OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ... · Blues, soul & rock n’ roll by ... David Rader, Brea Baptist Church Chairman-Elect Mike Becher, ... of purpose. This year,

PLUS Access | Advocacy | Visibility | Resources

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SPRING 2012E BREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SPRING 2012

Chamber SalutesChamber SalutesEDUCATION

LIFELONG

LEARNING

KEY TO

LONG-TERM

SUCCESS

EAT - SHOP - PLAYSavor the fl avor of unlimited tastes from the best local restaurants,

wineries and breweries with the purchase of a $20 wristband

Explore the vendor zone and see how rewarding it is to shop local with quality merchants

Enjoy entertainment for all ages! Blues, soul & rock n’ roll by Chris Anderson Group and video gaming with GameTruck

Savor the fl avo

r

of Brea!

Thursday, May 175 - 9 PM

Brea DowntownBirch Street at Brea Blvd.

a n d Co m m u

n i t y Ex p o

d C o mm u n i

t y E xp oE p o

T H A N K YO UTA S T E O F B R E A S P O N S O R S

ENJOY MOUTH WATERING TASTESFROM THESE AND OTHER RESTAURANTS

BREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Connecting business with opportunity for nearly 100 years1 Civic Center Circle, Brea CA 92821 | Tel 714.529.4938 | Web www.BreaChamber.com

Connecting Breans with the opportunity to SHOP locally to support city services.

www.BreaChamber.com | 1

ON THE COVER3 Lifelong Learning

Continuing education throughout career critical

Features 6 Advocacy

Facilitating competitive workforce solutions

16 AccessBuilding business relationships

19 VisibilityTaste of Brea spices up business-to-consumer sales

22 ResourcesNew year brings new employment laws

Departments 2 Message from the

Chairman

12 Economic Indicators

25 Mayor’s Corner

26 Legal

27 Finance

28 Technology

29 Marketing

31 New Members

33 Featured Events

33 110% Club

35 Member Directory

CONTENTS

Letter from the EditorPreparing for the Salute to Education entailed quite a bit of research about the workforce development needs of our community. I found it truly incredible how many businesses have no leadership succession plan in place. Many well known, long-time brands have recently gone by the wayside, and I wonder now if this was the reason for their demise. If they had planned for, and executed, a

transition to the next generation workforce, would they still be viable businesses? Many talented employees have also found themselves out of work for a signifi cant length of time, searching for jobs that probably no longer exist, and lacking the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. I hope our celebration of lifelong learning will be a valuable resource for both business and labor. Feel free to share your thoughts with me at (714) 529-4938 or [email protected].

Sharon Wagner, Sharon Wagner, ACEChamber CEO

BREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCEConnecting business with opportunity1 Civic Center Circle, Brea CA 92821Tel 714.529.4938 | Fax 714.529.6103Web www.BreaChamber.com

2012 CHAMBER OFFICERSChairman of the Board David Rader, Brea Baptist ChurchChairman-Elect Mike Becher, Miller Giangrande LLPVice Chair of Finance & AdministrationJonathan Lyng, Black Gold Golf ClubVice Chair of Member ServicesTina Javid, The Gas CompanyImmediate Past Chair Michael Duran, Citizens Business Bank

2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORSSteve Adams, Global Financial SolutionsPat Buttress, Southern California EdisonJonathan Ekno, Ekno Insurance GroupGlenn Green, White Rhino Promotional SolutionsTrevor Kruder, TAPS Fish House & BreweryMichael Lawton, Lawton Real EstateJim Martinez, Chevron CorporationRich McKeown, Brea Mall/Simon PropertiesVern Meurer, Con-Tech PlasticsBill Murray, Edward Jones InvestmentsRodney H. Parsons, Attorney at Law Mary Ann Railey, Placentia-Linda HospitalDeana Single, Veterinary Pet Insurance Company Inc.Jim Snover, The IMS CompanyGina Vander Meer, South Bay Document Destruction

STAFF

Sharon Wagner, Chief Executive Offi cerTanya Spiegel, Member Services/Economic DevelopmentKaralee Watson, Member Services/Workforce DevelopmentLaurie Lyng, Membership Development

ADVERTISING & ARTICLE SUBMISSIONSFor advertising rates and submission deadlines, please contact the Chamber offi ce at (714) 529-4938 or [email protected].

For information on article submission, please contact the Chamber offi ce at (714) 529-4938 or [email protected]. All submissions are subject to approval and may be edited for content and/or length. Submission does not guarantee publication.

Advertising in Insights does not indicate an endorsement by the Brea Chamber of Commerce. The Brea Chamber assumes no responsibility for claims or errors by advertisers. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily refl ect the position of the Brea Chamber of Commerce.

SUBSCRIPTIONSSubscriptions are free to members of the Brea Chamber of Commerce. Non-members may purchase an annual subscription for $55.

ON THE COVERArtwork by Jean Chow

2 Insights | SPRING 2012

Our theme for this year is “Success & Signifi cance”. A simple defi nition of success is to reach our desired goals in life. Signifi cance goes one step further and infers that we accomplish things that are meaningful. I like to think of these two as reaching our goals and then helping others reach their goals.

That’s exactly why I’ve chosen this as our theme for the year. Briefl y stated, my vision for our Chamber this year is for us to help our members fi nd Success: reaching personal, family, and professional goals; and Signifi cance: helping others – customers, clients, and associates – reach their goals as well.

Doing business today can certainly be a challenge, but a challenge that can be met with success as we work together. The Brea Chamber of Commerce is here to help foster success in our business community and to help each of our members fi nd success, individually, in every way we can.

On that note, we really want to hear from you and to understand how we can help you be successful. There is really no other reason for our existence. Whether it is to be an advocate for you with our city and other offi cials, to off er you assistance in economic and workforce development, or to help you fi nd new and innovative ways to market your goods and services, we want to help.

We have the good pleasure of living and doing business in a very successful city. The fact that our population triples during the business day is an indication of how folks around Southern California love to come to Brea; to shop, to work, to play, and to be entertained.

Benjamin Disraeli said that the secret of success is consistency of purpose. This year, we commit to be consistent in purpose at the Brea Chamber of Commerce, and that purpose is to help our members fi nd Success and Signifi cance.

We very much want to be your partners this year. We believe we all need one another in order to be our best. Get involved as you are able, and pass the word to others about the benefi t of Chamber membership.

Success & Signifi cance

Dave Rader2012 Chairman of the Board

For information on Chairman’s Circle partnerships, please contact Chamber CEO Sharon Wagner at (714) 529-4938 or [email protected].

2012 Chairman’s Circle PartnersThe organizations featured below provide the Brea Chamber of Commerce with essential fi nancial support for ongoing initiatives for economic vitality, workforce development and improved public policy. With their support, the Chamber will continue to forge a strong and diverse business climate to benefi t all members of the Brea business community. Please support our partners, as they help us to support you.

Placentia-LindaH O S P I T A L TM

BREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2012


During the month of March, the Chamber will host a series of community events for students of all ages, their families and employers. As part of the Chamber's workforce development initiatives, the Salute to Eduction showcases the benefi ts of lifelong learning, highlights the tremendous educational opportunities our community has to off er, and unites the eff orts of the business community and local educational institutions in support of the next generation workforce. A highly educated and skilled workforce increases the productivity and profi tability of our entire business community, which is why this initiative is so very important.

Henry Ford once said “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” One of the key education challenges for the US is to develop a skilled workforce which can compete in an increasingly competitive global market. The idea that formal, rigorous education be limited to the early part of a person's career is no longer relevant in an era of unprecedented technological and social change. Many of the today's unemployed can not fi nd work simply because they jobs they lost do not exist anymore. They honed skills for that job alone, and now must play catchup to fi nd an encore career. The continuous building of skills and knowledge throughout your life is critical for employability.

Lifelong Learning Boosts Employability in the Changing WorkplaceThe phrase "Other duties as assigned" has long been used as a standard catch phrase in most job descriptions. Jobs were once narrowly and specifi cally defi ned. Many today feel that their entire workday is comprised of "other duties as assigned". Job descriptions can be moving targets these days.

Not too long ago, stability defi ned the workplace. Procedures, jobs, and companies were established and provided continuity. Education was completed in the fi rst 22 years of one's life, and a long career was occasionally punctuated by short-term job training. Those days are gone forever.

Today jobs, companies and technology are fl uid. To maintain a competitive advantage in the human capital marketplace, you must continually learn. Successful careers now belong to fl exible learners who are prepared for opportunities because they know themselves and where they can make their best contribution. As Peter Drucker, the father of modern management stated, "Knowledge is choice."

