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Vol. LXVI No. 5 | October 2012

El Centro Chamber of Commerce Monthly Mixer

10-18-2012City of El Centro New Fire Station

1910 N. Waterman Ave.El Centro, CA

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Festivities to include: Drinks,

appetizers, business card & prize drawings, tours of facility and

networking.

For more information contact the El Centro Chamber of Commerce

at (760) 352-3681.

See what’s new at the El Centro Chamber

click here

Inside this issueWhat’s new at the Chamber....................1Disability Reform....................................1NAFEC Field of Flags............................1Welcome New Members........................2President’s Message..............................3Welcome Back Teachers Thank You.....4CEO’s Message.....................................5IV Press Mixer Video..............................5President’s Circle Members...................6Veto of Mandate.....................................7Job Killer Stats.......................................7News & Events.......................................8

NAF El CentroField of Flags

Naval Air Facility El Centro had a well attended ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate it’s field of flags at Blue Angels Park. The field consists of fifty three flags; 50 to represent the 50 states and 1 POW-MIA, 1 United States and 1 Navy. Sailors have been working all year long making various renovations to the park such as sanding and repainting the Blue Angels jets which simply enhances the presence of the flags. Various military personnel along with Imperial Valley businesses made

the venture possible.

Disability Access Reform Bill Becomes LawCalifornia Chamber of Commerce-supported legislation to limit frivolous litigation connected with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been signed into law.SB 1186 (Steinberg; D-Sacra-mento/Dutton; R-Rancho Cu-camonga) also promotes increased compliance with disability acces-sibility building codes throughout the state.SB 1186 was developed over the last four months in discussions by the authors, their staffs and a working group including the Cal-Chamber.As an urgency measure, SB 1186 took effect immediately upon be-ing signed on September 19.Among other things, SB 1186:*Prohibits prelitigation “demands for money” by attorneys.

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NAF El Centro Field of Flags

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Welcome New MembersBusiness ConsultantsSusan P. Chasang ConsultingSusan P. ChasangPO Box 59, El Centro, CA 92244(760) 996-6137

Credit Card Processing and Gift Card ProgramHarbortouch/United Bank CardJohn Malopsy2334 Gill Village Way, #104San Diego, CA 92108(619) 397-8203 Fax (619) 996-2127www.harbortouchpayment.com

Crisis Intervention ServicesSure Helpline CenterMargaret Sauza210 Wake Ave., Ste. BEl Centro, CA 92243(760) 352-7878Fax (760) 352-7875

Disabled Persons’ Access’Imperial County Work Training Center, Inc.Angela S. Delgado210 Wake Ave.El Centro, CA 92243(760) 352-6181 Fax (760) 352-6332

Entertainment, Recreation & SportsBrunswick ZoneTracy Schneider950 N. Imperial Ave.El Centro, CA 92243(760 482-0554 Fax 482-0824www.bowlbrunswick.com

Health ClubsSnap FitnessJoshua Schaubach1692 S. 4th St., Ste. A El Centro, CA 92243, (760) 259-1212www.snapfitness.com/ elcentro

Insurance & Financial ServicesOptions Plus Insurance Services Inc.Edward Hasai11752 Garden Grove Blvd. #224Garden Grove, CA 92843(949) 294-4431 Fax (714) 537-7682

Liquor StoresOcotillo LiquorJoseph Zoree1560 Ocotillo Dr.El Centro, CA 92243(760) 337-1496

Media & Related ServicesXavier Outdoor AdvertisingXavier X. Aguilar783 WensleyEl Centro, CA 92243(858) 705-3803

Photography/Digital MediaDigital Age NetworkLouis Nava230 Trail CreekImperial, CA 92251(619) 381-7771www.digitaltalk.tv

Real Estate AppraisersD Walk AppraisalsDeborah Walk2290 Elm Ave.El Centro, CA 92243(760) 960-2755 Fax (760) 353-3273

