Business Focus - April 2014

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The Whittier Chamber of Commerce was recognized as the “2014 Business Angel” during the Whittier First Day Angel Awards in March. For more celebration photos see

Connecting the business and residential communities.

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APRIL 2014

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE WHITTIER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Remember to

For voting locations or ballot information, please call

Presort Std. US Postage PAID Whittier, CA Permit No. 1

(562) 567-9854

Whittier Police Chief Jeff Piper presents an award to Officer Chris Silva at the 16th Annual Silver Shield Awards Banquet hosted by the Whittier Chamber of Commerce. For more photos from Silver Shield see

APRIL 8, 2014

8158 Painter Avenue Whittier, CA 90602

Business Focus

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VOL. 20 NO. 4

Whittier Chamber to unveil plans for 100th year at Centennial Celebration and Installation Shannon Gimbel from Shannon G’s Flowers will take the helm of the Whittier Chamber as Board President on April 1 and usher in the organization’s 100th year of serving the business community. Shannon takes over the leadership of the 630+ member organization from Bonnie Watje of ACRO Printing, Inc. “I am excited to be President of the Whittier Chamber and I am ready to take on whatever challenges and opportunities face our organization and the local business community in the coming year,” stated Gimbel. At the Chamber Board’s recent Planning Conference, Shannon and her 21-member Board of Directors set a plan for 2014-2015. “The new Board designed a plan for the year that is fiscally responsible and focused on our members’ needs. Our goal is to grow the Chamber membership and focus on collaborative ways to create a strong local economy,” added Gimbel. All members of the Whittier Chamber are invited to the 100th Centennial Celebration and Installation on Friday, April 4 at Friendly Hills Country Club where the past year will be celebrated and Shannon will officially be installed as the 100th Board president. In addition to celebrating the Chamber, Bonnie Watje will be thanked for serving as Board president, past presidents and staff will be recognized, the Ambassador and Volunteer of the Year will be celebrated, and the Business of the Year will be announced. Tickets are $75 per person or a table of 8 is available for $600. The semi-formal event begins at 6 p.m. and will include networking, dinner and dancing. Please call the Chamber office if you are interested in marketing sponsorships opportunities. The Installation will also focus on bidding farewell to retiring Board member Sue Dean from Notary Signing Network and welcoming new members Greg Nicodemus from Credit Union of Southern California and Laurie Perschbacher from MAP Property Management to the Board. All members are encouraged to attend this event and learn more about the Chamber’s goals and objectives for 2014-2015. For additional information, please call the Chamber office at (562) 698-9554 or register online in the Chamber store at www.whittierchamber.com.

Shannon Gimbel, Shannon G’s Flowers Incoming Chamber President 2014-2015

Bonnie Watje, ACRO Printing, Inc. Outgoing Chamber President 2013-2014

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast to feature positive message from ex mobster Michael Franzese will be the keynote speaker at the 49th Annual Whittier Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast presented by Mayor Cathy Warner. The breakfast will be held at the Radisson Hotel Whittier, located at 7320 Greenleaf Avenue in Whittier, on Friday, April 18th at 7 a.m. Admission is $25 and tables of 10 are available for $250. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. Just a few years ago, Michael Franzese was one of the biggest money earners the mob had seen since Al Capone, and the youngest individual on Fortune magazine’s survey of the ‘The Fifty Biggest Mafia Bosses,’” (Vanity Fair magazine) ranking #18, just 5 behind John Gotti. His autobiography, Blood Covenant, tells his story from the early days in the mob and rise to power to the experience that changed his life forever and led him to do the unthinkable, the unexpected, and by some, the unbelievable: quit the mob and follow Jesus. Today, Michael has been dubbed “The Born Again Don.” He found his own Damascus Road that began with a beautiful woman, Cammy. Over ten years

AN N 49 th

UAL WHITTIER MAYO R ’S

PRAYER BREAKFAST ago, Franzese’s wife Camille led him to accept the Lord and it was at that time that he renounced his life in the mob. His conversion experience to a Christian faith completed the transition for Michael from a kingdom of darkness into a kingdom of light. One covenant bound him to the mob, the other set him free. Franzese is now a man on a mission determined to use the compelling experiences of his former life for the benefit of at-risk youth, professional and student athletes, corporate executives and anyone seeking the inspiration to beat the odds and make positive changes in their lives. Franzese candidly describes how he survived dozens of grand jury appearances, 3 major racketeering

indictments, 5 criminal trials, 7 years in prison and a mafia death sentence. He tells how he engaged bankers, corporate executives, union officials and professional and student athletes in a wide variety of financial scams. Audiences are captivated by stories of his personal experiences in organized crime and genuinely affected by his powerful anti-crime messages and eye opening revelations. Whether on tour with Sonic Flood, speaking at a church, or through his ministry partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Michael tells how there are two truths: you can’t escape the long arm of the law and you sure can’t escape the longer arm of the Lord. The event is patterned after the National Prayer Breakfast held annually in Washington, D.C. which is designed to be a time of prayer for our city, state and nation, as well as its leaders, and a time or rededication of individuals to God. The breakfast is always held on Good Friday before Easter. For more information or tickets, please call (562) 237-3764.


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APRIL 2014

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

New Board president ushers in 100th year

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Shannon Gimbel, Shannon G’s Flowers

Shannon Gimbel

Immediate Past President Bonnie Watje, ACRO Printing, Inc. President-Elect & VP Administration Rudy Hernandez, RMH Dance & Productions VP Community Affairs Melanie Bickley, Whittier Brokers VP Membership Ben Greer, GM Properties VP Business Information Chris Hardeman, DialMED Home Care VP Finance David Krake, Merrill Lynch VP Special Events La Donna Munier, Friendly Hills Bank VP Marketing Carolyn Reggio, CAPC, Inc.

I am very honored and excited to serve as the 100th president of the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce and I look forward to a successful upcoming year. I want to thank Bonnie Watje of ACRO Printing, Inc. for her leadership and service to the Chamber. She has done an amazing job and I hope to continue where she left off. Thank you also to Sue Dean, our retiring board member, for her commitment and support to the Chamber over the past 6 years. It is because of the efforts of leaders like Bonnie and Sue that our Chamber has thrived. Thanks to both of you for giving so much time to our community. I am fortunate to have such a talented and diverse board of directors and I look forward to working with each one

of them in the upcoming year. Our staff is an energetic and hardworking group that takes our Chamber to the next level. Their never-ending drive to make the Chamber the best it can be is an inspiration not only to me but to everyone in the community. I am a Whittier girl at heart and I understand what giving back to the community means. I grew up in Whittier and now have a home of my own here. I went to La Serna High School and then on to UC Irvine where I got my degree in Psychology and Social Behavior with a minor in Education. I moved back to Whittier over 10 years ago to open my business, Shannon G’s Flowers. I chose to open my business in my hometown of Whittier because this is where my family resides and where I’ve made many of my business connections. It is important to me to give back to the community that has helped build the foundation of my business. My family has helped tremendously with my business and I am so thankful everyday for the hard work and endless hours they contribute to Shannon G’s. In addition to taking on the role of Chamber president, I am excited for my upcoming wedding at the end of May! Over the past 10 years I have made

DIRECTORS Susie Ausdal, Union Bank Ramsey Ezaki, Ezaki Dentistry Miguel Granados, Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary Greg Gunter, Greg’s Auto Body Ted Knoll, First Day Krista Lesa, The Quad at Whittier Elizabeth Martinez, Republic Services Gary Lee Martinez, The Traveling Traveler Greg Nicodemus, Credit Union Of Southern California Laurie Perschbacher, MAP Property Management Tom Rios, Emeritus at Chateau Whittier Monique Rodriguez, PIH Health

STAFF Executive Directors Carol Crosby & Lyn Carty Director of Membership Jessica Schreiner Magdosku Director of Public Relations Katie Galvin Event & Member Relations Coordinator Natalie Saenz Bookkeeper Amber Bookil-Lawrence 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 monthly readership is 20,000. 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 or to submit an article, email Katie Galvin at katie@whittierchamber.com or call (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

many friends and business contacts because of my membership in the Chamber. The referrals and support I get from the Chamber is a reminder of how valuable it is for all businesses to be a member, and how important it is for all of us to band together to create a strong local economy. The Chamber connections and contacts I have made have been a vital part of the success of my own business and my hope is that other members feel the same way. In our upcoming fiscal year, which begins April 1, the Chamber will continue to improve programs that help create a strong local economy, provide networking opportunities, act as the voice of business at the local, state and federal levels, promote the community and provide business education. It’s our belief that a strong and healthy business climate in turn leads to a strong and healthy community. We’d love for you to be part of our effort to do this. Thank you in advance to the Board of Directors for their leadership, to the Ambassadors for their ongoing enthusiasm, the staff for their hard work and to the members of this Chamber for your participation and trust in our business community. I look forward to serving as your President this year!

