Corona Business News January/February 2021 by Creative By Design

CORONA BUSINESS NEWS

VOL 7 | #1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Chamber Homes in on Legislative Process for 2021 CONTINUING TO ADVOCATE FOR OUR MEMBERS TO ACHIEVE OUR PURPOSE OF RECOVERING TOGETHER

he Corona Chamber’s 2021 Legislative Platform outlines the key areas of focus for 2021 to help our business community recover and grow over the coming months and years. The platform highlights what we are continuing to work on as well as the

longer-term Corona 2025 plans. Our plan for recovery will include: • Creating common sense tax and healthcare reform (especially more effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic). • Eliminating unnecessary regulation. This burden

on employers at a local, regional, state, and national level kills innovation and hurts the local economy. • Achieving the goals outlined in the Corona 2025 plan to eliminate 1.5 million hours of traffic on our roads. We are working to attract ... Continued on page 2

Financial Focus s a business owner, you’re always thinking of what you need to do now. But you can’t forget about the future – yours and that of your business. So it may be a good idea to consider your personal retirement plan and business succession strategy. Let’s start by looking at a few retirement plan possibilities: • Solo 401(k) – This plan, which is also known as an Owner-only 401(k), is

available to self-employed individuals and business owners with no full-time employees other than themselves or a spouse. A Solo 401(k) offers many of the same advantages of a traditional 401(k): a range of investment options, tax-deductible contributions and the opportunity for tax-deferred earnings growth. You may even be able to choose a Roth option, which allows you to make after-tax ... Continued on page 13

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

MyChamber.org

CORNER Bobby Spiegel

hen 2020 Chairman of the Board, Don Williamson created his theme for the year, “Make History,” little did we know what we were in for; History has certainly been made. Our 2021 Chair, Kim Mabon has selected her theme of “Creating Vision”, and it will parallel many of the programs that we have implemented to assist our business community. Here are a few

THE CORONA CHAMBER CONTINUES TO MAKE LEMONADE FROM LEMONS examples of how we are moving CORONA forward.

YOUR CORONA CHAMBER IS A CATALYST FOR BUSINESS GROWTH...

Because of the pandemic, yesterday’s blueprint for doing business has radically changed. We can no longer be OK with the status quo

Don Garling: A Journey of a Lifetime D

on Garling’s genuine smile and personality will continue to resonate in our treasured

Sally and Don Garling

memory bank. In honor of this unique and incredible individual, the CORONA Chamber’s Board of Directors will be naming this year’s lifetime achievement awards as a tribute to Don Garling. Don served as the organization’s Chairman of the Board in 2016. His d e d i c at i o n and commitment to the business community will long be remembered. During his tenure, on the board, Don often would join our CEO in walking to various

See page 5

CEO’S Tested mightily in 2020

BUSINESS OWNERS: PLAN FOR NEXT PHASE OF LIFE

2021 BOARD INSTALLATION AND AWARDS

and must work to stay a step ahead, in order to provide the best opportunities for CORONA. During the pandemic, the CORONA Chamber has increased its distribution of crisis data and has been a reliable source for coordinating and disseminating materials and information for COVID-19 relief. Actively embracing our members, the Chamber has become more relevant, with our weekly CORONA Chamber Business Briefing calls. In 2021, we will ... Continued on page 3

In This Issue New Members – Page 4 2021 Board Installation & Awards – Page 5 Milestone Celebrations – Page 12

businesses. Don had a desire to get to know people on a personal level. His selected theme as Chairman was appropriate to his life: “A Journey of a Lifetime”. Don lost his battle to cancer in August 2020. The Garling family is continuing Don’s

tradition of keeping the front gardens of the chamber updated with new plants and gardening services. The Chamber Board has appropriately dedicated the gardens as a lifetime memory by naming it “The Don Garling Memorial Garden.”

Chamber Celebrates 110th Birthday – Page 12 Chamber Expansion Update – Page 13 Marketplace – Page 14

www.My MyChamber.org

CORONA CHAMBER 2 CORONA Business News

January/February 2021

Legislative Process cont’d from page 1

INTRODUCTION

7,000 new jobs to employers here in Corona as well as 50 new physician practices or similar healthcare expansion by December 31, 2025. The Corona 2020 plan—before the issuance of emergency orders—helped save approximately 650,000 hours of unnecessary traffic delay by helping attract over 2,500 jobs into town (third party verified). The Legislative Platform is split into three focus areas:

1. DEVELOPMENT The City is required to plan for— and make substantial progress towards—building 36,468 or more affordable and market rate housing units by 2028. Missing that target may lead to sanctions that could result in Corona losing its authority to control business and housing development locally. The 36,468 units required by the state represent roughly a 171% increase in the growth of Corona, which currently has 51,504 housing units. To ensure a healthy Corona community for generations, we will actively: • Monitor development proposals throughout the Corona region, including the downtown area. • Help lead effort to coordinate increases in transportation and infrastructure funding from the state to match future demand. • Work with city officials to respond

CORONA EMPLOYERS FACE DIRE CHALLENGES

Nine months into the COVID emergency, Corona Employers Face: 1. THE 5TH HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE COUNTRY.* 2. THE HIGHEST TAXATION RATES ACROSS SEVERAL CATEGORIES IN THE NATION.** 3. 25% LESS COVID RELATED WORKER SUPPORT THAN THE MAJORITY OF STATES.*** 4. THE THREAT OF ADDITIONAL SHUTDOWNS BEFORE THE START OF 2021.*** 5. UP TO 50% OF RESTAURANTS AND WAGE EMPLOYERS FACING BANKRUPTCY.* 6. THE LOSS OF ALMOST ALL USE OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTING SERVICES.**** 7. UP TO 9 ADDITIONAL MONTHS OR MORE OF EMERGENCY ORDERS.*** * FEDERAL BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, NOVEMBER 2020 REPORT ** STATISTICS FROM CA LEGISLATIVE ANALYST & OTHER PUBLIC STUDIES *** ADVICE, POLICY, AND STATEMENTS FROM GOVERNOR NEWSOM & ADMINISTRATION **** AB 5 AND RELATED LEGISLATION

accurately to required changes in the City’s housing element and other planning efforts.

2. TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE & ENERGY As pressure from the Governor mounts on cities like Corona to add housing, in addition to the unprecedented challenge of restarting the economy, the Chamber will review and consider policies that address the following topics: • The movement of people and goods including autos, transit, bicycles, and other active transportation modes. • The provision of public

CORONA Chamber of Commerce 904 E. 6th Street, CORONA, CA 92879 (951) 737-3350 | My MyChamber.org Bobby Spiegel President/CEO Bobby@MyChamber.org

Trisha Yontz Member Services Representative Trisha@MyChamber.org

Deserie Ramirez Vice President of Operations Assistant to the President/CEO Deserie@MyChamber.org

Andrew Cream Communications & Events Assistant Andrew@MyChamber.org

Stephanie Shapiro Vice President, Communications & Events Stephanie@MyChamber.org Robert Yanez Membership Development Robert@MyChamber.org Linda Richards Advocacy and Programs Coordinator Linda@MyChamber.org Marilyn Vargas Member Services Representative Marilyn@MyChamber.org

Maggie Lee Communications & Events Assistant Maggie@MyChamber.org Chase Burns Communications & Events Assistant Chase@MyChamber.org Betty Sherin Member Services Representative Betty@MyChamber.org Don Williamson Editor CORONA Business News Graphic Design Kim Mabon Creative By Design www.creativebydesign.net Jim Dorsey Photography (951) 735-8668

#CoronaChamber For advertising information, contact the Chamber at (951) 737-3350 Since 1910, the Corona Chamber has been providing ‘resources for prosperity’ for the businesses and community of Corona, CA. This Chamber represents the interest of business in the greater Corona service area by providing its members networking opportunities, promoting the community, and engaging federal, state, and local officials in order to improve the economic prosperity of the Inland Southern California region. With a membership of over 750 businesses, representing over 55,000 jobs, the Corona Chamber is the voice of business. Learn more by visiting www.MyChamber.org.

infrastructure including water, sewer, storm drainage, solid waste, electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, solar and wind alternatives, and new technologies in renewable energy. • The provision of services to meet resident needs including police, fire, library, K-16 schools, and health services by public agencies, non-profits, and licensed care facilities. • The provision of sustainable programs and green initiatives in Corona. Furthermore, we will support measures that improve our water supply and quality; propose transportation improvement plans that relieve congestion; and review policies that impact air quality standards, and consider their effects on our business community.

