Business Focus - December 2011 by Whittier Chamber

A Publication of the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce

DECEMBER 2011 • VOL. 17 NO. 12

Uptown Whittier Invites Families to Enjoy “A Winter Wonderland” This Holiday Season

8158 Painter Avenue Whittier, CA 90602 phone (562) 698-9554 fax (562) 693-2700 info@whittierchamber.com www.whittierchamber.com Supporting the Business Community Since 1914

WHAT’S INSIDE

Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce Presort Std. 8158 Painter Avenue US Postage PAID Whittier, CA 90602

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We Mean Business

E a c h y e a r, t h e W h i t t i e r U p t o w n Association brings magical family fun to the Uptown area during the bustling holiday season. This year, they are looking forward to bringing even more enchanted memories to Whittier residents of all ages. The official holiday “kick-off” is set to begin at the 16th Annual Grand Illumination on Friday, December 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. For the past 16 years, this event has been sponsored by Rick Te w e s o f R i c k ’s Drive In & Out and takes place at the corner of Greenleaf Av e n u e a n d Penn Street. The

Grand Illumination will feature the Whittier High School Marching Band, an Uptown Retail Fashion Show, Santa Claus and a 30-foot tall Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This event has attracted several hundred visitors to Uptown each year and is expanding to include carriage rides that are designed to turn visitors into shoppers and diners. Merchants in the Uptown area will be offering special discounts as part of a Holiday Sidewalk Sale which will take place in Uptown the same evening. If you wish to participate in the Holiday Sidewalk Sale, please contact the Whittier Uptown Association office at (562) 696-2662. Your business will be listed on the Association’s website and you will also be provided with holiday-colored balloons to add some holiday spirit to your shop for this great “kick-start” to the shopping season in Uptown.

The Association is also proud to announce the debut of their new Ice Skating Rink which will be making its way to Whittier this year! The rink will be ready for holiday skaters on Friday, December 9 and available through Saturday, December 17. The 48' x 32' professional skating rink will be located at 6724 Greenleaf Avenue and will be open for an average of 6 hours per day. This fabricated rink will highlight the “Winter Wonderland” theme this year and provide additional ambiance to the Uptown area. Weekday opening time will be 3 p.m. and at 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The winter wonderland holiday festivities in Continued on page 3

Gain Exposure For Your Business at the Rockin' Chamber Business Expo Looking for a way to shake, rattle and roll things up in your business in 2012? Look no further! The Chamber’s Rock ‘n Roll Business Expo is the place where you can grow your business by gaining exposure to over 1,000 people! The 2012 Business Expo will be held on Thursday, January 26 at the Radisson Hotel Whittier. Formerly held in March, the committee decided to move the Expo to January enabling businesses to kick-off the New Year with a premier networking event. This popular showcase gives Whittier Chamber members the opportunity to network, promote and sell their products and services to all who attend. Taking place from 4 to 7 p.m., the Expo will feature over 100 Chamber businesses, organizations and restaurants. This event is free to the general public to attend. As always, the Business Expo will feature a variety of food vendors representing some of Whittier’s finest restaurants, caterers and eateries. Free samples from each vendor’s menu will be showcased. Any restaurant or caterer interested in participating should call

the Chamber office for details regarding a complimentary table at the Business Expo. “The Business Expo gives me a great opportunity to promote my business to many people at one Restaurants already signed up to participate time. It is always a high energy event that is are California Grill and Wing Master Café. fun to participate in. I meet new, prospective Another exciting feature of the Expo will customers there and reconnect with some old be the $10,000 Cash Giveaway. Only 200 ones. Participating in the Whittier Chamber Expo tickets are being sold by Chamber committee is always part of my business’s marketing plan.” and board members for $100 each so get - Rudy Hernandez, RMH DanceSport Center together with your co-workers, family or friends for your chance to win! For more ticket information, call the Chamber at TABLE IN “MTV ROOM” - $175 (562) 698-9554. (Board Room): A standard table in this very There are several ways to participate in popular room located across from the Main the 2012 Whittier Chamber Business Expo: Ballroom includes a 6’ table with linens, TABLES & BOOTHS IN “AMERICAN chairs and a sign for your business. A limited BANDSTAND” (Main Ballroom): All tables amount of space with electricity is available and booths in the “American Bandstand” for an additional $15. room include linens, chairs, free electricity, TABLE IN “SOUL TRAIN” - $160 a sign for your business, free marketing (Hallway): A standard table in this high traffic package (see details below) and an excellent table location in the Expo’s Main Ballroom. area includes a 6’ table with linens, chairs and * American Bandstand Table (6-foot): $275 a sign for your business. A limited amount of space with electricity is available for an * American Bandstand Booth (8’x10’, with two classroom style tables): additional $15. $395 (limited number available) Continued on page 18

New Member Orientation @ Chamber Office (8158 Painter Ave.)

Whittier Chamber members Roger Stoltenberg with Spiritt Family Services, LaDonna Munier of Friendly Hills Bank and Amy Catt with Interfaith Food Center shared coffee and conversation during the Wake Up Whittier event at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. For more photos from the monthly breakfast, turn to page 6

December 6 9 to 11 a.m. See page 8 for details

Dr. Ramsey Ezaki, DDS and his furry friend stopped by the annual Halloween Mixer hosted by Renew Massage & Skin Care at the Historic Mission Court Building. For more fun photos from the mixer, see page 15

Whittier Business Focus

www.whittierchamber.com

DECEMBER 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

It’s official! The holiday shopping season is here and I want to remind everyone, residents and business owners alike, of the value of shopping locally and using your purchasing power in Whittier. Our City is full of great retail and restaurant options which make it easy to “Shop Whittier” this holiday season. A variety of stores, shops and restaurants can be found on every corner of the city, as well as in distinct shopping hot spots like the Whittwood Town Center, the Quad, the Whittier Market Place and the Uptown Shopping District. Not only do Whittier merchants offer a variety of quality shopping choices, but by keeping your shopping dollars Ben Greer, within the City, you put money back into your own community. GM Properties There is a direct correlation between purchases made in Whittier and the services that the City is able to provide its citizens. Street repairs, police services, youth and senior services are only a few of the programs which benefit from increased consumer spending. As residents and business owners, we need to make shopping locally a priority this holiday season. Local businesses return approximately 50% of each dollar spent back to the community. Additionally, local businesses contribute to the community through the “multiplier effect” which states that one dollar spent at a locally owned business will return three to five times that amount back in to the community through city taxes, employee wages and material/supply purchases from other independent businesses. In addition, these same local businesses give back to the community through supporting schools, social services and contributing to local non-profit organizations. It is pretty easy to see how every dollar spent in our city positively affects the quality of life for our residents. Can’t find the perfect gift for a “hard to shop for” family member or friend? Consider purchasing a gift certificate from one of our great Chamber restaurants or unique specialty shops. If you’re looking for a specific type of business, you can call the Chamber for a referral at (562) 698-9554 or visit our online business directory at www.whittierchamber.com. Remember, each time you choose to spend your dollars in Whittier you are voting for the continued strength and vitality of our community. On behalf of the Whittier Chamber Board of Directors, I want to wish you happy holidays and a most prosperous new year!

Season’s greetings! As the end of 2011 approaches, we are happy to report that the City is ending the year with some exciting projects. First, the Whittwood Branch Library is undergoing a $5.3 million renovation and will grow from 9,735 square feet to 15,733 square feet. Construction is expected to begin this month and be completed by December 2012. The expansion will add much need ed space for library materials, a study and teen area, a new story-telling area in the children's section and additional technology stations. For your convenience, the Branch Library book drops will remain open during construction. Library items may also be returned to Central Cathy Warner, Library, 7344 S. Washington Avenue. The Whittier City Council is Whittier City Mayor excited about the Branch Library’s expansion and the many benefits of a modernized library for residents in east Whittier. A new restaurant will be joining the Whittwood Town Center family. We recently learned that a lease with Panda Express was executed last month with the new restaurant open by the spring. We hope this new restaurant will be the first of many more new restaurants at the shopping center. The Whittwood Town Center area will be buzzing with lots of activity between the new Panda Express, construction at the Branch Library and very soon with construction at the former Stats site. Ground breaking at the former Stats site is expected early this coming year. More construction news! Last month, LINC Housing broke ground on a 21-unit affordable family complex. Located at the corner of Philadelphia and Pickering, Mosaic Gardens will enhance and improve the gateway to Uptown. The property’s onsite amenities will include a spacious courtyard with a tot lot playground, barbeque and picnic areas, and a large community space where resident services, programs and other events will take place. The building is designed with three stories over a one-level parking garage. LINC Housing has over 27 years in affordable housing development and Mosaic Gardens will be LINC Housing’s second Whittier project. The first was the Hoover Hotel (now the Seasons at Hoover), which opened in 2001 as a senior citizen housing site. The City continues to monitor the California Supreme Court lawsuit filed by the California Redevelopment Association and the League of California Cities to determine how the Court’s decision will affect implementation of ABX 1 26 and 27, the new redevelopment laws passed in June. The Whittier City Council is particularly interested in the case as it could significantly affect large future projects such as the redevelopment of the Fred C. Nelles site. ‘Tis the season for shopping! Please consider supporting local Whittier businesses first this holiday season. Sales tax from taxable purchases is a major source of revenue for the City. When you shop in the City of Whittier, you generate revenue for our community that pays for public safety services, street repairs, and senior and youth programs. Remember: where you buy gas, groceries and gifts does make a difference. Join the Whittier City Council and shop Whittier first this holiday season! Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season— see you next year!

Focus on your Business. Advertise in the

Business Focus.