Changing patterns in the workplace, require you to maximize your opportunities for continuous employment. Lifelong learning is the best solution for coping with rapidly changing demands and succeeding in the labor market.

Lifelong Learning Key to Lifelong Employment

Brea Chamber celebrates education throughout the month of March

ADVOCACY | FACILITATING COMPETITIVE WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS


Art Fosters Innovative ThinkingTo kick off the Salute, Brea Olinda Unifi ed School District high school students were encouraged to submit artwork that embodies the spirit of the salute for a poster contest. Submissions were to showcase the relationship between education and a promising future.

In order to highlight what high quality, creative pieces can be produced when students have an opportunity to receive instruction in the arts, 150 attendees at the Chamber’s annual Membership & Awards Gala were asked to judge the submissions. Attendees included business leaders, community members and elected offi cials from every level of government. A winning entry was selected, and will be used in the marketing of all events for the 2012 Salute to Education. Jean Chow, the winning artist, will receive a $250 scholarship.

In her artist statement, Jean describes what inspired her to create her submission. “In the 19th century, students often gave apples to teachers as tokens of their appreciation. As a salute to education, I felt that an apple would be an appropriate subject to depict.” She goes on to relate how her piece, titled Fruits of Education, relates to the theme of lifelong learning. “On the apple is the world to symbolize the knowledge teachers impact on students that enable students to succeed in life and make the world a better place. It also symbolizes the universality of education and its widespread impact.”

Poster contest fi nalists included Yoon Shin Lee, Paige Hamilton, Seon (Angela) Lee, Megan Moberly, Josephine Sone, YunJin (Sandra) Seo, Lynn Rogers, Melissa van Daalen Wetters and Suin Moon. Submissions are available for viewing on the Chamber's web site, www.BreaChamber.com.

Principal for a Day Fosters Long-Term UnderstandingServing as principal for the day in a Brea Olinda school is an excellent opportunity for business leaders in the community to experience our schools fi rsthand. Participants will spend the morning shadowing a principal, visiting class rooms, doing morning rounds and discussing the issues critical to our local school system. After lunch on campus, all participants will come together back at the Brea Olinda Unifi ed School District offi ce to discuss their experience over dessert.

Building strong relationships between the business community and education system is critical to ensure that students graduate with the skills they need to be employable, and that schools have the resources they need to implement those programs.

Local business leaders interested in participating in this program should contact the Brea Chamber as soon as possible. Space is limited, so please sign up early to ensure your receive


a spot! Contact Karalee Watson at (714) 529-4938 for details about this Thursday, March 1 opportunity.

STEM Skills are Now Essential for Jobs across all IndustriesScience, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fi elds have become increasingly central to US economic competitiveness and growth in a global marketplace. The Chamber is presenting the 2012 STEM Fair to emphasize the skills needed for employees to excel in an increasingly technology-based business environment. STEM education also fosters skills that are valued by all employers – analysis, problem-solving and teamwork.

Employers report having diffi culty recruiting STEM-skilled staff . During the next decade, US demand for scientists and engineers is expected to increase at four times the rate for all other occupations.

Yet more than 50% of all engineering doctoral degrees awarded by US engineering colleges are to foreign nationals. If current trends continue, more than 90% of all scientists and engineers in the world will be living in Asia. The average science score of US students lagged behind those in 16 of 30 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The US students were further behind in math, trailing counterparts in 23 countries.

The Chamber's STEM Fair, presented by the Southern California Gas Company on Tuesday, March 6, is open to the public. Community members are encouraged to stop by the Brea Olinda High School library between 5 and 8 PM to see the impressive displays provided by the youth of Brea.

Education is the Heart of the CommunityThe Community Education Expo, presented by Chevron Corporation on Tuesday, March 13 from 5 - 8 PM, allows Brea families to explore the benefi ts of lifelong learning through the tremendous educational opportunities our community has to off er. Residents will enjoy entertainment for all ages and are encouraged to take advantage of free workshops for both parents and students.

Workshop will be presented by representatives from the Brea Olinda School District, Fullerton College, California

The objective of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.

Robert Maynard Hutchins



State University, Fullerton, University of Phoenix and Merrill Lynch. Topics include Cash Strapped & College Bound, 5 Steps to Ensure your Student’s Success at Any Age, Cultivating Lifelong Learners, Investing for College, Creating an Action Plan for College Admission, and Ready, Set, Go... to College.

This event is open to the public and admission is FREE. Refreshments will be available for purchase from the Boys & Girls Club snack bar.

Cultivating Talent for a Stronger Local EconomyIs your company ready to transition to the next generation workforce? The ability to attract and retain an eff ective next generation workforce is vital for your long-term economic competitiveness. Understanding educational trends, as well as the opportunities and unique challenges facing North Orange County employers, will allow you to develop an eff ective succession plan.

On Wednesday, March 21, the Brea Chamber is presenting Workforce Development Summit North Orange County. This event will help you overcome the challenges of managing multiple generations in the workforce, connect businesses with employer resources and provide managers with best practice tips for stemming the tide of "brain drain".

Summit presenters include Dr. Wallace Walrod, VP of Economic Development and Research for the Orange County Business Council, Vu Pham PhD, Partner at Spectrum Knowledge Inc., and Dr. Keith O. Boyum, Interim Executive Assistant to the President at California State University, Fullerton.

The event will be held at Embassy Suites Hotel, 900 E. Birch Street, Brea from 7:30 to 10 AM. Registration is $50 and includes breakfast. Attendees will also receive the 2012 Guide to Cultivating Talent for a Stronger Local Economy, a compilation of all of the data presented at the Summit.

The Ultimate Goal of Continuous Education is Long-Term EmployabilityThe North Orange County Job Fair will be held on Thursday, March 29 at the Brea

Community Center from 9 AM to 2 PM. The job fair is presented in conjunction with the Orange County Workforce Investment Board, Assemblyman Chris Norby, Supervisor Shawn Nelson, the City of Brea and the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce.

There is no cost for companies to exhibit. For more information about participating in this program, contact Chris Strom at (714) 670-0100.

Job seekers will be able to visit with employers with current vacancies and receive a free resume critique. Valuable information on training and placement programs through the Orange County One Stop will also be provided.

Job Shadowing Helps Students Better Understand Career Opportunities, and Pre-RequisitesJob shadow is an excellent opportunity for local Brea Businesses to host a high school student interested in their fi eld. Businesses can sign up to provide three to four hours of time for a local high school student to come to their business and experience fi rst hand what a day in the workplace is like. Scheduling for this program is very fl exible, we can accommodate almost any day you are willing to host a student.

Local business leaders interested in participating in this program should contact the Brea Chamber as soon as possible. Contact Karalee Watson at (714) 529-4938 for details.

Salute to Education Sponsors Fund Expanded Workforce Development ProgrammingProceeds from the Salute to Education will help fund Brea Chamber workforce development initiatives, such as HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Excel) leadership programming, Business Builders seminars and scholarships for Brea Olinda High School students.

The Brea Chamber of Commerce is also exploring additional programming for 2013 to foster the entrepreneurial spirit in Brea youth and to connect seasoned workers with encore career opportunities.

1 Sharpens Your MindContinuous learning helps to keep your mind sharp and improve your memory, especially as you grow older. It is a known fact that learning in general has benefi cial eff ects on the brain. Research has shown that people with more education are less likely to have dementia in old age. Just like your body requires exercise to stay fi t, your brain requires exercise to remain healthy.

2 Sharpens Your Confi denceSometimes, when someone has not stepped out of their routine for a while, they haven't taken on a new challenge or really applied themselves to learning something new, they may fi nd the experience a bit daunting. With lifelong learning this fear is more easily overcome. You gain confi dence in your ability to learn and to share the information with others; you gain confi dence in who you are and what you have to off er.

3 Sharpens Your Personal SkillsWhile lifelong learning can take place in the quiet of a library reading a book, much of your learning will likely take place where you meet other people who share your same interest. The opportunity to socialize can help to greatly improve your interpersonal skills. When you are learning, you are engaged in life. And when you share what you know, you help others learn and further enhance your relationships.

4 Sharpens Your Career OpportunitiesFor anyone who has aspirations of moving their career to the next level, lifelong learning will very much need to be part of the package. Not only can learning enhance the skills you already have, it provides you with the opportunity to learn a new skill or trade and improve your chances of career growth. The more you know about your company, the industry, and current events, the more relevant your skills are to your organization.