$ TAX TIPS Business Website Costs

Richard Scrivanich The business use of websites is widespread, but IRS has not yet issued formal guidance on when Internet website costs can be deducted. Fortunately, established rules that apply to the deductibility of business costs in general, and formal IRS guidance that applies to software costs in particular (the “software guidelines”), provide a taxpayer launching a business website with some guidance as to the proper treatment of the costs. Here is a brief discussion of some relevant principles: The time for deducting website design costs (i.e., costs of the website’s overall structure, functionality and appearance) depends on whether the costs are costs of “software” within the meaning of the “software guidelines.” Generally, the portions of the website’s design that are produced from sophisticated

programming languages (for example, the “C++” language widely used in website design) will qualify as “software.” On the other hand, there is some doubt as to the extent to which the portions of a design produced from HTML (hypertext markup language) will qualify as “software.” Website design costs that are “software” costs are deductible under “safe-harbor” rules. The deductibility of website design costs that are “software” costs is governed by the following “safeharbor” rules. Generally, if the individual or company launching the website “purchases” the design (i.e., acquires the design from a contractor who is at economic risk should the software not perform), the design costs are amortized (ratably deducted) by that individual or company over the three-year period beginning with the month in which the website is placed in service. Also, non-customized computer software placed in service in tax years beginning before 2014 qualifies as “section 179 property,” and is thus eligible for the Code Sec. 179 elective expensing deduction that is generally available only for machinery and equipment. For tax years beginning in 2013, the deduction is limited to $500,000. The limits are reduced by

INDEX President’s Massage ............. 2 Tax Tips ................................. 2 Mayor’s Message ................... 4 Community Celebrations ........ 4 10-4 Tips from the WPD ......... 5 What’s Cool in Your School ..... 6 Tasty Tuesday ........................ 7 Wake Up Whittier ................... 8 Silver Shield......................... 10 Member Marketplace ........... 12 Networking Quote ................ 12 Going Green ......................... 13 Restaurant Row ................... 13 Calendar .............................. 14 Around Town ...................16-17 Renewing Members ............. 19 New Members ..................... 19

the cost of other section 179 property for which the election is made. Also, the election is phased out for taxpayers placing more than $2,000,000 of section 179 property into service during a tax year beginning in 2013. Non-customized software acquired and placed in service in calendar year 2013 is also eligible for a 50%-of-cost depreciation deduction (50% bonus depreciation) unlimited by any dollar amount. The bonus depreciation for an item of software is reduced to take into account any portion of the item’s cost for which a Code Sec. 179 election is made, and regular depreciation deductions are reduced to take into account both the bonus depreciation and any Code Sec. 179 election. If, instead of being purchased, the website design is “developed” (designed in-house by the individual or company launching the website or designed by an independent contractor who is not at risk should the software not perform), the individual or company launching the website can choose among alternative treatments, including, but not limited to, “currently deducting” the costs (deducting the costs in the year that the costs are paid, or accrued, depending

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APRIL 2014

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COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

You’re a neighbor, not a number. Getting to know you and how you drive helps us find all the auto discounts you deserve. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.Ž

Call my office for a quote 24/7. Rich Campbell Ins Agency Inc Insurance Lic. #: 0F82783 7720 Painter Avenue, Suite B Whittier, CA 90602 Bus: 562-698-6769 rich@richcampbell.org

Specialty store Local Fixture in Uptown Whittier opened their doors to the community with an official chamber ribbon cutting celebration with friends and family. Visit www.localfixture.com to learn more about their unique products

Rich Campbell Good neighbor agent since 1984

Owner Rick Arciniega of Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. welcomed chamber and community supporters to an open house and ribbon cutting last month at his office in the Commerce Building in Whittier

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

Visit us because you want to, not because you have to.

Ezaki Dentistry Whittier Ramsey Ezaki Dentistry Local restaurant Woori Gumi officially opened last month and is now serving tasty entrees from their authentic Korean BBQ menu to Whittier patrons

Fellow Academy of General Dentistry 16336 E. Whittier Blvd., Whittier, CA 90603

(562) 947-9958

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APRIL 2014

City Of Whittier

UPDATE

MAYOR'S MESSAGE Bob Henderson

This month marks the end of my term as Mayor and I want to thank the Chamber for their continued excellence in serving the business community and the City. The entire Chamber Board, staff and business persons who volunteer their time by serving on various committees have done an outstanding job in helping to create a better business climate for Whittier. I would also like to acknowledge the Whittier Uptown Association Board for their perseverance and dedication to the historic business district. The Whittier Chamber and the Uptown Association do a great job of serving businesses and residents alike. It has been a busy, exciting year to serve as Mayor. During the past year, we saw many new businesses and restaurants open throughout the City such as the Rusty Monk Belgian Restaurant,Portsmouth Oyster Bar, Local Fixture, Massage Envy, Kid Smiles Children’s Dentistry, and the new drive-thru Starbucks. Additionally, there are now more than ten development projects in varying stages such as the LA Fitness and the recently approved Buffalo Wild Wings at the Whittwood Town Center. Being

named one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live” was definitely a highlight during my term as Mayor! Last month, the Whittier City Council heard a presentation by the Gateway Cities Council of Governments who recently received an Award of Excellence for the Site Prospector website (www.gatewaycogsiteprospector.org). You are encouraged to view the site, if you haven’t already done so, as there is a plethora of information on this ‘one-stop-shop’ business portal on the web, particularly helpful for expanding businesses. The site was designed to provide immediate access to critical information that businesses need in order to make wise site selection and investment decisions. The Site Prospector website can also be accessed through both the City and Chamber websites. If you are looking to expand or move your business into a different space in the City, you can view all available properties or conduct more narrowlytailored searches using filters that include property size, type, and cost, among other available options. Corresponding demographic reports such as labor force, education levels, and consumer spending can be created for each property as well. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, expanding businesses can immediately access in-depth information that previously took weeks to research. For more information on the Site Prospector website or economic development in the City of Whittier, contact our Business Development Manager at (562) 567-9320.

11th Annual Whittier Reads features Until Tuesday The Whittier Public Library Foundation and the Whittier Public Library are honored to feature the memoir Until Tuesday by Luis Carlos Montalván as the book selected for Whittier Reads 2014. Whittier Reads begins on March 27th and runs through the month of April with an array of speakers on their military experiences, PTSD, veteran advocacy, and service dog training, films, book discussions, and an outreach program of the Chorale Bel Canto. The highlight of Whittier Reads is an evening with Luis Montalván and his service dog Tuesday at Friendly Hills Country Club on Friday, April 11 (tickets available at the library) and Mr. Montalván’s presentation about “War, Trauma and Healing” at the Central Library on Saturday, April 12, a free event. In addition, the programs complement the opening of the Veterans Resource Center at Whittier Public Library which was funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act through the State Library. Tuesday, a lovable golden retriever,

changes a former soldier’s life forever. A highly decorated captain in the U.S. Army, Luis Montalván never backed down from a challenge during his two tours of duty in Iraq. After returning home from combat, however, his physical wounds and crippling posttraumatic stress disorder began to take their toll. He wondered if he would ever recover. Then Luis met Tuesday, a sensitive golden retriever trained to assist the disabled. Tuesday had lived among prisoners and at a home for troubled boys, and he found it difficult to trust in or connect with a human being — until Luis. Until Tuesday is the story of how two wounded warriors, who had given so much and suffered the consequences, found salvation in each other. It is a story about war and peace, injury and recovery, psychological wounds and spiritual restoration. But more than that, it is a story about the love between a man and dog, and how, together, they healed each other’s souls. …from Amazon.com.

Whittier Reads Programs Thursday, April 3 - Understanding PTSD Vietnam War veteran and activist José Ramos discusses post-traumatic stress disorder. Whittwood Branch · 6:30 · Free. Sponsored by Herbies Natural Foods

Thanks again for a wonderful year and don’t forget to vote on April 8th!

Friday, April 4 - Book Bites Informal discussion of Until Tuesday as well as new and interesting developments in the book world. Central Library · 10:00 · Free

Activate Whittier launches Healthy Pick labeling

Monday, April 7 - Oscar-Winning Iraq War Film Oscar-winning Iraq War film (contact Library for title) Whittwood Branch · 6:30 · Free. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Whittier

Activate Whittier partners and community residents celebrated the Healthy Pick initiative kick off at Whittier Farms, located in 12221 Whittier B l v d . , W h i t t i e r, CA 90602. Local residents and regular shoppers enjoyed healthy snacks and food demonstrations while celebrating another step towards a healthier Whittier. Concerned with the health of the community, Whittier Farms owner, Leo Anguiano voluntarily joined the effort towards making the healthy choice the easy choice. Whittier Farms now features the Healthy Pick label as an easy way for customers to identify healthy food and beverage items throughout the store, also this program will soon be inaugurated in Longfellow Elementary School’s Snack Shack. The Healthy Pick Labeling Program was modeled after the “Healthy Selection” campaign, created by residents and teens in collaboration with the City of Baldwin Park, Kaiser Permanente, Citrus Valley Health Partners, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and small corner store business owners to improve access to healthy food. The “Healthy Pick” labeling program employs a logo created by a local Whittier teen to identify products with minimal salt, fat and sugar content. Whittier residents have been engaged at every level of this

program, from conducting store assessments to building relationships with the store owners. The goal of the project is to help consumers look more closely at the foods they are buying and make healthy selections a part of their daily life. Activate Whittier invites all store owners to feature the “Healthy Pick” label in their stores. Together we can build a healthy and active Whittier! For more information on how to get involved in the program or how to become a healthy business leader, please contact Penny Lopez, Activate Whittier Program Manager, via email at plopez@ymcawhittier.org or by calling (562) 907-6530. About Activate Whittier Since 2008, Activate Whittier has been building a healthy active Whittier through community engagement, and partnerships with a focus on policies to improve the health and wellness of those living, working, learning and playing in our community. Today, Activate Whittier has been awarded $500,000 in grant funding and has the support of many community residents and partner organizations. Together, we have created a community action plan that features health promotion initiatives for the community-at-large, community organizations and local schools.

