March 2012

Issue #159

Cupertino Business NewsIn This Issue:55th Annual STAR Awards Gala on March 24 ...... P. 1 Chamber hosts 14th Annual Lunar New Year Luncheon ............................................................ P. 1 Save Money and Save Energy with PG&E by Going Green .................................................................. P. 1 Presidents Message ........................................... P. 2 New Website Helps California Businesses Navigate 2,409 Pages of the Health Care Law .................... P. 3 Monta Vista High School Student Awarded US Patent ................................................................. P. 4 6 Things You Should To Know About Getting Great IT (Computer) Services ...................................... P. 4 STAR Awards Reservation and Sponsor Form .... P. 6 Afterhours Networking Mixer: Cypress Hotel ...... P. 7 Assemblymember Paul Fong Invites You to a Free Business Expo .................................................... P. 8 Member Spotlight: VJones Salon ...................................................... P. 8 2012 STAR Awards

A Monthly Newsletter from the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce

55th Annual STAR Awards Gala on March 24

2012 STAR Awards Recipients DOLLY SANDOVAL and TOM DYERCitizens of the Year

PICCHETTI WINERYSmall Business of the Year

The Cupertino Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to the 55th Annual STAR Awards Gala recognizing excellence performed by Cupertino businesses and Citizens of the Year 2012. The event will be held at the Cypress Hotel on Saturday, March 24th, 2012 at 6:15 p.m. Dinner will follow the reception from 7:15 pm10:00 pm. The event will feature the STAR Awards presentation to the local businesses and citizens whose contributions have made a significant and beneficial impact on the Cupertino community. Please join us in spending an evening with some of the most celebrated volunteers of our Continued on page 3

HOBEES DE ANZA RESTAURANT

Save Money and Save Energy with PG&E by Going GreenSource: PG&E Environmental stewardship plays an increasingly important role nowadays in the procurement decisions of both large corporations and small businesses. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers various programs to help implement sustainable business practices that can give your company a competitive advantage in 2012. One such advantage is operational savings. Cost reductions achieved through the implementation of green practices in your company can help you operate more efficiently, reduce operating costs, and share those savings with your customers. Something as simple as replacing your lighting fixtures or printing less paper can deliver real cost savings. And youll reduce your carbon footprint as well. Continued on page 4

Medium Business of the Year

KRTY/KLIV BROADCASTINGLarge Business of the Year

STEVE JOBSPresidents Award

RASHEL YADEGARIChamber Ambassador of the Year

Chamber hosts 14th Annual Lunar New Year LuncheonThe 14th Annual Lunar New Year Luncheon presented by the Cupertino Chambers Asian American Business Council celebrated the year of the dragon in grand style on February 17th at Dynasty Restaurant. Over 200 guests including Chamber members, City Officials and Community leaders enjoyed the wonderful networking, a sumptuous lunch, and a beautiful dance performance by Chamber member Catherine Chen and her friends. Bridge Award recipients Hsing Kung, Cupertino Inn and Rotary Club of Cupertino were introduced and received acknowledgement for their efforts in helping to create understanding that bridges the business community and our interethnic community. Past AABC chair, Neil Bhatnagar of Bowlmor Lanes, was also recognized by Councilmember Wong for his outstanding contributions to the AABC committee. Continued on page 3

Cupertino Chamber of Commerce

March 2012

PresidentsMessageOn February 17th the Chamber and the Asian American Business Council celebrated the Fourteenth Annual Lunar New Year Luncheon and the Year of the Dragon at the Dynasty Restaurant. I would like to thank co-chairs Gilbert Wong and Vickie Tsai, along with committee chairman Thein Nguyen for putting on another successful event. This year we honored our 2012 Bridge Award Recipients; Hsing Kung, Cupertino Inn, and the Rotary Club of Cupertino. Neil Bhatnagar was also recognized for his service as outgoing chair of the AABC. I would like to welcome David Wong to the chamber staff. David started on February 7th and is in charge of member services. We have many exciting events scheduled for the month of March. Please mark your calendars and RSVP through the chamber for the following:

CalendarofEventsWant to know whats coming up at the Chamber and in Cupertino? Visit www.cupertino-chamber.org to view upcoming events. Below are some key events you wont want to miss.

