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Business UpdateAWARD-WINNING MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

DECEMBER 2016 • VOLUME 36 • NUMBER 12 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG

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VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • NOVEMBER 26, 2016

VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION ICONS

Business-Government Business Relations Promoting Community Strong Local Economy

UPCOMING EVENTSDECEMBER 9:36th Annual Christmas TreeAuctionVisalia Convention Center5:30 - 11:00 pmTickets requiredwww.visaliachamber.org559-734-5876

DECEMBER 14:Slideshow Presentation - ColoradoRockiesCity of Visalia Administration Office222 N. Santa Fe12:00 pm

The Colorado Rockies: FeaturingNational Parks and Historic TrainsJuly 14 - 22, 2017Iceland: Land of Fire and IceJuly 19 - 23, 2017Spotlight on RomeSeptember 5 - 11, 2017ChinaOctober 6 - 14, 2017

Collette VacationsMayflower ToursCistlinc

For more information, go towww.visaliachamber.org/travel

We Invite you toExplore in 2017!

A major component to our mission is providing leadership andeducational training. Many are familiar with Leadership Visalia, theYoung Entrepreneurs Academy and our monthly Business AcademyWorkshops. Although these programs are outstanding, we often areasked about front line and/or customer service trainings/workshopsavailable for the business community that will help to strengthentheir team, and help their business grow.

In response to these multiple member requests, the VisaliaChamber recently hosted the Disney Institute for the third time in 5years. Given the strong response of previous institutes the Chambermoved the event to the Convention Center where more than 180business professionals gathered to learn from the industry standard inquality service. For many local employers the local Disney Instituteallowed them to send multiple staff members to the training. Heldlocally, this eliminated the cost of travel and accommodations that sooften strain a company budget.

As a Chamber we are proud to be able to bring world class trainingsto Visalia. We believe that providing educational opportunities to thebusiness community strengthens not just the businesseswho attend but the entire city as a whole. The DisneyInstitute focused on teaching local businesses all aboutDisney’s Approach to Quality Service. Disney Institutebelieves “Excellent service does not simply come from afriendly transaction or helpful technology - it is the resultof truly understanding your customer’s expectationsand putting the right guidelines and service standardsin place to exceed them”. Attendees agreed that therewere many informational nuggets that they will be instituting attheir place of business in the coming months in order to increase thequality of their service.

One of the overarching themes from the day was “results aredriven by overmanaging certain things that most companiesundermanage or ignore … you must learn to be intentional whereothers are unintentional”. Attendees quickly learned that over-

managing does notmean micro managing,quite the opposite. Toover-manage somethingmeans to put into placevery specific processesand procedures that arefamiliar to all employeesso that even the smallestdetail is not ignored orforgotten.

The Disneyfacilitators quotedthe GallupOrganization whenthey noted, “Ifyou do not makean emotionalconnection withcustomers, thensatisfaction isworthless”. The facilitators noted that if a customer comes to yourplace of business or purchases something from you, they you have towork to create an emotional connection with the customer or elsethere is a good chance that they will not return. Additional researchsuggests that organizations that create emotional connectionsoutperform competitors by 26% in gross margin and 85% in sales

growth. Emotionally engaged customers are:• At least three times more likely to recommend• Three times more likely to re-purchase• Less likely to shop around• Much less price sensitiveAn emotional connection with customers first starts

with internal staff members. It is vital that businessesdefine and employees understand the common purpose.The common purpose gives employees a reason to come

to work and helps to provide meaning to even the most menial ofprojects. It is the common purpose that helps a team to work togetherand strive to provide a better customer experience. Creating acommon purpose is one example of how a business can successfullyovermanage a part of their business without micromanaging theemployees.

There were many other topics covered including breakingstereotypes, creating a compass to better understand customers,and the economics of investing in creating a memorable customerexperience. Needless to say there was something valuable for everyindividual who attended this training.

As a Chamber we take seriously the need to provide high qualityeducational training and development opportunities for our businesscommunity. We appreciate the input from our members and thebusiness community who support our mission and request that webring opportunities like the Disney Institute to Visalia.

The Visalia Chamber ofCommerce Brings Disney Institute to VisaliaCommerce Brings Disney Institute to Visalia

BUSINESSSPOTLIGHT

By Colin FraneyAlbert Einstein said “Education is not the learning of facts, but

the training of the mind to think.” A very appropriate quote whichwas handed out by the session organizers, just one small touch thatmade the day truly awesome. Awesome as defined by Merriam-Webster means extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring greatadmiration. As a future parent of a Visalia Unified School District(VUSD) student, that is how I felt when being presented with thesize and scope of how we as a community are choosing to educateour children, the next generation of leaders.

Our day began bright and early, as would any student’s, at thenewly built Ridgeview Middle School. However this was just apreemptive move for later in the day, our chariot, a school bus ofcourse, picked us up and took us to Oak Grove Elementary K-8thschool. We were fortunate enough to witness the Friday assemblywhich served as an opportunity to recognize various students whohad performed or succeeded in a noteworthy manner. Many parentswere on hand to see their children receive awards for studious,kind, or morally exemplary behavior. Having been out of the school

system myself for overa decade, I was takenaback by the numberof patriotic songs thatwere sung. Appreciationand recognition ofthe freedoms andprotections we have inthis county is importantand I was pleased to see

the “Pledge of Allegiance” and America the Beautiful, among othersbeing recited.

Oak Grove is somewhat unique in that the campus containsboth middle and elementary students. We had a conversationwith Principal John Davis on his thoughts of this education modeland how that has succeeded at Oak Grove. The class broke into

smaller groups, leadby Principal Davis,Principal’s AssistantPam Ross, andElementary AssistantPrincipal Kelly Link,and we rotated througha Kindergarten, 4thgrade, 7th grade, and8th grade class. I wasimpressed with the amount of technology in use by both studentsand teachers; it was seamlessly integrated into classes and seemed toenhance the learning opportunities. After the tour, we sat down withMr. Jim Sullivan, the Director of State and Federal Projects for VUSDand received a whirl wind presentation on how funding comes infrom various sources, how it is distributed, and the equations usedto determine funding levels. Needless to say it is very complicated,counterintuitive, and confusing. To end on a high note, we jumpedinto a school sing-a-long with some of the elementary students andit was a jovial experience.