Tuesday, April 8 - Book Bites Informal discussion of Until Tuesday as well as new and interesting developments in the book world. Whittwood Branch · 1:00 · Free Friday, April 11 - An Evening with Luis Montalván and Tuesday Dinner and live music. Guests of honor Luis Carlos Montalván and his companion, Tuesday. Friendly Hills Country Club · 7:00 · $60 per person Ticket price includes a copy of Montalván’s memoir, Until Tuesday. Purchase tickets at Central or Branch until Friday, April 5. Sponsored in part by Eileen and Brien Bigelow and Rose Hills Memorial Park Saturday, April 12 - Luis Montalván and Tuesday in Person/Dog “War, Trauma, and Healing,” presented by former Capt. Montalván, followed by Q & A. Central Library · 7:00 · Get free ticket/s at Central Library or Whittwood Branch. Monday, April 14 - Film: PBS documentary Moving documentary follows people as they go through the process of getting service dogs (Contact Library for title) Whittwood Branch · 6:30 · Free. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Whittier Wednesday, April 16 - Wednesday Night Book Group Discussion of Until Tuesday, led by group member. Read the book and join the discussion. (The author will not be present.) Central Library · 6:30 · Free Monday, April 21 - Film: 2009 drama/thriller about a Marine and his family Touching, accurate portrayal of PTSD. (Contact Library for title) Whittwood Branch 6:30 · Free. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Whittier Wednesday, April 23 - Vet Hunters Project Joe Leal, founder of the Vet Hunters Project, talks about the project’s mission and accomplishments. Central Library · 7:00 · Free. Sponsored by Friendly Hills Bank Thursday, April 24 -- Lunch @ the Library Roxanne Baudry, accompanied by a dog in training, will discuss service dog selection, training and tasks. Central Library · 12:00 · Free (Bring a sack lunch.) Refreshments compliments of the Friends of the Whittier Public Library. Monday, April 28 - Film: Vietnam Comedy Contact Library for title. Whittwood Branch · 6:30 · Free. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Whittier Wednesday, April 30 - Chorale Bel Canto Outreach program with choral music. Central Library · 7:00 · Free. Sponsored by ACRO Printing, Inc.


APRIL 2014

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City Of Whittier

UPDATE

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Captain Michael Davis

Crime Mapping Online Sharing crime information with the public and keeping residents, motorists and businesses informed about criminal activity is a crucial element of working together to keep Whittier a safe city. The Whittier Police Department has teamed up with Crimereports.com to provide the community with up-to-date simple access to online crime information in the city. The online crime mapping system displays crimes which were reported to the Whittier Police Department. The user interface is very simple to navigate and allows the user to define specific date ranges, geographical locations and crimes to display. For privacy reasons, address locations are rounded to the nearest block number. Each crime type has a different icon and when clicked, will provide the date and time of the incident. A great feature of the crime mapping system is the ability of residents and businesses to sign up for automatic crime

alerts. Users are able to define a specific geographical area to be monitored and receive email notifications when a crime occurs in their area of interest. Another feature of the crime mapping system is the ability to display on the map the exact living locations of registered sex offenders, as contained in the State of California Sex Offender Registry. By clicking on the icon, users can see the address and photo of the registrant along with

identifying information. The maps are updated daily, directly from the Whittier Police Department records management system. To access the crime mapping system for Whittier, go directly to www.crimereports.com and simply enter your address in the search box to get started. Michael Davis is a Captain with the Whittier Police Department and can be reached at (562) 567-9253 or via email at mdavis@cityofwhittier.org

Adults like dinosaurs as much as children, and enjoying the new Dinosaur Play equipment at the March 11 dedication of the skeleton and egg, donated to the City of Whittier by the Whittier Community Foundation (WCF) are: Standing, left to right: Carol Crosby, WCF President and Whittier Chamber of Commerce Executive Director; Council Member Owen Newcomer; Greg Gunter, WCF Board Member; Karen Dalton, WCF Board Member; City Manager Jeff Collier; Caroline Medrano, Cultural Arts Commissioner; Theresa Goetz, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission Chair; Council Member Joe Vinatieri; Mayor Bob Henderson; Chris Hardeman, WCF Board Member and Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commissioner; Joshua Samanta, WCF Board Member; Bonnie Watje, WCF Board Member and Chamber of Commerce Board President. Seated left to right are: La Donna Munier, WCF Board Member; Fran Shields, WCF Board Member and City Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services; and Rudy Hernandez, WCF Board Member. The Foundation donated $24,000 for the purchase of this delightful play equipment, part of the refurbishing of Michigan Park.

“Bike to work day” pit stop at Greenway Trail A free “Bicycle Pit Stop” will be held for bicycling commuters on California Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 15, at the Greenway Trail, Palm Park Trailhead, 5703 Palm Avenue. The Pit Stop will be held from 7 to 9:30 a.m., and will include free refreshments, prizes, give-aways, information booths and bicycle displays. Two City bicycle shops, G’s Cyclery and Whittier Cyclery, will have displays on the newest bicycles and bike accessories. To be eligible for the prize drawing, commuters need to come to the Pit Stop with their bicycles or bike helmets. California Bike to Work Day is held annually to recognize those who ride their bikes to work regularly and to encourage others to give it a try. The City of Whittier participates in Bike to Work Day and encourages residents to use a pollution-free way to commute. Both Metro and the California Bicycle Coalition are offering incentives to celebrate the day Bicyclists may pledge on-line at www.metro.net or www.californiabikecommute.com to be entered into a drawing to win other prizes. For more information on Bike to Work Day, contact Palm Park at (562) 908-3666, or dschmidt@cityofwhittier.org.

Relay For Life Whittier

May 3-4, 2014

For more information Contact Maria Claver at (818) 486-9147

9 a.m. Sat. to 9 a.m. Sun. California High School 9800 Mills Avenue • Whittier, CA 90605


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WHAT’S COOL IN YOUR SCHOOL Whittier High School earns six-year WASC accreditation Whittier High School recently received a six-year term of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the highest accreditation term that can be awarded to schools, Whittier Union High School District officials said. “The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges is pleased to announce the action taken granting accreditation to Whittier High School effective through June 30, 2020,” wrote Valene Staley, Ed.D., WASC Commission Chairperson. “Please accept our congratulations on the quality of instruction being offered in your school.” The WASC visiting committee’s report noted “many stellar aspects of the school,” including students’ increased academic achievement. For example, Whittier High School gained 90 points in its Academic Performance Index (API) score during the last seven years, bringing Whittier High to a total API of 773 in 2012 and placing the school in the 97th percentile for API growth among California high schools. Whittier High School also has a 95 percent graduation rate, and more than 90 percent of its students begin the school year on-target for graduation. In addition,

APRIL 2014

CAPC, Inc. & DoubleTree Hotel Norwalk present

6-Chamber Mixer & Silent Auction

Orange you glad you’re a Whittier Chamber member?

more than 40 percent of students are enrolled in honors and AP classes and more than half of Whittier High School graduates meet the A-G entrance requirements for four-year colleges. Close to 85 percent of Whittier High School sophomores pass the CAHSEE the first time they take the exam. The WASC committee also noted the school’s strong teaching staff, rigorous academic curriculum, comprehensive network of student support services and dedication to providing a safe, clean and positive learning environment for all students. “We’re honored and elated to receive a six-year accreditation from WASC,” said Whittier High School Principal Lori Eshilian. “We will continue to strive to excel in all aspects of the education we provide our students in order to ensure they graduate well prepared for college and careers.”

Astronaut leads leadership event at St. Mark’s Lutheran School St. Mark’s Lutheran School hosted a two-day leadership event under the direction of astronaut, Dr. Peggy Whitson, on February 19-20, 2014. The seventh and eighth grade SML students, and some members of the Whittier College women’s soccer team, participated in six leadership exercises outside on the St. Mark’s field. Each leadership exercise presented a unique challenge where students worked in teams to solve a hands-on problem. Dr. Whitson, St. Mark’s principal, Barbara Clark, Whittier College soccer coach, Monica Gerardo, and church and staff members evaluated the junior high students on their teamwork, judgment/decision making, leadership/followership and communication. Students had personal interaction with Dr. Whitson who completed two six-month tours of duty aboard the International Space Station, the second as the station commander for Expedition 16 in April 2008. She has accumulated 377 days in space between the two missions, the most for any woman. Whitson has also performed a total of six career spacewalks. Fifth and sixth graders also worked on different leadership exercises using verbal and nonverbal cues in six different activities. The entire student body of kindergarten through eighth graders attended an assembly presented by Dr. Whitson with a slide show about her missions on the International Space Stations. Students questioned Dr. Whitson about her experiences and she provided them with a personal insight as to the life of an astronaut. St. Mark’s Lutheran School continues in progressing as a leadership academy for its students by challenging its students to think analytically and communicate effectively. For information call St. Mark’s at (626) 968-0428.

On May 8, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m., 6 local chambers of commerce will join together for the 12th annual Kaleidoscope fundraiser. Called “Kaleidoscope,” this colorful blend of six cities will offer chamber and community members six times the networking opportunities, not to mention a ballroom full of fabulous shopping opportunities and tasty samples from local restaurants and caterers. Represented at the mixer will be chamber members from the cities of Fullerton, La Habra, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier. Each chamber has been assigned a color: Fullerton is purple, La Habra is yellow, Norwalk is red, Pico Rivera is blue, Santa Fe Springs is green and Whittier is orange. City residents, business professionals and chamber members are encouraged to show their city pride by wearing clothing or accessories that correspond with the color of their chamber. Each chamber will host a table providing information on membership and upcoming events. In addition to great chamber networking, the event also features hundreds of silent auction items to bid

on. The DoubleTree Hotel Norwalk and other local food vendors will provide delicious appetizers for guests to enjoy, including no-host bars. Guests will also be treated to entertainment by RMH Dance & Productions. Businesses and community members can support this event in many different ways. They can donate items to the silent auction, serve as a Corporate/Family/ Friend Sponsor for $100,receive signage at the event and in the printed program, or come with co-workers, family or friends to network and shop on May 8! All the proceeds from the silent auction, raffle and Corporate/Family/Friend Sponsors will go directly to supporting the services provided by CAPC, Inc., an organization which specializes in empowering individuals with disabilities to maximize the quality of their lives in their homes and communities. The Doubletree Hotel Norwalk i s l o c a t e d a t 1 3 111 S y c a m o r e Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650. For additional information contact Carolyn Reggio at fundraising@capcinc.org or (562) 693-8826 x3008.

quality. convenience. variety. whittier blvd. & painter ave.