Reach over 12,000 businesses and residents on a montly basis! One time & annual rates available. We’ll design your ad at no additional cost. Call the Whittier Chamber at (562) 698-9554

2011-2012 Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DIRECTORS President Gus Arriaza, CW Supplies Ernie Ceja, Vinatero Wine Shop Ben Greer, GM Properties Heather Crawford, Immediate Past President Prudential California Realty Dean Harako, Pay Advance Payroll Eric Day, VP Administration & President-elect Credit Union Of Southern California Sue Dean, Notary Signing Network Greg Gunter, Greg’s Auto Body VP Business Information Ana Gutierrez, Whittier College Leighton M. Anderson, Rudy Hernandez, RMH Dancesport Center Bewley, Lassleben & Miller Norm Kirschenbaum, Tri-Cities ROP VP Community Affairs Carolyn Reggio, CAPC, Inc. Shannon Gimbel, Shannon G’s Flowers VP Finance Jeff Ball, Friendly Hills Bank VP Membership STAFF David Krake, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Carol Crosby & Lyn Carty, VP Special Events Executive Directors Jessica Schreiner Magdosku, Bonnie Watje, ACRO Printing, Inc. Director of Membership Katie Galvin, Director of Public Relations Amber Bookil-Lawrence, Bookkeeper Natalie Saenz, Event & Member Relations Coordinator

Whittier Chamber Business Focus

Official monthly publication of the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce This publication is mailed monthly to all licensed businesses in the city of Whittier, all Whittier Chamber members and 4,500 Whittier residents in selected areas. Papers are also distributed via various community locations such as Whittier Library, Community Center, Senior Center, City Hall, etc. Total circulation is 8,000. We welcome comments, press releases and community interest stories. All submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. The Whittier Chamber reserves the right to approve and edit submitted material. The Business Focus is also an excellent vehicle within which to advertise! For current advertising rates, please contact Katie Galvin at (562) 698-9554.

Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce 8158 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602 (562) 698-9554 • (562) 693-2700 FAX www.whittierchamber.com • info@whittierchamber.com

13215 E. PENN STREET, SUITE 101 WHITTIER, CA 90602

(562) 698-9891

RICHARD SCRIVANICH, CPA DEBI RHINEHART, CPA VALERIE SULLIVAN, CPA PARTNERS

DECEMBER 2011

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"A Winter Wonderland" - continued from page 1

Uptown is expected to attract seasonal food vendors, non-profits, specialty boutiques and additional opportunities for Whittier Uptown Association members to market their goods and services. Vendor spaces are very limited so contact the Association office ASAP if you want to participate. The ice skating rink is anticipated to attract as many as 3,000 extra visitors to the Uptown area over the course of its schedule and should offer plenty of quality family fun during the holidays. The 58th Annual Uptown Whittier Christmas Parade is slated for Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The Whittier Uptown Association is proud to announce that this year’s Grand Marshall will be President of Whittier College Sharon Herzberger. Whittier College is a vital part of Uptown Whittier and has served the greater community for more than 100 years. The college continues to be a cornerstone of the city and Sharon Hertzberger, as President of the College, has become a true leader. The Association is proud to recognize her efforts this year during the annual community event. The Whittier Uptown Association is also proud to announce this year's Spirit Award Winners, Virginia Ball - Spirit Philanthropy Award, Sandra Thorstenson - Spirit Education Award and Robert Chavez - Spirit Artist Award. These individuals will be honored at the Parade VIP Breakfast and will be participating in the Christmas parade with the Whittier City Council and fellow dignitaries. Attracting nearly 30,000 parade watchers each year, the Whittier Christmas Parade is a community-wide celebration. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland” and it will include marching bands, vintage automobiles, local dignitaries, decorated floats, civic groups, dance troupes, choirs and jolly St. Nick! With a quintessential small-town feel to it, the 58th Annual Christmas Parade promises to bring a smile to every face and plenty of warmth on a chilly December morning. Uptown Whittier continues with the “Winter Wonderland” theme at the 18th Annual Holiday Sonata on Saturday, December 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring horse drawn carriage rides for visitors in Uptown. Participating businesses can make the evening noteworthy by offering unique holiday refreshments and special last-minute deals for busy holiday shoppers. Santa will be welcoming all the children to Santa’s Village for photos and to hear their holiday wish lists. In addition, there will be arts and crafts workshops open to the public in the 6500 block of Greenleaf Avenue near the parking lot. The Sonata will also feature musical entertainment provided by talented local community members and students near the 6700 block of Greenleaf by the Ice Skating Rink. This is yet another opportunity to invite family, friends and loyal customers to come out and enjoy the special holiday cheer that can only be found in Uptown Whittier! The Whittier Uptown Association would like to wish our Whittier community a very happy and safe holiday season! For more information on how your business can participate or volunteer for these events, please visit www.whittieruptown.org or call the Whittier Uptown Association Office at (562) 696-2662.

Whittier Business Focus

Order Your 2012 Employment Posters Today! Federal law requires every covered employer to post specific labor information in an effort to protect the wages, health benefits, retirement security, employment rights, safety, and health of America’s workforce.

The Whittier Chamber is now offering the 2012 California Employment Notices Poster, which contains all 16 current California and federal notices every California business must post, all on one compact poster (26”x 39.75”). This year’s poster set also includes the new NLRA notice that is mandatory for 2012. These posters, which fit easily on a door, in a break room or a main hallway, are required whether you have one employee, or 1,000 employees, The 2012 California Employment Notices Poster includes required notices about: · Equal employment opportunity; · Employment Development Department notice to employees; · Minimum wage (federal and state); · Military leave benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA); · Safety and health (Cal/OSHA) requirements; · Workers’ compensation guidelines; · Discrimination and harassment (Department of Fair Employment and Housing); · Family/medical leave and pregnancy leave (federal and state); · Whistleblower protection; · Time off for voting; · Polygraph protection; · Unemployment insurance, disability insurance and paid family leave; · Plus space for your local emergency and Cal/OSHA contacts, and your payday schedule, which must be posted.

2012 Employment Notices Poster (Paper with Poster Protect** Service)

_____ @ $35 (Whittier Chamber member rate) _____ @ $45 (non Chamber member rate) **Poster Protect service entitles you to receive a free updated poster if there are any mandatory changes in 2012 Posters also available for special order in Spanish. Call 562 698-9554 for info

Name: ___________________________ Ph. Number ______________________ Business: _________________________________________________________

Melanie Bickley

WINTER 2012 - EVENTS At SkyRose Chapel December 3rd Celebration of Life

December 4th Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration

December 12th Whittier Youth Orchestra

December 18th Rio Hondo College Dance Ensemble, Holiday Kaleidoscope

January 8th Rio Hondo Symphony For information call (562)

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Whittier Business Focus

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Chamber Presents Beautification Award to City of Whittier

TASTY TUESDAY z Wendy Castaneda with Bonne Sante and Ralph Garcia of Eco-Friendly Toners exchange business cards and conversation over lunch at the Tasty Tuesday networking event

DECEMBER 2011

The Whittier Chamber’s Whittier Beautiful Committee has been in existence since a group of residents and business owners began meeting to prepare for Whittier’s Centennial. Originally chaired by Whittier favorites Ruth B. Shannon and Lee Owens, the committee worked closely with the code enforcement department. The committee has evolved over the years and now meets quarterly to receive reports on city-wide development and beautification projects. Twice a year, the Whittier Chamber nominates businesses for the Whittier Beautiful Award. Awardees are determined based on improvements made to their business or property, which result in an overall positive impact on the community. The most recent Whittier Beautiful Award was presented to the City of Whittier by Chair Heather Crawford for the beautification of the Civic Center area. “The City has done an amazing job of creating a welcoming atmosphere around City Hall,” said Heather. In addition to the construction of the new police department building, the City: • renovated the Peace Memorial area which now includes new flags, landscaping and benches, • received the Police Memorial statue as a gift from the Whittier Community Foundation, • illuminated the spire on the top of city hall, and • created the beautiful Civic Center entry plaza.

General Manager Scott Berndt and his staff at Carino’s Italian Grill served up some delicious entrees for their Whittier Chamber guests while hosting the Tasty Tuesday event

Combined, these projects have created a Civic Center that Whittier residents and business owners should be proud to have in their community. The City of Whittier and City Council should be commended for creating an area that instills both pride and patriotism and they are deserving of this Whittier Beautiful Award. If you know a Chamber member business you would like to nominate for a Whittier Beautiful Award, please email the Chamber at info@whittierchamber.com. Chamber Ambassador Gil Rodriguez with Coldwell Banker Alliance Realty (left) dined with fellow Chamber members Ralph and Ruben of Allstate Insurance Company and Roselyn with Charter Business during the monthly networking lunch at Carino’s in Whittier

Whittier Beautiful Chair Heather Crawford presents the quarterly award to City of Whittier Mayor Cathy Warner and fellow Council members during a recent City Council meeting

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Tax tips Social Security After Death or Divorce You may be familiar with the basic math of Social Security benefits. For people born from 1943 through 1954, Social Security’s “full retirement age” is 66 years old. You can start to receive benefits as early as age 62, but early retirees permanently receive reduced benefits. You can defer Social Security retirement benefits up to age 70; the longer you wait, the larger each check will be for the rest of your life. Spouses and ex-spouses may receive Social Security benefits on their own work record or on their spouse’s record. Generally, they Richard Scrivanich, Harvey & Parmelee will receive the greater of the two benefits. LLP Support for spouses The basic spousal benefit is one half of the other spouses retirement benefit. Example 1: Molly Fox is eligible for $800 a month on her own work record. As a spouse, however, she is eligible for $1,000 a month from Social Security (half of her husband, Nick’s full benefit). Molly will receive the larger amount – the $1,000 monthly spousal benefit. To get this spousal benefit, however, the lower-earning spouse must wait for benefits until full retirement age. Example 2: Assume that Nick Fox’s benefit at full retirement age is $2,000 a month. For Molly to get a $1,000 spousal benefit, she must wait until her full retirement age to start benefits. Molly can start as early as age 62, but the earlier Molly starts to collect benefits, the smaller her checks will be. If Molly turns 62 this year and starts to receive Social Security checks right away, each check would be 75% of the amount she’d get at age 66. For every month after age 62 that she waits to start, her checks will be slightly higher percentage of her full retirement benefit. As mentioned, waiting until age 70 generates a larger check. If Nick Fox waits beyond 66, he will increase his monthly check by 8% for each year he delays. However, Nick’s waiting will not increase Molly’s spousal benefit. Therefore, someone who is certain to collect a spousal benefit (generally, someone who earned much less than his or her spouse) may want to start benefits no later than full retirement age. Survivor’s benefits Married couples who have reached the age of eligibility may receive two Social Security checks each month. After one spouse dies, however, the surviving spouse can receive no more than one check. Again, the survivor will receive the higher of the two benefits. A surviving spouse who has reached full retirement age can collect the benefit that the deceased spouse would have received. A surviving spouse can start to receive survivor’s benefits as early as age 60 (50 if disabled) but starting before full retirement age would produce smaller monthly checks. A surviving spouse who starts benefits at 60 would receive 71.5% of the full retirement benefit; he or she will get a slightly higher amount for each month after age 60 that benefits begin. Example 3: Assume when Nick and Molly Fox are in their 70s that Nick will receive $2,600 a month from Social Security, and Molly will receive $1,300: a 50% spousal benefit. If Nick dies, Molly would start to receive Nick’s $2,600 monthly benefit. Going forward, any cost of living adjustments for Molly would be based on that $2,600 monthly benefit. As previously noted, Nick’s deferment of benefits beyond full retirement age does not increase Molly’s spousal lifetime benefit. However, Nick’s deferment of benefits does