3. GROWING GREAT JOBS This focus area is split into four important sections: Business Attraction and Retention, Cost of Doing Business, Education and Outreach, and Workforce Issues.

BUSINESS ATTRACTION AND RETENTION We will advocate for the retention and expansion of operations at all Riverside County military installations, including Corona NAVSEA. The Chamber will also work to ensure that Corona attracts, retains and helps high-quality employers in their expansion efforts; balance employment and housing needs with natural resource preservation; and plan and construct the community infrastructure, including improvement of post-secondary institutions like Norco College, necessary to support current and future employment needs.

COST OF DOING BUSINESS The Chamber will: • Review and consider any measures, tax changes, legislation and regulation that affect local businesses and job development in Corona. • Encourage cooperation among

local, regional and state government agencies to streamline and reduce unnecessary requirements of regulatory agencies. • Work to protect the ability of all employers to responsibly and equitably work with contractors to provide outside services critical to the success of the California economy. • Support and promote the appropriate preparation of cost/benefit analysis ensuring economic impacts are weighed before the imposition of regulations. • Review and consider measures that reform the extraordinary costs of the state’s public pension system for the sake of the state’s overall fiscal health. • Oppose legislative proposals that might cause unwarranted and frivolous lawsuits on Corona employers, consumers and taxpayers.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH We will continue to provide opportunities for businesses to increase their knowledge, understanding, and involvement with local, regional and statewide legislative processes.

WORKFORCE ISSUES

The Chamber will support measures that reform our state’s education and vocational systems which encourage workforce preparation. We will also monitor, provide recommendations and review alternatives to any proposed state minimum wage increases and any local or state living wage ordinances, and the workers’ compensation reform measures which impact costs to Corona businesses. In 2020 alone, the Chamber has helped save Corona employers thousands. For just 10 of the bills we helped defeat, local businesses have saved $71,750 per employee this year. In 2021 and beyond, based upon activity already, it is clear that we will have a similar level of threats to your bottom line and we are actively working to protect you!

www.My MyChamber.org

CORONA CHAMBER CORONA Business News 3

January/February 2021

Tested Mightily cont’d from page 1 be increasing our efforts by introducing our “Manufacturers Council”. This new group will bring together major employers, enabling them to obtain additional resources to network and prosper.

IN 2021, WE WILL FURTHER EXPAND, OUTREACHING TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, TO DISCOVER EACH OTHER AND SHARE “SMALL BIZ STORIES” ON OUR PAGE. We have instituted social media promotions. When possible, the Chamber Staff engages with and posts on various member business social profiles. In 2021, we will further expand, outreaching to the business community, to discover each other and share “small biz stories” on our page. We have promoted Small Business Saturday, and coined the phrase, Small Business Season. We have featured small businesses, having owners take a photo with one of our “Shop Small” signs, at their establishments, and then posting them. This will continue throughout 2021. We anticipate

our increased focus on social media will result in more appreciation and maybe even love for our businesses and greatly enhance Small Business Saturday.

CONVENING LEADERS AND INFLUENCERS...

Whether you are a young entrepreneur or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, our programming will bring together the best, because jointly, we are stronger. In 2021, we will continue hosting our webinars. There will be numerous topics, including Sales and Marketing. A new subject that will be presented is “Self-care”. During the best of times, running a business is stressful but add in the extenuating circumstances of the pandemic and it can be difficult to find the motivation to get out of bed in the morning. Business owners forced to let go treasured employees, feel the guilt of closing their businesses and ending jobs. For those who have lost their work and source of income, their stress is considered among the most severe a person in our culture can experience. Fortunately, closures are not occurring in all businesses. Some have thrived during this time and are hiring. Through our Chamber’s efforts, we will be implementing a unique job matchmaking service to connect the members who need jobs with the people who have them.

CHAMPION FOR A STRONGER COMMUNITY...

No one loves this city more than the CORONA Chamber. Whether you are talking to someone on our professional team or a member of the board of directors, it is clear that the passion for CORONA is here. We will not stop until every business is thriving, no resident could ever imagine moving, and this city is the best it can be for generations to come. The CORONA Chamber has many resource lists, from our online Directory to member-to-member services and COVID-19 updates / resources.

MAKING ITS DEBUT…

We are excited to announce the CORONA Chamber of Commerce mobile app is now available. Built by Hustle Media Group, this app is a modernized tool to connect the Chamber to its members. The ease is yours: whether choosing a category or using the drop-down menu, information is at your fingertips. Once the app is opened, there are opportunities for advertising along with promotional sections for events, businesses, and much more. Check it out and stay connected!

ON THE HORIZON...

During our planning sessions, among the many ideas that surfaced was creating a mentor program. We are seeking individuals to become

mentors for people just starting out in business. Mentorships are also great for people who need help with their current situation, networking with others, or finding a new position. A proposed area of service in development is a mentor program for those struggling to keep their doors open. Advice from someone who has had the same experience can make the difference between success and failure. We are contemplating a very targeted mentor program or perhaps a hotline for people needing assistance. New to our website will be a section for financial resources, including loan information, grants, city resources, and other viable resources. We know you need to obtain information when it is convenient for you, this is a 24/7 option for you. Do not just take our word for it, visit us, and learn more. We look forward to serving you, while “Creating Vision” in 2021.

www.My MyChamber.org

CORONA CHAMBER 4 CORONA Business News

January/February 2021

Help Us Welcome Our New Members Listed on these pages are our newest members. For a complete member listing, visit www. MyChamber.org. Our members invest in our organization for

numerous reasons. Many find the resources provided, the advocacy efforts and the economic profiles as viable assets driven by our five Core Competencies: Sustaining and

Creating a Strong Local Economy; Representing the Interest of Business with Government; Promoting the Community; Promoting Political Action; and Providing Networking

Opportunities and Business Referrals for our member firms. If you are not currently a member, please contact the Corona Chamber at (951) 737-3350 or info@mychamber.org.

of rental equipment for all your party needs. From tables and chairs, tents, water slides, and linens, Empire Party Rental has what you need, and you are always treated like royalty.

BEK Impact Corp. (951) 378-2848 14580 Ashton Ct. Moreno Valley, CA 92555 BEK Impact Co. provides consulting, coaching, training and program design for individuals and businesses. For each of their services, they employ expertise in data analytics, research, strategic planning, systems thinking, and technology to design, test and implement the most effective solutions for your organization. CBD Living (800) 940-3600 705 E. Harrison St., Ste. 100 Corona, CA 92879 CBD Living brings sophistication and scientific rigor to the CBD extraction process, using their nanotechnology to ensure you receive maximum benefit from each of their unique products. Complete COVID-19 Testing Center (973) 943-9905 1508 Barton Rd., Ste. 111 Redlands, CA 92373 Centrally located in the Inland Empire, they provide accurate testing with no appointment

necessary, no line, and no wait times. Results are delivered 24-48 hours after testing. They pride themselves on getting an accurate sample and treating their patients with care. Corona Clay Company (951) 277-2667 22079 Knabe Rd. Corona, CA 92883 Corona Clay has been manufacturing raw materials since 1958. They are famous for their “Angel Mix” and continue to distribute their clay products to parks, schools, motocross tracks, etc.

Hero Life Sciences (714) 785-6658 137 N. Joy St. Corona, CA 92879 Hero Life Sciences is determined to save lives by providing preventive solutions that are trusted and effective. Disposable face masks are products each of us will need to wear every day until there is a solution. Until there is a cure, there is only prevention.

