It’s super easy to do and only takes about 5 minutes!

You can improve Broadband coverage in the Mother Lode.

This form will help to correct the inaccurate information being used by decision makers in Sacramento and Washington D.C. We need to get accurate information into the hands of those who fund the projects that can increase our broadband service. To do that, we need to know about the Internet service you receive at your home and busi-ness addresses.

Follow the simple directions then hit the "Submit" button so your data comes directly to us! We will collect the infor-mation and forward it to the California Public Utilities Commission, so they can correct the errors that cur-

rently exist on the "official map" for the Mother Lode region.

To learn more, please read THE FACTS about why every citizen in our region should do this on Page 7.

If you have questions regarding this project, please call or text Darrell Slocum at

209-770-5777. A Project of Central Sierra Connect, a program of the

Amador-Tuolumne County Action Agency.

What are you waiting for? Just go to this link to access the Internet

Service Reporting Form:http://bit.ly/

cscmapping.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to Railtown 1897 State

Historic Park! The popular train ride, based on the book and movie – The Polar

Express – has made its way to Tuolumne County. Now children of all ages will

be able to relive the magical journey of THE POLAR EXPRESS on an hour-long

train ride to the North Pole. Guests enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as they ride

along with some of the story’s characters such as the Conductor and Hobo. Upon

arriving at the “North Pole,” the jolly old elf, Santa himself, will come on board

to give each passenger a silver sleigh bell, the “first gift of Christmas”.

Continued on Page 11

MISSION - To provide leadership for a healthy and vibrant business environment and encourage responsible

economic growth that respects Tuolumne County’s quality of life.

IN THIS ISSUE

Chamber Dates & Notices Page 3

Spotlights & Business Briefs Page 4

More Jobs Without Prop 30 Page 5

Wildfire Threat Preparation Page 6

Olsen—Strong Leadership is Key Page 8

Mixer Photos Page 9

Secrets of Growing Your Business Page 10

Website Security Page 11

Chamber News Newsletter August 2014

Grassroots action by affected individuals

making their views known to members of

the Legislature and other policymakers is

extremely effective. We encourage letters,

emails, personal calls and visits to your

legislators. Influencing legislation may also

require influencing respected associates

or other constitutional officers.

Contact from a constituent heightens

interest in a bill like no other

communication. Your letters do make a

difference on proposed laws.

Look for the CalChamber logo on the bottom left

corner of the Chamber Website’s Homepage.

California's Bipartisan

Business Voice

LARGEST BUSINESS ORGANIZATION IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY

Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce OFFICERS

Wendy Gast---------------------------------------------------President of the Board

Amelia Harrison-------------------------------------------------------President Elect

Jeff Redoutey------------------------------------------------------------Vice President

Jim Costello-----------------------------------------------------------------GAC Chair

Margaret Davis------------------------------------------------Past Chair/Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dana Mayo (JS West Propane)----------------------------------------Rep. Sonora

Mark Truppner (KVML Radio)---------------------------------------Rep. Sonora

Peggy Mosley (Groveland Hotel)----------------------------------Rep. Groveland

Justin Myers (Caldwell Insurance)-----------------------------Rep. East Sonora

Dayna Davis (Sierra Pacific Industries)------------------------Rep. Soulsbyville

Jamie Lloyd (Chicken Ranch Casino)---------------------------Rep. Jamestown

Sherri Langley (Black Oak Casino)-------------------------Rep. Tuolumne City

Jeff Redoutey (Blue Mountain Minerals)-------------------------Rep. Columbia

Amelia Harrison (Umpqua Bank)-----------------------------------Rep. At Large

Margaret Davis (Junction Shopping Center)-------------------- Rep. At Large

Wendy Gast (Union Democrat)--------------------------------------Rep. At Large

Jim Costello (Mt. Brow Winery)------------------------------------Rep. At Large

Vacant-------------------------------------------------------------------Rep. E. Sonora

Brad Menary (Business First)---------------------------------- Rep. Twain Harte

Teri Brockmire (Basket Diva)------------------------------- Chair, Ambassadors

Nanci Sikes (Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau)--------Ex-Officio & TCVB

