If you were in the vicinity of the Norwalk Doubletree Hotel on February 17th, then you would have noticed the many vendors setting up their tables and getting geared up for the Norwalk Chamber Annual Business Expo. Each year, local businesses and restaurants set up display tables to showcase their products to the public. Citizens are able to walk through the Expo, sample local restaurant dishes and meet busi-nesses face to face. If you were in need

of insurance services, banking, ongo-ing education, health services, plumb-ing or windshield repairs, this was the place to be. Or if you wanted to find out more about local community ser-vice organizations or non profits, many of them were present at the Expo.

This year’s theme was “Business Round Up” and many came dressed in their western outfits. Recognition was given to Café n’ Stuff and Bright

Health Physicians for the best use of theme and best decorated table. Also recognized for re-newing their Norwalk Chamber membership were Mid Cities Financial Credit Union, Bessie Griffin, Sanchez Restaurant, Art Sanchez and LA County Orators Toastmaster, Nand Khidkikar.

The Norwalk Chamber thanks the many vendors and

community organizations that participated in this year’s Expo. Special thanks go out to Tracy Bunn of TST Entertainment for providing the music and entertainment for the evening. We also thank the Norwalk Chamber restaurants that pro-vided free food samples to the attend-ees at the event. Outback Restaurant, Café n’ Stuff, Sanchez Restaurant & Catering and the Norwalk Doubletree

Hotel all provided delicious treats for all to sample.

Lastly we thank our sponsors for this event: The City of Norwalk, Southern California Gas Company and Supervisor Don Knabe as “Giddy Up” sponsors, and Wells Fargo Bank as a Buckaroo Sponsor. This event would not have been possible without your support.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Betty ChaconPresidentWells Fargo Bank

They say time flies when you are having fun, so we must be having fun with the

Norwalk Chamber as it is already March and the first two months of this year have flown by! With the busy schedules we all have, it is so easy to miss out on the opportunities

provided by the Norwalk Chamber to support your business. Be sure and put on your calendar March 10th from 10am to 12 noon, at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex, a FREE seminar. Come join us and learn about tax savings ideas for your business.

Another upcoming event is our Annual State of the County Break-fast, with Supervisor Don Knabe. This is a great time to meet many business and city leaders and learn what the year ahead has in store for Los Angles County. With all of the changes set to take place this year in California, it’s going to be more im-portant than ever to stay informed. Additional information about the breakfast can be found at www.norwalkchamber.com.

Your Norwalk Chamber of Com-merce had a busy February. We held

go to: www.yourcitycoupons.net

Chamber of CommerceServing and Supporting the Business Community Since 1923

March 2011 • Vol 1, No. 4 • www.norwalkchamber.com • info@norwalkchamber.org

Norwalk Chamber Hosts Annual Business Expo

Betty Chacon

[l]Maria Gonzalez, Norwalk Union 76 Service Center [r] Norwalk Chamber President Betty Chacon, Wells Fargo Bank and Board of Directors member present renewal plaque to Art Sanchez of Sanchez Restaurant & Catering.

Norwalk Soroptimist International at the Annual Business Expo.

Presorted STDU.S. PostagePaidNorwalk, CAPermit NO. 55

[See MESSAGE Page 3]

Bright Health Physicians recognized for Best Decorated Table.Café n’ Stuff’s Michael Smith receives award for Best use of Theme.

2 NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • MARCH 2011 TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