Whittier Business Focus

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Whittier Business Focus

Wake Up Whittier

www.whittierchamber.com

DECEMBER 2011

SOROPTIMIST of Whittier

Whittier Chamber Board member Bonnie Watje with ACRO Printing, Inc. welcomes Teri Bazen of Norwalk/La Mirada Plumbing to the Wake Up Whittier networking event at PIH

WEDNESDAY

The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts Whittier College 13406 Philadelphia St., Whittier CA

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Whittier Chamber President Ben Greer presents a certificate of appreciation to Dr. William Stimmler, President of Bright Health Physicians of PIH, for hosting another successful Wake Up Whittier networking event at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital

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WHITTIER HOST LIONS “FEEDING THE HUNGRY” FOOD DRIVE Whittier Host Lions are Supporting and Assisting The Interfaith Food Center Holiday Food Distribution Program. The center does a fantastic job of making a difference to local families in need and we can all help. The Lions are hoping you will help attack this problem of hunger. Let’s all help local families put food on their table and try to make it so that no child in our community goes to bed hungry. Following are some of the suggested items that are in need:

Whittier Chamber Board member Carolyn Reggio of CAPC, Inc. (center) and prospective member Oscar Guido with Farmers Insurance purchase raffle tickets from Ambassador Ronda Larsen with The P.C. Help Desk during the monthly breakfast at PIH

Canned vegetables or fruit stuffing mix cranberry sauce turkeys & canned ham canned pumpkin Jell-O/Pudding

mashed potatoes boxed rice or pasta canned yams, tuna, chicken & meat cans of evaporated milk gravy mix cake mix & frosting

If you can’t make it to the store to pick up some items we will accept checks, cash or gift cards. Bring your items to ACRO Printing, Inc. Located at 13301 Philadelphia Street, Whittier, CA 90601 Between 9 a.m. & 5 p.m. Final day for the Lion’s drive is December 19th. Deliveries after December 19th can be made directly to The Interfaith Food Center at 14545 Leffingwell Rd., Whittier 90604. Any questions call Robert Ruiz at (562) 907-5518 or Glenn Watje at (562) 945-9638 Thanks Again Whittier!

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DECEMBER 2011

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Whittier Business Focus

WHAT’s COOL IN YOUR SCHOOL

La Serna High School’s Ken LaVigne Chosen As One of California’s 2012 Teachers of the Year Ken LaVigne has been chosen as one of California’s 2012 Teachers of the Year, joining an LaVigne says he knows that when a new batch of sophomores enter his classroom, they often elite group of five educators from the state recognized for their compelling classroom practices carry with them personal struggles, difficult family situations and other challenges outside of and dedication to students. school that keep them from focusing on their studies. “If I have to listen to the angry words of a student from an abusive home vent his frustration until LaVigne leads La Serna’s Organized Academic Support in School (OASIS), a relatively new we meet on peaceful, common ground, I must have the patience and humility to do that,” LaVigne intervention program for sophomores and juniors. After four years under LaVigne’s leadership, said. “If I am really a teacher worthy of the title, I care about the person much more than the test OASIS has turned around the lives of a majority its students, motivating youths to earn higher score. I'll plant the seed and feed the soil. It's only a matter of time before the flower blooms.” GPA’s and go on to graduate. OASIS students meet with LaVigne twice a day and with their student mentors once a day. “I’m humbled and honored to have been chosen for this award,” LaVigne said. “Our students Teachers provide OASIS students with weekly progress reports, counselors give extra guidance, are successful because we give them love, structure and support and that’s what I get from everyone and student mentors act as role models, tutors and cheerleaders to help keep them on track. I work with – from our superintendent and principal to our counselors, teachers, administrators, Community leaders and local businesses donate motivating incentives that range from free ice parents and students,” he said. “Our success is really a result of pooling everyone’s efforts.” cream to Lakers’ tickets to those students who do well. With 27 years of experience as a football coach, the last 10 at La Serna High School, "Data shows that 60 to 70 percent of OASIS students who begin with LaVigne in the 10th grade LaVigne borrows heavily from his coaching days, using a team approach to reach his students. make it to graduation," said Rita Stevens, La Serna’s Assistant Principal of Guidance. "This is a Through OASIS, struggling sophomores receive extra academic, social and emotional support terrific statistic when one considers that OASIS sophomores usually begin the program with only from LaVigne, their teachers, counselors and high-achieving student mentors. For some added 10 to 25 credits," she said. "While OASIS students enter with an average grade point average motivation, LaVigne throws in a little team competition, doling out prizes and awards for the of 0.97, they typically exit OASIS with a 2.28 GPA and continue to improve their grades over most improvement and the best grades. time," LaVigne added. “We teach the mind and coach the soul,” LaVigne said. "If we get them to believe in themselves LaVigne’s dedication to his students doesn’t end after their time in OASIS, Stevens said. In their they are more apt to want to try. We are changing the paradigm with a lot of love, structure junior year, all of LaVigne’s OASIS students and 10th grade guided study students take LaVigne’s and support. Empathy, accountability, identity, resilience, organization, discipline, balance and English III class and continue to meet with student mentors. In their senior year, LaVigne keeps leadership are infused into everything we do.” an eye on his students, shepherding as many as possible to graduate on time. “Ken LaVigne truly deserves this recognition. He brings his one-of-a-kind talents as a teacher, A graduate of Santa Fe High School, LaVigne has a long history with Whittier Union. After coach and motivator to those students who need him the most and, in doing so, wins their hearts, graduating from California State Long Beach and teaching for five years at a private school, he minds and trust,” said Dr. Drew Passalacqua, Principal of La Serna High School. “Ken changes was recruited and hired as the Head Varsity Football Coach at California High School in 1988. the mindset of his students, making them realize that they have the power to be winners in school. After a few years in private industry, LaVigne returned to teaching, As a result, the majority go on to do just that.” rejoining Whittier Union in 1991 as a teacher and coach at Santa Fe The OASIS program was a big reason why La Serna received High, his alma mater. LaVigne transferred to La Serna High School a California Distinguished School award in 2009. OASIS has also in 1997 and has been working there ever since. garnered the attention of education leaders from throughout the “I have the deepest respect for Ken as a teacher, family man, country, some of whom have come to observe the program in action. and friend,” Thorstenson said. “Ken is the epitome of humility, As a result, Point Loma High School in San Diego and Centennial selflessness and commitment to his students’ well-being and ability High School in Bakersfield have started OASIS programs based to achieve.” on La Serna’s model, LaVigne noted. Each of the Los Angeles County winners received a $1,000 cash “Ken LaVigne gives his students the support, study skills and prize from California Credit Union, the main sponsor of the award. life skills necessary to take charge of their lives and begin building They advanced to the statewide competition, where five winners were successful academic futures,” said Whittier Union High School selected. One of the five will proceed to the national competition in District Superintendent Sandra Thorstenson. “He really does the spring. For more information on Ken LaVigne or the OASIS ‘whatever it takes,’ going well beyond his classroom to involve program at La Serna High School, call the Whittier Union High fellow teachers, administrators, students’ parents and the community School District at (562) 698-8121. in order to give his kids the assistance and motivation they need to Ken LaVigne with two of his OASIS students at La Serna High School do well in school.”

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www.whittierchamber.com

‘Tis The Season For Business Networking & Membership Benefits At The Whittier Chamber’s Meet ‘N Greet Open House Did your business recently join the Whittier Chamber? Are you a new employee who wants to know more about how to maximize your company’s existing Chamber membership? Or do you simply need a refresher course on all the Chamber has to offer? If so, you’re invited to join us at the Whittier Chamber’s Meet ’N Greet Open House being held on Tuesday, December 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Whittier Chamber office. “There is nothing quite as valuable as having the opportunity to work and learn within your community,” stated Vice President of Membership, David Krake of Merrill Lynch. “Not only is the mind expanded, but it creates strong interpersonal relationships. The Meet ‘N Greet Open House is a welcoming forum for Chamber members who want to know more about the Chamber and network with one another. If you are interested in having your Chamber membership make a difference for your business, I can’t think of a better way to get started than to attend the Meet ‘N Greet Open House.” As members arrive at the Chamber office, they will visit a series of stations intended to help them better understand how to utilize their membership benefits, such as special events, the Business Focus newspaper, the Chamber’s website and free networking events like Wake Up Whittier, Tasty Tuesday and other mixers. In addition, light appetizers will be provided in the Chamber Board room allowing members mingle and exchange business cards in a fun, casual atmosphere. All new Chamber members are encouraged to drop by anytime during the Meet ’N Greet Open House. Please RSVP by calling Director of Membership Jessica Magdosku at (562) 698-9554 or by email to jessica@whittierchamber.com. The Whittier Chamber office is located at 8158 Painter Avenue between Whittier Blvd. and La Cuarta Ave.

Greg Gunter, Greg’s Auto Body Tina Kubasek, St. Mark’s Lutheran School “I appreciate Greg’s Auto Body because of their professionalism and accessibility to their customers. Their auto body work has always been above average and it keeps me coming back time after time.”

