GILROY FOCUS

april

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VOLUME 29

NUMBER 3

A PUBLICATION OF THE GILROY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

business April 2010

Business Mixer 8th

Breakfast Club 21th

Networking Cafe 28th

Details on page 12Chamber business leaders endorse Mike Wasserman

Supervisor, District One

Chamber Events:

Chamber Briefs

See 16, continued on page 9

Access SacramentoJoin a consortium of business and community leaders on a chartered bus trip to Access Sacramento on Thursday, April 29, for a day of advocacy and advancing priorities to secure the future of Silicon Valley and California. Cost is $75 per person and includes transportation from San Jose, snacks, lunch, brief-ing materials, and planned meetings with key representatives. For information or to reserve a seat, contact Susan Valenta at 842-6437 or e-mail svalenta@gilroy.org.

Government RelationsThe Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee (GRC) will feature City Administrator, Tom Haglund, on Friday, April 9, from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at the Chamber headquarters. The presentation will focus on the City budget and CalPERS. The business community is invited to join this monthly meeting which is scheduled for the sec-ond Friday of every month to learn about issues affecting the economy.

Representing the interest of business with governmentMajor Chamber fundraiserThe Gilroy Chamber is recruiting volunteers to assist with its annual major fundraiser – the Beer Concessions at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, July 23, 24, and 25. Members are encouraged to contact the Chamber for available shifts by calling 842-6437 or e-mailing chamber@gilroy.org.

Workforce linksLooking to connect with training services, job opportunities, schools, and more? Check out gilroyworkforce.org. Made possible through a collaboration between the Gilroy Chamber, Gilroy Economic Development Corporation, Visitors Bureau, Gavilan College, the Gilroy Unified School District, and the SCC Office of Education, the site provides valuable links to local services. Check it out, and if you do not find the infor-mation you are looking for, write your request in the “Contact Us” box, and it will be added. For information, contact Dr. David Matuszak (SCC ROP-South) at 408-842-0361 or Susan Valenta (Gilroy Chamber) at 408-842-6437.

Chamber Board says “NO” to Proposition 16 The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce supported the recommendation from the Government Review Committee and voted to oppose Proposition 16, the June ballot initiative that would require a 2/3 vote of the electorate before a public agency could enter the retail power business.

This would be required before a local government could:

• Establish a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program;

• Use public funding to imple-ment a plan to become a CCA provider;

• Expand electric service to a new territory or new custom-ers. The City of Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce also opposes this PG&E funded Initiative.

The CCA program, established by law in 2002, allows local gov-ernments to purchase blocks of wholesale power to sell to residents and business in their jurisdictions. PG&E would continue to own, operate and maintain the wires and that deliver the power to all users. The new ‘Power Authority’ would compete with the Investor Owned Utilities (PG&E, SCE, etc.) only

See Supervisor, continued on page 9

Following a candidate forum lasting more than two hours with deliberation on solid business issues, the Chamber’s Endorsement Committee conferred and voted to recommend that the Chamber Board endorse Los Gatos Mayor Mike Wasserman to succeed District 1 Supervisor Don Gage. Having a quorum of Board members present, the committee’s recommendation was approved by the board of directors.

Points raised in support of Wasserman included personal experience in business and government, a good understanding of balancing the needs of business and agri-culture, as well as knowledge of business-related, contemporary issues that had transpired at the County that morning.

His positions on the role of government resonated with committee members such as renegotiating labor agreements in diffi-cult financial times and reducing impedi-ments to business as it is the economic engine of the county. Wasserman drove a message for the need to streamline, expe-dite, facilitate, and incentivize investment in Santa Clara County.

Additionally, Wasserman’s track record of supporting property rights, cutting taxes, balancing budgets and concurrently bringing to fruition capital projects such as a new police station and sports complex impressed Board members. The commit-tee agreed with Wasserman’s sentiment that South County needs an advocate on the Board of Supervisors, not just to

support but to be a strong voice for the region. Building communications with the cities and consensus on the board resonated with the Board as an important role in collaborative efforts. Wasserman was strong in his senti-ment of the current system of salaries and benefits and clearly stated they

Page 2 Gilroy Business Focus • www.gilroy.org April 2010

Chamber of Commerce

officersCHAIRMAn OF THE BOARD GREGG GIUSIANA • Retired Police Chief

PAST CHAIRMAn DAVID BOLL • Heartwood Cabinets

CHAIRMAn OF THE BOARD-ELECT KATHERINE FILICE • Articulate Solutions

SECRETARy/TREASURER CHAR MARRAZZO • Edward Jones Investments

VC OPERATIOnS & DEVELOPMEnT JAN PEAT • McDonald’s of Gilroy

VC PUBLIC AFFAIRS TIM DAY • Al Pinheiro Insurance

VC BUSInESS PROGRAMS & SERVICES BARBARA ORTH • I FIT Financial Services

VC MARKETInG & COMMUnICATIOnS KATHERINE FILICE • Articulate Solutions board of directors LETICIA CLAY • South Valley National Bank DAVID MATUSZAK • Santa Clara County R.O.P., South JULIE ALTER • Recology South Valley ERIC HOWARD •Bruce’s Tire, Inc. KRISTINE CHAVEZ WYATT • Meridian Pacific chamber staff Susan Valenta • President/CEO Michelle Garcia Chris Bevilacqua Rosie Vogel Administrative Assistants Sue Thurman Business Relationship Manager

visitors bureau staff Jane Howard • Executive Director Pam Gimenez • Office Coordinator

edc staff Richard Spitler • President/CEO Pamela Guerra • Administrative Assistant

http://www.gilroy.org E-mail: chamber@gilroy.org Phone: (408) 842-6437

to reach the chamber:

GREGG GIUSIANA, 2010 Chairman of the BoardGilroy Chamber of Commerce

Chairman of the Board Message

SUSAN VALENTA,President/CEOGilroy chamber of commerce

My first order of business this month is to welcome the new Economic Development

Corporation Director, Richard Spitler. This is my first opportunity to acknowl-edge him in the Focus, so even though he has been working for almost a month, it not to late to say how glad we are to have him in Gilroy. Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and is a wel-come addition to our community.