20 YearsPersonnel PlusPawnmart Jewelry & Loan

15 YearsEspana Motel

11 YearsNorwalk Printing & GraphicsLowe’s Home Improvement CenterPawnmart

8 YearsMary Jane McIntoshL.A. CADA

5 YearsBright Now Dental

3 YearsSam’s Club

2 YearsBrennan SignsBoneyard Drums

1 YearLos Angeles County Orators Toast-masters Club

Norwalk Chamber Of Commerce

12040 Foster Road, Norwalk, CA., 90650Phone: 562.864.7785 FAX: 562.864.8539

info@norwalkchamber.com

Executive CommitteePRESIDENT

Betty ChaconWells Fargo Bank

VP FINANCEJesse Urquidi

Norwalk Lions ClubPRESIDENT ELECT

Joseph DerthickAFLAC

VP COMMUNICATIONS/SECRETARYKarla Butler

Thompson & AssociatesIMMEDIATE PAST

PRESIDENT Teri Bazen

Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing

Board of DirectorsReggie BerryGoals For Life

Coast Plaza HospitalRob Cazares

Outback RestaurantRita DeBenedictis

Café n’ StuffLynda Fisher

WalMartMaria GonzalezNorwalk Unocal 76

Toni GrijalvaCerritos College

Jennifer KocaogluCostco Wholesale - Norwalk

Richard LeGaspiTNT FireworksGary Murphy

Norwalk Florist/Flowers by AlanTracy Polley

Kelco SalesLesley Watkins

Community Family Guidance Center

AMBASSADOR CHAIRJoseph Derthick

AFLACEVENTS CHAIRLynda Fisher

Wal-MartToni GrijalvaCerritos College

CHAMBER DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

Teri BazenNorwalk La Mirada Plumbing

LEGISLATIVE CHAIRJulia Emerson

So. Cal. Gas CompanyCheri Kelley

City Council Liaison

Chamber StaffExecutive DirectorVivian Hansen

Membership Services DirectorCaren Spilsbury

NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS NEW MEMBERSChina Bowl Express/Young Hawai-ian BBQAnthony Sou11031 Firestone Blvd. #102Norwalk CA 90650562-462-1661Anthony0473@gmail.com

Los Angeles Heat Football, Inc.Jose Rodriguez, PresidentP.O. Box 59523Norwalk CA 90650626-890-0181www.losangelesheat.orgPresident@losangelesheat.org

The following companies and individuals renewed their membership with the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the services we provide are made possible by of their support.

“Support the Businesses that Support Economic

Growth in Norwalk”

The Ambassador Committee Needs Your HelpWe are soliciting new members to serve as Ambassadors for the Norwalk Chamber. Ambassadors serve as agents of the Chamber to support and represent the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and be proactive in advancing mem-bership retention and growth.

Duties include:

•WelcomingandmentoringNewChamberMembersbyinvitingthemtoeventsandintroducingthemto others. •ServeasagreeteratChamberbreakfasts/luncheons/mixers •Attendribboncuttingceremonies,grandopeningsandmixers. •SupportChamberactivitiesthroughattendanceatevents •TheAmbassadorsserveasofficial“hosts”atChamberfunctions •HAVESOMEFUN!!!

INTERESTED?CallVivianHansenattheChamber.Wewillsendyouanapplication.

Small Business Counseling

The Norwalk Chamber of Com-merce and the Small Business De-velopment Center are continuing to offer business counseling sessions at the Norwalk Chamber twice a month. These sessions are one-on-one, hour and a half sessions with a professional bilingual counselor. Appointments can be made with the Chamber of-fice. The sessions are free and the counselor will work with you on your business plan, marketing and finan-cial strategies. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a nationwide SBDC program that partners with federal and private enti-ties to provide small business owners access to management consulting, entrepreneurial education, and other valuable business resources. If you own a business or are planning to start one in Los Angeles County, here are just a few areas that SBDC Business Advisors address: Business plans, Capital sourcing, Cash, Contracting and procurement, Financing, Human Resources, Legal issues, Start-up help,

Marketing and Sales. Contact the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce at 562-864-7785 to make your appoint-ment.

Norwalk Chamber Benefits

Did you know…. That the Nor-walk Chamber offers a Group Health Insurance Plan? If you are like most small businesses today, the high cost of health insurance is a major concern and can be a threat to your profitabili-ty. Ben-E-Lect offers opportunities to Chamber Members to find the best in-surance provider at the lowest cost for you. Contact them today at 888-886-7973 or on the web at www.chamber.benelect.com for more information.

Did you know… That advertising on the Norwalk Chamber website is cost effective and easy?

The Norwalk Chamber website has hundreds of hits every month. We offer affordable prices to place your business ad on our home page. Contact the Norwalk Chamber at 562-864-7785 or by email at info@

norwalkchamber.com for additional details.Visitourwebsiteatwww.norwalkchamber.com

Did you know… That you can mail flyers to all the Norwalk Chamber members with our monthly mailings at a low cost? If you’re interested in getting the word out about your busi-ness or want to promote a special, this is a cost effective way to do it.