We then headed out to Sycamore Valley Academy(SVA) and weregiven a tour by Principal Damien Phillips. SVA is a sponsored charterschool, meaning its charter was initially sponsored by VUSD andthey work in collaboration on things such as facilities and supplies.However, educationally SVA operates independently and employsa Project Based Learning (PBL) model. We were able to view anumber of classes in session, including several mixed age classes.While all the students were excited and willing to engage us, severalof the 6th and 7th graders we met were passionate about what theywere learning and how they were learning it. One young gentlemanwhen discussing President Andrew Jackson, engaged strongly andintelligently with my classmates, several left the room wonderingif they had just met the future President of the United States.

Leadership /4

Getting an Education:Leadership Visalia Style

Some Parts of NewFederal Overtime

Rule Don’t Apply inCalifornia

Can Californiaemployers count bonusesand commissionstoward the new federalsalary requirement?Can employees inCalifornia be classified as

exempt under the “highly compensatedemployee” exemption?

No, and no. Neither of these twoprovisions of the new federal overtimerule—which raises the federal salarytest for the executive, administrative andprofessional exemptions to $913 per week($47,476 annually) effective December 1,2016—apply to California employees.Bonuses and Commissions

In addition to increasing the salarytest, the new federal rule revises thesalary test to allow employers to usenondiscretionary bonuses and incentivepayments, such as commissions, to meeta portion of the test.

Subject to certain requirements,employers will now be able to rely onbonuses and commissions to satisfy upto 10% of the new federal salary test forworkers outside California.

Overtime /2

Fresno Pacific University sent staff membersto Disney Institute to learn how to better

serve their customers

Attendees participated in interactive activitiesthroughout the entire workshop.

2 • DECEMBER 2016 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • NOVEMBER 26, 2016

About this publication …Business Update is the official monthly publication of theVisalia Chamber of Commerce, 222 N. Garden St., Ste. 300,Visalia, CA 93291, (559) 734-5876. Periodicals, Postage Paidat Visalia, CA 93277; Publication No. USPS 494-660. AnnualSubscription rate $15. Postmaster: Send address changesto Visalia Chamber of Commerce, 222 N. Garden St.,Ste. 300, Visalia, CA 93291. Advertising information, callthe Visalia Times-Delta at 559.735.3235. Editor: NicolaWissler. Layout: Times-Delta Media Group.©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means ofthe entire contents or any portion of this publication without writtenpermission is prohibited. The appearance of any advertisements inthe publication does not constitute support or endorsement for anyproduct, person, cause, business or organization named therein,unless specifically noted otherwise in the advertisement.

Community LoyaL members

NewThe Visalia Chamber of Commercewould like to welcome our newestmembers. We encourage individualsand businesses to support ChamberMember businesses.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OFUNIVERSITY WOMEN (AAUW)Civic & Service Clubs559-623-9066

AMTRAK SAN JOAQUINTransportationANGEL’S MAID & JANITORIALSERVICECleaning Services559-804-974

ART BY MACARENOArts, Culture & Humanities559-308-8660

ELAINE MARTELCivic Minded IndividualFRONTGATE PROPERTIESReal Estate559-805-6106

INDEPENDENT ORDER OFODD FELLOWS, FOUR CREEKSLODGE #94Non-ProfitJP ELECTRIC & SOLARElectrician & Electrical Services559-733-8313

PIPELINE.CHURCHReligious559-972-0225PROJECT 2535Non-Profit559-303-7445ROSELAND STUDIOSEvent & Conference Centers559-901-9552VISALIA MODERN DENTISTRYDental559-334-2013VOLT WORKFORCE SOLUTIONSEmployment Agencies559-732-2587

RenewingThe Visalia Chamber of Commerce thanksthe following companies for renewing theircommitment to the community of Visalia.

American Ambulance of Visalia*

Cline’s Business Equipment Inc.*

Collette Vacations

Courtyard Aesthetics*

Edward Jones/Mandy Basra FinancialAdvisor*

EMD Networking Service*

G J Gardener - Tulare County*

Galante Bros Enterprises*

Goodies Cookies & Specialty Cakes

Hanford Sentinel, The*

Integrated Care Systems

Leavitt United Insurance Services*

Marriott Hotel*

Media Solutions, Inc

The Perez Law Firm *

Rabobank-Main Street*

Realty Stars

Sam Logan/Merrill Lynch

San Joaquin Valley Homes*

Santa Fe Aggregates

ServiceMaster by Hellstern

Westgate Gardens Care Center

*Indicates membership in the Visalia Chamber 110% Club.

A thriving community starts here!

“Emerging leaders need mentors to guide them,but they also need a network of peers to reassurethem that they are not on the path alone.” - AlyseNelson, President & CEO, Vital Voices. TheYoung Entrepreneurs Academy CEO Roundtableis an annual event, the purpose of which is thehelp provide YEA! students with the first glimpseof their potential new business network and todemonstration that they have a lot of support from thelocal business community. On Thursday, November17th four local business leaders met with the YEA! students to give advice,answer questions and help teach the students how to make connectionsin the community. The four panelists included: Kellie Black, Owner/Chef,MACHE; Tony Benevento, C.F.O, ServiceMaster by Benevento; CaityMeader, Executive Director, Family Services of Tulare County; and JenniferPendergraft, General Manager, Visalia Rawhide Baseball.

Each of the students had the opportunity to ask the panelists questionsand learn what it takes to become successful business professionals inour community.

“What has been your biggest obstacle?” For most of the panelists theanswer included proving themselves to others. All of the panelists were

relatively young when they began to run theirbusiness, which meant that they had big shoesto fill or a big expectation to meet. Caity Meadernoted, “it was hard being very young in my newposition and proving to the community that I wasup for the challenge and that I could handle theresponsibilities that came with being the ExecutiveDirector when the previous director has been

so well known and respected in the community”.Other obstacles included learning how to delegate. For Kellie Black,MACHE is her baby. In the past she had been a one man show, and nowwith success she is growing the business which means that she needsthe help of others, she has to trust that the people she surrounds herselfwith will do what is best for the business.