5 Sharpens Your Ability to CommunicateWhen you learn, you generally employ the skills of reading, listening and writing; skills essential to your ability to communicate. Because communication is such a large part of our daily work lives, it is a skill that most employers require.

Learning opens up so many doors. Lifelong learning opens those doors for you everyday of your life. Why would you ever choose to close them?

Source: Deborah S. Hildebrand, Offi ceArrow

5 Benefi ts OF LIFELONG LEARNING


Th e State of Education It's time to rethink our priorities

Chamber staff recently attended The State of Education in Orange County 2012, presented by the Orange County Department of Education, and the California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) President's Symposium Appraising the Future; Understanding Costs: Envisioning the New Normal in Higher Education. These events provided relevant insights on K-12 and higher education in both Orange County and in California. While funding for education is down, the California State University


(CSU) system and Orange County school districts are still producing well educated and well prepared graduates.

Robert Bennett, CEO of School Services of California Inc. and Tom Torlakson, California Director of Public Instruction stressed that education in California is not getting its fair share. California is one of the lowest fi ve states in the nation for per pupil funding.

William Habermehl, the Orange County Superintendent of Schools, made a case for rethinking, restructuring and rebounding the way we educate students. Orange County school districts need to innovate and fi gure out a way to do more with less. He pointed out that Orange County still has a graduation rate that rivals New Jersey, a state that funds pupils at three times California's rate and is among the top fi ve states in the nation for graduation rates. Superintendent Habermehl believes that Sacramento must remove school mandates and allow local boards to determine how to best educate and inspire their youth with the funding they have.

Higher education is also struggling to make ends meet; they are still producing graduates for a fraction of the cost of other universities. F. King Alexander, President of California State University, Long Beach pointed out that the way we think about higher education is all wrong. US News and World Report ranks colleges on the amount that they spend per student, meaning that if a university wants notoriety they simply have to throw money at their students. But increased spending doesn't necessarily mean better quality. The Obama Administration recently announced that they intend to start quantifying college performance for those institutions receiving federal funding for just that reason.

The issues of pension reform, tenure and administrative salaries are frequently making headlines. Perhaps it is time to scrap our current metrics and focus on what's best for the student. The goal of our education system must be to produce quality workforce to keep America competitive in the global market.



On March 21, the Brea Chamber will host the North Orange County Workforce Development Summit. Vu Pham PhD, of Spectrum Knowledge Inc., will be one of the featured summit presenters. Dr. Pham is known for his work on managing and developing young professionals with the Center for Research on Employment and the Workforce at California State University, Fullerton. Pham will discuss the challenges and opportunities employers face with succession planning within their workforce.

Over the past several years, the intergenerational issue has grown into an increasingly critical one in the workplace. A BusinessWeek survey ranked generational tensions as one of the six key issues impacting today’s workplace. The retention of Gen Y employees determines the future success of any organization, since Gen Y will eventually move up the talent pipeline. Knowledge management and transfer will minimize the loss of knowledge and talent once these older employees retire. We need to transfer critical and institutional knowledge down from Boomers to young employees. An organization’s success also relies heavily on the recruitment of strong Gen Y talent. They represent the future of any organization. Minimizing confl icts and increasing productivity of Gen Y employees keeps them happy and leverages their talents.

Despite some similarities between generations, there are a signifi cant number of diff erences. Many of these are a result of the young generation’s context and upbringing. Numerous

advancements and events shaped who Generation Y is today: Internet, cable

TV, reality TV, Columbine, layoff s of the 80s and 90s, the 2000 election crisis, 9/11 and the War on Terror. Gen Y measures success diff erently than previous generations, partly

because they defi ne themselves by who they are outside of their jobs.

There is a misnomer that Gen Y (1979-1995) does not value compensation as much as previous generations, which is simply not true. Cash is still king, however Gen Y also looks at a number of other factors when determining where to work, and for how long, than previous generations. The reality is that in this new economy, Gen Y does not plan to spend their entire career with one company, rather they focus on developing skills and competencies that will make them marketable as an employee and viable candidate for future, better positions.

One of the best ways to retain Gen Y is to provide professional and personal development opportunities. With the career advancement that young professionals desire comes training and development. Pricewaterhouse Cooper’s Managing Tomorrow’s People, Millenials at Work: Perspectives from a New Generation found that Gen Y ranked personal training and development as the most important benefi t in the workplace. Mentoring allows for knowledge management and provides an eff ective way for employees across generations to network and build relationships. Such opportunities allow Gen Y to learn from people in their organization who have “been there” and feel like a valuable asset to the organization.

Tap into Gen Y’s creativity and innovation as well as their ability to adapt and embrace change before it even happens. This will help your company stay one step ahead of the changes in your industry and your competition.

Many Gen Y grew up with “helicopter parents” (who constantly hovered around to make sure everything was okay) and “the notion that “everyone is a winner.” They’re used to a high touch, interactive environment. Incentives allow you to create and reinforce positive behaviors by recognizing and rewarding

them. Many Gen Y have come to expect some sort of reward system in the workplace. Retention now necessitates

rewards. To ensure their eff ectiveness, provide rewards as soon as possible and preferably in

public. Gen Y appreciates personal recognition, so some form of public praise or even personal outreach from a senior manager could mean a lot to them.

To learn more about recruiting, managing and retaining Gen Y, attend the North Orange County Workforce Development Summit.

Wednesday, March 21 | 7:30 - 10 AMEmbassy Suites Hotel: 900 E. Birch Street, Brea

Register online on www.breachamber.com.

What Gen Y Means for Your Corporate CultureWorkforce Development Summit Helps Business Prepare for their Next Generation Workforce


The staunch reality in the workplace today is that Baby Boomers (1946-1964) are and will continue to retire over the coming years, leaving a gap in the workforce of about 78 Million workers. Among Generation X (1965-1978), there are only 44 million workers, creating a direct need to tap into the Generation Y workforce (1979-1995) which is made up of about 76 million workers. The problem for employers? Gen Y is very diff erent than any generation that has come before them. If your corporate culture can not adapt, you risk losing valuable members of your team and suff ering signifi cant institutional losses.

The Gen X talent pool is not large enough to fi ll the massive hole in the workforce that the Boomers will leave behind. Right now most people are just happy to have a job. But once the recession is over, 71% of Gen Y employees plan to look for new jobs. How can you possibly hold on to talent and mold the future leaders of your company with those odds? The only clear answer is to develop leaders out of your younger employees, and start doing it now!

Gen Y seeks a diff erent work environment than previous generations. They work in a much more collaborative manner, and seek a promise of growth as a key element to their professional happiness. How your company adapts for that change is vital to the success and survival of your business. Investing in your leaders of tomorrow is the greatest way to have them see value in what they do and create a desire to stay there.

It is in this vein that Helping Young Professionals Excel (HYPE), the Brea Chamber's young professional leadership program, was formed. The Chamber recognized a need among younger members of the workforce to have a sense of purpose, an outlet for professional growth and an opportunity to foster relationships that will help them grow in their career. As an employer, you have a responsibility to your business to ensure your future, by investing in your young professionals, they will in turn, continue to invest in you.

Encouraging your young professionals to participate in HYPE will not only show them that you are invested in their future, it will provide your company immeasurable rewards as they develop the skills needed to be your next generation of leadership. By encouraging participation in this group, your company will increase employee retention rates and save signifi cant dollars typically spent on the recruitment and training cycle. Send us your young professionals today!

For more information on HYPE and how your company can best support its next generation workforce, please contact Karalee Watson at (714) 529-4938 or [email protected].


A B R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E L E A D E R S H I P P R O G R A M

A B R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E L E A D E R S H I P P R O G R A M

Ready to put your career in H Y P E r d r i v e ?Contact Karalee Watson at (714) 529-4938 or [email protected]

to enroll today!

Individual volunteer opportunities and group service projects foster a strong sense of community.

APRIL 21 | 8:30 AM | Campground Clean UpChino Hills State Park Discovery Center: 4500 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea

Spend a morning sprucing up a campground and preserving the natural environment of Chino Hills State Park. Line the basin with cobblestones, protect native plants, make seed balls and remove trash. PLUS Southern California Gas Company will give you lunch and a t-shirt for helping out!

Carpooling is encouraged. Please sign up online or RSVP to Chamber staff so we know how many to plan for lunch.

Unique after hours experiences build a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie among YPs.

