Chamber Tulare Oct 2012_3

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 232 TULARE, CA 2012 Officers Art Clark Chair of the Board Kohler & Clark Screw Products, Inc Philip Smith Chair Elect Citizens Business Bank Crystal Cota Vice Chair of Finance M. Green & Co. Marie Pinto Immediate Past Chair Tulare Adult School Geoff Hinds Vice Chair of Membership CEO of the Tulare Fair Patrick Isherwood Vice Chair of Governmental Affairs 2012 Board Terry Brazil Tulare Historical Museum Kerissa Postma-Chapman International Agri-Center Crystal Cota M. Green & Co. Simone Frazier Land O’Lakes Dennis Mederos Legal Counsel Horswill, Mederos, & Soares John Barbadian Tulare Regional Medical Center Geoff Hinds Tulare County Fair Ronald Smith Sterling & Smith Funeral Homes John Thomas Bank of Sierra Sue Ann Hillman JD Heiskell Linda Nogues Bacome Insurance Melissa Freitas Valley Business Bank Lonnie Tiesiera Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc. Professional Staff Nina Akin President / CEO Sherry Carson Office Manager Vickie Kuntz Information Specialist Andi Cabrera Director of Membership and Sales Linda Howarth Information Coordinator the update is the official monthly publication of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce 220 E. Tulare Ave. P.O. Box 1435 Tulare, CA 93275-1435 686-1547 email: [email protected] web: www.tularechamber.org For advertising information call: Jennifer Guinn — (559) 735-3235 the update is published in partnership with the Tulare Advance-Register Membership Drive December 11 & 12!! Contact the Chamber for more information 559-686-1547 Be a part of the fun and Grow with the Chamber! Save the Date: www.TulareChamber.org the the Update Update Oct. 2012 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AT “TULARETWEETS” Published date: Sept. 29, 2012 SoCalGas garners top rating two years in a row Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has earned the top customer satisfaction ranking among large natural gas utilities in the Western United States, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM . The study, which was fielded between September 2011 and July 2012, is based on a random survey of U.S. residential natural gas utility customers. “This recognition by J.D. Power and Associates is a tribute to our employees who go the extra mile to provide out- standing service to our customers,” said Anne Shen Smith, chairman and chief executive officer for SoCalGas. “Because of our employees’ dedication, SoCalGas has a long-standing reputation of provid- ing safe, reliable and affordable service to the communities we serve. This shows that our customers recognize that our motto, ‘Glad to be of service,’ is backed up by our employees’ actions.” Let’s Talk BUSINESS! … Betty Brite Cleaners Mike Ellis paints a vibrant picture of downtown Tulare in the 1960’s and 70’s. Every storefront is open and active. Foot traffic is consistent throughout the area as people conduct the business of the com- munity. Everything from daily household necessities to the occasional extravagance may be purchased right here in Tulare. Downtown thrives during this period in Mike’s memories as a child and young adult. Those same memories now stand in stark contrast to the reality of today’s recession and a struggling downtown Tulare business community. Mike and his brother Bill own Betty Brite Cleaners at the intersection of Cross and N Streets. The Ellis family moved to Tulare in the 60’s to establish a home and built up their business at the current loca- tion beginning in the late 1970’s. Mike was kind enough to sit down with me a few weeks back and discuss the business strategies that have enabled Betty Brite to compete in this economy. Philip: Mike, it seems like there used to be more dry cleaning establishments in town when my family and I moved here about 20 years ago. I know that your industry can be a pretty competitive one. How have you and Bill managed to make it work? What kind of competition have you faced? Mike: There must have been six or seven dry cleaning businesses in town when we first started up. Now we’re down to two. Some good decisions made in the early years have enabled us to keep going through the tough times while our competitors, one after the other, have thrown in the towel. One of the key decisions was to purchase this property. Most commercial landlords don’t appreci- ate having dry cleaners as tenants. Even though they may draw consistent traffic to a shopping center or strip mall, con- cerns about environmental risks remain. Our current location was chosen by my parents, Jack and Billie (more frequently known as “Bettie” due to her association with the business). This facility has been a big advantage. It provides great vis- ibility and easy access. We’re primarily a retail service business and location is very important. Philip: The environmental concerns you mentioned obviously impact your business strategy. How do you manage that part of your process? Have regula- tory challenges resulted in the closure of some of your competitors? Mike: In smaller communities you get pretty familiar with the competition. Most of our competitors chose to close down either because they grew tired of the hours required to run a dry cleaning facility, or because their children had no desire to follow them in business. The environmental regulation is stringent, but I don’t believe it was a primary reason for closure in most cases. When we handle the hazardous substances utilized in the dry cleaning process, we’re very careful to follow all the necessary steps and ensure that our documentation is in order. In addition to the hazardous materials monitoring, we have to report to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with regard to our emissions. As a labor intensive busi- ness, we also have to ensure that we’re in compliance with all health, safety and employment law. It’s all manageable, but that management requires time and resources. Right now we’re able to work within the regulatory standards applicable to our industry and still make a profit; but that may not always be the case. Even for a prof- itable business the cost of regulatory compliance may limit growth oppor- tunities. We’ve looked at expanding this location in the past to improve operational efficiencies; but, the current building codes would require such costly modifications that we can’t justify the investment. Philip: Making it in any retail service business requires a tremendous amount of effort. You have a lot of people to keep happy every single day. How do you and Bill maintain your service stan- dards? How do you balance out the pro- cess and the people? Mike: Bill and I divide up the man- agement duties and each of us covers our area of expertise. Of course we can always back each other up if necessary and that’s important when you’re running a twelve hour a day operation. We pro- cess about between 600 and 700 pounds of laundry a day on average. In between loads, we address really important con- cerns, like: Your child’s favorite stuffed animal has been coated from head to tail in something that appears toxic! Note: stuffed animals are really tough to clean… My Dad kept it pretty simple. His motto was “Do what you say you’re going to do; or, just say you can’t do it”. He always emphasized the need to meet or exceed the client’s expectations. If we say that a garment is going to be ready at a certain time then we had better have it ready on time. Nobody is perfect, but all of us work very hard to ensure that we deliver exactly what we promise. Philip Smith Vice President, Citizens Business Bank Witnessing Tulare at its finest One of the great things about being the Mayor of Tulare is that you get to attend lots of community events. In doing so you also get to see what sets us apart from other towns. The answer is really sim- ple…It’s the people!!!! In true Tulare fashion, the citizens of Tulare man- aged to donate a record 1292 pints of life saving blood on Sept. 11 2012. This outpouring of dona- tions has continued to amaze the Central California Blood Bank President Dean Eller, stating “this event is on par with the largest one day events in the US. It is something we desperately need each year. The entire community of Tulare needs to be commended”. While past Chair of the event Divisional Chief of the City of Tulare Fire Dept. Ken Dodson summarized “the wonderful thing about Tulare is if you give them a cause they can get behind and they will go above and beyond. It gave the citi- zens a chance to remember the victims of 9/11.” For those who didn’t get a chance to donate let me set the scene for you. The first thing you would notice would be the bright red shirts of all the volunteers. Nearly 50 people gave up part or all of the day to help with an event that went from 6 am to 7 pm. The next thing would have been the helpful staff of the blood bank getting people processed and their infor- mation entered. Once inside the Memorial Building you would have found volunteers who guided you to the donation chairs, helping with snacks after donations, with daycare for the kids, and for good measure, even a free pancake breakfast if you want- ed. You would have the seen the big yellow stickers that proclaimed first time donor for those who stepped up to give. This scene repeated itself for hours on end with a mad rush of donors all the way to the 7pm clos- ing time and beyond.” It was the biggest, most amazing event thanks to all the donors and sponsors” said Nina Akin, this years Chairperson. “It just reflects our giving and generous commu- nity.” The next day, Sept 12th, was the kick- off of the Tulare County Fair. It started for me with a ride on the fire truck with fellow Councilman Mark Watte and his grandchildren. It was amazing to see so many people happy and ready to go to challenge the rides or tackle some cotton candy. We stopped right in front of the animal barns were all the children and their animals were getting ready for judging. It struck me just how much work and effort the kids and their parents put into mak- ing every- thing just right. Again community came into play Friday night when the auctioneer and Councilman David Macedo got the crowd bidding on animals and didn’t stop for 2 hours until the last of 103 animals were sold. Even in the tough times the dairy industry is facing the community managed to raise nearly $250,000 for the kids. I know many people have questions about what’s going on in our city, our state, our country, or with the economy and while I may not have answers to all those questions I can give a straight for- ward answer about Tulare. It’s about com- munity. It’s about the people. Has been and will always be. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST PROVIDED SPONSORED BY OCTOBER 26 TH , 2012 TULARE GALAXY THEATRE 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM OCTOBER 26 TH , 2012 TULARE GALAXY THEATRE 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM EVENT REGISTRATION: TCLEGSUMMIT2012.EVENTBRITE.COM HOST CHAMBER MEMBERS: FREE NON-MEMBERS: $10 RSVP REQUIRED Mayor Wayne Ross