Quantum K Team (951) 457-2686 330-C S. Maple St. Corona, CA 92882 Local business that offers Enagic Medical Water Ionizer and wholesale alkaline water systems for a healthier way of living.

Iwatani Corp. of America (669) 544-9030 3945 Freedom Circle Ste. 770 Santa Clara, CA 95054 Iwatani operates four existing hydrogen fueling stations and is currently focused on building additional hydrogen fueling stations in Riverside County.

Rapha Tea (951) 427-5396 11547 Magnolia Ave. Unit 1605 Corona, CA 92505 Rapha Tea is proud to offer a full range of premium teas from Taiwan. The best tea needs the best ingredients. Come in for a variety of flavors and their always fresh Boba.

Currie Enterprises (714) 528-6957 382 N. Smith Ave. Corona, CA 92880 Currie Enterprises supplies high performance rear-ends for muscle cars, jeeps, off-road military vehicles, and industrial applications. Empire Party Rental (951) 427-0715 11244 Pecan Place Riverside, CA 92505 Empire Party Rental is a familyoperated company established in Corona. They have a wide selection

Great Breakfasts / Lunches

710 E. 6th St. Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-5977 Curbside Takeout Dine-In

when available

OPARC (909) 985-3116 9029 Vernon Ave. Montclair, CA 91763 OPARC is known in the field for remarkable success in finding jobs for adults with disabilities, and ensuring success through ongoing training, guidance, and supervision. Other People Centered Insurance Solutions (714) 873-4923 3985 South Sunrise Ave. Ontario, CA 91761 Whether looking for group or individual Insurance you can browse, self-enroll, or get professional help. They understand there is not a one size fits all in insurance. Let them guide you to peace of mind.

Stars Above Balloons (909 333-5406 Corona, CA Specializing in balloon decorations for all type of special events. From an intimate life celebration to amazing grand openings, they love to bring their designs to your celebration. The Agent Notary (951) 454-0210 Corona, CA 92882 The Agent Notary are trained professionals who specialize in Notary Publics, loan signing & passport photos. In the convenience of your home or place of business, their agents travel to O.C & I.E. W.H. Jameson Jr. American Legion Post 216, Corona (951) 735-4141 1024 S. Main St., Ste. B. Corona, CA 92882 The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization devoted to mutual helpfulness and assistance for

110TH INSTALL ATION & AWARDS

Envisioning Our Future 2021 Board Chair Kim Mabon

s we close out one of the most historic years in our lifetime, we at the Corona Chamber of Commerce are looking to the future. 2021 Board Chair Kim Mabon leads us into a year of “Creating Vision.” Scott Adams – Creator of Dilbert said “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.

Art is knowing which ones to keep.” Kim was born and raised in Orange County, California. She started her career in the early 90s working in advertising and publishing after graduating college. She worked her way up the corporate ladder to Vice President of Creative Services, while building her agency, Creative By Design on the side which opened in Spring of 1996. In the midst of the Great Recession, Kim took her agency full time in 2011. “One of the first pieces of advice that I received was to join the Chamber of Commerce,” says Kim. “That was the best decision I could have made. With all of my networking efforts, I tripled the revenue of my business within three years.” Creative By Design will be celebrating their 25th year in business this year. As business owners entering into a new year, we are facing the greatest shift of mindset we’ve ever seen. Consumers are altering their priorities and habits and adjusting to the ever-changing world around them.

Now, more than ever, we have to be innovative and create new ways to provide solutions. The term “think outside the box” has been around for quite some time—but has now become an understatement for how we need to think. We literally need to smash that box and construct

Creating a Historic Year

here’s no question this year has been one for the history books. Yet, Don Williamson started making history in January 2020, when he became Chairman of the Board of the Corona Chamber of Commerce. He set the theme “Make History” and has always embraced that motto. From the man who can recite any baseball statistic, name all your favorite Dodgers and Angels players, and tell you personal stories of local discrimination (which lasted sadly too long), he can also tell you about people--the people who helped make Corona great and reminds us of how great it is to live in our “small town feel” community. Throughout this year, many events of significance still took place, and Don was always there. Just take a look at some of the celebrations we listed in the Chamber calendar:

• NINE Good Morning, Coronas—we were at Eagle Glen Golf Club, on Zoom, at the Starlight Cinemas at Dos Lagos, as a drive in at SilverLakes, and finally at IHOP • A record-breaking sellout Golf Classic (through two reschedules!) • Our first ever virtual Women’s Leadership Conference, which saw attendees from as far as Colorado, Canada and Connecticut—another way we reinforced being a 3C Chamber this year! • A new program, the POSH virtual mixer (shutdown ain’t got nothin’ on us) • WEEKLY business briefings every Wednesday starting April 1—a way to convene top leaders for up-todate info on everything from COVID to legislative matters and more Every historical opportunity I

attended with Don, he brought a smile to my face. Whether it was a grand opening of a new business, an anniversary milestone, Good Morning Corona monthly breakfast update, and even sharing sweet memories of our beloved previous Chairman who passed away this year, Don Garling, Don W. was there and present to document history. There are many things to be grateful for in 2020. For me, I am thankful for Don Williamson’s reign at the helm of the Corona Chamber. Sol Shapiro, Ambassador Emeritus Liberate Debt and Living Better 101

a new one in order to succeed with the challenges we face today. We must put away old thinking, and create new visions for our future. Kim has lived in Corona for the past 19 years. Her husband, Leo Mabon, owns a barbershop on the Grand circle. They have two children, Joshua and Miah.

110TH INSTALL ATION & AWARDS

Highlighting the Chamber’s New 2021 Board Members T

he Corona Chamber welcomes three new board members to the fold for this year. Barry E. Knight of BEK Impact Co., Casey Currie of Currie Enterprises and Anne St.Germain, Partner at Level Advisors, join other local leaders to serve the business community.

Barry E. Knight is the founder and CEO of BEK Impact Company, a leadership and social impact consulting firm. The company specializes in coaching and training leaders on how to get their teams aligned with the right systems and behaviors that drive greater impact and change for their organization and community. As a minister and servant leader, he has coached hundreds of executive leaders and teams in the US and internationally. He has trained

and advised more than 15 county government agencies and has been the keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies and dozens of other organizations. He frequently speaks and writes on subjects such as vision clarity, leadership and team impact, faith, and racial equity. Barry and his wife Sacheen are the proud parents of two sons, B.J. (15) and Charles Edward (12), and one daughter, Sydnei Erica (7).

Anne St.Germain is a licensed CPA and Partner at Level Advisors, a Southern California-based accounting, consulting and business valuation firm. Anne has a strong leadership and civic background, with past seats on community outreach boards and the Women’s Inclusion National Council at BDO. She has also

personally developed fundraising programs for local non-profits. Graduating from CSUC (Chico State) in 2011, Anne had a couple of accounting roles before joining BDO USA, LLP in 2013. There she focused on consulting and compliance for flow-through entities, not-for-profits, and high net worth individuals. After over four years at the global accounting firm, Anne had a short stint at Hall & Company CPAs before becoming Partner at Level Advisors in 2019. Anne specializes in domestic and international manufacturers. Her clients include some common household names and are routinely engaged in substantial e-commerce and complex branding and manufacturing activities. Casey Currie is a professional motorsports driver and VP at Currie Enterprises. The Corona-based family business has been in the motorsports industry for over 50 years. Casey’s professional accolades include being the first American to win the Dakar Rally in 2020, winning Gold at the inaugural Jeep X Challenge at Winter X-Games in his first ever X-Games appearance in 2019, and winning the Pro Light championship in TORC: The Off-Road

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Board Chair - Kim Mabon, Creative By Design, Inc. • Chair Elect - Palbinder Badesha, Express Employment Professionals • Vice Chair - Angie Byars, 3M Corona •