MARCH

WED | MAR 7 | 9:00am How to Get Affordable Medical Coverage Workshop Fresh Choice at Vallco Shopping Mall

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Affordable Health Care for Small Businesses- Wednesday March 7th from 9.00 am-10.00 am at Fresh Choice at Vallco Mall Quarterly Coffee-Monday March 19th from 8.00am-9.00 pm at the Cupertino Inn-Apple 2 Campus Update from Eric Morley, The Morley Bros. Business Resource Expo-Friday March 23rd-8.30 am-2.00 pm-Community Hall Star Awards- Saturday March 24th-6.00 pm- Cypress Hotel. This years honorees are:

Our goal for the workshop is to inform the audience of recent major changes and trends in the California health insurance industry. Topics will include: Health care issues and the need for health insurance; Recent changes in health insurance for Californians; and more.

WED | MAR 14 | 5:30pm Afterhours Networking Mixer Hilton Garden Inn 10741 N. Wolfe Rd.

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Co-Citizens of the Year: Dolly Sandoval and Tom Dyer Small Business: Picchetti Winery Medium Business: Hobees Restaurant Large Business: KRTY Broadcasting Chamber Ambassador: Rashel Yadegari Presidents Award: Steve Jobs

Come expecting to make new leads. Leave with a pocketful of business cards. Enjoy your networking event. How many business introductions will you make?

MARCH

MON | MAR 19 | 8:00am Chamber Quarterly Coffee Cupertino Inn 10889 N. De Anza Blvd, Cupertino

The Cupertino Chamber Board of Directors and Staff look forward to seeing all of our members at the upcoming slate of events this month. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any of your business needs.

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An hour long get together event where Eric Morley will informally chat with attendees about the progress of the Apple Campus 2 project and its possible influence on the Cupertino community. John Zirelli, President Cupertino Chamber of Commerce

MARCH

FRI | MAR 23 | 11:00am Business Resource Expo Quinlan Community Center 10185 N. Stelling Rd., Cupertino

23The Mission of the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce is to promote and enhance the business environment and economic climate of the Cupertino Community.Cupertino Chamber of Commerce 20455 Silverado Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014 For membership information, contact the Chamber at (408) 252-7054 or visit www.cupertino-chamber.org Chamber Staff Alice Jacob, Office Manager Mark Matsumoto, Government Affairs Specialist David Wong, Membership Services Manager

Representatives from public and private organizations will be on hand to provide resources and useful information regarding how to do business with local, state and federal agencies.

MARCH

SAT | MAR 24 | 6:15pm 2012 STAR Awards Gala CypressA Kimpton Hotel 10050 S. De Anza Blvd, Cupertino

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The Cupertino Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual STAR Awards Gala to recognize excellence by Cupertino businesses and the Citizen of the Year 2012.

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Cupertino Business News

Lunar New Year LuncheonContinued from page 1 Both Supervisor Liz Kniss and Mayor Santoro wished everyone warm New Years greetings and thanked the committee and volunteers for their tremendous effort in making this a successful event. Many thanks to the generous door prize contributions, raffle prize donors and the sponsorship support of our members.

Title Sponsor: Apple Inc. Bridge Award Sponsors: HP; Lehigh Cement Company; MassMutual Financial Group; Siemens; Shin Shin Foundation Dragon Sponsors: Armstrong Retirement Planning, LLC.; Council Member Gilbert Wong; Cupertino Inn; Evershine Group; Prometheus; Recology Cupertino; Sandhill Properties; Shashi Corporation

Platinum Sponsors: HSBC; San Jose Water Company Lucky Money Sponsor: Wells Fargo Bank Gold Sponsors: Dry Clean Pro; KeyPoint Credit Union; The Morley Bros. Table Goody Sponsor: Kiddie Academy of Cupertino Silver Sponsors: Ann Stevenson, Marriage & Family Therapist, Wells Fargo Bank

