CORONA BUSINESS NEWS
PHOTONICS, CORONA Chamber’s vision for future
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bout 19 months ago, the CORONA Chamber initiated a regional conversation around Photonics (the science of light, lasers, and optics). Norco College, UC Riverside, a multitude of Business leaders/employers,
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al State San Bernardino is ready for their 16th Annual Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards gala. Award winners will be announced on November 15th at the black-tie gala at the Riverside Convention Center. The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards event has honored the top business leaders of the Inland region since its inception in 2003. “Every great entrepreneur knows that to be successful, you have to expect
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he CORONA Chamber has again joined the annual holiday shopping tradition that gets communities everywhere out in support of their favorite small businesses. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on Nov 24. Stared in 2010, the movement began as American Express® realized small businesses were experiencing difficulty due to the recession. The following year, the Senate unanimously passes a resolution in support of the day. By 2012, officials in all states participate.
and CalTech, all joined into a consortium and an evolving conversation about establishing a National Photonics Research Laboratory. Such a Center (similar to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) would not only have strong economic development impact for our region, but would also elevate higher education technician training programs, incubation, technology transfer, local
the unexpected,” said Mike Stull, founder of The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards and Director of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE). “Our 16th annual Spirit of the Entrepreneur celebrates this. We have an outstanding group of finalists again this year.” The program will feature awards presented from eleven categories, and also presentation of the 2018 “Best of the Best” award to one of the ... Continued on page 14
Over the years, growth and involvement has exploded. Last year, an estimated 108 million consumers reported shopping or dining at local independently—owned business on Small Business Saturday—generating roughly $12 billion in reported spending Log on to our Chamber web site (www.MyChamber.org) to receive continual updates on various locally owned businesses participating! Shopping local helps build and sustain a strong local economy!
academic research capabilities, and enhance our strong partnership with our Navy base. As society transitions from the age of the electron into the age of the photon, the region that collectively invests in this emerging technology will propel forward in front of other communities and institutions on many levels. Such a Center would ideally be located in an arid climate, be able to house a testing tube approximately 1 km long, be affiliated with an innovative institution of higher education, and be housed near a military base/ research location. As many of you know, Norco College (part of the Riverside Community College District-RCCD) shares a property line ... Continued on page 3
VOL 4 | #6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Theme Comes to Life At Your Service
Famed Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, flanked by Marlene and John Weyhgandt, in Corona for the inaugural Arts Across America
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n a year marked with prosperity and growth for the Corona Chamber of Commerce, we have many people to thank. From the hard working staff to the tireless work of the organizers and volunteers, we also seek to recognize with pride the leadership
of our Chairman of the Board, Mr. John Weyhgandt. He has a servant’s heart and a desire to help his community every chance he can. Focused and perhaps the true example of being a servant leader, John Weyhgandt ... Continued on page 10
Corona Chamber Leadership Steps Up For The Challenge T he CORONA Chamber works diligently in preparing its volunteer leaders, for the time when they take the helm of the 800+ member organization. Last month, the CORONA Chamber’s Chair-Elect, Yolanda Carrillo, was appointed to serve the City Council in the vacancy created when Dick Haley stepped down due to health reasons. Carrillo, the Executive Director for the Corona-Norco Family YMCA
State’s Budget Crisis is tied to CalPERS
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ne of the most serious problems facing governments and citizens in the State of California is how to fund the commitments made to employee retirement
programs. The California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), remains underfunded while state and local governments struggle to make timely payments with deficits rising. While funds for CalPERS are invested, it is the obligation of the taxpayers to make up the deficits of the fund. Earlier this year, the CORONA Chamber became aware ... Continued on page 14
spent the last 5 years in preparation to serve as the CORONA Chamber’s Chair in 2019. Her involvement went deep into many of the tentacles of the Chamber’s organization, from Women’s Leadership Conference, Legislative Summits and CORONA 2020. Yolanda was recognized by the CAL Chamber with the Small Business Advocate of the Year. With Yolanda accepting the appointment, which takes effect immediately, through December 2020; the Chamber met with its officers known as the Executive Committee. Realizing the importance and honor bestowed upon Yolanda, the Chamber accepted her resignation. Mike Ryan who was slated to serve in 2020 has graciously stepped up to take the reins in January 2019. Perhaps a perfect storm when having Mike to step forward, he is poised, organized and ready to Make A Difference in the CORONA Chamber and its sphere of influence!