Chairman of Finance Dr. Anthony Pirritano, Integrated Medical Center of Corona

• Vice Chair of Finance Patrick Akes, Grimes-Akes Family Funeral Home • Immediate Past Chairman Don Williamson, Corona History Association • President/CEO Bobby Spiegel, Corona Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Sam Buenrostro, Corona-Norco Unified School District Marta Cortez, Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant Casey Currie, Currie Enterprises Anthony Edwards, Robertson’s Ready Mix Jim Gore, Vulcan Materials Company Ruth Jaffe, Kaiser Permanente Barry E Knight, BEK Impact Co. Crystal Lopez, Carter Bradley Insurance Solutions Chad Miller, Industrus, Inc. Eugene Montanez, Allegra Marketing-Print-Mail/ Image 360 Signs & Displays Mark Peabody, Peabody Engineering & Supply, Inc. Mike Ryan, Ryan & Associates Financial Services Linda Pearson, Corona Regional Medical Center Lea Petersen, Southern California Gas Company Lily Quiroa, Waste Management Mike Quraishi, Aladdin Cleaning Services, Inc. Dean Seif, CARSTAR Allstar Collision Anne St. Germain, Level Advisors Janet Steiner, MakeDust John Weyhgandt, Western States Financial Jennifer Stewart, NAVSEA, CORONA Division Liaison

OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS Jon Haratyk, Living Better 101 Gordon Macaulay, Collins Aerospace Don Garling*, Lifetime Vinyl Fence Fabricators, Inc *In Blessed Memory

Championship in 2010. Currie Enterprises dates back to 1959 when Frank Currie began designing and building differentials for material-handling equipment. The company now occupies a 40,000 square foot complex on Smith Avenue in Corona. They employ more than 50 employees and boast a stateof-the-art manufacturing facility. The Curries design, build, modify, test, sell, and install rear-end and drivetrain products all under one roof. The Chamber and Board are very much looking forward to working with our three new Board Members to support, champion and advocate for businesses in the greater Corona area.

2020 Honorees O

ur theme of Make History certainly came true in 2020, and the CORONA Chamber is honored to recognize the achievements of the individuals and businesses featured on the next few pages who also did just that. As the heartbeat of the economy, businesses are crucial to a thriving community, and CORONA is blessed to be home to thousands of unique companies. Entrepreneurship and the creation and sustainability of business is not for the faint of heart, and the Chamber acknowledges the standouts of these risk takers annually with the Business of the Year & Award of Excellence designation. In addition to our focus on business, we must not look past the individuals driving the ship. From up and comers and community advocates to a lifetime of impact, this year’s distinguished men and women have also cemented their spots in the book of 2020. After losing one of our beloved local business leaders in August, and the Board of Directors has named this year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards The Don Garling Journey of a Lifetime Award in his honor. Join us in congratulating all of the 2020 honorees.

110TH INSTALL ATION & AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Recipients

BETTY BASH

etty Bash and her late husband Allen moved with their four sons to Norco in 1961. They came with a plan to open a modern childcare facility and the couple purchased two acres of property that had previously been a pig farm. When the doors of the Town & Country Pre-School & Day Care Center opened in 1962, it was with a County license and in 1963, they became the first state-licensed school of its kind in the Corona-Norco area. At the time, it was rare for a woman to own a business and Betty experienced resistance—but it did not deter her. Her goal was to make childcare a respected profession and demanded that her staff dress and act professionally. Today, Town & Country is the longest running business in Norco that has had the same owner. The Bash family have created and maintained a beautiful campus that has seen groundbreaking academic programs and inventive play systems. Betty and Allen’s youngest son and member of the Norco City Council, Kevin, is now facilities director while Betty remains the school’s executive director. Betty first worked in a nursery school at the age of 14, when she took an after-school job to earn extra money. There were stops at other schools and classes in the relatively new science of early childhood development before the Norco location opened. She was among the first to create a pre-school academic curriculum. Generations of children and their parents have been delighted with the diverse recreational activities and learning techniques at Town & Country. Betty Bash has enriched lives and helped countless children during her wonderful life and the Corona Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize her with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

YOLANDA CARRILLO

olanda Carrillo moved to Corona with her husband Ed in 1997 and, in 1998, became the Chief Executive Officer of the Corona-Norco YMCA, becoming that organization’s first Hispanic woman to hold that position in the State of California. When Yolanda came to Corona-Norco, the YMCA had been struggling for years and was in danger of closing its doors. Through her ability to lead, raise funds and make connections, she grew the YMCA from a single location to a dozen sites across the region. Yolanda worked hard to prepare for her success, earning a Bachelor Science degree in Human Services, a dual Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Community Psychology. She also earned a Child Development Program Director permit. Yolanda’s experience outside of the YMCA system includes working for the Social Security Administration and as a legal assistant for the National Labor Relations Board. She has also taught at university level. For over 20 years, Yolanda has improved the lives of thousands of families, helping to provide basic needs, supplementing education and providing recreation, just to mention a few life enhancements. She has volunteered her talents to the City of Corona, serving on the Planning Commission and has found time to be a member of numerous boards of directors, including that of the Corona Chamber of Commerce. This dynamic community leader was months away from becoming the Chairman of the Board of the Chamber, when the call came to join the Corona City Council, fulfilling the term of an infirmed councilmember. In 2020, Yolanda’s time on the Council expired and she has chosen to retire from the YMCA. In her career, she has received many awards and recognitions for her immense contributions that has provided for countless people, including 2013 Citizen of the Year.

RICHARD LACHMAN

ichard Lachman, a USC educated pharmacist, bought the pharmacy in the downtown Arcade Building, next to Carnegie Library, where he had been working since 1954. He changed the named from Savers to Lachman Arcade Pharmacy and moved his family to Corona from Upland in 1958. Dick still lives in the same house he bought then. Very quickly after arriving here, Dick and his wife Blanche became involved in civic organizations and charities. The Lachmans became especially involved with the Jr. Chamber of Commerce, with Dick elected president within just a couple of years. In that capacity he worked to bring a state-run narcotic rehabilitation center to the unused former Norco Naval Hospital. The property still serves as a rehabilitation unit. Dick was a leader in the Boys Club and active in raising funds to battle diabetes, a disease that afflicts one of his children. He has also been active in the fight against cancer. He was appointed by the City Council to serve as a Civil Defense Commissioner. In the mid-sixties, the city worked to address long simmering racial issues and established a “Human Relations” Commission; Dick was a founding member of the Commission. Obviously, Dick contributed a great deal to Corona and can be considered one of our leading citizens. During World War II, Dick served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician Mate. His service included “cleaning up” after the atomic bomb that was dropped in Nagasaki, Japan, that helped to end the War. As a sailor, he also witnessed nuclear weapon testing on the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. After working as a pharmacist, Dick moved onto other ventures, including a wellness center. He continued to keep his pharmacist license active and would fill in as a relief pharmacist. Richard Lachman is a Corona Legend and is a most deserving recipient of the Corona Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.

MARK UFFER

ark Uffer is a healthcare executive with 44 years of clinical and operational experiences and has a proven track record of exceptional results. His experience covers public sector as well as investor-owned and not-for-profit healthcare systems. Mark was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Corona Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in October 2013. During Mark’s tenure, a total transformation of ‘how business is done’ has taken place, from creating a positive work environment to improving services throughout the 160bed acute care hospital (Main Street) and 78 beds at the rehab campus. Noticeable changes from the outside was taking an outdated 13-bed emergency room and building a state-of-the art 30bed ER, which complements the renovations and upgrades to the Emergency Department from 5,400 sq ft to 46,000 sq ft. Creating partnerships with other healthcare providers and expertise, Mark requests the same from everyone: give your best, every day, on everything you touch, do, and say. Behind this corporate persona, you will find a gentle, warm-hearted person with compassion beyond words. In September 2016, a homeless woman named Lavern Davis was tragically murdered. Her sidewalk bench that was called her home for years, was diagonally across from the Main Street hospital. Mark took funds from his own pocket to assist with burial proceedings, along with writing the eulogy titled ‘The Lady on the Bench’. His passion for people was again shown when the Magnificent 13 appeared; this was a story that soon became global, of parents abusing their 13 children. The older seven children (ages 18 – 26) were brought to CRMC. Mark made it part of his daily routine to spend time with each of them and as a family. The boys were so impressed with Mark that they requested to get haircuts to match his. When questioning why CRMC was selected for this care, they stated “it is the only hospital that can provide the exceptional care for these patients.”

