january 2008 newsletter brentwood chamber
DESCRIPTION
The Clarion The Voice of BusinessTRANSCRIPT
The Brentwood Clarion Page
JANUARY 2008 Vol. 43, No. 1
D ecember 13, 2007 marked the last mixer of a very exciting year for the
Brentwood Chamber! The always-spectacular and extremely well attended Holiday Mixer was held at the Veterans Hall and was co-sponsored by the Monthly Grapevine, the American Legion, and the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. The hall was filled with Holiday color and loads of great food, laughter, music, and plenty of raffle prizes! The succulent meats were prepared and provided by the great cooks at the American Legion, the beans, dinner
rolls & potato salad were prepared by Brentwood Fine Meats, the like-no-other salads were prepared by Darius Mahallati of Grazie Italian Cuisine & Martini Bar, and the fabulous desserts were prepared by expert chef Sylvia Gallegos of Sylvia’s Sabor Latino (formerly called Sylvia’s Cafe) in Downtown Brentwood. This is one of the best dinners we’ve ever enjoyed at our December mixer!
We’d like to give a special thank you to each and every one of our Chamber Members who generously donated prizes for the raffle drawings. They are very special people indeed:
The Jackpot Drawing of $145 was once again left to accrue another $10 for our January Mixer since no representative from Fremont Bank was in attendance when their business name was called out.
The lucky Share-the-Pot winners were Jim and Denise Aster of Fast-
The American Legion The Barber Shop Black Sheep Design Body Shop at Home Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Brentwood Olive Oil Co. The Brentwood Press CC Lighting & Design C.W. Enterprises Calif. Pacific Federal Credit Union California Payroll Carma’s Word Cathleen Knight, Realtor w/Intero Christine’s Nails Christopher A. Becnel, Esq., CPA The Classy Cottage D. Jones Realty & Investments
Teks On-Site Computer Services! That little raffle ticket was worth a whopping $405.00 to the Asters! The other $405 went to the Chamber. Congratulations to Jim and Denise who are pictured at right (looking totally happy) with 2007 Chamber President Shelly McMahon of Shelly’s Garden, as they accept the largest Share-the-Pot winnings ever!
There were three Business Card Drawing prizes donated by our three sponsors: The Monthly Grapevine donated a huge gift basket which was won by past Citizen of the Year Johnny Johnson of the American Legion. The American Legion donated a Drill which was won by Charlene Cameron of the Brentwood Press. The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce donated a beautiful gift basket which was won by Dani Burling of The Emerging Soul.
The Business-of-the-Month winner was Fred Ginsler of the Brentwood Press. Winning the special drawing for those who donated raffle prizes was Gemini Staffing. They received a free ad or flier in the Clarion.
We can’t begin to express our delight at the entertainment brought to us by the very-professional quartet who led us in singing Jingle Bells and Silent Night. This was true holiday magic provided by Chamber Alternate Director & Realtor John Fink; Brentwood City Councilman Chris Becnel of Christopher A. Becnel, Esq., CPA; Ron Reagan of Reagan Management Services; and (the good sport in the Santa hat) Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor of Delta Valley Koi & Pond Supply. Not only can they sing quite well, they had everyone in the Veterans Hall
singing beautifully! We thank these gentlemen for adding to the fun of the evening! They’ve really got their act together and should definitely take it on the road.
More pictures on Page 2
Deer Ridge Country Club Delta Community Services, Inc. Delta Valley Koi & Pond Supply East County Woodworks Edward Jones - Susanna Wahl Fast-Teks Computer Services
Gemini Staffing Home One Mortgage Isagenix - Rex & Debbie Fair The Little Gym of Brentwood Mary Kay - Kimberley Victor The Monthly Grapevine Mustang Sally Leathers Ribbons & Roses Sawatsky Builders, Inc. Shadow Lakes Golf Club
Raffle Prize Winner and Beautiful Chef Sylvia Gallegos of Sylvia’s Sabor Latino enjoyed the Holiday Mixer on December 13, 2007!
The Magnificent Musical Magicians Quartet
TEAR OUT THE CENTER SECTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER AND GET INVOLVED!
The Brentwood Clarion Page 2
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.
Thank you, New Members, for coming to this Holiday mixer, introducing
yourselves to dozens of your fellow chamber members, and for getting
involved! We enjoyed meeting all of you!
December Mixer Photos courtesy of Generations Photography www.generationsbyjennifer.com
Visit our Showroom
at 2045 Elkins Way, Suite G
in Brentwood
At-Home Tastings •Premier Wine Gifts
Custom-Labeled Corporate Gifts
Kathi Reed Independent Wine Consultant
925-240-8382
www.winealongwithme.com [email protected]
Mixer Co-Sponsors Johnny Johnson of the American Legion and
Karen Spann of the Monthly Grapevine share a laugh as Johnny wins
the Grapevine donation!
Words, Web Sites,
and Chocolate!