SPRING INTO

SAVINGS


APRIL 2014

WWW.WHITTIERCHAMBER.COM

WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

7

SAVE THE DATE

for networking, food and fun at

Tasty Tuesday

FREE Business Seminar

April 29, 2014 • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Datillo Restaurant • 6746 S. Greenleaf Ave.

Prepared for retirement?

$10 for Chamber members; $20 for non-members

Learn how to maximize opportunities and guarantee lifetime income April 24, 2014 • 8:30 to 10 a.m. Whittier Central Library 7344 Washington Ave., Whittier 90602 What will your retirement look like? Are you prepared? Have you lost your pension? Planning and saving for retirement is a must but too many of us are too busy trying to maintain the day to day operations of our business. Attend this seminar to learn how you can get your pension back and how you can create “guaranteed lifetime income.” Additionally, this educational seminar will include information for small business owners on the importance of tax-diversifying your retirement income and how you can unlock the wealth in your business for peace of mind during retirement. Learn about maximizing your IRA opportunities and what best fits your business needs and goals.

Prospective member Stephanie with Zip Recruiter is greeted by longtime Whittier Chamber member Angel Flores with Road Runner Towing during the monthly luncheon at Portofino’s Whittier Chamber members enjoy exchanging business cards over bites during the monthly Tasty Tuesday event held the last Tuesday of every month

The seminar is brought to you by Whittier Chamber Members and your local New York Life Agents, Guillermo Vazquez and Victor Chavez, and presented by Tom Schur also with New York Life Insurance Company. Mr. Schur began his business career with New York Life in 2006 as an agent with the NJ General Office after graduating Cum Lade from Montclair State University. While in NJ Tom built his practice in the community working with families and business owners, and was consistently ranked as one of the best. For the last four years, Tom has worked on the Life Consultant team and serves as a valuable resource to agents. Tom currently covers five offices in the Pacific Zone and led the Zone in 2013 for recurring premium growth.

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Thank you to Portofino Ristorante Italiano for hosting another great networking event!

(562) 789-1300 M-F 8-5:30 • SAT 9-12

42nd Annual

Purple & Gold Golf Classic Friday, May 9, 2014

10 a.m. Registration 12 p.m. Shotgun

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Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Resort Individual Golfer: $250 Foursome: $950 Tee Signs: $100 for more info email Mike Rizzo at mrizzo@whittier.edu or call 562 907-4967


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WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

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WAKE UP WHITTIER

APRIL 2014

Outstanding volunteers awarded for making significant contributions to the chamber Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” That is the perfect statement to describe two volunteers who were recently honored at the March Wake Up Whittier. These two women have generously donated countless hours to help the chamber succeed and in turn they will each tell you that they have received great benefits from giving. Please join us in congratulating Kim Praster and Judy Bradt – our 2013-2014 Award winners!

Kim Praster,

Lady Bugs Environmental Termite & Pest Control These ladies were out and about promoting the Shelter’s Right Hand 5K Walk during the Wake Up Whittier networking breakfast in March

Director of Sales & Marketing Frank Macias accepts a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Radisson for hosting the Whittier Chamber’s Wake Up Whittier event last month

Ambassador of the Year This award is voted on by the entire Ambassador Committee and the winner turned out to be a special person who is truly a “queen bee.” Kim is always at chamber events and lends a helping hand every time. She has attended almost every ribbon cutting in the last 18 months and has volunteered her time on other committees such as the Shop Local Showcase and the Business Expo, bringing creative ideas to each event. Kim is a great Ambassador promoting the Whittier Chamber when she is out in the community or participating with other networking groups. “We are so pleased to have Kim on our Ambassador committee,” said Chamber President Bonnie Watje. “She is a great Chamber cheerleader and always does a great job of making our new members feel welcome,” she continued. Congratulations to Kim Praster – our 20132014 Ambassador of the Year!

Judy Bradt, A Special Event

Volunteer of the Year

The lovely ladies of CAPC, Inc. were sporting their orange to help promote the upcoming 6-Chamber Kaleidoscope Mixer during the business card exchange at the Radisson Hotel. Orange you glad you’re a member of the Whittier Chamber?

This award is chosen by the Board pvresident with input from staff and the Executive Committee. With so many individuals who give countless hours of their time on a number of committees, it was hard to choose just one this year. “Judy definitely was someone who stood out,” stated Board President Bonnie Watje. Judy’s list of contributions to the Chamber is long. She chaired the Ambassador Committee for the first time this year and made significant changes to the program including growing the group to 25 members, refocusing their efforts on member retention with the implementation of the WOW (Whittier Outreach Walk) program and hosting Ambassador retreats. “Judy is a great leader who brings energy and fun to the Ambassador Committee,” said Natalie Saenz, staff liaison to the Ambassadors. Judy also sat on other committees this past year including Hathaway Golf, Shop Local Showcase and Business Expo. Her creative talents and great ideas helped each of those events exceed expectations. Congratulations to Judy Bradt – our 2013-2014 Volunteer of the Year!

Come celebrate an event of “historic” proportion! The Whittier Chamber is turning 100! The Whittier Chamber has a rich history and we invite you to take part in the festivities as we….

Welcome and install

Shannon Gimbel as the 2014-15 Chamber President

Bid a fond farewell to retiring board member Sue Dean

Recognize and thank President Bonnie Watje and her 2013-2014 Board of Directors

Present the award to the 2013-14 Business of the Year


APRIL 2014

WWW.WHITTIERCHAMBER.COM

WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

9

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**A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Shelter

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WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

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Whittier Police Chief Jeff Piper, Assemblymember Ian Calderon, Whittier Mayor Bob Henderson, Santa Fe Springs Mayor Juanita Trujillo, Santa Fe Springs Police Services Director Dino Torres and Whittier Police Captain Mike Davis congratulate Greg Hamilton on his 33 years of service to the Whittier Police Department

La Donna Munier from Friendly Hills Bank and Chamber President Bonnie Watje from ACRO Printing, founders of the Silver Shield event, thank former chair Doug Rowan from Cetera Network Advisors

Ernie Hernandez performs for over 250 attendees at the Silver Shield Awards Banquet

Chamber President Bonnie Watje and Silver Shield co-chair La Donna Munier present WPOA President Officer Chris Silva with a check for $1,000

Maria Segovia (center) from Pacific Western Bank and her daughter Jacqueline reconnect with Susan Miles from PDQ Rentals

Badge Sponsors Bob & Dave’s Towing City of Santa Fe Springs City of Whittier

Chief Sponsors

ACRO Printing, Inc. Assemblyman Ian Calderon Cetera Advisor Networks Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF® Hadley Tow • Rotary Club of Whittier Supervisor Don Knabe

Ausdal Susie Bowers, Susan(2) CAPC, Inc. Cetera Advisor Networks, Christopher J. George DialMED Home Care Fisher, Leslie and Howard Fix Auto Future Tech 1 (2) Greg's Auto Body HealthFirst HNS Auto JK Property Services King Richards Antique Center Knoll, Ted

Officers Lily Guzman and Chris Leffler and Sergeant Dominic Iraldo receive a Meritorious Citation from Police Chief Jeff Piper

Andrea Victoria and Gary Lee Martinez from The Traveling Traveler congratulate Chief Piper on a successful event

Police Chief Jeff Piper congratulates Officer of the Year Glenn Hedgpeth

APRIL 2014

Sergeant Jason Zuhlke chats with Silver Shield attendees at the SWAT display table

Assemblymember Ian Calderon gave welcoming remarks at the Silver Shield Awards Banquet honoring the Whittier Police Department

Chamber members Sam Pena and Elizabeth Martinez from Republic Services and Dr. Ramsey Ezaki and Gisele Mata network at the Silver Shield Awards Banquet

Captain Sponsors

Ferguson, Praet & Sherman Herbie’s Natural Foods Republic Services Whittier College

Bewley Lassleben & Miller Michael Seril Fitness PIH Health Rio Hondo College Whittier Uptown Association

Silver Sponsors

Friend Sponsors

Legacy Running Co. Living Green, Patrick Fitzgerald Martinez, Elizabeth Matrix Oil (5) McDonnell Group (2) Merrill Lynch - David Krake Miller & Angevine Neece Consulting Nordbak's (2) Notary Signing Network Pacific Western Bank - Pico Rivera Panagos, Bonnie Jo Peel, John Pellissier, Henri and Dianne Posada Whittier

Quality Lift & Equipment, Inc. Radisson Hotel Whittier Regueiro, Veronica RB Paint & Body Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuaries Royal Fox Insurance Russ Bassett Sargent's Sporting Goods Shannon G's Flowers Simple Nutrition - Beth Capon Soroptimist Int’l of Whittier (2) Southern California Edison (2) Spiritt Family Services State Farm - Cheryl Estep South Western Federal Credit Union

Topalian & Associates Triangle Distributing (2) Warner, Jerry Whittier Area Community Church Whittier's First Day Whittier Brokers Whittier Hospital (2) Whittier Host Lions Club (5) Whittier Mailing Service Whittier Rio Hondo AIDS Project Women's & Children's Crisis Shelter Woodruff Properties YMCA of Greater Whittier


APRIL 2014

WWW.WHITTIERCHAMBER.COM

WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

Save the date and please join us... Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF® rowand@ceteranetworks.com

Have you been approached with unrealistic rates of return? Don’t believe the unbelievable! With today’s diverse marketplace serving up scores of investment opportunities, you may be tempted to set aside long-term goals in favor of short-term profits. But having a successful financial future takes more than speculation - it takes careful planning and long-term perspective. Call Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF® for help in investigating your many investing options. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC is one of the largest full service brokerage firms in the nation. We offer array of investments and services. We can provide the assistance you need, no matter where you are in life’s journey.