Restaurants, CateringGuadalajara’s RestaurantAlonso Acuna1427 Adams Ave.El Centro, CA 92243(760) 336-0430www.guadalajaras-restaurant.com

Roofing ContractorsBerryman RoofingErika Berryman1026 N. 4th St.El Centro, CA 92243(760) 352-3430 Fax (760) 352-6836Berrymanroofing.liveonatt.com

Seeds-Wholesale/ProductionMalik WholesaleAdnan Abughraib514 Railroad Ave.South San Francisco, CA 94080(415) 559-1786

Signs-Sign ContractorsCarlos Neon SignsCarlos Vera271 E. Evan HewesEl Centro, CA 92243(760) 791-3186www.carlosneonsigns.com

Accountants & BookkeepersACI: Armando C. Ibarra, CPAFernando Carrillo371 E. St.Chula Vista, CA 91910(619) 422-1348Fax (619)422-1465www.ibarracpa.com

Advertising & MarketingSpectrum AdvertisingRobert B. Zimmer750 Main St.El Centro, CA 92243(760) 353-7000 Fax (760) 353-6956www.spectrumad.com JCS Construction Inc.Jeff Sturdevant Jr.502 Industry WayImperial, CA 92251(760) 355-4644 Fax (760) 355-1570

Radco, Inc.Deuce Robertson615 A. S. Hwy 111Brawley, CA 92227(760) 344-4004 Fax (760) 344-4005www.radcoconstruction.net

Servpro of El Centro / Salton SeaAndy Alvarez635 W. Evan Hewes HwyEl Centro, CA 92243(760) 337-5858 Fax (760) 337-5880

Burglar Alarm Systems & Detection DevicesAlarms Security Networks, LLC Franco377 Broadway, El Centro, CA 92243(760) 460-4541

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By Randy Taylor President 2012-2013

When is Less Better?I would have to say eating less ice cream is better for me as I enjoy several big scoops of ice cream nightly, of course only after my wife has retired for the night. As I grow older, not old, just older; the more wear my body ex-periences, the more difficult it is for me to do some physical activities therefore I would have to say, the less ware and tear on my body the better it respond to physical activities. There are times when it’s just the opposite; have you ever heard the saying, “With age comes wisdom?” Or how about when it come to the balance in your check-ing account; more is definitely better than less. So there could be times when each has a benefit over the other therefore one must take into consideration all the facts available to reach the best decision for you.

We are facing some tough decision in the upcoming election and debates are ongoing regarding the role of government, national debt, foreign policy, health care, taxes, and the list goes on and on. Please as you make your decisions; weigh the facts, look at the history and make an informed decision. I know it’s difficult to waiver from you political ties but we should base our decisions on what is best for our country, our communities and our future. Your Chamber supports the theory that small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy and supporting small businesses will not only strengthen our economy but also enhance the quality of life for our citizenry. Your Chamber is an organization that focuses our interest of what is best for business knowing what is good for business, is also good for the populace.

You as business owners, managers, consumers understand the value of information. Information is readily avail-able, often just a “click” away. The challenge lies in time; time to research, time to review and time to decide if and how to implement change if desired. The El Centro Chamber, your Chamber, is there to help with issues businesses are experiencing. Your Chamber continues to be an advocacy for businesses. Our Government Af-fairs Committee, a.k.a. GAC, reviews candidates and bills affecting businesses, especially local businesses, and disseminates their finding and recommendation through Chamber newsletters and meeting with state and local representatives. Are you reviewing your Chamber Newsletters and Alerts? You will find beneficial information from a trusted source, your neighbors and local business leaders.

Speaking of benefits; are you utilizing the benefits the Chamber offers to our membership? Are you attending mixers, ribbon cuttings and involved on a Chambers committee? Are you posting your business banner on our website and/or providing a link from the Chamber website to your website? Do you have a website for your busi-ness? If your response is no; then I encourage you to get involved with your Chamber.