Carma Dutra, Writer Carma’s Word
(see Carma’s New Member Profile
on pg. 8)
Jonny Morrill Web Developer
Montage Programming
(his expertise contributes to our new
Chamber website!)
Annalee Herman of
Bella Luna Chocolates
Turn to Page 18 for more mixer info
The Brentwood Clarion Page 3
(925) 516-8880 • Fax (925) 625-5316 Email: [email protected]
Bob & Sharon Sherriff, Owners
All Sports Trophies Advertising Specialties Custom & Corporate Awards
CitiFinancial cut the ribbon at their new location
on November 28, 2007
CitiFinancial Consumer Finance Marlene Rivas, Contact 5421 Lone Tree Way, Suite 130 Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-516-6400 Email: [email protected] www.citi.com
Those from the Chamber who joined Marlene Rivas in cutting the ribbon at CitiFinancial are: Roger VanHatten, Ambassasor/Director Richard Perez-Pacheco of Black Sheep Design; Clarissa Perez-Pacheco; Ambassador Lyle Miller of Scheer Security; Ambassador Katherine VanHatten of Skin Care by Katherine; Ambassador Paul Roman of Window Innovations; Director Dirk Zeigler of Zeigler Insurance Group; Director Toni Grimes, Notary; President Shelly McMahon of Shelly’s Garden; and Ambassador/Alternate Director Shayn Cutino of Anja Health Center.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 4
President’s Message
by Chamber President Kathi Reed
W elcome to 2008! I can't be the only one surprised that I’m saying 2008. It seems only a
short time ago we were all glued to the television watching the new millennium as it arrived at various landmarks around the world. And, poof! It’s eight years later.
2008 is an exciting year for the Brentwood Chamber. In 2007 we embarked upon a long-term plan to expand and improve the resources and benefits of Chamber membership. 2008 is the first full year to implement our initial plans and identify additional projects. Many creative ideas have been shared, and I’m sure many more ideas have crossed your mind. However, have you shared your ideas? The only way a Chamber can be responsive to specific membership needs is when those specific needs are known. If you have an idea that you feel will benefit business in Brentwood, I encourage you to share it.
We’re all busy with our own businesses, yet regardless of our individual business, we share many of the same questions and challenges. It’s those shared questions and challenges that prompted the Chamber to start working on a Business Resource Center that will be located in the Chamber office. It’s those shared questions and challenges that create the topics for our monthly educational business luncheons. And, it’s those shared questions, challenges and passion for our community that identified the initial set of Chamber committees.
Where do you fit within the Chamber community? Our initial Chamber committees include ambassadors/
liaisons, business resources/education, community events, legislative advocacy, marketing, member services and technology. What’s your hot spot? Call the Chamber Office at 634-3344 and have your name added to one or more committees. I encourage you to get involved this year and help us implement new and exciting programs. Your involvement will make a difference.
I’m excited about this Chamber year, and consider it a privilege to serve as Chamber President as we continue the momentum begun in 2007. Together we can make it an absolutely GREAT 2008!
Kathi
The Brentwood Clarion Page 5
New Member Profiles
My name is Frank Pompa; I am a Mortgage Planner and Licensed Real Estate Agent with The Mortgage Forum. As a Loan Consultant with The Mortgage Forum, we have access to over 250 investors, which will allow The Mortgage Forum to offer the most competitive rates and programs available.
We also provide the Hottest Home Finding Service available, “The Home Buyers Scouting Report.” The Home Buyers Scouting Report provides available listings that match your personal search criteria we sell as properties that have sold in the past two years. The Homebuyers Scouting Report includes pictures, prices, addresses and directions, all for free, and it allows you to view properties at your convenience, 24 hours a day, with no
interruptions on your own personal password protected website. Call me to be signed up for this wonderful service. I can be reached at the number above.
I also would like to introduce you to another service which is called the Money Merge Account, a powerful tool to help you fulfill your dream of paying off your mortgage and becoming debt free. The average Money Merge Account customer will pay their mortgage off in 1/2 to 1/3 the time, with little to no change in their day-to-day spending habits and without increasing their monthly mortgage payments. The Money Merge Account is a way to break that cycle of financial drain; it was developed by a team of financial experts with years of experience in the mortgage industry. The Money Merge Account can potentially save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in mortgage interest. Your mortgage can now be paid off in a fraction of the time and the Money Merge Account does not require refinancing of your first mortgage. Call me for a free analysis; my number is listed on my business card.
Remember that choosing the right Mortgage Broker is vital. The Mortgage Forum would like to provide you with the highest quality of service. My longevity in this industry will revolve around the everlasting strengths of the old “word of mouth” referral system. I have earned the trust, respect and loyalty of all my clients with whom I will be committed to as their Mortgage Planner for life.
Connecting People, Ideas and Information www.mymortgageforum.net
The Truth About Cleansing, Chemicals and Toxins
Chemicals and toxins are the primary cause of illness, disease and obesity! Chemicals and toxins accumulate over time and cause liver and kidneys to become overworked and weak.
