The Brentwood Clarion Page

February 2009 Vol. 45, No 2

The Brentwood Voice of Business

Brentwood Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business Plan

Introduction Page

The Chamber staff has developed the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Business Plan for 2009 with input from

Chamber Board Members, Committee and Task Force members.

At the Chamber's Annual Planning Session, Board members and staff spent a day reviewing past and current Chamber

programs, and developing new ideas for future programs. The Chamber staff has organized the goals and objectives

developed by the volunteers and staff. These goals were approved by the Board of Directors at the January 9, 2009

Board meeting.

This Business Plan calls for the continued implementation of the current plan and making program changes that were

started in 2008. The plans have an emphasis on the Chamber’s developing and implementing an overall marketing

program to better reflect the Chamber’s image to both its members and to the general community.

The Chamber’s Marketing Committee will take the lead in implementing the Chamber Branding, member

surveying and communication of strategic elements of the Business Plan that will be integrated through all of the

Chamber’s Committees and programs.

Continual evaluation of the programs and events that the Chamber offers its members, and increasing the profitability

and member value of programs will be the primary focus of the Member Programs Committee.

The Downtown Committee needs to reenergized and reorganized with its primary goal to attract customers to the

Brentwood Downtown core area. This committee will take some additional help from the Chamber staff and volunteer

leadership.

The Chamber has many Community focused programs that present a prospect for new Chamber revenue, and

additional business to customer connections for our members. These Community events, including CornFest, with

some simple changes, provide a great opportunity for the Chamber membership.

The Membership Benefits Committee will focus on establishing a program that will lead to a “face to face” contact

with every member in 2009, will add new meaningful affinity programs, and has set a goal to increase the Chamber

membership back to 800 members.

The major focus of the Chamber’s Business Development Committee will be to continue to strengthen the

Chamber’s position as “the” advocate for business and intensify the communication efforts to demonstrate the

Chamber as the leading advocate for private enterprise. Within the Business Development areas, the Chamber may

either lead or co-lead with others, but the Chamber will be a Facilitator of Action based on the Chamber’s success in

focusing on limited issues.

We look forward to your participation in the implementation of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Business Plan

for 2009.

If you would like a copy of the full plan please contact the Chamber office at 925-634-3344.

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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.

Early January, 2009 Gunmetal gray,... the thick fog surrounds me - a penetrating chill. Predawn, the temperature hasn’t yet moved above 40 degrees. The trail ahead is obscured,...an uphill, winding path...only the next ten to twenty feet visible. The muscles log their protests,...thoughts of warmth plead for reconsideration. The wet, clay soil sticks to the tires beneath me (caused by the rain from the day before)...layers build,...more weight to carry as the pedals churn. Hands request another covering, as gloves do not isolate the frigid handlebars. Lungs expand, preparing for the steeper grade,...downshift,... find a rhythm,...set the mind for a long climb. A steep left turn appears ahead,...several large rocks protrude, angled faces extend a challenge. Traction diminishes,...wheels spin (another negative produced by the wet clay) threatens to force me off balance & out of the saddle... One yard at a time,...steep, slippery, wet. But, progress is made. Through one gate – a measuring point. Loose stones demand focus,...seeping water crosses the trail,...remnants of ice require prudent discernment in both steering & power. Lungs cry out,...legs near their limit. But, the goal, envisioned, is firmly set in mind. There is a finish line,...although not visible, ...a peak to crest. Another gate,...switchbacks turn right & left,...obstacles emerge - branches & rocks to cross over or avoid. The billowing fog has transitioned to a burnished platinum hue & is colder, pushed by a Southwest wind,...visibility improves,... evidence of the arriving morning sun. A third gate is reached,...now behind me. Three turns later,... a sharply pitched side-slope, steep, wet, and loose on the low side; a large angled plane of stone on the high. An approach line is chosen, balanced, with pressure applied for traction, but to no avail. One half a pedal stroke is lost as the snotty clay causes the rear wheel to slide. Quick – unclip,..just before the knee slams against the rock. The only injury – pride & prefer-ence. The mud will wash clean later. Walk. A few strides above the steepest section,...remount. Another turn,...Tendrils of fog dissipate, giving way to sunshine,...the grade eases,...upshift,...breathe deeper,...the crest comes into view. The top,...A goal achieved. A celebratory grin. Beneath an old oak, overlooking the valley - a glorious view,... a spot to sit, hydrate,... give thanks,...reflect. 2009. For most of us - An arduous path ahead,...at times steep, grueling, challenging,...our goals (& steps to reach them) may be obscured at times, but – we will succeed. With determination, hope & perseverance, we will succeed. And,... we will be stronger & better for the climb.

