February 2012 Clarion

February 2012 Vol. 48, No. 2

The Brentwood Voice of Business

Page 1: Citizen and Business of the Year Page 2: Director’s Message; Board of Directors and Staff

Page 3: Ambassador’s Corner, Upcoming Chamber Events

Page 9: Awards Dinner photos Page 10: City of Brentwood Entrepreneur Training Page 11: Cal Chamber news Page 12: General Information

Page 4: New and Renewing Members Page 5: Ribbon Cutting Page 6: January Mixer Page 7: February Mixer Page 8: Awards Dinner photos

Congratulations!

Citizen of the Year

Karen Rarey

And

Business of the Year

Brentwood Press

Paul and Karen Rarey

arriving at the Awards Dinner

Rick Lemyre and Greg Robinson

receiving their award from

Chamber President, Paul Kelly

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce held

its Annual Awards and Installation Dinner

on January 28, 2012 at Club Los Meganos at

Trilogy at the Vineyards.

It was an elegant evening with over 160

guests in attendance to honor Brentwood’s

best—Citizen of the Year, Karen Rarey and

Business of the Year, the Brentwood Press.

The Brentwood Press’ Greg Robinson and

Rick Lemyre along with owner, Jimmy

Chamoures, received the award on behalf of

the Press. Many of their employees were on

hand as well. Proclamations and certificates

were also bestowed from the City of Brent-

wood, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan

and State Senator, Mark DeSaulnier.

Karen Rarey was recognized for her nu-

merous volunteer efforts for the Brent-

wood community, including involvement

with the LUHSD Education Foundation,

Kiwanis, Relay for Life and the John

Marsh Historic Trust to name a few. Her

husband, children and many friends and

colleagues were in attendance. Karen also

received recognition from the City of

Brentwood, Assemblymember Buchanan

and Senator Mark DeSaulniers’ offices.

This year’s event, included a performance

by local singer, David McClellan of

McClellan Entertainment, who sang show

tunes and customized a special “audience

participation” song just for Karen.

See inside for pictures and highlights of the 2012 Awards Dinner

Also honored was Fred Ehler, who was

named the Brentwood Chamber of Com-

merce Ambassador of the Year for his dedi-

cation and effort as a volunteer Ambassa-

dor.

The Directors of the Chamber were also

recognized for their contributions to the

Board and outgoing and incoming directors

were announced.

Thank you to Jilda Fairhurst and Trilogy at

the Vineyards for coordinating a wonderful

event. We look forward to seeing everyone

again next year to honor the next Citizen

and Business of the Year. Nominations are

accepted starting in November. The Cham-

ber appreciates all assistance in helping

locate individuals and businesses worthy of

this honor.

The Brentwood Clarion Page 2

BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Paul Kelly, President Prospect Mortgage

Joe Trebino, Past President Delta Pure Water

Dirk Zeigler, Chief Financial Officer Zeigler Insurance Group

Olga Vidriales, V.P. Community Programs, Travis Credit Union

Brent Aasen Equus Group

Amy Alvis Alvis Frantz and Associates

Kathy Blanton Sutter Delta Medical Center

Maurice Daroy Farmers Insurance

Fred Ehler Ehler Management Group

Kerry Fritsch Monogramming by Frichy

Jacqueline Hanel John Muir Health

Lori Knudsen California Payroll

Greg Robinson Brentwood Press

Robin Schiavone

Raley’s

Ken Seamann Discovery Professional Services

********************************

Chamber Staff

Jilda Fairhurst, Office Manager

Lisa Hurt, Support Services Director

Pat Trombino, Event Coordinator

Bill Putman, Volunteer

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGEDIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Hello Chamber Members:

It’s a pleasure to be back on the board again! I look forward to

meeting and working with you in 2012.

As Paul stated last month in his article about the Etch-A-Sketch, that

2012 should be a fresh start, get involved with the Brentwood Chamber.

My message for the month is to be PRO-ACTIVE. Come Out, Get

Involved, be Pro Active! I believe one of the biggest benefits of being a

Chamber Member is networking at the monthly mixers. We all need to grow

our businesses in order to survive in this day and age. By networking with

other business people you will meet many new people to exchange ideas

with, get referrals, and make some new friends, with a Goal to grow your

business. I encourage you to mark your calendars now to join us on the 3rd

Thursdays of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Check out our website

www.brentwoodchamber.com for locations.