Chemicals and toxins accumulate in fat tissue. The more chemicals and toxins, the more fat the body manufactures.
Weight loss by diets containing Ma Huang, Ephedra and Caffeine is primarily water and lean muscle loss. There is minimal fat lost because cleansing of body systems is not addressed.
Chemicals and toxins are bound within fat tissue -- and only specifically blended nutrients can contribute to releasing chemicals from fat. Excess fat will literally melt away at an alarming -- yet safe and effective pace -- with the Isagenix System.
The Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing System
Cleanses your body of impurities -- releases fat Helps increase muscle mass Replenishes the body with high quality nutrients Creates an environment for wellness Increases energy and vitality Promotes beautiful skin, hair and nails Easy to follow program Safe - endorsed by Medical Doctors Promoted by world famous authors Featured on TV news - ABC and FOX and CNBC 30-day money back guarantee
The Brentwood Clarion Page 6
DREAMS ARE A
WISH YOUR HEART MAKES
BRIDAL FAIRES
Sharon Kay, Wedding & Event Planner 1810 Surfside Place, Discovery Bay, CA 94505
Cell: 925-989-7242 Office: 925-418-8536
As co-founder of a video company in 1980, I have had the rare opportunity to work with over 4,500 brides and grooms at nearly every wedding venue in Northern California. For years my brides have told me that I should be a wedding planner; part of the added value that I gave to them when they booked their weddings was helping them to create the most amazing wedding, and save money from the venue selection to creating a personal style that was unique to them. Creating a memory for them with their history tied into their music, which creates their story that they will remember forever. Now that my oldest son Brandon is heading up the new growth plan for the video company, I can take a step back and follow my heart once again.
Full Event Planning from inception to completion Concept Development - Dream Sessions Creation of Theme and Design of Event Coordination of Vendor Selection
New Member Profiles
Appointments & Deposits to secure vendors Coordination of invitation lists, RSVPs Seating/Table Arrangements Confirmation of all Vendors/Venue Rehearsal Dinner Day of Event
Call today for a Free No-Obligation Consultation!
Location: 150 Cortona Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: 925-240-0733
www.cortonapark.com
C ortona Park is the newest addition to the AF Evans distinctive family of senior communities. Our unique, luxurious Tuscan design offers a variety of large studios, one bedroom and two bedrooms, two bath floor plans. Shopping, golf, and medical facilities
can be found right around the corner for your convenience.
At Cortona Park, we have created a community that feels like home with all of the conveniences to support an active and flexible lifestyle. Friendly 24-hour staff is available to help with daily support and service. Enjoy a delicious meal in the dining room with friends or a private party at holiday time with family. We offer flexible transportation, weekly housekeeping and linen service, stimulating and engaging activities and a helpful maintenance staff available for household needs. You’ll have the freedom to customize your living space and we will assist you in creating the perfect place to call home.
We believe residents should have the freedom to customize their day with caring and supportive staff available to assist them. Our activity and lifestyle programs are designed to enhance your experience, providing you with many choices. It’s all up to you.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 7
New Member Profiles
I am your local CertaPro Painters business owner. We specialize in house painting in Contra Costa County --
both exterior and interior. As exceptional house painters for many years, our services are guaranteed to be of the highest standard. If you need a painter in Contra Costa County, my team of painting professionals is the answer to your search.
We will deliver more than top-quality interior and exterior painting. We are the caring and responsive painters you can be certain about. When you call us, we promise the following:
Who will work at your job When we will be there When we will be done Your property will be left in perfect condition
We are the only paint company coast-to-coast across North America, and we have been coast-to-coast since 1992. We are insured and our work is guaranteed.
I look forward to satisfying your painting needs.
Contact Information: Edward Gutierrez, Owner/General Manager CertaPro Painters Phone: 925-890-2111
Contractor’s License #890529 Email: [email protected] www.certapro.com/contracosta
The Color of Certainty™ Proudly Painting in your Neighborhood: Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Byron, Clayton and surrounding areas
Edward Gutierrez
110° Is Back BY TRICIA PIQUERO
Many of us across East County have enjoyed the stories, pictures, and articles that 110° Magazine has been writing, printing, and publishing during the past four years. The theme of the magazine from the beginning has been “A publication that is easy to pick up, difficult to lay down, and impossible to throw away.” And, in fact, how many residents still have every magazine that they ever received? Past issues of 110° are like the National Geographic — too good to put in the dumpster.
However, 110° was never good at figuring out how to make money. After four years of keeping the magazine alive on life support, last August the team finally hit the wall as the gap between production costs and income finally swelled beyond their ability to cover their losses. What the magazine needed was to get somebody on board who had sufficient marketing talents and sales experience to enable the magazine to earn the profits that they so richly deserved. So here I am. Marketing is my business; selling is my passion. This is what I do; it’s what I’m good at.