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Eusebio Arballo • Kathleen Ball • Susan Castro • Doug Dahm Bob Ham • Veronica Henderson • Glenn Montgomery

Cynthia Lopez • Jean M. Oswalt Kathleen Pipkin • Alicia Swaim Jeff Sturdevant • Sid Swarthout • Jose Vizcarra

Shelly Wilkinson • Drew Williams

CHAMBER MISSION STATEMENT“The mission of the El Centro Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is to be an advocate for business, provide economic leadership and foster

community pride to ensure growth, prosperity and quality of life in El Centro and the surrounding region.’’

Randy TaylorPresident

Jaime HonoldPresident Elect

Les SmithVice President

Gary GludChief Financial Officer

Cherisse AlfordPast President

David TylerDirector at Large

Harold WalkDirector at Large

2012-2013 DIRECTORS

STAFFDarletta D. WillisChief Executive O�cer

Joann FloresMembership/Program Director

Vicki ZamoraO�ce Manager

Anthony MorenoReceptionist/Administrative

Assistant

2012 - 2013 Executive Committee

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59th Annual Welcome Back Teachers’ Breakfast

Through the generous contributions of our members, we were able to distrib-ute “goodie bags” to over 400 teachers. The gifts were distributed to the Central Union High

School District, El Centro Elementary School District, Heber School District, McCabe School District, Imagine School and Ballington Academy. We want to extend a warm THANK YOU to the follow-ing members for making this program a success:

Costco Wholesale

Golden Acorn Casino & Travel CenterHart Insurance Center, Inc.

Imperial County Association of REALTORS® Imperial County Office of Education

Imperial Valley Press Imperial Printers

Labor ReadyLucky Super Market

Pioneers Occupational Health CenterRabobank

Rogers & Rogers Nissan/Toyota - Chrysler- Dodge & Jeep Servpo of El Centro/Salton City

Styles & Smiles

Special Thanks to our Business/Education Partner Sponsor:

Disabilities, continued from pg 1*Puts into place new provisions to prevent “stacking” of multiple claims to increase statutory damages. *Reduces statutory damages and provides litigation protections for defen-dants who correct violations. *Establishes priorities for the California Commission on Disabled Accessibility that promote and facilitate disability ac-cess compliance.

California has 40% of the nation’s ADA lawsuits but only 12% of the country’s disabled population.

Back to School Breakfast Michael Minnix (ECESD), Frances Terrazas (ECESD), Darletta Willis (ECCC), Randy Taylor

(ECCC) and Patricia Dunnam (ECESD)

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the Chamber has either opposed because it presents a negative im-pact on local businesses or support because it represents a positive impact on the businesses in the community. In society, there are some organi-zations that are more concerned with their own agenda than the greater good of the local economy. I urge those that may fall into that category to join those are not and pull together for the benefit of our community and local economy. Change is happening around us and it is energizing and contagious. Putting the greater good of the community ahead of our individual desires will help us all shine in the end. As a small community we do not have a huge impact on the national economy but we do have a strong influence on our local economy. We are the driving force behind the direction in which we are headed.With energy, enthusiasm and dedi-cation we will continue to work to make a difference and to continue to achieve benchmarks and goals along the way. In doing so, I will work to ensure our businesses are still seeing a good return on in-vestment for their membership in the Chamber. I am delighted with the Chamber staff’s passion for innovation and I promise we are going to keep pushing forward. My objective is nothing less than to make the El Centro Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau one dedicated to developing strong lasting relationship with the busi-nesses in the community.