Ron Kopf (Tuolumne County Business Council)---------------------Ex-Officio

Shirley Sarno (Sonora Chamber of Commerce)----------------------Ex-Officio

Steffanie Reed (Twain Harte Chamber of Commerce)--------------Ex-Officio

James Nagle (Yosemite Chamber of Commerce)---------------------Ex-Officio

Gary Neubert (Columbia Chamber of Commerce)------------------ Ex-Officio

Constance O’Connor (Central Sierra Arts Council)---------------- Ex-Officio

Joe Silva (Superintendent of County Schools)-------------------------Ex-Officio

Steve Farrell (SCORE)-----------------------------------------------------Ex-Officio

Thyra Lawrence (Leadership Tuolumne County)--------------------Ex-Officio

Larry Cope (Economic Development Authority)---------------------Ex-Officio

CHAMBER STAFF

Michael Ayala----------------------------------------------CEO/Executive Director

Monique Robertson-----------------Office Manager/Administrative Assistant

Candice Kendall----------------Administrative Assistant & LTC Coordinator

CHAMBER AFFILIATE

SCORE----------------------------------------Service Corps of Retired Executives

LEADERSHIP TUOLUMNE COUNTY

Thyra Lawrence-------------------------------------------------------------------Chair

YOUTH LEADERSHIP TUOLUMNE COUNTY

Vix DeMattei-----------------------------------------------------------------------Chair

Chamber News is published monthly by

Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce

222 South Shepherd Street • Sonora, California 95370

(209) 532-4212 • Fax: (209) 532-8068

Email: info@tcchamber.com • Web: http://www.tcchamber.com

Publisher & Editor-----------------------------------------------------Michael Ayala

Design & Layout Editor--------------------------------------------Candice Kendall

Newsletter Printing------------------------------------------------Sonora Press Inc.

Editorial copy and advertising deadline is 25th of month for following month.

Please note: Editorial opinions are not necessarily those of the Board of Directors or

members of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce.

Visit the Chamber Website

August 2014 2

SEPTEMBER 2014

3 Executive Board of Directors: Noon – Chamber

4 Ambassadors Committee: Noon – Chamber

8 SCORE: 9 a.m. – Chamber

9 Twain Harte Chamber Mixer: 5:30-7 p.m.

10 Transportation Committee: 9:30 a.m. – Chamber

10 Board of Directors: 11 a.m. – Chamber

15 Governmental Affairs Council: 11 a.m. – Chamber

16 Sonora Chamber Mixer: 5:30-7 p.m.

18 Marketing/Website Committee: Noon – Chamber

18 T. C. Chamber Mixer! 5-7 p.m.

Mother Lode Internet

23 A Taste of Food, A Sip of Wine:

Seven Sisters 6 – 8pm

25 LTC: Noon – Chamber

25 Yosemite Highway 120 Chamber

Network Night: 5:30-7 p.m.

AUGUST 2014

4 Governmental Affairs Council: 11 a.m. – Chamber

6 Executive Board of Directors: Noon – Chamber

7 Ambassadors Committee: Noon – Chamber

12 Twain Harte Chamber Mixer: 5:30-7 p.m.

13 Transportation Committee: 9:30 a.m. – Chamber

13 Board of Directors: 11 a.m. – Chamber

18 Governmental Affairs Council: 11 a.m. – Chamber

19 Sonora Chamber Mixer: 5:30-7 p.m.

21 Marketing/Website Committee: Noon – Chamber

21 T. C. Chamber Mixer! 5-7 p.m.

Resolutions Skin Care & Laser Spa

28 LTC/YLTC: Noon – Chamber

28 Yosemite Highway 120 Chamber

Network Night: 5:30-7 p.m.

Notices

Download the

App Today!