Plus, we have onboard one of the greatest salespersons I’ve ever met. Caroline Robertson has the fire in her gut to push advertising sales to an amazing level. With her intelligence and drive combined with my marketing savvy, we’re going to make the magazine one of the most successful enterprises in the county.
I didn’t know anything about journalism or about publishing a magazine. But I’m a quick learner. I know more about the publishing business than I knew last week at this time. Some of you think that I sound like I’m boasting, but I’m working with a man, Jim White, who is possibly the world’s most successful person at making others successful. I think that we would have been fine without his help, but with him on my side we’re bound to go over the top. One of the things that Jim White teaches is the importance of having fun. And that’s no problem. We’re having a blast!
The team that made the magazine so fine remains intact. Don Huntington, the Editor In Chief; Richy Koscher, the Designer; Adam Huntington, the Graphics Designer; Russell Byrne, the Photographer; and Andrea Stuart, the Associate Editor are still putting out an amazing product that’s just going to keep getting better. As we get more and more advertising, we’ll be adding pages and features.
You haven’t seen anything yet!
East County’s Award Winning Premier Magazine
The Brentwood Clarion Page 8
CARMA’S WORD
Creative Writing and Editing Services
Imagine this scenario; you spend weeks on designing and creating your annual marketing sales extravaganza flyer. You are on your way back from dropping off 1,000 flyers at the post office and casually thumbing through some extra loose leaf flyers when IT jumps out at you. Yes, IT. Fireworks and sirens go off inside your head as you stare at the misspelled company name. How could you have missed IT! Also, do you feel burned out on a bio or proposal you are working on; or are you tearing out your hair about your essay or worried about how to fill your newsletter with relevant content? What about the web content on your new website or blog?
Carma’s Word will alleviate you from this worry. Carma Dutra is a professional writer, editor, proofreader and wordsmith with a genuine passion for the written word. She will focus on making your work great instead of just correct. These are just a few of the services Carma’s Word provides.
Carma freelances for The Monthly Grapevine and was the editor, writer and publisher for the Oakley Chamber of Commerce newsletter in 2005 and 2006. Additionally, she wrote a monthly column for the East Contra Costa Times newspaper during the same time period. Carma graduated with honors from Saint Mary's College in California with a Bachelor's Degree in management in 2004. Her current active projects include a non-fiction work on self-help and a series of children’s books dealing with shyness.
As you can see, a writer has many voices that can create a new perspective with new enthusiasm for YOUR project. Contact Carma at 925-625-4142 and visit her blog at http://carmaswindow.blogspot.com or her website at www.carmasword.com
KinderCare Learning Center 2321 Eagle Rock Avenue Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: 925-513-4118 Fax: 925-513-3294 [email protected] www.kindercare.com
KinderCare Learning Center is proud to announce the opening of our brand new state-of-the-art facility right here in Brentwood! We understand how important it is to find a place you can really trust and a program that meets your needs and expectations. You will find that we are the place for you and your child. Nationally, parents trust us with their infants, toddlers, preschoolers and pre-k age children.
At KinderCare Learning Center we respect children as individuals. Age-appropriate programs and dedicated, caring staff ensure that children get the positive learning experiences that they need to grow up happy and confident.
Experience matters when it comes to childcare, and after spending nearly 40 years with children, we have become the nation’s leading early-childhood education provider and we are extremely excited to now serve the community of Brentwood. Our exceptional curriculum and enrichment programs are developed by education experts.
Every KinderCare teacher is highly qualified and experienced. We provide more staff development opportunities than any other childcare company to ensure you that we are giving your child the best care and learning experiences.
Carrie Murphy, Center Director, and Michelle Hart, Assistant Director, are excited to serve the families of Brentwood. They are available at any time for questions and inquiries about the program and the facility. Please look for upcoming Meet N’ Greet events!
New Member Profiles
The Brentwood Clarion Page 9
Chamber Classifieds
Looking for Commercial Space?
Rent in Brentwood - 800 to 1600 square feet available Call Sunset Plaza Properties at 925-634-2900
Office Space Available
Furnished office space available: 500-2000 sq. ft. Call Sam at 925-516-0870.
Sub-Lease at 3330 Main St. in Oakley
Almost 900 sq. ft. $1,200 per month, includes utilities, parking lot, large windows, nearly new carpet & paint. Require first/last. Call 925-625-2879 for more information.
Looking for Employment? Go to www.brentwoodchamber.com and type the word “employment” in the search box. We have several Chamber Members who can help you find that perfect job!
Position Available Brentwood Family Pet Care Veterinarian Hospital Animal Handler Wanted: Technician Assistant part time A.M. or P.M. On-the-job training. Duties include handling animals (dogs/cats), restraining animals, paperwork, and cleaning. Cleaning includes kennels, sinks, floors, etc. MUST have a great attitude, be a great team player, love to stay busy and be a hard worker. Please contact Kindra at 925-240-7387, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
It could influence your business! Get to
know the political issues and bills that affect businesses. Make a difference on proposed laws.