APRIL 19 | 5:30 PM | Sustainability TourLocation details will be provided upon event registrationDon’t miss this exclusive tour of some of the largest green initiatives in the City of Brea. Mayor Don Schweitzer and City Manager Tim O’Donnell will show HYPE why Brea is such an innovative and dynamic city. After the tour, mix and mingle at an intimate wine and cheese reception. Space for this event is EXTREMELY LIMITED and preference will be given to members of HYPE. Reserve your spot today!

Earth day inspired us to take better care of our

environment. April features two great opportunities

for North Orange County young professionals to

support going green without giving up any green!

www.breaHYPE.com

When the Economy Fully Recovers, Will All your Employees Leave?



Community colleges get a bad rap. Not just from unknowing high school students, but also from employers. Community Colleges have long been referred to as the second-choice school, or the junior colleges with the vocational programs. With Community College attendance bursting at the seams, businesses should change their perception of the workforce that the Community Colleges produce. In the last few years, demand for job training and re-training has grown, and the Community Colleges have found themselves preparing a workforce that is eager to learn and eager to show off their newly learned skills.

Businesses need to be ready to welcome the Community College grads with open arms, but we understand the trepidation, after all with so many deeply rooted misconceptions, why would businesses change their minds. Here are some misconceptions that are frequently voiced, accompanied by the facts.

MISCONCEPTION: Community College classes aren’t equal to those being taught at four-year universities. FACT: While classes at Community Colleges cost less, that doesn’t translate to less of an education. Students who attend Community Colleges are taught by professors who have a minimum of a Master’s Degree and have experience in the fi eld they are teaching. Career & Technical Education (CTE)

instructors must possess a Bachelor’s degree and two years experience or an Associate’s

degree and six years of experience. These requirements ensure the instructors know their stuff . For those looking to transfer to a university, the coursework off ered at Community Colleges is approved by the California State University and University of

California systems. The coursework off ered in CTE fi elds have a long approval process to endure before a certifi cate is off ered.

When creating a certifi cate program the faculty in that fi eld create the curriculum proposal then send it to be approved by a regional group of Deans and Directors of CTE programs before being sent off to the State for approval.

The entire process takes approximately a year. The point is, there is a lot of thought and approval before the coursework is put in front of the student, and it must be of high enough caliber to receive approval from all the channels. Also, students who earn a certifi cate from the

Community College system have a permanent record of it on their transcripts and the acknowledgement of the certifi cate by every Community College in the system. That cannot be said about some private technical programs.

MISCONCEPTION: Students in Community Colleges aren’t being taught the industry standard.FACT: Most CTE programs have an advisory committee made up of members of the local businesses that off er their input and feedback with regards to the curriculum taught to the students. This gives Community Colleges the ability to tweak their coursework or equipment to mimic that of the industry. Grants have also made it possible for CTE programs to update equipment in the necessary departments, making their education immediately relevant and applicable.

MISCONCEPTION: Community College students aren’t prepared for the “offi ce” atmosphere.FACT: With a high number of Generation Y individuals (born 1983-2000) moving into the Baby Boomer dominated workforce, more businesses aren’t complaining about the quality of the education their new employees bring, but of the social behaviors they exhibit in the traditional workplace. Businesses should take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the strengths of the new workforce and establish ways to bring out the best in them while benefi tting the workplace. They can also take this opportunity to encourage the boomer workforce to share their best practices with Gen Y to ensure a successful transition into new positions.

MISCONCEPTION: One unqualifi ed applicant from the Community College system must refl ect the quality of all graduates from the Community College system.FACT: One unqualifi ed applicant should not mar the reputation of the rest of the qualifi ed Community College graduates. In order to ensure that the best quality employee is found, businesses should contact the program from which the applicant graduated. Most faculty would be more than willing to give an accurate referral for their former student. Also, determine if the applicant has successfully completed the CTE program mentioned on their application/resume. An employer cannot expect an applicant to be fully qualifi ed if they have only received a partial education.

Community Colleges are an excellent source of low-cost, quality, real-world education. While the students may diff er, one thing remains consistent, the enthusiasm Community College instructors have for teaching their craft to a new generation. Fullerton College welcomes questions and visits from the Brea business community.

By Stephanie Reyna, Fullerton College Marketing & Outreach Assistant with contributions from Scott McKenzie, Fullerton College Dean of Technology & Engineering and Ann Hovey, Fullerton College Dean of Business & Computer Information Systems. Fullerton College off ers its students a comprehensive academic experience, in a real college setting. Founded in 1913, Fullerton College is the oldest community college in continuous operation in California. For more information, call (714) 992-7000 or visit www.fullcoll.edu.

Tackling Misconceptions About Community Colleges


Workforce Skills Gap or – Investment Gap?

With unemployment as high as it is today, you would think that fi nding skilled workers to fi ll those positions would be easy? Think again. Employers continue to report seriously diffi culty in fi lling vacancies with qualifi ed workers. So the questions arises – is there a skills gap, or are expectations just too high?

According to ManpowerGroup, 52% of US employers surveyed report diffi culty fi lling positions because of a shortage of talent. But some experts contend that a lack of skills is not the problem, rather it is an unwillingness to invest in employees.

Peter Cappelli, Director for the Center of Human Resources at The Wharton School and Professor of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, asserts that the problem in fi nding skilled workers lies largely at the feet of employers. Gone are the days of apprenticeships and internal mentoring. With unemployment at record highs, employers expect someone who can walk in the door and hit the ground running, and do it for less money. This creates an unrealistic expectation and a false notion that those entering the workforce lack skills, when what they really lack is experience.

Cappelli argues that training and mentoring are the best tools employers can use for creating a strong, qualifi ed workforce. He suggests partnering with local educational institutions to get employees who have completed coursework vital to the needs of your company, or creating a program by which your staff can receive enhanced training and knowledge. He points out that the average new hire receives less than fi ve hours training for their position. By bringing back aspects of the apprenticeship, employers can fi ll positions at a lower wage while employees get up to speed and then increase salary as their values grows within the company.


Southern California Edison,an Edison International Company,

is proud to support theBrea Chamber of Commerce

and salutes the BCC for its dedication to improvingthe economic environment of the community.

P12-023-Brea_Camber_of_Commerce.ai 2/8/12 11:54:54 AM

Chamber CEO Receives Honors at Association Conference

Brea Chamber CEO Sharon Wagner was recognized as an Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE). The designation is awarded to only those chamber executives who meet stringent criteria set

by the association’s board of directors. Wagner was one of 9 chamber of commerce executives awarded accreditation this year at the association’s annual conference in Las Vegas, NV.

The accreditation program was fi rst awarded in 1993 to encourage chamber executives to upgrade and expand their skills through continuing education and training programs in the chamber management and business fi elds. There are currently a total of 44 ACE recipients active in chambers of commerce in the West. Recipients of the Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) must apply for re-accreditation every fi ve years in order to retain the designation.

Wagner was also among the 33 chamber executives to graduate in 2012 from Academy, a professional development program presented by WACE. Academy is an interactive three year training program on chamber management essentials designed for today’s chamber executives and staff professionals.

“We congratulate all of the graduates and their chambers for having the vision to invest in professional development,” said WACE President Dave Kilby. During the three-year Academy program, graduates participate in 18 three-hour classes and successfully complete additional independent study outside of the classroom.

WACE is an association of chamber of commerce executives and staff professionals designed to promote and enhance professional development. With approximately 800 members from fourteen Western states, WACE is the largest state or regional association of chamber of commerce executives in the United States.

Square Pegs,Round Holes

An overview of the employer-candidate

mismatch

52%of US companies report

diffi culty fi lling jobs

47% of employers blame

prospects' lack of "hard" job skills or technical skills

35%of companies cite candidates' lack of

experience

25%of companies blame lack of business knowledge or

formal qualifi cations

28%of companies are

increasing staff training and development

Source: ManpowerGroup


ADVOCACY | CREATING A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY

CalChamber Releases 2012 Business Climate Study

CLIMATE. Continued on page 20.

The California Foundation for Commerce and Education recently released its 2012 survey of business executives detailing current attitudes about the state’s economy, business climate, and budget. The study was sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce.

Business executives are more optimistic about the state’s economy, as well as the prospects for their own businesses. But they continue to have a poor outlook on the California business climate, mainly citing overregulation as the key culprit.

Economic and Business ClimateBusiness owners and operators are deeply concerned about the direction California has taken: More than four-out-of-fi ve answered that the state is “on the wrong track,” while only 19% believe California is going “in the right direction.” Business owners are slightly more optimistic about the state’s economy and more upbeat about their own

business prospects, compared to one year and four years ago, but decidedly more negative over the California business climate.