DECEMBER 2011

You Are Invited! WHO: New Chamber Members New employees at Chamber member businesses Anyone wanting to learn more about how the Chamber can help build their business WHAT: Meet ‘N Greet Open House & Orientation WHEN: Tuesday, December 6 9-11 a.m. Whittier Chamber office - 8158 Painter Avenue, Whittier Please RSVP to jessica@whittierchamber.com or call 562 698-9554

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DECEMBER 2011

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Whittier Business Focus

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS z

Krista Lesa and her fellow Terramar associates dedicated the newest “Art in Public Places” piece at The Quad shopping center with members of the Whittier City Council and Chamber of Commerce

The First Day family keeps on growing! Executive Director Ted Knoll celebrated with local dignitaries, Whittier City Councilmembers and Chamber advocates during the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of their new, state-of-the-art health center

The team at Sugar Expressions gathered with friends and Whittier Chamber supporters during their official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony in Uptown Whittier

The Hsieh family celebrated with High Sierra Properties associates and fellow tenants during the official ribbon cutting for the newly available Doctor’s Medical Center building located in Whittier

Whittier City Councilmember Joe Vinatieri joined members of the Whittier Elks Lodge last month at their special ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary The Whittier Chamber celebrated with the executives at First Mortgage Corp. in Uptown Whittier at their official ribbon cutting ceremony held last month

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Whittier Chamber supporters and friends joined Erik & Darlene Arevalo and their team members for a ribbon cutting at their new Crossfit Whittier fitness gym

Whittier Place Senior Living

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The entire month of December, we ask for your help in donating SCARVES, MITTENS, and HATS for local low-income and homeless families.

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Whittier Business Focus

www.whittierchamber.com

DECEMBER 2011

Thank You to All o

Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce

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GM Properties

RMH Productions

All State Insurance - Ralph Osorio

AME

Concept 7

State Farm - Drew Martin

Union Bank

Whittier Community Center

1st Place Masters Team State Farm Insurance – Drew Martin Agency

3rd Place – John Peel Concept 7

The Gutter Ball Award went to the team of Christian, Anne James (Reliance Funding), Mike James and Diana Gonzalez (Advanced Benefit Center)

Bonnie Watje from ACRO Printing presents Pop ‘n Win Balloon winner Luke Harrison with his prize

Angelika and Marcus Kolmai from Swiss Park provided delicious meatballs for bowlers to enjoy

Corporate

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DECEMBER 2011

www.whittierchamber.com

Whittier Business Focus

of Our Sponsors & Participants!

State Farm Insurance – Cheryl Estep

Greg’s Auto Body

Pay Advance Payroll

ACRO Printing

Doug Rowan - Financial Network

Friendly Hills Bank

Harrison Electric

Shannon G's Flowers

2nd Place Masters Team Harrison Electric

“Callaway” Team Winner – Shannon G’s Flowers

1st Place – Bret State Farm Insurance – Drew Martin Agency

2nd Place – Vince State Farm Insurance – Drew Martin Agency

Thank you Cosmic Bowling co-chairs Susie Ausdal from Union Bank and Theresa Garcia from Theresa’s Treasures

Ben Greer from GM Properties presents the Grand Prize to Estephania from CAPC

Bowling co-chairs Susie Ausdal and Theresa Garcia and Chamber President Ben Greer congratulate Auction Board winner John Peel

Strike It Rich Sponsor Dean Harako from Pay Advance Payroll and his son Adam present a cash prize to Dan Walker from the City of Whittier

Sponsors

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Beverage Sponsors

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AME Ralph Osorio

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Shannon G’s Flowers Drew Martin

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DECEMBER 2011

www.whittierchamber.com

Whittier Business Focus

OFFICE LIFE Communicating to a Group – Making Your Presentation Memorable By Bob Greenfield

We’ve all listened to presentations, some good, some great, some awful. What makes the great ones great or so memorable? As more and more of us are required by our jobs to give formal presentations, this is an increasingly important topic and a truly essential skill set. Every presentation is an amazing and inevitable opportunity to set yourself apart from the crowd. So, how do you ensure that you are memorable for the right reasons? There are plenty of books about formal communication and presentations addressing proper structure, format and providing a host of novel techniques. I’d like to focus on three simple things that any presenter can do more effectively to connect with an audience: make your point, fall in love, keep it personal. 1. Make your point. Unless your purpose is purely entertainment, you’re there to make a point (or perhaps more than one) and to ask for something. You need to be exceptionally clear about both. Surprisingly, unskilled presenters often neglect to actually make their point once they get to talking. So, what is your point? What’s the one thing that must be communicated? What’s the one thing you want your audience to remember? Keep in mind that your audience actually wants and needs some structure from you. Tell them what you are going to do and what your purpose is. In addition to a central point, nearly all good presentations include an “ask”. Your ask is what you invite, encourage or challenge your audience to do as a result of your presentation. Do you want your audience to take an action? To make a decision? To consider a proposal or a new idea? To see something through a different lens? To adopt a perspective? To agree or disagree with something? To simply come to a different understanding than they started with? Your ask is integrally related to your purpose. It is not uncommon for a presenter to give an otherwise good presentation but neglect to make their ask. Common reasons include anything from fear to lack of preparation and poor structure. Whatever the reason, don’t let it happen to you. 2. Fall in love with your presentation. Does your presentation turn you on? If not, change it, quickly, before you get anywhere near your audience. If you do not like your presentation, what do you think the chances are that your audience will differ with you? It is not principally the content or what you say that engages the audience. With a live presentation, whether in front of 500 people or just 5, the main attraction is always the presenter. That’s right – you! Before the audience can buy into your message, it must first buy into the messenger. If your audience cannot easily buy into you, your message has no chance. To be compelling, you have to believe in your message. Unfortunately, if you are not sold on or excited about your presentation, that will come across much more clearly than you’d like. It doesn’t matter how ordinary or dry you think your topic is. You owe your audience your best effort to make it interesting. Tell stories of horrendous failures or awe-inspiring successes. Offer new insights about a familiar idea. Discuss an overlooked quality of something easily taken for granted. Give a demonstration. Your local bookstore has a shelf of books full of tips and techniques for incorporating “sizzle” into your presentation. You want your audience to believe you; start by making sure you can believe yourself. The best way to do this is to turn your presentation into something you can’t wait to deliver. If you want it to be fun or exciting for your audience to hear, make it fun or

exciting for you to deliver. There is a portion of stage fright or pre-presentation anxiety that comes from an irrational fear that your audience won’t like you or your message. If you’re feeling some of this, welcome to the human race. There is also the very rational and quite predictable anxiety that your audience won’t like your presentation because it’s a dog. If you’re feeling some of this, get back to work. You should be feeling uncomfortable because you are about to break the cardinal rule for presenters… never waste your audience’s time. 3. Keep it personal. As a presenter, you cannot hide, nor should you. This doesn’t stop many of us from trying. Again, a great presentation is not just about information. Otherwise you could just hand out copies of your well-written presentation and be done with it. Reading aloud a written report is the epitome of impersonal. A presentation is supposed to be personal, and your audience doesn’t want to watch a perfectly programmed robot deliver a presentation utterly devoid of personality. So put your personality on full display. Any personality at all is more interesting than written or monotonously spoken words, and it certainly beats staring at your PowerPoint slides. Subscribing to and truly embracing this may not be easy, but it’s worth remembering and working at. Believing that you deserve your audience’s attention and that it will want to see your personality is mostly about self-acceptance and confidence. Some thoughtful preparation and consideration of what is appropriate to your audience, topic and setting will also help. 1. Be imaginative. Think outside of the proverbial box, and bring your unique spin or touch to the presentation. 2. Be prepared. Audiences are just as uncomfortable as the presenter when he’s bombing. Rehearse and refine your presentation until you have it nailed. Rehearse your presentation out loud. Reviewing your presentation is not rehearsing it. Regardless of what you have typed or written out, you’re not going to know what’s going to come out of your mouth until you hear yourself say it. 3. Be selfish. Again, make it interesting for yourself. If it’s not interesting to say, it’s probably not going to be interesting to hear. Bob Greenfield is an organization development consultant of Greenfield Management Strategies (GMS). Established in 1999, GMS helps individuals and groups in the private, non profit and public sectors become more effective at creating the results they want. Bob can be contacted directly at (818) 506-7100 or via gms.inc@att.net. GMS’ website is www.greenfieldmanagementstrategies.com.

Pain In The Neck! The ProAdjuster is the Answer.

Soreness, tightness, spasms, intense pain — you feel it when you wake up, or perhaps during your workday — rubbing your neck doesn’t seem to help, and you try to cover up the problem with medication hoping that it will eventually go away. Seem familiar? Know that your neck is incredibly engineered. It was created with its own built-in shock absorber called a curve or lordosis. The curve was designed to act like a spring and absorbs the shock of your head resting on your neck. It’s a significant amount of pressure (to hold the head up) over time, and the importance of keeping this curve is imperative to the transmission of “information” from your brain to your nervous system. When your neck loses this curve, ligaments supporting your neck become stretched and lose their ability to maintain a natural curve. This can happen due to a motor vehicle accident, chronic poor posture, or uncorrected vertebral misalignment. Once your neck has lost its normal curve, your neck and shoulders attempt to hold your head in the proper position. Unfortunately, they were not created to do this and they tire easily. This is when your neck becomes overworked and you begin to feel the tightness and muscle fatigue in the neck and shoulder area. Our office has experienced considerable success in resolving neck pain and correcting posture. We utilize the state-of-theart technology, the ProAdjuster, to identify the source of your ailments. In fact, the ProAdjuster’s revolutionary technology has received a patient satisfaction rating of over 92%. If you or someone you know is suffering from neck pain, you may want to consider being evaluated with the ProAdjuster. Please contact our office, and we will send you more information about this advanced technology, or you can call our office today to schedule your evaluation. You have nothing to lose but your neck pain!