“What is your college/education background?” This particularquestions prompted a variety of answers. Two panelists told the studentsabout how they had always wanted to be in business so they have degreesin that area, while the other two received degrees in different fields whichthey felt helped them to look at their business with a new viewpoint.More than anything, the students were encouraged to pursue what wasmost interesting to them, and to be open minded. Each panelist said thatwhere they were today was not where they had initially planned to be.Another point of emphasis was to never stop learning new things.

“What keeps you going when it gets tough?” Panelists took their timeto make sure that the students understood that being an entrepreneur isnot an easy road but that it is rewarding and exciting if you are passionateabout your business. Tony told the students that failure happens everyday and that they should learn to embrace their mistakes. “As long asyou are learning something from your failures/mistakes then you aremoving in the right direction.” Kellie also stated, “if you are going to falldown, fall forward and be willing to ask for help, because no one can doit alone”.

We would like to thank the CEO panelists for helping the YEA! studentsto better understand the journey they are beginning. Each panelistbrought a different perspective, and the students each got the chance tosee what is in store for them as they work to accomplishtheir dreams.

Local CEO’s Bring New Ideas and Perspectivesto Young Entrepreneurs Academy Students

YEA! students networking with Kellie Black,owner of MACHE

YEA! students and CEOs

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Make your Voice Heard, Buy LocalTis the season and you have an important choice. Most people

don’t realize their power this very weekend. I understand.Power and choice after so much turkey doesn’t seem likesomething you can muster but Visalia is depending on you.You really do have a powerful choice to make.

Today is ‘Small BusinessSaturday’. Around thecountry we celebratethose businesses that pourtheir hearts and souls into

their products and services, and in doing so make ourcommunity more vibrant and strong. Starting, running and keepingthe doors of a small business open is not easy. Many have a businessidea but actually turning that idea into a reality that pays the bills;why it’s a thing to marvel at. The only way these small businessescan continue to thrive is if our community spends money withthem. Thus your powerful choice. This weekend as you begin (orfinish) your Christmas shopping, use your dollar to support thosebusinesses that keep Visalia a special place to live, work, and raise afamily. Shopping local means our neighbors have jobs, our city hasfunds to pave our roads, and hire more police; it also encourages allbusiness owners by saying that our community respects their ability

to turn an idea into a reality.Your powerful choices continue

beyond today. ‘Giving Tuesday’allows our local charities to highlight their impactful work

and, through our donations, allows us to support them. Anumber of local charities utilize this day to begin theiryearend giving campaigns. Visalia has a large number ofamazing charities, all of whom impact our communityin ways that support those most in need. A Visaliawithout these charities would be dire, dark and needy.If a charity has touched, impacted or improved your life,

I hope you’d take this day to send a donation as a way to thank themand encourage their work. Not sure which charity to support? OurChamber can supply a list for you to review.

I hope this weekend and the weeks that follow you embracethe power your spending power has in supporting our community.Being deliberate about shopping local and supporting local charitiesmeans we have a stronger community, a community we all want.You control the types of businesses that thrive here; you control thecharities that deliver service here. Please make your voiceheard, Buy Local.

Gail ZurekPresident & CEOVisalia Chamberof Commerce

Overtime(continued from page 1)

You Are CordiallyInvited To Join Us ForA California CompetesTax Credit WorkshopThe Governor’s Office of Business

and Economic Development (GO-Biz)is hosting a workshop on the CaliforniaCompetes Tax Credit. Small, medium, andlarge businesses are encouraged to attendthe workshop and receive instructions onhow to apply for this tax credit program.Event Details:

Date: December 1, 2016Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.Location: Tulare Public Library

City Council Chambers475 North M StreetTulare, CA 93274

Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tulare-go-biz-california-competes-tax-credit-workshop-tickets-27997141203What is the Credit?

The California Competes Tax Credit(CCTC) is an income tax credit availableto businesses that want to locate inCalifornia or stay and grow in California.Who Can Apply?

Any business can apply for the CCTCand there are no geographic or sector-specific restrictions that impact eligibility.In addition, twenty-five percent of thetotal credits available each fiscal year arespecifically reserved for small businesses.Mark Your Calendars!

The next application period beginsJanuary 2, 2017 and closes January23, 2017. Go to calcompetes.ca.gov to apply.

This provision does not apply toCalifornia employees, however. Californialaw does not allow such payments to beused to meet the exempt salary test.

In California, only an employee’sactual salary is considered in determiningwhether the employee meets theapplicable salary test. Although exemptemployees in California can receivebonuses and commissions, they still mustbe paid a salary that meets the applicablesalary test.‘Highly Compensated Employees’

Under federal law, certain “highlycompensated employees” can be exemptby meeting only a minimal duties testif their compensation exceeds a certainamount. The new federal rule changes theannual compensation requirement for thisexemption from $100,000 to $134,004.

This provision also does not applyto California employees. California lawdoes not have a “highly compensatedemployee” exemption. For an employeeto be exempt in California, the employeestill must meet the applicable duties andsalary tests for one of the exemptions.Preparing for December 1

As a reminder, for executive,administrative and professional employeesto remain exempt after December 1,2016, those employees must be paid atleast $913 per week ($47,476 annuallyfor a full-time employee). The employeesstill must meet the applicable Californiaduties test.

If any of your executive, administrativeor professional employees are currentlypaid less than $913 per week, you musteither increase their salaries up to thenew federal salary test or reclassify themas nonexempt employees.

If you increase salaries, you must doso for the entire workweek that includesDecember 1, 2016. For example, ifyou have designated your workweek asMonday through Sunday, you need toincrease salaries on Monday, November28, 2016.

For help preparing for the change tothe federal salary test, see the CaliforniaChamber of Commerce Checklist forComplying with the Federal OvertimeRule, and What CaliforniaEmployers Need to Know Aboutthe New Federal Overtime Rule.

WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG • DECEMBER 2016 • 3www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • NOVEMBER 26, 2016

BOARDSPOTLIGHT

Theresa PolichTheresa Polich is the

Work-Based LearningCoordinator for VisaliaUnified School District-Career TechnicalEducation. She hasbeen with Visalia

Unified for the last two years.What are some of the ways you’d

recommend getting involved/working with/partnering with theChamber? The Chamber of Commerceis an awesome resource. It providesopportunities to network with localbusinesses and provide students withwork-based learning opportunities.These opportunities not only allowstudents to explore, develop and preparefor careers, but it allows businesses toprovide leadership opportunities for theiremployees.

What has Chamber Membershipmeant for your company? It hasbeen about building relationships inthe community. I’m privileged to be aChamber Ambassador. It has allowedme to network with amazing businesspartners and has kept me up on the growthand development of our community. Ourpartnership with the Chamber has helpedguide VUSD in prioritizing the needs ofbusiness partners and better prepare ourstudents for the future.

The best part of Visalia is collaboratingwith people that are passionate abouttheir work and love the community.Visalia is a small, big town. Businessleaders help in all aspects of the schooldistrict and support in countless ways.The community is still very focused oneducating all students and encouragingthem to be an active resident in thefuture.

What is your favorite local charity/non-profit? I have been involved withHappy Trails Riding Academy since theirstart. This unique opportunity enrichesthe lives of students, parents, familiesand the community. The program givesindividuals the opportunity to be moreindependent and improves their qualityof life. Again, the success of Happy Trailsis a statement to the way Visalia and thesurrounding communities support ALLcharities and organizations.

AMBASSADOR

SPOTLIGHT

GROUNDBREAKING • GRAND OPENING • RIBBON CUTTING • CEREMONIES

Ribbon Cutting

The SOURCE LGBT+Center208 W. Main St. Suite B • 559-429-4277

Ribbon Cutting

Fresno State Visalia Campus1945 Meadow Lane • 559-622-1818

Ribbon Cutting

St. Paul’s School6101 W. Goshen Ave • 559-739-1619

Ribbon Cutting

G.W. STEWARTS’S Salon & Gift Emporium430 S. Church St. • 559-734-9294

Ribbon Cutting

Kaweah Delta Hospice623 W. Willow St. • 559-733-0642

Ribbon Cutting

Roseland Studios20925 Ave 322, Woodlake • 559-901-9552

Ribbon Cutting

Central Valley Recovery Services320 W. Oak Ave Suite A • 559-625-2995

Andrea CamarenaAndrea Camarena

is the owner of GoalLine Media which sheopened 18 month ago.

Why is itimportant to be aChamber member?

The Chamber of Commerce providesvery effective networking opportunitiesas well as fosters community pride withthe Ambassador program and othercommunity outreach programming.

What is your favorite thing aboutyour job/company? My favorite part ofmy job is creating something that helpssomeone else reach their goals. There isa wonderful satisfaction that comes withseeing the immediate and positive effectsof a press release that I’ve crafted, or avideo I’ve put together for a client. I’vebeen very lucky get to work with non-profits and students.

What do you like to do when youare not working? I absolutely loveworking; it’s more like playtime for me.But when I’m not running around witha camera or designing something on mycomputer, my favorite place to be is thesoccer field. Playing, coaching, watching,it’s something that my entire family doestogether so soccer is a very important partof my life.

What is your favorite place to go inVisalia when you are not working?I love meeting clients and friends inDowntown Visalia. It’s a beautiful areaand you can find just about everythingyour belly or your heart desires in thedowntown shops and restaurants.

Camarena

Polich

Congratulations to California WaterService. They celebrated their 90th Birthdaythis month at the Visalia Convention Center.As part of the celebration they made donations tothe Valley Oak SPCA, ImagineU Children’sMuseum and the Bethlehem Center.

Congressman Devin Nunes joins Trump’s transition team. “Inthis role, I will advise President-elect Trump on the appointments ofhis Cabinet members and on appointments to other top positions in

the new administration,” according to a statementfrom his office.

Melanie White, Vice President of HellwigProducts was awarded SEMA Woman of theYear. The Business Journal ranked the VisaliaMall as #4 in the Central SanJoaquin Valley in regards togross leasable square feet.

Fresno-based WathenCastanos is participating ina new coastal communityfeaturing more than 1,000homes in the city of Marina in Monterey County.

Wathen Castanos is one of the first two builders onthe project, called Sea Haven, which will feature nearly five acres ofpicnic and lawn park areas, more than a mile of walking trails andaccess to some of the city’s most popular hiking and biking paths.

The Visalia Police Department’s Explorer POST32 participatedin the 2016 Central Coast Explorer Competition this past weekend.The Explorers did exceptionally well taking first place in the areas ofDomestic Violence, Crisis/Hazard Response, and Individual femaleobstacle course. They also took home tropies in several other areasincluding crime scene investigation and oral board examination.Congratulations on a job well done!

GoodNews

from our Members

Written by Igor Ferriera, Principal FinancialDuring meetings with clients of the “baby boomer” generation,

it never ceases to amaze mehow often I hear commentslike, “My son is in his mid-20sand still living at home,” or, “Itconcerns me that the last thing on my daughter’s mind is savingmoney.” Realistically, are millennials really bad with money as ageneration? The data says otherwise. According to a new Bankratestudy, “Millennials are saving more money than any other age group,with 62% stating they are saving more than 5% of their incomes...with 29% of millennials saving more than 10% of their incomes.”

As a whole, millennials are positioned to have the highest savingsrate of any other generations. During the recent “financial crisis”,young professionals have a unique perspective on careers, life, andmoney. Millennials saw firsthand the importance of having a nestegg to fall back on, because jobs and higher incomes are neverguaranteed. The uncertainty which came with the recent downturnhas been ingrained in our minds.

Aside from retirement, another reason to save is millennials don’tstay in jobs nearly as long as baby boomers once did. The days of anice pension after 30-40 years of service are dwindling. Accordingto March 2013 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) andmoney-rates.com, only 8 percent of private-sector companies offered

a defined benefit retirement plan (pensions) to their employees. Thisfact, among other factors, is a major reason why millennials oftendon’t stay at one job for very long. According to Future Workplace,“Ninety-one percent of Millennials expect to stay in a job for lessthan three years, which means they would have 15-20 jobs over thecourse of their working lives!” This is important to note, because asmillennials are making this generational shift to stay in one job for ashort period of time, the urgency and importance of saving becomestremendously more significant. How difficult would it be for youtake a career change/risk without emergency savings? Would it beeasier if you had 3-6 months of living expenses in the bank? Most ofus would prefer the latter.