While half of business owners said the economy was in poor shape and only 22% said it would improve over the next year, that is a somewhat better response than in 2011, when 61% said the economy was in poor shape and only 19% said it would improve.

Company owners had a brighter outlook on their own businesses. More than two out of fi ve business leaders said their own business outlook will be getting better next year, compared with only 14% who said it will be getting worse, and 45% who said it will stay the same. This optimistic trend has been increasing since 2008, when only 29% said prospects would be better, and in 2011, when 38% said so.

Nearly a third of businesses reported adding employees over the past year, compared with just a quarter of businesses in 2011. Fewer fi rms reported reducing their workforces this year compared to last.

Looking ahead, 31% of businesses plan on adding employees next year, which was a better outlook than businesses gave in 2011, when only 27% planned on adding new employees. Only 15% of employers plan to reduce their workforces next year.

Regarding the business climate, business owners report that it is getting even harder to do business in California than it was one year or four years ago. By far and away, employers have identifi ed the biggest challenge to doing business in California as “too much government regulation,” with 64% of respondents saying it’s the fi rst or second biggest challenge.

High state and local taxes, and the state budget defi cit were in the next level of business challenges, identifi ed by 29% and 22% of business leaders, respectively. High health care costs, high labor costs and the diffi culty of hiring and maintaining a qualifi ed work force rounded out the biggest concerns of business leaders.

Climate, weather and quality of life were identifi ed as the top advantages to doing business in California. The state’s leadership in certain industries (high tech, biotech, ag), its culture of innovation, and access to markets were also noted as being strong advantages.

State Government PoliciesAccording to business leaders, the top priorities for state elected offi cials should be the economy and job creation, and resolving the state budget defi cit.

The other high priority issues to be addressed by state leaders should be labor regulations governing overtime, wages and rest periods, and the quality of public schools and higher education.


By the Numbers…

• Over the past 10 years, the total population of North Orange County increased by 6%, reaching 429,979 in 2010.

• Brea’s daytime population nearly triples its nighttime population of 39,282.

• The median age of Breans is 36.4.

• Brea maintains a 64.6% home ownership rate, compared to 61.%5 in Orange County. The average household size is 2.8 people.

• In 2010 the median existing home sales price in Brea was $490,000. The Orange County average was $433,000.

• Unemployment in Brea is relatively low at 7.2%, compared to 8.8% in Orange County, 10.9% in California and 9% nationally.

• Brea’s median household income is $80,566.

• Average salaries steadily increased from $39,832 in 2003 to $43,306 in 2009, despite the recent recession. In 2010, 33% of Brea households earned more than $99,000.

• While all job sectors faced a loss during the recession, Brea’s Professional Management sector actually added jobs between 2009 and 2010.

• Largest job sectors in Brea are Finance/Insurance/Real Estate (18.5%), Professional Management (17.1%) and Leisure Hospitality (10.5%).

• The city’s average retail sales is $24,631 per person. The Orange County average is only $9,900 per person.

• Brea accounted for 3.2% of the total county retail sales in 2009, while having only 1.3% of the total population of the county.

economic indicatorseconomic indicatorsCITY, COUNTY, STATE & NATION... 8.7%Average salaries for jobs in Brea

increased 8.7%, from $39,832 in 2003 to $43,306 in 2009.

41.2% of Breans over age 25 have earned a bachelor's

degree or higher.

86.5% of Breans drove alone to work in 2010.

Retail sales in Brea average $24,631 per person, more than double the Orange

County average.

California, like the nation, is in the midst of an uneven economic recovery. Global and national events have created economic uncertainty and had an impact on the recovery. Most recently, congressional gridlock on budgetary issues, including the debt ceiling, has added to economic uncertainty and stock market volatility. Further, the European debt, banking, and budgetary crisis has adversely aff ected the California and national economies. A variety of fundamental economic indicators suggests that the national economy has experienced a slow, steady economic expansion over the past year. In October 2011, the Index of Leading Indicators posted the largest monthly increase since November 2010, which suggests that the economy should continue to experience at least moderate growth well into 2012.

Businesses have remained cautious but boosted spending on equipment and software. Corporations with healthy profi ts invested in replacement needs neglected during the recession. Inventories remain low, which bodes well for future production growth. After losing ground in August and September, industrial production accelerated in October and has continued to grow modestly. Construction spending also grew moderately in October, the third consecutive monthly gain. In September, US exports were up 16% over the year, led by industrial supplies and consumer goods.

In 2011, California personal income grew nearly $100 billion, the largest gain since 2006. A disproportionately large share of the wage gain was driven by the state’s high-technology and professional service sectors and by robust global demand for California exports. 2010 was a banner year for California-made exports with the total value rising 19% from 2009. This boom was dominated by computers, electronics, and electronic machinery, which combined accounted for over 60% of California’s 2010 export growth. California industries that are not connected to high technology and export markets, however, have not fared as well. In particular, the state’s housing market, still burdened by high foreclosure rates, weakened considerably during the midyear slowdown.

Consumption spending in California rebounded in 2011. Taxable retail sales during the fi rst three quarters of 2011 grew 8.5% from the same period in 2010. New motor vehicle registrations during the fi rst nine months of 2011 were up over 11% from the same months of 2010.

Source: US Census Bureau, Southern California Association of Governments, Employment Development, California Department of Finance Department, City of Brea


Bridge Widenings

1st Year of Construction Completed!

Construction Value*

SR-57 Northbound Widening Project

Much has been accomplished in Year 1 of the SR-57 Project. Launched in January 2011, improvements are well underway to add a northbound lane from Orangethorpe to Lambert (Segment 1) and between Katella and Lincoln (Segment 2). These improvements will reduce congestion, increase traffic flow and enhance the safety of one of Orange County’s signature freeways. They will also expand daily northbound vehicle capacity from 142,000 to 158,000 by 2014.

1

$22 Million

540

* Estimated construction costs expended January 2011 to January 2012

2Completed

3Completed

3Completed

13In Progress

29In Progress

37In Progress

339

Materials Used

What’s Up for 2012?

Jobs Created

$0 $75 Million

$$$

Pounds of Rebar

31,2403,100,000Tons of Asphalt Cubic Yards of Concrete

34,600

Improvements are now underway to Segment 2, the three-mile stretch between Katella and Lincoln.

Construction on both Segments 1 and 2 will be in full swing, with more than two dozen structures – including soundwalls, retaining walls and bridges – expected to be completed by year’s end.

Paving operations are also expected to begin late in the year.

Soundwalls

Retaining Walls

of

of

of

To Date

Construction Completed to-date

201129%

2014

ADVOCACY | CREATING A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY

Demographics Brea's population has increased 10.9%, from 35,410 people in 2000 to 39,282 in 2010, which is signifi cantly higher than the county growth rate of 5.8%. The total number of households also increased 9.2%, from 13,067 in 2000 to 14,266 in 2010.

Jobs by Sector Between 2007 and 2010, there were minor changes in the share of jobs by sector in the city. The share of Leisure-Hospitality Jobs increased from 9.2% to 10.5% while the share of Construction jobs declined from 9.9 to 7.5%.

In 2010, the Finance-Insurance-Real Estate sector was the largest job sector, accounting for 18.5% of total jobs in the city. Other large sectors included Professional-Management (17.1%), Manufacturing (13.3%), and Leisure-Hospitality (10.5%).

Agriculture, 0.8%Construction, 7.5%

Manufacturing, 13.3%

Wholesale, 9.0%

Retail, 9.0%

Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities,

1.4%Information, 1.5%

Finance-Insurance-Real Estate, 18.5%

Professional-Management, 17.1%

Education-Health, 6.2%

Leisure-Hospitality,

10.5%

Other Services, 3.4%

Public Administration, 1.8%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

0-4 5-20 21-34 35-54 55-64 65+

2000 2010 2015


Redistricting UpdateIn 2011 the Citizens Redistricting Commission (CRC) released new boundaries for statewide district maps including California’s Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and State Board of Equalization districts. The city of Brea was placed into the 39th Congressional District, the 29th Senate District, the 55th Assembly District, and the 4th Board of Equalization District. The CRC Senate maps have been challenged by a coalition insisting on a referendum vote of the people before the voting districts are fi nalized and any State Senators are elected. Approximately 504,760 qualifi ed signatures of registered voters were gathered for the referendum and it looks as though the initiative will qualify for the November ballot. However, on January 27, 2012 the California Supreme Court in a unanimous 7-0 decision upheld the Citizens Redistricting Commission State Senate maps for use in the upcoming elections.