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE BY

BRENT AASEN, EQUUS GROUP

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Cell 925.813.1319

Phone: 925-625-0278 P.O. Box 406 Oakley, CA 94561

All Sports Trophies

Advertising Specialties

Custom & Corporate Awards

(925) 516-8880 • Fax (925) 625-5316 Email: starawards@sbcglobal.net

Bob & Sharon Sherriff, Owners

The Brentwood Chamber office is now able to provide you with all your Human Resource materials. We have copies of the 2009 California and Federal Posters, 2009 California Labor Law Digest, California Labor Law Ad-ministration, and the 2009c Employee Handbook soft-ware.

Now on sale in the Chamber office is a pictorial

history of Brentwood by author Carol A. Jensen

The Brentwood Clarion Page 4

The California Chamber of Commerce is urging businesses to send letters to the California congressional delegation opposing any legislation that would abolish employees’ right to private ballot elections during union organizing drives and replace it with a ―card check‖ scheme.

The card check procedure requires an employer to recognize a union once that union produces evidence that a majority of the employees have signed authorization cards. A secondary, and less well-known aspect of card check proposals is to amend collective bargaining law so that when a union is recognized for the first time, government arbitrators will set all the terms and conditions of the union contract unless the union and the employer can meet unrealistic timelines.

Affects All Types of Workplaces A card check campaign could happen in any workplace, large or small. Union organizers themselves oversee the card check process, and the workers’ votes are made public to the employer, the union organizers and co-workers, taking away the worker’s right to choose, freely and anonymously, whether to approve union representation. Once a majority of workers have signed authorization cards, the union is certified—no election is required. The employees are then union members and the employer must negotiate with the union on behalf of its employees. The CalChamber believes that the rights of workers and employers are best protected by the current private ballot system overseen by the National Labor Relations Board. Employees are better protected from interference and intimidation by casting their vote privately. The right to a private ballot is at the very foundation of democracy, and all employees should have that right. Subjecting workers to a public card check procedure takes away their privacy, power and choice. Court cases, testimony before Congress and National Labor Relations Act precedent have documented that the card check process has been accompanied by harassment, intimidation and coercion, including employees being threatened at home and away from the workplace.

Federal Legislation Efforts to enact federal card check legislation have been underway. In 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the card check bill, H.R.800 , known as the ―Employee Free Choice Act.‖ Contrary to the implications of its title, the so-called ―Employee Free Choice Act‖ strips workers of their right to privacy in union organization elections and increased penalties on employers significantly without any corresponding increase in penalties on unions. The House bill included provisions requiring federally appointed arbitrators to write labor contracts that are binding for two years. If there is no agreement for a first contract after 120 days of negotiations, the matter could be submitted to binding interest arbitration where a federally appointed arbitrator would decide all the terms and conditions of the union contract—from pay and benefits to work rules and outsourcing. As a result, employers would be forced to change their business models radically or eliminate important competitive advantages.

CalChamber Urges Congress to Protect Workers’ Right to

Private Ballot

Continued on page 5

The Brentwood Clarion Page 5

Income Tax Preparation Financial and Tax Planning Business Management Bookkeeping

8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite H 925-240-1242

“Best of Brentwood” 2002-2007 Business of the Year, 15th Assembly District

In the U.S. Senate, S. 1041 fell just nine votes short of passage in 2008. The failed legislation would have created a system where unions hold all of the cards and imposed fines of up to $20,000 on businesses offering any type of increase in salary or benefits during the open-ended election period. This would have allowed only the union to compete for votes and seems to penalize employees from reaping the benefits of employers offering them better wages and benefits.