And, as seems to be the standard for Gilroy, Richard didn’t even have a chance to change the voice mail greeting on the EDC phone before he was right in the middle of the action. The Chamber has been working with the Visitors Bureau, Downtown Business Association, and the EDC to form some strategies designed to create economic vitality in Gilroy. The outline of the plan was already waiting for him on his first day in town. He and the rest of the team began meeting with the City Administrator and members of the City Council immediately. The plan was also presented to the EDC Board, the

Coalition for a Strong Economy sets planGovernment Relations Committee, and the Chamber board. What a first week!!!

The Gilroy Coalition for a Strong Economic plan has two main parts. The first part is to make certain Gilroy has a business-friendly environment. To do this, the Coalition will be working with the City to streamline processes and exam-ine current policies at the Council level, department level, and division level. The purpose is to eliminate steps and road-blocks which are impediments to business start-up or expansion. The second part is to ensure there is sufficient staff at the EDC to assist businesses through the pro-cess. In order to help meet this goal, there are several initiatives in the plan designed to not only be good for business but to eventually become income sources for the EDC. The EDC will market business development in Gilroy just as the Visitors Bureau markets tourism in Gilroy. It is the intention of the Coalition to guaran-tee that when the economy begins

Throughout the community, there are businesses that provide a plethora of products and services.

Business is the lifeblood of your com-munity.

Businesses provide jobs, they generate sales taxes, and they invest in the com-munity. They are the ones that everyone thinks about when there is a fundraiser – think about the times you have asked for a donation for your child’s school, sport team, or special cause. Gilroy is known for its generosity, and there are very few times a business will turn down a request.

But, there is a loyalty that needs to be attached to the asking.

your local businesses are struggling – just the same as throughout the country – the difference is that if everyone made the commitment to buy locally, Gilroy could be virtually recession-proof.

At our March Breakfast Club, we played with catchy slogans for shopping local. Our new EDC Director, Richard

President MessageShop local —think BIG (Buy In Gilroy)

Spitler, came up with: Think BIG – Buy In Gilroy. Moving forward, a consortium of Chamber, Economic Development, Visitor Bureau, and City representatives will be meeting to develop a shop local campaign.

you do not need to wait for this cam-paign to start – it’s so simple. Make a list of the items you plan to buy in the next few weeks or places in the area you would like to take the family, give us a call at the Chamber, and we’ll provide you with businesses that can fill the need. Make shopping local a habit of choice and you will keep one penny of every dollar in the City coffers (when you have nearly $1 billion in potential taxable sales, it adds up to millions), save $.50 a gallon on your car mileage, ensure that your local businesses can keep investing in the com-munity and providing employment, and show your loyalty to all those generous businesses that have supported you.

Shop local – think BIG!

Business is the Lifeblood of our Community

See Economy, continued on page 9

Business Friendly Environment and Staffing Key to Economic Strength

April 2010 Gilroy Business Focus • www.gilroy.org Page 3

As the new President of the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) I wanted

to give you some idea of who I am and to tell you about the exciting 2010 work program that the GEDC Board has adopted to help build a strong Gilroy economy.

My work background began as a community planner in Alaska where I traveled to diverse communities to help them with planning issues. These were fishing, logging and mining villages. What impressed me most was how each had their own traditions and values that made them unique and a “home” to its residents and businesses. I learned that to be effective in my job, I had to take the time to understand who they were and what was important to them. What was it that made the community “tick”? Only by understanding them could I find ways to bring my energy and “fresh” ideas to bring a positive change.

After seven years, my wife and I (and our two children) moved back to northern California to be closer to family. I then worked in various com-

Building a strong local economymunities as a community development director and planner. About 15 years ago I began to work on development projects including residential and commercial development. This resulted in my posi-tion as Redevelopment Director for the city of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. In Healdsburg I was in charge of affordable housing development and the revitaliza-tion of downtown Healdsburg. I also administered the economic development programs with the Chamber, Visitors Bureau, and the downtown business asso-ciation. I found that actually building something very satisfying, even though I now had to go through the sometimes painful planning and environmental review process like everyone else. The benefit of this experience is that I can now say that I have worked both sides of the counter and understand the needs of developer and city staff.

What attracted me to work with the GEDC in Gilroy? First, I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the board members and the other partners in economic devel-opment. They are really committed to making Gilroy a better place. I also liked

Jane howard,executive directorgilroy visitors bureau

Gilroy’s approach towards economic development. It is truly a partnership. The City, Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau, the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation and private businesses (we call our Partners) have agreed to work together to “make it happen.” yes, there are differences, but they respect each other and are always looking for what is best for Gilroy.

We all know that these are chal-lenging economic times. Rather than to give up and wait for the “recovery”, the above “Gilroy economic coalition” believes that now is the time for all of us to regroup and refocus our efforts to keep businesses open, create jobs and to bring new businesses that would be appropriate to Gilroy. To further this effort a “Gilroy economic coalition” action plan has been prepared which contains several initiatives to invigorate our local economy. In the next Focus I will present the details of this action plan. If you have ideas that might help the Gilroy economy, please give me a call at (408) 847-7611.