We can provide solutions to help meet a variety of objectives: Retirement Planning Investment Management Estate Planning Tax-Advantage Strategies

Long Term Care Planning College Planning Financial Planning Small Business Planning

We can also provide the following investments and services to assist you in achieving your goals: Mutual Funds • CDs • Stock and Bonds Fixed and Variable Annuities Traditional, Roth and Education IRA’s, 529 Plans Business Retirement Plans Insurance

Call Doug today at (562) 945-7787 for a complimentary consultation

Cetera Advisor Networks LLC Doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency Member FINRA/SIPC 15141 E. Whittier Blvd., Suite 550, Whittier, CA 90603 (562) 945-7787 • (800) 441-0136 FAX: (562) 696-5487 For additional information on the services offered by Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF® and Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, please visit our website at: www.rowanassetmanagement.com or email rowand@ceteranetworks.com CA Insurance License # 0714417

12th Annual

LA - Orange County Line Business Resource Group Golf Tournament Monday, May 5, 2014 Friendly Hills Country Club 8500 S. Villaverde Drive • Whittier, CA 90605 Foursome - $700 • Individual Golfer $195 Golf Committee Chairmen Barbara Penland-Maun 562-652-2867

April Lestico 562-644-2297

Gina Miranda 562-619-9970

www.wcrlaorange.org 2013 Tournament Office Team Winner: Coldwell Banker Alliance Wll your office take the 2014 Tournament Office Title? Sign up and find out! Proceeds to benefit Special Children’s League & WCR Education Fund

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APRIL 2014

WWW.WHITTIERCHAMBER.COM

WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

MEMBER MARKETPLACE Guillermo G. Vazquez Financial Services Professional* CA Ins. Lic. # 0I24506

WE DON’T SELL TOYS TAKE YOUR SECURITY SERIOUSLY

New York Life Insurance Company Licensed Agent 801 North Brand Blvd, Penthouse Suite Glendale, CA 91203 Bus. 818 662 7500 Cell 626 379 5802 Fax 818 662 7699 ggvazquez@ft.newyorklife.com

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Testimonial: Hear what our members are saying... Portofino’s association with the Whittier Chamber of Commerce dates back to 1992. I left for a few years due to slow business, but definitely give much credit to the Whittier Chamber for welcoming me back upon my return in 2009. I am truly grateful for their continued support then and now. Being a member of the Whittier Chamber opens a multitude of doors for your business. They are your partners in promotion and provide you with countless opportunities to meet many other businesses so you can benefit each other. We have not had the time to partake in the many activities which are offered on a monthly basis, but the Chamber is always there to promote your business in your absence. I strongly believe in the Whittier Chamber; they are your lifeline, and if your calendar and time permits, you should attend the many activities they offer. You have the opportunity to introduce your business to others, and in turn those businesses will spread the word. Word-of-mouth referrals are the best kind of advertising around! Portofino’s is proud to have been associated with the Whittier Chamber of Commerce for nearly 20 years and we look forward to many more. Happy 100th Anniversary!

- Nick D’Egidio, Portofino’s Ristorante Italiano

& AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS ALL INSURANCE COMPANYS WELCOME • Lifetime Warranty (Body Shop) • One-Stop Repair • Free Pick up & Delivery • I-CAR Certified • 24 Hour Tow Dispatch • ASE Certified

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WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

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GOING GREEN FOR EARTH DAY

Green your business and let the world give back to you by Natalie Saenz, Staff Writer Earth Day is designated for fostering appreciation of the earth’s environment and promoting awareness of the issues that threaten it. In 1970, April 22 was designated as the national day to celebrate the earth. Here at the Whittier Chamber office, we celebrate Earth Day by turning off the lights, air conditioner/heater and working with the bare minimum for those eight hours. This year I think we’ll all do a rain dance and maybe I’ll even remember to water my plants. But don’t worry... on Earth Day (and every day) at the Chamber office, you will still be greeted with a cheery smile and we will still return emails and answer phone calls. But take a moment and think to yourself… when was the last time you remembered to celebrate our earth? Back in grade school, Recycling Rex taught me to “Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and close the loop!” We all learned ways to do our part in protecting the earth. With all the advances in technology today, it’s too bad no one has created the app yet to end global warming! The power of recycling is much bigger than we think. Now cans and bottles are just some of the things being recycled. You can recycle pretty much anything from your car to your boom box, and other appliances. Local schools and churches have the opportunity to raise money by hosting an E-waste Day at their location where computers, printers or even your old 80s brick cell phone you’ve been holding onto can be dropped off for recycling. Do some spring cleaning and say it with me: “Just - let – it – go.” You’ll be glad you did when you have more desk space and your favorite high school has more money to pay for their senior trip. As a business owner, every decision counts, right down to the brand of toilet paper you buy. Spending money to make money doesn’t always seem like the best decision. However, studies have shown that businesses with a cause, such as a sustainability plan, can actually profit more because customers notice that your business cares. Customers like that their money is going to a business that not only believes in their product but also cares about our world. In 1994 John Elkington, founder of British consultancy SustainAbility, coined the term Triple Bottom Line (TBL). The triple bottom line consists of the three Ps: profit, people and planet. The phrase aims to measure the financial, social and environmental performance of a corporation over a period of time. In order for businesses to profit long term, more businesses will need a plan that includes business, customers and an element of sustainability. Retail stores H&M and Urban Outfitters have changed their business model to include a sustainability element and

are profiting big. H&M began their Conscious Collection years back using organic materials and recycled paper for their price tags. Now celebrities are wearing H&M’s sustainable fashion on the runway. Catarina Midby, Head of Design for the H&M Conscious Collection reports that “The eco-friendly lifestyle here aligns with our initiatives. In fact, it is the reason we created the first Conscious Collection. We knew we had an opportunity to influence Hollywood and prove that you can wear something great for the environment without compromising taste.” Urban Outfitters also gives out recycled bags rather than plastic bags to all of their customers. They also rated 189 out of 200 in the Top 500 Green Ratings by Newsweek for Environmental Impact. As they say, it takes a village. Community support and programming is key to creating a sustainable environment. A great way to get involved with your community is to purchase fruits and vegetables through your local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). CSAs allow residents to purchase fresh produce grown locally from farmers in your area. If you’re interested in eating locally, check out Whittier Backyard Farms. The CSA pick up is ongoing every Sunday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at St Stephen’s Church Community Garden, 10925 Valley Home Blvd, Whittier CA 90603. People can check out the garden, inquire about the CSA program, and sign up. Uptown Whittier specialty store Local Fixture also hosts regular CSA sign-ups and will now be an additional pick up location on Thursdays. Stop by and see what the CSA is all about! If you want to eat locally without having to cook, visit The Rusty Monk where owner Kyle Koestner buys some of the

restaurant’s freshest main ingredients from a local CSA. Republic Services and Waste Management are also committed to recycling programs and are currently working with businesses on building programs within the community to spread the word about recycling. Los Angeles County started a new program called Smart Gardening where they provide FREE workshops with topics such as water wise gardening, backyard composting, and grass recycling. Visit www.smartgardening.com for more information on how to get involved. Between the influx of CNN emails I get on a daily basis about global warming and having to turn my air conditioner on in the middle of winter, it’s hard to deny this change in our earth. For those of you who have a green thumb, I applaud you. You are the forward thinkers we need to create an environmentally sustainable society. For the rest of us, go buy your “green is the new black” gym bag and start patting businesses on the back that work to keep our earth in good condition. By applauding businesses that are helping our environment, we’re sending a wake up call to those who are not. Earth day is only a few days away. Quick and easy ways for you to get involved include picking up litter, recycling items in your home, turning off the water when you brush your teeth, switching to online bill payments, using public transportation, turning down your water heater and installing energy efficient lights. If you stop to think about it, there are dozens of ways you can lighten your load on the environment and promote a healthy ecosystem. Do yourself a favor and eat, shop, play and live with a cause in mind. Trust me, you’ll feel good doing it!

Green Glossary For the person whose Earth day activity is ....................................................................................... Sustainability Sustainability is how biological systems endure and remain diverse and productive. Healthy ecosystems and environments are necessary to the survival and flourishing of humans and other organisms. Sustainable products provide environmental, social and economic benefits while protecting public health and environment over their whole life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials until the final disposal. For the person considereing a Prius ........................................................................................... Clean Natural Gas Compressed natural gas, or CNG, is natural gas under pressure which remains clear, odorless, and non-corrosive. Although vehicles can use natural gas as either a liquid or a gas, most vehicles use the gaseous form compressed to pressures above 3,100 pounds per square inch. For most California Drivers, high MPG (miles per gallon) is high on the priority list. While the Prius averages 53 MPG other Natural Gas Vehicles average at about 35-40 MPG. Be sure to check out Community Honda’s NEW 2014 Natural Gas Civic or Toyota of Whittier’s top selling Prius or upcoming Natural Gas Camry. For the person who is considering solar panels for their home or business ..........................................................Green Energy Green energy is limitless in nature. Types of green energy are solar (sun), wind and geothermal. All three of these types of energy naturally replenished by nature. It is estimated that the worlds oil reserves will last for 30 to 40 years. On the other hand, solar energy is infinite. To turn your electric bill from a negative to a positive for your home or business, contact chamber members Dr. Roofing and Solar, Harrison Electric, or RGS Energy. For those who like to shop til they drop ..................................................................................................................Fair Trade Fair trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue , that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers. Fair trade organizations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. When you are out shopping, check for items that have the Fair Trade stamp on the label!

