August 2009 Newsletter Brentwood Chamber of Commerce

The Brentwood Clarion Page

August 2009 Vol. 45, No. 8

15th Annual “Fun Scramble” Golf Tournament

Friday, September 18, 2009

Roddy Ranch 1 Tour Way

Antioch, CA 94513

See insert for registration form and Sponsorship

Levels.

CornFest Regional Community Event

What Most People Don’t Know

Most people in the Brentwood

area are aware of CornFest. Awesome fireworks, a great mix of music, lots of arts and c r a f t s , l o c a l b u s i n e s s i n f o r m a t i o n , a n d a n

overwhelming amount of food and beverage.

What very few people know are how many people it takes to pull off such a major event. And that almost all of those people are volunteers. People are amazed to learn that CornFest is done with only two full-time and two part-time staff members who maintain their other duties at the Chamber which continue even with the big focus in the spring each year on CornFest.

Each year in the very early spring there are a core group of about twenty people who start out working on the event and over the months that group expands to about fifty. Of those fifty people, about forty of them represent a local organization that volunteers to staff some part of the event. For some organizations it is a small group of ten, where another group there may be over fifty involved. When CornFest has concluded, each group is rewarded for the time and effort they donated to the success of CornFest. For many of these groups the CornFest is their largest fundraiser of the year

On behalf of the Chamber leadership and staff, I thank all of the hundreds of volunteers with the many groups that make CornFest happen. I want to also thank the City of Brentwood, council and staff, for all of their support and help. I thank the many sponsors who contribute thousands of dollars in trade and money to support the CornFest effort. And not least, thank you to the downtown businesses who tolerate the CornFest activity year after year.

Harry York, CEO, Brentwood Chamber

The Brentwood Clarion

Mission Statement: The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization dedicated to the promotion of the civic and commercial progress of the community. We will continuously strive to maintain and foster a healthy business climate for Chamber members and the entire community.

Now at the

Brentwood Chamber Office every 1st and 3rd Mondays;

1:30 and 2:30 P.M. Call 925-634-3344 to make your

appointment today!

Go Green!

Contra Costa County Chamber of Commerce Stimulus Summit with representatives from

Oakley and Brentwood Chambers

Pictured at right: Lyle Miller, Leeann Lorono, Kathi Reed, Karen Spann, and Steve Nosanchuck.


All Sports Trophies

Advertising Specialties

Custom & Corporate Awards

(925) 516-8880 • Fax (925) 625-5316 Email: [email protected]

Bob & Sharon Sherriff, Owners

Grand opening and ribbon-cutting took place on Thursday, July 30th. Tummies to Tots is a children’s and maternity consignment boutique located at 3860 Balfour Road. We wish our new businesses and Chamber members much success! You can contact Tummies to Tots at (925)864-9685.

Tummies to Tots Ribbon-Cutting


It’s Not Business as Usual Anymore By Paul Kelly, Chamber Director In an environment of change, it’s not business as usual anymore. The new economy has pushed every business owner to re-evaluate how they’re marketing their product or service, and the truth is, if you’re going to both survive and thrive in the new market place, you have to be willing to do more than you’ve done in the past and think outside the box.

Empty buildings, vacancies, and empty store fronts are a sign of the times. Businesses that once attracted customers simply by their mere existence can no longer count on doing business the same old way. Where a demand or desire for your product or service once existed, today you have to create your own demand and employ yourself or your employees as professional salespeople and market with aggressiveness. If you’re waiting for people to call or come to you, you may be dying a slow death and not even know it. It’s survival of the fittest, and if you haven’t put together a marketing plan for your business, your Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start.

We’ve all heard that “squeaky wheels get the grease.” I’ve always appreciated that line because it’s so true. If you’re like every other business in town just moving along without making a sound, it’s unlikely you’ll get noticed. Your product or service may not be better than the competition, but if you’re the one honking your horn loudest and asking for the business, you’ll most likely get it. Your Brentwood Chamber’s Cornfest just finished bringing over 40,000 people to town; did you market yourself to those people? How about the downtown Trade Show and Mixer… were you there? The Golf Tournament in September will attract hundreds of local people and the Hometown Halloween in October will attract a great number of families to the downtown area where your booth will be seen by them all. Yes there’s the camaraderie of the Mixers, the Brown Bag Lunches, the Chamber Lounges… and all intended to allow you to promote your business.

No, it’s not business as usual anymore, so if you’re looking for a place to get started you’re invited to drop by the Chamber and incorporate our calendar into yours. Remember, squeaky wheels get the grease, so if you’re planning to be in business in the years to come, we love to help you start making some noise.


In Local News…. McCauley Brothers Sean McCauley, owner of McCauley Brothers Olive Groves started his business of selling oils when he discovered that they would be the most profitable crop that flourished in our soils and also survived our incredibly hot weather.

McCauley, after buying 2,100 young trees from Spain and Italy and harvesting 13 tons from his 40 acres and 8 more tons from others’ land, had produced enough oils to fill his 1,025 of the one-gallon jugs that he sells to Carpaccio’s, Strings and a few other local restaurants. McCauley also bottles products for the local Raley’s supermarket and several roadside stands.