August 2014 3

A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit

Habitat for Humanity Tuolumne County

September 23, 2014

6pm-8pm

Seven Sisters

Black Oak Casino Resort

A Taste of Food, A Sip of Wine

& A Touch of Business

For more information on any of the above notices, please contact us

Phone: 209-532-4212 Email: info@tcchamber.com Website: www.tcchamber.com

Tickets Only $30

My name is Donna Ledwick. I am a Life & Health Insurance Agent at Sonora

Insurance Agency. I started in this field in 1995 and have been with Sonora Insurance

Agency since 2001. I have been an Ambassador with the Tuolumne County Chamber of

Commerce since approximately 1995. I have enjoyed being in this industry. I get to help a lot of

people make a very tough decision and help seniors with very confusing information.

I have been married to Kevin Ledwick for 17 years. We have a 3 year old son, Carson.

I love being in Tuolumne County and am happy to raise my son here.

Being an Ambassador to the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce has been a great experience. I

have met many great people and have learned many things from the luncheons and classes. I have had

to step back for the last couple of years but I am looking forward to getting more involved once again

It’s an opportunity to expand your business and your contacts by networking with other business owners and representatives

at our monthly Chamber Mixers and other functions.

The Chamber receives numerous inquiries monthly, asking about business and community information. When you are a

member, we put your business name out there when responding to these inquiries.

We are a strong voice in local, state, and national affairs focusing on business and jobs through the efforts of our Govern-

mental Affairs Council (GAC). The GAC is your advocate with the strength and influence of over 300 Chamber Business

Members and through our association with the California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber).

Your business gets a free listing on the Chamber website, with your link directing customers to your website.

You will receive news and information helpful to your business through the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, because we want

to help you succeed.

We are partners with the Economic Development Authority, Alliance Small Business Development Center, and SCORE that

forms an effective and active pro-business information and training co-op.

Chamber membership is members helping members, supporting a productive and continuously growing business community.

Why Become a Chamber Member?

August 2014 4

Ambassador Spotlight DONNA LEDWICK

Sonora Insurance Agency Inc.

Business Briefs We’ve Moved!

Mother Lode Internet

LLC has moved to

197A Mono Way, So-

nora. It’s the old brick

building perched on

the hill just above

Grocery Outlet. It has

more parking, more

space, and is more

energy efficient and

easy to find. We look forward to serving you from

the NEW Mother Lode Internet. Now celebrating 20 years,

we are grateful and we’re growing, thanks to you, our loyal

customers!

197A Mono Way, Sonora, CA 95370

www.motherlodeinternet.com

209-536-5800

info@mlode.com

InnovationLab

Opening in

Tuolumne County

A place where people with common interests in science, tech-

nology, digital or electronic skills can meet, socialize and col-

laborate. Such innovation and maker spaces, part of the DIY

or "maker" culture, are community-operated physical places,

where people can meet and work on their projects.

Located at 101 Hospital Road in Sonora, on the 3rd floor of the

former Tuolumne General Hospital. It will be open seven days

a week and twenty four hours a day.

Membership to the InnovationLab typically costs between $59

to $99 per month depending on membership level, but from

the grand opening on August 5, 2014 until November 5, 2014

the InnovationLab is offering six months free with a one year

membership. Read more here

August 2014 5

In his recent piece for The Sacramento Bee, "State's job

growth defies predictions after tax increases," David Cay

Johnston argues that California's recent job creation numbers

prove recent tax increases embodied in Proposition 30 aren't

killing jobs or slowing economic growth.

Yet the evidence Johnston presents is less than convincing-

surprising for an academic and former investigative journalist.

He points to recent positive job growth numbers but neglects

to mention that California's "unemployment rate" remains tied

for fifth worst in the nation.

Thirteen counties in California still have double-digit unem-

ployment rates, the highest of which is 22%.

Due in part to California’s oppressive tax and regulatory cli-

mate, the recession was markedly worse in our state. As a

consequence, we ended up with a bigger jobs hole, and we

now need more jobs than other states to fill that hole.

Yet in the past year, states with lower unemployment rates

like North Dakota, Utah, Texas, Delaware, Colorado, Florida,

Oregon, Indiana and Washington have all out-performed Cali-

fornia in per capita job creation.

At best, California's job creation record is middle of the road.

Given our climate, natural and human talent, and need for

jobs, we should be leading the nation in employment gains.