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2020 Executive & Business Partners These financial partners provide additional funding to the chamber to support & provide additional member services.

To become an Executive or Business Partner for 2021, contact Bobby Spiegel at (951) 733-1836 or Bobby@MyChamber.org

2021 California & Federal EMPLOYMENT LAW POSTER

CONSTRUCTION Family-owned Elci Cabinets & Floors takes away the Chamber’s Construction Business of the Year for 2021. The company has been providing installation, design and repair services to the local community for the past 15 years. Elci operate under their parent company Reliable Renovation, and specialize in renovating kitchens and bathrooms: cabinets, countertops, flooring, plumbing, electrical, and custom shower doors, with professional design concepts. “We basically do everything,” explained Christina Nona, Customer Relations, at Elci. “From dry wall to electrical—it’s not just cabinets and flooring. We’re very competitive and we can meet anyone’s budget.” While Elci and Reliable Renovation are owned by the Nona family, the company has many long-standing employees that make up part of the extended family. Christina said: “Our staff have been with us for years— we’re all a big family, not just the staff in the office.” Many of the team members have worked for Reliable Renovation for over 10 years, with some there right from the company’s inception. Christina explained that the company has managed to weather the storm that 2020 has brought to all businesses through their diverse range of services. “For a good month and a half our store was very quiet,” Christina said. “But in the last five months it’s really picked up again. It could be much, much worse. It hurts our hearts to hear about the mom and pop shops closing, but we’re very thankful it didn’t happen to us.” The apartment side of the business has barely slowed at all—Reliable Renovation has been busy working with property management companies like Western National to build and renovate apartments and hotels all across Southern California and beyond. The Corona Chamber wishes the Nona family (E – Ed, L – Linda, C – Christina, and I – Isabella) continued business success.

HEALTHCARE

Don’t Wait—Must be Posted by January 1st AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

Member Price: $30 | Non-Members: $50 Order at MyChamber.org or call (951) 737-3350

Written in part by Jerry Soifer Dr. French’s bedside manner might be more important than any prescription she could write for treating COVID-19 patients at the Corona Regional Medical Center.

January/February 2021

French, the director of the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, is a pulmonary and critical care specialist. Since the pandemic began, she and her team have been on the front lines of the battle. The hospital has sent home 500-plus patients who have survived the coronavirus. “Dr. French is a valuable member of the Corona Medical Staff and more important, to Corona Regional Medical Center. Her dedication to changing the quality of medicine delivered at Corona and her unwavering management of the Covid-19 pandemic patients, has been instrumental in saving lives. As Corona’s Chief Executive Officer, I can share that she is one of the finest Pulmonary/Critical Care Physicians that I have worked with in my 45+ years in healthcare,” said Mark Uffer. French, 39, and her husband, Michael Willemsen, 38, live in Eastvale with their boys, James, eight, and Jayce, three. She said her husband has been her backbone through the pandemic, which has taken its toll on Dr. French. “Emotionally it’s draining,” she said. “It’s better now. People are surviving.” Dr. French has become part of the Corona business community, serving on the Corona Chamber of Commerce board of directors before the demands of medicine took her away. Chamber President Bobby Spiegel said Dr. French’s intelligence “is matched with people skills that allow each patient to feel secure, comforted and appreciated.” She said her extracurricular activities and work helped her develop the communication skills she uses as a doctor. Dr. French was admitted into the UC Riverside/UCLA program which would give her a bachelor’s degree after three years and an M.D. after seven. She became a doctor in 2006.

MANUFACTURING

This year we recognize a manufacturer that continues the automotive legacy first established in Corona over 100 years ago: advanced FLOW engineering. aFe is a premier designer of automotive performance upgrade systems and components. In 1999, four friends established aFe in a strip mall. With long hours and hard work, they started by making air filters,

110TH INSTALL ATION & AWARDS

then intakes and eventually exhausts. In the beginning, the company grew rapidly, expanding every six months, finally landing in their current 165,000 square foot facility that they call The Factory Store. Today, the aFe product line includes over 2,500 applications, all designed, developed and manufactured right in Corona. The aFe Power current product line-up includes the original products along with cold air intake systems, high performance direct fit and racing air filters, exhaust systems, intercoolers, turbochargers, electronic programmers, diesel fuel systems, throttle body spacers and more. aFe specializes in the diesel truck performance aftermarket with a line-up of products for these applications. aFe’s Pro Guard D2 filter program includes oil, fuel and transmission filters. The Blade Runner intake manifold, released in 2007, pushes toward complete airflow management systems. They took both the on- and off-road performance suspension worlds by storm when they began Pfadt Race Engineering and then acquired parts manufacturer Sway-A-Way. aFe has received more than their share of accolades and awards. For example, in 2009 & 2010, aFe was awarded the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association’s Global Media Award. After 20 years of success in the competitive fields of high performance automotive systems, President & CEO Nick Niakan is grateful for the support the company has received from the automotive aftermarket and remains confident that aFe will be here for many years ahead.

of the Serfas Club exit of the 91 freeway (2450 Wardlow Rd, Corona), has earned a loyal customer base. Tom was motivated by this fact and it made him determined to remain open and in compliance. It has not been easy. When the edict was announced that there would be no more indoor dining, Tom sourced outdoor “pop-up” coverings from fellow Chamber member TJ Jackson, the owner of Rhythm Tech Productions (www.rhythmtechproductions.com). To keep his staff employed, Tom was fortunate to discover special programs that were looking for prepared meals for delivery and supplied them. At the end of 2020, IHOP is still on its feet and with the rest of us, looking forward to better days. Tom Coelho has planted deep roots in the 18 years he has lived in Corona. Three of his five children graduated from Santiago High, participating in wrestling and the usual youth activities. Tom worked as an executive with DineEquity Inc., the parent company of IHOP before becoming a franchise holder. Together with his wife, Natalie, they also own another IHOP location in La Verne. The couple is very active in the community and their church. When the popular Saturday morning event Cars & Coffee needed a new venue, Tom arranged for his parking lot and surrounding spaces to accommodate the car enthusiasts. He generously supplies the coffee and utensils to the Corona Chamber Foundation to hand out in exchange for donations that allows the 501(c3) to help worthy causes throughout our city. He will periodically fire up his grill and make pancakes for the Foundation to handout for even more donations, courtesy of IHOP.

RETAIL SERVICE

In 2020, the restaurant industry, like many has faced challenges that a short time ago would have been hard to imagine. This year, strict requirements to serve customers have changed frequently, with operators needing a crystal ball to know what might happen next. The owner of Corona’s IHOP, Tom Coelho, is on the front lines of the battle and has met each attack on his business, while continue to give back to our community. IHOP, located on the north side

The Corona Chamber of Commerce’s Service Company of the Year is NIR Plumbing. Nick Lopez opened NIR in 2004, serving an approximate 25-mile radius around Riverside. This vast area includes Corona, Norco, San Bernardino, Redlands, etc. NIR Plumbing is a full-service operation for both business and residential customers. NIR can do most tasks, including back flow, heating, natural gas lines, air conditioning and plumbing, for new or existing locations.