McCauley Brothers Olive Groves Ribbon-Cutting was held on July 17th at McCauley Brothers Olive Groves located at 300 Balfour Road. They specialize in local olive oils, wines and locally produced specialty gourmet products.

Picture above is Sean McCauley and wife Maria, his mother Mary McCauley, Chamber President Karen Spann, past president Kathi Reed, along with several chamber members.

New Farm Stand Regulations in Effect

With the support of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and many other parties, new regulations came into effect January 1, 2009.

Over the last 50 years farm stands have changed according to changes in lifestyles. This year, new rules for farm stands help to keep up with changing customer demands.

Arising from Assembly Bill 2168, farmers are now able to carry jams, preserves, pickles, juices, cured olives, and any other “value- added” products that are produced on or near the farm. They are also able to sell fresh produce, eggs, some bottled water, sodas and other non-local products which will give farm stands a chance to earn extra income throughout the year.


Ambassadors Corner

Contra Costa Waste Services is hosting a FREE E-Waste Day Contra Costa Waste Services (Mt. Diablo Recycling

Center & Transfer Station) is hosting a FREE E-Waste Day on Saturday, September 5, 2009, from 9 am to 2 pm, located at 1300 Loveridge Road in Pittsburg. This is for ALL Contra Costa residents. Please bring proof of residency such as a valid ID. Clean out your old E-Waste and drop them off for FREE!

Acceptable items include: Televisions • Monitors • Computers • Computer Components • Printers • Fax Machines • Telephone Equipment • Cell Phones • Toner Cartridges • MP3 Players • Power Cables • Video Game Systems • Digital Cameras • Copiers • Audio Visual Equipment • VCRs/DVDs • Floppy Diskettes • Most items containing circuit boards and plug into a wall. We WILL NOT take Hazardous Waste, which include Paint • Car Batteries • Household Batteries • Fluorescent Bulbs • Furniture • Garbage • Scrap Metal of any kind. For more information on this FREE E-Waste event, please call (925) 692-2224. Please be green and keep your recyclables clean!

Annual Neighborhood Clean-Up Day/Hazardous Waste Drop Off

Residents of Brentwood that have an active garbage account are invited to participate in the city's annual neighborhood clean-up event. Residents can bring unwanted household items including yard waste, appliances, e-waste (TV's, computers, etc.), furniture and garbage, free of charge to the City's Solid Waste Transfer Station.

The clean-ups are held on Saturdays during August and September. Drop off days and times are determined by address. Visit the City Website to find out your clean up day.

I became an Ambassador for the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce because it is a great way to meet new people and help promote California Payroll. By volunteering for this valuable position, it has provided me with an excellent opportunity for networking with other business owners. I also enjoy meeting people and having the ability to help make others, especially new members, feel comfortable in attending meetings and functions and helping them see that the Chamber is there for all of us. What I have gotten out of being an Ambassador is immeasurable. My own self confidence is much greater and my experience has made me even more comfortable in business and social situations.

Some of the benefits I’ve been involved with as a Chamber Ambassador include business contacts and friendships, recognition as a Community Leader, sharpened communication and marketing skills and receiving greater exposure to your business.

It is a commitment of just a few hours a month and the rewards are great. I have made a lot of new business connections as an Ambassador. It’s easy to smile when you can give back to the community with such a great group of dedicated volunteers and Chamber staff. Getting to interact with people in the community has been an outstanding way for me to help others find the resources they are searching for.

As a full service payroll provider, California Payroll offers a multitude of solutions and services including integrated payroll services, time & attendance, and human resources solutions. We are headquartered right here in Brentwood and provide payroll services in all 50 states. Call or email me any time to learn more and you can experience first-hand why we guarantee the best payroll experience in the industry! Check out our website too at www.californiapayroll.com

I look forward to many more great functions and events as an Ambassador and invite and welcome you to become part of such a committed volunteer group. Where is there a better opportunity to know who’s who in your community!

See you at the next Chamber event!

Lori Knudsen Account Executive California Payroll (925) 813-2072


Delta Black Bear Dinner Jim D’Amico 3201 Main Street Oakley, Ca 94561 Phone: 925-625-3555 Fax: 925-625-8355 Email: [email protected] Raising the Bar Carpet Care Cathy Woods Clint Woods 40 Tiller Court Discovery Bay, Ca 94505 Phone: 925-303-6248 Fax: 925-516-0698 Email: [email protected] Alpaca Direct James Hobart Kelley Hobart 144 Continente Avenue Suite 160 Brentwood, Ca 94513 Phone: 925-237-2575 Fax: 925-516-9658 Email: [email protected] Diablo Medical Billing, Inc. Allen Bellinghallsen 9030 Brentwood Blvd. Suite C Brentwood, Ca 94513 Phone: 925-634-9704 Fax: 925-634-5757 Email: [email protected]

Mixer held at the Nines Brentwood Golf Course on July 16, 2009. Great place to have lunch and golf with friends and family.

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following members for their raffle donations: The Monthly Grapevine and Wine Shop at Home for donating wine; Brentwood Golf Club/Nines for the donation of four rounds of golf with carts; The Brentwood Yoga Center for one month of Yoga; and the Brentwood Press for the donation of four passes to the Rave Theater.