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Whittier Business Focus

www.whittierchamber.com

DECEMBER COMMUNITY CALENDAR

DECEMBER 2011

Special Events in December:

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Purchase a dozen tamales for the holidays @ Casa Olvera (14223 Leffingwell Rd.). Cost $16. Call (562 946-5588 Pathways Support Group @ Red Cross Center (6706 Friends Ave., Whittier), 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday. FREE. Contact (562) 698-0304 for more information Real Estate Licensing Class @ Realty Executive Cornerstone (13604 Whittier Blvd., Whittier), 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. For cost information please contact Meri Rama at (562) 755-7454 1. Introduction to Mission Hills @ Rose Hills Memorial Park (3888 Workman Mill Rd.), 10 a.m. FREE. Contact (562) 463-4533 for more information 2. 32nd Annual YMCA Christmas Prayer Breakfast @ Radisson Hotel Whittier (7320 Greenleaf Ave.), 7 to 8:30 a.m. Cost is $20 per person/ $160 for table of 8. For more information please contact (562) 907-2727

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Original Roadhouse Grill Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting @ (15156 E. Whittier Blvd.), 12 noon. FREE. Contact (562) 945-7796 for more information 16th Annual Grand Illumination @ Rick’s Drive In & Out (7254 Greenleaf Ave.), 5 to 9 p.m. FREE. For more information please contact (562) 696-2662

3. 48th Aunnual Fashion Show Luncheon “Moulin Rouge” @ Pacific Palms Resort & Conference Center (1 Industry Hills Pkwy, City of Industry), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $70 per person. For more information please contact (562) 544-6580

Denotes Chamber Events.

4. Annual Carousel of Trees @ Friendly Hills Country Club (8500 S. Villaverde Dr.), 5:30 p.m. $70 per person. Contact (562) 693-6533 for more information

NETWORKING QUOTE “As a newcomer to the city of Whittier, I would like to give a sincere thank you to the Whittier Chamber. Through their support and leadership, I've been able to grow my business by participating in various networking opportunities. As a result, I've been able to give back to the community with events such as a Senior Day at the Whittier Art Gallery and Sweet Dreams Dessert Lounge, as well as establishing Senior Fitness Classes at Aloisio Silva. Thank you Whittier Chamber for providing such amazing resources! This has allowed my business to grow and allowed me to provide my services within the community. I'm very grateful to be a part of this organization.

6. Chase Bank Soft Opening (11817 Whittier Blvd.), 8:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ($125 offer for new checking and $150 for savings expires on this day). Contact (562) 941-5359 for more information

DECEMBER 2011

New Member Orientation & Meet ‘n Greet Open House @ Whittier Chamber of Commerce Office (8158 Painter Ave.), 9 to 11 a.m. FREE. Contact (562) 698-9554 for more information

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." Henry Ford

8. Open House @ Primanti Montessori School (10947 S. Valley Home Ave.), 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take a guided tour and learn more about Montessori Education. For more information call (562) 943-0246

- Maryam Kargozar, CareMore Health Plan for Seniors

10. 58th Annual Christmas Parade @ Greenleaf Ave. between Hadley St. & Mar Vista Ave., 10 a.m. to 12 noon. FREE. Contact (562) 696-2662 for more information

Christmas with Chorale Bel Canto @ East Whittier United Methodist Church (10005 S. Cole Rd.), 4 to 6 p.m. Cost is $20 Adults, $17, Seniors (55+), $5 Youth/Students. Contact (888) 736-2493 for more information

11. Christmas with Chorale Bel Canto @ East Whittier United Methodist Church (10005 S. Cole Rd.), 4 to 6 p.m. Cost is $20 Adults, $17, Seniors (55+), $5 Youth/ Students. Contact (888) 736-2493 for more information “Dreaming of…” Christmas Concert @ First Friends Church (13205 Philadelphia St.), 3 p.m. FREE, but donations graciously accepted. Enjoy songs of Christmas, Hanukkah, winter favorites and more! Presented by New Century Singers Whittier

Joyful Shopping

15. 21st Annual “Holiday Sharing of Gifts” Drive @ The Whole Child (10155 Colima Rd.). For more information or to schedule a pick-up, please contact (562) 692-0383

Whittwood Town Center has everything you need to celebrate the season in style. You’ll find a great collection of stores filled with inspiring gift ideas for everyone on your list and fashions for all those special occasions. Discover an array of restaurants for festive gatherings, and the spirit of the season around every corner.

17. 18th Annual Holiday Sonata @ Uptown Whittier (Greenleaf Ave.), 5 to 9 p.m. FREE. Enjoy caroling, entertainment, horse carriage rides and pictures with Santa. Contact the Whittier Uptown Association (562) 696-2662 ***The Whittier Chamber will be CLOSED from Monday, December 26 through Friday, December 30. Happy Holidays!

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Saturdays & Sundays, December 3 – 18 • 12noon – 3pm Catch the spirit as Dickens Carolers stroll through the center and serenade shoppers with holiday favorites.

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DECEMBER 2011

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Whittier Business Focus

HALLOWEEN MIXER z

COFFEE BREAK 9 Tips for Holiday Stress Management & Relief

Whittier Chamber President Ben Greer and his friends (from left) Michael Delgado of State Farm Insurance, Carol Nourai and Anne James with Reliance Funding enjoyed some quality networking time during the annual Halloween Mixer

December is one of those contradictory months during which we use the most vacation time but feel the most stressed. Why is this? Add up the limited time in the office, the fact that everyone on vacation isn’t responding to email or voicemail and the personal workload of holiday shopping and cooking, and you have your answer. But the question isn’t why we’re stressed but what we can do about it. While you’re still at the office this holiday season, here are a few tips to keep the stress level down and the cheer up. Unitask Four weeks of work have to be crammed into three. It sounds impossible and perhaps it is, but trying to do everything at once is not the answer. Multitasking is often less efficient due to the time it takes you to switch your focus from one task to another. Make a list of your projects in order of priority. Start with #1 and work your way down, completing each task as thoroughly as possible as you go. At the end of the day you may not have gotten to everything on your list, but a few completed projects is better than a long list of incomplete ones. Embrace It In Spurts The next few days or weeks might feel like mayhem, but how was last month? What does January look like? If work just picked up recently and hope is on the horizon, a period of heightened stress and energy at the office can be exciting and rewarding. Just don’t let it get out of hand. If you’ve regularly been working overtime and are constantly under pressure, you should consider hiring on additional help or speaking with upper management.

Chamber President Ben Greer of GM Properties thanked Mark Villalobos of Renew Massage & Skin Care and his team for hosting the annual Halloween event alongside fellow contributors The Whole Child, Mango Salon, Doppio Bacio and the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce

Take a Mini-break You don’t need an hour and you don’t need a four course meal. You do need 5 minutes and at least a snack. We’ve all had those days when taking a lunch break is out of the question. But if you plan to eat at your desk, you still need 5 minutes to recharge. Walk across the street and to find something at the store. If you bring your lunch, leave it in the car. You’ll come back from the parking lot with a fresh mind to settle back into work.

These Whittier Chamber gal pals can’t disguise their excitement during the Halloween Mixer! (from left) Aimee McAfee with Comfort Keepers, Kathleen Pompey of Broadoaks Children’s School, Monica Peters with Saving Grace Renovations, Margo Haber of Margo’s Family Child Care and Gisele Mata with Residual Solution 4 Life

Keep Work In Perspective Don’t forget that it’s the holidays! Bosses, clients and coworkers all have friends and family that take priority this time of year, and so do you. Have a holiday party to attend? Want to bake cookies with your kids after work? Don’t miss these memorable moments. If need be, come in a few hours earlier in the morning so that you can leave the office in time to share some holiday cheer. While December is particularly stressful, it’s not the only time we’re faced with a cumbersome workload. When the next wave comes, remember to prioritize the small things without losing track of the bigger picture. Eileen Habelow, Ph.D., is the Senior Vice President of Organizational Development with RandstaD, a global provider of HR solutions and staffing.

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Whittier Business Focus

www.whittierchamber.com

DECEMBER 2011

AROUND TOWN Chamber Member Hosts Free Webinar on Retaining New Customers via the Internet

86% of local customers are searching for your business online. Will they find you, or your competition? Join in an exciting, recorded webinar as Dave Espino shares the proven strategies that are helping his clients attract more new customers by using powerful internet marketing opportunities. Dave will discuss insider strategies for using low-cost social media avenues like Facebook, YouTube and Google that will help you get your share of new customers. The webinar has been pre-recorded and is available to you instantly by visiting: www.MarketMyLocalBiz.com. Participants are also encouraged to fill out the form on the right side of the website. For more information on this event and more resources from Market My Local Biz, contact Dave Espino at (800) 496-1727.

St. Paul High School Offers Winter Baseball Camp

St. Paul High School invites all young baseball players to get ready for the upcoming season! The Swordsmen Winter Baseball Camp will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 19 through December 21. Specialized coaches will be on hand to present new and innovative drills in hitting, pitching and catching. The pitching sessions will focus primarily on basic techniques, warm-ups and solid mechanics. The staff of excellent coaches will teach infield, outfield and offensive strategies, helping players find ways to minimize errors. Each day of the camp will cover different topics. “With all the Little League and Pony teams, along with the many travel teams, baseball has become a year-round sport for many players. Therefore kids who want to be at the top of their game are looking for this type of advanced instruction,” St. Paul High School pitching coach Tim Jimenez comments. “This camp comes at the right time. Moms can get some Christmas shopping done while their kids enjoy camp!” Along with the baseball instruction, the camp will include agility training sessions given by the coaches from ‘SpeedAccel’ in Santa Fe Springs, along with fun games and prizes for the athletes. The camp will run each day from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul High School, 9635 Greenleaf Avenue in Santa Fe Springs, and is open to players from 8 to 18 years of age. The cost is $25 per day or $60 for all 3 days. For more information and registration, please call (562) 698-6246. ext. 317.

