“ G OL DE N B U S I N E S S OP P ORT U N I T I E S ”
The Business Journal Official Publication of the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce • April 2010 • www.picoriverachamber.org
Pico Rivera Chamber donates and participates Pico Rivera in good Presbyterian in El Rancho Track and Field program Intercommunity financial shape Hospital signs letter The City of Pico Rivera is operating in a financially prudent manof intent to aquire ner in the current Fiscal Year, which began on July 1, 2009 and ends June Downey Regional 30, 2010 (FY 2009/2010).
P
resbyterian Intercommunity Hospital (PIH) and Downey Regional Medical Center (DRMC) today announced they had each signed a non-binding letter of intent with plans to execute a definitive agreement calling for PIH's acquisition of DRMC. This will bring together two notfor-profit hospitals both with long standing histories of being dedicated to providing quality care to the communities they serve. The nonbinding letter of intent would allow for the continuation of a nonprofit hospital serving the greater Downey community. Under the proposed structure, PIH would form a nonprofit entity to acquire the assets of DRMC under a plan of reorganization. Consideration for the asset purchase would be the promise of the nonprofit hospital to make payments to general unsecured creditors according to a proposed schedule. The outstanding bonds of DRMC could either be guaranteed by PIH or an appropriate affiliate, or possibly be assumed into the PIH Obligated Group. "Now that the letter of intent is signed, PIH and DRMC can begin the process of creating an integrated regional healthcare system with many benefits for residents of the greater Southeast Los Angeles County region serviced by the two hospitals," said James R. West, President and Chief Executive Officer of PIH. "By working with the management and physicians at DRMC, the two hospitals will be able to create a comprehensive network of healthcare services that will be unsurpassed in the area." "We are hopeful that we can quickly come to terms under a definitive asset purchase agreement with PIH and allow for the new nonprofit Downey-based hospital to commence operations as early as this summer, as previously planned," stated Rob Fuller, Executive Vice President & COO of Downey Regional. "While this letter of intent is nonbinding and preliminary in nature, there is a natural geographic and operational affinity between the two organizations that should allow for the Downey-based nonprofit hospital to enjoy successful hospital operations from the outset once twhe asset purchase agree-
See PIH CONTINUED ON 6
The City of Pico Rivera's budget exceeds $100 million for Fiscal Year 2009/2010, with a General Fund of $34.3 million and another $90 million budgeted for operations of the Water Authority, Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, and
Mayor Gregory Salcido and Pico Rivera Chamber President, Alex Saulus, HealthFirst Medical Group, get ready for the El Rancho High School Track and Field Trot. Photo courtesy of Oscar Castillo
The El Rancho High School Track and Field Program held a very successful 1K, 5K, and 10K. Even with the major rainstorm looming, hundreds of runners showed up, including several children who participated in the 1K Youth Trot. The Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce’s president, Alex Saulus with HealthFirst Medical Group participated in the 10K and received the second place medal for his bracket. Also in attendance was Pico Rivera’s Mayor, Gregory Salcido. Mr. Salcido was on hand to start
each of one of the races. At the conclusion of the race, there was a medal ceremony and raffle. During the ceremony Mr. Saulus presented the El Rancho High School Track and Field Program a check for $200 on behalf of the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce. Sylvia Mejia the coordinator of the Trot was very happy to receive support from the local businesses and is already looking forward to planning the second annual event.
Long-time Chamber volunteer turns eighty-eight
[l-r] Arvin Ochoa, Business Development Director of the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce with Harold Adishian, retired, get ready to eat cake. Friends and supporter of the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce, Harold Adishian turned 88 years young on Monday, March 22. About 40 of his business friends got together for breakfast to help him celebrate. Harold helped with
membership at the Pico Rivera Chamber for several years. Harold is always happy to hear how he has mentored so many people in becoming great business people today. Happy Birthday Harold!
capital improvements funded by grants and special revenues. This year's budget funds a 3.5% inflation adjustment, a 3% increase in labor costs, and a $1 million contribution to capital projects. This was only possible because of the 1% sales tax increase approved in November 2008. The City's balance sheet has a $9 million reserve, which is 25% of the General Fund. The Council approved this "rainy day" fund to stabilize the budget during economic uncertainties, to pay for one-time expenditures, and to fund capital improvement. The budget includes funding for many projects and services for Pico Rivera residents such as: • Construction of a new Library totaling $16 million, with $8 million contributed each by the City and the County. • Investment of $20.3 million for reconstruction of Rivera, Smith, Rio Vista, and Pico Parks. • Technology improvements totaling $1.1 million for the Virtual City Hall project. • Facilities improvements totaling $10.2 million for various City buildings and facilities. • Streets improvements totaling $15.8 million for projects throughout the City. "Based on actual receipts, I expect that the new 1% sales tax revenue will yield $5.5 to $6 Million in this fiscal year and $8 Million per fiscal year when the economy returns to normal," said John Herrera, Pico Rivera Finance Director. The new sales tax revenue is now fully committed to pay for the 2009 bond payment, labor costs, and to close the budget deficit from FY 2008/2009.