Cupertino Inn Bridge AwardOrganization

Rotary Club of Cupertino Bridge AwardNon-Profit Organization

Hsing Kung Bridge AwardIndividual

First-of-its-Kind Website to Help California Businesses Navigate 2,409 Pages of the Health Care LawSource: Health Law Guide Californias leading business organizations today announced that they have joined together to launch a first-its-kind business-oriented website aimed at providing accurate and easy to understand information about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Health Law Guide for Business, tailored specifically for the business community, will help business owners navigate through all 2,409 pages of the health care law with one simple website www.healthlawguideforbusiness.org. The Health Law Guide for Business is a practical and fact driven website that houses the most current information regarding the new health care law. It was created by California businesses for California businesses, it will be an important resource for those interested in the laws business-specific provisions like colleagues, employees and the media, said Dr. Micah Weinberg, senior policy advisor to the Bay Area Council. Corporate leaders can use the Health Law Guide for Business to learn about the provisions in the law that will have the greatest impact on their bottom lines. The website, funded by The California Endowment, was created by a partnership that includes the Bay Area Council, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, California Small Business Development Centers, Pacific Business Group on Health, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Small Business Majority, Small Business California, and The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce to address the need of Californias business community to stay informed of the implementation of and to help address misinformation about the law.

STAR AwardsContinued from page 1 community. We are currently taking reservations for the STAR awards banquet. The Individual cost to the award gala is $100. We are offering sponsorship opportunities as well. For details on sponsorship opportunities and seat reservations, please refer to the Page 6 of this newsletter. The STAR boxes will once again be sold for $20 prior to the event as well at the door. Each STAR box offers you the opportunity to win exciting prizes including beautiful jewelry to one night hotel stay at luxurious hotels, VIP golf packages, gift cards to popular restaurants, show tickets, and many more. Many thanks to the sponsorship support from Apple, Inc. Hewlett Packard, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Lehigh Cement Company, Recology Cupertino, Cypress Hotel & Armstrong Retirement Planning LLC. Hope you can you join us at this spectacular award gala!Page

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Cupertino Chamber of Commerce

March 2012

MemberNewsPG&EContinued from page 1 PG&E can help your business develop and implement an action plan to meet your short and long-term energy management goals. Its a service that comes at no extra cost. For help getting started, visit www.pge.com/mybusiness or call PG&Es Business Customer Service Center at 1-800-468-4743. Recent trends also show that both corporate and retail customers are making purchasing decisions based on a products or services environmental impact. In addition, with many state and federal policymakers allocating funds to spur clean energy generation and energy efficiency businesses, jobs, and investments, entrepreneurs can find new growth opportunities by identifying business and technology trends in the expanding green economy. In order for a company to successfully compete in the 21st century, sustainability needs to be part of the business plan. As a result, PG&E is working with community partners to provide

Have some news to share? Please send your Press Release to info@cupertino-chamber.org

small business owners with its Diverse Suppliers Go Green training, a technical assistance program focused on ways to become more competitive by establishing an environmental policy. It also highlights the advantages of adopting sustainability programs; measuring, reducing and reporting environmental footprint; and defining green business opportunities. To learn more about upcoming Diverse Supplier Go Green Workshops, please visit www.pge.com/diversesuppliersgogreen or email DiverseSuppliersGoGreen@pge.com. membership within the last year, and has been actively involved in DECA ever since her freshman year.

Monta Vista High School Student Awarded US PatentOn Jan 3rd, 2012, the United State Patent and Trademark Office has granted to Belinda Zeng a patent entitled "FASHION DESIGN METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS", patent number 8,090,465. Belinda was inspired to develop this patent when preparing for her DECA competition project in 2009 under her advisor Mr. Carl Schmidt. With her 1st place DECA competition idea, Zeng realized the feasibility of her idea, and so, she submitted her patent to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Two years later in November of 2011, the patent was finally approved and was issued in January of 2012. Zengs patent, named Fashion Design Method, System and Apparatus, is a software system that allows you to design and try on clothes and accessories in a virtual dressing room with a virtual 3-D you. Belinda Zeng is the current president of Silicon Valley DECA, one of the fastest growing regions in California with a 40% growth in

InformationForMembership6 Things You Should To Know About Getting Great IT (Computer) ServicesBy David Wong, Membership Services Manager Your business is at risk if it runs on a computer and you dont have a strategy to maintain it. Here are some pointers to help you look for an IT provider that can help you run your business smoothly: 1) Establish a relationship with a provider well before you need their help As the saying goes, Dig your well before you are thirsty. Get to know some IT provider before you have any computer problems. A great way to do that is to attend the mixers of your Chamber of Commerce and network with the members. You will be amazed how many referrals you may get and some of their feedback on some IT providers. As you network with an IT provider, you get an opportunity to understand their business models and capabilities. While you are not in any computer crisis, you have the luxury of time to pick an IT provider that suits your needs and develop a business relationship. A good place to start is with an IT provider who is a Chamber member. You can informally chat with the provider during a mixer event to determine their capability and get some free advice on what kind of service you may need. Get some feedback and referrals from other Chamber members and then decide. 2) Manage your IT service provider as part of your teamPage