Transcript of Chamber Tulare Oct 2012_3

Page 1: Chamber Tulare Oct 2012_3

PRSR

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.S. P

OST

AGE

PAID

PERM

IT N

O. 2

32TU

LARE

, CA

2012 OfficersArt Clark

Chair of the BoardKohler & Clark Screw

Products, Inc

Philip SmithChair Elect

Citizens Business Bank

Crystal CotaVice Chair of Finance M. Green & Co.

Marie PintoImmediate Past ChairTulare Adult School

Geoff HindsVice Chair of Membership CEO of the Tulare Fair

Patrick IsherwoodVice Chair of

Governmental Affairs

2012 BoardTerry Brazil

Tulare Historical Museum

Kerissa Postma-ChapmanInternational Agri-Center

Crystal CotaM. Green & Co.

Simone FrazierLand O’Lakes

Dennis MederosLegal Counsel

Horswill, Mederos, & Soares

John BarbadianTulare Regional Medical Center

Geoff HindsTulare County Fair

Ronald SmithSterling & Smith Funeral

Homes

John ThomasBank of Sierra

Sue Ann HillmanJD Heiskell

Linda NoguesBacome Insurance

Melissa FreitasValley Business Bank

Lonnie TiesieraWill Tiesiera

Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Professional StaffNina Akin

President / CEO Sherry Carson

Office ManagerVickie Kuntz

Information Specialist

Andi CabreraDirector of Membership

and Sales

Linda HowarthInformation Coordinator

the update

is the official monthly publication of the

Tulare Chamber of Commerce 220 E. Tulare Ave.

P.O. Box 1435 Tulare, CA 93275-1435

686-1547email: [email protected]: www.tularechamber.org

For advertising information call:Jennifer Guinn — (559) 735-3235

the update is published in partnership with the Tulare Advance-Register

Membership Drive December 11 & 12!! Contact the Chamber for more information

559-686-1547Be a part of the fun and Grow with the

Chamber!

Save the Date:

www.TulareChamber.org thethe UpdateUpdateOct. 2012

Like us on Facebook and FoLLow us on TwiTTer aT “TuLareTweeTs”

Published date: Sept. 29, 2012

SoCalGas garners top rating two years in a rowSouthern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas)

has earned the top customer satisfaction ranking among large natural gas utilities in the Western United States, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM .

The study, which was fielded between

September 2011 and July 2012, is based on a random survey of U.S. residential natural gas utility customers.

“This recognition by J.D. Power and Associates is a tribute to our employees who go the extra mile to provide out-standing service to our customers,” said Anne Shen Smith, chairman and chief

executive officer for SoCalGas. “Because of our employees’ dedication, SoCalGas has a long-standing reputation of provid-ing safe, reliable and affordable service to the communities we serve. This shows that our customers recognize that our motto, ‘Glad to be of service,’ is backed up by our employees’ actions.”

Let’s Talk BUSINESS! … Betty Brite CleanersMike Ellis paints a vibrant picture of

downtown Tulare in the 1960’s and 70’s. Every storefront is open and active. Foot traffic is consistent throughout the area as people conduct the business of the com-munity. Everything from daily household necessities to the occasional extravagance may be purchased right here in Tulare. Downtown thrives during this period in Mike’s memories as a child and young adult. Those same memories now stand in stark contrast to the reality of today’s recession and a struggling downtown Tulare business community.

Mike and his brother Bill own Betty Brite Cleaners at the intersection of Cross and N Streets. The Ellis family moved to Tulare in the 60’s to establish a home and built up their business at the current loca-tion beginning in the late 1970’s. Mike was kind enough to sit down with me a few weeks back and discuss the business strategies that have enabled Betty Brite to compete in this economy.

Philip: Mike, it seems like there used to be more dry cleaning establishments in town when my family and I moved here about 20 years ago. I know that your industry can be a pretty competitive one. How have you and Bill managed to make it work? What kind of competition have you faced?

Mike: There must have been six or seven dry cleaning businesses in town when we first started up. Now we’re down to two. Some good decisions made in the early years have enabled us to keep going through the tough times while our competitors, one after the other, have thrown in the towel. One of the key decisions was to purchase this property. Most commercial landlords don’t appreci-ate having dry cleaners as tenants. Even

though they may draw consistent traffic to a shopping center or strip mall, con-cerns about environmental risks remain. Our current location was chosen by my parents, Jack and Billie (more frequently known as “Bettie” due to her association with the business). This facility has been a big advantage. It provides great vis-ibility and easy access. We’re primarily a retail service business and location is very important.

Philip: The environmental concerns you mentioned obviously impact your business strategy. How do you manage that part of your process? Have regula-tory challenges resulted in the closure of some of your competitors?

Mike: In smaller communities you get pretty familiar with the competition. Most of our competitors chose to close down either because they grew tired of the hours required to run a dry cleaning facility, or because their children had no desire to follow them in business. The environmental regulation is stringent, but I don’t believe it was a primary reason for closure in most cases.

When we handle the hazardous substances utilized in the dry cleaning process, we’re very careful to follow all the necessary steps and ensure that our documentation is in order. In addition to the hazardous materials monitoring, we have to report to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with regard to our emissions. As a labor intensive busi-ness, we also have to ensure that we’re in compliance with all health, safety and employment law. It’s all manageable, but that management requires time and resources. Right now we’re able to work within the regulatory standards applicable to our industry and still make a profit; but

that may not always be the case. Even for a prof-itable business the cost of regulatory compliance may limit growth oppor-tunities. We’ve looked at expanding this location in the past to improve operational efficiencies; but, the current building codes would require such costly modifications that we can’t justify the investment.

Philip: Making it in any retail service business requires a tremendous amount of effort. You have a lot of people to keep happy every single day. How do you and Bill maintain your service stan-dards? How do you balance out the pro-cess and the people?

Mike: Bill and I divide up the man-agement duties and each of us covers our area of expertise. Of course we can always back each other up if necessary and that’s important when you’re running a twelve hour a day operation. We pro-cess about between 600 and 700 pounds of laundry a day on average. In between loads, we address really important con-cerns, like: Your child’s favorite stuffed animal has been coated from head to tail in something that appears toxic! Note: stuffed animals are really tough to clean…

My Dad kept it pretty simple. His motto was “Do what you say you’re going to do; or, just say you can’t do it”. He always emphasized the need to meet or exceed the client’s expectations. If we say that a garment is going to be ready at a certain time then we had better have it ready on time. Nobody is perfect, but all of us work very hard to ensure that we deliver exactly what we promise.

Philip SmithVice President,

Citizens Business Bank

WitnessingTulare atits finest

One of the great things about being the Mayor of Tulare is that you get to attend lots of community events. In doing so you

also get to see what sets us apart from other towns. The answer is really sim-ple…It’s the people!!!!

In true Tulare fashion, the citizens of Tulare man-aged to donate a record 1292 pints of life saving blood on Sept. 11 2012. This outpouring of dona-

tions has continued to amaze the Central California Blood Bank President Dean Eller, stating “this event is on par with the largest one day events in the US. It is something we desperately need each year. The entire community of Tulare needs to be commended”. While past Chair of the event Divisional Chief of the City of Tulare Fire Dept. Ken Dodson summarized “the wonderful thing about Tulare is if you give them a cause they can get behind and they will go above and beyond. It gave the citi-zens a chance to remember the victims of 9/11.”

For those who didn’t get a chance to donate let me set the scene for you. The first thing you would notice would be the bright red shirts of all the volunteers. Nearly 50 people gave up part or all of the day to help with an event that went from 6 am to 7 pm. The next thing would have been the helpful staff of the blood bank getting people processed and their infor-mation entered. Once inside the Memorial Building you would have found volunteers who guided you to the donation chairs, helping with snacks after donations, with daycare for the kids, and for good measure, even a free pancake breakfast if you want-ed. You would have the seen the big yellow stickers that proclaimed first time donor for those who stepped up to give. This scene repeated itself for hours on end with a mad rush of donors all the way to the 7pm clos-

ing time and beyond.” It was the biggest, most amazing event thanks to all the donors and sponsors” said Nina Akin, this years Chairperson. “It just reflects our giving and generous commu-nity.”

