January 2009 Newsletter

The Brentwood Clarion Page

January 2009 Vol. 45, No 1

The Brentwood Voice of Business

Educate yourself about what is happening. Consider the potential impacts on your business. Make sure

you are looking at your own financial reports regularly. Monthly at least, but in some cases, you may want

to keep an eye on your profit and loss statement and cash flow projections more often. What is your break-

even point? How many customers does it take to maintain that? How many leads does that equate to? Can

you reduce any of your expenses? Once you have the facts, you can then come up with a plan.

What can you do in your business right now that will help your current situation? What else could your

business be doing to generate more revenue? Which positions in your organization will help you with that?

You may even find opportunities in the current economic climate?

Change of one kind or another is a constant in business and dealing with it is crucial? Do a budget

forecast, predicated on profitability. Project a "worst-case" scenario. What if the worst happened? Chances

are it will not happen to your business, but people tend to panic in the face of the unknown. With a plan,

you've already "rehearsed" the worst and are better able to react calmly and decisively.

You may need to roll up your sleeves and do some of the work in the business that you once delegated to

others. Continue to honor time to work on your business plans, as they may shift quickly. These tough

times could well turn out to be a valuable education for all of us, and when the economy starts to turn

around, we’ll all be ready.

Never forget that you are an Entrepreneur. And the work of the Entrepreneur is coming up with the plan. If

you fail to plan, you will be setting yourself up for failure, regardless of what the economy is doing.

Also remember that your Brentwood Chamber provides you with many opportunities to educate yourself

about business and numerous choices and chances to meet other business people to share and learn.

Now is not the time to hunker in, it is the time to be out connecting. Your Chamber provides those

connections.

The world economy has hit a pothole, and it may take some time to recover. Be

concerned, but not hysterical. If you panic you may get trampled in the storm to the

exits. Decisiveness is the order of the day, but decisions made in haste may not be in

your best interest. Panic is not productive. Calm down, and then go on a fact-finding

mission.

BUSINESS WORDS OF WISDOM

From 2009 Brentwood Chamber President Karen Spann, CEO, The Monthly Grapevine

The Brentwood Clarion

Mission Statement: The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization dedicated to the promotion of the civic and commercial progress of the community. We will continuously strive to maintain and foster a healthy business climate for Chamber members and the entire community.

Welcome 2009 Brentwood Chamber Board Members

Let me introduce you to the new Chamber Leadership Team:

New Three Year Terms:

Brent Assen -- EQUUS Group

Greg Benner – Les Schwab Tires

Olga Vidriales – Travis Credit Union

New One Year Terms:

Seam McCauley -- SMI Inc.

Marlon Smith -- Best Buy

The Executive Committee for 2009:

Kathi Reed, Past President -- Wineshop at Home

Karen Spann, President -- The Monthly Grape Vine

Shayn Cutino, President-Elect -- Anja Wellness

Ken Seamann, CFO -- Discovery Professional Services

Joe Trebino, V.P. Chamber Community Programs -- Delta Pure Water Inc

Continuing Board Members:

Bill Fee -- Mazzy’s Fire Protection Services

De-De Hays -- Prudential California Real Estate

Paul Kelly -- Home One Mortgage

Lyle Miller -- The Pastry Chef

Richard Perez-Pacheco -- Black Sheep Design

A big thank you to your outgoing Board Members for their years of service to the Chamber and the

community:

Toni Grimes -- Tri Valley Bank

Richard Inglis -- Inglis, Reagan Management Services, Inc

Shelly McMahon -- Shelly’s Garden

And to serve you again next year as your staff; Bonnie Lucchese, Jilda Fairhurst, staff volunteer Bill

Putman, and myself.

This team as developed and excellent detailed Business Plan for 2009. We all look forward to a great 2009

year with your support, help, involvement, and guidance. Remember this is your Chamber.

Harry L. York, CEO


Cell 925.813.1319

Phone: 925-625-0278 P.O. Box 406 Oakley, CA 94561

All Sports Trophies

Advertising Specialties

Custom & Corporate Awards

(925) 516-8880 • Fax (925) 625-5316 Email: [email protected]

Bob & Sharon Sherriff, Owners

The Brentwood Chamber office is now able to provide you with all your Human Resource materials. We have copies of the 2009 California and Federal Posters, 2009 California Labor Law Digest, California Labor Law Ad-ministration, and the 2009c Employee Handbook soft-ware.

Now on sale in the Chamber office is a pictorial

history of Brentwood by author Carol A. Jensen


December 5, 2008

Mandatory Changes Mean New Posters Must Be Displayed

Mandatory changes have been made to three of the notices

California employers are required to display to explain workers’

rights to employees.

New federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) rules

published on November 17 include new poster and notice

requirements.