LOCAL EVENT Earth Day 2014 Sponsored by Sanitation District of Los Angeles County

Saturday, April 12, 2014 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Over 50 Green Exhibitors, Earth-friendly arts and crafts, Water reclamation plant tours, face painting and more Sanitation District Parking Lot 1955 Workman Mill Road Whittier CA 90601 562.908.4288, Ext.2303

RESTAURANT ROW Breakfast………….6:30am – 10:30am Lunch……………...10:30am – 2:00pm Dinner……………...5:00pm – 9:00pm Sunday Brunch.....10:00am – 2:00pm 7320 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602 • (562) 945-8511

BUY ONE ENTRÉE, GET 2ND ENTRÉE of equal or lesser value

1/2 OFF

One discount per table. per visit. Valid daily between 5:00PM to 9:00PM. Must purchase two beverages. Discount applies to item of equal or lesser value.

RESTAURANT ROW FOR MORE INFO. CONTACT KATIE AT (562) 698-9554

“Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sophiascaliforniabistro

Sophia’s California Bistro serving fresh, eclectic California cuisine of locally grown, organic and sustainable foods… fine-dining at an affordable price!

RESERVE A SPACE FOR ONLY $100!


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Special Events in April: 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 City Hall Lobby Art Exhibit @ Whittier City Hall (13230 Penn St.) All month long. FREE and open to the public. Enjoy the jewel-like glass mosaics of Susan Helms. Call (562) 567-9450 for information Parnell Park Lobby Art Exhibit @ Parnell Park Community Center (15390 Lambert Rd.) All month long. FREE and open to the public. Enjoy the elegant watercolors of Carole Borries. Call (562) 567-9450 for information Bereaavement Support Group @ Beverly Hospital, Women’s Pavilion & Breast Center (101 E. Beverly Blvd., Ste. 104/105, Montebello) 2 to 3:30 p.m. The 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. FREE and open to the public. RSVP to (800) 618-6664 Special Until Tuesday veteran events featured at the Whittier Public Library during the month of April. Please see a complete list of event dates and times on page 4

APRIL 1

APR 6

Jubilee Tuesday Hour @ Crepes and Grapes Café (6560 Greenleaf Ave.) 4 to 8 p.m. Join “The Savvy Women’s Network” for small bites and wine. For more information contact Sandra Hahn at wetstone@earthlink.com

An Afternoon of Magic @ Whittier Museum (6755 Newlin Ave.) Doors open at 1 p.m.; show at 2 p.m. Email info@ whittiermuseum.org or call (562) 945-3871

APR 8

Whittier City Election Day @ various polling locations. Cast your vote! Activate Whittier’s “Healthy Pick” Find ballot and voting information by ribbon cutting @ Whittier Farms calling (562) 567-9854 (12221 Whittier Blvd.) 12 noon. FREE and open to the public. For Meet ‘n Greet Open House & New information call (562) 698-9554 Member Orientation @ Whittier Chamber office (8158 Painter Ave.) 9 to 10:30 a.m. FREE and open to all Whittier Chamber ’s Centennial current and prospective members. Celebration @ Friendly Hills Country RSVP to Jessica at (562) 698-9554 Club (8500 S. Villaverde Dr.) 6 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $75. Help the Chamber celebrate our 100th year Whittier Care Center Grand Opening in style and enjoy a night out on the @ CareMore Healthplan (9209 Colima town with Whittier Chamber staff, Rd. Suite 1000) 10 a.m. FREE and board and volunteers. Please call open to the public. Call (951) 288-3193 the Whittier Chamber (562) 698-9554 for information to register Eggtravaganza & Family Faire @ Parnell Twin Hearts Meditation Class @ First Park (15390 Lambert Rd.) 11 a.m. to 2 Christian Church Whittier Chapel (6355 p.m. $5 per wristband for each child and Greenleaf Ave.) 7 to 9 p.m. $10 donation open to the public. Call (562) 567-9450 suggested and open to all who are interested. Call (562) 689-0556

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APR 24 CONT.

Ribbon cutting @ Reboot Device Repair (13211 Whittier Blvd., Ste. F) 4 p.m. FREE and open to the public. Call (562) 698-9554 for information

Healing Clinic @ First Christian Church Whittier, Fellowship Hall (6355 Greenleaf Ave.) 7 to 9 p.m. $10 donation suggested and open to all who are interested. Call (562) 689-0556

Whittier Apartment Owners’ Resource Council Meeting @ Whittier Senior Center (13225 Walnut St.) 7 to 8:30 p.m. FREE and open to all local apartment owners and property managers. Enjoy refreshments and networking. RSVP to (562) 698-9554

APR 18 49th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast @ Radisson Hotel Whittier (7320 Greenleaf Ave.) Doors open at 6:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 per person. Keynote speaker will be Michael Franzese. For information call (562) 237-3764 or www.whittierprayer.org

APR 26 YMCA Healthy Kids Day @ YMCA of Greater Whittier (12510 Hadley St.) 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. FREE family event! Call (562) 907-6530 or (562) 943-7241 for more info

APR 27

Rio Hondo Symphony Guild Spring Garden Tour @ 3 Whittier locations. 2 to 5 p.m. $25 for pre-event tickets; $30 at first garden. Email Diana Jimenez at dhopej38@verizon.net for location Twin Hearts Meditation Class @ First details Christian Church Whittier Chapel (6355 Greenleaf Ave.) 7 to 9 p.m. $10 Whittier High School Fifteenth Annual donation suggested and open to all who Hall of Fame Dinner @ Whittier Radisson Hotel (7320 Greenleaf are interested. Call (562) 689-0556 Ave.) Call (562) 698-8121 or visit www.whittierhighalumni.org for more information Ribbon cutting @ Dr. Green Home Services (12411 Slauson Ave. Ste. A) 4 p.m. FREE and open to the public. Call (562) 698-9554 Tasty Tuesday Monthly Networking

APR 22

APR 29

Lunch @ Datillo Restaurant (6746 CELEBRATE EARTH DAY! Learn S. Greenleaf Ave.) 11:30 a.m. $10 more about how you can participate for chamber members; $20 for nonat www.earthday.org members. Enjoy a business card exchange over lunch in Uptown! RSVP to Natalie at (562) 698-9554 ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY!

APR 23 APR 24

FREE Business Seminar: Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners @ Whittier Central Library (7344 Washington Ave.) 8:30 to 10 a.m. FREE & open to all local professionals. RSVP to (562) 698-9554

The Effects of Diabetes on the Kidneys Lecture @ Beverly Hospital, Tower Basement (309 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello) 3 to 4:30 p.m. FREE and Wa k e U p W h i t t i e r N e t w o r k i n g open to the public. Learn how to manage Breakfast @ Whittier Community diabetes. To RSVP Call (800) 618-6664 Center (7630 Washington Ave.) 7:30 a.m. FREE for chamber members; $20 for non-members. Ribbon cutting @ SoCal Post Acute Enjoy networking, City updates and Care (7931 Sorenson Ave.) 4 p.m. business development. RSVP to FREE and open to the public. Call (562) 698-9554 for information Natalie at (562) 698-9554

APR 16

APR 5 The Heart of A Child Gala @ Millennium Biltmore Hotel (506 South Grand, Los Angles, CA 90017) 6 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $225 per person. For information contact Rachel Beal at (562) 236-4696

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APRIL 2014

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WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

Dr. Green home services

drgreenhomeservices.com

Green R

You are cordially invited to attend the

Fifteenth Annual Hall of Fame Dinner Sunday, April 27, 2014 at five o’clock in the afternoon

2014 Hall of Fame Honorees

i b bon

ony m e r Ce

Tuesday April 22 4pm-6pm

Glen Allison – Class of 1948 Clark Brundin – Class of 1948 Alfred Gobar – Class of 1949 Carol Tenopir – Class of 1970 Lori Peel Eshilian – Class of 1972 Carol Jean Bennett – Class of 1972 William House posthumously – Class of 1941

at Whittier Radisson Hotel Monies raised at the Hall of Fame Dinner provide Scholarships for Whittier High School students to continue their pursuit of academic and professional careers. Reservation forms available at www.whittierhighalumni.org or call Whittier High School (562) 698-8121 x 2010 Reservation deadline is April 11, 2014

, d o o F e Fre ks! n i r D & Music 12411 Slauson Ave Suite A Whittier, Ca 90606

800.289.1021

Dr. Green Home Services goal is to promote, improve, and maximize the energy efficiency and savings of utility bills in Southern California. As a full spectrum general contracting provider Dr. Green Home Services can take care of all of your needs relating to all necessary work performed.

Check us out on Facebook @ Whittier High Alumni ~ Official

“...and always, always love you, Whittier High.”

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APRIL 2014

AROUND TOWN Harmony Center Fine Art & Craft Fair seeks local artists

Harmony Center for Spiritual Living is seeking artists and crafters for the 5th Annual Art Fair on October 18 and 19, 2014. Marketing and advertising opportunities are also available for sponsors. The event is a non-profit fundraiser, also benefitting the Interfaith Food Center in Whittier, featuring a high school student art contest and booths for members of the local community. Contact Marilyn McCarty at mmc.caligal@yahoo.com for information or download the application at www.harmonyartfair.org.