Although millennials and young professionals are doing a muchbetter job at saving than most expect, the reasons to save haveexpanded. Millennials not only want to be cognizant of retirement,but need to stress and prioritize maintaining reserves for emergenciesand opportunities which may come our way. Save early and saveoften my friends!

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/consumer-index/millennials-boost-savings-but-financial-security-slips.aspx

http://www.money-rates.com/personal-finance/employee-pension-plans-disappear.htm

http://futureworkplace.com/wp-content/uploads/MultipleGenAtWork_infographic.pdf

Are MillennialsReally Bad at Saving Money?

4 • DECEMBER 2016 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • NOVEMBER 26, 2016

The Law at WorkTHE LAW AT WORK

Brett T.Abbott

Gubler & Abbott LLP

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Taking the Minimum to theMax: California to IncreaseMinimum Wage to $15.00

For better or worse, the year 2016 is almost over. Sothat means, just like last year, there are some new labor andemployment laws on the horizon. Some have a narrowscope, affecting only a select few employers. Othersaffect nearly everyone. Here’s a brief rundown of someimportant new laws for 2017.

California’s Fair Pay Act – In 2017, California’salready exacting equal pay law is expanding beyondgender to include ethnicity and race (SB 1007 and 1241). Thelaw now prohibits employers from paying employees of one race orethnicity less than similarly situated employees of a different race orethnicity.

New “All Gender” bathroom rule – Beginning March 1,2017, all businesses are prohibited from labeling any “single-usertoilet facility” as either “male” or “female” (AB 1732). The lawdefines a “single-user toilet facility” as “a toilet facility with no morethan one water closet and one urinal with a locking mechanismcontrolled by the user.”

Arbitration provisions – Many employers require theiremployees to sign arbitration provisions, meaning any employmentdisputes are resolved through arbitration proceedings and opposedto civil court. Judges are getting stricter on these provisions, oftenstriking them down and allowing employees to proceed with theirclaims in the court system. A new law (SB 1241) now states thatemployers cannot require California employees to arbitrate (orlitigate) their claims in other states. The law also prohibits requiringarbitrators to apply laws from other states.

Domestic violence leave notice requirements – Under thisnew law (AB 2377), any company with 25 or employees is requiredto notify their employees of their rights to take time off (protected)for domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Employers must“inform each employee of his or her rights” upon hire and at any

time thereafter upon request. The Labor Board will create aform for this type of leave and make it available by July 1,2017.

Juvenile convictions – A new law (AB 1843) prohibitsemployers from asking applicants or employees, or evenconsidering information relating to, arrests, convictions,or other similar proceedings that occurred while theapplicant or employee was subject to the “jurisdictionof juvenile court law.”

Increase in minimum wage – On January 1, 2017,the minimum wage for companies with 26 or more employees willincrease to $10.50 per hour.

Smoking law changes – California already has strictprohibitions against smoking at work. Numerous new laws makethe requirements even stricter. Prior smoke-free workplace laws didnot cover employers with five or fewer employees; the new lawsdo. Also, employers used to be able to permit smoking in companybreak-rooms; not anymore. Finally, old laws didn’t cover placeslike hotel lobbies, banquet rooms, bars/taverns and warehouses.The new laws eliminate these exceptions and cover virtually allemployers.

Change appears to be the only constant in California employmentlaw. Keeping up to date with the ever-changing legal landscape isn’talways easy, but it is important. See you next year with a wholenew slate of laws.

This article is for education and information purposes only; itshould not be construed as legal advice. If you have an employmentlaw question for inclusion in a future article, contact Brett T.Abbott at Gubler & Abbott LLP (bta@thecalifornialawyers.com).For specific employment law advice or other legal assistance,contact Gubler & Abbott LLP, (559) 625-9600, 1110 N. ChinowithSt., Visalia, CA 93291 (www.thecalifornialawyers.com).Read Mr. Abbott’s blog on employment law issues athttp://work-law.blogspot.com.

Calling all Employerswith Jobs to Fill!

Senator Andy Vidak has teamed upwith U.S. Congressman David G. Valadaoand Tachi Palace for the Third AnnualCentral Valley Career and Resource Expoon January 26, 2017 in Lemoore.

With high unemployment in the Valley,connecting people looking for a job withpeople who have jobs is a top priority. Ifyou are an employer with jobs to fill, youare invited to participate in the Expo.

What makes this Expo different is thatall booth participants have current jobopenings. Serious job applicants cometo the Expo because they know theirchances of landing a job at this event aremuch higher than many job fairs. Lastyear’s Expo featured over 80 employers,and over 300 job applicants attended.WHEN: Thursday, January 26, 2017

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.WHERE: Tachi Palace Bingo Hall17225 Jersey Ave, Lemoore

If you are a business with job openingsand would like to be part of the Expo,or if you would like more informationabout the Expo, please contact ClaudiaSalinas in Vidak’s Hanforddistrict office at 559-585-7161 orClaudia.Salinas@sen.ca.gov.

Explore the ColoradoRockies FeaturingNational Parks and

Historic Trains

A Holiday in the CityOpens December 5th

Join the Chamber for a Slide ShowPresentation - December 14th at 12:00pm at the City Administration Officelocated at 220 N. Santa Fe.

The Visalia Chamber is offering theopportunity to explore the ColoradoRockies with an inclusive packagefeaturing National Parks and historictrains. The trip is 9 days and includes12 meals, hotel accommodations androundtrip airfare from Fresno. The tripwill depart on July 14th and return onJuly 22nd 2017.

For anyone who loves the majesticoutdoors this is an amazing tour filledwith breathtaking scenery and historiclandmarks. Travelers will enjoy scenictours of Colorado and Utah whiletraversing the Rocky Mountains andexploring four national parks. The tripwill begin in the “Mile High City” ofDenver. This adventurous tour includesRocky Mountain National Park and the“Roof of the Rockies”, Arches NationalPark, the world’s largest concentration ofnatural sandstone arches, CanyonlandsNational Park and the Island in the Skymesa.