RICHARD Spitler,PRESIDENT/CEOGILROY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Economic Development in Gilroy is truly a Partnership

Spring Bringsa Welcome Array of Fun Things to do in Gilroy

News from the Gilroy Visitors BureauChatting recently with the new

President of the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation,

Richard Spitler, I was reminded of the numerous partnerships the Gilroy Visitors Bureau (GVB) has with organizations in our community. Richard commented about the number of board meetings we attend each month and that this certainly caught his eye as a recent arrival from the City of Healdsburg. Participation on these boards contributes significantly to the GVB’s strong relationships and partnerships with these groups. The list of monthly meetings include attendance at the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, Gilroy Gardens, Gilroy Economic Development Corporation, Gilroy Downtown Business Association, Wineries of Santa Clara Valley, and Central Coast Tourism Council board meetings. All of these organizations are key partners of the GVB and each add value to the mission of the Gilroy Visitors Bureau. Add to this list

the numerous committees we serve on, and it’s obvious the GVB is a viable and relevant organization in this community.

How about some recommenda-tions on what to do in the area now that spring has arrived!!! Thanks to a wet winter our hillsides are gorgeous and inviting to enjoy a casual walk or invigorating hike at one of our county parks. Another idea is to take the little ones and visit Gilroy Gardens celebrat-ing their 10th anniversary this year. Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on the weekends in April and 11a.m. – 5 p.m. on some weekdays during spring break, the Park will be a perfect family activity. Can’t forget to mention a special event at the end of April – Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Spring Wine Celebration & BBQ at Casa de Fruta County Park on April 24th from noon to 5 p.m. Meet the winemakers, taste fantastic wines, enjoy a BBQ steak meal and dance to the live music by the House Rockers. By the way,

I want to remind you if you are in the 50+ category – a number of stores at the Gilroy Premium Outlets offer 10% off your entire purchase every Tuesday. Take advantage of this offer in our own backyard and shop local which keeps our sales tax dollars in our community. For a complete list of stores offering the 50 Plus Shopper Perks and more information about any of the suggestions I mentioned above visit our website www.gilroyvisitor.org.

Finally, I have a “Save the Date” announcement for you – the 2nd annual Tee off for Tourism golf tour-nament is scheduled for June 18 at Eagle Ridge Golf Club. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Gilroy Visitors Bureau. Plan a fun day of golf followed by an Awards Dinner Banquet while supporting the Gilroy Visitors Bureau. Call the GVB at 842-6436 for more information.

Page 4 Gilroy Business Focus • www.gilroy.org April 2010

We all know the importance of safety in the workplace. But in those instances

where a work-related injury or illness occurs, we have workers’ compensation to protect both the employee and the employer. Workers’ Comp serves to provide the injured person with medical care and other benefits at the employer’s expense (via workers’ comp). Conversely, Workers’ Comp affords the employer protection: matters arising out of a work-related injury or illness must be exclusively remedied through Workers’ Comp to avoid a crippling lawsuit to the business. This all sounds good, and this actually works well in some states, but we happen to live in a state that is extremely ‘pro-employee’. Settlements for Workers’ Comp can be extremely one-sided in favor of the claimant. yep, welcome to California where your workers’ comp may be on the hook for paying for a claimant’s housekeeper should the medical provider deem it necessary (Smyers v. Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board).

The vast majority of Workers’ Comp claims are legitimate and benefit good, hard-working people who want to return to the life they had before the injury. In cases where the injury is not very serious and the injured person has a great attitude, the life of the claim is relatively short (3 months or less) thanks to the employ-ee being diligent about their medical care and having a genuine desire to return to their job. This type of claim will resolve with no permanent dis-ability, no future medical care, and no permanent work restrictions. The person resumes his or her life as it was pre-injury.

Then there is the other type of claim, the one that takes a life of its own and becomes extremely costly. More complicated injuries will tend to extend the life of the claim – more medical treatment and possibly some lost time may be involved with recov-ery taking longer.

And then again, there are claims where the injury is not so medically complicated but somehow the claim just keeps going on and on. The longer the claim is open, the more likely a person is going to seek legal representation which only adds to the cost of the claim and the level of com-plexity. When such a claim starts taking a life of its own, it is time to apply your knowledge of Workers’ Comp and keep the claim moving. For instance:

Do you have a claim where the doctor• keeps prescribing the same work restrictions and there is no marked improvement; • medical treatment is not yielding results but there is no new medical plan; or • the doctor is not willing to discuss a treatment plan?

It’s probably time to object to medical treatment and order a QME (Qualified Medical Examiner). Is the person legally represented? Then request an AME (Agree Medical Examiner) – your attor-ney and the applicant’s attorney agree on a medical examiner and go from there. Usually an AME or a QME will find the injured person to be Permanent and Stationary (P&S) and you can begin dis-cussing settlement. (P&S – the person has reached maximum improvement). If the person is not found P&S then you will need to follow the medical treatment prescribed by the AME/QME. Of course, the QME and AME process does not hap-pen overnight: it can take four months for the Medical Unit to issue a panel of QME providers and the applicant’s attorney may not be so agreeable or quick to agree on an AME provider. This whole process can be frustratingly long.

Assuming the injured worker is now Permanent & Stationary and you have agreed on a settlement, you now have to obtain the WCAB’s approval (Workers’ Comp Appeals Board). Obtaining a hear-ing date with the WCAB, as you may have guessed, does not happen overnight. Once you have the WCAB review your settle-ment, it may not necessarily be approved.

WCAB’s have been known to reject a settlement and tell you and the injured worker to come up with a new settlement as the one you presented did not afford the claimant enough benefits.

