February 2012 Clarion
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Transcript of February 2012 Clarion
February 2012 Vol. 48, No. 2
The Brentwood Voice of Business
Page 1: Citizen and Business of the Year Page 2: Director’s Message; Board of Directors and Staff
Page 3: Ambassador’s Corner, Upcoming Chamber Events
Page 9: Awards Dinner photos Page 10: City of Brentwood Entrepreneur Training Page 11: Cal Chamber news Page 12: General Information
Page 4: New and Renewing Members Page 5: Ribbon Cutting Page 6: January Mixer Page 7: February Mixer Page 8: Awards Dinner photos
Congratulations!
Citizen of the Year
Karen Rarey
And
Business of the Year
Brentwood Press
Paul and Karen Rarey
arriving at the Awards Dinner
Rick Lemyre and Greg Robinson
receiving their award from
Chamber President, Paul Kelly
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce held
its Annual Awards and Installation Dinner
on January 28, 2012 at Club Los Meganos at
Trilogy at the Vineyards.
It was an elegant evening with over 160
guests in attendance to honor Brentwood’s
best—Citizen of the Year, Karen Rarey and
Business of the Year, the Brentwood Press.
The Brentwood Press’ Greg Robinson and
Rick Lemyre along with owner, Jimmy
Chamoures, received the award on behalf of
the Press. Many of their employees were on
hand as well. Proclamations and certificates
were also bestowed from the City of Brent-
wood, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan
and State Senator, Mark DeSaulnier.
Karen Rarey was recognized for her nu-
merous volunteer efforts for the Brent-
wood community, including involvement
with the LUHSD Education Foundation,
Kiwanis, Relay for Life and the John
Marsh Historic Trust to name a few. Her
husband, children and many friends and
colleagues were in attendance. Karen also
received recognition from the City of
Brentwood, Assemblymember Buchanan
and Senator Mark DeSaulniers’ offices.
This year’s event, included a performance
by local singer, David McClellan of
McClellan Entertainment, who sang show
tunes and customized a special “audience
participation” song just for Karen.
See inside for pictures and highlights of the 2012 Awards Dinner
Also honored was Fred Ehler, who was
named the Brentwood Chamber of Com-
merce Ambassador of the Year for his dedi-
cation and effort as a volunteer Ambassa-
dor.
The Directors of the Chamber were also
recognized for their contributions to the
Board and outgoing and incoming directors
were announced.
Thank you to Jilda Fairhurst and Trilogy at
the Vineyards for coordinating a wonderful
event. We look forward to seeing everyone
again next year to honor the next Citizen
and Business of the Year. Nominations are
accepted starting in November. The Cham-
ber appreciates all assistance in helping
locate individuals and businesses worthy of
this honor.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 2
BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Kelly, President Prospect Mortgage
Joe Trebino, Past President Delta Pure Water
Dirk Zeigler, Chief Financial Officer Zeigler Insurance Group
Olga Vidriales, V.P. Community Programs, Travis Credit Union
Brent Aasen Equus Group
Amy Alvis Alvis Frantz and Associates
Kathy Blanton Sutter Delta Medical Center
Maurice Daroy Farmers Insurance
Fred Ehler Ehler Management Group
Kerry Fritsch Monogramming by Frichy
Jacqueline Hanel John Muir Health
Lori Knudsen California Payroll
Greg Robinson Brentwood Press
Robin Schiavone
Raley’s
Ken Seamann Discovery Professional Services
********************************
Chamber Staff
Jilda Fairhurst, Office Manager
Lisa Hurt, Support Services Director
Pat Trombino, Event Coordinator
Bill Putman, Volunteer
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGEDIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Hello Chamber Members:
It’s a pleasure to be back on the board again! I look forward to
meeting and working with you in 2012.
As Paul stated last month in his article about the Etch-A-Sketch, that
2012 should be a fresh start, get involved with the Brentwood Chamber.
My message for the month is to be PRO-ACTIVE. Come Out, Get
Involved, be Pro Active! I believe one of the biggest benefits of being a
Chamber Member is networking at the monthly mixers. We all need to grow
our businesses in order to survive in this day and age. By networking with
other business people you will meet many new people to exchange ideas
with, get referrals, and make some new friends, with a Goal to grow your
business. I encourage you to mark your calendars now to join us on the 3rd
Thursdays of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Check out our website
www.brentwoodchamber.com for locations.