The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) workplace poster

includes required changes, according to the Office of Federal

Contract Compliance Programs.

The state Employment Development Department (EDD)

notice to employees has changed for 2009.

Family Leave The FMLA rules going into effect on January 16, 2009 cover:

the new poster and notice requirements;

eligibility for leave if the employee has a break in service with the employer;

when bonus payments may be denied to an employee on FMLA;

increase in penalties for failure to post the FMLA notice;

requirement that employers indicate how much time will be used as FMLA (if known);

● retroactive application of leave.

Required Pamphlet Changes In addition, there are new requirements in 2009 to the following required pamphlets:

Workers’ Compensation Rights & Benefits pamphlets (required for new hires);

State Disability Insurance pamphlets (required for new hires and employees taking non-work-related disabiity.leave); ● Paid Family Leave (required for new hires and any employee taking a leave of absence).

● Unemployment Insurance pamphlets (required for any employee who becomes unemployed).

More information on the new requirements is available in the HR Watchdog Blog at www.hrcalifornia.com.

For more information on the product changes or to order, visit www.calbizcentral.com.

http://calchamber.typepad.com/

http://www.calbizcentral.com


Income Tax Preparation Financial and Tax Planning Business Management Bookkeeping

8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite H 925-240-1242

“Best of Brentwood” 2002-2007 Business of the Year, 15th Assembly District

DECEMBER MIXER

Shadow Lakes Golf Club was the host for the Chamber December Mixer and what a great job they did. For raffle prizes they donated two four-player gift certificates for Shadow Lakes and two four-player gift certifi-cates for Deer Ridge Golf Club. The Chamber’s lucky President for 2009, Karen Spann, won one of each and she doesn’t even play golf, but her husband, Jim thought it was great.

The Chamber always has a number of members who donate prizes for the raffle and this mixer was no different, so we would like to say THANKS to the following businesses for their gener-ous donations: Anja Wellness Brentwood Press Christopher Becnel, Esq. Delta Community Services East County Woodworks Kendall Automotive

Mayor Bob Taylor WineShop at Home

The Share-The-Pot drawing of $59.00 was won by Joe Trebino from Delta Pure Water, Etc.

Chamber President Kathi Reed with Mary Beth Dotzler of New York Life on the left and Gray & Karen Kendall of Kendall Automotive on the right.

Chamber Director Lyle Miller and his wife, Janet caught on camera

Mayor Bob Taylor having a serious conversation with Barbara Guise of the Health Hut

While his wife, Pam Taylor chats with Donna Becnel and Pat Reagan.

Fred Ginsler, John Fink and Mac Kaiser enjoying the feast

Rich Inglis, Greg Benner and his wife,??????????

JANUARY MIXER AT TRAVIS CREDIT UNION

DON’T MISS IT.


At-Home Tastings •Premier Wine

Gifts

Custom-Labeled Corporate Gifts

Kathi Reed Independent Wine Consultant

925-240-8382

www.winealongwithme.com [email protected]

Hi my name is Steve Keefer and along with my wife,

Laura, own East Bay Muscle Cars here in Brentwood. We

perform only the highest quality custom builds, repairs and

modifications of muscle cars, street rods and classics.

Let me tell you a little bit about us and our shop. I

have been involved in the automotive industry professionally

for 25 years, starting out the first 10 years in the auto body

industry where I was responsible for many show winning

vehicles and magazine featured cars, I spent 3 years in race car fabrication and traveled the country with a championship

race team. After that I worked as a BMW Technician and eventually became team leader and shop foreman. I have an

AAS degree in automotive technology and am an ASE master certified technician. I am also an NHRA licensed driver

and have ran the quarter mile as fast as 7.73 seconds at 180 MPH. Classic muscle cars have always been a part of my life

and in 2007 I decided the time was right to follow my true passion and prepared to open East Bay Muscle Cars. I felt

there was need for a Professional, BAR licensed shop specializing in unique and specialty vehicles. These types of

vehicles require many specialized parts and knowledge and it takes an experienced staff to know how to properly

assemble and or fabricate the right combination of parts that will work together in a safe and effective manner.

Our shop car, known as “ the Business Card” is a 1970 Mustang

and has won every show entered in 2008, (far too many to list

here!) featured in two magazines so far, has been shot for a 2010

calendar and we were personally invited by Good Guys to

compete for Street Machine of the Year in Columbus Ohio. We

are proud to say that in all the press the car has received thus far,

they make note of the countless subtle customizations that only a

trained eye would notice, which makes this car truly unique.

