Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber News Newsletter
LARGEST BUSINESS ORGANIZATION IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY
Education Translates to Success By Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen
capitalize on the success of the recent Vergara v. California. In 2014, the Vergara decision deemed our current The key to alleviating poverty, teacher tenure and dismissal practices strengthening the middle class, and unconstitutional, as they keep poorpreparing students for the workforce performing teachers in the classroom. starts with providing a quality education. Together, we launched our Our students deserve the opportunity to #GreatSchools4CA education reform learn from effective teachers – and our package in an effort to ensure that we teachers deserve to work in an would have only the best teachers environment that allows them to grow training our next generation of workers. and excel. One piece of the #GreatSchools4CA My Assembly Republican colleagues and package would have required the State I introduced a package of education Board of Education to update teacher reform proposals earlier this session. evaluation guidelines, and grade teachers Parents, teachers and communities across based on effectiveness rather than just the State were cheering us on, hoping to evaluating if they are performing at “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” levels. Unfortunately, political games stalled the progress of these meaningful reforms. By referring these bills to a December “interim hearing” for review – and by scheduling that hearing right before Christmas, the legislative measures were essentially killed without the Assembly Education Committee members having to vote “no” on the record. Luckily, we have plenty of smart students, parents and teachers who are not fooled by these political games. They understand the need to provide every child with the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to compete in the future job market.
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So when it came time for the “interim hearing,” which was scheduled right before Christmas, I stood alongside Assemblymembers Catharine Baker and Rocky Chavez and together we fought for the future of our failing education system. Although we made our voices clear, the fight for education reform is not over. Providing an exceptional education for our children is possible, but only if there are enough concerned parents, educators and students who pressure the forces within our educational system. We need your voice to help us work toward a positive outcome for every California student. Please show your support for these measures by writing to the Chairman of the Assembly Education Committee, Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell, at 1020 N Street, Room 159, Sacramento, CA 95814. For a sample letter or more information, please contact Allison Wescott in my Capitol office at 916-319-2012 or allison.wescott@asm.ca.gov. Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, is recognized as a solution-focused reformer. She represents the 12th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties in the Central Valley. Follow her on Twitter: @KristinOlsenCA
MISSION - To provide leadership for a healthy and vibrant business environment and encourage responsible economic growth that respects Tuolumne County’s quality of life.
2016 Ambassador Chairperson—Jeanne Shenefelt Jeanne Shenefelt is the newly appointed chairperson of the Tuolumne County Chamber Ambassadors. Jeanne has been an active volunteer Ambassador for the past 12 years. She started out as a representative to Christmas Partners, a non-profit organization who worked all year to provide Christmas Toys to the children of Tuolumne County, under the umbrella of ATCAA. When Christmas Partners dissolved, Jeanne remained with the Chamber as an independent non-business member. She is now retired from the California State Deptartment of Social Service, and holds a Psych Technician License, Paralegal Certificate and Real Estate license. Prior to moving to Sonora she lived in Santa Clara where she was active in the community with a city appointment to the Cultural Advisory Commission and the Mission City Fund Board. In 2012, Jeanne attended the Tuolumne County Leadership Program and participated in a successful community project to promote Dairy Product donations to the Food Bank. She is now Vice President and Secretary to the Phoenix Lake Park Homeowners Association, is active in Sierra Foothills Women's Club, and many other women's organizations. Her hobbies are playing Mah Jongg, going to NEW MEMBERS the theater, computers, being with her family, and walking her The Harte of the Kitchen little dog, Benjamin.