2 PICO RIVERA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2010
Pico Rivera
Chamber of Commerce 5016 Passons Blvd. Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 949-2473, Fax (562) 949-8320 info@picoriverachamber.org
Executive Committee President
Alex Saulus
HealthFirst Medical Group Vice President
Jose Medina
Funeraria Del Angel/Morrow Vice President
Jim Osborn
Whittier Fertilizer
Treasurer Cheryl Romero Preferred Bank
Board of Directors Sylvia Southerland Southern California Edison
Omar Martinez Farmers Insurance
Von Stroff
Extra Space Storage
Sergio Quinones
Cobe Chemical Labs
Adrian Lechuga A Mi Hacienda
Bill Kalpakoff Cal Met Inc.
David Briano
State Farm Insurance
Shaun Radcliffe
Great Western Building Materials
Randall Courtney The Copy Center
John Avila
New York Life Insurance Co.
Victor Caballero
Mid Valley Yellow Cab
Ray Chavez
Friends of the Pico Rivera Libraries
Dr. Liza Dimaranan
Pico Rivera Optometric Center
Wesley Kruse
Kruse Properties
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Message from the President Pico Rivera is an eclectic mix of industry, retail business, banking, healthcare, education, and food service,– with a sprinkling of Alex Saulus entrepreneurial diversity thrown in for good measure – all working together for the common good. The Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce understands that in order to have a strong economic environment, you must have a strong community that supports and encourages growth and innovative thinking. We are truly blessed in Pico Rivera to have leaders, business owners, educators, and a wealth of private citizens who recognize that we all
share in the responsibility of creating economic success and stability as well as a healthy community environment for our children and grandchildren. As a community, we share the vision. We work, we volunteer, we support and serve as we build on the successes of those who came before us and develop new and innovative strategies that will make Pico Rivera even better. For the past 52 years, the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce has diligently fulfilled the mission of the founding fathers to “create, enhance, and promote the economic environment, employment opportunities and the quality of life in our community and to advocate and create solutions for business and community issues.” The Chamber works with other local civic and private groups to encourage new business develop-
Take Advantage of the Chamber The Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce has assisted busi nesses in the community since its founding in May, 1958. Its f irst priority is to help members be successful in business. The Chamber is the voice for business in the city of Pico Rivera supporting beneficial legislation and opposing unnecessary or detrimental legislation. Excessive government regulations must be opposed and an economic climate maintained so that existing businesses will continue to invest their resources in the hope of making a profit. Helping to resolve problems and focusing on the opportunities of the competitive market place continues as the historic function of the Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Services
The Chamber, through its committee structure, provides a number of services, including: • Advertising Campaigns • Referral Services • Grand Openings • Business Community Beautification Awards • Business Publication • Maps • Directories • Business Development Workshops & Seminars As a chamber member you can count on receiving quality service & support for your business. Your Chamber will provide you with: • New Member Listing in The Business Journal (monthly publication) • Classified & Alpha Listing in the online Business Directory • Networking Contacts & Social Opportunities via Participation in Committee Meetings • Membership Luncheons • Business Mixers & Special Events • Referral Service • Coordination of Business Oppor-
Staff
Elena Ramos Administrative Assistant
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Arvin Ochoa Business Membership Development
Business Journal
To place an ad in the Business Journal call 562-407-3873 for rates or visit www.picoriverachamber.org and click on Advertising.
Published the fourth Friday of every month.
tunities • Small Business Management Seminars • Free Business Counseling via SBA SCORE Program • Digest of California Labor Laws • Industrial Directories • Certificates of Origin • Groundbreaking & Grand Opening Ceremonies • Marketing Information • Real Estate Listing Information • Resource Library The Chamber makes this all work by acting as an umbrella over the committees in achieving its goals and objectives. The active participation and involvement of its members, on various committees, is part of the strength found within the Chamber. We invite you to take advantage of your membership and become actively involved.