You know your business runs on the power of your computer. Just like every aspect of your business, you will do whatever necessary to keep it running smoothly. Many large companies have their own IT department to service their systems. For smaller business, it may be more cost effective to outsource it to external IT providers. Regardless whether it is internal or outsourced, it is still a critical component of your business and has to be kept under your management just like any team member of your business. 3) Be clear about your expectations Some businesses, such as e-commerce, run mainly on their computer systems and can illafford any down time while others can tolerate a moderate amount. Knowing that will allow you and your provider to come up with a cost effective service agreement to meet your need. 4) Find a provider that is experienced in your systems and industry If you only need to keep a few PCs running office routine work, most IP provider can do a good job for you. But if you are running ecommerce on your server, you need to have an experienced and knowledgeable maintenance crew supporting the business. They need to respond fast, at a moments notice. You should spell out in your service contract your expectations.

5) Subscribe to a remote monitoring/maintenance program that has great reviews A llowing your service provider to do their routine maintenance and check-up during your non-business hours allows your system to perform at their peak level without being interrupted by maintenance operations. Allowing your service provider to monitor and test your system remotely will also greatly reduce the cost of service since it will be able to alert you of troubles ahead so that you can take action befor a costly disaster can hurt your business. 6)Know your options There are generally two types of services: Hourly service contractan on-demand based agreement in which the provider serves the client only when service is need. The provider charges the client hour by hour plus other expenses. Service is normally provided on a first-come-firstserve basis. Managed ServiceThe client pays a flat fee for the subscription of service. In return, the provider provides regular maintenance and a certain number of guaranteed priority response to clients service requests. This kind of service providers tend to be vigorous with the preventive maintenance in order to keep the service calls to a minimum.

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Issue #159

Cupertino Business News

Fitgeek Sports, a specialty running and walking store, open for businessSource: FItgeek Sports Fitgeek Sports, a specialty running and walking store opened on January 2nd in Cupertino. The owners, Diana Keh and Wing Liang started the store because they wanted to help people become active and accomplish their fitness goals. Diana is a Sunnyvale native and is a run and triathlon coach. Wing is originally from New York City and enjoys all types of outdoor activities especially basketball, running, and cycling. Fitgeek specializes in providing a custom and comprehensive shoe-fitting service. The fitting is complimentary and includes taking foot measurements, observing walking and running style, and video gait analysis. The goal of this service is to help customers select the proper shoe for their foot type needs and fitness goals.

In addition, the store is deeply committed to supporting the local community. They will be sponsoring local races, junior programs, and hosting a variety of free exercise classes inside the store such as yoga and strength training taught by professional instructors. They also hold running meet-ups in which people of all abilities can join either for fun or for run training purposes. Information on time and venue of all these events can be found at www.fitgeeksports.com. student's learning needs, that help students build the confidence, knowledge and skills that are vital for success in school. In addition to providing on-site instruction, Huntington Learning Center of Cupertino will also work with local schools to ensure that area educators and guidance counselors are aware of the services that are offered to struggling students. The Center will also offer individualized one-to-one instruction to help students prepare for the SAT and ACT. For more information about Huntington Learning Center, please call the center at (408) 996-1200, or visit www.huntingtonlearning.com.

Open House held at Hunting Learning Center of CupertinoSource: Huntington Learning Center of Cupertino Huntington Learning Center of Cupertino, located at 7335 Bollinger Road Suite A, had a open house and ribbon cutting ceremony by the new mayor of Cupertino, Mark Santoro. Local parents, business members and members of the chambers of commerce attended the event on Feb 1st 2012. Building on a 30+ year track record as the longest running provider of supplemental education and tutoring services, Surinder Dulai, operator of the center, and her staff, offer personalized instruction by certified teachers to Cupertino students, from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Huntington Learning Center offers tutoring solutions in reading, writing, mathematics, spelling, phonics, study skills and exam preparation. The entire team of educators at the Huntington Learning Center is dedicated to helping every one of it's students unlock his or her full potential for academic achievement. It is the personalized instruction targeted to each

