilitate economic growth here in the Central Valley. Every year, the “Hour of Code” is promoted as part of Computer Science Education Week, which takes place this year
from December 8-14. Hour of Code is an hour-long, selfguided tutorial that teaches students of all ages the basics of computer coding in a fun and interactive way, letting them create their favorite video games, rather than just play them. Last year, 15 million students from 170 countries took part in the annual Hour of Code event. I encourage your kids to participate this year and help achieve the goal of having 100 million students participate worldwide. How you can get involved:
Mark your calendars now - December 8–14, 2014
Get started at http://hourofcode.com
Ask your local school to offer an Hour of Code
Help spread the word with #HourOfCode Courtesy “Olsen on the Issues”—Issue 11 December 2014
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December 2014
Click for Gallery
The Hotel, Black Oak Casino Resort
Entrepreneur of the Year
Ridge Schneider
Citizen of the Year
Mike Albrecht with his wife, Vicki
Administrative Professional of the Year
Chris McCoy
Excellence in Government
Randy Hanvelt (Debi Bautista accepted on his behalf )
Non-Profit of the Year
The Black Hat Foundation (Accepted by President Don Escallier)
Teacher of the Year
David Winslow—Sonora High
Small Business of the Year
Lazy Z—Steve & Cindy Zelinsky
Student of the Year—Tioga High
Dylan Marburg Student of the Year—Summerville High Student of the Year—Sonora High
Cassidy Weathers
Tess Houghton
December 2014
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Banquet Continued...
Mike & Nancy Ayala
The Black Hat Brigade
Busy Bidders
Arnie & Teri Brockmire
Monique Robertson & Candice Kendall It’s All about the ‘Mixing’
Congratulations to all the Awardees and Prize Winners at our Annual Community Awards Banquet Prize
Donated By
Winner
Gift Card Tree Gift Bag Candy & Wine Basket Tea Service Learn to Ski Package Gianelli Wine & Snacks Wine Truffles & Scented Candles Gift Basket Champagne & Chocolates Snacks to Go 49ers Fan Basket Gift Bag Learn to Ski Package Everything Silver Gift Basket A Pair of Watercolor Paintings Kitchen Chicken
The Junction Shopping Center Merchants Black Oak Casino Resort Nancy & Mike Ayala Anonymous Dodge Ridge Ski Resort Lets Go! Travel Glenn Caldwell Insurance Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce Jeanne Shenefelt Oak Valley Community Bank Nancy Gottschall, Lets Go! Travel Black Oak Casino Resort Dodge Ridge Ski Resort The Basket Diva The Banyan Tree Chicken Ranch Casino
Nancy Bertuccelli Gina Prock Gina Prock Olga Jones Curtis Mentz Deborah Moss Deborah Moss Deborah Moss Julie VonSavoye Ronaldo Pasqual Tom Clayton Nancy Gottschall Amy Nilson Lyn Wilson Lyn Wilson Teri Brockmire
Autumn Leaves Quilt
Bearly Quilting
Ron Patel
$500 Gift Voucher Gift Basket
Taylor Jewellers SRT, Lazy Z Resort & Seven Sisters
Cathy Warnick Curtis Mentz
Thank You To All Who Donated Prizes and to All Award Sponsors—Black Oak Casino Resort, Blue Mountain Minerals, MOCSE Credit Union, Mother Lode Bank, Sierra Pacific Industries, The Junction Shopping Center and The Union Democrat 10
December 2014
Storms a Long Way from Abating Drought; Water Conservation, Allocations Still Down A strong storm system rolled through California, prompting mudslide concerns in the Northern and Southern half of the state, particularly in areas that endured the Colby, King, and Rim fires. With enough rain in burned areas, loose debris can damage roadways and homes.
“Recent rains are no reason to let up on our conservation efforts,” said Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Board. “…This latest report raises questions whether some residents have slowed on water conservation efforts, whether conditions like temperature made a big difference in different areas, or whether it is just time to direct agencies to find additional conservation opportunities in day-to-day water use.”
In some areas, the U.S. Forest Service prepared in advance for the storms with an aerial mulching effort, dropping a layer of straw over burn areas to stem the flow of water.
The South Coast exhibited a decline in monthly water savings, dropping to 1.4% savings in October as compared to 7.5% savings during September. With 56% of all the residential water customers statewide, this decline in conservation had a significant impact on the state average for October residential water savings.
Drought Persists
Water Allocation
Despite this storm system and recent rains, the Sierra Nevada snowpack, which provides two-thirds of California’s water supply, is only at 24% of normal for this time of year, and Lake Oroville, which delivers water from Northern California south, is at 26% of its capacity.
On December 1, the California Department of Water Resources estimated that it will be able to deliver 10% of the water called for in contracts held by the members of the State Water Project. This projected allocation is an increase over last year when the initial allocation of 5% was reduced to zero due to lack of rain.
California would need to have a storm every three to five days for the next three months (150% of the normal seasonal rainfall) to recover from its historic drought, according to Michael Anderson, a climatologist with the California Department of Water Resources.
Depending upon the volume of rain and snow that reaches California this winter, the allocation may increase or decrease. On average, half of California’s precipitation occurs December through February, and three-quarters from November through March.
Water Conservation Down
Workshop Ahead
The latest water use report released by the State Water Board indicates that statewide residential water conservation receded further in October to 6.7%, after having dropped in September to 10.3%.
A half-day Southern California water conservation workshop will be held on December 17 to solicit suggestions on what, if any, additional conservation measures should be adopted in 2015 to increase water conservation statewide. To view the latest water use report, visit www.waterboards.ca.gov. Staff Contact: Valerie Nera Courtesy CalChamber
California residents’ peak conservation rate was in August, at 11.6%. The report’s findings prompted concern that state residents won’t be prepared if California faces a fourth year of drought conditions in 2015.
U.S. Drought Monitor California
December 2014
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Edward Jones-Todd Simonson AAMS, CFP GDI-Micropoint Computer Services* George Reed, Inc. Heuser’s Furniture* Kelly-Moore Paint Co.* Mother Lode Property Management, Inc.* The Black Hat Foundation*
A special thanks to all of our 2014 Gold Champion Sponsors, Board of Directors and Volunteers for another year of continued support and advocacy of the Business Community in Tuolumne County. We appreciate you all and look forward to a prosperous 2015!