Action Needed It is anticipated that early in the current congressional session, the ―Employee Free Choice Act,‖ or something similar, will be reintroduced for a vote. The CalChamber urges members to contact U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-San Francisco) and Barbara Boxer (D-Greenbrae), as well as congressional representatives. Ask them to oppose any legislation that would abolish private ballot elections during union organizing drives, and to preserve private ballot elections to protect free enterprise and free speech. For a sample letter, visit www.calchambervotes.com. Staff Contact: Marti Fisher

Continued from page 4

2008 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Brentwood Fine Meats was announced and honored as the 2008 Business of the Year at the annual installation dinner held at Shadow Lakes on January 24th. They were honored for their customer service and commitment to the community. At left is Bill Harris and Greg Karkas accepting the award from Chamber CEO Harry York.

(Photo courtesy of the Brentwood Press)

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“The Bay Area’s Headquarters

For Hot Rods And Muscle Cars”

We at Red Barn Hotrods believe in making future hot rodders’ dreams come true one car at a time. We are simply here to help people get behind the wheel of the car of their dreams, affordably. At Red Barn, we do everything from rebuilding engines, suspension and brake upgrades, metal, aluminum and fiberglass fabrication, to complete frame-off rotisserie, restorations/customizations for cars from the early 1900’s to present.

Red Barn Hotrods has been Dave Munkelt’s dream since he was young while he was working in the garage with his father. Dave’s reputation started in Southern Cal. when he was racing Volkswagens by building one of the first bugs that ran under 11 seconds in the ¼ mile that was naturally aspirated. After years at the track, the show circuit started to attract his attention and Dave set forth to build an awesome 1970 Volkswagen Bus that won almost every show it was in for two years.

Dave met the love of his life (Pam) only to find out that she was somewhat of a car enthusiast herself. Spending most of her time growing up in Wisconsin, Pam decided to move to California to pursue her modeling career and found herself in a 1970 Hemi Cuda as her first car. Needless to say, it was bad enough losing a ¼ mile drag race to a Lime Green car but it didn’t make it any better to find out the driver was an 18 year old girl.

After 20 or so years of marriage and retail management, Dave always had the burning desire to get into the Hot Rod business. Building several projects in the garage over the years just didn’t cut it any-more. For the last 4 years, Dave was a Superintendent with Lennar Homes and seeing the writing on the wall in the housing market, Dave and Pam decided to take the leap of faith and start Red Barn Hot-rods in September of 2007.

Quickly outgrowing their first location in Brentwood, they had to move the business to their current 7000ft. sq. location in Byron af-ter just one year. “We just couldn’t do what we wanted to do in the other location”, says Dave. While Dave runs the production on the floor, Pam helps out with running the office and even works on some of the cars. Pam also makes sure that Red Barn is involved with giving back to the community by donating her time to local charity events, fund raisers and sponsoring different car shows (e-mail her with your charity event information at pam@redbarnhotrods.com for continued support).

“We have been truly blessed and humbled by both World-wide and Nation-wide customer support”, says Pam. “If not for the initial and continued support and advice from local industry leaders like Leonard Lopez of Dominator, Larry Clark and Dave Baxter of Vintage Trans. and Gear/Done Right Automotive Repair, Carl Watkins of Brake Stop, and Daryn Cordua of Gotcha Covered Upholstery, we just wouldn’t have been able to be as successful and grow as fast as we did”, remarks Dave.

Come by and visit us at our new address; 14711 Byron Hwy, Byron, CA 94514 just minutes away from Brentwood and Discovery Bay. Or, you can always give us a call at 925.634.4848 or check out our website at www.redbarnhotrods.com. And remember, “EVERYBODY KNOWS THE BEST CARS ARE ALWAYS FOUND IN THE BARN”.