CEO’S MESSAGEBy Darletta Willis

Progress sometimes is a process of going through obstacles and chal-lenges! For example, the Chamber went without a CEO for 8 months. The absence may have placed a strain on the staff along with the Past President but overall the Chamber endured the challenge and emerged unscathed. Coming onboard my goal was to ensure I got up to speed quickly to eliminate any undue pressure that had been placed on the staff and board members. As we move in to the fall this is a rather inten-sive season for the Chamber staff with a lot of meetings and events to begin planning. The good part about being busy is knowing that the entire staff continues to work hard for the membership to ensure your investment is being used to the fullest.With the legislative session re-cently adjourning the Chamber has been focusing a great deal of effort towards keeping and im-proving a good business climate for our members. Bills such as AB 2039- Family Medical Leave Expan-sion, AB 2099- Public Employees: Annuities and Mutual Fund Custo-dial and AB 1999- Family Caregiver Expansion all failed to pass to the Governor’s desk. These are just a few of the many legislative bills

IV Press Mixer

click here

YPO Leadership “Candidates” Develop-ment Series

Serve Pro: Andy Alvarez and Allison Carr

Cheryl Viegas-Walker (Rabobank), Harold Walk (Sun Community Credit Union), &

Cathy Kennerson (ECRMC)

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President, continued from pg 3Pick up the phone, get on-line or drive over to your Chamber office and ask how you can become a part of the solution to promoting your business and improving the quality of life for those in our community. Your Chamber needs your involve-ment to support our community. If you haven’t already, now is the time to get involved.

I also think it’s time for me to close as my beautiful and patient spouse has often reminded me during our thirty-five years of marriage; less talk and more listening from me is better and appreciated.

Thank you.

Randy

From left to right: El Centro Chamber of Commerce CEO Darletta Willis, Chamber President Randy Taylor, Manpower Staff member Rachel Gonzalez, Chamber Ambassador Mike Castro, Manpower Brach Manager Misty Houser, Manpower staff member Olga Gonzalez, Chamber

President-Elect Jaime Honold.

From left to right: IVGC, Dani Dupre, Dianna Castaneda and Leonor Herrera

Susan Castro- Imagine School

LT. Todd Covington and Maj. Kevin Hainey British Army

2012-2013PLATINUM

San Diego Gold & Electric

GOLDEl Centro Regional Medical Center

First Imperial Credit UnionRabobank

Time Warner Cable

SILVERAlford DistrubitingCity of El Centro

Walmart Supercenter

BRONZEBugers & Beers

CR&R IncorporatedCommunity Valley Bank (CVB)

Hutchinson & BloodgoodImperial Irrigation District

Imperial PrintersImperial Valley Family Care Medical Group

Sun Community Federal Credit UnionSwain & Kennerson an Accountancy Corp.

Tyler Insurance Agency

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CalChamber Urges Veto of Onerous Wage-and-Hour Mandate (September 14, 2012) The California Chamber of Commerce is urging members to ask the Governor to veto an unreasonable and nonsensi-cal measure that would overwhelm families with small children. The bill threatens to place children in the care of a domestic worker in harm’s way.

AB 889 (Ammiano; D-San Francisco) will provide the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) with authority to develop regulations that will place onerous wage-and-hour mandates on working families. The bill requires the DIR to adopt regulations no later than January 2014 for “domestic work employees,” which the bill generally defines as any individual who performs “domestic work” such as housekeeping, child care, and other “household occupations.” The adopted regulations must include provisions addressing overtime compensation, meal and rest periods, and sleep periods, or simply adopt the regulations set forth in Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Order No. 15. The CalChamber argues that this mandate is unreasonable given the breadth of the definitions for a domestic work employee and domestic work employer, as well as the burden such regulations will create.For example, a nanny over the age of 18 who cares for children on a daily basis falls within the definition of a “domestic work employee” under AB 889 and would be covered by these regulations. The working parents of the children would be “domestic work employers” and therefore would have to “provide” the nanny with a 10-minute rest period at or before four hours of work and a 30-minute, uninterrupted meal period at or before five hours of work.A meal or rest period requirement is only one of the potential wage-and-hour burdens this bill would impose on working families of California. AB 889 also requires the DIR to implement regulations regarding the payment of overtime compensation as well as sleep periods for domestic work employees.As demonstrated by the overwhelming number of employment lawsuits filed on a daily basis in California, sophis-ticated businesses, with professional human resources staff and employment attorneys, struggle with the proper implementation of these very same onerous California-only wage-and-hour requirements. The detrimental impact of this potential liability will either discourage any working family from retaining the services of “domestic work employees,” thereby increasing the unemployment rate in California; or force such working families to enter into the underground economy, as compliance with these requirements would simply be too costly. Either scenario will serve only to further harm California’s economy, and create additional financial hardships to families and domestic employees.