Dr. David Marshburn of Marshburn Eye Center presents “Good Vision Forever” at Whittier Place Senior Living Please join Whittier Place Senior Living as Dr. Marshburn presents on how new technologies are making lifelong vision a coming reality. This workshop is free and open to the public and is hosted by Whittier Place Senior Living on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 6 p.m. Whittier Place Senior Living is located at 12315 Burgess Ave. Whittier, 90604 at Imperial Hwy between Valley

Assisted Living • Memory Care

View Blvd. and La Mirada Blvd. Please RSVP to (562) 321-9401 by Tuesday, April 8 to reserve your spot for this very informative workshop.

Symphony recognizes local talent at annual Young Artists’ Competition Two outstanding young musicians, a soprano and a cellist, won the Rio Hondo Symphony’s 46 th annual Young Artists Competition held in February at the Whittier College Memorial Chapel. Saira Frank, 29, a soprano from Los Angeles, placed first in the vocal category, and Kevin Mills, 21, a cellist from Mission Viejo, placed first among the strings. One will perform as a soloist at the Symphony’s “Final Frontier” concert May 4, 2014; the other will be a soloist at the first concert next fall. Each winner also received $1,000. Because of the high quality of all contestants this year, two vocalists tied for second place in the voice category. Each received $500. They are Marina Harris, 28, soprano, from San Francisco and Whittier, and Megan Cullen, 30-year-old soprano from Santa Clara, CA. Also receiving Honorable Mention were two other vocalists. They are Caleb Barnes, 22, countertenor from Palmdale, and Jose Maldonado, 22, baritone from Whittier. Judges for the event were Wayne Reinecke, Conductor and Music Director Emeritus of the Rio Hondo Symphony; Dr. Robert Sage, Professor of Music at Azusa Pacific University; and Ms. Karen Benjamin, Professor of Music at Pasadena City College. The event is sponsored by the Symphony Association and the Guild. Chairing the event were Bob Orpin and Maria Elena and Enrique Alvarez. Information about the orchestra’s free concerts is available by calling (562) 698-8626. Visit the website at www.riohondosymphony.org.

Getting ready to start digging, from left to right, Mayor Bob Henderson and Council Members Owen Newcomer and Fernando Dutra prepare to help local school children plant trees at Michigan Park during the annual Arbor Day observance last month.

Stater Bros. announces new way to save money on groceries As an added bonus for its customers, Stater Bros. is happy to announce a new program called “2 Ads, 1 Day” which began last month. A new Stater Bros. ad breaks on Wednesday of each week, and now the prior week’s ad is also effective on that one day as well. So on Wednesdays, Stater Bros. customers can shop two ads, together, on the same day. “Food is one of the biggest costs for a family. Now our customers can increase their buying power on Wednesdays by purchasing last week’s sale items along with this week’s sale items,” stated Jack H. Brown, Stater Bros. Chairman and CEO. Stater Bros. is the largest privately owned supermarket chain in Southern California and the largest private employer in both San Bernardino County and Riverside County, with annual sales in 2013 of $3.9 billion. The company currently operates 167 supermarkets, and there are over 18,000 members of the Stater Bros. supermarket family. For more information, log onto www.staterbros.com.

honor exceptional students at Soroptimists to

annual awards luncheon On Tuesday April 8, 2014, Soroptimist International of Whittier will hold their annual Lois Neece Awards luncheon at the Radisson Hotel Whittier. The Lois Neece “Overcomers” award was started by Lois Neece, a former past president of SIW, who wanted to recognize and encourage students’ achievement despite adversity. High grades are not the measure of achievement, but a student’s efforts and resolve to succeed are. Today Lois’ son Jack and Marilyn Neece help support and carry on the award program. If you would like to meet the winner of this award or would like to have lunch with the SIW ladies and learn more about their community programs, please join them on April 8 or Tuesdays at 12 noon at the Radisson Hotel. For more information, please contact Liz Apodoca at (562) 693-5027 or Caren Grisham-Algots at (562) 400-6955. 12315 Burgess Avenue • Whittier, CA 90604 www.whittierplaceseniorliving.com

Assisted Living • Memory Care

License #197606823

 THE PHYSICIAN’S FORUM 

Dr. David Marshburn of Marshburn Eye Center will be speaking on GOOD VISION FOREVER? How new technologies are making this a coming reality

Thursday, April 10th, 2014 at 6:00pm No cost to attend • Refreshments will be served Call (562) 321-9401 today to reserve your space!


APRIL 2014

WWW.WHITTIERCHAMBER.COM

WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

17

AROUND TOWN Shelter’s Right Hand to hold annual 5K Walk in Uptown Register now for the Shelter’s Right Hand 18th Annual Stepping Out Against Domestic Violence 5K Fitness Walk to benefit the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Shelter. On Saturday, April 26, 2014, Honorary Chairpersons, Glenn and Bonnie Watje, and over 600 community members are expected to step out in support of victims of domestic violence from Central Park for a 3-mile walk through historic neighborhoods and business district of Uptown Whittier. The Shelter’s Right Hand is pleased to announce that Don Knabe, SupervisorFourth District, County of Los Angeles, and Wells Fargo are the Presenting Sponsors of the Walk. Generous grants from these two sponsors make it possible for all entry fees, sponsorships and individual donations to go directly to the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Shelter. The members of the Shelter’s Right Hand would like to thank all

participating businesses, organizations and individuals for generously donating to the Walk and partnering with them to bring hope for renewed lives for individuals fleeing domestic violence. For entry forms and Walk information, visit the Shelter’s Right Hand website at www.sheltersrighthand.org, find the Shelter’s Right Hand on Facebook or call (657) 549-2551. Registration may also be completed online at active.com. Donations to benefit the crisis shelter are payable to Shelter’s Right Hand, Post Office Box 9304, Whittier, CA 90608.

From Maddi’s Closet celebrates 10th anniversary The staff, family and friends at From Maddi’s Closet are very proud to be celebrating their 10th year and are looking forward to commemorating this milestone with the community at the “Reach for the Stars” Dinner and Auction on July 18, 2014 at Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier. In the last 10 years, the organization has stayed the course keeping their focus on the needs of the children battling cancer and their families. The children affected by cancer and blood diseases are from all socio-economic levels, so the current economic problems have particularly affected many of the patient’s parents as they face “hidden” expenses that are not covered by assistance programs while they support their family member battling cancer. Dr. Jonathan Finlay, Director of the Neuro-Oncology Program at The Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, states, “Through specifically designated funds, From Maddi’s Closet has assured the very survival of family units and made their battles against brain cancer a good deal more manageable.” To assure that they continue to meet the increased need for services, they’ve added new members to serve on their Board of Directors. We welcome Lori Bliss (Junior Advisory Board), Debbie Nye (Accounting), Janice Roodzant (Details Business Organizer), Debbie Scheibel (ExtraHands Advertising and Marketing) and Leslie Thornton (Community Liaison). Each brings tremendous support skills and training. Please introduce yourself to each of them at the chamber mixers, congratulate them for accepting their positions, and ask them about the new outpatient “Beads of Courage” Program. For information on From Maddi’s Closet call (562) 943-3684.

Casino night fundraiser to benefit Carden School in May Carden Whittier Private School presents the 7th Annual Luau Extravaganza Fundraiser on Saturday, May 10 from 6 to 11 p.m. at Friendly Hills Country Club. The evening will feature a casino night theme along with dinner and dancing. For tickets or donations please visit www.cardenschool.com/casinonight2014 or call (562) 694-1879 for more information.

Whittier Art Gallery & Association to present “Art: Heading Toward Healing” The Whittier Art Gallery & Association will present their April show titled “Art: Heading Toward Healing” from April 9 through April 27, dedicated to the many victims of child sex abuse. To give a voice to the voiceless, the nationally recognized A Quarter Blue has become a leading sponsor of art to help do the job. Three gifted artists, Marie Huizar, Maya Hivale and Martha Nix Wade will be featured along with the work from the children helped by the organization. Martha Nix Wade is the founder of A Quarter Blue, and a former child star, whose glittering outer life was nothing like the torment she secretly endured. She determined to end that shame and silence for other children. The exhibit itself is in no way depressing, but alive with hope, and the kind of light that comes after a long time in the shadows.

Whittier Museum hosts magic show in April The Whittier Historical Society and Museum invite you to attend “An Afternoon of Magic” presented by the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame & Magic Museum on April 6, 2014. View a professionally staged magic show and see displays of antique, classic and historical magic apparatus, posters and memorabilia. The show is geared towards family audiences. Doors open at 1 p.m. with a curtain time scheduled for 2 p.m. Enjoy your visit to this unique, entertaining and educational institution located at 6755 Newlin Ave. in Whittier. Call (562) 9453871 for more information.

La Serna girls water polo team wins CIF Division Championship The La Serna High School Girls Water Polo Team recently won the CIF-SS Division IV girls water polo championship in a 5-4 victory in sudden death, ending a dramatic battle that was also a rematch of last season’s Division 4 final against Troy High School’s Warriors. The Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees honored the players with certificates of commendation for their stellar teamwork at its March meeting. “We are thrilled and proud of your achievement,” said Whittier Union High School District Superintendent Sandra Thorstenson. “We’re proud of your incredible efforts, your dedication and the dedication of your coaches.” La Serna Co-coach Erin Verstegen said the girls were calm entering into the final match. “We knew this year that we would get to the finals so we focused on winning,” Verstegen told the Board and an audience packed with proud parents, family and friends. Lancer’s freshman Carissa Perez lobbed the winning shot that cleared the hands of her opponents and landed in the far corner of the Warriors’ net. The teams were tied at 3-3 after regulation play and at 4-4 following a pair of 3-minute overtime periods, which led to sudden death. Lancer’s goalie Jacqui Verdugo also was dazzling. She stopped a 5-meter penalty shot in the second quarter and stopped several point-blank shots in the second half.