My challenge to you for this year is to bring a friend and fellow

business owner (non-Chamber member) to the mixers. As one of the

Chamber’s primary goals this year is to grow the Chamber Membership and

attendance at the mixers. Currently, we have about 40-50 people attending the

monthly mixers--we’d like to get this attendance back up to 70-80 people per

month. This year we are sweetening the pot by offering you and your guest a

free cocktail at any of the mixers that you bring a guest to.

Lastly, another way to get a little more exposure for your business is

to bring a raffle prize to be given away at the monthly mixer where you will

then have a chance to give a quick commercial on your business- every little

bit helps!

It’s your business, put some quality time into it with other business

people—you may be surprised at who you will meet and what you can learn.

See you on the 3rd Thursdays!

Greg Robinson

Chamber Board Member

Publisher, Brentwood Press

Past Chamber President 2003

http://www.brentwoodchamber.com/


Chamber Ambassadors

Vicki Sexton, Chair, First Bank

Amy Alvis, Alvis-Frantz and Associates

Kathy Blanton, Sutter Delta Medical Center

Maurice Daroy, Farmers Insurance

Fred Ehler, Ehler Management Group

Kerri Fritsch, Monogramming by Frichy

Lori Knudsen, California Payroll

Sam Lamantia, Lamantia Insurance Services

Michele Lane, ReMax/Accord

John Lawrence, New York Life Insurance

Diem Nguyen, State Farm Insurance

Kathi Regan, Maxx Worms

Paul Roman, Window Innovations, Inc.

Patti Schneider, The Right Choice

Kurt Tomicich, KRT Services

Dan Torres, New York Life Insurance

Joe Trebino, Delta Pure Water, Etc.

Pat Trombino, First Bank

Kimberley Victor, Mary Kay Cosmetics

UPCOMING EVENTS

Chamber Mixers

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Big Wave Dave’s Mongolian Grill

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Relay for Life at Gursky Ranch

Ambassador's Corner Protecting Assets During Challenging Business Times

Small businesses are the engine of the economy, and when the economy sputters they often

feel it first. In the current climate of uncertainty, many small businesses have drastically cut ex-

penses and tried to make their operations as lean and efficient as possible.

But even if a small business owner can't control the marketplace, he or she can take steps to

protect their key assets: the people the business relies upon.

Details Matter To Customers

A recession tests customer loyalty, as people cut back on spending and carefully weigh their

options for even necessary purchases. For businesses that are cutting back themselves, it may

be easy to let attention to the details of customer service slip. But this is the time that details

matter most, whether it's taking the trouble to send a holiday note to your mailing list or offering

special incentives to prized patrons. The key to their loyalty is to let them know they matter to

you.

Appreciate Your Employees

Of course, you want your employees to know they're important, too. You need their knowledge

and experience to navigate the uncertain times. The recession might mean sacrifices for every-

one, but it is also a time to make sure valued workers know how much they are appreciated.

Even small gestures, like movie tickets or a night at a local restaurant, can keep morale steady.

Supplement Benefits, Not Costs

You may want to consider enhancing your employee benefits package. A “Voluntary Payroll De-

duction” (VPD) program is one of the simplest ways employees can purchase additional, person-

ally-owned permanent life insurance. A VPD program can usually be set up using your existing

procedures for payroll deduction. A life insurance agent would then meet individually with each

employee to explain the benefits of life insurance and the ease with which it can be purchased.

All products purchased through VPD are employee-owned and paid for, with virtually no direct

out-of-pocket cost to you. Adding a VPD program can be a smart way to supplement your overall

benefits package, without draining your budget.

Note: Employee participation in a payroll deduction insurance program is completely voluntary.

Since this program is not intended to be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security

Act of 1974 (ERISA), employers cannot contribute to, or endorse, this program.

Protect Yourself

As the owner of a business, you are the most important piece of the puzzle. And especially dur-

ing difficult times, it is important to think about how the business would function without you.

One thing that can provide a greater sense of security is a comprehensive life insurance policy. It

can be tailored to fit your needs and ensure that those who rely on you every day would be pro-

vided for.

So when you think about protecting your assets in this economy, consider your human assets

first.

This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by Dan Torres. For addi-

tional information on the information or topic(s) discussed, please contact Dan Torres at

925-679-5519 or [email protected].

Dan Torres, Agent

CA Ins. Lic #0G66370

New York Life Insurance Company,

191 Sand Creek Rd. Suite 200

Brentwood, CA 94513


Mission Statement: The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization

dedicated to the promotion of the civic and commercial progress of the community. We will

continuously strive to maintain and foster a healthy business climate for Chamber members and the

entire community.