Court Uphholds Dissolution of Redevelopment AgenciesOn December 29, 2011 the California Supreme Court upheld (ABX1 26), which eliminated all statewide Redevelopment Agencies as of February 1, 2012. Redevelopment Agencies across the state closed their doors this past month as Successor Agencies prepared to wind down the activities of these economic development organizations, preventing cities from moving forward with planned redevelopment projects. On January 31, 2012 the Senate passed SB 654, a bill aiming to save a small portion of redevelopment. This legislation would allow Redevelopment Agencies to exclusively build aff ordable housing using the $1.36 billion originally set aside for redevelopment purposes. SB 654 would not take eff ect until January 1, 2013 because it was not supported as an urgency measure. The bill is now under review by the Assembly and has yet to

Legislative BriefsChamber monitors public policy to ensure the voice of

business is heard at local, state and federal level

ADVOCACY | REPRESENTING BUSINESS TO GOVERNMENT

be signed into law. Many legislators have vowed to fi x the redevelopment debacle and restore Redevelopment Agencies, but a solution has yet to be reached. Here in Brea several projects including a new downtown parking structure are being placed on hold due to the dissolution of the agency.

State of California BudgetGovernor Jerry Brown has released his proposal for the 2012-2013 Budget for the state of California. Included in this proposal is the assumed passage of three tax initiatives slated to be placed on the November ballot. The Governor has previously made his intentions clear to put a proposal before the people which includes a tax increase on the states “wealthiest” taxpayers, a half-cent sales tax increase and a measure that constitutionally protects the 2011 Realignment funds for local public safety. It should be noted that there are several other tax measures slated to qualify for the November ballot, leaving the Governor’s proposals with strong competition.

The Governor’s proposal attempts to close the budget gap and reduce the state budget defi cit by the fi scal year 2015-2016. It includes signifi cant cuts to welfare, in home care, schools and prisons. However, the budget only works if the voters pass the tax initiatives, should they fail in November, the state will be faced with a larger defi cit and therefore see trigger cuts put into place. These cuts are outlined and are much more drastic. Proposed trigger cuts include the equivalent of three weeks of funding for schools cuts to the university system, the courts and correction systems, removal of all lifeguards on state beaches, reductions to channel and levee maintenance within the Department of Water Resources fl ood control program and a reduction of the emergency air response program within the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Also included in the budget proposal, is the Governor's desire to show California as an innovator. He is planning for spending on programs to support job creation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build high speed rail and meet the water needs of the state of California.

To read the Governor’s budget proposal in full, visit www.ebudget.ca.gov.

BREA CHAMBER WATCH LIST

FEDERAL BILLS

HR 7: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Funding BillLegislation to fund major transportation infrastructure projects. 2/13/2012 Passed out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and placed on Union Calendar. SUPPORT

HR 881: ADA Notifi cation Act of 2011 Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to deny jurisdiction to a state or federal court in a civil action a plaintiff commences for remedies for disability discrimination in public accommodations and certain services provided by private entities unless: (1) the plaintiff notifi ed the defendant in writing of the alleged violations prior to fi ling the complaint, (2) the notice identifi ed the specifi c facts that constitute the alleged violation, (3) a remedial period of 90 days elapses after the notice, (4) the notice informed the defendant that the civil action could not be commenced for 90 days, and (5)


the complaint states that the defendant has not corrected the alleged violation. 3/21/2011 Referred to House subcommittee on the Constitution. SUPPORT *Note: Brea Chamber of Commerce has been in contact with Senator Feinstein’s offi ce to support the introduction of companion legislation in the Senate.

HR 3010: Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011Reforms the process by which Federal agencies analyze and formulates new regulations and guidance documents. 12/5/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Aff airs. SUPPORT

STATE BILLS

AB 154: Increased Costs: Mandated Mental Health Benefi t CoverageIncreases health insurance premiums and increases the ranks of the uninsured by mandating that all health policies cover an expanded list of mental health services. 1/26/2012 In Senate. Read fi rst time. To Committee on RLS. for assignment. OPPOSE

AB 171: Increased Costs: Mandated Autism Benefi t CoverageIncreases health insurance premiums and increases the ranks of the uninsured by mandating that all health policies cover screening, diagnosis and treatment for autism. 1/26/2012 In Senate. Read fi rst time. To Committee on RLS. for assignment. OPPOSE

SB 659: Temporary Postponement of the Dissolution of Redevelopment AgenciesPostpones the dissolution of California’s 425 redevelopment agencies from February 1, 2012, until April 15, 2012. 1/19/2012 Re-referred to Assembly Committee on RLS. SUPPORT

SB 810: Government-Run Health CareCreates a new government-run, multibillion-dollar socialized

www.BreaVotesBusiness.comhealth care system supported by an unspecifi ed "premium structure" to be determined by 2014 and by prohibiting the sale of any private health care insurance. 2/1/2012 Died on third reading. OPPOSE

STATE BALLOT PROPOSITIONS

Proposition 29: Imposes Additional Tax on Cigarettes for Cancer ResearchImposes additional fi ve cent tax on each cigarette distributed ($1 per pack), and an equivalent tax increase on other tobacco products, to fund cancer research and other specifi ed purposes. Requires tax revenues be deposited into a special fund to fi nance research and research facilities focused on detecting, preventing, treating, and curing cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and other tobacco-related diseases, and to fi nance prevention programs. Creates nine-member committee charged with administering the fund. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fi scal impact on state and local government: Increase in new cigarette tax revenues of about $855 million annually by 2011- 12, declining slightly annually thereafter, for various health research and tobacco-related programs. Increase of about $45 million annually to existing health, natural resources, and research programs funded by existing tobacco taxes. Increase in state and local sales taxes of about $32 million annually. OPPOSE

Stay in the Loop through Chamber's Legislative Alliance

Learn more about legislative issues by getting involved with the North Orange County Legislative Alliance (NOCLA). Meetings are held on the fi rst Wednesday of every month from 7:30 AM to 9 AM in Community Room A. All members of the Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, and Yorba Linda Chambers of Commerce are welcome to attend.

Join us each month as we discuss important issues aff ecting your business. The program also includes reports from our legislative representatives.

1st Wednesday of every month7:30 - 9 AMCommunity Room A1 Civic Center Circle 2nd fl oor, Brea

All members of the Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia and Yorba Linda Chambers of Commerce are invited to attend.

Th e Voice of Business


ACCESS | EXPANDING YOUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE

Building Business RelationshipsAccess to the people you need to know in order to grow your business – one of the many benefi ts of membership in the Brea Chamber of Commerce!

Clockwise, from top left: Store Director Gary Hansen presents a $500 gift card to Brea Olinda High School during their grand re-opening. Chamber CEO Sharon Wagner presents Dr. Barbara Gaffi no of Brea Dentists with a membership plaque at their grand opening ceremony. 2011 Chairman of the Board Michael Duran (Citizens Business Bank) welcomes everyone to the opening of Bright Now! Dental. Paul Spann and his children cut the red ribbon to celebrate the opening of Spann, Booth & Associates. Attendees build their professional networks at a recent Cocktails & Conversation at City Grill & Spirits. Young professionals enjoy the Mardi Gras theme at the HYPE OFF THE CLOCK! event "Schmooza Palooza", a mega networking event at TAPS Fish House & Brewery. Young professionals learn how community involvement can benefi t career development from Brea Planning Commissioner John Koos at a recent HYPE Leadership LUNCHBREAK. Jim Snover (Th e IMS Company) and Heather Garza (New York Life) test out some of the equipment at the grand opening & ribbon Cutting ceremony for Synergy, a Medical Fitness Center. Sarah Benoit, representing Congressman Gary Miller, presents Dr. Victor and Carmen Camones of Santa Rosa Dental Offi ce with a certifi cate in recognition of their grand opening.

CHAMBER CONNECTIONSThe exposure I get from Taste of Brea alone returns so much more than my dues investment for the whole year's worth of membership benefi ts from the Brea Chamber.

Brady SherardTAPS Fish House & Brewery


2012 State of the City Highlights Progress through Weak Economy

The annual State of the City Address was presented at the Brea Chamber’s Business Outlook Breakfast on Wednesday, February 15 to over 90 business owners and community members. In addition to the presentation by Mayor Don Schweitzer, a speaker panel of key City executives refl ected on the City’s fi scal situation, successes and challenges in 2011, and the City’s goals for 2012. The speaker panel also provided insights on future plans that impact Brea businesses during this interactive event.