NIR has gained a reputation of quickly responding to customer calls and not leaving until the job is completed. Nick’s highly trained staff of professionals includes his brother, Juan. All his technicians are advocates of Nick’s first tenet of earning customer satisfaction: honesty. This means executing a repair without taking short cuts and working in a way that offers the best possible value. Nick Lopez learned a hard work ethic at an early age. As a 10-yearold, he cleaned tables and serviced customer requests at his grandparents’ restaurant. When he was old enough, he added a paper route to his workweek. The industrious youngster also labored at his uncle’s welding shop during summer vacations and as his father’s plumbing helper. The chance to work as a new construction residential plumber brought him to our region. He has been a licensed plumber for 25 years. This experience of hard work and exposure to multiple trades has made him especially valuable to customers. Nick augmented his on-the-job training with classroom time, taking courses to learn plumbing codes, repairs and sizing systems. He worked for a couple of other plumbing companies before opening NIR, solidifying his knowledge base and helping make him the master of his craft that he has become. Nick’s giving back to the community has included his participation in leadership capacities in professional organizations, and he is currently President of the Corona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

NON-PROFIT

Five years ago, a program was sparked by inspiration to invest in the youth—to help them learn about culture and heritage through an overall art-based educational experience. The non-profit 501 (c)3 organization began as the Herencia Mariachi Academy (HMA). With the leadership of Eddie Nunez as the President, the devoted Board Members, and the direction of Maestro Rafael Palomar, this program is proudly serving the youths in the community. The HMA currently has over 75 students from Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties and

exposes the young artists to performing on great platforms such as Univision and yearly competitions held in Tucson, AZ and Sacramento, CA, as well as sold out year-end local concerts. The HMA creates, inspires, and develops, youth through a diverse music program which guides young children to a more promising and enriched future. 2021 will welcome the highly anticipated monitoring programs to sophomore, juniors and seniors graduating and preparing for college. The Herencia Mariachi Academy’s tenacity and devotion are just a couple of attributes that solidify them as the recipients of the Corona Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Non-Profit of the Year award.

NEW BUSINESS

Tacos Al Fuego was established in the midst of a pandemic in July 2020 off the back the Miramontes family history of over 25 years of experience gained in small Mexican towns—which is the essence of their authenticity. This family tradition sparked an adored and trusted catering business which evolved into a genuine Mexican restaurant serving amazing recipes. Owners Yvette Diaz and Luis Miramontes are the dynamic sibling duo standing by their family traditions and their belief that the little details make the difference. These details include the in-house food preparations, from dicing vegetables, shredding cheese, handmade tortillas on the comal, to ordering from the local family owned carniceria, Los Montes Country Market in Norco, CA. The crafting of drinks and the food creations of the Tacos Al Fuego staff is cultivated with the family essence, they treat all customers like family and build great long-lasting relationships. Great reviews and high demand for their authentic Mexican cuisine at remote sites has led to the next step in Tacos Al Fuego’s progression: catering coming soon! Tacos Al Fuego’s successes make them the deserving recipient of the Corona Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 New Business of the Year Award.

110TH INSTALL ATION & AWARDS

Rising Star

Making A Difference

Anne St.Germain

Mary Barnett

nne St.Germain is a partner and CPA at Level Advisors. To say she is an overachiever is an understatement. She graduated from Chico State at the top of her class, was specifically selected for special high-end tax projects during her tenure at BDO, and has excelled at the national level. She was made partner at Level Advisors in March 2019 after a stint at Hall and Company. With her focus on domestic and international manufacturers, Anne excels in tax matters. She is versed in the areas of nexus, transfer pricing and foreign taxation, along with a network of other international accountants. She was recently appointed to the executive board of a California state-level organization, and is working on big things to come in 2021. She will represent the Inland Empire chapter and is on the forefront of the next big industry. Anne graduated from the Corona Chamber’s Executive Leadership Roundtable in 2020, and was a driving force behind the fundraising effort to upgrade the Bob Hope USO Center at March Air Reserve Base. She puts forth her full effort and attention to the causes dear to her

PHOTOS BY GRANT ROMANCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

Chairman’s Award

John Weyhgandt

As with all Chambers of Commerce, Corona’s is a group of volunteer businesspeople that “own” the organization. A Board of Directors selected by the business membership has the legally binding fiduciary responsibility of what the Chamber does. The Corona Chamber Board hires the President/CEO, which is Bobby Spiegel, who takes care of everything else. For the Board, it is a one-stop shop. While no one is indispensible, it is certain there will never be anyone with the background and knowledge base of Bobby Spiegel. The Board will do well to keep him as long as we can. With this structure, each year, one Chamber member is given the responsibility to act as Board Chairman.

heart, and also volunteers her time to many organizations, including the Veterans Housing Alliance and the Corona Chamber Foundation. She and her husband Matt have five children, three dogs, two cats, and a pig. Anne’s stress-relieving activity of choice is cooking, so it’s no surprise that Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday. Anne’s mantra is to encourage younger colleagues through a persistent example of academic excellence and client service. On behalf of the Corona Chamber of Commerce, we are excited to have Anne St. Germain on the 2021 Board of Directors and we are delighted to honor Anne St.Germain with the 2020 Rising Star Award.

That person has the privilege of presenting an award to someone who, by their estimation, is deemed worthy. My goal was to select a somebody that is the consummate example of a Corona Chamber member. After long internal deliberation, my thoughts always came back to John Weyhgandt. John is the president and owner of Western States Financial & Investments, an independent financial adviser and fiduciary. He has been in operation for over 25 years. A graduate of Norco High School, John knows our area and is committed to its success. He has been a member of the Corona Chamber for years and on the Board of Directors. In 2018, he was our Chairman. After I retired from my corporate job, and when I

he Corona Chamber’s Making A Difference Award for 2021 goes to Mary Barnett, CEO of Another Brilliant Idea, for her generosity and ingenuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, Mary knew she could lend her expertise to areas of the business community who were starting to suffer under the restrictions put in place due to the pandemic. She created the Restaurant Recovery Program which helped local eateries build their marketing list and become more visible on social media. This service was offered free of charge to help businesses in need. In April, Mary started the local chapter of FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group). “I saw a woman doing this in New Jersey and thought it would be so great for Corona!”, Mary explained. “We paid struggling restaurants to deliver food to front line workers. We wanted to make a real impact; night shift workers were being locked in at the time, and all they had was cold food from the vending machines to eat as the cafeteria was closed. It was a win-win for the restaurants and the front line workers.” Mary and her team of volunteers didn’t stop there. Their next project was to show

those in high-risk jobs that they were loved and appreciated with signs of encouragement. Mary said: “As the schools had shut we figured that kids might need an art project! And I got flooded with signs—it was just so gratifying.” The team’s next target was grocery stores: “Karen Henderson, who led this part of the project, decorated the break rooms of 29 grocery stores—balloons, posters—it was so cool! All the workers were like ‘really?!’. We just wanted to thank them for doing their job.” ABI’s next project is to white label their own software, creating a business in a box that local companies can use to improve their marketing efforts during these particularly trying times.

began to participate in the Corona Chamber, John Weyhgandt stood out. My first recollection was about eight years ago when he took charge of a membership drive. Not since have I seen anyone hustle and encourage others to join our efforts. Since that day, I have not seen John stop caring about the Chamber. He offers advice, he volunteers, he reviews, he follows through and he does it all without hesitation. Much of his work for us is done in private where no one can see the time he spends. A man of faith, John and his wife Marlene are involved with several

non-profits, even starting their own to provide school supplies to students. They are always helping others and are a couple of the highest caliber. They are the type of people that from the time you first meet them, they are your friend and they care. Hence, for the one award that I will ever have the privilege to select and present as Board Chairman, I can think of no one as deserving of recognition for all he has done for the Corona Chamber of Commerce than Mr. John Weyhgandt. Thank you for everything, My Friend.