The next day, Sept 12th, was the kick-off of the Tulare County Fair. It started for me with a ride on the fire truck with fellow Councilman Mark Watte and his grandchildren.

It was amazing to see so many people happy and ready to go to challenge the rides or tackle some cotton candy. We stopped right in front of the animal barns were all the children and their animals were getting ready for judging.

It struck me just how much work and effort the kids and their parents put into

mak-ing every-thing just right. Again community came into play Friday night when the auctioneer and Councilman David Macedo got the crowd bidding on animals and didn’t stop for 2 hours until the last of 103 animals were sold. Even in the tough times the dairy industry is facing the community managed to raise nearly $250,000 for the kids.

I know many people have questions about what’s going on in our city, our state, our country, or with the economy and while I may not have answers to all those questions I can give a straight for-ward answer about Tulare. It’s about com-munity. It’s about the people. Has been and will always be.

Continental BreakfastProvidedsPonsored By

OctOber 26th, 2012tulare Galaxy theatre7:30 am - 11:00 am

OctOber 26th, 2012tulare Galaxy theatre7:30 am - 11:00 amevent reGistration: tCleGsummit2012.eventBrite.Com

Host cHamber members: Free NoN-members: $10 RSVP ReQUIReD

Mayor Wayne Ross

Page 2: Chamber Tulare Oct 2012_3

page 2 — October 2012 tulare chamber — the updateSeptember 29, 2012 Tulare Advance-RegisterPROVIDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Members Renew Chamber Investment

Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who renewed their membership

during the month of August.

Quality Paint and Body Inc. Grandma’s House – A vision of Hope

CJ Shannon & Sons Feed LotCalifornia Bean & Pea, Inc.

Riverbend DairyTulare County Association of Realtors

Drive In Liquor MartMachado Hay Company

Sid’s UpholsteryTulare Community Church

Bassett Farms, Inc.Environment Control

Marriot of VisaliaSierra Dairy Laboratory

Camara Auto Services, Inc. Robert Bell, DDS, Inc.

Premier Real Estate – Dee Picanso, RealtorCounty of Tulare Board of Supervisors

St Johns Episcopal ChurchFoodlink for Tulare County, Inc

The Light House Rescue MissionServiceMaster by BeneventoTulare Kings Right to Life

Downey, Smith & FierCentral California Blood CenterCity of Tulare – City Manager

Cold Stone CreameryGarrison Roofing Co. Inc

Great Lakes AirlinesRonald B. Quinn & Co

Hilarides DairySteve Presant

Walton Family Moving & StorageAssemblywoman Connie Conway

Welcome Aboard New MembersCongratulations and thank you to the following new members that invested

in the Chamber during the month of August.

Krone CaliforniaLeo Ramos

1950 S. Blackstone BlvdTulare CA 93274

Spirit 88.9/100.1 (KDUV RADIO)Julie Torres

120 N Kelsey Suite H-1Visalia CA 93291

Tulare Grocery OutletTami Brubaker

170 E. Cross Ave.Tulare CA 93274

Brandman UniversityAlex Hamilton Elliott

649 S. County Center Dr.Visalia CA 93277

Welcome 2013 Tulare Leadership!

The leadership program is one of the most educational and rewarding experi-ences Tulare has to offer our leaders of tomorrow. To introduce our newest class and kick off the 2012-2013 year we welcomed past participants and spon-sors to an evening reception. Every year members of the community participate in this program and even businesses in our membership make contributions yearly to aide these individuals in their endeavor to become leaders of tomor-row. We look forward to a year of learn-ing and growing.

Arthur E Clark relocated to Tulare in 2000 at which time he moved his company Kohler and Clark Screw Products Inc., which opened 1977 in Santa Ana, CA. Arthur was born in Springfield,

Ohio then moved to California and spent 16 years in Hawthorne where he attended school, then moved to Orange County, Pomona, back to Orange County and then settled in Tulare where he now resides with wife of 19 years, Sandy Ann Clark. He has 4 Daughters and 6 grandchildren. He has worked as a Machine Operator, set up man on Automatics, LeadMan, Foreman, Division Manager, Automation manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Plant Manager, and Business Owner. Arthur enjoys boating, motorcycle rid-ing, cars, and camping. He has been a part of many organizations in his life-time including boy scouts, Cub Scouts, Hawthorne Auxiliary Police, Rotary, Toastmasters, Chamber of Commerce, and Ambassadors committee. As a part of the Toastmasters Arthur has held many titles such as Sergeant at Arms, VP Membership, VP of education, President, Educational Assistant, Area Governor, Division Governor , and Club President. In Rotary he has been Treasurer, Membership, President, Alumni Chair, and Director of International Services. With the Chamber he has served on the Board of Directors, Executive Board, Chair Elect, and 2012 Board Chair. Sponsored for Leadership 2013 by Kohler & Clark Screw Products Inc.

Ashley Vander Poel moved to Tulare in 2010 upon her graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a B.A. in Communication Studies. Also in 2010, Ashley married her husband, Pete Vander Poel. She

works for J.D. Heiskell & Co. as the Director

of Customer and Community Relations. Ashley has become very involved with the community, and is a member of the Tulare Noon Rotary Club, a Board Member of the Tulare County Symphony, a Board Member of Tulare Paws for the Cause, and is involved with the Salvation Army Advisory Board. She volunteers with the Tulare Athletic Boxing Club, as well as other organizations. Ashley enjoys spend-ing time with her family and friends, cooking, and traveling. Sponsored by: J.D. Heiskell & Co.