Mayor Schweitzer refl ected on the Brea’s rich history and how the City has transformed over the years. He also discussed his theme for 2012, stating “I adopted the theme Make a Diff erence: Green Brea. I invite everyone to join the City in making a diff erence environmentally.”

Administrative Services Director Bill Gallardo discussed the 2012 budget outlook and highlighted a positive 3% operational growth since 2010, as well as over $200,000 savings from the Energy Project. He reported that sales tax numbers are up, as are the number of plan checks and permit requests.

Community Development Director Eric Nicoll provided an update on the status of development and capital improvements around Brea. Some of the recent projects that are most noteworthy to business include the two new entry signs that have been completed at on Lambert Road for motorists coming from the west and State College for those coming from the south. These match the one placed earlier on Brea Boulevard at the south entry. Infrastructure improvements are ongoing, such as signal controller system upgrades, storm drain and sewer line improvements, street repaving and intersection improvements for smoother transitions.

Nicoll also touched on private development projects. Despite a weak economy, Brea has been able to attract new housing projects and continued commercial development. “The La Floresta project is a mixed use development will add another 1,300 homes and high-end retail to the east side of Brea. The Brea Plaza renovation is yet another undertaking that expresses Brea’s can-do spirit and defi es the recessionary mentality that crippled other less-fortunate communities,” shared Nicoll.

Emphasizing the impacts of the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in California, City Manager Tim O’Donnell said, “Brea is proud of transformations with ethical, professional oversight. Physical amenities such as the Brea Civic Center, Brea Community Center, Sports Park and Fire Stations 2 and 3 are all centerpieces of civic life here in Brea.” He added that “Quality of life for residents has been enhanced through robust workforce and senior housing programs.” Plans are in place to complete Brea’s three priority projects – Tracks at Brea, the third downtown parking structure, and the east side community facility. The City continues to adjust and look for partnerships,

Connecting business with the opportunity to be KNOWN by the people who matter most.

Build powerful alliances with other leaders in the Brea business community

while you gain the information you need for an eff ective long-term business

strategy. The Business Outlook Breakfast Series focuses on topics that are critical to the

economic vitality of our region. Legislative updates are a part of every program.

uild powerful alliances

while you gain the info

INCREASE YOUR ACCESS... INCREASE YOUR ACCESS... for an expanded sphere of influencefor an expanded sphere of influence

Register online at www.BreaChamber.com

Legislative Reception Provides Business Direct Access to Offi cials

The North Orange County Legislative Alliance (NOCLA), a coalition of the Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia and Yorba Linda Chambers of Commerce, will host their annual reception honoring elected offi cials on Thursday, March 15, at the Summit House Restaurant, 2000 E. Bastanchury Road, from 6 - 8:30 PM.

NOCLA represents a strong and unifi ed voice for the business communities of Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, and Yorba Linda through combined legislative advocacy eff orts. The annual reception provides a venue for business to meet with electeds in a cocktail party setting.

Invited guests include Congressmen Ed Royce and Gary Miller, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, State Senators Bob Huff and Lou Correa, State Assemblymen Chris Norby and Curt Hagman, members of City Councils, school boards, and other elected representatives inthe North Orange County region. All members of the fi ve chambers are encouraged to attend the free event.

Sponsors of the event include Alcoa Fastening Systems, Don A Vee Chrysler Jeep, Metropolitan Water District, St. Jude Heritage Medical Group, Southern California Edison, and the Southern California Gas Company. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

RSVPs are greatly appreciated. Please contact Karalee Watson at (714) 529-4938 or [email protected].

ACCESS | EXPANDING YOUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE

MAYOR. Continued on page 32.


Clockwise, from top left: attendees judge Salute to Education poster contest entries. Congressman Ed Royce and Senator Bob Huff present Ambassador of the Year Heather Garza with certifi cates of recognition. Elected offi cials and legislative representatives take a picture with all 2011 Year-End Award Winners. Representatives from Brea Orange County Plumbing Heating & Air, Esterline Kirkhill and TAPS Fish House & Brewery are congratulated by elected offi cials and legislative representatives for excellence in 2011. Placentia-Linda Hospital representatives receive recognition for innovation. Attendees enjoy the evening with fellow friends. Th e 2012 Executive Committee is installed by Master of Ceremonies, Assemblyman Curt Hagman. 2011 Citizen of the Year Jeff Weber poses for a photo.

Elected offi cials and legislative representatives who attended the gala included Assemblyman Curt Hagman, Senator Bob Huff , Congressman Ed Royce, Sarah Benoit (representing Congressman Gary Miller), Jackie Filbeck (representing Assemblyman Chris Norby), Orange County Supervisor Shawn Nelson, Mayor Don Schweitzer, Mayor Pro-Tem Brett Murdock, City Councilmembers Ron Garcia and Marty Simonoff , and City Manager Tim O’Donnell.


VISIBILITY | PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESSVISIBILITY | PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS

Taste of Brea Spices Up Business to Consumer Sales

The Chamber's annual Taste of Brea and Community Expo is designed to showcase the best of Brea. The event off ers exceptional marketing and public relations opportunities for your business. Taste of Brea typically attracts 5,000 people to the downtown Birch Street area.

This year the event will be held in Brea Downtown on Thursday, May 17 from 5 - 9 PM.

Sponsorship OpportunitiesLooking for ways to make your brand sizzle? Taste of Brea is the ultimate promotional venue for businesses looking to connect with Brea's high income consumers. A variety of sponsorships are still available and start at just $500. Contact Tanya Spiegel at (714) 529-4938 to secure your sponsorship.

Exhibitor OpportunitiesRestaurants, businesses and non-profi t organizations relish the connections they make with the Brea community during Taste of Brea. With a typical attendance of 5,000, there isn't a more cost-eff ective way to promote your organization.

Exhibitor space MUST be reserved no later than 4 PM on Friday, May 4.

Restaurant ExhibitorsLimited space is still available for additional restaurants wishing to participate in the event. Simply download the restaurant packet at www.BreaChamber.com. Be sure to include all the documentation required by the Health Department.

Business ExhibitorsBooth space in the vendor zone starts at just $175 and is a great way to reach a lot of high quality prospects in a very short period of time. To reserve your space, download the exhibitor packet at www.BreaChamber.com.

If you are a non-profi t organization or community service club, and wish to promote your organization to the Brea community, download the non-profi t exhibitor packet at www.BreaChamber.com.

Questions about exhibiting? Contact Tanya Spiegel at (714) 529-4938 for more information.

Need Some Sizzle? Enhance your visibility by off ering online coupons

Customers are always on the lookout for a great bargain and businesses are always looking for more ways to boost sales revenue. The Brea Chamber has the perfect solution!

Post your specials on the Chamber web site. HOT DEALS are a great way to get your name out there. Coupons are a great motivator. They’re a tried and true way to increase your customer traffi c. What's more, people love to share coupons. They’ll brag to their friends about the great deal they got. And before you know it, their friends are telling their friends and suddenly, you have a huge network of customers. And all because of one great off er.

As one of your chamber membership benefi ts, your business has access to this easy and FREE avenue of promotion. Your HOT DEAL will appear by your member name in the Business Directory, on your Member Information Page and by category in a special listing of HOT DEALS. The Chamber's web site is SEO optimized, so you'll be seen when consumers use all the major search engines to look for coupons in Brea.

You can set your HOT DEAL up with specifi c start and end dates. It will automatically publish only during your designated dates. Your HOT DEAL can be for a set discount, or you can create a custom off er. Change or update your off er anytime you want. Post as many coupons as you would like.

Sign up for our HOT DEALS e-newsletter to receive a notifi cation whenever new HOT DEALS are added.

Need help getting started? Just call the Chamber offi ce at (714) 529-4938.

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Health CareCalChamber surveys have consistently shown that about 89% of CalChamber members provide health care benefi ts for their employees. (The off er rate for California businesses as a whole tends to be closer to 60%.)

The main reason companies say they provide health care benefi ts is improved ability to recruit and retain employees and that providing the benefi ts helps employees stay healthy and productive.

More than half of employers report that their health care premiums increased “a lot” last year. Employers’ said their response to these increases will be primarily to increase employee premiums or increase co-pays or deductibles.

Few employers report that they will drop health care benefi ts altogether or restrict eligibility of employees or dependents.

About a third of employers reported that it was likely they would make no changes to their benefi t structures next year.

Employers are strongly negative about the Aff ordable Care Act, by about a two-to-one margin.