It used to be that ‘Permanent and Stationary’ was the finish line – for better or for worse, both the claimant and the employer were stuck with this declaration and the settlement was built around the permanent disability and future medi-cal care resulting from the P&S status. However, recently claimants have chal-lenged just how ‘permanent’ permanent disability is. In the Ogilvie case, the claim-ant remained unemployed for two years after the settlement of the claim, thus the claimant is now seeking additional permanent disability. never mind that the labor market is really tight now and that there are many unemployed people – somehow this person’s disability rating was lacking and additional benefits are being requested.

Believe it or not, the current state of workers’ compensation laws in California is a big improvement compared to pre-2004. The definition of permanent dis-ability was previously very broad before the reform, i.e. it was far easier to claim a high permanent disability (more money). Further, a claimant could seek care with any medical provider regardless of injury type and it was compounded with a the vocational rehabilitation system of “cash it in and spend as you wish”.

naturally, not everyone has been a fan of the changes in California’s workers’ comp laws. Recently, two claims (Almarez/Guzman) have chal-lenged the stricter definitions of per-manent disability, and in so doing, have opened the door for other claims to define a permanent disability on anything “within the four corners of the AMA Guides”.

The upcoming governor elec-tion is going to be key for our cur-rent Workers’ Comp laws. Applicant attorneys, medical care providers, and unions have been vocal about their dislike of the 2004 workers’ comp reform; you can expect they will push for a governor who promises to loosen up current laws.

Presentations on workers’ compen-sation are available for anyone injured at work, but all are welcome to attend. These presentations are offered monthly in 24 cities in California free of charge. San Jose offers presenta-tions the first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. or visit dir.ca.gov/dwc/Workshop.

Know your Workers’ Comp lawby Greg Gallup, Chairman, Government Relations Committee

Representing the Interest of Business With Government

Greg Gallup is General Manager for Cintas Corporation, a leader in corporate identity uniform programs and support services for 800,000 businesses nationwide.

April 2010 Gilroy Business Focus • www.gilroy.org Page 5

It’s time for a change--it’s time you looked like a celebrity! Those are the words coming from Pravana Founder and President, Steve Goddard, as he talks about clients seeking a change from the simple, straight and sleek-hair look of the 90’s. Gilroy’s beauty and styling expert, Kris Hoenck, says that “today’s women are opt-ing for more romantic styles that are softer, looser and less-defined” and to help achieve those “celebrity styles” she is using a new wave prod-uct, Pravana’s Beach Wave, featuring natural amino acids that change how hairs naturally bond without using harsh and damaging chemicals. To learn more and to update your look, call Kris at 408-849-1468 and save with her coupon offering a $45 sav-ings at www.gilroy.org, coupon page.

Did you know that Americans eat approximately 450 slices of pizza per second and that each man, woman, and child in America eats an average of 46 slices (23 pounds) of pizza per year? Dutchman’s Pizza own-ers, Jim and Maria Shuster, hope that you will think of their pizzeria next time you add to those pizza stats! And, If there is a need to raise money for a cause you can always find Dutchman’s Pizza at the top of the list to help. Dutchman’s, 6940 Chestnut Street, is committed to the highest quality foods and service at the lowest possible prices with many family and combo special prices and delivery to Gilroy and surrounding areas — dutchmanspizza.com.

Tough times call for new ideas for market-ing, improving work skills and finding ways to get the work done more effi-ciently. Gavilan College’s Contract and Community Education program can help. On April 10, threy are offering a 3-hour intensive workshop, Marketing your Business on a Budget. Right after the end of that class, you can ramp up your skills by attending Microsoft Excel for the Working Person. Other business training classes coming soon include Accounting Fundamentals of Supervision and Management; Introduction to QuickBooks and much more. If you have a need for specialized training for your employees, we can bring that training right to your site. For more information, contact Terry newman at 408-852-2804 or visit http://gavilan.augusoft.net.

Beginning March 22, PennyCakes, 1280 F First St., will be open on Mondays. Their new hours will be Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. new to PennyCakes is a vegan cupcake with vegan icing. It made its first showing in February to great reviews. They will be offering the vegan cupcakes at least once a week and vegan cakes will be available to you by special order. PennyCakes is always interested in new flavor sugges-tions. Recommend your favorite flavor and if your request is selected, you will receive four free cupcakes of your choice. you can email suggestions to penny@pennycakes.net, or call them at 408-846-0613. Be sure and post to PennyCakes’ FAn Page on Facebook (show your sup-port by becoming a FAn) or just let us know the next time you are in the shop. Don’t forget that Mothers’ Day is May 9, and they have several new cake designs this year, so check out their website www.pennycakes.net.

Al Tervalon, ActionCOACH, is excited that Brad Sugars, founder and CEO of ActionCoach Business Coaching, one of USA’s fastest growing franchises, is bring-ing the “Business is Booming” north American Tour to San Jose on May 25. Discover business-building secrets that has helped others find thousands of dollars in untapped profit opportunities. To

learn more and register for this exciting opportunity, you can contact Al Tervalon directly at (408) 425-4832 or go to www.businessisboomingtour.com using the Ticket Code, ALT001 for your free ticket to learn how to take your business to the next level.

Christi Garcia, Edward Jones Investments, invites you to her monthly educational luncheon at the office, 7877 Wren Ave., Suite A on April 15 and learn the Smart Start to Mutual Funds. Please RSVP (408-842-6943 or email christi.garcia@edwardjones.com), if attending this lunch/seminar that begins at 12:30.