“Less is More: A Miniature Art Show” from November 30 to December 30 at the Whittier Art Gallery

December brings the Whittier Art Association’s annual, and always enjoyable, exhibition of artwork that is 10 inches or less. There will be paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry and ceramics. A silent auction of some of the specially selected art is also planned. This is a wonderful opportunity to see some unusual and beautiful art at prices that will encourage some holiday giving. A reception will be held on December 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and the public is most cordially invited. The Whittier Art Gallery is located at 8035 Painter Avenue in Whittier. For more information or to RSVP, call (562) 698-8710.

Phones 4 Less Unlimited Talk & Text Starting at Only $40

Are you looking for the perfect gift to give this holiday season to your son, daughter, husband, wife or friend? What about something for an affordable price? Phones 4 Less has exactly what you are looking for: cellular phones for the low price of just $40 a month. Better yet, there are no contracts, no termination fees and no credit checks! Phones 4 Less, located at 14824 Whittier Blvd., carries all providers including Boost Mobile, PagePlus, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, GO by AT&T and Simple Mobile. So many varieties to choose from! Also, mention this ad and receive $10 off any phone and/or 50% off all cell phone accessories. Contact owner Harry at (562) 201-7682 or at phones4lessinc@gmail.com for more details and visit Phones 4 Less in time for the holiday.

Enjoy Signature Sessions This Month at The Zen Den Spa

There are 7 main energy centers in your body called Chakras. When your Chakras are out of balance, it may cause you stress, sickness or disease. Get into balance with a Chakra Balancing Session! You will receive 30 minutes of Foot Reflexology (stimulating over 7,200 nerve endings), accompanied by a Guided Chakra Meditation, immediately followed by a 30 minute Spiritually Guided Reiki Session. Practioners will be Lorraine GallardoCertified, Reflexologist and Carmen Castorena, RMT- Reiki Master Teacher. The cost is $60 for 60 minutes. The 75 minute Emperor’s Signature Session combines massage, chiropractic care and acupuncture techniques and is administered by Dr. Sandy Vidal – Licensed Acupuncturist/ Chiropractor. Prepare for a healing experience! With over 14 years of therapeutic practice under her belt, Dr. Vidal begins her acclaimed Emperor’s Signature Session with a thorough consultation, taking the time to evaluate your personal needs in order to customize treatment. Then, using firm pressure to relax and loosen the muscles, Dr. Vidal proceeds with a Myofacial massage, followed by Ultrasound and the ancient art of cupping therapy. A partial vacuum is created using glass cups placed on the skin by means of heat or suction, opening the conduits in the body through which energy flows, releasing toxins, improving blood flow and activating lymphatic circulation. Next, Dr. Vidal inserts acupuncture needles under the skin to stimulate the body's production of natural painkillers like endorphins and trigger the release of neural hormones like serotonin to help correct the flow of energy, relieve pain and restore health. Lastly, the treatment concludes with a chiropractic adjustment to realign and improve your posture and release pent-up stress. East meets West at The Zen Den Spa, a quaint, cozy hideaway dedicated to leaving you feeling replenished, rejuvenated and ready to bring health and happiness into your life. The Zen Den Spa was also recently named the Reader’s Choice Winner – Best of SoCal in the Los Angeles Times newspaper. The Zen Den Spa is located at 7750 Painter Ave. in Whittier. To book your appointment, call (562) 945-2490 and visit www.thezendenspa.com for more information.

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Minimum opening deposit is only $50. Bring in your debit card and unused checks from another financial institution and we’ll pay you up to $25. The first ACH direct deposit of $100 or more must be received within 60 days of account opening to receive the $50 cash payment. However, you may have up to an additional 1–46 day grace period beyond such initial 60-day period for the first ACH deposit of $100 or more to be deposited to your account. The duration of such grace period, if any, is dependent upon the day in the calendar month in which you open your account. The first bill must be paid by Bill Pay service within 60 days of account opening to receive the $50 cash payment. The cash payments for direct deposit and Bill Pay are limited to one payment per household, are subject to IRS form 1099-INT, and will be credited to your checking account within 60 days after all conditions have been met. Your account must be open to receive the cash payments. If the account has fewer than five transactions per month for three consecutive months, the account will be converted to Flat Fee Checking. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Limit one gift per new account. We reserve the right to substitute an item of similar value. ©2011 Banco Popular North America. Member FDIC.

DECEMBER 2011

www.whittierchamber.com

Whittier Business Focus

AROUND TOWN El Monte High School Celebrates Opening of LEARN’s Teen Center

El Monte High School recently celebrated the opening of its campus Teen Center, a collaboration between the school, its Scholars Now program and LEARN’s PREP program. “There were 25 students in attendance, including PREP and El Monte High School staff,” said Jennifer Salcedo, LEARN site coordinator. “The energy and excitement in the room was palpable, and for me, being able to have space for students to grow through self-expression and creativity is a personal victory.” Inspired by the subculture of Hip Hop and the movie Sister Act 2, Salcedo said she envisioned a space for students “that would facilitate and nurture the process of finding oneself through self-expression and creativity, primarily through making music.” “The purpose of the center is to increase academic success, promote cultural competency and teach students about music technology and the job opportunities that exist in the entertainment industry, including music, dance, graphic design, fashion, acting, media, art, marketing, photography and journalism,” said Salcedo. “This is more than a club, it's really a class that serves as an inspiring environment for students to collaborate with peers that they may not have under any other circumstance. In the next few months, we are looking to hold open mic nights in a coffee shop-type setting and begin recording an album for El Monte High School.” LEARN provides quality afterschool services that focus on homework assistance, academic and extra-curricular enrichment and recreation for grades K through 12 within the communities of Whittier, Pico Rivera and El Monte. Academic and enrichment activities are the main focus of the PREP program which is intended to increase students’ interest in expanding their higher education options. For more information on LEARN, contact (562) 945-0111 or visit www.learnla.org.

“Friends Helping Friends” at Friends Chiropractic

At Friends Chiropractic, they believe you should live life to the fullest and want to help you achieve wellness quickly, painlessly and naturally. They have a fantastic holiday introductory offer for those who may want to try their services and the extra ordinary ProAdjuster System. During the month of December, Friends Chiropractic is pleased to announce the “Friends Helping Friends” special to new clients. Just mention the “Friends Helping Friends” special and receive a free consultation and ProAdjuster screening. If you choose to have other services that same day, such as complete examination and/or x-rays, those services will be priced at 50% off their regular prices. If you are not completely delighted with the services provided, you pay nothing! Call Dr. Yani Feliciano at (562) 698-1275 for more information or to schedule a free consultation. You’ve got nothing to lose except your pain!

Community Yoga Classes at Friends Chiropractic

Join Friends Chiropractic on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. for Yoga class! All levels are welcome. Increase your flexibility, improve your range of motion, enhance your posture and much more with yoga. Bring a yoga mat or one will be provided for you. Certified Instructor: Rebecca Merlino. Friends Chiropractic is located at 6736 Friends Avenue in Whittier. Call (562) 698-1275 to reserve your spot. Cost: voluntary donations accepted.

“SoCal Post-Acute Care is wonderful!” -Carol Cossette

7931 Sorensen Ave. Whittier, CA 90606 For more info, Contact Jill Gillette at (562) 698-0451

Tri-Cities ROP Student Lands Job in Local Periodontal Office

Martha Gaytan is like many other adults in the greater Whittier area who have returned to school to obtain skills for a new career. Martha and her family lived in San Diego for the past 13 years where her husband served in the United States Navy and she worked at a local elementary school. When her husband Eleazar retired last year, the family moved to Whittier. In light of the many funding cuts to school districts, Martha determined she would not be able to obtain a job in a local school and consequently decided to make a career change. Martha stated, “I was fascinated when I would take the kids to the dentist every six months. I could picture myself working in a dental office. I looked into community colleges and trade schools for training opportunities. I found Tri-Cities Regional Occupational Program and decided that would be the best choice for me because it was close to where I lived and the fees were very low.” Towards the end of her Dental Assisting training at Tri-Cities ROP, Martha was assigned by her instructor, Pat McCaw to an internship in the office of local Periodontist, Dr. David Warner. Pat said, “I have placed interns in Dr. Warner’s office for the past several years. They always have a positive hands-on experience as they refine their dental assisting skills.” About the time Martha was completing her internship, Dr. Warner’s dental assistant moved to Oregon, thus creating an employment opening in his office and consequently he hired Martha. Dr. Warner, who is a member of the Whittier Chamber stated, “I knew Martha would be a perfect fit for our office because of the training she received at Tri-Cities ROP as well as her outstanding performance during her internship. Not only does she have excellent technical skills, she brings a depth and breadth of experience in communicating with people in general. I appreciate her professionalism and attention to details which benefits my patients.” A recent Beacon Economics report stated, “There is a real dichotomy between the skill sets of the workers in those sectors that were pummeled by the economic downturn and the skill sets required by the sectors that are leading California out of the recovery. This points to the importance of relevant and readily available skill-based education programs for the unemployed.” Martha Gayton’s success story affirms the relevance of low cost public career and technical training opportunities available at Tri-Cities ROP which will support California’s economic recovery. For more information on Tri-Cities ROP, call (562) 698-9571.

White Emerson Mortuary Offers Pathways Through Grief with Support Group

Losing someone is painful. Before and after a significant loss, you may experience difficult and surprising emotions, such as shock, anger and guilt. It may feel like the sadness will never let up. Accepting these feelings as a normal part of the grieving process and allowing yourself to feel them is necessary for healing. Pathways is a bereavement group that was launched by White Emerson Mortuary in January 2010 in the Whittier area to reach out to those in need of guidance and support during their journey of grief. Within just a few short months, the demand was so overwhelming that a second group was established to give further opportunity to those seeking help. The free Pathways groups meet alternately on the 1st and 3rd and the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Red Cross (6706 Friends Ave.). Please phone (562) 698-0304 for additional information.