Instead we lead in taxes. California has the highest top in-

come tax rate, the highest statewide sales tax rate and the sec-

ond highest gas tax. High taxes and fees, combined with an

oppressive regulatory environment, contribute to the high cost

of living that undermines our state's competitiveness and im-

poverishes many of our citizens.

In his op-ed, Johnston fails to answer, let alone ask, key ques-

tions like: How many more jobs would California have creat-

ed if Proposition 30 hadn't passed? How many job creators

have left our state? Were the high taxes embodied in Proposi-

tion 30 even necessary?

Continued on Page 7

California Would Create More Jobs Without Prop 30

By George Runner Member of the Board of Equalization District 2

Location: Mt. Brow Winery

10850 Mt. Brow Rd., Sonora, CA

Friday Evenings 7:00—9:00 (3rd Friday of each month)

A series of fun (and free) “ladies nights out” to

mingle, share, learn and grow, and sample some great wine!

We all have our own unique strengths and

talents. The purpose of this series is to give you the opportunity to discover something

about yourself and share your unique talents with other women.

August 15th—Saving, Budgeting and Financial Peace of Mind

Does your budget (or lack thereof) control you? Do you know where your

money goes each month? Do you have a financial plan? Do you feel confident about your current plan? Do you find planning for retirement too exhausting and complicated? If you answered yes to any of these statements come and learn some simple, uncomplicated ideas to find

harmony with your money.

September 19th—Personal Strengths & Self Appeal

Susan Bremer O’Neill, Author of “From Sex Appeal to Self Appeal”, will be here to help you coax your inner diva out, so you can love your body and speak your truth to improve relationships. You will also learn how to

uncover your top 5 strengths with the Gallup Strengths Finder.

Hostess: Michelle Dean (209) 743-2223

August 2014 6

Wildfires can strike in any state, particularly during the summer

months. Fires are currently burning in Washington, Oregon, Cali-

fornia and Utah and more states are under high watch for wildfires.

Whether you or a loved one live in a region at risk for wildfires,

simple preparedness steps can help save lives.

You can take the first step toward wildfire preparedness right now

and download the free Red Cross Wildfire App.

The Wildfire App gives you important information in the palm of

your hand:

Preloaded content gives users instant access to information on

what to do before, during and after wildfires – even without

mobile connectivity.

The latest updates from local, state and federal fire agencies in

the “Wildfire News” section.

Red Cross emergency shelter locator for when you need help.

One-touch “I’m Safe” button that instantly posts a message to

your social networks, notifying friends and family that you’re

out of harm’s way, and more.

No smart phone? No problem. You can find helpful wildfire pre-

paredness tips by visiting our website at redcross.org/

prepare. Wildfires often begin unnoticed but can spread quickly,

and every second counts. Keep informed about threats in your

neighborhood and have an evacuation plan in place for you and

your loved ones. By taking a few simple steps today, you can en-

sure you’re prepared for wildfires.

The Red Cross responds to approximately 70,000 disasters in the

United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a sin-

gle family to storms that affect tens of thousands. Please consider

making a donation to Disaster Relief today. Your support will

help people affected by disasters big and small.

When disasters strike, the Red Cross is on the scene to support fam-

ilies and first responders by providing for their immediate needs

such as shelter, food and emotional support.

Thank you for being a part of the American Red Cross. And thank

you for taking our mission to heart – to relieve suffering wherever

and whenever it happens.

Stay safe,

Richard Reed

Senior Vice President

Disaster Cycle Services

American Red Cross

To download the free Red Cross Wildfire App: visit redcross.org/

apps or search ‘Red Cross’ in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

August 2014 7

Prop 30 Continued from Page 5

Proponents of Proposition 30

warned of dire consequences in-

cluding devastating cuts to schools

should the measure fail.

Yet since its passage the state has

received a surge in new revenue

unrelated to Proposition 30-

leading Sacramento Bee columnist

Dan Walters to question whether

Proposition 30 was truly needed.

The Governor and legislators are

using billions in new revenue to

grow government programs. What

if those dollars were instead given

back to taxpayers to invest in their

families and local communities?