Visit www.calchambervotes.com
Not everyone has time to be a labor and employment law expert. HR Handbook for California Employers is employment law for the rest of us---the state and federal labor law basics presented in an easy-to-read, question & answer style focusing on the critical rules to follow, the appropriate forms to use and helpful step-by-step checklists to make sure you don't miss a thing.
A tremendous amount of up-to-date
information on businesses is available every day at: www.calchamber.com
Tech Center Relocation Efforts On August 14, the Brentwood City Council endorsed the Civic Center Master Site Plan which, among other things, includes the construction of a new City Hall, Civic Center parking structure, a new Community Center, as well as the relocation of the Library. This major investment into the Downtown will take several years to complete. While the construction project is underway, several uses within the current facilities will need to be relocated, including the Library. There is only one viable, interim home for the Library -- the Technology Center. Effective February 29, 2008, the Technology Center will be closed permanently to the small businesses currently located in that Center. The Brentwood Chamber is working with the City’s Economic Development Division to facilitate the transition of these businesses to other available space in Brentwood. Many of these businesses need assistance to find business resources available to them including tenant education, leasing opportunities, financing for expanding small businesses, etc. If you are a business located at the Tech Center, please don’t hesitate to contact the Chamber for additional assistance. If you have available space, call the Chamber and let them know! Your free classified ad can be here -- for Chamber Members only. Ad must be related to your business but cannot be used to advertise the business itself. Office furniture for sale? Space available? Need employees? Call 634-3344 or email us at [email protected]
TE
AR
OU
T T
HIS
CE
NT
ER
SE
CT
ION
FO
R F
UT
UR
E R
EF
ER
EN
CE
! ST
AY
IN
FO
RM
ED
---ST
AY
IN
VO
LV
ED
!
The Brentwood Clarion Page 10
TE
AR
OU
T T
HIS
CE
NT
ER
SE
CT
ION
FO
R F
UT
UR
E R
EF
ER
EN
CE
! S
TA
Y I
NF
OR
ME
D--
-ST
AY
IN
VO
LV
ED
!
Business Mileage Rates Increase
The 2008 business mileage rates have been announced by the IRS. As anticipated, beginning January 1, 2008, the standard business mileage rate for transportation expenses paid or incurred increased to 50.5 cents per mile. This is up from the 48.5 cents per mile rate that was in effect for 2007. Also, the 2008 standard mileage rate for operating a passenger car for charitable purposes will stay at 14 cents per mile. Finally, the 2008 standard rate for miles driven for medical or moving purposes will decrease to 19 cents per mile. The 2007 rate was 20 cents per mile. By the way, don’t forget that minimum wage increased to $8.00 per hour on January 1, 2008.
“Lori’s Minute” (by Lori Knudsen of California Payroll)
New Law Requires You to Directly Notify Your Employees
There is a new law for employers. It goes into effect January 1, 2008 and requires that you provide notification directly to your employees. Posting of the information does not satisfy the notification requirement, so I wanted to give you a heads up about Assembly Bill 650, Chapter 606.
Here are the details:
Assembly Bill 650, Chapter 606 (Lieu and Jones) requires any employer who is subject to and is required to provide unemployment insurance to employees, to notify all employees that they may be eligible for the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit).
Effective January 1, 2008, all employers are required to notify all of their employees of the federal EITC. Employers must give notification to employees within one week before OR after the Wage and Tax Statement (Form W-2) or Miscellaneous Income (Form 1099) is given. The new law requires the employer to process the IRS Form W-5 for advance payments of the EITC if requested by the employee.
Notification must be provided to employees in one of two ways: a. Handing it directly to the employee, or b. Mailing it to your employee’s last known address.
Posting of this information on any employee bulletin board will not satisfy the notification requirement. The notification includes instructions on how to obtain any notices available from the IRS for this purpose, including, but not limited to, the IRS Notice 797 and Form W-5, or any successor notice or form, or any notice created by the employer, as long as it contains substantially the same language as the following:
NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES Based on your annual earnings, you may be eligible to receive the earned income tax credit from the federal government. The earned income tax credit is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The earned income tax credit has no effect on certain welfare benefits. In most cases, earned income tax credit payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, supplemental security income, food stamps, low-income housing or most temporary assistance for needy families’ payments. Even if you do not owe federal taxes, you must file a tax return to receive the earned income tax credit. Be sure to fill out the earned income tax credit form in the federal income tax return booklet. For information regarding your eligibility to receive the earned income tax credit, including information on how to obtain the IRS Notice 797 or Form W-5, or any other necessary forms and instructions, contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-3676 or through its Web site at http://www.irs.gov/.