Whittier Business Focus

www.whittierchamber.com

DECEMBER 2011

"Business Expo" - continued from page 1

Thank You Renewing Members of the Whittier Chamber AME American Medical Enterprises (562) 698-0266 • 3 Years

Pre Paid Legal Services Jatinder Singh (800) 808-6663 • 4 Years

Jose Rodriguez Illustration (310) 739-4949 • 8 Years

Brainwaves Marketing (626) 833-8433 • 17 Years

King Richard’s Antique Center (562) 698-5974 • 2 Years

Sage Restaurant and Lounge (562) 945-1204 • 3 Years

CBE Roofing (562) 695-1567 • 19 Years

La Habra 300 Bowl (562) 691-6721 • 2 Years

Sam’s Club of La Habra (562) 697-9281 • 7 Years

Ciao Italia Panini Grill (562) 464-2426 • 4 Years

Lascari’s Italian Deli (562) 698-5899 • 10 Years

Scotty’s Flowers (562) 946-6595 • 11 Years

Friendly Hills Country Club (562) 698-0331 • 42 Years

Lowe & Rossopoulos DDS (562) 907-4522 • 24 Years

Whittier Hospital Medical Center (562) 945-3561 • 40 Years

Friends of Pio Pico (562) 695-1217 x104 • 5 Years

‘Mac’ JC McFarland, Civic Member

Whittier Museum (562) 945-3871 x102 • 21 Years

Howard and Leslie Fisher, Civic Members

Olive Garden (562) 693-5999 • 7 Years

The Whole Child (562) 692-0383 • 20 Years

"Tax Tips" - continued from page 5

increase his own monthly checks and also increases Molly’s survivor benefit if Nick dies first. In example 3, if Nick had been receiving $3,000 a month, as a result of delaying his own retirement benefit, Molly’s survivor benefit would have been $3,000 a month. Thus, a higher-earning spouse might delay Social Security as long as possible, in order to provide a greater survivor’s benefit. For a surviving spouse to receive a survivor’s benefit from Social Security, he or she must have been married for at least nine months before the death. There are several exceptions to this nine-month rule. For example, if a couple is married and one spouse dies in an auto accident shortly after the ceremony, the spouse can receive a survivor’s benefit. The 10-year hitch After a divorce, an ex-spouse also can receive spousal and survivor’s benefits. Generally, the amounts involved are the same. Example 4: Before marrying Molly, Nick Fox was married to Paula. Then they divorced. Paula can receive a benefit as large as half of Nick’s while he is alive, and as large as Nick’s full benefit if he dies before her. Paula generally must meet the same age requirements as Molly, who was married to Nick at his death. In order to qualify for spousal or survivor’s benefits, an ex-spouse usually must have been married to the former spouse for at least 10 years and must be unmarried to receive the benefits. There is no limit to the number of ex-spouses who can receive benefits on one person’s Social Security record; benefits paid to an ex-spouse will not reduce the amount paid to the current spouse or to the surviving spouse. If you have any questions regarding the above discussed topic or any other tax matter, please feel free to give me a call at (562) 698-9891. Richard Scrivanich, Partner For Harvey & Parmelee LLP

Cheryl Estep, LUTC, Agent Lic. #0D29004 State Farm

Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 8022 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602-2507 Bus 562.693.7788 • Fax 562.693.6437 cheryl.estep.jroy@statefarm.com

TABLE IN “WHISKY A GO GO” - $160 (Bar Area): A standard table in this unique location includes a 6’ table with linens, chairs and a sign for your business. A limited amount of space with electricity is available for an additional $15. MARKETING PACKAGE (included with all American Bandstand tables and booths): Only $50 The Marketing Package can be added to any standard table purchase and includes themed table décor, recognition in the Business Focus Newspaper before and after the Expo, complete listing in the Expo Booklet including all business contact information and company logo, one e-newsletter advertisement and acknowledgment at Chamber events prior to the Business Expo. WALL OF FAME (available only for Expo participants) - $25 Get more visibility at the Expo by having your name on a “45 record” and hung on our Rock ‘n Roll Wall of Fame which will be prominently displayed for all expo-goers to see. ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK MAP: Only $50 Drive people to your table by having your logo on the Rock Around the Clock Map. Attendees will be asked to visit each table listed on the Map and have their Map stamped. Each completed Map will be eligible for the grand prize drawing sponsored by The Traveling Traveler. MARKETING SPECIALS FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE A TABLE AT THE EXPO: ALBUM SPONSOR - $100 Not promoting your business with an Expo table this year? Get great visibility with your name and logo on an Album that will be hung on our Rock ‘n Roll Wall of Fame which will be prominently displayed for all Expo-goers to see. All participants will also be listed in the Expo booklet distributed to all attendees. JUKEBOX PRIZE DONATIONS The Jukebox game offers Expo attendees the chance to win prizes by purchasing a song on the Jukebox. Businesses that donate prizes will be acknowledged in Jukebox marketing materials. Prizes should be a minimum value of $20 each. The Whittier Chamber’s Business Expo is one of the best business development tools around. If you are serious about growing your business in the new year, get your groove on and sign up for your favorite spot early! Join these businesses who have already signed up and will be easin’ on down the road to business success at the Expo: ACRO Printing, Inc. • All American Trophy • Bright Health Physicians • Credit Union of Southern California Gil Rodriguez & Associates – Coldwell Banker • LEADS • LPL Financial• Macy & Thomas Veterinary Ortho Engineering Inc • Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital • Radisson Hotel • Rousselle Exterminators Scentsy • Sierra Nursery & Landscaping • Smokey Joe's Chimney Sweep • Soroptimist Trinity Worldwide Reprographics • Whittier Republican Wonem's Federated • Whittier Hospital

To sign up for your spot today, call the Chamber office at (562) 698-9554 or visit our website at www.whittierchamber.com.

A special thank you to our Platinum and Gold Record Sponsors: Corporate Sponsors: PIH/BHP • Radisson Hotel Whittier 10K Raffle Ticket Printing: ACRO Printing, Inc. Rock 'n Roll Wall of Fame: A Special Event Entertainment: RMH Productions Rock Around the Clock Map: Trinity Worldwide Reprographics Trip Sponsor: The Traveling Traveler Bag Sponsor: Credit Union of Southern California

TOYOTA & SCION OF WHITTIER 14577 E. Whittier Blvd. • Whittier, California, 90605

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CALL/EMAIL/TEXT

ALBERTO SANCHEZ

Internet and Fleet Manager Bus (562) 698-2591 Ext. 228 Cell (626) 222-9025 Fax (562) 693-8523 asanchez@toyotaofwhittier.com toyotaofwhittier.com

Vincent Daigneault (Dain-Yo) Vice President - Wealth Management Financial Advisor 15141 E. Whittier Blvd., Suite 400 Whittier, CA 90603 Tel 562 907 4745 Tel 800 356 1333 Fax 562 693 1841 vincent.j.daigneault@smithbarney.com Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Location, Location, Location “It’s Time for Whittier Square” Call now for prime office space with great lease rates. The Whittier Square Building, conveniently located to all of Whittier.

Whittier-Penn Partners, Ltd.

WHITTIER S QUA R E BUILDING

13215 East Penn Street - Penthouse Suite - Whittier, California 90602 Phone (562) 945-5959 - Fax (562) 945-9319

DECEMBER 2011

www.whittierchamber.com

BANKS

Chase Bank Martin R. Padilla 11817 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90601 (562) 943-5359 Martin.Padilla@chase.com

Whittier Business Focus

NEW MEMBERS JEWELRY AND LOAN

Art’s Jewelry & Loan Brian Ngoy 6542 Greenleaf Ave Whittier, CA 90601 (562) 696-7755 info@artspawnshop.com www.artspawnshop.com

Rudy Martinez 13103 E Philadelphia St. Whittier, CA, 90601 (562) 945-1592 Rudy.Martinez@chase.com Craig Sanchez 15625 E Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA, 90603 (562) 947-0321 Craig.Sanchez@chase.com Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.2 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. Chase serves consumers and businesses in California through more than 830 bank branches and 3,100 ATMs, mortgage offices, and online and mobile banking, as well as through relationships with auto dealerships, schools and universities. JPMorgan Chase employs more than 20,000 Californians. In 2010, JPMorgan Chase and its Foundation contributed more than $23 million to nonprofit organizations in California, focusing on community development, education, arts and culture. More information about Chase is available at www.chase.com. Referred by: Galia Marisal, Trinity Worldwide Reprographics

BEAUTY

Mary Kay Linda Amodeo, Independent Beauty Consultant (562) 544-6580 amodeo7@marykay.com www.marykay.com/amodeo7

Make wishes come true this holiday season by giving the gift of Mary Kay. Mary Kay® products are sold in more than 35 markets worldwide, and the company’s global independent sales force exceeds 2 million. Yet it remains today what Mary Kay Ash first envisioned – a company with a heart. Find out how Mary Kay continues to make life more beautiful for women around the world. Call Linda today to schedule a party, place an order or inquire about Mary Kay products. Make it an awesome day... You deserve it. Wear Mary Kay!

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Marcus and Millichap Tyler Leeson 19800 Mac Arthur Blvd. Irvine, CA 92612 (714) 713-9086 Tyler.Leeson@marcusmillichap.com

Since 1971, Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services has been the premier provider of investment real estate brokerage services. With more than 1,200 investment professionals throughout the United States, Marcus & Millichap is the largest brokerage firm focused exclusively on investments. By specializing 100 percent on investments and organizing their sales force into property specialty groups, they provide clients with superior market knowledge and transaction expertise targeted specifically to the unique requirements of each property type. Having pioneered the industry’s most powerful marketing system, the essence of Marcus & Millichap’s value proposition is their ability to "make a market" for each property through expanded market exposure, which generates the broadest buyer interest and results in maximum value. They combine comprehensive market research, state-of-the-art technology and communications systems with access to the industry’s largest pool of private and institutional investors. The result is the most efficient process for matching buyers and sellers locally, regionally and nationally. Marcus & Millichap offer investment expertise in all major property types, including apartments, retail, office, industrial, single-tenant net-lease, senior housing, hospitality and lodging, manufactured home communities, self-storage and land.