Brandon Ormonde was born and raised on a fam-ily farm and dairy in Tulare. Upon graduation from Tulare Western High School, Brandon began his college education at College of the Sequoias

and later transferred to California State

University, Fresno. He graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business. Brandon then worked for Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District for 1 ½ years as a Resource Analyst before beginning his pursuit of a legal education. Brandon

received his Juris Doctorate from San Joaquin College of Law in 2010. Brandon is employed with the Law Offices of Horswill, Mederos & Soares as an Associate and participates in the general practice of law. Brandon currently lives in Tulare with his wife Shannon Ormonde and his daughter Hayden. Brandon enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and participating in outdoor activities.

Sponsored by: Law Offices of Horswill, Mederos & Soares

Bryce Gowin is a fifth generation resident of Tulare. He graduated from Tulare Union High School in 2007, where he partici-pated in Soccer and Cross Country. Bryce has been employed with Gowin Green

Landscaping for seven years and has recently moved into a man-agement position. Sponsored by Olive Branch Mason Lodge No 269

Charlene Dawson BSN, RNC was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and moved to the Valley in 1989. She attended the College of the Sequoias and Walden University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science

degree in Nursing in 2012. She has been

employed by Tulare Regional Medical Center as a Registered Nurse since 2005 and most recently became the Clinical Supervisor for TRMC’s Rural Health Care Clinics. She has previously served in the Lions Club and on the Tulare Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador Committee. She is married to Eddie and together they have raised five children. She enjoys reading, fishing, and traveling. Sponsored by Tulare Regional Medical Center

Deborah Thrasher is mar-ried to Ken; they have six children; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Debbie graduated from Tulare Western High School and attended COS where

she pursued her dream of being an accoun-

tant. She worked as a Staff Accountant for Certified Public Accountants for 25 years and is a C-TEC certified income tax preparer. She is Executive Director of Tulare Emergency Aid Council. Debbie is/has been very active in her community throughout the years. She coached Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball, served on the Board and coached boys and girls teams in Tulare AYSO, (some-times simultaneously) coached All-Star Soccer teams, and was fondly nicknamed, “Mrs. Coach,” by her players; she served on the Board of TUHS Redskin Band Boosters, was President and chaired many fundraising events; she served on the Board of Tulare FFA Boosters for 20+ years where she was Treasurer (numer-ous times) and spent hours at the High School Farm and the Tulare County Fair with her children; chaired numerous fund-raisers, and received an FFA Honorary Life Membership; she was a founder of Tulare County Pork Boosters Association; she co-chaired the Annual Pork Booster dinner and served as the Treasurer; she is a member of Tulare First Baptist Church and has served as Treasurer of Women’s Ministry; served on the Annual Spring Tea committee, Annual Fall Event committee, Beth Moore Simulcast committee, chaired the Annual 3rd of July picnic, and sings in the choir. She is a member of Tulare Noon Rotary Club and has served on the Annual Crab Feed committee and the Annual Prayer Breakfast committee, and serves as the Club’s Membership Chair; she is a member of the Tulare Chamber serving as an Ambassador; a member of the Continuum of Care of Tulare and a founding member of Operation Homeless Connect-Tulare in 2011 and is a mem-ber of Tulare Association of Churches.Sponsored By: Tulare Noon Rotary Club

Donna-Marie Sonnichsen is a news reporter with the Tulare Advance-Register/Visalia Times-Delta. She was born and raised in Nova Scotia Canada and studied Journalism at Holland College

in Prince Edward Island. She held vari-

ous Bureau Chief and reporting positions in radio and newspaper in Nova Scotia

and also served on the Halifax Press Club Board of Directors during her 23 year journalism career in Canada. She relo-cated to the United States in 2000 with her husband Gary, also from Nova Scotia. They lived in several states and she stud-ied Landscape Design while in Chicago. In 2009 she settled in Tulare County and in 2011 began working for the Advance-Register and Times-Delta, where her cur-rent beat is the City of Tulare. Sponsored by: Tulare Advance-Register/Visalia Times-Delta

Jerod Boatman is 36 years of age, born and raised in Visalia Ca., Attended Golden West High School, married to his wife for 18 years. They have two daughters, both of which attend Tulare Union High School

(freshman & senior). The Boatman has resided in Tulare for more than 10 years. Jerod is a sergeant at the Tulare Police Department and has worked there for more than 11 years. His wife is a 6th grade teacher at Cherry Ave. Middle School. Sponsored by the City of Tulare Police Department.

Julie Christianson is a Registered Nurse who is currently employed by Tulare Regional Medical Center as the Director of Home Care Services. She is married to a won-derfully supportive

husband of 10 years named Scott. Together

they have one amazing little boy named Jack who is 8 and into wrestling, football and all things Lego. She also has a grown daughter Morgan, 24 years old who is a master cupcake baker back in Iowa. Julie was born in a small farming community in central Iowa where she has spent the past 43 years of her life before moving to Tulare in January of this year. Growing up on a farm herself and being involved in 4H and county activities has made the move to Tulare an amazingly easy adjust-ment. It helps that the people at TRMC have been very welcoming. She is cur-rently enrolled in a Master’s program – Leadership track for Science and Nursing. Most of her spare time is spent in her studies but she also enjoys spending time with her family immensely, crafting and traveling around this new city and state. She hopes to learn more our community and its challenges as well as it’s opportu-nities as well as truly engaging with our community members and meeting others who share the same passion about home town pride for Tulare. Sponsored by Tulare Regional Medical Center