Fortino Winery, 4525 Hecker Pass Highway, will be busy with three separate and special events in April. On April 9 there will be a Pick-Up Party for Wine Club Members from 7-9 p.m.. April 10, a Bridal Tasting, and on April 24 the annual Spring BBQ for the Wineries of Santa Clara at Casa de Fruta. For information, call 408-842-3305 or visit the website at www.fortinowinery.com.

Rebekah Childrens’ Services third annual Bowl-a-Thon will be held on April 16 at Morgan Hill Bowl from 4 - 6:30.p.m. Teams of four are invited to participate. The person with the highest amount of pledges will win a Kindle, elec-tronic reading device. Other prizes include an iPod Touch, iTunes gift certificates and a digital camera. More information and pledge forms are available at www.bowla-thon.net/events/rcs.

your Fresh Mex fiesta is just a phone call away. Let Chevy’s Fresh Mex Restaurant, 8440 Murray Avenue., help transform your next party! From the traditional buffet, to kick-start fiesta platters, salad fiestas, and sizzling fajitas are just a few of the dishes that will create a Grand Shindig! For years, Chevy’s Fresh Mex restaurant has been providing guests the ideal setting for birthdays, anniversa-ries, baby or wedding showers and every-thing in between. now they’ll help you plan your next event, big or small -- just call Gabriel at 408-847-2726.

Spring classes at Studio Three, 7488 Monterey Street, are filling up quickly. now in their eighth season, Studio Three offers students, youth to adult, the opportunity to learn in an inviting, non-competitive environment with great personal attention. Enjoy indi-vidual, personal time for you and your children as you learn ballet (the basis for all dance) that strengthens and pro-vides a whole body work-out, tap, jazz, waltz, tango, swing, cha cha, rumba, foxtrot, lyrical and musical theater. Classes are available Monday through Saturday, afternoon to evening-for a complete schedule visit the website at www.studiothreedance.com or call 408-846-5392. Are you planning a wed-ding? Look great on the dance floor -- adult ballroom classes will be on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Jennifer Beninger with GoSmallBiz is excited to announce a new service to help all business owners. Do you know how most business owners would like to spend less time on the activities of running a business that does not gen-erate income? Well, what Jennifer is pleased to announce is a new way for all business owners to spend more time generating income and less time in the back office. Jennifer is currently taking 15 minute appointments to show you how to increase profits! Call her today at 408-667-0620.

Famous Dave’s to go! A slam dunk for any size party – any size budget. Award-winning sandwiches, wings and hickory-smoked ribs-are the kind of game highlights everyone will remem-ber. And they work with any budget. Whether you want them to handle part of your spread or you want to go whole hog, just make the call, 408-842-1400 or visit their website, www.Famousdaves.com.

Enjoy friendly card games at Garlic City Casino. Ky Phuon, owner of the Garlic City Casino, 40 Hornlein Court, wants to help your organiza-tion host its next fund-raising Texas Hold’em Tournament. Give Ky a call at 925-487-6355 or stop by any after-noon or evening to discuss details.

What’s new with Chamber Businesses!

sue thurmanbusiness relationsHIP managergilroy chamber of commerce

Page 6 Gilroy Business Focus • www.gilroy.org April 2010

The Gilroy Chevrolet Cadillac team hosted a full evening of music, door

prizes, networking, fine hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, surrounded by new model cars throughout their showroom.

Gilroy Chevrolet Cadillac offers great deals with affordable financing options. Located at 6720 Bear Cat Court, Troy Pelzl and his professional sales and service staff are an integral part of the Gilroy community. They invite you to stop by their show-room and check out the cars and trucks – shop local, save valu-able dollars, and drive a little, save a lot!

New Members

Troy Pelzl, General Manager and the team at Gilroy Chevrolet Cadillac.

The Chamber welcomes new members, Deborah McDonald, Liberty Tax Service, Chris Hoch, CAN Independent Representative, and Roslyn Jacobs, Edward Jones Investments.

Gilroy Chevrolet Cadillac hosts March Mixer Member Renewals The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce appreciates the support of our mem-bers. Investment dollars are dedi-cated to vital programs such as eco-nomic development, scholarships, business marketing, leadership programs and more. We applaud each of you for helping make Gilroy a better place to live and work.

20 years & overAlpine LandscapeC & n TractorsEngraving Company, TheGavilan CollegeGolden 1 Credit UnionMission Linen SupplyThe Printing SpotSt. Joseph’s Family CenterTemple-Inland

15 years & overDequin’s Auto Body & PaintFamily Choice ChiropracticLeTip Int. – Gilroy Branch

10 years & overAl Pinheiro InsuranceThe G.B. Group, Inc.Law Offices of Andrea FortinoPreferred AutomotiveRound the Clock TiresSanta Clara Valley Water DistrictSo. Valley Pregnancy Care CenterVisual Edge Optometric GroupWings of History

5 years & overAmerican General Financial, Inc.Betabel RV ResortBlack Bear DinerChili’sErnie’s Plumbing & Repair ServiceTerry FeinbergFitness for Adults in Transition – EnergizeGilroy Flower ShopGilroy High School Athletic Assoc.Susie HaddockHaran Schoming AgencyIntegrated Office InteriorsIntero real Estate, Kim Mercer-ClausPaps Hecker Pass LiquorsSouth Pacific Orchids, Inc.

April 2010 Gilroy Business Focus • www.gilroy.org Page 7

Village Green of Gilroy offers all the amenities of a full service, gated community especially for seniors age 62 or better. Senior residents

enjoy a full range of activities and care while their friends and family can have piece of mind knowing that their loved one is being cared for with dignity and respect. Village Green of Gilroy offers a great continuum of housing, services and care options including:

• The Promenade Assisted Living Center with optional services and amenities

• The Plaza & Courtyard Memory Care for resi-dents with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

• The Town Square for active, independent living with moderate-income apartment rentals

• The Cottages for active, independent residents who wish to purchase their residence.