If you need additional information, I recommend that you visit the EDD website: http://www.edd.ca.gov/. You can also call the Taxpayer Assistance Center at (888) 745-3886.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 11
January 2008 Working Business Luncheon
Location: the new Willy’s Bagels & Blends
390 W. Country Club Drive
(just off Balfour Road, west of Highway 4 Bypass, in Brentwood)
Date: Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lunch will be a buffet with sandwiches, salads, drinks.
Event is $15.00 per person with or without lunch.
PREPAID RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
David Mengel, Owner/President
Presents: Hiring, Firing, and Human Resource Issues for Small Businesses
Key Points:
Hiring and Developing Staff
HR Regulatory Issues for Small Businesses
Background Checking and Drug Screening your Employees
1099 Versus W-2
Reserve your space today! Names of Attendees in your party:
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Please bring this reservation sheet with your payment to: 240 Oak Street
in Brentwood by Friday, January 11, 2008
TE
AR
OU
T T
HIS
CE
NT
ER
SE
CT
ION
FO
R F
UT
UR
E R
EF
ER
EN
CE
! ST
AY
IN
FO
RM
ED
---ST
AY
IN
VO
LV
ED
!
The Brentwood Clarion Page 12
JOIN US FOR THE
January Mixer hosted by:
700 Harvest Park Drive, Suite F Brentwood, CA 94513
DATE: Thursday, January 17, 2008
TIME: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
*Raffle Prizes *Share-the-Pot Drawing
*Network with your fellow Chamber members
THE JACKPOT IS NOW $140.00!
YOU MUST
BE PRESENT TO WIN!
BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Happy New Year!
January 17 Mixer at Auto Bug
January 23 Installation Dinner
February 21 Mixer at Gooseberry Fool
March 20 Mixer at Deer Ridge Golf Club April 12 Citizen of the Year Banquet
April 17 Mixer at Contra Costa Fairgrounds
April 23 Employee Appreciation Luncheon
May 15 Mixer at McCurley Abbey’s Carpet Center
June 19 Mixer at Pierce Chiropractic Group
July 11, 12, and 13 CornFest 2008
July 17 Mixer at Calif. Pac. Federal Credit Union
August 21 Mixer at Arbor Ridge Exec. Apartments
September 18 Mixer at Discovery Professional Services
October 16 Mixer at Shepherd’s Gate
October 25 Hometown Halloween
November 1 A Taste of Brentwood (restaurant tour)
November 20 Mixer (TBA)
November 22 Holiday Parade
December 18 Holiday Mixer
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
TE
AR
OU
T T
HIS
CE
NT
ER
SE
CT
ION
FO
R F
UT
UR
E R
EF
ER
EN
CE
! S
TA
Y I
NF
OR
ME
D--
-ST
AY
IN
VO
LV
ED
!
FIRST-TIME VISITORS &
PROSPECTIVE CHAMBER
MEMBERS
ARE MOST WELCOME AT
CHAMBER MIXERS; HOWEVER, TO
CONTINUE ENJOYING THE
NETWORKING BENEFITS THAT OUR
CHAMBER MIXERS OFFER, THEY
MUST JOIN THE BRENTWOOD
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
CHAMBER APPLICATIONS ARE
AVAILABLE AT THE CHECK-IN DESK, ON-
LINE, AND IN THE CHAMBER OFFICE.
THANK YOU!
The Brentwood Clarion Page 13
Stay in tune with the
latest business news!
Visit on a regular basis:
www.calchamber.com/
dailyheadlines
January Menu Tasting
Light & Lean
Come into Dream Dinners on Wednesday, January 16th from
5:00 – 7:30 p.m. for FREE tastings of some of our
January Light and Lean entrees!
Asian Orange Chicken
Arroz con Pollo
Caribbean Pork Roast
Thai Peanut Coconut Chicken and Rice
Dream Dinners 4530 Balfour Rd. Ste.F
Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 513-0007
www.dreamdinners.com
A Place Of Learning Benefit Local Talent Entertains in a night of fun! Annette Beckstrand, Gene Clare,
Ray Carter, Mike Davies, Euphoria Quartet, Norm & Nellie Jenks,
Ginnie Montanez, Greg Robinson, and the Summerset Big Band.
Kick up your heels and dance! Sip and taste local wine poured by area growers! Enjoy tasty appetizers!
When: Jan 19th, 7:00-10:00PM The Cost is $30 per person
Where: Shadow Lakes New Event Center, 401 W. Country Club Drive
Events also include terrific raffle prizes and “theme” baskets for silent auction. Pick
your favorite and bid! Enjoy all this fun while supporting Brentwood’s own “A Place of
Learning,” where learning and teaching occur every day for any and all!
Tickets may be Purchased at The Brentwood Press,
or you may contact Bill Foster at 783-6147.