Fitgeek Sports Ribbon Cutting

Huntington Learning Center of Cupertino Ribbon Cutting Page

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Cupertino Chamber of Commerce

March 2012

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Issue #159

Cupertino Business News

AfterhoursNetworkingMixer

Thank you to our Raffle Prize DonorsArya Restaurant ............................................................... Gift Card Park Place ....................................................................... Gift Card Dry Clean Pro .................................................................. Gift CardFitgeek Sports 21000 Stevens Creek Blvd Cupertino

Cypress Hotel ...............................................One-Night Hotel Stay Halo Branded Solutions .......................... Hiking Seat with Storage

AmbassadorsCornerAmbassador of the Year: Rashel YadegariRashel Yadegari is the branch manager of First Tech Federal Credit Union in Cupertino. Rashel brought a rich history of banking when she joined First Tech in 2010 and was instrumental in opening the new community branch on Stevens Creek Blvd when it moved from the Hewlett-Packard campus in late 2010. Rashel and her team are committed to the financial well-being of its members and serving the employees and families of the areas many high tech companies. First Tech offers checking, savings, personal and home loans, credit and retirement accounts, with a focus on making banking effortless for its members. In addition to helping members achieve financial success, First Tech is a steward to the local community, participating in community activities and drives to collect food and clothing. Rashel is active in the Chamber, volunteering at the monthly mixers and also tries to recruit new members to the Chamber. If youre interested in membership at First Tech, call the Cupertino branch at 408.863.6240 or stop into the branch located at 19960 Stevens Creek Boulevard. You can also visit www.firsttechfed.com.Page

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Cupertino Chamber of Commerce

March 2012

MemberAnniversariesCongratulations to our renewing members! We greatly appreciate your continued support and involvement. +40 Year AnniversaryCalifornia Water Service Sunny View Retirement Community Paul & Barbara Weiss Kwik Kopy Printing County Supervisor Liz Kniss Technology Credit Union

19-10 Year AnniversaryKRTY/KLIV Pennbrook Insurance Services, Inc. Silicon Valley Association of Realtors James Rodriguez/Valley Law Center, Inc. Evershine Group Peninsula Symphony

4-1 Year AnniversaryHelen Lewis BlueLight Cinemas 5 LMGW Certified Public Accountants LLP Sushi Hana Express Wells Fargo Bank

29-20 Year AnniversaryArmadillo Willys BBQ Cupertino Education Association Cupertino Inn Forum At Rancho San Antonio Cupertino Sister Cities, Inc. Charles Schwab & Company

9-5 Year AnniversaryKeyPoint Credit Union HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

NewMembersThank you to our new members who joined the Chamber this month.FindPerk, Inc. 20130 Kilbride Drive Cupertino, CA 95070

Assemblymember Paul Fong Invites You to a Free Business ExpoAt the expo, state and federal agencies, local cities and businesses will explain how small business owners can receive government contracts by partnering with public agencies. Discussions at the expo will include: doing business with agencies and utilities, environmentally sustainable purchasing and contracts, and cooperative purchasing programs and networks. Friday, March 23, 2012 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cupertino Quinlan Community Center 10185 North Stelling Road, Cupertino Lunch will be served. To RSVP, call 408-277-2003, or click here.

2012 Board of DirectorsBoard Officers2012 President John Zirelli, Recology Cupertino VP Community Relations Darcy Paul, Paul Law Group VP Finance Matt Wheeler, LMGW Certified Public Accountants, LLP VP Legislative Action Council Kevin McClelland, Leeward Financial & Insurance Services VP Membership Lynn Ching, Sustainable Living Group, Inc. VP Special Events Mike Rhode, Vallco Shopping Mall

MemberSpotlight

Board MembersNeil Bhatnagar, Bowlmor Lanes Yogi Chugh, State Farm Insurance Mike Foulkes, Apple, Inc. Sandra James, Lehigh Southwest Cement Company Scott Jeng, HSBC Dean Munro, Via Services Mahesh Nihalani, Jewels In Style Barbara Perzigian, Cupertino Inn Vicky Tsai, Dryclean Pro Tamon Norimoto, PG&E Joanne Mansch, Alottas Delicatessen & Catering

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