Village Green is nestled on 22-acres of beauti-fully landscaped grounds with spectacular views and amenities and conveniently located to shopping, medical services, churches, downtown Gilroy, and neighboring communities.

Michele Cambra, Marketing Director at Village Green provides an overview of the quality programs and services at Village Green in Gilroy.

Supervisor, continued from page 1

unsustainable . Exploring options to contract out services hit home and demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges that face government agencies that are strapped by contract agreements, and the role of elected officials to ensure economic viability.

In a field of very qualified candidates, the Endorsement Committee agreed that Wasserman is the candidate that would best serve the needs of Chamber members and the business community and received the endorsement of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce for Santa Clara County District 1 Supervisor.

RECYCLINGis good for your business

and the environment!

Call Julie Alterat 846-1392

to start a businessrecycling program.

1351 Pacheco HighwayGilroy, CA 95020

842-3358

RSV_AD_4.5x2.indd 1 12/13/09 10:46:42 AM

New Members Village Green sponsors March Breakfast ClubD. R. Domenichini ConstructionP. O. Box 1430 San Martin • 691-3283Construction / Contractor Services

Edward Jones Investments-Roslyn Jacobs2600 Club Drive Gilroy • 846-0637Financial Advisors

Garlic City Casino40 Hornlein Court Gilroy • 487-6355Entertainment

Garlic City Computer and Network1229 Ayer Drive Gilroy • 465-6200Computer Services

USA Sports8840 Muraoka Drive Ste. 100 Gilroy • 848-8720Child / Development Services

Westmont of Morgan Hill1160 Cochrane Road Morgan Hill • 779-8490Senior Housing

Network CaféAffordable RoofingFortino Winerynaturals La Siesta SpaPure Water Bottling

BreakfastVillage Green Best BuyHilton Garden InnI FIT FinancialLiberty TaxPure Water Bottling

Thank You March Raffle Prizes

MixerGilroy Chevrolet/Cadillac Edward Jones, Roslyn JacobsFortino WineryGilroy Today MagazineI FIT FinancialPinnacle BankPure Water BottlingSharon Holloway, MassageSolis WineryUvas Creek Cellars

Page 8 Gilroy Business Focus • www.gilroy.org April 2010

With two locations to serve you…GILROY MORGAN HILL779 First Street 263 Vineyard Town Center408.842.1646 408.776.1888

Spa Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-8pmSunday 10 am - 6 pm

www.lavenderluxuryspa.com

Human ResourcesEach month, the Gilroy Business Focus will feature a topic regard-ing employee/employer issues. Our guest columnist is Joyce Briones, Briones HR Solutions. This month’s topic is on required labor law postings. The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce provides these resources at cost to mem-bers.

Q: Do I really need to have a new labor law compliance poster every year?

A: yes, the penalties for not having the current State and Federal postings can be up to $17,000! All employers must have the most up to date posters up in an area that employees visit throughout their workday. These are available in both English and Spanish. For those employ-ers with multiple work sites or offices, remember that the law requires a poster at each work site. not only do the posters have to be up, they should be “filled in” with the contact details for the company’s worker’s comp carrier, the pay day information and emergency contact info. Most employment laws are based on the number of employees on payroll, but several laws, including the need to have current State and Federal postings, are required for all size employers. Visit www.brioneshrsolutions for more information.

Joyce Briones, Briones HR Solutions

New MembersD.R. Domenichini Construction408-691-3283 • www.drdcon.com • Owner: David DomenichiniAll aspects of construction for residential and commercial remodeling and repair projects. Fully licensed, bonded and insured. D.R. Domenichini Construction performs all aspects of construction including residential: kitchens, bathrooms, room additions, garages, plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinetry, windows, doors, crown molding, roofing, general home improvement, remodeling, repairs and handyman-type work; and commercial: tenant improvements, HVAC, asphalt, concrete, handicap compliance, upgrades, design and build. Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. “We have grown our business from client referrals and want to demonstrate to you our commitment to excellent customer care, integrity, com-mitment and communication. Receive 20% off the first $1,000 of residential services. Visit www.drdcon.com to see more, and call for your free estimate.”

Edward Jones InvestmentsRoslyn Jacobs • 408-846-0637Personalized financial services based on a one-to-one relationship. Ask Roslyn Jacobs, Edward Jones Investment for a portfolio review, investment strategies, and other products. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; evening and Saturdays by appointment. Roslyn will be holding seminars and coffee clubs on a regular basis. Call for more information and to included as her guest.

Garlic City Computer and Network408-465-6200 • www.gccan.net • Owners: Walt Maslanka & Chris CoffinAre your applications running slower than they used to? Have you secured your wireless? Is web-browsing becoming increasingly slower? Did your computer crash and lose your data? Are you needing help as you develop your website? GCCAn will set-up and evaluate your new or current computer, printer and net-work at your home or business, using the latest technology. Having over 30 years experience, Chris and Walt take pride in their work and guarantee: “if we can’t fix it, there is no charge!” Open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Student and senior discounts and monthly on-line specials. Free local pick-up and delivery.

Natural La Siesta Spa13295 Monterey Road • San Martin • 779-8466 • Manager: Cindi TorresHours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. natural La Siesta continues to enjoy success as their 20 year anniversary approaches. Founded in 1990, the company initially focused on hair, nails and makeup and quickly expanded to include skin care, micro-dermabra-sion, massages and body treatments, in addition to its retail boutique. naturals new location in San Martin and in celebration of their momentous anniversary will be offering several specials. For more information visit www.naturalslasiestas-pa.com and please join them for appetizers and refreshments at the official grand opening, anniversary celebration on April 16 at 5:30 p.m.