Did you know… That as a Nor-walk Chamber member, we will do quarterly email blasts for you for FREE! Submit your .PDF file to the Norwalk Chamber at ceo@norwalk-chamber.com

Did you know… There is a free workshop on March 10th, hosted by the Norwalk Chamber and presented by Art Husami of Husami & As-sociates? Come discover all the tax tips you need to save your business money in 2011! The Norwalk Cham-ber always strives to provide relevant workshops for its members at little or no cost.

Did you know… if you have career opportunities at your company – we will run a Help Wanted Ad for you for FREE.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS•March 10, 2011Workshop – “Tax Saving Ideas For Businesses”10 am to Noon

•March 31, 2011Breakfast – “State of the County”Guest Speaker – Supervisor Don Knabe8 am to 9:30 am

•April 7, 2011Evening Mixer – Budget Rent-A-Car5 pm – 7 pm

•April 26, 2011Cerritos College Mega Mixer

•April 28, 2011Networking Luncheon – Doubletree Hotel11:30am– 1 pm

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.NORWALKCHAMBER

FOR RESERVATION INFORMATION

NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • MARCH 2011 3TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

BUSINESS AND LABOR LAW CORNERMEMBER SPOTLIGHT

a Candidates Forum for Norwalk City Council candidates, participated inCityBusinessVisitsandChamberBusinessVisits,andhostedtheAn-nual Business Expo. I would like to thank those who participated in and supported all of these great events. Special thanks go out to our Events Committee, chaired by Lynda Fisher of Walmart and Toni Grijalva of Cerritos College.

Check out the Norwalk Chamber website at www.norwalkchamber.com for future Chamber events and networking opportunities! Look-ing forward to meeting you there! and the community. Thank you to Pawnmart, Norwalk Florist, Out-back Restaurant, WalMart, Costco Wholesale, Lakers Basketball,

MESSAGE from page 1

Our newest member, the Los An-geles Heat, is a non profit organization and a member of the National Public Safety Football League (NPSFL). Each year the dedicated firefight-ers and police officers who play in this league contribute their time and efforts to raise funds for their chari-ties. The LA Heat raises funds for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Founda-tion. The Burn Foundation supports burn survivors by teaching them how to cope with their personal tragedies and struggles in adapting back into society. Other organizations that they

collaborate with include the Rescue Youth program, teaming up with the Los Angeles District Attorneys office and the Los Angeles County Fire De-partment to mentor at risk youth.

Join the LA Heat on Saturday, March 12, at 600pm as they play the Orange County Lawmen in a fierce match up at the Cerritos College Stadium. Admission for this event is $10.00 (children under 12 are free). For additional information about the Los Angeles Heat, check out their website at www.losangelesheat.org.

Question: I employ fewer than 10 employees. Am I required to have a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program?

All employers in California, in-cluding those with only one employ-ee, are required to have a written injury and illness prevention pro-gram. Title 8, Section 3203 of the General Industry Safety Orders has required the development and use of an accident preven-tion program by all California employers since April 1, 1977.

The regula-tion, as initially adopted, con-tained two short subsections. It was a perfor-mance regulation in which the employer was to devel-op a program to address the hazards anticipated to be at the work site, and to make periodic inspections to ensure any potential hazards could be detected, eliminated or mitigated.

During the 1989-1990 legislative session, SB 198 was passed, revis-ing the Labor code and requiring the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to develop and adopt an Injury and Illness Preven-tion Program (IIPP) with the specific requirements as contained in newly adopted Labor Code Section 6401.7.

The revision to Section 3203 went into effect on July 1, 1991. The legislative mandate was specific that the employer’s IIPP was to be writ-ten. Exceptions

At the time of the initial adoption, the regulation had three exceptions addressing employers who had fewer than 10 employees.

•Thefirstwasanexceptiontothecommunication requirement con-tained n Section 3203(a)(3). This exception permits the employer to “communicate to and instruct em-ployees orally in general safe work

practices with specific instructions” to the hazards unique to the employ-ees’ job assignment.