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At-Home Tastings •Premier Wine

Gifts

Custom-Labeled Corporate Gifts

Kathi Reed Independent Wine Consultant

925-240-8382

www.winealongwithme.com wine@kathireed.com

BRENTWOOD

CHAMBER

2009 CORNFEST

If you are interested in

securing a place in Info Alley

for the Brentwood CornFest,

you will find an application in

this newsletter. Don’t delay in

returning the application

because it does fill rapidly.

The vendor applications for space on the streets

should be available by February 15th.

The Chamber is also looking for volunteers to help

with the CornFest. If you are interested in joining

the work force either call the Chamber office or

email us at info@brentwoodchamber.com with your

contact information.

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2008 CHAMBER BOARD

2009 CHAMBER BOARD

MAYOR TAYLOR SWEARING IN THE 2009 CHAMBER BOARD

CONGRESSMAN McNERNEY WITH CHAMBER PRESIDENT-ELECT

SHAYN CUTINO

Some serious gambling going on here with that lovely blue play money. Everyone enjoyed the Casino Night games of chance.

The evening of January 24th turned out to be a fun-filled event. The dinner at Shadow Lakes was good, the company was excellent and the Casino Night was enjoyed by all. The Directors were installed for 2009 by Mayor Bob Taylor. Ambassador of the Year was named—Pat Trombino who has attended most of the Chamber functions for the past year and helped out greatly in the Chamber office. The Chamber’s Business of the Year—Brentwood Fine Meats was honored for their customer service and commitment to the community. Last, but not least, the Citizen of the Year was announced. Gene Clare’s name was received with to a standing ovation.

The Chamber would like to THANK the following businesses for your generous raffle prize donations:

American Pacific Mortgage Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

Best Buy Cabanas in the Garden

California Payroll Delta Pure Water, Etc. El Dorado Hotel Casino

Holiday on Ice John Ascuaga’s Nugget

John Muir Health Les Schwab Tires

Lyle Miller, Pastry Chef Mary Kay Cosmetic

McCauley Olive Groves Monogramming by Frichy

National Championship Air Races Orchard Creek Ranch

Paychex Rave Motion Pictures

Ready Print Recollections Media Transfers

Roddy Ranch Golf Club Ruggiero’s Italian-Style Catering

Shadow Lakes Golf Club The Body Shop at Home The Monthly Grapevine

WineShop at Home

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2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 5 Traveling Lounge—Vic Stewart’s

February 19 Mixer—ECO Water/Servisoft

February 26 Good Morning Brentwood Breakfast

March 5 Traveling Lounge—Tailgaters

March 12 “Ask the Experts” Luncheon

March 19 Mixer—Cortona Park

March 28 Citizen of the Year

April 16 Mixer—Eskaton

April 22 Employees’ Appreciation Luncheon

April 23 Good Morning Brentwood Breakfast

May 21 Mixer—Contra Costa Fair Ground With Antioch Chamber

June 18 Mixer—Brentwood Golf Club

July 10,11,12 CornFest

July 16

August 20

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

2009 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

GENE CLARE

PRINCIPAL OF

INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL

Gene Clare was announced as the Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Citizen of the Year at the Chamber Installation Dinner on January 24th. His dinner will be held on March 28, 2009 at Nines Restaurant at the Brentwood Golf Club. Invitations will be ready to mail shortly, be sure to get your reservation in early as this will be a very popular event and there is limited seating.

FEBRUARY CHAMBER MIXER

Hosted by

ECOWATER/SERVISOFT 380 CARROLL COURT

OFF ELKINS WAY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2009

5:30 TO 7:30 P.M.

RAFFLE PRIZES

SHARE THE POT

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JANUARY MIXER

Hosted by

TRAVIS CREDIT UNION 3111 Balfour Road (corner of Balfour & Fairview)

925-634-9145

Travis Credit Union did an outstanding job of hosting the January mixer. Travis is a full-service financial

institution and can help you with your financial needs. For information contact Olga Vidriales, Manager, or

any of the wonderful staff

A huge crowd of business people attended to network with each other and partake

of the new appetizer menu from Ruggiero’s Italian-Style Catering.