Even the Legislature seems to rec-

ognize that California can't com-

pete under its current tax scheme

and has recently voted for a num-

ber of boutique tax incentives to

keep businesses from leaving our

state. How then can anyone argue

that California taxes and regula-

tions aren't driving jobs away?

As California's economy continues

to recover, we should not be satis-

fied with middle-of-the-road job

creation numbers, high taxes and

high poverty rates. We can and

must do better.

For more information, visit

boe.ca.gov/Runner.

The official 2014 California yard Go water-wise because

Last month, I was elected by my peers to serve as the next As-

sembly Republican Leader. I am truly honored by my col-

league’s confidence in my ability to unite our party and help

put California back on the right path – a path that will energize

California and help make our state Golden again.

Despite overall economic recovery, California’s onerous regu-

latory environment is still suffocating small businesses and

families across the state. Businesses continue to flee – taking

good paying jobs with them – because they are at a competi-

tive disadvantage in our state. Meanwhile, the rising cost of

living and job scarcity make it difficult for families to stay

afloat.

There is no doubt that regulations have spun out of control in

California. Vexatious litigation is at an all-time high, as some

laws have simply become tools for organizations to put a stop

to projects that stand in the way of their own personal agendas.

Families in the San Joaquin Valley (and Mother Lode) find

themselves hit the hardest when small businesses are targeted

as prey to the high fines of big government. With unemploy-

ment still in the double digits here, and roughly one in four

people living in poverty, we can’t afford to lose jobs by treat-

ing employers unfairly.

Sacramento has to get serious about making government ac-

countable, transparent, efficient, and business-friendly so that

we can make California worthy of investment once again. We

need leaders who will focus on getting results by building

bridges, setting priorities and getting back to basics. At the

same time, we cannot be effective unless we express a healthy

willingness to work toward negotiated agreement with other

leaders.

I am looking forward to taking on this role as Leader so that I

can unify the Assembly Republican Caucus toward our com-

mon, core principles of low taxes, job growth, educational ex-

cellence and government efficiency. In order for us to be suc-

cessful moving forward, we must refine and articulate our

message in a way that makes all Californians feel valued, em-

powered, and respected. We must show people that we care

about their daily struggles and that we are just like them -

moms, dads, grandparents, workers, small business owners…

who want to be able to prosper in this state.

Pulling the reins on regulation and reducing the tax burden will

help foster a vibrant marketplace and send a message to indus-

try that our state is ready to help them expand and flourish. At

the same time, we must continue to substantively reform our

educational system to better prepare our kids for the jobs of the

future. And as always, we must continue to strive to make

government work for people in an efficient manner.

You can help us accomplish these goals by sharing your stories

of success and struggle. I will use them to continue advocating

for our district from my new statewide platform. As always,

do not hesitate to contact my office at (209) 576-6425, if you

have any questions or concerns.

August 2014 8

Congratulations to all the Raffle prize winners at our July Mixer—

Massage Rehabilitation

Raffle Prize Donated By Winner

HOST-$150 Gift Certificate

$40 Gift Certificate + $25 Slot Play

Giants Ball Cap

Duffle Bag

La Bella Rosa Merlot

Bottle of Zinfandel

Half of Evening’s Raffle Proceeds

Massage Rehabilitation

Black Oak Casino

AAA-NCNU

AAA-NCNU

Paula Cheatham/Glenn S. Caldwell Insurance

Eagle Castle Winery/The Hanvelts

T.C. Chamber and our guests

Dana Mayo

Donna Ledwick

Mike Dambacher

Kim Morgan

Kim Morgan

Dianne Nowack

Ron Patel

Thank You To All Who Attended

Website Member Business Spotlight J.S. West Propane

Strong Leadership is Key to Real Economic Recovery

August 2014 9

Ron Patel & Amelia Harrison

The Chamber’s July Mixer

at Massage Rehabilitation

Dick & Carol Southern

Birthday Lady Paula Cheatham & Kaenan Whitman

Gina Norstrom

Monique Robertson Amelia & Charlie

Mike Dambacher Raffle drawing action & “The Chair”

Laura Lopez gave free massages to Mixer guests, here’s Dana Mayo.