After three national parks, travelers willexperience Colorado National Monumentand travel along the Rim Rock as theyjourney to the Colorado wine countrywhere they will learn about the region andsample wine at a family owned wineryduring the winemaker’s dinner. Nexton the agenda is a little bit of history astravelers drive south to Durango and thesmall mining town of Silverton, a NationalHistoric Landmark where it is “all aboard”the Durango & Silverton Narrow GaugeRailroad. This railroad was an 1881 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive. In theevening, the group will enjoy an Old Westadventure filled with traditional cowboyfood and entertainment. After a restfulnight travelers will venture to Mesa VerdeNational Park known for the mysteriousSpruce Tree Cliff Dwellings built between1211 - 1278. Finally the tour will travel toColorado Springs, and a visit to ManitouSprings, home of Pikes Peak the legendarysymbol of the 1959 Gold Rush. Heretravelers will journey aboard the PikesPeak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cograilroad.

For more information on the Chambertravel program, contact Sue Summersat 559-734-5876, or visit the website atwww.visaliachamber.org.

In December, the public is invited tovisit a spectacular exhibition of hand-painted porcelain buildings, figures,plazas and parks depicting a delightfulholiday cityscape of the past. Theexhibition, entitled A Holiday in the City,will be held in the lobby of TCOE’s newAdministration Building and ConferenceCenter. Dozens of illuminated homes,civic buildings, businesses, churches andrestaurants will be featured in the 55-footlong display. Dotted among the buildingsare dozens of figures – carolers, iceskaters, shoppers and diners – all bundledup for the holidays. A Holiday in the Cityis drawn from a collection of porcelainsdonated to the Tulare County Office ofEducation Foundation by Tulare CountyBoard of Education President Chris Reedand her husband, Gary.

Holiday /6

Hospice care is a compassionate and team-oriented approach tomedical care for the terminally ill. A hospice house, such as theOpen Arms House that will open in 2017, is as close to home aspossible while still supplying the necessary round-the-clock care.

“Most hospice houses are operated by a single hospice agencyand they have a license like a skilled nursing agency,” said OpenArms House Board President Carol Nickel. “They cost millions ofdollars to build and millions to operate.” Even so, several members ofKaweah Delta Hospice Foundation Board decided to start a separateorganization to open a hospice house in Visalia.

After looking at hospice houses around the state, the Open ArmsHouse board members finally found the kind of hospice house thatthey were looking for near Santa Barbara. “They came back and said‘We’re going to do this,’” said Nickel.

Board Member Angela Biscotti explained how everything startedhappening quickly. “We’ve had divine intervention this wholejourney.” In January, the board filed as a 501c3 nonprofit and startedraising money. “In February, we asked the Kaweah Delta HospiceFoundation Board to change its bylaws to give money (to Open ArmsHouse),” said Biscotti. The foundation loaned $259,000 interest-free for 10 years to purchase the house, and $41,000 was a gift forrenovation, said Nickel. A realtor told them about a house about tocome on the market that might fit their needs. Unfortunately, when

a few board members visited, they saw that the house was split leveland had a pool.

“It was going to be a challenge to remodel,” said Nickel, whoadded that there was a house right across the street at 3234 W. IrisCourt in Visalia with a ‘for sale’ sign. “We walked in a said, ‘This isit!’ We opened escrow in April and it closed in May.”

The board held an open house in early June to announce its newlocation. The neighbors in its residential area were supportive ofthe new facility. “The day before we had the open house, I took abrochure to every house in the neighborhood,” said Board MemberMerrilyn Brady. “Without exception, everyone who was home wasthrilled that this was coming to the neighborhood.”

About $170,000 has been raised for Open Arms House, but thefundraising and other efforts continue. Architect Larry Lewis hasdrawn up plans to remodel the house, adding three bedrooms,converting the garage and adding a circular driveway. Plans havebeen approved by the city and contracts have gone out to big.Construction may start by the end of November.

The cost to stay at the house will be $150 a day, which will bepaid by the guests’ families “But if they cannot pay, we will providethe care,” said Nickel “we won’t turn anyone away.” Open ArmsHouse will have six bids and be available to all five of the hospiceagencies in Tulare and Kings Counties, according to Nickel.

Spring Dedication Plannedfor Open Arms House

Leadership(continued from page 1)We had the opportunity to eat lunch at SVA and hear from Ms.

Ruth Dutton the Founder and Superintendent of SVA about thedifferences in how charter schools are funded and the challengesthat can pose.

We hopped back on the bus for one last ride back to RidgeviewMiddle School. We received a tour of the beautiful new facility byPrincipal Mr. Michael Yates. We had a chance to interrupt both arobotics and a choir class and were treated to neat demonstrations ofskills and talent in both. The day ended in the school library whereRobert Groeber the Assistant Superintendents for AdministrationServices of VUSD and Nathan Hernandez CFO of VUSD on how

upcoming state wide propositions, Prop 51 and Prop 55, couldimpact education here in our community. Mr. Vincent Salinas joinedus for the discussion and provide a different prospective, creatingan opportunity for an informative back and forth on issues we wereabout to vote on.

Our first student organized and led day session was a huge successand set the bar very high for future sessions. I would like to thankMrs. Lisa Walsh and Ms. Andrea Navarette for their hard work. Theday moved breezily between locations, they succeeded in findingone single topic – education funding, and used it as a vehicle toexplore and compare local education systems. I am not sure I am anycloser to determining where my future children will beeducated, but now I have a much clearly picture of allthe options out there.

WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG • DECEMBER 2016 • 5www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • NOVEMBER 26, 2016

Volunteers Make a Difference

Suncrest BankAppoints Visalia Market President

Successful schools become that way for many reasons.Good teachers, a strong curriculum, informative assessments,a positive culture, and kids who are excited about learningare all important contributors to effective schools that helpstudents achieve at high levels. No one thing is responsiblefor a successful school, and everything has impactin some way. One thing that has much influence oneffective schools and reflects a strong community isparent volunteers.