Luis Nevarez is a Fire Captain for the City of Tulare. He was born and raised in Los Angeles. After graduating from high school, he was hired with the California Department of Forestry as a season-

al firefighter in Tulare County. He then moved to Visalia, where all three of his kids were born and raised. In 1992, Luis was hired as a firefighter with the City of Tulare Fire Department and was promoted through the ranks. He continued his education at C.O.S. and received an Associates Fire Technology Degree and graduated from Fresno Pacific University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. Luis is also a fire instructor at local community col-leges specializing in technical rescue and is also the Director/Advisor for the Tulare Fire Department’s Explorer Program. In his spare time, Luis enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering at the Regional Medical Center Burn Unit in Fresno. He also enjoys spends time men-toring at risk youth. Sponsored by Tulare Chamber of Commerce

Manuel Ortiz Jr. was born and raised here in Tulare and is self employed as a Real Estate Broker specializing in agri-culture real estate in Tulare & Kings Counties. He has been involved over the years with 4-H

and FFA. He served as Tulare High School FFA president Boosters four years and started one of the first boosters clubs that helped support 4-H & FFA students at the Tulare County Fair Sale. He also served from 1988-1992

See Leadership Reception/3

Congratulations to those who have been accepted into the Leadership Class of 2013:• Patty Rocha, Tulare Outlet Center• Art Clark, Kohler & Clark• Jerod Boatman, City of Tulare• Louis Navarez, Tulare Fire Department• James Ussery, Code Enforcement/City• Donna Sonnichsen, Tulare Advance-Register• Bryce Gowin, Gowin Green• Julie Christianson, Tulare Regional • Charlene Dawson, Tulare Regional• Brandon Ormonde, Dennis Mederos• Ashley Vanderpoel, JD Heiskell• Tammie Weyker, Tulare Co Supervisors• Deborah Thrasher, Tulare Emergency Aid

Arthur E Clark

Ashley Vander Poel

Brandon Ormonde

Bryce Gowin

Charlene Dawson

Deborah Thrasher

Donna-Marie Sonnichsen

Jerod Boatman

Julie Christianson

Luis Nevarez

Manuel Ortiz Jr.

Membership Drive December 11 and 12!!

Contact the Chamber for more information

559-686-1547

Be a part of the fun and grow with the Chamber!

Page 3: Chamber Tulare Oct 2012_3

tulare chamber — the update October 2012 — page 3Tulare Advance-Register September 29, 2012MEMBER NEWS

Member NewsMember Spotlight

Wondering where to go to get your hair dark for fall ? Whether it be an up do for

a special occasion, nails to show off your glamorous side, a new hairstyle, or a clean cut for men Beleza Salon in downtown Tulare has talented individuals ready to take care of you. Visit their Facebook page to get the latest on styles and promotions or call their salon at 559-687-0907 or see them in person at 133 South K St.

[

New Teacher’s ReceptionEvery year we at the Chamber like to

welcome the new teachers to Tulare with a reception in their honor hosted and sponsored by Cool Hand Luke’s. With additional sponsors Tulare County Federal Credit Union and EECU we were able to provide resources and a night out for the new instructors. Generous donations from members ServiceMaster By Benevento, Tulare Regional Medical Center, Ruan, Valley Oak Credit Union, Tulare Public Library, and Res.com were put into a swag bag for the teachers and AGVentures as well as the Tulare County Farm Bureau were on hand to provide information and resources for the teachers. One lucky teacher received a Kindle Fire donated by EECU!

[

Second Annual District Attorney’s Justice run set for October 20

Tulare County District Attorney Phil Cline will host the 2nd Annual Justice Run: 5k race/1 mile walk at Mooney Grove Park on Saturday, Oct. 20 as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Family Services of Tulare County and the Central California Family Crisis Center, the two primary organizations that provide shelter and other services to victims of domestic violence and their children. The 2011 Justice Run welcomed over 350 par-ticipants and raised more than $8,000. This year even greater success is anticipated.

Proceeds fund housing and support-ive services for victims and their families. These services include emergency assis-tance (transportation, food, etc.), case man-agement, counseling and long-term hous-ing support. There will be donation bins at the Justice Run for collection of unopened toiletry items (hotel-sized shampoo, lotion and soap) which are frequently needed as they are provided to those seeking shelter.

If you work for a Tulare County law enforcement agency or fire department

you are invited to participate in the Justice Run as a competition between agencies. The first team member who crosses the finish line will receive a plaque for his or her agency to commemorate the event.

Participants can register now through race-day. Registration costs $25 per person for those who register before Oct. 15, and includes an event “tech” shirt and goody bag. Registration is $30 after Oct. 15. Late registrants may not receive a shirt.

There are a few ways to register: Download the registration form from the DA’s website: www.da-tulareco.org/justice-run.htm; online registration; register online using a credit card (a small processing fee will be applied to online registrations); register at Sole 2 Sole Sports located at 4241 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia; or register at the Victim/Witness Assistance Program of the District Attorney’s Office, 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia.

Completed forms and checks payable to Family Services of Tulare County - Justice Run should be mailed to DA Victim/Witness Program Justice Run, 221 S. Mooney Blvd. Rm. 264, Visalia, CA 93291. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Jennifer Lightfoot, Victim Witness Program Director, (559) 636-5471.

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Leadership Reception(continued from page 2) on the Tulare County Farm Service Agency Advisory Committee. Manuel also spent time with Tulare Chamber events back in the 90’s and has been a Tulare Chamber member for twenty-Nine years. He current-ly is an Ambassador for the Chamber and is also serving on the Dairy Days com-mittee. Manuel spent thirty-seven years farming, Custom Farming and a spray business that was started in 1978, and other agriculture business that included a trucking business and raising beef cattle. Manuel received his Bachelors Degree from Fresno Pacific University in 2003. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and also serves on his Church’s finance Council Committee where he and his wife Mary attend St. Rita’s Church. Manuel & Mary have three children between them and three grandchildren. Sponsored by Manuel Ortiz Real Estate.