Donna Ledwick hard at work

Donnie Morris working his magic on Teri Brockmire

Introductions

Dianne Nowack

August 2014 10

Ever notice how some small businesses seem to

thrive under just about any economic condi-

tions, while others constantly struggle

and miss opportunities that come

their way? In part, it might

be the type of business,

the location, or finan-

cial backing. But the

most successful business owners display

some clear patterns and habits.

And on the flip side of that, other business

owners make many of the same mistakes

that are often avoidable, especially when it

comes to growing a business. Part of the

problem is short-term thinking – chasing

the latest shiny advertising object that hap-

pens to pass by, for example. Or spending

too much time seeking new customers and

not enough taking care of the ones you

have.

Solid, long-term growth starts with what I

call “inside-out” thinking – doing the

things inside your business that you can

control, and paying less attention to the

outside things you can’t control.

1. Change how you think about growth

Consider growth a constant – not something you switch on or off

depending on conditions. For example, many business owners re-

duce offerings at the first sign of an economic storm, or overspend

when the outlook seems rosy. But a steady-as-she-goes approach

makes for long term success.

2. Check your ego; seek out sound advice

You know your business inside and out, but that doesn’t make you

an expert at running every part of it. Smart business owners know

what they don’t know. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and then

take it.

3. Remember your first fans

Many entrepreneurs seem to forget who helped them get started. If

you have investors, keep them apprised of what’s going on. Good

communication is critical. A good investor group can provide

mentoring and other resources, so keep them involved.

4. Share your knowledge

In today’s social media driven world, success and influence are in

the hands of those who share ideas and information. So when

you’ve found a great tool or solution, or gained insight, tweet it,

blog about it, author an article, post it to Facebook.

5. Hire help to watch your money

Lack of strong accounting and finance

can be the only thing keeping you

from reaching your financial

goals. Find well qualified

people who share your

vision and then step back

and take their advice.

6. Know when to persevere

Stick to your mission. Many would-be suc-

cess stories end prematurely because they

give up when challenges mount. Don’t let

hurdles stop you. Arm yourself with market

knowledge and an expert team and push

through.

7. But recognize when to change direc-

tion

Still, there are times you may need to change

direction or call it day, and having the cour-

age to do so can be liberating. You may end

up with a clearer picture of what will or

won’t work.

8. Keep cash on hand

One of the biggest mistakes growing busi-

nesses make is to run out of cash. While the sun is still shining on

your business or before your financial picture has a chance to turn

sour, meet with lenders and/or landlords proactively to see if there

are opportunities to restructure debt, payment terms, etc. Having

cash on hand is critical for staying afloat and continuing to grow.

9. Get more when you have more

Don’t wait until cash balances get low to secure more funding. The

best time to get more is when you don’t need it. Securing a line of

credit while you still have money in the bank gives you the ability

to negotiate a larger line and better terms. It also gives you the abil-

ity to make payroll during slow times and to have access to cash as

needed. In addition, it gives you an opportunity to develop a busi-

ness relationship with a bank.

10. Sell when you get the chance

Many business owners miss, or worse – pass up – incredible chanc-

es to sell their company because they are not prepared to adequate-

ly evaluate the opportunity. Know where you stand in the market-

place at all times. That includes what your potential is, and what it

will take to reach your potential. That way, when opportunity

knocks, you’ll know what to do.