My challenge to you for this year is to bring a friend and fellow
business owner (non-Chamber member) to the mixers. As one of the
Chamber’s primary goals this year is to grow the Chamber Membership and
attendance at the mixers. Currently, we have about 40-50 people attending the
monthly mixers--we’d like to get this attendance back up to 70-80 people per
month. This year we are sweetening the pot by offering you and your guest a
free cocktail at any of the mixers that you bring a guest to.
Lastly, another way to get a little more exposure for your business is
to bring a raffle prize to be given away at the monthly mixer where you will
then have a chance to give a quick commercial on your business- every little
bit helps!
It’s your business, put some quality time into it with other business
people—you may be surprised at who you will meet and what you can learn.
See you on the 3rd Thursdays!
Greg Robinson
Chamber Board Member
Publisher, Brentwood Press
Past Chamber President 2003
The Brentwood Clarion Page 3
Chamber Ambassadors
Vicki Sexton, Chair, First Bank
Amy Alvis, Alvis-Frantz and Associates
Kathy Blanton, Sutter Delta Medical Center
Maurice Daroy, Farmers Insurance
Fred Ehler, Ehler Management Group
Kerri Fritsch, Monogramming by Frichy
Lori Knudsen, California Payroll
Sam Lamantia, Lamantia Insurance Services
Michele Lane, ReMax/Accord
John Lawrence, New York Life Insurance
Diem Nguyen, State Farm Insurance
Kathi Regan, Maxx Worms
Paul Roman, Window Innovations, Inc.
Patti Schneider, The Right Choice
Kurt Tomicich, KRT Services
Dan Torres, New York Life Insurance
Joe Trebino, Delta Pure Water, Etc.
Pat Trombino, First Bank
Kimberley Victor, Mary Kay Cosmetics
UPCOMING EVENTS
Chamber Mixers
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Big Wave Dave’s Mongolian Grill
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Relay for Life at Gursky Ranch
Ambassador's Corner Protecting Assets During Challenging Business Times
Small businesses are the engine of the economy, and when the economy sputters they often
feel it first. In the current climate of uncertainty, many small businesses have drastically cut ex-
penses and tried to make their operations as lean and efficient as possible.
But even if a small business owner can't control the marketplace, he or she can take steps to
protect their key assets: the people the business relies upon.
Details Matter To Customers
A recession tests customer loyalty, as people cut back on spending and carefully weigh their
options for even necessary purchases. For businesses that are cutting back themselves, it may
be easy to let attention to the details of customer service slip. But this is the time that details
matter most, whether it's taking the trouble to send a holiday note to your mailing list or offering
special incentives to prized patrons. The key to their loyalty is to let them know they matter to
you.
Appreciate Your Employees
Of course, you want your employees to know they're important, too. You need their knowledge
and experience to navigate the uncertain times. The recession might mean sacrifices for every-
one, but it is also a time to make sure valued workers know how much they are appreciated.
Even small gestures, like movie tickets or a night at a local restaurant, can keep morale steady.
Supplement Benefits, Not Costs
You may want to consider enhancing your employee benefits package. A “Voluntary Payroll De-
duction” (VPD) program is one of the simplest ways employees can purchase additional, person-
ally-owned permanent life insurance. A VPD program can usually be set up using your existing
procedures for payroll deduction. A life insurance agent would then meet individually with each
employee to explain the benefits of life insurance and the ease with which it can be purchased.
All products purchased through VPD are employee-owned and paid for, with virtually no direct
out-of-pocket cost to you. Adding a VPD program can be a smart way to supplement your overall
benefits package, without draining your budget.
Note: Employee participation in a payroll deduction insurance program is completely voluntary.
Since this program is not intended to be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974 (ERISA), employers cannot contribute to, or endorse, this program.
Protect Yourself
As the owner of a business, you are the most important piece of the puzzle. And especially dur-
ing difficult times, it is important to think about how the business would function without you.
One thing that can provide a greater sense of security is a comprehensive life insurance policy. It
can be tailored to fit your needs and ensure that those who rely on you every day would be pro-
vided for.
So when you think about protecting your assets in this economy, consider your human assets
first.
This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by Dan Torres. For addi-
tional information on the information or topic(s) discussed, please contact Dan Torres at
925-679-5519 or [email protected].