Due to the success of our first year in business we have moved

directly next door to much larger, modern, state of the art facility

here in Brentwood and invite you to stop by for a tour. You can

sometimes find Laura in the office doing paperwork. Although

she works in Livermore as a stylist 4 days a week, she can’t wait

to be able to be at the shop full time. Besides building cars, my

hobbies lie within my family. We also have an 8 year old daughter named Samantha. She is a bright energetic girl that

keeps us very busy with her sports activities as well as school activities. We invite you to stop by the shop anytime and

look forward to meeting you.


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BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December

December 12 Chamber’s Holiday Gala

2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January 15 Mixer—Travis Credit Union

January 24 Installation/Awards Dinner Nines Restaurant

February 19 Mixer—Cortona Park

March 19 Mixer—Ecowater

April 16 Mixer—Eskaton

April 22 Employees’ Appreciation Luncheon

May 21 Mixer—Contra Costa Fair Ground With Antioch Chamber

June 18 Mixer—Brentwood Golf Club

July 10,11,12 CornFest

July 16

August 20

September 17 Mixer—First Bank

September 18 Golf Tournament

October 15 Mixer—John Muir Health

October 24 Hometown Halloween

November 7 A Taste of Brentwood

November 19 Mixer-Scary Larrys

November 21 Holiday Parade

December Holiday Gala

Mixer Locations (or Ribbon Cuttings) can (and do) change at

any time. Check the Calendar of Events on our website for updated information:

www.brentwoodchamber.com


BERMUDEZ’S AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR Armando Bermudez, Owner 415 Beatrice Court, Ste. F Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 240-5466 Email: [email protected]

DELTA FAMILY YMCA Patrick Shannon 1250 O’Hara Avenue Oakley, CA 94561 Phone: 625-9333 Fax: 609-9622 Email: [email protected]

FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO Rod Herman, Store Manager 6836 Lone Tree Way Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 634-8404 Fax: 634-8648 Email: [email protected]

Jos. A. BANK CLOTHIERS, INC. Erich Dark, Sales Executive 2455 Sand Creek Road, Ste. 144 Brentwood, CA 94513

LYLE MILLER, PASTRY CHEF Lyle Miller, Owner 1288 Walnut Meadows Drive Oakley, CA 94561 Phone: 890-1665 Email: [email protected]

MARY’S DELICACIES Jessinia Hernandez, Owner 2155 Elkins Way, Ste. E Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 392-3306 Fax: 516-4536 Email: [email protected]

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY Craig & Christine McKnight, Owners 2485 Sand Creek Road, #136 Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: 516-3384 Fax: 513-8224 Email: [email protected]

SMART & FINAL Larry Bennett 2744 Canyon Springs Parkway Riverside, CA 92507 Phone: 323-869-7896 Fax: 323-869-7865


BRENTWOOD

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Karen Spann, President The Monthly Grapevine

Kathi Reed, Past President WineShop at Home

Shayn Cutino, President-Elect Anja Wellness

Ken Seamann, CFO Discovery Professional Services

Joe Trebino, Executive Committee Delta Pure Water, Etc.

Brent Aasen, Director EQUUS Group

Greg Benner, Director Les Schwab Tires

Bill Fee, Director Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists

De-De Hays, Director Prudential California Realty

Paul Kelly, Director Home One Mortgage

Sean McCauley, Director SMI, Inc.

Lyle Miller, Director Lyle Miller, Pastry Chef

Richard Perez-Pacheco, Director Black Sheep Design

Marlon Smith, Director Best Buy

Olga Vidriales Travis Credit Union

t——————————————————

Harry York, CEO

Bonnie Lucchese, Support Services

Director

Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator

Bill Putman, Volunteer

CHAMBER HOURS

Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Phone (925) 634-3344

Fax (925) 634-3731

email: [email protected]

Paul Roman, Window Innovations 2007 Ambassador of the Year

Amy Alvis, Living Trusts by Amy De-De Hays, Prudential California Realty Chris Krohn, The Emerging Soul Richard McDaniel, Mutual of Omaha David Mengel, Gemini Staffing Vicki Sexton, First Bank Pat Trombino, First Bank Olga Vidriales, Travis Credit Union Susanna Wahl, Edward Jones Renee Woodruff, MAP Donna Zickerman, Sarah Coventry Clarissa Perez-Pacheco, Black Sheep Design Shirley Freeman, America’s Best Choice Susan George, Ayurveda Knowledge For Life Liz Andrade, Ribbons & Roses Ed Gutierrez, Certa Pro Painters Melina Perdom, Certa Pro Painters Joe Randall, Randall Investment Group, Inc Michael Hernandez, New York Life

The Chamber Ambassador Team


Phone: 925-634-3344

Fax: 925-634-3731

Email: [email protected]

www.brentwoodchamber.com


Brentwood Chamber of Commerce

240 Oak Street

Brentwood, CA 94513

TEAR OUT THE CENTER SECTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER AND GET INVOLVED!

January 2009 Newsletter

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