NEW MEMBERS

The Brentwood Chamber is pleased to

welcome the following new members:

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Thank you to the following members who recently rnewed

their membership. The Chamber appreciates your

continued support.

Newberry Estate Vineyard

Sabrina Rippie/Jeremy Newberry

2525 Sunset Road

Brentwood, CA 94513

(925) 516-3300

[email protected]

Pronto Cleaning Solutions

Kelly Allison

PO Box 30412

Walnut Creek, CA 94598

(925) 915-0960

[email protected]

Ralph’s Catering

Ralph and Charlene Skelton

71 Sand Creek Road, Suite C

Brentwood, CA 94513

(925) 625-2307

[email protected]

The Solar Company

Michelle Jogopulos

Brentwood, CA 94513

(925) 642-6918

[email protected]

WP Fangirl

Sallie Goetsch

(510) 969-9947

sallie@wpfangirl

Arbor Ridge Apartments

Brentwood Auto Service

Brentwood Rotary Club

Dallas Shanks Chevron

Delta Diablo Det. 1155 Marine Corps

H.A.R.P.

Nancy Kaiser

Kids N Cribs

Roddy Ranch Golf Club

Tracy Benhamou, DDS

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Vornhagen Body & Paint

New Member Offer!

Thinking about joining the Chamber?

Come to our next mixer, complete an

application there and pay your first

year dues and we will waive the $25

administration fee!


Seen around Brentwood...

When our members renew their membership they receive a friendly visit from one of our Ambassadors.

These members were visited by Fred Ehler who brings them a thank-you letter and their 2012 sticker to

place on their Chamber plaque. Great job, Fred and thank you our members for their involvement with the

Chamber.

Greg Karkas and Bill Harris

of Brentwood Fine Meats

Donna Ross of Crème

dela Gem Jewelry Olga Vidriales of Travis

Credit Union

Menchie’s Yogurt mascot greeting visitors at

their Grand Opening celebration.

Cutting the ribbon is Susan Rowe, owner of

Menchie’s, along with Chamber Ambassadors,

Directors, Members and Mayor Bob Taylor and

his wife, Pam. Menchie’s wildly popular frozen yogurt has come to Brentwood in the

Sand Creek Crossing shopping center. A Grand Opening Celebration and

Ribbon Cutting were held on Feb. 3rd. Menchie’s is a serve-your-own

frozen yogurt shop that carries a wide array of rotating flavors and top-

pings. Customers pay by the weight of their frozen concoction. Check

them out at www.menchies.com and visit their local store at 2530 Sand

Creek Rd., Suite B-2.


A big thank you to National Flooring and Supply

and Leonard McCurley for hosting January’s mixer

at their showroom on Brentwood Blvd. and for

donating great prizes for the Business Card

drawing.

The mixer was a fun-filled night filled with the

wonderful aroma of hot dogs on the grill, great

company and several new members and guests.

Also, thank you to The Brentwood Press and Sutter

Delta Medical Center for donating additional raffle

prizes.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our

February mixer held on February 16, 2012 at Big

Wave Dave’s Mongolian Grill in Brentwood and at

our March mixer at Gusky Ranch being hosted by

Relay for Life of Brentwood on March 15, 2012.

January Mixer at



Bob and Chris Nicoles and

Beth and Dirk Zeigler

Karen Rarey and her proud father,

Robert Murray

Chamber President, Paul Kelly,

presenting Karen with Citizen of the

Year Award

Rick Lemyre and Greg Robinson

with Mayor Bob Taylor

Outgoing Chamber President, Joe Trebino

receiving a plaque from Paul Kelly

Dan and Jackie Hanel

David McClellan and guest

At left,

Singer

David

McClellan

entertains

everyone

before

the

program

officially

begins

Rick and Cindy Lemyre

Kerri and Jeff Fritsch

Gary and Karen Kendall

Gretchen and Gene Clare

Pam and Fred Ehler

Ike Montanez


Linda Mar-Veiga and Mark

Sturgeon

Coby and Sonia Beasley

Wendy Robertson and friend

Jim and Janet Frazier

Madelynn Krebs

Dawn Fischer and

David Navarrette

Maurice and Angela Daroy

Richard Wisdom and Bill Putman

Jeff Schults

Kathi Regan and Pat Trombino

Bob and Kathy Blanton Jack Gaughan

Glenda and Neil Cohn

Paul and Lisa Hurt

Pat Trombino with John

and Jilda Fairhurst

Eric and Judy Volta


Entrepreneur Business Training Program

“The Complete Business Planning Process”

for existing brentwood businesses and serious start-ups...