I want a bank to grow with my company.

www.pinnaclebankonline.comCommercial BankingLoans and Lines of Credit

Cash Management

Gilroy Office(408) 842-82007597 Monterey StreetGilroy, CA 95020

SBA Preferred Lender

As my business has grown over the past few years, I have needed a bank that could grow right along with me—a bank that could meet my needs as things change and offer solutions that help me work more efficiently and effectively. That’s exactly what I get with Pinnacle Bank. A local-minded team of banking professionals that offer extraordinary service and who treat my small business with big business respect. That’s a crew I want on my team.

Dean Filice, Owner, All Season’s Pool Service

April 2010 Gilroy Business Focus • www.gilroy.org Page 9

16, continued from page 1

in the purchase of wholesale power. The Power Authority would also set elec-tric rates for all consumers in its district. Rates for transmission, distribution and metering will continue to be set by the CPUC. Similar programs work successfully in Ohio and new England.

The Government Relations Committee (GRC) provided a forum for both proponents and opponents to view their positions on March 12, and a recom-mendation from the GRC to the Chamber Board was that the ballot initiative was not in the best interest of the economic vitality of Gilroy, and recom-mended an oppose position.

Proponents from PG&E stated that requiring a super majority will ensure that a government-run electricity business will get the public discussion it deserves. PG&E, which reported a $1.22 billion profit in 2009, notified its shareholders that the cost of contributions to the “yes on 16” campaign will amount to 6-9 cents per share of the stock and expect to spend between $25-$35 million on its campaign to get voters to say “yes” to Proposition 16.

Opponents from Local Power argued that this special interest initiative would sabotage existing law allowing communities to choose alternatives to PG&E. Over the years, Local Power has provided assistance and encouraged California cities to complete their community aggregation and self-generation implementation plans in time to ward off a massive push for power plant construction by California’s bailed out electric utilities, PG&E, Southern California Edison and Sempra (San Diego Gas & Electric).

What does a “No On Prop 16” mean for Gilroy economic development?The Gilroy Economic Development 2010 Business Plan calls for a feasibility study on Community Choice Aggregation that might provide competitively price energy for business and residential users. Should Proposition 16 pass, a local or regional power authority would be difficult to establish based on the voting threshold needed of a super majority of constituents versus a simple majority vote of the City Council.

Economy, continued from page 2

to expand, our community will be well-positioned for the development of current and new business expansion.

In the same way we are preparing for the recovery of the economy, it is incumbent on you as local business to do the same. One of the best ways you can do this is to take advantage of all the opportunities provided by the Chamber. There are monthly opportunities to build your business at the Mixer, the Breakfast Club or the network Café. you can call on Sue Thurman who will be happy to assist you in developing social networking opportunities or give advice on the many other ways to get the word out about your business. Join the Ambassadors! They do a great job supporting the activities of the chamber and are the first to meet our new members. If you are interested in being involved in legislative issues, the Government Relations Committee looks at important issues facing all business and keeping the needs of business in the minds of decision makers. There are many other ways to be involved with the Annual Dinner Committee, the Scholarship Committee and the Finance Committee, just to name a few. So give one of our great staff members or one of the members of the Board of Directors a call and get involved. you get the most out of the Chamber by being active in the Chamber. Don’t forget: “Our business is your business”.

Friday, May 7TH and Saturday, May 8TH 2010Check In Between 10AM - 2PM

Tickets: $25 in advance; $30 at the door • (408)706-6235www.gilroyassistanceleague.org

Presented by the Gilroy Assistance League

Featuring the Hillside Homes of GilroyStarting at 2140 Mantelli Drive, Gilroy

Hors d'oeuvres & No-Host Wine TastingHome & Garden Décor Boutique

100% of all proceeds benefit our local youth

Page 10 Gilroy Business Focus • www.gilroy.org April 2010

Patrick Moore receives Good Egg Award

The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce presented the nob Hill Foods Golden Egg award to Patrick Moore for the 6,000+ hours contributed to the com-munity over the past ten years. He was presented the Good Egg award in

2002, but the continuation of his volunteer services merited a Golden Egg.Moore is the Volunteer

Coordinator for the Gilroy Police Department Volunteers in Policing Program. He handles all the adminis-trative responsibilities and is an active responder and trainer for people coming into the program. He has also been the driving force behind Gilroy’s Amateur Radio Emergency Services Group. He coordinates amateur com-munications for emergency response activities such as the April 2009 cable cut our community experienced.

Chairman of the Board Gregg Giusiana, stated, “Whether it is disaster preparedness, supporting the efforts of our public safety personnel, or providing the training and support to our community, Patrick Moore has truly earned the Golden Egg award from the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce.”

Chairman of the Board, Gregg Giusiana, presents Nob Hill Foods Golden Egg award to Patrick Moore for outstanding leadership with the Volunteer in Policing, emergency services, and amateur Civil Emergency Services.

This Month the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Features Signs:

Industry Highlight

Chaparral Signs195 San Pedro, BldgC9 Morgan Hill • 779-4242

Z Graphics Sign Service, Inc.7457 Eigleberry Street Gilroy • 842-7755

“We love making you look good!”

Young Sign Company7393 Eigleberry Street Gilroy • 842-4145

Michael and Terry Hubbs, Owners of Chaparral Signs & Auto Graphics.