While most employers are aware of the tax credit for small

CLIMATE. Continued from page 11.

businesses that provide health care to employees, only a minority say that the tax credit will infl uence whether they will continue to provide benefi ts or will begin to provide new benefi ts.

State Budget CrisisBusiness leaders continue to say that ongoing state budget defi cits are an extremely or very serious problem, but they are split on the optimal solution.

A majority of business owners and operators said the budget defi cit should be resolved by “mostly” or “all” spending cuts, while 38% said they would prefer a mix of both spending cuts and tax increases.

The percentage of business leaders who said they prefer that a balanced budget be achieved “without raising taxes” is 56%, compared with 44% who favor “raising some taxes.”

Top budget priorities for business leaders remained consistent: K-12 education should be most spared from budget cuts, followed by economic development and job creation, higher education, and courts and public safety.

Policy ReformsTop reforms that business leaders said should be part of a legislative budget deal were very consistent with priorities in 2011:

• Ensure that whatever mix of new taxes and spending cuts are adopted, the end result is a truly balanced budget without gimmicks.

• Reform public employee pensions to more resemble private sector 401(k) plans.

• Conform overtime rules to federal law, which would return California to a 40-hour workweek before adding on any overtime (rather than on each eight-hour day) to provide workers and employers greater fl exibility and savings.

• The next set of priorities included:

• Place a cap on all state spending so it cannot grow faster than the rate of infl ation plus population growth.

• With approximately half the state budget going to education, reform the education system to strengthen the role of principals, expand teacher training, ease termination of incompetent teachers, and pay higher salaries to teachers who improve student performance.

• Ensure that one-time revenues cannot fi nance ongoing state programs.

Th e entire survey is available at www.calchamber.com/businessclimate.

2012

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Monday, September 10 12 PM | Black Gold Golf Club

So much more than just a great day on the greens! Reach potential customers, reward your favorite clients and support Chamber programming that strengthens our local economy, all at a very aff ordable price point.


Brea Chamber Congratulates 2011 Ambassador of the Year

Heather Garza, New York Life

The Ambassador of the Year is awarded to an individual who dedicates countless hours to the Brea Chamber. Whether it’s mentoring a new Chamber member or volunteering at a Chamber event, Heather Garza is always willing to help out.

She is consistently reliable, gracious and professional in demeanor. The Chamber deeply appreciates her commitment to the Brea business community and steadfast support for Chamber programs. She is someone the Chamber can always count on to do the jobs

that need doing and to have a positive attitude that lifts the spirits of those around her. Under her leadership and direction as event chair, the Chamber’s fi rst annual Women’s Leadership Conference was a huge success.

Heather Garza has had her professional Life and Health license since 1993. She worked for HSBC as the Divisional Insurance Manager, for over twelve years, specializing in helping clients protect their largest assets, their earning potential and home. When the company closed, she took great deliberation on where to apply and chose the strength and stability of New York Life Insurance Company, a mutual company.

At New York Life Insurance she assists business owners and families by off ering her professional assistance in many diff erent areas, such as: Business Planning, Estate Planning, Long Term Care Insurance, Health Insurance, Disability Income Replacement, Life Insurance, College planning, and planning for retirement so her clients don’t outlive their income.

Her vision is to build long lasting relationships while assisting her clients in obtaining the fi nancial freedom they desire, and providing protection for their loved ones when they are no longer here or able.

Congratulations again to the Brea Chamber of Commerce 2011 Ambassador of the Year… Heather Garza, New York Life Insurance Company.

New York Life Insurance CompanyHeather Garza2020 Main Street #1200Irvine, CA 92614(714) 345-4833www.heathergarza.nylagents.com

VISIBILITY | PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS

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CHAMBER MEMBERSHIPone of the smartest business decisions you’ll ever make.

BREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Connecting business with opportunity

(714) 529 - 4938Call today to learn more about the many benefi ts of membership.

Business and Social Hour Off ers Unique, Fun B2B Experience

This summer the Brea Chamber is having a BASH, and you're invited! The Business and Social Hour is Brea's premiere business-to-business event, off ering you unparalleled access to North Orange County business professionals as well as tremendous exposure for your products and services.

Mix and mingle with other business professionals in BASH's unique and fun atmosphere. Build powerful partnerships and develop profi table prospects while you increase your visibility in the Brea business community.

This Hawaiian-themed networking event features a business-to-business expo, delicious refreshments, entertainment and fantastic door prizes. BASH is open to the public and non-members are welcome to attend. Best of all, admission is FREE!

BASH 2012 will be held on Thursday, July 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM in Community Rooms A & B in the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards.

Sponsorship opportunities, as well as limited exhibitor space, is now available. Prices start at just $100. Estimated attendance for this event is 150+.

Contact Tanya Spiegel at (714) 529-4938 and reserve your space today!


Several new employment laws will impact California employers’ day-to-day operations and policies in 2012. Unless specifi ed, all new legislation went into eff ect on January 1, 2012.

Credit CheckAB 22 prohibits employers and prospective employers, not including certain fi nancial institutions, from obtaining and using consumer credit reports about applicants or employees. The prohibition does not apply to “managerial positions,” defi ned as those who qualify for the executive exemption from overtime. This exception reinforces the need to make the correct exempt/nonexempt classifi cation at the time you decide to recruit for an open position.

The prohibition against obtaining and using credit reports also does not apply to the following:

• Law enforcement positions and positions for which the information is required by law

• Positions that involve regular access (other than in connection with routine solicitation and processing of credit card applications in a retail establishment) to bank or credit card information, Social Security numbers, and date of birth

• Positions in which the person is, or would be, a named signatory on the employer’s bank or credit card account, or authorized to transfer money or enter into fi nancial contracts on behalf of the employer

• Positions that involve access to confi dential or proprietary information, as defi ned

RESOURCES | LABOR LAW COMPLIANCE

New Year Brings New Employment Laws

• Positions that involve regular access to cash totaling $10,000 or more of the employer, a customer, or client during the workday

Pregnancy Disability LeaveSB 299 requires all employers with fi ve or more employees to continue to maintain and pay for health coverage under a group health plan for an eligible female employee who takes Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) up to a maximum of four months in a 12-month period. The benefi ts are at the same level and under the same conditions as if the employee had continued working during the leave period.

Under current law, employers were only required to provide benefi ts for pregnancy leave to the same extent and for the same length of time as they would for other temporary disability leaves. If the employer was covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, it had to provide continuing coverage during the twelve weeks of FMLA leave.

The new law requires group health insurance continuation coverage for all employers with fi ve or more employees regardless of how they treat other temporary disability leaves and regardless of FMLA coverage. Employers should review their policies to ensure compliance with this new law.

Willful Misclassifi cation of Independent ContractorsSB 459 provides new penalties of between $5,000 to $25,000 for the “willful misclassifi cation” of independent contractors. Willful misclassifi cation is defi ned as: “avoiding employee status for an individual by voluntarily and knowingly misclassifying that individual as an independent contractor.” The law also imposes joint liability on non-attorney outside consultants who knowingly advise an employer to treat an individual as an independent contractor to avoid employee status.

Written Commission AgreementAB 1396 requires employers who have commission pay arrangements to put those agreements into a signed written contract. The written contract must set forth the method by which the commissions will be computed and paid. If the contract expires but the parties keep working under the expired contract, the contract terms are presumed to remain in eff ect unless superseded by a new contract or the employment relationship is terminated. The bill is eff ective January 1, 2013. Employers have the entirety of 2012 to bring their commission agreements into compliance.

Notice of Pay DetailsAB 469 requires employers to provide nonexempt employees, at the time of hire, a notice that specifi es:

• The rate of pay and the basis, whether hourly, salary, piece commission or otherwise, including any overtime rate

• Allowances, if any, claimed as part of the minimum wage, including meal and lodging allowances

• The regular pay day designated by the employer as required under the Labor Code

• The name of the employer, including any “doing business as” names


It’s the LAW.California and Federal Employment Poster 2012 Edition Avoid fi nes up to $17,000 AND legal problems in one aff ordable purchase! You MUST post all required notices conspicuously where all employees and applicants can see them - even if you have only one employee. All required notices on one 28”x 53” poster. Laminated and Spanish versions also available.

714.529.4938

• The physical address of the employer’s main offi ce or principal place of business and any mailing address, if diff erent

• The telephone of the employer• The name, address and telephone number of the employer’s

workers’ c

Documents

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ... · Blues, soul & rock n’ roll by ... David Rader, Brea Baptist Church Chairman-Elect Mike Becher, ... of purpose. This year,