110TH INSTALL ATION & AWARDS

Citizen of the Year

Jason Scott

The 2020 Corona Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year is Jason Scott. Jason arrived in Corona in time to start at Corona Junior High (now Corona Fundamental) and experience our original downtown before Urban Redevelopment permanently altered it, creating the Corona mall. During his years as a student at Corona High School, he was a photographer for the Corona Daily Independent and while attending college, a precursor to his profession, he was the P.E. Coordinator at Jefferson Elementary. When his education was completed, Jason went to work for the Corona-Norco Unified School District. He worked for CNUSD from 1979 to 2019, during which time he was a teacher at Eastvale, Lincoln Fundamental and

Norco Elementary Schools. He was promoted to principal and held that position at Washington, Vicentia, Ben Franklin, Lincoln and Highland Elementary Schools. Popular with students, parents and staff, Jason was dedicated to providing his schools with an environment conducive to optimum learning and growing socially and academically. Jason Scott has been very active in planning and helping to make Corona the great place that it is. He has served on the Board and as President of the Friends of the Corona Public Library. This organization is often the only source of funds for new books at the Library. He served on the Boards of the United Way, UNITY and the Corona Fire Safety Foundation, and he is a member of the Corona Elks, Corona History Association, Corona-Norco PTA and Corona Historic Preservation Society. Jason has generously supported many local charities and projects. An appointment to Corona’s Planning Commission started Jason on the path to the City Council. He served six years as a Planning Commissioner and was elected to the Corona City Council in 2008. Jason was a diligent member of the Council, spending countless hours studying the issues before the city government and preparing himself to make informed decisions for

our citizens and businesses. Jason served three terms on the Corona City Council, and also filled the rotating job as mayor three times. He is one of only six individuals to serve as mayor of Corona for more than two year-long terms. Originally from the state of Washington, Jason is an avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks. He played basketball at Corona High and in city leagues for years. He still regularly

plays with a group of friends that have been together for about 40 years. Traveling and enjoying time with family and friends are the things he loves the most. Jason Scott has given much to Corona; we are grateful for the personal sacrifices he has made, and the talents he has utilized in service to Corona. Thank you, Jason. We are honored to proclaim Jason Scott the 2020 Citizen of the Year.

“Home of the Corona you want to remember” Corona History Association

Founder Don Williamson (951) 529-2999

110TH INSTALL ATION & AWARDS

Celebrate! Thank you to our members who recently renewed their membership with us. The businesses featured below are celebrating Chamber milestone anniversaries. Your partnership in our organization makes a difference in our community during uncertain times. When the going gets tough, the Chamber doesn’t sit on the sidelines. We are doing everything in our power to support members, and together, we will get through this! Join us in celebrating these members for their ongoing investment in our community. 5 Years

City of Hope (951) 898-2828 1280 Corona Pointe Ct., Ste. 112 Corona, CA 92879 Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, making it a national leader in advancing research and treatment protocols.

15 Years

Rexco Real Estate Development (951) 898-1502 1285 Corona Pointe Ct., Ste. 102 Corona, CA 92879 REXCO Development has established itself as a prominent office, retail, industrial, multi-family and hospitality developer. REXCO specializes in high-end office, hospitality, multi-family and industrial buildings, and has developed many outstanding properties. 16 Years

Kelley Law (714) 300-9156 1147 Railroad St. Corona, CA 92882 Kelley Law is a firm that focuses on Legacy; may that legacy belong to you personally, or your professional business. Their areas of practice are Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Trust Funding, Probate, Corporation Formation and Corporate Maintenance.

DFI – DiGerolamo Family Insurance & Financial Services (951) 735-5335 2027 Hamner Ave. Norco, CA 92860 Established in 1982, DiGerolamo Family Insurance offers all lines of insurance coverages, from Auto, Home, and Life insurance, to Investments, General Liability, Workers Comp and Non-profits Insurance. Corona Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 2017.

20 Years

Corona-Norco Settlement House (951) 737-3504 507 S. Vicentia Ave. Corona, CA 92882 The Corona-Norco Settlement House is a local, non-profit agency that was established in 1912 and proudly help those in need. They have a thrift store at their location, food pantry, and provide free clothes to the homeless.

K&A Engineering (951) 279-1800 357 N. Sheridan St., Ste. 117 Corona, CA 92878 K&A Engineering, Inc. provides a wide range of services to meet the needs of our public sector and private sector clients. Their “hands on” management team and experienced and involved professional staff take ownership in each project and diligently pursue the successful advancement, execution and completion of these projects on behalf of their clients.

35 Years

MCA Clay Roof Tile (800) 736-6221 1985 Sampson Ave. Corona, CA 92879 If one word were to summarize MCA Clay Roof Tile and its competitively priced tile products, that word would be quality. With nearly a century of experience, the MCA label is known worldwide for its excellent reputation in producing roofing tile. MCA has made a commitment to research and development, so that we can be sure every tile you purchase is state-of-the-art in design, specialization and manufactured quality. In every phase of our production and with every variety of tiles, our goal is always the same: to manufacture a clay tile that is of consistent high quality.

110th Birthday Tribute to the Corona Chamber of Commerce by Don Williamson

he 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, is often credited with the quote, “The Business of America is Business.” I have known this quote almost as long as I can remember. (Thanks to the internet, we learn it is a slight misquote— he really said: “The chief business of the American people is business.”) Long before “Silent Cal” uttered those words. Developing a vibrant business community is and has always been every city’s goal. There are many reasons that groups of people combine resources to create a city and making money through business is chief among them. From its first day, May 4, 1886, Corona, then called South Riverside, was established for no other common interest than free

enterprise. Five investors led by successful entrepreneur, Robert Taylor, purchased the land that became Corona and inaugurated an early version of a “planned community”. The unusual design of a circular boulevard that Taylor asked his engineer, Hiram C. Kellogg, to incorporate around the town’s center was innovative. There were competing communities in Southern California that offered property lots also capable of growing various produce items, but only one featured a circle surrounding its downtown. Kellogg’s master plan included areas for businesses, churches and farming. A happy Robert Taylor and his consortium saw profits on some acres over 10 times their acquisition prices.

Families began to purchase property in the new town on land they hoped would pay for itself with abundant harvests, mostly of lemons. With the growing population came a variety of business and trades people who earned their wages without contact with the fertile soil. In 1939, the local newspaper requested pioneer resident, Watt Bonfoey, to pen a series of newspaper columns with his memories of Corona’s earliest days. This was the time before the citrus trees were mature enough to yield their prizes. We still treasure those columns. These early businesses were only the start of the growth and mostly prosperity that has been Corona’s good fortune since 1886. Realizing

that attracting new business was essential, city leaders around the turn of the twentieth century organized the Corona Board of Trade. The Board of Trade promoted Corona and attracted more investors, businesses and homeowners. The Board of Trade’s job was to promote the town. In the early part of the Twentieth Century, they would publish brochures and send them all over the country to entice people and businesses to the Circle City. Many of these informative documents have survived. The Corona Public Library Heritage Room has several and even the author owns two. The president of the Board of Trade, William J. Pentelow, was also president of the Corona National Bank.

www.My MyChamber.org

CORONA CHAMBER CORONA Business News 13

January/February 2021

CORONA Chamber expands its service for its membership

ever in the history of our organization has our membership needed support, intel, and connections. Realizing these needs, we have added some additional folks to our Chamber Team. Stephanie Shapiro was promoted to Vice President for the CORONA Chamber. “Stephanie has again proven her dedication and commitment to serve our Chamber. She has taken on the responsibility of various programs and tasks and risen to the occasion. During a most unusual year, when many Chambers and non-profits were closing or canceling their programs, Stephanie worked hand in hand with our leadership in creating ‘out-of-box’ thinking. She has earned the title of

VP,” cites Bobby Spiegel, President / CEO for the CORONA Chamber. Stephanie will oversee a complete department dedicated with a focus on Communications and Events – her department includes Communications with Social Media, Mobile App (new in 2021), Website, Video content, and printed publications like the bi-monthly CORONA Business News and the annual CORONA The Guide. Additionally, all seminars and workshops fall under her direction. Our annual fundraisers and monthly events will continue to have Stephanie’s keen eye and creative thinking to accomplish our goals. Joining our professional team are various associates with efforts focused on member services and programming. Joining our existing team of Deserie Ramirez (Assistant to the CEO and VP of Operations), Linda Richards (Advocacy and Programs Coordinator), Robert Yanez (Membership Development Specialist), Marilyn Vargas (Member Services Retention Specialist) and Betty Sherin (Member Services Outreach), please welcome: Chase Burns, Andrew Cream, Maggie Lee, and Trisha Yontz. We are looking forward to Creating Vision for you!

Thank you to the sponsors and participants of the annual Corona Golf Classic, held October 29, 2020.

fter two reschedules and a lot of safety precautions, we successfully hosted a record-breaking day on the course. We were honored to be able to recognize our military and local healthcare heroes at this event. Save the date for Thursday, May 27, 2021, and visit MyChamber.org/Golf-Classic for updates.