On the floor, drawing signs for local fruit stands in a 30’x30’ shop located in his backyard, is how Terry Hubbs began his business over 32 years ago. Today, in a new state-of-the-art building, located at 195 San Pedro in Morgan Hill, Terry

and his son, Michael, work together designing and creating a full range of marketing tools. Michael began working for his Dad as a child, sweeping floors, watching and learn-ing. He also worked at Indian Motorcycle for a period of time, doing their one-of-a-kind, prototypes and prize-winning custom paint jobs, including bikes for Jeff Garcia, Arnold Schwarzenegger, nASCAR drivers, Bobby and Terry LaBonte, Dale Jarret and Jeff Gordon. In fact, he has even painted police bikes for some action movies.

Chaparrel Signs and Auto Graphics provides a full array of services including busi-ness cards, banners, logo designs, truck/car lettering, and auto-graphics, and professional custom signs. “you name it, we’ll flame it” indicates that the sky is the limit on what they create.

Calling themselves the “Dream Team”, Terry and Michael combine 75 years of expe-rience to make customer’s dreams a reality with their innovative, one-of-a-kind designs. Classic to flamboyant, old school to state-of-the-art, from mild to wild, Chaparral Signs & Auto Graphics creates your personal sign for success. For samples of their work, visit their website at www.chaparralsigns.com or give them a call at 408-779-4242.

April 2010 Gilroy Business Focus • www.gilroy.org Page 11

Youth OpportunitiesMemorial Day Essay ContestAll students in grades 3 – 12 are invited to enter the Memorial Day Essay Contest and win valuable Savings Bonds courtesy of Pinnacle Bank. All student entries must address the theme, “What Memorial Day means to me” and submit essays no later than May 19. Entry forms are available at the Chamber and will be posted online at www.gilroycommunity.org. The Memorial Day Essay Contest is a part of the overall Memorial Day event organized by the Memorial Day Committee through the Gilroy Community Organization.

Youth High Five AwardThe “High 5” youth Award is presented monthly by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce to recognize an outstanding community service, outstanding contribu-tion of service on a school campus; outstanding youth projects, youth leadership, or youth success in Gilroy.

Any Gilroy youth (18 years and under), youth group, or youth-oriented orga-nization may qualify, and nominations need to be submitted in writing with suf-ficient support information to the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, 7471 Monterey Street, Gilroy.

In recognition of the youth, a plaque is presented to the recipient at the monthly “Breakfast Club” meeting with a photo in the Gilroy Business Focus, and a presentation of over $75 in certificates, passes, and gifts from a sponsoring busi-ness. For information, contact the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce at 842-6437 or e-mail chamber@gilroy.org.

Graduating seniors can apply for valuable scholarshipsThe Gilroy Chamber of Commerce will be awarding $3,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors. To apply, stop by the Chamber office, go online to www.gilroy.org, or visit the campus counselor in charge of scholarship applications. Deadline is May 14, 2010.

By Eric Howard, Chairman of the BoardGilroy Downtown Business Association

This is an exciting time in our historic downtown district with entertainment and events on the docket. Mark your calendar for May 15 when Gilroy rolls out the welcome mat for a Downtown Wine Stroll. For $20, guests will

receive an etched, wine glass and enjoy tasting from fifteen local wineries in various businesses throughout the downtown. This will be a memorable, fun event – and people are already looking to purchase tickets.

Then, on June 26, the 9th Annual Garlic City Fun Run Car Show arrives in style. The all-day event will feature some of the finest classic cars in the region, non-stop bands, raffles, and the hospitality that makes Gilroy a fun place to play.

Entertainment abounds in the downtown with the Gaslighter Theater comedy shows on the last Wednesday of every month, as well as, the piano bar on Fridays and Saturday evenings. The newly-opened Station 55 has live bands on Friday and Saturday nights, and your hosts, Bobby and Fran Beaudett invite everyone to stop by and enjoy an evening in the historic firehouse. And then there is Flamenco dancing on the last Sunday of the month at the Lizarran Restaurant. The tapas, fine wines, and ambiance of the Lizarran is the perfect place to enjoy lunch, dinner, or a special event.

As you can tell, there is a lot of energy and excitement in your downtown, and, on behalf of the Board and businesses throughout our district, we invite you to enjoy the heart of your community – downtown Gilroy!

Downtown GilroyExciting things are happening in downtown Gilroy

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Business After Hours M

ixerThurs

day, A

pril 8

• 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Hosted by Bruce’s Tire, 7700 M

onterey Street

Wine • H

ors d’oeuvres • Door Prizes • Netw

orking

Breakfast Club

Wednesday, A

pril 2

1 • 6:45 - 8:00 am

Sponsored by Pinnacle Bank Loca

tion: H

ilton Garden Inn

Raffle Prizes • Cash Prize Drawing • Netw

orking • Economic Updates

Mem

bers: $12 per person $15 without a reservation.

For reservations, call 842-6437.

Find out what’s new

in the business comm

unity …can you afford N

OT to be there?

Netw

orking Café

Wednesday, A

pril 2

8 • 11:45 am

to 1:15 pm

Claddagh Irish Restaurant, 1300 First Street, Suite A

$20/m

embers • $45/

non-mem

ber • RSVP required, call 842-6437.

The Netw

orking Café is a business lead group designed to develop new contacts.

Reserve your seat at the Netw

orking Café and build your business over lunch.

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS

Congratulations to the C

ity of Morgan H

ill for making a splash

with your brand new

Aquatics Program

!

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w.articulate-solutions.com

(408) 842.2275

Glad w

e could help.A

rticulate Solutions, winner of over 50 international aw

ards including the 2009 C

omm

unicator of Excellence Award

and 2009 Summ

it Silver Award.