Orbit Events Rentals celebrates 25th anniversary
Melanie Coward Executice Director
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ment, to create awareness of problems facing our community and to develop potential solutions, to be a source of information and support for business owners, and to maintain and enhance the good that is Pico Rivera. As the 2009-2010 Chamber President, I am honored to serve alongside the army of volunteers that work out-front and behind the scenes to build a better Pico Rivera for all citizens. That is the uniqueness of our community. We think outside the box, we work together to make things happen, and we support the efforts of all. If you’re not a member of the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce, please join us today. Your investment will pay big dividends in many different ways as we work together to make Pico Rivera a better place to live, to work, and to raise a family.
President, Alex Saulus congratulates Orbits Events Rentals Founder, Mike Gutierrez for their ribbon cutting. Orbits also kicked off a yearlong celebration for their 25th Anniversary. Orbits is a full service event rental company. From table and chairs to popcorn machines call Orbits for any of your party planning needs at 562.696.8875.
The Pico Rivera Business Journal is direct mailed to every business in Pico Rivera A PDF version is uploaded online at the Pico Rivera Chamber and Business Journal websites. Also hand delivered to over 30 businesses, City Hall, and the Sheriff's Department.
For information call Arvin Ochoa 562-949-2473
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PICO RIVERA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2010
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Chamber and Community event calendar May Cinco de Mayo Mixer Date: May 5, 2010 Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM A Mi Hacienda 9613 Whittier Blvd Pico Rivera, Ca 90660 B2B Networking Breakfast Date: May 11, 2010 Time: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM The Whole Child 10155 Colima Rd. Whittier CA 90603 Chamber Members-$10.00 Prospective Members-$20.00 CAPC's Kaleidoscope Mixer Date: May 13, 2010 Add-Wear Blue to represent the Pico Rivera Chamber 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Radisson Hotel Whittier 7320 Greenleaf Ave. Whittier CA 90602 RCA Legislative Forum Date: May 14, 2010 Time: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM Southern California Edison 9901 Geary Avenue Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 Contact Information Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce. 562.949.2473 melanie@picoriverachamber.org Any Pico Rivera Chamber member is encouraged to attend. Ambassador Meeting Date: May 18, 2010 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Chamber Office
9th Annual Public Servant's Appreciation Day Date: May 26, 2010 Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Hosted by Funeraria de Angel Morrows Call the Chamber at 562.949.2473 Business Connection Lunch Date: May 27, 2010 Time: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM Presidents Thai CafĂŠ 9340 Whittier Blvd. Pico Rivera CA 90660 Fees/Admission $12.00 - Chamber Members $17.00 - Prospective Members Pre-pay available by calling or visiting the PR Chamber office. June B2B Networking Breakfast Date: June 8, 2010 Time: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Commerce Casino 6121 Telegraph Rd. Commerce CA 90040 Chamber Members-$10.00 Prospective Members-$20.00 RCA Legislative Forum Date: June 11, 2010 Time: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM Southern California Edison 9901 Geary Avenue Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 Contact Information Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce 562.949.2473 melanie@picoriverachamber.org Any Pico Rivera Chamber member is encouraged to attend.
Ambassador Meeting Date: June 18, 2010 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Chamber Office Business Connection Lunch Date: June 24, 2010 Time: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM Dal Rae 9020 Washington Blvd. Pico Rivera CA 90660 Come and joins us for networking opportunities while enjoying a wonderful lunch. Community Calendar Soroptimist Fashion Show May 2, 2010 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Radisson Hotel Whittier 7320 Greenleaf Ave. Whittier CA City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 11, 2010 City Council Chambers 6615 Passons Blvd. Pico Rivera For more information on any of the events listed please call the chamber at 562.949.2473
Attend the next
Business Conection Lunch! May 27 at President's Thai Cafe, 11:30-1pm
Advertise to over 1,400 Pico Rivera Area Businesses and Chamber Members! The Pico Rivera Business Journal is direct mailed to every business in Pico Rivera A PDF version is uploaded online at the Pico Rivera Chamber and Business Journal websites. Also hand delivered to over 30 businesses, City Hall, and the Sheriff's Department.