Thanks to all the generous businesses who donated prizes for the raffle:

Bella Luna Chocolates Mary Kay - Kimberly Victor

Brentwood Press Monogramming by Frichy

Brockman Engineering The Monthly Grapevine

Edible Arrangements WineShop at Home

Niel Ruggiero shown with some

of his delicious food.

Richard Perez-Pacheco of Black Sheep Design was the lucky winner of

the beautiful gift basket donated by Travis Credit Union. Richard is

shown here with Olga Vidriales, Manager of Travis and also a new

Director for your Chamber.

The $78.00 Share-the-Pot drawing was won by Jeannette Hemenway of

The Body Shop at Home.

GOING GREEN By Deborah Miller and David Navarrette

In a MSNBC segment titled “Corporations find business case for going green” businesses like Wal-Mart, DuPont, BP and Hewlett-

Packard all agree that “going green” not only can save cost but also make money. As Pat Tierman from HP says, “sustainability is

about making business sense.”

Locally, we can begin our green process by becoming certified through the Green Business program of Contra Costa County.

Certification begins with knowing where the business is already, identifying which areas need to be addressed, then coming up with

workable solutions before applying. At Our World Enterprises, Inc. our mission is to help businesses become certified by assisting

them in the County process.

Some of us already practice recycling and energy efficiency in our day-to-day lives; parlaying those practices into our work environ-

ment is a must. Encouraging our co-workers to recycle and become resource conscious is an important step. While the majority of

green activities are obvious, we can assist your business and employees in recognizing those that are not, such as type of fixtures and

bulbs, water saving devices, etc.

Currently thee are 300+ businesses in Contra Costa County certified through the Green Business Program, with over 10% of auto

repair shops being certified. Only three businesses in Brentwood have been certified through the Green Business Program.

Brentwood has been the county leader in agriculture sustainability and should become the leader in resource sustainability. Our

World Enterprises, Inc. commits to working with businesses and the City of Brentwood in order to achieve this goal.

Look for our tips on helping our businesses become certified green and also how to profit in the process in the upcoming months.

Please contact us for more information on certification, the process and the benefits at http://www.ourworldyourchoice.com.

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BRENTWOOD

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2008 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

Lyle Miller, Director Lyle Miller, Pastry Chef

Richard Perez-Pacheco, Director Black Sheep Design

Marlon Smith, Director Best Buy

Olga Vidriales Travis Credit Union

t——————————————————

Harry York, CEO

Bonnie Lucchese, Support Services

Director

Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator

Bill Putman, Volunteer

CHAMBER HOURS

Monday through Friday

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

Phone (925) 634-3344

Fax (925) 634-3731

email: info@brentwoodchamber.com

Pat Trombino, First Bank 2008 Ambassador of the Year

Paul Roman, Window Innovations Amy Alvis, Living Trusts by Amy De-De Hays, Prudential California Realty Richard McDaniel, Mutual of Omaha David Mengel, Gemini Staffing Vicki Sexton, First Bank Olga Vidriales, Travis Credit Union Susanna Wahl, Edward Jones Renee Woodruff, MAP Donna Zickerman, Sarah Coventry Clarissa Perez-Pacheco, Black Sheep Design Susan George, Ayurveda Knowledge For Life Liz Andrade, Ribbons & Roses Ed Gutierrez, Certa Pro Painters Melina Perdom, Certa Pro Painters Joe Randall, Randall Investment Group, Inc Michael Hernandez, New York Life Lori Knudsen, California Payroll

The Chamber Ambassador Team

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Phone: 925-634-3344

Fax: 925-634-3731

Email: info@brentwoodchamber.com

www.brentwoodchamber.com

The Brentwood Clarion

Brentwood Chamber of Commerce

240 Oak Street

Brentwood, CA 94513