I was reminded of this last month when I attended ourannual PTA Presidents and Principals Luncheon. At thatevent, our PTA presidents honored their principals by recognizingthe great partnership that happens between parents and schools.Parent-school organizations come in a couple forms. Many of ourschools have PTAs—official Parent Teacher Associations that link toa state- and national-level organization. Some of our schools havePTOs—parent teacher organizations that take on different forms.Both PTAs and PTOs are great organizations that help coordinateparent support for schools at all levels and are much supportedby school folks. As a principal, I appreciated what these groupsbrought to my school, for having a group of people who would helpin any way that we asked was a priceless asset. As Superintendent,I have seen and value this support even more.

Parent volunteers get involved in schools in lots of ways beyondPTA and PTOs. Some parents seek to take part in the educationof their children by volunteering in classrooms or libraries. Other

parents rally around a specific school activity. Booster groupsfor athletics, performing arts, and other competitive teams,for example, are hugely important at all levels of our district.The resources, time and energy that parents provide to extra-and co-curricular activities help make good programs great

ones and are indispensable.The value that parent volunteers bring to schools isvalidated by research. Parents who get involved intheir children’s schools frequently help their kids setgoals, demonstrate increased enthusiasm and higherexpectations for learning, support good study habits, ask

about learning, value learning new things, and encourage reading.The sum of these byproducts of being involved with schools isclearly associated with higher student achievement, up to as muchas two or three years’ increased learning for their children.

The world we live in has changed much since the time many ofus were students in public schools. Today, safety dictates that wemust be extra careful about who works with our kids. I know thatparents and the community understand that being careful meansthat sometimes we must have some protocols in place to ensuresafety, but I know also that we cannot allow those protocols to besignificant barriers for parents, for the support that parents bring toour schools is extraordinarily valuable to our kids. On behalf of thedistrict, I offer my most sincere thanks to every parent who helpsus to advance our students toward futures with limitlessopportunity.

VISALIA, Calif. Suncrest Bank (OTCQX:SBKK) recently announcedthe appointment of Mr. Dave Brett as its new Market President forthe Visalia area, and surrounding communities.

Mr. Brett most recently managed the Visalia branch of Bank of theWest and has deep roots in the local community. Suncrest Bank’sPresident and CEO, Mr. Ciaran McMullan said, “We are delighted tobe appointing someone with Dave’s experience and outstanding trackrecord of success in growing his local banking business”. McMullanadded, “Suncrest is committed to putting talented, local leadership inplace in each of our markets throughout the Central Valley”.

Mr Brett said, “I am excited to be joining such a strong and up-and-coming community bank, with a genuine dedication to customerservice”. Mr Brett’s appointment comes in advance of Suncrestopening its new flagship location at 501, Main Street, Visalia whichis scheduled for early January. “The addition of Dave to our Visaliamarket team, together with the opening of our new state-of-the-artbranch, will make Suncrest a truly formidable competitor in theVisalia market and a great choice for new customers toconsider”, added McMullan.

Todd Oto,Ed.D.

Superintendent, VisaliaUnified School District

VISALIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Sequoia Prompt Carenow offers x-ray

services in East VisaliaVISALIA – Patients who are in need of

a chest x-ray or believe they have suffereda fracture or a break, can now get careat one location – Sequoia Prompt Careat 1110 S. Ben Maddox, Suite B., in EastVisalia.

The clinic’s new radiology suite isan added convenience for people whochoose to visit Sequoia Prompt Carefor their urgent care needs, said JohnLeal, manager of Sequoia Prompt Care,a division of Kaweah Delta Health CareDistrict,

“This is another step to help ourpatients save time,” said Leal, noting thatx-ray services were added as a result ofpatient feedback. Construction on thesuite started over the summer and wasrecently completed.

Sequoia Prompt Care already offerspeople the following two steps to savethem time:

A QuickPass feature that allows themto skip the waiting room by calling559-624-5800A website http://sequoiapromptcare.org that allows them to see wait timesfor our two locations and choose theshortest wait.

Sequoia Prompt Care provides care forgeneral illnesses and offers everythingfrom physicals to workers’ compensationcare. Patients are seen by a physician, aphysician assistant, or a nurse practitioner.Walk-in patients are welcome. Cash andmost insurance are accepted.For more info on Sequoia Prompt Care,

Call 559-624-5800.Hours by location are:

1110 S. Ben Maddox Way, Suite B.Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays;

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends

820 W. Akers St., Suite 100(inside Sequoia Medical Plaza at Akers

Street and Cypress Avenue).Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays;9 a.m. to 2 p.m., weekends

Bank of the SierraStrengthens Tulare

County Communitieswith $19K in Grants

for 3rd QuarterBank of the Sierra Strengthens Tulare

County Communities with $19K inGrants for 3rd Quarter

Community Bank’s Sierra Grantprogram funds 6 non-profits that serveTulare County

Bank of the Sierra announced that atotal of $19,000in grants wereawarded through its Sierra Grant programto 6 different non-profit organizationsthat serve communities in and aroundTulare County. 17 total organizationsthroughout the Bank’s footprint receiveda total of $63,000 for the 3rd quarter.Each quarter the Bank commonly awards10 to 20 organizations with grants of$1,000 to $5,000 based on the specificneeds of the organization.

National Alliance on Mental Illness(NAMI)-Tulare County provides advocacy,community education, and family supportfor those affected by mental illness. Withthe $2,000 Sierra Grant that NAMI-Tulare County received, they plan tofund a number of new programs andinitiatives, including scholarships formental health conferences, and NAMIin the Schools, which uses education toincrease awareness and reduces stigmasurrounding mental illness in the schoolssystem.

The Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance,which received a $2,500 grant, is acommunity-driven organization thataddresses the housing and support needsof those experiencing homelessness inKings and Tulare County. The grantwill be applied to the group’s ProjectHomeless Connect, a one-day forumdesigned to conveniently provide serviceslike ID cards, haircuts, and dental andvision screenings free of cost.