Financial Focus cont’d from page 1 contributions that can grow tax-free. Your Solo 401(k) contributions consist of two parts: salary deferral and profit sharing. In 2021, you can defer up to $19,500 of income, or $26,000 if you’re 50 or older. Your profit-sharing contribution is based on your earnings. The sum of your salary deferral and profit sharing can’t exceed $58,000 (or $64,500 if you’re 50 or older). If your spouse is employed by your business, you each can contribute the maximum amount allowed. • SEP IRA – If you have just a few employees or are self-employed with no employees, you may want to think about a SEP IRA. You’ll fund the plan with tax-deductible contributions, and you must cover all eligible employees. (Employees themselves cannot contribute.) You can generally contribute up to 25% of compensation, up to $58,000 annually. And you can fund your SEP IRA with virtually any type of investment. • Solo defined benefit plan – Not many businesses still offer pension plans, also known as defined benefit plans, but you can set one up for yourself if you’re self-employed or own your own business. This plan has high contribution limits, which are determined by an actuarial calculation, and your contributions are typically tax-deductible.

A financial professional can help you choose the appropriate retirement plan. But you’ll still need to think about succession planning. Of course, you can always sell your business outright at any time you like. Or you could leave your business to your children in your will, but if you give it to them gradually during your lifetime, you can become more confident they’ll be able to manage the business on their own. Another alternative might be to transfer the business with a buy-sell agreement, which allows you to determine when, to whom, and at what price you can sell it. Because you can establish the purchase price as your business’s taxable value, a buy-sell agreement is useful in estate planning. If you want to keep the business in your family, you might want to consider funding the buy-sell agreement with life insurance, so family members can use the death benefit proceeds to buy your ownership stake. In any case, given the complexities and tax issues involved with succession planning, you’ll need to consult with your legal and tax advisors when creating a strategy. But don’t wait too long. You can’t predict the future, but by planning ahead, you can help achieve the outcomes you desire. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Andy Anderson.

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CORONA CHAMBER 14 CORONA Business News

January/February 2021

Chamber Marketplace

JOIN THE CHAMBER OR REFER A MEMBER AND HAVE YOUR AD PLACED HERE! (951) 737-3350 | INFO@MYCHAMBER.ORG

555 Queensland Circle, Ste. 102 | Corona 92879 (951) 272-6946

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www.My MyChamber.org

CORONA CHAMBER CORONA Business News 15

January/February 2021

Pick up your copy of Corona Business News at the following locations:

951.226.5617 | www.CreativeByDesign.net

All Star Drafts Sports Bar & Grill 2785 Cabot Dr. #110, Corona, 92883

Cowgirl Cafe 2859 Hamner Ave., Norco 92860

Kabob Hutt 165 Washburn Circle, Corona 92882

Allegra Marketing-Print-Mail/Image 360 127 Radio Rd., Corona 92879

Del Taco #1168 219 E. Ontario Ave., Corona 92881

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar 380 N. McKinley St., Corona, 92879

Ayres Hotels 2260 Griffin Way, Corona, 92879

Dollar Self Storage-Lincoln 205 North Lincoln Avenue, Corona 92882

Ayres Suites Corona West 1900 Frontage Rd., Corona 92882

Eagle Glen Golf Club 1800 Eagle Glen Parkway, Corona 92883

LeanFeast 540 Hidden Valley Pkwy., Ste. 101, Corona 92879

Baker’s Dozen Donuts 325 S Main St, Ste A, Corona 92882

Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant 513 West Sixth St., Corona 92882

Bear Alignment & Brake Service 927 W. 6th St., Corona 92882

Fairfield Inn & Suites 3441 Hamner Ave., Norco, 92860

Luna Modern Mexican Kitchen 980 Montecito Drive, Suite 110, Corona 92879

Best Western 1084 Pomona Rd., Corona, 92882

Farmer Boys - Lincoln Ave. 263 North Lincoln Avenue, Corona 92882

Mantra Indian Cuisine 712 N. Main St., Corona 92880

Bob’s Big Boy 3521 Hamner Avenue, Norco 92860

Farmer Boys - Sixth 1625 East Sixth Street, Corona 92879

Miguel’s Jr - Compton Avenue 2320 Compton Avenue, Corona 92880

Burger Basket, Norco 2775 Hamner Ave., Norco 92860

First Bank 104 E. Ontario Ave. Corona, 92879

Miguel’s Restaurant - Dos Lagos 2715 Lakeshore Drive, Corona 92883

Circle City Center 365 N Main St., Corona 92880

Fit 4U Meal Prep

Motel 6 200 N. Lincoln Ave., Corona, 92882

City of Corona, Police Department 730 Public Safety Way, Corona, 92880

Glen Eden Sun Club 25999 Glen Eden Rd., Corona 92883

(By Appointment Only)

Linda’s Feed & Supplies 1234 Sixth St., Norco 92860

Mr You Express 175 E. Ontario Ave #101, Corona 92879

Congressman Ken Calvert 400 S. Vicentia Ave., Ste. 125, Corona 92882

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Corona 1550 Circle City Dr., Corona 92879

Corona Art Association 815 W. 6th St., Corona 92882

Holstrom, Block and Parke, APLC 1897 California Ave. #102, Corona 92881

Norco’s Best Burgers 3158 Hamner Ave., Norco 92860

Corona City Hall (multiple locations) 400 S Vicentia Ave., Corona 92882

Howard Johnson 1695 Hamner Ave., Norco, 92860

Nutrishop Norco 1411 Hamner Ave., Ste. 103, Norco 92860

Corona Public Library 650 S Main St, Corona 92882

Hunnys Cafe 9022 Puslar Ct., Corona 92883

Corona Regional Medical Center 800 S. Main St., Corona 92882

IHOP - Corona 2450 Wardlow Rd., Corona 92880

Postal Annex 387 Magnolia Avenue Suite 103, Corona 92879

Corona Smog Center & Test Only 12690 Magnolia Ave., Riverside 92503

Joe’s Barber Shop 1009 W. 6th Street., Corona 92882

Cowboy Surfer Grill 387 Magnolia Ave., Ste. 106, Corona 92879

Kutt’n Kings Barber Shop 624 E Grand, Corona 92879

Norco Equipment Rentals 1246 Sixth St., Norco 92860

Postal Annex, #54 Riverside 3410 La Sierra Ave, Ste. F, Riverside 92503 ProView Eye Care Optometry 800 Magnolia Ave. Ste. 113, Corona, 92879

Residence Inn By Marriott Corona 1015 Montecito Dr., Corona 92879 Round Table Pizza 1180 El Camino Ave, Suite 116, Corona 92879 Silver Dollar Pancake House 710 East Sixth Street, Corona 92879 Slam Dunk Sports Bar 2854 Hamner Ave., Norco 92860 Staybridge Suites Corona South 2731 Blue Springs Dr, Corona, 92883 Stone Church Brewing 2785 Cabot Dr., #160, Corona, 92883 Storage Stop 3475 Second St., Norco 92860 Sushi Kawa Sports Bar & Grill 469 Magnolia Ave., Ste. 101, Corona 92879 TAPS Fish House & Brewery 2745 Lakeshore Dr., Corona 92883 Time 2 Relax Day Spa 1261 Sixth St., Ste. 6, Norco 92860 Vito’s Italian Pizza 440 River Rd., Ste. C, Corona 92880

To be added to the location list please call Stephanie at 951-737-3350.

Start the New Year Right:

Relief from Back and Neck Pain Corona Regional offers several treatment options to help patients deal with chronic back and spine pain. We provide treatments including: • Disc Surgery • Scoliosis and Kyphosis Surgery • Spinal Fusion • Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Meet the Surgeons Wayne K. Cheng, MD Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Dennis E. Cramer, DO Neurosurgeon

Babak R. Khamsi, MD Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Sean W. Kaloostian, MD Neurosurgeon

Gordon G. K. Yee, MD Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Corona Regional Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 210066-7242 11/20

To assess your neck or back pain, visit coronaregional.com/assess