DERMATOLOGY

Skin Perfect Kevin Bocci 6501 Greenleaf Ave. Whittier, CA 90601 (562) 464-5777 kevin@skinperfectmedical.com www.skinperfectmedical.com

When you think of smooth skin, you think of a baby’s skin. No wrinkles, no sagging, no coarse hair, just smooth baby soft skin. As we age, our skin begins to thin and starts to lose its elasticity and volume. Skin Perfect can help to smooth out those small, medium and deep wrinkles, giving you a softer, more youthful appearance. Signs of aging can disappear immediately during your treatments and you will leave looking “naturally” rested and refreshed. Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm, Restylane, Perlane and Radiesse are all FDA approved injectable fillers used to treat specific areas where loss of facial volume has occurred. This is usually due to fat loss which leads to severe skin sagging and deep smile lines (nasolabial folds). Laser Hair Removal can give you those smooth, sexy legs, without the shaving. Today’s technology has vastly improved since the days of electrolysis and after a series of treatments, you can say goodbye to your embarrassing or annoying body hair. Contact the professionals at Skin Perfect for more information on these services.

HEALTHCARE

Ortho Engineering Yvette S Ramirez, Majid R. Butt, MBA, 14619 East Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90605 (562) 693-6666 majidrbutt@yahoo.com

Ortho Engineering is one of the leading providers of Orthotics, Prosthetics and Therapeutic Shoes/Inserts, with several patient care centers in Southern California. They have been in business for more than two decades. They believe it is the fundamental right of every human being to live in good health and, therefore, we are dedicated to improve the quality of life of all our patients. We have built on a strong foundation - there should be no compromise in the quality of care provided to each patient. They have American Board certified practitioners who are devoted to showing exceptional care to everyone. They accept Medicare, Medical, Workers Comp and most insurance (HMO’s & PPO’s). They are open from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and have practitioners on-call for emergency situations. Their Whittier patient care center is situated at 14619 East Whittier Boulevard. Schedule a free evaluation today!

Art’s Jewelry & Loan is the right place for you! Are you looking to get more money for your gold, or other old, unwanted or broken belongings? Art’s Jewelry & Loan is here to take care of you! Unlike the pawn shop stereotypes (such as being messy or rude), Art’s strives for the opposite. They pride themselves in keeping a clean store area and greeting customers with a friendly smile. Over the past 30 years, their loyal customers have come to know them as the hidden gem in Whittier for finding great discounts and for getting more money on loans compared to other pawn shops. Visit Art’s and see what deal you can find! To join their free newsletter and receive updates on their latest sales, new items and special events, go to www.artspawnshop.com and sign up for the A-List!

MARKETING Market My Local Biz Dave Espino (800) 496-1727 dave@marketmylocalbiz.com www.MarketMyLocalBiz.com If your local business needs help generating new customers, Market My Local Biz is here to help! Their team is here to generate more customers to your local business by creatively and strategically applying their knowledge and experience to benefit your business. Their goal is simple - to generate new customers and more repeat business for you. The Market My Local Biz team is led by Dave Espino. Dave has more than 11 years of experience in all aspects of internet marketing – through real-world marketing of his own websites and through helping local businesses like yours with powerful internet marketing solutions. Be sure to ask about their free marketing services – it’s their way of introducing themselves and showcasing their commitment to you before you even consider doing business. The mission at Market My Local Biz is very simple: “We want to be the best thing that’s happened to your business!”

RESTAURANTS DP’s Pizza Elmer Murry 1501 W. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 691-3100 elmermurry1@yahoo.com DP’s Pizza is the largest pizza pub in La Habra, with over 20 big screen televisions to satisfy all those sports fans out there. In 2004, Elmer Murry had a vision: to create a fun family atmosphere for sports teams to enjoy and to bring the community together for delicious pizza, calzones, hot and cold sandwiches, hot wings, pastas and much more! Not to mention the variety of arcade games and air hockey. DP’s Pizza supports all youth and adult sports teams and is always willing to help non-profit organizations around town. It is not too late to contact DP’s for your office Christmas party - call Elmer today before its too late. Don’t forget about their happy hour specials from 3 to 7 p.m. daily. Phlight Jay and Nikomi Arroyo 6724 Bright Ave. Whittier, CA 90601 (562) 789-0578 jakomi5@yahoo.com www.phlightrestaurant.com Jay and Nikomi Arroyo, both Whittier College alumni and Whittier residents, dared to open their first restaurant on a formerly underdeveloped street in Uptown Whittier. Their goal was to provide the art of service in an inviting atmosphere of delectable food and wine. Phlight specializes in Spanish tapas paired with an international selection of boutique wine and beer. They offer this "much talked about" cuisine in a warm, lively and sophisticated atmosphere that has locals and guests from surrounding cities wanting to come back for more. Referred by: Rudy and Maria Hernandez, RMH DanceSport Center Señor Peppers Olivia Pena 15030 Whittier Blvd. #105 Whittier, CA 90603 (562) 907-1154

Since 1997, Olivia Pena has been feeding the Whittier community with her unique healthy-style Mexican cuisine. “My passion is to create a healthier style for our customers,” says owner Olivia Pena. “It is very MORTGAGE/REAL ESTATE important to keep their well-being in mind.” Senor Peppers is located First Mortgage Corp. just east of Colima Rd. on Whittier Blvd. For over 10 years, Olivia Melody Gomez has supported various sports teams like La Serna Football, Whittier 13112 Hadley St. Christian School and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Senor Peppers can feed hundreds and take care of all of your catering needs. Whittier, CA 90601 Senor Peppers serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open daily. (562) 693-2191 They are known for their homemade gorditas, red chile with pork, mgomez@firstmortgage.com burritos, taquitos, tortas and grilled chicken fajita salad. They also have As a direct mortgage banker, First Mortgage Corp. underwrites, funds, an affordable family pack for those on the go and deliver to the local securitizes and services the loans so they don’t have the cumbersome community for a minimum charge. Come and support Olivia and staff overlays imposed by other lenders. They believe careful analysis of at Senor Peppers today! credit, income, assets and collateral should be the determining factor Referred by: of loan worthiness, not credit scores alone. That’s why they consider Cathy Warner, Mayor, City of Whittier; loans with credit scores as low as 580, 500 and those with no credit Douglas Rowan and Christopher J. George, score as well. First Mortgage Corp. can say ‘yes’ to loans others reject. Financial Network Investment Corp. and Call today for more information on their loan services. Past Presidents of the Whittier Chamber

ORGANIZATIONS

InClusion Services Israel Ibanez Cesar Torres 6742 Greenleaf Ave., Ste. 201 Whittier, CA 90601 (323) 573-7495 cesar@inclusionsvs.org www.inclusionsvs.org

Wing Master Café Yong Kim 6518 Greenleaf Ave. Suite #12 Whittier, CA 90601 (562) 698-1888 yong@wingmastercafe.com www.Wingmastercafe.com

Wing Master Café is the newest restaurant to join the Serenity Plaza in beautiful Uptown Whittier. At Wing Master Café, it's bigger, better, InClusion Services, LLC is a private organization that was established tastier and made when ordered. It's putting flavor first. It's wrapping your in July 2009, and its primary purpose is serving individuals with hand around a cold one, kicking back with your friends and rooting for developmental disabilities. The agency’s purpose is to provide training your team. What is Wing Master Café? It's your new home plate. But it and support for individuals with a developmental disability that range doesn't end there. WMC puts a twist on your everyday wings. They've got flavors from the backyard grill to spices of the Pacific Rim. You from age 13 to 59 years old, and that have a diagnosis of Autism, Down can go with a classic or try one of their signature tastes. The choice is Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, or any developmental disability yours…but trust them when they say their wings will make you fly! relating to Mental Retardation. Their mission is for people with Referred by: developmental disabilities to enjoy meaningful relationships with friends, Michael Delgado, State Farm Insurance family and others in their lives, and experience personal health, growth and to live in the home of their choice, fully participating within their THEATRES own community. Their organization provides services such as Adaptive Downey Civic Theatre Skills Training, Supported Living Services and Mobility Training. Please Amber Vogel visit their website to obtain more detailed information or e-mail to 8435 Firestone Dr. referralinfo@inclusionsvs.org to obtain a copy of their brochure and Downey, CA 90241 services. Inclusion Services is also looking for motivated individuals (562) 861-8211 to work within their company and who are interested in working with amber@downeytheatre.org individuals with special needs. They offer good competitive wages and www.downeytheatre.org benefits. Please e-mail to humanresources@inclusionsvs.org for more The Downey Civic Theatre is a 738-seat live stage theatre owned information on possible job opportunities. and operated by the City of Downey and administered by the United Friends of the Children Carla Palmer 1055 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1955 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 580-1850 carla@unitedfriends.org www.unitedfriends.org United Friends of the Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to bettering the lives of foster children and to supporting former foster youth in their journey to become successful, independent adults. Through their programs, advocacy efforts and direct involvement with youth, UFC seeks to be a catalyst for change. They believe that the way to have a deep and lasting impact in the lives of foster youth is to be with them over the long haul. By building relationships with youth over an extended period, UFC’s programs focus on commitment and consistency. By forging trusting relationships with the youth in their programs, they are addressing the single most critical emotional need for foster youth.

Department of Community Services. The Theatre opened on June 11, 1970 and plays host to a variety of events throughout the year. It is an all-ages venue as it is operated by the City of Downey. The Downey Civic Theatre is located at 8435 Firestone Blvd. between the 605 freeway on the east and 710 freeway on the west; adjacent to the Embassy Suites Hotel and Mimi’s Café. Convenient, welllighted parking is available behind the hotel and theatre. Visit www. downeytheatre.org for upcoming shows like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Southern California Theatre, Stories and Songs Louie Hidalgo & Louie Perez, the Downey Symphony Orchestra and theatrical performances such as Defending the Caveman.

TONERS

Eco-Friendly Toners Ralph Garcia, President (562) 688-8896 ralph.eftoner@yahoo.com

Eco-Friendly Toners is a family owned business located in the city of Whittier. They offer a wide variety of new, compatible (not refilled) toners, ink cartridges and ribbons for your business/office needs at a very affordable price. They also offer a 2 year warranty on their products and free, same day delivery. Please feel free to call for a quote. Referred by: Suzanne Ausdal, Union Bank & Whittier Chamber Ambassador of the Year

Whittier Business Focus

www.whittierchamber.com

DECEMBER 2011