Job Killer Stats 2012: 32 “job killer” bills identified, 6 sent to Governor, 2 vetoed; 2011: 30 “job killer” bills identified, 5 sent to Governor, 4 vetoed;

2010: 43 “job killer” bills identified, 12 sent to Governor, 10 vetoed;2009: 33 “job killer” bills identified, 6 sent to Governor, 6 vetoed;

2008: 39 “job killer” bills identified, 10 sent to Governor, 9 vetoed;2007: 30 “job killer” bills identified, 12 sent to Governor, 12 vetoed;2006: 40 “job killer” bills identified, 11 sent to Governor, 9 vetoed; 2005: 45 “job killer” bills identified, 8 sent to Governor, 7 vetoed;

2004: 23 “job killer” bills identified, 10 sent to Governor, 10 vetoed.

Final Tally on Job Killer Bills: Gov-ernor Vetoes Two; Signs Four into

Law

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. concluded his work on legislation over the weekend, vetoing two more CalChamber-opposed “job killer” bills in addition to signing two job killer bills into law. A total of six job killers ultimately made it to the Governor’s desk from the 32 that were identified for 2012.

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News & EventsOctober 6City of El Centro Community Clean-Up Day - CR&R Incorporated 599 E. Main St., El Centro, CA 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. This event is for City of El Centro residents only, must show proof of residency (DL & water bill) Items that will be accepted: Furniture, yard waste, large appliances, e-waste, & old tires. For more information call (877) 482-5656

October 6 Imperial Valley Food Bank Harvest Bowl - Imperial Valley Expo - Plaza de la Cultura, 200 E. 2nd St, Imperial, CA starting at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds to bene�t the Imperial Valley Food Bank. For more information, contact Sara Gri�en at the Imperial Valley Food Bank (760) 370-0966

October 8-13An American Cancer Society 2013 Relay for Life Event. - We are painting our town purple! Relay Kick O� at IV Mall--Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 10am-3pm For more information contact: Ms. Rochel Maldonado at (760)554-4365 or rochel_h@hotmail.com

October 11Fall Into the Season" 13th Annual Fall Mixer - The Imperial Valley Joint Chambers of Commerce “Fall Into the Season” 13th annual valley-wide Joint Chambers mixer will be held Thursday, October 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Imperial Valley Expo's Plaza de Cultura Building located at 200 E. 2nd St, Imperial. Members of each chamber are invited to the event along with elected o�cials and those running for o�ce from throughout the valley.

October 16 Imperial Valley Young Professionals Leadership Development Series: Managing Employee Performance - El Centro Chamber of Commerce, 1095 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Brought to you by the Imperial Valley Young Professionals in conjunction with our event sponsor, Luis Plancarte of New Gold Inc. presenter will be Luis Plancarte and topic will be "Managing Employee Performance. For more information or to RSVP contact the El Centro Chamber at (760) 352-3681.

October 18El Centro Chamber of Commerce Monthly Mixer – El Centro Chamber Mixer / El Centro Sponsorship & Volunteer Appreciation Mixer hosted by the City of El Centro. The mixer will take place at El Centro Fire Station #3 on October 18, 2012 from 5pm-7pm. Fire Station #3 is located at 1910 N. Waterman Ave., El Centro. Tours of the Fire Station will be available. Entertainment will be provided by Jim Connor, Alabama Music Hall of Famer and by the acoustical talents of Nick Wells & AZ.