For information call Arvin Ochoa 562-949-2473
4 PICO RIVERA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2010
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13th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament The 13th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament was held on April 1, at California Country Club. Despite the challenging times for many businesses-members, sponsors, and golfers stepped up to support the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce to help provide scholarships to El Rancho High School students with the “I’m Going to College” program. The annual golf tournament is made possible by our Major Sponsors, Herrera & Associates CPAs, State Farm Insurance, Wal-Mart, and Whittier Fertilizer. With the threat of rain looming, the clouds burnt off to what was a
beautiful day for all. With the sun shining, the golfers were treated to a delicious breakfast from Café N Stuff on the patio at the golf club. David Briano-State Farm Insurance sponsored the Long Drive Champion, Frank Miller, who was at the #11 tee giving demonstrations, pointers and tips to the golfers. After a day on the course, the golfers were treated to an exciting helicopter golf ball drop. The helicopter circled the clubhouse four times waving to the tournament attendees before dropping the 400 golf balls. Because it was April Fool’s Day,
the top honors were given the “Honesty Award”, which was won by Funeraria de Angel Morrow’s, and the team from Transtech. The awards banquet attendees were treated to an evening of door prizes, giveaways, and great food provided by California Country Club. “This tournament keeps growing”, said Jim Osborne Co-Chair of the Golf Committee, "The volunteers and staff all know their roles so we can provide a fun and inviting atmosphere for businesspeople out on the links. Also, special thanks to David Briano with State Farm Insurance, Golf tournament co-chair for being so dedicated to this tournament”.
Thanks to all our generous ma Herrera & Associates CPA Wal-Mart, and W
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ajor sponsors and supporters! A's, State Farm Insurance, Whittier Fertilizer.
PICO RIVERA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2010
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6 PICO RIVERA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2010
Should I incorporate my business? I. The Fundamental Purpose of a Corporation is to protect your Personal Assets and Income from the Liabilities of your Business. When you form a corporation (or an LLC), you are creating a legal entity separate from yourself through which you can conduct business, instead of operating a business in your individual capacity as a “sole proprietor”. This enables you (as long as you run your corporation properly) to protect your personal assets and income from the debts of the business. If your corporation gets sued and loses its case in court, the winner or “judgment creditor” can only go after the assets of the corporation to satisfy the judgment. II. What’s Required to Form a Corporation? You will need to find a corporate name acceptable to the Secretary of State, file your Articles and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You are then ready to open a bank account in the name of your corporation. Keep this account separate from your personal assets. If you comingle them, someone might be able to “pierce the corporate veil” and get to your personal assets because you were not treating your corporation as an entity separate from yourself. The protection from personal liability discussed above will be lost. A Corporation in California may be owned by one or more individuals. To be a legitimate corporation, these individuals must buy some “shares” or “stock” in their own Corporation and thereby become its “shareholders.” The shareholders of a small corporation often serve as its Directors and officers as well. One person can hold more than one office at the same time (in a 1 person corporation the owner can be the President, Secretary and CFO at the same
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Your business
time). The directors are elected by the shareholders and typically make the major decisions for the Corporation, while the officers handle the day to day operations.
ration pays no taxes at the corporate level. After you pay yourself a “reasonable” salary, if there are any profits left over they are passed through to the shareholders in proportion to their percentage of ownIII. You have to Practice good ership, and each shareholder must “Corporate Housekeeping” and report any profits received and pay Keep your Corporation Orga- the tax owed when they file their innized and Updated dividual 1040 return. There is no point in leaving any of the profits In order to remain in good stand- in the corporation since you will be ing, a Corporation in California taxed on them at the individual level must meet certain requirements on whether or not they are taken out of an annual basis. the corporation’s coffers. The basic requirements are 1) Forming a corporation is an imTimely filing of returns and pay- portant decision and should be well ing the taxes owed by the Corpora- thought-out. It’s not for everyone, tion; 2) Holding annual meetings of but it could be the right decision for the shareholders and directors and you and your business. keeping a written record of those David Zeligs is the Legal Advimeetings called “Minutes”; and 3) sor at the Long Beach Small BusiFiling an annual “Statement of In- ness Development Center (SBDC). formation” with the Secretary of Hosted by Long Beach City College, State listing the Corporation’s cur- the SBDC is a group of successful rent address, directors and officers. small business owners helping felThe identity of the sharehold- low entrepreneurs start, sustain, and ers need not be disclosed. Failure grow their business through lowto maintain these formalities may cost workshops and free one-on-one cause your corporation to have its consulting in business planning, fipowers “suspended” and be unable nance, marketing, and various other to prosecute or defend a lawsuit specialty areas (Spanish speaking among other consequences. consultants available). To make an appointment call: (562) 938-5100, IV. What’s the difference between or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu. an “S” Corporation and a “C” Corporation? The only difference is in how the two types of corporations are taxed. The IRS will automatically tax your corporation as a “C” corporation unless you file a form with the IRS called an “S Election”. If you timely file the form and the IRS accepts it, you will be taxed as an S Corporation instead. A C corporation is taxed at the corporate income tax rate on its profits and has to pay taxes separately from its owners. The owners also pay taxes when they file their individual Form 1040 tax returns. Besides paying dividends, the only way to get money out of a C Corporation is to take a salary from your corporation. After all its debts and taxes are paid, a C Corporation can retain any profits it makes in the Corporation. On the other hand, an S corpo-