•Thesecondexception,locatedin(b)(1), permits the employer to main-tain inspection records only until the observed/knownhazardiscorrectedin lieu of maintaining records for one year. In 1994, subsection (b) was revised as noted above to clarify its intent, and a new exception No. 3 was addedFewer than 20 Employees

Exception 3 addresses employers who have fewer than 20 employ-

ees during the calendar year that are in an industry that is not on the designated high hazard list. In addition, the company cannot have a Workers’ Compensation Experience Modification Rate greater than 1.1 per-cent. Also

included in the exception are com-panies with fewer than 20 employees during the calendar year that are on a designated List of Low Hazard Industries.

If the companies described meet the listed criterion, they may limit the written documentation to the following three items:

•Theidentityoftheperson(s)with authority and responsibility for program implementation as required by Title 8 California Code of Regu-lations Section 3203(a)(1).

•Scheduledperiodic“inspec-tions” to identify unsafe conditions and work practices as required by Section 3203(a)(7).

•Trainingandinstructionpro-vided to employees as required by Section 3203(a)(7).Low Hazard Industries

A listing of the low hazard indus-tries may by found I Title 8, Cali-fornia Code of Regulations, Section 14300.2orbycontactingtheCal/OSHA Consultation Service.

Additional information regarding the requirements and exceptions to Section 3203 can be found by going towww.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools.

SuperBowlXLVisover,andtheGreen Bay Packers are the Cham-pions. But while many of you were glued to the television watching the game, there was another event being held a few days before in Dallas Texas that recog-nized one of Norwalk’s own. The Inaugural event of the “Unsung Ath-lete Awards,” hosted by NFL Super Bowl Champ LionalDaltonandNFLVeteranandPhilanthropist, Michael Kiselak, recognized active and retired NFL Players that are currently involved in a charitable, not-for-profit organization. This event celebrated 15 remarkable innovators and change makers that are making a difference every day in their communities. Honors were presented in Excellence in Youth Development, Leadership in Community Service, Inspirational Community Ambas-sadors, Organizations on the Rise, Humanitarian of the Year, Unsung

Family of the Year and a Legacy Life-time Achievement.

This event was a monu-mental show highlighting the accom-plishments of these exceptional professional athletes who have made outstanding philanthropic achieve-ments, and who stand as inspirational and positive role models in their com-munities. Reggie Berry of “Goals for

Life” here in Norwalk, CA, was pre-sented with a Leadership in Commu-nity Service Award. Reggie is a mem-ber of the Norwalk Chamber Board of Directors, representing Coast Plaza Hospital and “Goals for Life.” To learn more about the “Unsung Ath-lete Awards” program check out their websiteathttp://unsungathleteawards.com/.PleasejointheNorwalkCham-ber as we congratulate Reggie Berry on this wonderful recognition of his valuable contributions to our com-munity!

Los Angeles Heat of the National Public Safety Football League

Reggie Berry of “Goals for Life” presented with Leadership in Community Service Award

Personnel Plus presented with 20 Year Renewal Plaque.

Personnel Plus celebrates twenty year membership

Board Member Reggie Berry, Coast Plaza Hos-pital and Goals for Life pictured with Michael Vick at the Inaugural Event of the “Unsung Athlete Awards” in Dallas TX.

Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing, Mary JaneMcIntosh,AnaValencia,TeriBazen, Lynda Fisher, Touch of Class DJ, Sanchez Catering, AFLAC, Golden Specialty Foods, Norwalk Doubletree Hotel and last but not least, Wells Fargo Bank for hosting this wonderful event.

The Norwalk Chamber is off to a busy start to the 2011 year. Work-shops, networking opportunities, and of course, our Annual Business Expo are all on the horizon. To add to our busy schedule the Chamber is hosting the Norwalk City Council Candidates Forum on February 8th. Be sure and check out the Chamber website for more information on all of our upcoming events; www.norwalkchamber.com.

All employers must have written injury/illness prevention program

4 NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • MARCH 2011 TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

Member to MemberDiscount Program

www.yourcitycoupons.net

We'll give 10% of our sales to your school, club, or

non-profit organization.