October 19 Fire Ball 2012 - 13th Anniversary - Barbara Worth Resort & Country Club, 2050 Country Club Dr. Holtville, CA, $50 per person. Festivities to include: Dinner, auction, casino night, dancing and a tribute to the Fire Service. Proceeds to bene�t the Burn Institute - Imperial Valley. For more information or to reserve your tickets contact (858) 541-2277.

October 2553rd Annual Fall Festival of Palate & Palette -Sts. Peter & Paul Episcopal Church Sts. Peter & Paul Episcopal Church - 5th St. & Orange Ave., El Centro, CA, from 7:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Donation: $25 (Coat & Tie Preferred). Come and be a part of this annual event with festivities to include: Wines & cheeses, pates, music, & art show, and networking. To purchase your tickets or for more information contact the El Centro Chamber at (760) 352-3681.

October 27Think Pink Gala Fundraiser, Dinner & Dance - Calexico Arts Center ,Calexico, CA. Funds raised will bene�t "Between Women," Imperial Valley's Breast Cancer Support Group. Host will be Maritza Hurtado and sponsorships are available. Come and celebrate survivorship and Breast Cancer Awareness. For more information or to purchase your ticket contact (760) 791-0530 or by E mail at itsatxldy@yahoo.com.

October 27Aviation Day at Imperial Valley Airport Imperial, CA, FREE ADMISSION,Flying, Family and Fun from 9am-3pm. Come and enjoy a day of Aviation in the Imperial County. Hosting a variety of Static Displays, Booths, Ra�es, Food and Fun! For more information please contact: Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation at (760) 353-8332 www.imperialaviation-day.com

November 31st Annual Imperial Valley Community Foundation Golf Tournament - Barbara Worth Resort & Country Club,2050 Country Club Dr. Holtville, CA. 1st Annual Imperial Valley Community Foundation Golf Tournament.-Four person team and individual player opportunities are available. Golf Includes: 18 holes of golf, cart, range balls, breakfast, lunch, drink tickets, polo shirt, and competition prize opportunities throughout the course. For more information contact the foundation at (760) 336-0055.

November 15 Imperial County Film Commission Breaking Dawn Premiere Party -Imperial Valley Mall Movie Theater, El Centro, CA. The Imperial County Film Commission invites you to attend The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2: Forever, Premiere Party. Party on the Lawn starts at 5:00 pm, special event starts at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available at the Calexico, El Centro, Imperial and Brawley Chambers of Commerce. For More Information please call: 760) 337-4155

November 15 El Centro Chamber of Commerce Monthly Mixer – El Centro Regional Medical Center Wound Center located at 1310 S. Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Festivities to include: Drinks, appetizers, business card & prize drawings, and networking. For more information contact the El Centro Chamber of Commerce at (760) 352-3681.

November 16Imperial Valley Young Professionals Leadership Development Series: Coaching - El Centro Chamber of Commerce 1095 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Brought to you by the Imperial Valley Young Professionals in conjunction with our event sponsor, Luis Plancarte of New Gold Inc. presenter will be Luis Plancarte and topic will be "Coaching." For more information or to RSVP contact the El Centro Chamber at (760) 352-3681.

November 18Imperial Valley Press Fest 2012 – Stark Field, corner of 4th and Lenrey Ave., El Centro, from 12:00pm-6:00pm, Activities to include Soccer Tournament, Kids Corner, Concerts, Food and Family Fun plus giveaways! To become a sponsor, or for more information, please contact Sara Douglass @760-337-3426 or sdouglass@ivpresson-line.com

November 30 City of El Centro "Seasonal Tree Lighting & Street Festival" - El Centro Police Department, 11th St. & Main St. El Centro, CA from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information log onto www.cityofelcentro.org or contact the City of El Centro at (760) 337-4555.

December 1Los Vigilantes/El Centro Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 67th Annual Christmas Parade – starts at 10:00am on the corner of 12th and Main Street heading East then South on 8th Street. For more information contact the Chamber at (760) 352-3681.

Don’t forget to visit our

website at

www.elcentrochamber.com