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toyotaofwhittier.com


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APRIL 2014

Tax Tips Continued from page 2 on the taxpayer’s overall accounting method) or amortizing the costs under the three-year rule, discussed above, for a “purchased” design. Website design costs that aren’t costs of “software” are deductible in accordance with useful life. The time for deducting website design costs that are costs of portions of the design that aren’t “software” depends on the expected “useful life” of these nonsoftware portions of the design. Thus, these costs must be amortized over the number of years that it is expected that the non-software portions of the design will be used in the business (except if it is expected that these non-software portions of the design will have a useful life of no more than a year, in which case the costs can be currently deducted.) Website content that is advertising is generally currently deductible; the treatment of other content costs will vary. Advertising costs are, generally, currently deductible. Thus, the costs of website content that is advertising are, generally, currently deductible. Website content that isn’t advertising will be currently deductible, or amortized over a multi-tax year period, depending on its useful life. The deductibility of some website costs that are business start-up costs is limited. Where website costs that would otherwise be currently deductible are paid or accrued before a business begins, the costs are deductible only upon the termination or disposition of the business, unless the taxpayer elects to (1) deduct up to $5,000 of the costs in the year that the business starts and/or (2) amortize the costs over a period of 60 months or more beginning with the month that the business starts. 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

Tickets now on sale for: A special evening of live music!

Inside Latin Jazz Thursday, April 17 8:00 pm

Special guests to be announced. NOTE: This is a FREE event!

As part of the Whittier College Writers Festival

An Evening with Singer-Songwriter

Dave Alvin Saturday, April 26 8:00 pm

Aloha Series

The Brothers Cazimero

YOU U DESERVE DES ESERVE

EXCEPTIONAL CARE

Beverly Hospital is proud to announce that it has earned the Healthgrades® 2013 Health Excellence Awards in the areas of Coronary Intervention, Women’s Health and General Surgery. 7KLV ÞYH VWDU VWDWXV DIÞUPV WKH ÞQH TXDOLW\ RI FDUH UHQGHUHG to our patients. Recognition brings pride in the community and to our team of healthcare professionals.

Saturday, May 24 3:00 pm & 8:00 pm

Join us as the Brothers Cazimero celebrate 20 years of aloha at the Shannon Center! %ULQJ WKLV DG WR WKH ER[ RI¿FH DQG UHFHLYH RII RI \RXU HQWLUH WLFNHW RUGHU H[FOXGLQJ DQ\ VXUFKDUJHV DQG WKH ³6HH ,W 5HDG ,W´ RIIHU IRU IDPLO\ VKRZV

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EXCELLENCE IN QUALITY OF PATIENT CARE

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Whittier’s REALTOR

Melanie Bickley Real Estate Sales Property Management Since 1957

PROMOTE YOUR

BUSINESS

WITH THE BUSINESS FOCUS

The Whittier Chamber’s Business Focus is Whittier’s premier community publication providing information on Whittier Chamber networking events, helpful tips for local business owners, important legislative information and special interest stories on local organizations other great things happening in our city.

Want to see

YOUR STORY on our FRONT PAGE? Contact Katie for more information on a business spotlight article and other marketing opportunities to grow your business!

(562) 698-9554

(562) 693-3757

www.whittierbrokers.com


APRIL 2014

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RENEWING MEMBERS Thank you for investing in your business and the community!

ADP Automatic Data Processing 1 Year • (480) 390-7348

Topalian & Associates Davit Topalian, Attorney at Law 7211 Painter Ave. Whittier, CA 90602 (562) 907-7889 topalianlaw@gmail.com

1+ Years Ken Grody Ford 2 Years • (949) 910-0421 MAACO Collision Repair & Auto Painting 2 Years • (562) 945-6400

Topalian & Topalian, Attorneys at Law, provide personal attention and representation for each client. They are tough, experienced attorneys with the resources and knowledge to successfully resolve even the most difficult cases in a quick and efficient manner. Topalian & Associates are experts on family law, business law, corporate law and probate law. For more information about services and how they can help you call (562) 907-7889. There’s no obligation; they’re available to get you the help you need today.

Michael Seril Fitness 2 Years • (714) 306-9002 Granite Payment Alliance 3 Years • (562) 728-3460 First Christian Church 3 Years • (562) 698-0556 Residual Solutions 4 Life 3 Years • (562) 715-7826 American Medical Response 3 Years • (626) 633-4664 Half-Off Books, Records & Films 3 Years • (562) 286-6708 Legacy Running Co. 3 Years • (562) 907-7523

COMMUNITY PARTNERS Jan Lopez Wood, Community Partner

Kenkou Acupuncture 4 Years • (562) 686-8419

James & Susan Schreiner, Community Partner

Paper People Productions 7 Years • (888) 736-2493

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

JC American Enterprises Co. 8 Years • (562) 907-7779

Nielsen Electric Jeff Nielsen Whittier, CA 90605 (562) 777-5861 nielsenelectric3@aol.com

Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. David Krake 8 Years • (714) 257-4481

10+ Years Bon Appetit @ Whittier College 15 Years • (562) 464-4557 Rudy A. Cervantes 15 Years CareMore Health Plan 16 Years • (800) 499-2793 Intercommunity Counseling Center 17 Years • (562) 698-1272 Jeanne Muhlestein 17 Years

50+ Years Whittier Hospital Medical Center 53 Years • (562) 945-3561

ORGANIZATIONS

SOLAR POWER

Whittier Area Young Republicans Ariana Assenmacher PO Box 16 Whittier, CA 90608 (562) 347-9853 The purpose of the Whittier Area Young Republicans is to recruit, inform and empower young republican professionals and college students throughout the City of Whittier and surrounding cities in eastern Los Angeles County, and to be an effective organization in registering voters and electing republicans to public office. The group strives to articulate conservative principles of limited government, separation of powers and individual liberty. Their obligation is to strengthen the Republican Party by reaching out to young people of all backgrounds and fulfilling their mission. They are here to educate and prepare the republican leaders of tomorrow! For more information about the Whittier Area Young Republicans or to become a member, please contact Ariana Assenmacher at (562) 347-9853 or by email at arianaassenmacher@gmail.com. Referred by the Whittier Republican Women Federated

RGS Energy Joseph Abanes 1539 W. Orange Grove Ave. Suite B Orange, CA 92668 (951) 200-4707 joseph.abanes@rgsenergy.com www.rgsenergy.com

RGS Energy has been lowering energy bills across the U.S. since 1978. With over 19,500 installations under their belt, they’re helping thousands of homeowners save money. Bringing clean affordable power to you is their mission. Your solar experience is a top priority! Unlike fossil fuels, solar panels create no waste or emissions. They produce clean energy from a fuel source that requires no locating, excavation or transportation. Going solar is a simple, seamless switch to cleaner electricity. Request a free quote to start making solar work for you!

MEDICAL BILLING

STAFFING SERVICES

Sybe Medical Management Sandra Mazzeo 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 1000 Los Angles, CA 90045 (562) 233-3616 smazzeo@sybe.com www.sybe.com

DLT Staffing Lupita De La Torre, CPC 8152 Painter Ave., Ste. 205 Whittier, CA 90602 (800) 862-5543 ldelatorre@dltmcas.com www.dltmcas.com

With nearly 30 years of experience and a devotion to getting the job done right, Nielsen Electric serves Whittier and other cities in L.A., Orange County, San Bernardino, North County, and San Diego County for all electrical contracting needs. The experts at the fully insured Nielsen Electric company work with owners of both residential and commercial properties. Nielsen Electric aims to bring its clients the highest quality in service at a competitive rate. License # 950973

The Sybe Medical Billing team provides health care professionals with maximum efficiency and organization. They do it all here in the U.S. with no outsourcing; everything is completed in house by their full time staff. Their medical billing professionals will fulfill all your medical billing and accounts receivable needs exceeding all expectations. All collected fees are deposited directly into your bank account. There are no set up or monthly fees. At Sybe, they do not get paid unless you get paid first! By outsourcing your medical billing to SYBE you can focus more time on practicing medicine and less time on paperwork.

Referred by Christopher Magdosku, Community Partner

Referred by Vas Samarasinghe, Jeunesse Global and Jerry Warner, The Promo Guy

D L T Recruiting & Staffing Services supports your industry needs with temporary staffing and direct placement personnel. They offer their clients innovative and creative solutions to meet their personnel needs. Their mission is to match the right candidate with the right employer. They believe the best relationship is a great partnership. DLT Recruiting & Staffing is also a member of the Better Business Bureau.

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WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

duracarpet.com

Mobile Showroom 4720 East Washington Boulevard, Commerce Ca., 90040

• Free Wi-Fi • Quality accommodations at an affordable price Newly renovated spacious rooms Jacuzzi Spa, Suite, King, Full, and Double Size Bedrooms available • Direct TV with Movie Channels, HBO, ESPN Sport, Children’s Channels, Spanish Channels • Free Parking • Direct Dial Telephone • Located near major Intersection of Lambert Road and Painter Avenue Near Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Whittier College, Uptown Whittier • Extended Stay Discount Rate

2 Diamond AAA Approved Garden Hotel 13318 Lambert Road • Whittier, CA 90602 (562) 693-1099 • www.lambertinn.com

GET A 10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS AD


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WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS

WWW.WHITTIERCHAMBER.COM

APRIL 2014


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