By Daniel Kehrer, Founder & Managing Director of BizBest Media Corp

Inside-Out Secrets of Growing Your Business

Copyright © 2000-2014 BizBest® Media Corp. All Rights Reserved

August 2014 11

Building Tuolumne County… One Business at a Time

Upcoming Business Training Workshops

Class Date Location Online Security 6-August Sonora Fire Department

5:00pm—7:00pm 201 S Shepherd St, Sonora

SCORE’s Checklist & Planning 7-August Chamber of Commerce

for Going Into Business 9:00am—11:00am 222 S Shepherd St, Sonora

Maximize Profits and 19-August Sonora Fire Department

Minimize Taxes 1:00pm—4:00pm 201 S Shepherd St, Sonora Register Now at

www.allianceSBDC.com/tuolumne-county-trainings or

call 209-567-4910

The Business Alliance of Tuolumne County

THE POLAR EXPRESS™

Continued from front page

Traditionally, tickets for this exciting

family holiday event sell out very

quickly. Members of Railtown 1897

will have the opportunity to purchase

a limited number of tickets in advance

of the general public. There are sev-

eral categories of membership to suit

every household – from $35 -

$250. New members must join by

September 5 to participate, and cur-

rent members must be active through

October 31, 2014 in order to partici-

pate in the Member Advance Ticket

Sales. Trains departing Railtown

1897 are scheduled for 4:00 pm, 6:00

pm and 8:00 pm; Fridays through

Sundays December 5-7; 12-14; 19-21.

Tickets are: Coach - $40/person; First

Class - $55/person. Children under 2

years of age are free and must be seat-

ed on an adult’s lap during the

ride. Tickets will go on sale to the

general public on October 9, 2014 and

will be available for purchase online

only at www.railtown1897.org. Prior

to the general public sales date mem-

bers of Railtown 1897 State Historic

Park will be eligible to participate in Member Advance Ticket Sales. For

more information about tickets or

membership, please visit

www.railtown1897.org.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train

Ride is a fundraiser for the

California State Railroad Museum

Foundation, which supports

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.

Website Security:

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS

When you go to an ATM machine to withdraw

cash, you need two pieces of information: your

debit card and your PIN. Can you imagine how

at risk you would feel if you didn’t need to enter

your PIN to use your card? Anyone who got ac-

cess to your card would have access to your bank

account.

Why wouldn’t you also want that extra layer of

security for your small business website?

Enter two-factor (aka two-step) authentication —

a security process that can help you protect the

valuable information on your website.

How does two-factor authentication work?

When you have two-factor authentication activat-

ed, you need two pieces of information to get

into your account:

1. Something you know — like a password

2. Something you have — like a smartphone

Why is two-factor so effective?

It’s pretty easy for bad guys to guess weak pass-

words — especially with all the personal infor-

mation available today via social media. But

hackers will have a heck of a time obtaining

that something you have— such as the hardware

or software security token or mobile phone

you’ve authorized for verification texts. You

need to have that mobile phone or token in hand

to get the information you need to access your

account.

Many businesses offer that additional layer of

security for U.S. customers who’ve requested

Two-Step Authentication by texting them a vali-

dation code that they must enter whenever they

log in to their account or make important account

changes.

Check out this awesome guide to enabling two-

factor authentication on 50 top websites, courtesy

of our very own Chris Carfi.

Your customers trust you. They need to know

their personal information — including sensitive

account information — is safe on your website.

And you’ll appreciate the peace of mind that

comes from knowing you’re doing all you can to

protect your site.

Article by Chief Information Security Officer

at GoDaddy, Todd Redfoot

Most passwords are CaSe SensiTiVe, so use that

to your advantage

Don’t use the same password across multiple

platforms

Longer passwords are ALWAYS better

Bring on the $ym?o!s, don’t use a password with

only letters or numbers

Try spelling sdrawkcaB

Change your passwords often

SAFEGUARD your passwords (no post-its on the

monitor!)

Ima

ge co

urtesy n

ativein

telligen

ce.com

California Student Housing

Cave & Mine Adventures/Sierra Nevada Recreation

Cedar Ridge Apple Ranch/Indigeny Reserve*

Coldwell Banker-Mother Lode Real Estate

El Dorado Savings Bank

Frank D. Hodges

Gianelli & Polley, Professional Law Corp.*

Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County*

Leland High Sierra Snow Play*

Mono Village Apartments*

Pinecrest Lake Resort*

Sandvik Thermal Process, Inc.

Scrubs ‘n Such

Sierra Senior Providers/Tuo. Co. Meals on Wheels*

Sonora Ford*

Sonora Insurance Agency, Inc.*

Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home

Tuolumne Utilities District*

Turlock Irrigation District*

Tweedy Tire Service Inc.

Umpqua Bank*

W.H. Breshears, Inc.

Yosemite Title Company*

*Contributor to Chamber programs and activities

Michael D. Scherer, DMD, MS, APC