RENEWING MEMBERS Berkshire Hathaway Services* Carlson, Haff & Associates Chenault Law* Dodge Ridge Wintersports Area* GDI-Micropoint * Heuser’s Furniture* Interfaith Community* Middleton’s * Mike’s Pizza of Sonora* Mother Lode Internet* Mountain Oasis Purified Water* Nor-Cal Glass* Pine Mountain Lake* Pinnell’s Carpet One Tanko Brothers* Taylor Jewelers* The Black Hat Foundation Twin Pines & Mono Vista* *Contributor to Chamber Activities
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Congratulations to all the Raffle prize winners at our December Mixer
Hosted By: SONORA SUBARU Raffle Prize
Donated By
Winner
Host—$100 Holiday Gift Basket $40 Dining Certificate, $25 Slot Play 1,000 Business Cards for $35 Holiday Gourmet Starbucks Prize Gourmet Gift Basket Poinsettia and Candles Gift Set Eagle Castle Zinfandel VIP Membership Club Card 1,000 Business Cards for $35 Ceramic Bowl, Mugs and Goodies $40 Dining Certificate, $25 Slot Play Auto Service Certificate Plush Throw Four Tickets to Almost Maine Christmas Cookies and Chocolates Half of the Evening’s Raffle Proceeds $105
Sonora Subaru Black Oak Casino Resort 4th Dimensional Marketing Tammy Hammond/Academy Mortgage Professional Referral Org. of Sonora Let’s Go! Travel Randy & Gloria Hanvelt Tricia Thompson Design 4th Dimensional Marketing Chicken Ranch Casino Black Oak Casino Resort Sonora Ford/Dave Souther Umpqua Bank Stage 3 Sonora Subaru Chamber Ambassadors & Our Guests
Shelly Schubert Ofelia Ontiveros Amelia Harrison Arnie Brockmire Charlotte Hague Dennis Lafayette Glenn Gottschall Jodi Hembree Nancy Gottschall Brandon Russell Trish Russell Trish Russell Kimberley Simmons Ofelia Ontiveros Arlene Ortiz Pam Mendola
Website Member Business Spotlight Legal Shield Thank You To All Who Attended
How to Become a Better Driver in 2016 January is always the time to make resolutions to better oneself – join a gym, manage time more effectively, eat more vegetables… the list goes on. However, the California Office of Traffic Safety is encouraging you to add just one more resolution to your list – resolve to become a better driver in 2016. Here are some simple steps to get you started: Ditch the Distractions. Passengers, cell phones, food and grooming are all distractions that can cause driver inattention. Make the smart choice this New Year and avoid the distractions. It’s Not Worth It. Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol is a Bad Idea. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drug or prescription medication. Many people don’t realize that drugged driving is also impaired driving. It doesn’t matter if you have a prescription or take over-the-counter pills, driving while medicated can be just as dangerous as driving after drinking. These substances can seriously affect your ability to drive, so plan ahead and don’t take the risk. Be Courteous, Share the Roadways. Make sure to check all blind spots before merging or turning, always leave a safe distance – at least three feet – when passing bicyclists, and always double check intersections for pedestrians, especially when driving at evening time. The more aware of your surroundings, the better. Mind the Rules of the Road. In order to become a better driver in 2016, remember to obey these simple, often-overlooked general traffic rules: Come to a complete stop at stop signs and stop lights. Follow other cars at a safe distance and speed. Refrain from tailgating and be sure to frequently scan the road for hazards and potential dangerous behaviors. Be mindful of your car’s blind spots and be courteous and use your turn signals.
The California Office of Traffic Safety wants to wish you a safe and happy 2016. For more information on safe driving tips or current OTS campaigns, please visit www.ots.ca.gov. Like OTS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS or follow OTS on Twitter at www.twitter.com/OTS_CA. 3
Columbia College Receives $960,000 State Grant for Apprenticeship Programs
Economic Development, will oversee development implementation of the Academy starting in early 2016.
and
Columbia College has been awarded a two-year $960,000 grant to develop a new hospitality apprenticeship training program in partnership with two major local employers; Black Oak Casino Resort and Evergreen Lodge
Partners at Black Oak and Evergreen Lodge will be key players in the program, which Columbia College hopes can be used as a blue print for other employers interested in apprenticeship training.
“This is a unique opportunity to work with local employers to develop a skilled and educated workforce for the hospitality and food service industry,” Tenbergen said.
Once enrolled, students will be able to complete recognized industry training certificates and earn an Associate of Science degree in Hospitality Management so they are positioned for career advancement. Apprentices rotate through different professional areas at the employer site over an 18-24 month period, to receive comprehensive training in a range of positions that could include a combination of front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, beverage management, retail, recreation and several aspects of kitchen and food service. Training in customer service and other “soft skills” will be incorporated throughout.
and Rush Creek Lodge. The award is part of the new California Apprenticeship Initiative, aimed at broadening the range of apprenticeship programs available to California workers.