PIH
Continued from page 1 ment is concluded," said Fuller. DRMC filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on September 14, 2009, citing financial systems breakdowns and poor contracts as its reasons for filing. DRMC has operated at normal capacity with its full range of services, including its very busy emergency room, throughout the proceedings, and continues to provide excellent care to its patients. On March 15, 2010, DRMC announced that discussions with the Daughters of Charity Health System had ended. "Our overall plan in these discussions is to execute a strategic transaction that allows for a Downey-based nonprofit hospital to continue providing superior
healthcare services to patients in the community," said Kenneth Strople, DRMC's President and Chief Executive Officer. "I want to reassure our patients, our employees, the physicians, and the community that DRMC and its services will continue to be open as we move through these discussions," added Strople. Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital is a 400-plus bed acute care, non-profit hospital which was founded in 1959 with the community's trust and support — values retained today by maintaining the highest standards in medical services, in turn making us the area's acknowledged leading healthcare center. Through commitment to outstanding patient care, respect and compassion for all, responsiveness, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship, the PIH team is devoted to serving the needs of its community. PIH's healthcare team is comprised of a stellar clinical staff of almost 600 board-certified physicians representing a broad range of medical specialties, highly qualified nurses, and other exemplary staff. Downey Regional Medical Center is a 199-bed, not-for-profit regional hospital and medical center that delivers healthcare services to Southeast Los Angeles County. Downey Regional Medical Center features sophisticated facilities and equipment complemented by highly trained medical, nursing, technical and support staff. Downey Regional provides care to more than 160,000 patients each and every year. As it enters its 90th year of continuing operations, DRMC looks forward to continuing its service to the local community.
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Advertise to over 1,400 Pico Rivera Area Businesses and Chamber Members! The Pico Rivera Business Journal is direct mailed to every business in Pico Rivera A PDF version is uploaded online at the Pico Rivera Chamber and Business Journal websites. Also hand delivered to over 30 businesses, City Hall, and the Sheriff's Department.
For information call 562.407.3873
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211 16 COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • APRIL 23, 2010
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PICO RIVERATO BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2010 ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
20,000 CIRCULATION, 50,000 SENIORS. Delivered to 48 cities in LA and Orange Counties, 250 distribution points. Healthy Living is the only monthly area newspaper dedicated to the interests and lifestyles of active seniors residing in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
You can find Healthy Living in 250 community and senior centers, active senior living residences, VFW & American Legion Posts, city halls, bookstores, public libraries, pharmacies, select CVS, Walgreens, retail outlets, restaurants, banks, the waiting rooms of doctors offices, and more. Active seniors represent a growing and powerful segment of the American population, and as such, they deserve their own locally-oriented publication. You will find articles on travel, fitness, self diagnosis techniques, finances, legislation, where to dine out, healthy recipes, and more.
Healthy Living will also spotlight and applaud active seniors who serve others
and their communities.
The Newspaper for Active Seniors
For information call 562.407.3873 or visit www.healthylivingca.com A publication of Los Cerritos Community Newspaper Group. Our group has been publishing community newspapers for over 14 years, www.loscerritosnews.net
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A Healthy Reminder. Are you satisfied with your medical care? You should ask your friends and neighbors about their experiences with Bright Health Physicians. We believe you will hear some very positive stories. They might mention that we have over 150 primary care physicians and more than 180 specialists who take the time to listen to, and get to know our patients and their families. And, that we provide personalized health care that you and your family can count on through every stage of life. Bright Health Physicians is the community’s only medical group linked to Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital (PIH), the area’s preferred hospital. We provide same day access for primary care in most of our offices and have an Urgent Care Center with convenient access in the evenings, on weekends, and holidays. Chances are, you can switch to Bright Health Physicians and keep your current doctor. Call the member services department of your health plan now and let them know you’d like to switch to a doctor affiliated with Bright Health Physicians.
Convenient Locations in: Whittier | Santa Fe Springs | La Mirada | Norwalk | Hacienda Heights
Call the Bright Health Physicians Information and Referral Service at 1.877.285.DOCS (3627) for more information or to find your own Bright Health Physicians doctor. www.BrightHealth.com