Dan Torres, Agent
CA Ins. Lic #0G66370
New York Life Insurance Company,
191 Sand Creek Rd. Suite 200
Brentwood, CA 94513
The Brentwood Clarion Page 4
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.
NEW MEMBERS
The Brentwood Chamber is pleased to
welcome the following new members:
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Thank you to the following members who recently rnewed
their membership. The Chamber appreciates your
continued support.
Newberry Estate Vineyard
Sabrina Rippie/Jeremy Newberry
2525 Sunset Road
Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 516-3300
Pronto Cleaning Solutions
Kelly Allison
PO Box 30412
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 915-0960
Ralph’s Catering
Ralph and Charlene Skelton
71 Sand Creek Road, Suite C
Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 625-2307
The Solar Company
Michelle Jogopulos
Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 642-6918
WP Fangirl
Sallie Goetsch
(510) 969-9947
sallie@wpfangirl
Arbor Ridge Apartments
Brentwood Auto Service
Brentwood Rotary Club
Dallas Shanks Chevron
Delta Diablo Det. 1155 Marine Corps
H.A.R.P.
Nancy Kaiser
Kids N Cribs
Roddy Ranch Golf Club
Tracy Benhamou, DDS
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Vornhagen Body & Paint
New Member Offer!
Thinking about joining the Chamber?
Come to our next mixer, complete an
application there and pay your first
year dues and we will waive the $25
administration fee!
The Brentwood Clarion Page 5
Seen around Brentwood...
When our members renew their membership they receive a friendly visit from one of our Ambassadors.
These members were visited by Fred Ehler who brings them a thank-you letter and their 2012 sticker to
place on their Chamber plaque. Great job, Fred and thank you our members for their involvement with the
Chamber.
Greg Karkas and Bill Harris
of Brentwood Fine Meats
Donna Ross of Crème
dela Gem Jewelry Olga Vidriales of Travis
Credit Union
Menchie’s Yogurt mascot greeting visitors at
their Grand Opening celebration.
Cutting the ribbon is Susan Rowe, owner of
Menchie’s, along with Chamber Ambassadors,
Directors, Members and Mayor Bob Taylor and
his wife, Pam. Menchie’s wildly popular frozen yogurt has come to Brentwood in the
Sand Creek Crossing shopping center. A Grand Opening Celebration and
Ribbon Cutting were held on Feb. 3rd. Menchie’s is a serve-your-own
frozen yogurt shop that carries a wide array of rotating flavors and top-
pings. Customers pay by the weight of their frozen concoction. Check
them out at www.menchies.com and visit their local store at 2530 Sand
Creek Rd., Suite B-2.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 6
A big thank you to National Flooring and Supply
and Leonard McCurley for hosting January’s mixer
at their showroom on Brentwood Blvd. and for
donating great prizes for the Business Card
drawing.
The mixer was a fun-filled night filled with the
wonderful aroma of hot dogs on the grill, great
company and several new members and guests.
Also, thank you to The Brentwood Press and Sutter
Delta Medical Center for donating additional raffle
prizes.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our
February mixer held on February 16, 2012 at Big
Wave Dave’s Mongolian Grill in Brentwood and at
our March mixer at Gusky Ranch being hosted by
Relay for Life of Brentwood on March 15, 2012.
January Mixer at
The Brentwood Clarion Page 7
The Brentwood Clarion Page 8
Bob and Chris Nicoles and
Beth and Dirk Zeigler
Karen Rarey and her proud father,
Robert Murray
Chamber President, Paul Kelly,
presenting Karen with Citizen of the
Year Award
Rick Lemyre and Greg Robinson
with Mayor Bob Taylor
Outgoing Chamber President, Joe Trebino
receiving a plaque from Paul Kelly
Dan and Jackie Hanel
David McClellan and guest
At left,
Singer
David
McClellan
entertains
everyone
before
the
program
officially
begins
Rick and Cindy Lemyre
Kerri and Jeff Fritsch
Gary and Karen Kendall
Gretchen and Gene Clare
Pam and Fred Ehler
Ike Montanez
The Brentwood Clarion Page 9
Linda Mar-Veiga and Mark
Sturgeon
Coby and Sonia Beasley
Wendy Robertson and friend
Jim and Janet Frazier
Madelynn Krebs
Dawn Fischer and
David Navarrette
Maurice and Angela Daroy
Richard Wisdom and Bill Putman
Jeff Schults
Kathi Regan and Pat Trombino
Bob and Kathy Blanton Jack Gaughan
Glenda and Neil Cohn
Paul and Lisa Hurt
Pat Trombino with John
and Jilda Fairhurst
Eric and Judy Volta
The Brentwood Clarion Page 10
Entrepreneur Business Training Program
“The Complete Business Planning Process”
for existing brentwood businesses and serious start-ups...