The grant will fund development of the Columbia College Hospitality Academy, a pilot project that will give up to 48 students the opportunity to “earn while they learn” at the resort sites. Designed with input from the sponsoring employers, the program is modeled on Based on employer needs, students enroll in either a seasonal or weekly European apprenticeships, blending classroom instruction and on-the- training model to complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, a program of courses and skills certificates, plus general education and job training in a compressed, two-year program. electives. “These partnerships with Evergreen/Rush Creek and Black Oak Resorts will be phenomenal training models in the hospitality For more information, contact: industry,” said Columbia College President Dr. Angela Fairchilds. “We Dr. Klaus Tenbergen are proud that our small college was selected as a recipient for the CAI Dean of Career Technical Education & Economic Development funding and look forward to developing this unique training tenbergenk@yosemite.edu opportunity for area residents who are interested in a career in the Office: 209.588.5142 hospitality field.” Cell: 559.994.6434 Dr. Klaus Tenbergen, Dean of Technical and Career Education & http://gocolumbia.edu/career_technical
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The Stanislaus National Forest staff involved in the Over-Snow Vehicle Use Designation invite you to a public workshop: January 25, 2016 4:00—6:00pm Best Western Plus Sonora Oaks Hotel & Conference Center 19551 Hess Road, Sonora, California 95370. We appreciate your interest in this project. No decision has been made regarding OSV use designation on the Stanislaus National Forest. As we advance with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, we expect to consider a range of alternatives and we look forward to a continued dialogue with you. For any questions or comments, please contact Phyllis Ashmead, project coordinator at 209-532-3671 ext. 322 or email at pashmead@fs.fed.us. For further Forest information, call: the Stanislaus NF Supervisor’s Office at: 209-532-3671; Calaveras Ranger District (RD) at 209-795-1381; Groveland RD 209-962-7825; Mi-Wok RD at 209-586-3234 or Summit RD at 209-965-3434.
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Federal Unemployment Insurance Taxes: California Employers Paying More Courtesy CalChamber Alert California employers can expect a higher federal unemployment insurance (UI) tax bill when it arrives this month. This year will be the sixth in a row that California will have been in debt to the Federal Unemployment Trust Account (FUTA). Each year that a balance is owed to the FUTA, California employers pay a higher tax that goes to pay down the debt and the state must pay interest on the outstanding debt. By the end of 2015, the state will have paid almost $1.3 billion in interest to the federal trust fund. The federal tax on employers increases $21 per employee, per year until the debt is eliminated. The federal UI tax to be paid by employers in California for 2014 was $126 per employee (1.8% on a $7,000 tax base, which includes an additional 1.2% on top of the normal 0.6%). The maximum tax for 2015 is $147 per employee, and in 2016 it is projected to be $168 per employee (see table). FUTA taxes are due January 31 of the year following the year in which the taxes are applied. The federal UI tax is in addition to the state UI tax (maximum 6.2% on the first $7,000 of wages per employee), and goes directly to pay down the state’s debt to the fund. California’s UI program is funded exclusively from taxes on employers, with the exception of temporary federal grants for administration and certain emergency and extended benefits paid by the federal government. The state of California administers its UI program through the Employment Development Department (EDD) within the guidelines established under federal and state law. California employers pay annual taxes on the first $7,000 in wages paid to each employee. Each employer pays a tax rate based in part on the amount of benefits that have been paid to former employees so the tax is partly experience rated. During good economic times, employers that have fewer claims generally are rewarded with a lower tax rate. Because the California UI Trust Fund has been facing financial difficulties for some time, all employers in California are paying taxes under the highest rate schedule allowable under state law, plus a 15% solvency surcharge, which makes the highest state UI tax rate 6.2%, plus the higher federal UI tax that goes to pay down the debt Read More Online at http://goo.gl/PFXQDY
Notices
For more information on any of the above notices, please contact us Phone: 209-532-4212 ď ˇ Email: info@tcchamber.com ď ˇ Website: www.tcchamber.com
September 2014
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