BankPresidentandCEO,KevinMcPhaillexpressed his appreciation for the grantrecipients this quarter. “Bank of the Sierrais happy to recognize organizations thathelp improve the communities we live in,and these organizations were chosen fordemonstrating that commitment to theircommunity.”

6 • DECEMBER 2016 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • NOVEMBER 26, 2016

CLIP & SAVE

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdayCALENDAR - DECEMBER 2016

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Visalia CityCouncil Meeting

Travel SlideshowPresentation

12:00 pm220 N. Santa Fe

Visalia CityCouncil Meeting

36th AnnualChristmas Tree

Auction

THANK YOUTO OUR PREMIER

INVESTORS

INVESTOR SPONSORS:BEN-E-LECT

Southern California EdisonLamp Liter Inn

Central Valley Business FormsVisalia Marriott

CHAIRMANS SPONSOR:

PRESIDENT SPONSORS:

v i s a l i a t i m e s d e l t a . c om

EXECUTIVE SPONSORS:

DIRECTOR SPONSORS:

Holiday(continued from page 4)

Mrs. Reed, who serves as a trusteerepresenting the Porterville area, has beencollecting the porcelains for over 25 years.“As the collection grew, we began tothink about how we could share it,” saidMrs. Reed. “By donating it to the TCOEFoundation, we know that children ofall ages can enjoy the village scenes eachyear during the holidays.”

The exhibition will open to the publicon Monday, December 5, and remain ondisplay through December 29. The publicis welcome to visit the free exhibitionMonday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.until 7:00 p.m. A Holiday in the Citywill be open 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.December 27-29 and closed Saturdaysand Sundays, and December 23 and 26.The TCOE Administration Building andConference Center is located at 6200 S.Mooney Blvd. in Visalia. No reservationsare required.

“We are so grateful for the Reed’s giftof these charming pieces of art,” saidTulare County Superintendent of SchoolsJim Vidak. “We hope that parents andgrandparents will take the opportunityto bring their children to experience thewarmth and magic of A Holiday inthe City.”

Provost & Pritchard Expands with Additionof Three New Staff Members

2017 San Joaquin Valley Blueprint AwardsHonoring Valley Projects and People that

reflect Smart Growth Principles

Fresno, CA: Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group has expandedwith the addition of three new staff members in three of the firm’soffices. The newest professionals on staff include: Trelawney Bullis,EIT, as an assistant engineer based in the firm’s Clovis office; andHarrison Hughes, EIT, as an assistant engineer, and Richard Bakeras a senior construction manager, both based working in the Fresnooffice.

“We are excited to once again grow our staff as Trelawney,Harrison and Richard all join the Provost & Pritchard team,” saidRonald Samuelian, Provost & Pritchard’s president. “Trelawney andHarrison will provide engineering services for our agricultural andcivil design projects. Richard’s construction expertise will expandour in-house capabilities to provide construction inspection servicesfor our clients’ projects.”

Baker has over 28 years of experience in the construction servicesfield, where he worked on public works and capital improvementprojects as resident field inspection, construction inspector, qualityassurance inspector, and lead inspector. Projects have included waterresource projects, water system improvements including pipelineconstruction, land development projects, roadway improvements,wastewater treatment plant upgrades, sewer systems upgradesand installations, water treatment plant expansions, and more.In addition, he worked as a consultant to the state of California’sDepartment of Water Resources, Division of Engineering to provideconstruction inspection on the California Aqueduct System, andserved as a liaison with local agencies and provided assistance with

encroachment permits.Bullis is a recent graduate of California Polytechnic State

University, San Luis Obispo, where she obtained a bachelor’s degreein bioresource and agricultural engineering and minored in irrigationwater science. Her experience includes designing irrigation systemsthrough researching irrigation efficiency, analyzing field data, andirrigation requirements for various crop types.

Hughes has two years of experience in the engineering industry,and graduated from California State University, Fresno where heobtained a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a minor inmathematics. Hughes’ experience includes civil engineering,hydraulics, water resources engineering, hydrology, urban stormwater management, transportation planning design, and waterquality control design.

Established in 1968, Provost & Pritchard Consulting Grouphas a strong tradition of engineering and consulting excellencethroughout California. With office locations in Fresno, Clovis,Visalia, Bakersfield, Modesto, Los Banos, Chico and Merced, thefirm features a mix of seasoned professionals, complemented byyounger staff with fresh ideas. Provost & Pritchard specializes in civiland agricultural engineering, environmental and land use planning,hydrogeology and geology, surveying, and construction managementservices in the areas of water resources, municipal infrastructure,agriculture, site development, and environmentalcompliance. For more information, visit www.ppeng.com or email info@ppeng.com.

FRESNO - The Community and Regional Planning Center at

Fresno State and American Planning Association - California,

Central Section are pleased to announce the call for nominations

for 2017 San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Awards. The awards program

recognizes outstanding achievements and practices in the built

environment.

In 2009, the San Joaquin Valley's eight regional transportation

agencies created the awards program to encourage quality in

planning and development, with the smart-growth oriented 12

Blueprint Principles as the basis. The hope was to provide visual

examples of attractive, functional and environmentally friendly

projects that could have relevance throughout the Valley. Over 50

projects and individuals have received awards since the program

began.

"We were greatly honored to receive a Blueprint Award in 2015

for our work on the Newberry Building in Downtown Stockton.

Moreover, it was inspiring to learn about other innovative projects

in the San Joaquin Valley and how these awards push design and

development in our region to the highest standards. We look forward

to participating in upcoming Blueprint Awards activities," said David

Garcia, Chief Operating Officer of Ten | Space Development in

Stockton.

The 2017 awards program is seeking nominations in the following

sustainable development categories: residential, commercial, mixed

use, downtown revitalization, transportation enhancement, and

historic revitalization. Nominations are also sought for individuals

who have shown enthusiasm and tenacity in promoting the smart-

growth principles.

Nominations are open to all 8 counties of the San Joaquin Valley.

The deadline to receive nominations is February 3, 2017. For more

information and to apply, visit www.valleyblueprint.org.

Award recipients will be recognized at the 12th Annual San

Joaquin Valley Spring Policy Conference hosted by the Fresno

Council of Governments on March 8-9, 2017.

Chamber office closed for Christmas Holiday