March 5 – May 9, 2012
Classes will be held on Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Brentwood City Hall, 150 City Park Way
Call (925) 602-6806 to apply!
Scholarships are currently being provided by the City of Brentwood for its citizens. This financial support does not include a $300 Non-Refundable Fee for Registration and Training Materials once your application has been finalized.
The instructional objectives are:
• Help you learn and adopt entrepreneurial skills, attitudes, and behaviors for success. • Develop your best possible written business plan with plenty of collective intelligence. • Facilitate the healthy start and sustainable growth of your business.
You will experience and apply in 10 weeks of learning:
• The Power of Your Mission as a Strategic Force and Compass • Goals, Focus and Success strategies by Canfield, Ziglar, and Csikszentmihalyi • A Review of Covey on Effectiveness and Tracy on Time Management • How to Use Research to Create a Good Business Plan • Managements 5 Key Roles, Planning and Control by Peter Drucker • Guerrilla Marketing from Levinson and a Seven Sentence Marketing Plan • Pricing for Profitability from the Power of Branding Your Business • How to Create a Sales Forecast That Is Realistic and Useful in Making Sales Financial Management Basics, Sales, Costs, & Profits
The Entrepreneur Business Training Program is student-centered, collaborative and interactive, and will be taught by John Smulo, an experienced professional educator and entrepreneur.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 11
New Website Helps Employers Navigate Federal Health Care Law
(February 14, 2012) A group of California business organizations has collaborated to launch a first-its-kind business-
oriented website aimed at providing employers with accurate and easy-to-understand information about the federal Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act.
The Health Law Guide for Business, tailored for the business community, will help business owners navigate through all 2,409 pages of the
health care law with one website www.healthlawguideforbusiness.org.
TAX CREDIT CALCULATOR
One website feature is a “tax credit calculator” that helps employers estimate savings available under the law. With videos, interactive surveys
and an easy-to-use format, the online tool includes numerous elements to serve a variety of preferences for gathering and retaining
information.
CURRENT INFORMATION
The Health Law Guide for Business website reflects the most significant updates and developments in the process to implement the health care
law in California. In 2010, California became the first state in the nation to enact legislation creating an Affordable Insurance Exchange as
required under the federal health care law.
Starting in 2014, the California Health Benefit Exchange will allow individuals and small businesses to compare health plans, get answers to
questions, find out if they are eligible for tax credits for private insurance or health programs, and enroll in a health plan that meets their needs.
The Exchange is separated into two programs, the Individual Exchange and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). The SHOP
will allow small businesses to band together to create a large purchasing pool so that small business owners will have access to the same lower
rates that large employers have enjoyed for decades.
MORE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
The website, funded by The California Endowment, was created by a partnership that includes the Bay Area Council, California Hispanic
Chambers of Commerce, California Small Business Development Centers, Pacific Business Group on Health, Silicon Valley Leadership
Group, Small Business Majority, Small Business California, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. The partnership aims to
address the need of California’s business community to stay informed about the implementation of the law and counter misinformation.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 12
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
City of Brentwood (925) 516-5400
Parks & Recreation (924) 516-5444
Community Development (925) 516-5405
Brentwood Library (925) 516-5405
Police Non Emergency (925) 634-6911
Fire Department (925) 634-3400
Brentwood Aquatic Park (925) 516-5430
Newspapers
Brentwood Press (925) 634-1441
Contra Costa Times (925) 757-2525
Brentwood News (925) 779-7120
Transportation
Tri Delta Transit (925) 754-4040
Hotels
Hampton Inn (925) 513-1289
Holiday Inn Express (800) 345-8082
Medical Services
Sutter Delta Medical Center (925) 779-7200
John Muir Outpatient Center (925) 308-8100
Kaiser Permanente Antioch (925) 813-6500
Theaters
Delta Cinema (925) 240-7370
Rave (925) 809-0030
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
SCORE Counselors, Counselors of Small Business Now at the Brentwood Chamber Office ----Call (925) 634-3344 for your appointment today.