P.O. Box 1043, Brentwood, CA 94513 925-240-5146 [email protected]
The Brentwood Clarion Page 14
Ambassadors Corner by Ambassador Janet Fendyan
About 4 months ago at a ribbon cutting, one of the other Chamber members offered me a great part-time job. The hours are flexible, no typing is required, dress is casual, and it doesn’t conflict with my full-time business. Guess what, there are other openings. Here is the job description as I
recall:
Help Wanted: People to attend catered business events several times a month welcoming new businesses to the community and/or introducing new members to established members of the Brentwood Chamber. Food, fun and network opportunities provided. Attendance at large catered monthly mixer events may result in cash and other prizes. Join the business community in workshops/classes to further your knowledge and network. Partner yourself and others with complementary businesses. Volunteer for Chamber sponsored events such as the Holiday Parade. Join one of the
new committees/teams that interest you.
Requirements: Brentwood Chamber member with an interest in making a difference in both the Chamber business and the Brentwood community. Must love the CornFest.
Promote, assist and expand Chamber membership.
Compensation: Fun meeting new people and learning about new businesses. Create network opportunities for other members and yourself. Lots of satisfaction and rewarding
experiences.
As one of the newest Ambassadors, the above is my vision of the job description and benefits. As a Chamber member of 11 years, I understand that any/all of us can and do all of the above. However, making the commitment to represent the Chamber specifically at ribbon cuttings and mixers involving new members is so important. As with anything else, the first impression is a lasting impression. It can be intimidating to walk into the mixers where it appears that everyone else knows other people and you don’t see anyone you know. Having someone to greet, navigate through the check-in, including tickets for drinks, raffles, etc., and introduce you to other members, can make it a positive experience and a good first impression. And it does! The Ambassador Team rocks!
I appreciate the opportunity offered to me to be part of the team and maybe you would too. Applications are available at the Chamber office.
Janet Fendyan Paws & Claws Pet Sitters
Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-516-0967
Fax: 925-516-2818 Email: [email protected]
All the best from
Janet
A great year in
review..........
The Brentwood Clarion Page 15
PRO-TECH HEATING AND
AIR CONDITIONING
Bob & Sheri Dickson - Owners
P.O. Box 2001, Brentwood, CA 94513
925-978-1776 925-516-1776 925-673-3776
Fax: 925-673-3777
www.protechheating.com email: [email protected]
Lic #705148
Cell 925.813.1319
The Brentwood Clarion Page 16
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST
CHAMBER MEMBERS!
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist David Redding, Independent Associate 2663 Torrey Pines Drive Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-759-1550 Email: [email protected] www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/reddingd68
The Little Gym of Brentwood Developmental Gymnastics Jim Lark, President 44 Tradition Way Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 510-304-7387 Email: [email protected] www.thelittlegym.com
Cedar Creek Stables & Event Center Jim Glisson, Owner 1095 Eden Plains Road Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-437-0856 www.cedarcreekstables.org
Electric Euro Service LLC Factory Authorized Repair Station Vacuums, Power Tools, Small Appliances Roger Fuller, Owner 2160 Elkins Way, Suite D Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-513-3000 www.electriceuro.com
Liberty Business Advisors Business Broker Victor Olabintan, Business Advisor 1990 North California Blvd., Suite 1060 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Phone: 925-260-5297 Cell: 925-260-5297 Fax: 925-513-4496 Email: [email protected]
Montage Programming Computer Programming Jonny Morrill, Owner 1650 Quail Trail Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-550-2416 Email: [email protected] www.montageprogramming.com
DenCol Construction Co., Inc. Dennis/Colleen Lemmons, Owners P.O. Box 2953 Antioch, CA 94531 Phone: 925-513-1024 Cell: 925-813-2462 Fax: 925-513-3410 Email: [email protected] www.dencolconstruction.com
Cyndee Solution Women’s Networking and Support Cyndee Paulson-Heer, CEO 108 Mercedes Lane Oakley, CA 94561 Phone: 925-457-5525 Email: [email protected] www.cyndeesolution.com
Whole Heart Path Personal Growth Diana Morgan, M.A. P.O. Box 86 Antioch, CA 94509 Phone: 925-980-9052 Fax: 925-778-1851 Email: [email protected] www.wholeheartpath.com
KinderCare Learning Center Preschool: Ages 6 weeks - 5 years Knowledge Learning Corporation, Owner Carrie Murphy, Center Director Michelle Hart, Assistant Director 2321 Eagle Rock Avenue Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-513-4118 Fax: 925-513-3294 Email: [email protected] www.kindercare.com
Dupe Dog Electrical Signs/Graphic Design Thomas Underwood, Owner 1210 Central Blvd., Suite 10 Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 925-513-3873 Fax: 866-449-0815 Email: [email protected] www.dupedog.com
The Brentwood Clarion Page 17
PG&E is offering no-cost energy consultations which help business owners take advantage of energy efficiency rebates.
Please call PG&E’s Brentwood Customer & Community Relations Manager Jacqueline Clarke at 925-674-6590 to schedule an appointment. Jacqueline will be able to assist you in becoming energy efficient and reducing your energy costs!