Patty Rocha has resided in the Tulare

community since 1969. Patty has been the General Manager / Marketing Manager for Tulare Outlet Center since it opened in 1995. She graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1971 as a business major.

Upon moving to Utah in 1978 she obtained a business degree through extension courses from BYU. Patty has been married to her husband Lee Rocha for 39 years. They have two sons. Patty has been an active citizen in the Tulare community for many years. She was President of Kiwanis Club of Tulare 2010/2011, Tulare Chamber Chairman of the Board 2010, Tulare Chamber Board of Directors 1995- 1998, 2008 – 2011, Board of Directors for Happy Trails Riding Academy 2012, 2003 Agri Center Leadership Class Graduate, Chaired

Hotel Task Force Committee 1998 -2010, Chaired Tourism Committee 1998 – 2009 , Chaired City Wide Marketing Committee 1998-1999, World Ag Expo Volunteer since 1995- 2012, Chaired City Relay for Life in 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, and Chairman of Convention Center feasibility study. Sponsored By: Tulare Outlet Center

Tammie M. Weyker, MPA, a four-year resi-dent of the City of Tulare, is a Board Representative for the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.Born in Racine, Wisconsin, Tammie gradu-

ated from Jerome I. Case High School and

earned her Bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She received her Master’s degree in Public Administration

from California State University at Fresno, in May, 2012, with top marks, earning her a spot in the Phi Kappa Phi honors society. Prior to accepting the Board Representative position, Tammie worked for the City of Tulare as an Administrative Assistant for both Chief Roger Hill (Retired) and Chief Jerry Breckinridge. Before moving into the public sector, Tammie was the Director of Creative Arts and Music at Visalia First Assembly. In the early 2000’s she traveled as a vocalist and public speaker with the Celebrant Singers, thereby having the opportunity to travel to 42 states and five foreign countries. In the late 1990’s, Tammie worked as a reporter for WKBT, a CBS news affiliate in La Crosse, Wisconsin.Tammie enjoys running, reading, cooking for friends, and singing in her spare time. Tammie is involved in the Stewardship/Management Committee and Choral music program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Visalia and Tulare Chamber Government Affairs Committee. Sponsored by Tulare County Supervisors

Patty Rocha

Tammie M. Weyker

Experts at Paladin Investment explain MedicareMost adults become eligible for

Medicare on the first day of the month they turn age 65. Whether you need to sign up, and how to go about doing so, depends on the type of coverage you select and wheth-er you collect Social Security benefits prior to becoming eligible for Medicare.Medicare Eligibility

If you have already started receiving Social Security benefits before your 65th birthday, you don’t have to sign-up for Medicare Part A or Part B. Part A is basic hospital insurance; Part B helps to pay for medically necessary services such as doc-tor visits or outpatient care. You automati-cally become eligible on the first day of the month you turn age 65. Premiums for Part B (there is no premium for Part A) will be deducted automatically from your Social Security check.

If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you will be required to sign up for Part A and Part B. Contact your local Social Security office three months in advance of your 65th birthday to start the process.

If you still receive medical insurance from another provider (such as your employer or your spouse’s employer), you can wait to sign up for Medicare. To avoid paying a higher premium, you will be

required to enroll during the eight-month period that begins during the month your employment ends or the group health coverage ends, whichever is first. Note also that you may be assessed with higher premiums if your modified gross adjusted income is over $85,000 for single filers and $170,000 for married couples filing jointly.Medicare Part C and Part D

Both Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D, which is prescrip-tion drug coverage, are provided by private insurers whose plans are approved by Medicare. You can information on these providers on the Medicare Web site, www.medicare.gov.

You can sign up for both Part C and Part D when you first become eligible for Medicare. You can also sign up between January 1 and March 31 or between November 15 and December 31 each year. Even if you don’t currently have many pre-scriptions, you may want to consider sign-ing up for Part D as soon as you become eligible. If you wait and try to sign up dur-ing a subsequent enrollment period, you may be charged a late enrollment penalty and be forced to pay higher premiums.Supplementing with Medigap

Many retirees supplement their Medicare

coverage with Medigap plans, which are sold by private insurers. The state where you live may determine the type of plan available to you. It’s important to note that these policies do not cover long-term care, vision care, dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, and private-duty nursing. If you anticipate ongoing use of these services, you may need to obtain another form of insurance or pay out of pocket.

When you sign a contract for Medigap insurance, you usually permit the insurer to access your Medicare Part B claim informa-tion directly from Medicare and to bill your health care providers directly. In certain instances, Medigap providers will manage claims for Medicare Part A as well.Your Rights as a Medigap Beneficiary

Medigap policies cover only one indi-vidual, which means that for couples, each partner needs to purchase a separate pol-icy. The best time to purchase a Medigap policy is during the Medigap open enroll-ment period, which lasts for six months after you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, an insurer cannot refuse to sell you a Medigap policy or impose a surcharge because of your health status.

A standardized Medigap policy typically is guaranteed renewable, which means that, as long as you continue paying premiums, an insurer cannot use your health status as a rationale for cancelling the policy. If you were diagnosed or treated for a pre-existing medical condition within six months prior to a Medigap policy taking effect, an insurer can make you wait up to six months before providing coverage for the condition. In certain instances, if you had health insurance coverage during the six-month period before the Medigap policy takes effect, the waiting period may be eliminated or shortened.

Paladin Investment Group, 559-625-4005, www.paladininvestmentgroup.com.