The Member–to–Member Discount Program is a special Chamber program that encourages members to do business

with fellow Chamber members. The program helps our members to save money and to increase their exposure. Take advantage of the discounts offered and shop in Norwalk today! Please note that the following discounts are available to Chamber members

only who present a membership card at time of purchase.

As a Chamber member, if you would like to offer a discount as part of the program or make a change to your current discount,

please fill out the form below. You may also call the Norwalk Chamber office at 562.864.7785.

Your current Chamber Membership Card must be presented when requesting the discount.

Save money, increase your exposure!

4 NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • FEBRUARY 2011 TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211

www.yourcitycoupons.net

Norwalk Chamber of Commerce Business Health Safety Expo

Featuring a Taste of Norwalk Chamber Restaurants

FEBRUARY 17, 2011 4:30 TO 7:30 PM DOUBLETREE NORWALK

13111 SYCAMORE DRIVE NORWALK

PLEASE SEND PAYMENT TO: NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

12040 FOSTER ROAD NORWALK, CALIFORNIA 90650

PHONE: 562.864.7785 FAX: 562.864.8539

WWW.NORWALKCHAMBER.COM INFO@NORWALKCHAMBER.COM

ADDRESS

COMPANY

CONTACT NAME

PHONE FAX

EMAIL

CREDIT CARD # EXP. DATE

NAME ON CARD

SIGNATURE

□ CHECK □ VISA □ MASTERCARD TOTAL CHARGE: $_________

PARTICIPANTS BENEFITS BE AN EXHIBITOR

SPACES $99 FOR MEMBERS PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS $125

EXHIBITOR SINGLE SPACE $99/$125 6’ table with two chairs

Table sign Exhibitor program listing

RESTAURANT EXHIBITOR SPACE No Charge Must provide food samples for a minimum of 300 attendees

12’ table with four chairs Table sign

Exhibitor program listing

BUCKAROO SPONSOR PACKAGE $250 6’ table with two chairs

Table sign Sponsor program recognition

Feature in all marketing material Email and fax announcement recognition Listing in the Norwalk Community News

GITTY-UP SPONSOR PACKAGE $500 PROMINENT EXHIBIT SPACE

Logo in the official event program 12’ table with four chairs

Table sign | Electricity Sponsor program recognition

Featured in all marketing materials

□ EXHIBITOR SINGLE SPACE ($99 MEMBERS/$125 NON- MEMBERS)

□ RESTAURANT SPACE (MUST PROVIDE FOOD SAMPLES FOR 300 ATTENDEES)

□ ELECTRICITY (ADDITIONAL CHARGE $10)

□ BUCKAROO SPONSOR PACKAGE ($250)

□ GITTY-UP SPONSOR PACKAGE ($500)

□ I WOULD LIKE TO DONATE A RAFFLE PRIZE - PLEASE CONTACT ME

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS:

FRIDAY, February 11, 2011

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE: Business men and women looking to actively connect with other local businesses and the community and share information on how we can work together to strengthen our local economy.

OUR BUSINESS EXPO is an indoor Table-top Exhibit Showcase designed to be an effective tool to reach your target customers and build new business connections.

Energize your Company

Increase Sales Leads

Career Opportunities

Make Connections that Count! EXHIBITOR SPACE IS LIMITED

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN W SIGN UP NOW EXHIBITOR SPACES ARE AVAILABLE

ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS

PLEASE COMPLETE APPLICATION AND FAX TO: 562.864.8539

“The State Of the County”

Norwalk Chamber Of Commerce

& The City Of Norwalk

Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex - Sproul Room

13200 Clarkdale Avenue, Norwalk 90650 Table Sponsorships Available: Reserved Tables of (8) $170.00

Breakfast Per Person: $20 RESERVATIONS ONLY!!!!

~ NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR ~

Invite You To Attend

MAJOR SPONSOR…….

Southern California Edison

Presented by...Los Angeles County Supervisor DON KNABE

Questions and Reservations will be handled by the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce 12040 Foster Rd. Norwalk-CA 90650|Off: 562-864-7785|Fax: 562-864-8539|Info@norwalkchamber.com

Date: Thursday, March 31, 2011 Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

We'll give 10% of our sales to your school, club, or

non-profit organization.