The Brentwood Chamber is proud to have yet another member who is a published author! Patrick Shabram of BAEB Publishing presents “Shabram’s Guide to California’s Professional Ballparks.” Patrick is pictured above with C h a m b e r A m b a s s a d o r D o n n a Zickerman at his book signing at Gabby’s Grind on December 15, 2007.
Congratulations, Patrick!
Please note:
The correct website for
Photographer Greg Harris
(who took 300 fabulous photos of our
25th Annual Holiday Parade) is:
www.harris-images.com
Anja Wellness Mind Massage Therapy
Shayn Cutino, HHP, CCht
has moved to a great new location:
The Club One Executive Suites 160 Guthrie Lane, Suite 13 Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: 925-516-2868 email: [email protected] www.anjawellness.com
Fuzetto Moss Custom Web Solutions has a new phone number:
925-413-6162
Email: [email protected] www.fuzettomoss.com
The Brentwood Clarion Page 18
continued from Page 2
Shelly McMahon (pictured above) of Shelly’s Garden says anything-but-goodbye as she speaks at her last mixer as Chamber President. Shelly has set many innovative programs in motion for the Brentwood Chamber. She outlined some of the many benefits of Chamber Membership and introduced the team now working on our new and improved web site -- www.brentwoodchamber.com. Pictured at right are the talented and skillful people of Black Sheep Design who continue to perfect our website to be one of the best. Attractive, professional, informative and user friendly, the Brentwood Chamber website is in the process of getting better each and every day. As Shelly steps into the role of ex-officio, she will continue to work diligently to see that all the proposed goals are achieved for the good of our membership. We thank Shelly McMahon for voluntarily serving as 2007 Chamber President and leading our Chamber in a progressive and positive direction. Thank you, Monthly Grapevine, American Legion, and Brentwood Chamber for putting together an awesome Holiday Mixer. We look forward to seeing all of you on January 17, 2008 at AutoBug PVL located at 700 Harvest Park Drive, Suite F in Brentwood.
The Black Sheep Design team, headed by Richard and Clarissa Perez-Pacheco, proudly present the new Brentwood Chamber website:
www.brentwoodchamber.com
Sign on today and see why we’re all so pleased with their progress! Please note: We need your updated information as soon as possible. You can fax the information form you received in the mail to 925-634-3731. Thank you!
The Brentwood Clarion Page 19
BRENTWOOD
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kathi Reed, President WineShop at Home
Shelly McMahon, Ex-Officio Shelly’s Garden
Bill Fee, Director Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists
Toni Grimes, Director Notary Public
De-De Hays, Director Prudential California Realty
Richard Inglis, Director Reagan Management Services
Paul Kelly, Director Home One Mortgage
Richard Perez-Pacheco, Director Black Sheep Design
Ken Seamann, Director Discovery Professional Services
Karen Spann, Director The Monthly Grapevine
Joe Trebino, Director Delta Pure Water, Etc.
Dirk Zeigler, Director Zeigler Insurance Group
Shayn Cutino, Alternate Director Anja Alternative Health Center
John Fink, Alternate Director Realtor
——————————————————
Bonnie Lucchese, CEO Office Manager
Paula DeYoung-Wong Administrative Assistant, Newsletter Editor
Jilda Fairhurst Administrative Assistant, 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: [email protected]
www.brentwoodchamber.com
Guess Who!
Be the FIRST Chamber Member to call the office with the identity of the person pictured at right. You’ll get a free business card ad in the next Clarion!
Your Hint: He was being nice to his baby sister. And he thinks no one would believe it! He did grow in to those feet. He discovered entertainment late in life.
Call: 634-3344
Last month’s picture of the baby girl on the left is Chamber Ambassador Janet Fendyan of Paws & Claws Pet Sitters. The first to correctly guess was Clarissa Perez-Pacheco of Black Sheep Design. Clarissa won a free business card ad in the Clarion.
Our thanks to Janet for providing this very special picture of the little girl who lives within her!
Amy Alvis, Zeigler Insurance Group Curt Bulloch, Allstate Insurance Janet Fendyan, Paws & Claws Pet Sitters Liz Beth Fletcher, Mary Kay Cosmetics Richard McDaniel, Mutual of Omaha David Mengel, Gemini Staffing Lyle Miller, Scheer Home Systems Paul Roman, Window Innovations Eric Soiland, Smith Barney Katherine Van Hatten, Skin Care by Katherine Daniel Vega, Omni Funding Olga Vidriales, Travis Credit Union Susanna Wahl, Edward Jones Donna Zickerman, The Monthly Grapevine
The Chamber Ambassador Team
The Brentwood Clarion Page 20
Phone: 925-634-3344
Fax: 925-634-3731
Email: [email protected]
www.brentwoodchamber.com
The Brentwood Clarion
Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
240 Oak Street
Brentwood, CA 94513
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
extends its best wishes to everyone for a
happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year. 2008
TEAR OUT THE CENTER SECTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER AND GET INVOLVED!