Kimberly Lindley, Jerry Hayton, Trish Arnold

Page 4: Chamber Tulare Oct 2012_3

page 4 — October 2012 tulare chamber — the updateSeptember 29, 2012 Tulare Advance-RegisterNETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

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October CalendarOctober CalendarWednesday, Oct. 3rd Candidates Night at Tulare Senior Center 201 N F St. 6-8PM Call The Chamber for more information.

Friday, Oct. 5th SA Recycling moved to a new location at 2525 South K St Join us for a Ribbon Cutting at 10:30AM

Saturday, Oct. 6th National Alliance on Mental Illness Lifewalk at Del Lago Park 8:30AM Check in walk starts at 10AM call 732-6864 for more information. www.nami.org

Monday, Oct. 8th 12PM Governmental Affairs Committee meets at Apple Annie’s.

Saturday, Oct. 13thand Sunday, Oct. 14thRelay for Life. Join the fight against cancer! 9AM-9AM at Bob Mathias Stadium 755 E

Tulare Ave. Call 687-8678 or log on to relay-forlife.org/tulareca for more information

Tuesday, Oct. 16th Final Farmers Market 5-8PM Downtown located on K St from Tulare Ave to Kern.

Thursday, Oct.18th Tulare Family Resource Center Open House 115 E Tulare Ave 4-6PM with a ribbon cutting at 5PM. For more information call 684-1987.

Thursday, Oct.18th Twin Oaks Bingo 999 N M St 6-7PM Par-ticipation is free. for more information call 684-1001.

Friday, Oct. 26th 7:30-11AM Legislative Summit at the Galaxy Theatre. Congressman Devin Nunes, Senator Jean Fuller, Assembly Woman Connie Con-way. Event Registration: tclegsummit2012.eventbrite.com. Host Chamber Members: Free, Non-Members: $10, RSVP required. Continental Breakfast provided.

Saturday, Oct. 27th Eerie Elks Haunted Lodge 1535 E Bardsley 6-8PM for families and 8-11 for adults. Ad-mission $5 prizes for costumes and games. Call 686-3431 for more information.

Monday, Oct. 29th Taste Treats 6-8:30PM 4500 S Laspina. Tickets $45 call 686-2074 or visit www.tularehistorical museum.org for more information

Wednesday, Oct. 31st Tulare Downtown Association Halloween Street Party call 685-2350 for times and par-ticipating business information.

Saturday, Nov. 10th Central Valley Vietnam Veterans Parade at 10AM. For more information, contact Mike Garcia, 684-0552.

Please send your event dates to [email protected].

Contact Veronica at 559.787.2551 or

[email protected]

YOU DIDWHAT

AT YOURAAAATTTTTT YYYYYYOOOOUUUURRRCOMPANYRETREAT?

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Tulare County

Legislative Summit

October 26th, 2012Tulare Galaxy Theatre

7:30 - 11:00CongressmanDevin Nunes

SenatorJean Fuller

Assembly Woman Connie Conway

Continental Breakfast Provided

Since 1983, the Tulare County Farm Bureau (TCFB) has provided a unique opportunity for high school students in Tulare County to develop their leadership skills. Since its inception, the Youth lead-ership program has trained nearly 500 stu-dents. This year, 25 students from Tulare County high schools were selected to par-ticipate in the 28th Youth Leadership class.

The goal of this exclusive program is to select high school students from around the county who have a strong potential for developing leadership skills. Students are not required to have a connection to agriculture or to Farm Bureau, but should demonstrate an interest in developing leadership qualities.

Participants commit to an eight-month program centered around leadership development, agriculture awareness and government processes. Students take part in monthly educational seminars that focus on issues affecting agriculture, vari-ous careers in agriculture, community ser-

vice, as well as county, state and federal governments.

The Youth Leadership program also gives students the opportunity to visit uni-versity campuses, California Farm Bureau headquarters and concludes with a trip to Sacramento to visit our state’s capitol.

At the conclusion of the program, one outstanding student is selected for his/her performance, attendance and commit-ment to the program. This individual will receive a merit scholarship upon gradua-tion from high school and verification of college enrollment.

High school sophomores are encour-aged to apply for the program each year by May 1st. You may contact the Tulare County Farm Bureau’s Youth Leadership Advisory Committee with any questions at: [email protected] or visit www.tulcofb.org for more information.

Following are the 25 students selected for the 2012-2013 Program:n Austin Bons, Central Valley Christian

n Emily Byrd, Central Valley Christiann Anna Clifton, Strathmore High Schooln Alex Deatherage, Mission Oakn Garrett Fisher, Woodlake High Schooln Kendra French, Mt. Whitneyn Foster Hengst, Woodlake High Schooln Taylor Irving, El Diamanten Craig Kampen, Central Valley Christiann Sydney Keen, Tulare Unionn Nicole Krebsbach, El Diamanten Chance Lewis, Monache High Schooln Marisa Martin, Golden Westn Doyle Mayfield, Mt. Whitneyn Bailey Munday, Tulare Westernn Spencer Peck, Tulare Westernn Hannah Rook, Redwood n Ines Rosales, Lindsay High School n Matt Ruby, Mt. Whitneyn Shelby Simonich, Harmony Magnetn Sydnie Sousa, Tulare Westernn Kristin Stone, Central Valley Christiann Jeremiah Tiemersma, CVCn Marisa Tsuboi, Strathmoren Evan Van Beek, Mission Oak

Tulare County Farm Bureau announces new Youth Leadership Class

Wednesday, Oct. 3Tulare Senior Center

201 N. F StreetMeet the City Council and Tulare

Hospital Board candidates and get your questions answered firsthand! *Un-opposed candidates will also be present.

Candidates Night