March 5 – May 9, 2012

Classes will be held on Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Brentwood City Hall, 150 City Park Way

Call (925) 602-6806 to apply!

Scholarships are currently being provided by the City of Brentwood for its citizens. This financial support does not include a $300 Non-Refundable Fee for Registration and Training Materials once your application has been finalized.

The instructional objectives are:

• Help you learn and adopt entrepreneurial skills, attitudes, and behaviors for success. • Develop your best possible written business plan with plenty of collective intelligence. • Facilitate the healthy start and sustainable growth of your business.

You will experience and apply in 10 weeks of learning:

• The Power of Your Mission as a Strategic Force and Compass • Goals, Focus and Success strategies by Canfield, Ziglar, and Csikszentmihalyi • A Review of Covey on Effectiveness and Tracy on Time Management • How to Use Research to Create a Good Business Plan • Managements 5 Key Roles, Planning and Control by Peter Drucker • Guerrilla Marketing from Levinson and a Seven Sentence Marketing Plan • Pricing for Profitability from the Power of Branding Your Business • How to Create a Sales Forecast That Is Realistic and Useful in Making Sales Financial Management Basics, Sales, Costs, & Profits

The Entrepreneur Business Training Program is student-centered, collaborative and interactive, and will be taught by John Smulo, an experienced professional educator and entrepreneur.


New Website Helps Employers Navigate Federal Health Care Law

(February 14, 2012) A group of California business organizations has collaborated to launch a first-its-kind business-

oriented website aimed at providing employers with accurate and easy-to-understand information about the federal Patient Protection and

Affordable Care Act.

The Health Law Guide for Business, tailored for the business community, will help business owners navigate through all 2,409 pages of the

health care law with one website www.healthlawguideforbusiness.org.

TAX CREDIT CALCULATOR

One website feature is a “tax credit calculator” that helps employers estimate savings available under the law. With videos, interactive surveys

and an easy-to-use format, the online tool includes numerous elements to serve a variety of preferences for gathering and retaining

information.

CURRENT INFORMATION

The Health Law Guide for Business website reflects the most significant updates and developments in the process to implement the health care

law in California. In 2010, California became the first state in the nation to enact legislation creating an Affordable Insurance Exchange as

required under the federal health care law.

Starting in 2014, the California Health Benefit Exchange will allow individuals and small businesses to compare health plans, get answers to

questions, find out if they are eligible for tax credits for private insurance or health programs, and enroll in a health plan that meets their needs.

The Exchange is separated into two programs, the Individual Exchange and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). The SHOP

will allow small businesses to band together to create a large purchasing pool so that small business owners will have access to the same lower

rates that large employers have enjoyed for decades.

MORE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

The website, funded by The California Endowment, was created by a partnership that includes the Bay Area Council, California Hispanic

Chambers of Commerce, California Small Business Development Centers, Pacific Business Group on Health, Silicon Valley Leadership

Group, Small Business Majority, Small Business California, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. The partnership aims to

address the need of California’s business community to stay informed about the implementation of the law and counter misinformation.

http://www.healthlawguideforbusiness.org/





Phone: 925-634-3344

Fax: 925-634-3731

Email: [email protected]

www.brentwoodchamber.com

The Brentwood Clarion

Brentwood Chamber of Commerce

8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C

City of Brentwood (925) 516-5400

Parks & Recreation (924) 516-5444

Community Development (925) 516-5405

Brentwood Library (925) 516-5405

Police Non Emergency (925) 634-6911

Fire Department (925) 634-3400

Brentwood Aquatic Park (925) 516-5430

Newspapers

Brentwood Press (925) 634-1441

Contra Costa Times (925) 757-2525

Brentwood News (925) 779-7120

Transportation

Tri Delta Transit (925) 754-4040

Hotels

Hampton Inn (925) 513-1289

Holiday Inn Express (800) 345-8082

Medical Services

Sutter Delta Medical Center (925) 779-7200

John Muir Outpatient Center (925) 308-8100

Kaiser Permanente Antioch (925) 813-6500

Theaters

Delta Cinema (925) 240-7370

Rave (925) 809-0030

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

SCORE Counselors, Counselors of Small Business Now at the Brentwood Chamber Office ----Call (925) 634-3344 for your appointment today.

http://www.brentwoodchamber.com

http://www.bookbusters.net/

http://www.guarddogalarms.info/

Documents

February 2012 Clarion