CalChamber Offers Businesses New Resource to Protect Customers' Credit Card Data (August 6, 2009)

A brand-new book providing vital information for businesses on protecting customers’ personal data is now being offered by CalBizCentral, the source for California business and human resource compliance products, presented by the California Chamber of Commerce.

Take Charge: Protecting Your Customers’ Credit Card Data, by award-winning security expert Jay Cline, makes clear the security standard, known as the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS). PCI DSS was developed to encourage businesses to adopt a cardholder data security policy. If businesses are not PCI DSS compliant, merchants face significant fines from their banks.

Providing a step-by-step action plan, Take Charge is designed to help businesses avoid common, inadvertent mistakes that contribute to credit and debit card fraud. This new guide specifically targets the countless Level 4 merchants, which are businesses that handle fewer than 1 million total credit and debit card transactions and fewer than 20,000 online transactions annually.

Major payment-card companies, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, require any business, large or small, that processes, stores or transmits payment-card data to comply with the PCI DSS.“In today’s environment, protecting cardholder data is a smart investment and a necessary cost of doing business for both large and small businesses,” said Jennifer Fischer, director of Payment System Risk, Visa Inc. “In fact, a recent Visa review of fraud cases found that small businesses account for the vast majority of credit and debit card data breaches. We believe that Take Charge will provide important insights for companies that need help understanding the PCI DSS, and in turn, will better protect the valuable consumer information with which we have each been entrusted.”


2009 CALENDAR OF

EVENTS

August 13 Brown Bag Lunch- Section #125 Benefit Plans August 20 Mixer—Harvest Center 9040 Brentwood Blvd. 5:30-7:00 P.M. August 27 Good Morning Brentwood - “You have the Power to Shape Your Future” presented by Shayn Cutino September 3 Chamber Lounge September 10 “Ask the Experts” “The new I-9 Rules & Immigration Issues September 17 Mixer—First Bank September 18 Golf Tournament October 15 Mixer—John Muir Health October 24 Hometown Halloween November 7 A Taste of Brentwood November 19 Mixer-Scary Larry's November 21 Holiday Parade December Holiday Gala Mixer Locations (or Ribbon Cuttings) can (and do) change at any time. Check the Calendar of Events on our website for updated information:

www.brentwoodchamber.com

The Streets of Brentwood Shopping Center on Friday July 24, 2009, celebrated the grand opening of the soccer fields that will be used by the East Diablo Youth Soccer League (EDYSL). The league who provides recreational and competitive soccer to more than 2,400 far East County Kids, young adults, teens and to the developmentally challenged, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting along with exhibition games.


Chamber Lounge at Prevot’s Oyster Bar and Grill

August 6, 2009

HOMETOWN HALLOWEEN

LET ALL THE GHOSTS AND GOBLINS GET TO KNOW YOU AND

YOUR BUSINESS! COME JOIN THE CHAMBER FOR A

NIGHT OF FUN!

Coming soon! See insert for more

information.


Pat Trombino, First Bank 2008 Ambassador of the Year Michael Hernandez, Chair, New York Life

Paul Roman, Window Innovations Amy Alvis, Living Trusts by Amy David Mengel, Gemini Staffing Vicki Sexton, First Bank Olga Vidriales, Travis Credit Union Donna Zickerman, Fifth Avenue Ed Gutierrez, Certa Pro Painters Lori Knudsen, California Payroll

The Chamber Ambassador Team

Phone: 925-625-0278 P.O. Box 406 Oakley, CA 94561 www.linmarkltd.logomall.com

BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Karen Spann, President The Monthly Grapevine

Kathi Reed, Past President WineShop at Home

Shayn Cutino, President-Elect Anja Wellness

Ken Seamann, CFO Discovery Professional Services

Joe Trebino, Executive Committee Delta Pure Water, Etc.

Brent Aasen, Director EQUUS Group

Greg Benner, Director Les Schwab Tires

Bill Fee, Director Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists

De-De Hays, Director Prudential California Realty

Paul Kelly, Director Home One Mortgage

Sean McCauley, Director McCauley Olive Groves

Richard Perez-Pacheco, Director Black Sheep Design

Marlon Smith, Director Best Buy

Olga Vidriales, Director Travis Credit Union

——————————————————

Harry York, CEO

Lyle Miller, Membership Services Dir.

Lisa Hurt, Support Services Dir.

Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator

Bill Putman, Volunteer

Pat Trombino, Event Coordinator

CHAMBER HOURS Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Phone (925) 634-3344 Fax (925) 634-3731

email: [email protected]

www.brentwoodchamber.com

Looking for your way around Brentwood?

Stop by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce for a complimentary map of Brentwood and the nearby cities.


Phone: 925-634-3344 Fax: 925-634-3731

Email: [email protected] www.brentwoodchamber.com

The Brentwood Clarion Brentwood Chamber of Commerce

8440 Brentwood Blvd. Suite C Brentwood, CA 94513

August 2009 Newsletter Brentwood Chamber of Commerce

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