November 2008 Newsletter Brentwood Chamber
12
Page November 2008 Vol. 44, No 11 The Brentwood Voice of Business SURVIVING THE CHALLENGE Times are tough all over and businesses both large and small are struggling to keep alive. Small businesses are tak- ing it on the chin as the trickledown effect of people holding on to their monies; along with the tightening of credit offerings is putting a serious squeeze on cash flow. Stay focused on your goal, (to make money) as you trudge through these tough times and stay strong, as some- times the biggest winners in a down economy are those that do nothing more than ensure they are the "last man standing". Here are a few tips that might help you keep your doors open while we all try to survive crunch of a down economy: You will have to work harder, work longer hours, and you will have to work smarter. Re-touch with your current and past clients. Focus on re-establishing contacts and extending contracts. It's easier to retain a customer than to find a new one. Be professional, dress professional, you and your business need to make a great first impression. Keep marketing and advertising. Those companies that retain visibility during down times tend to have an advantage over those who quit promoting their business to save a few pennies. Network. Be out there connecting with other businesses, potential opportunities for leads, and customers. Maintain your Chamber membership. Chambers are the best place to make contacts. Stay positive. People get tired of whining and complaining. You will notice that customers will come back to businesses where they have enjoyed positive experiences. The sky isn't falling, and the sun is still going to rise tomorrow. Know your competition. Evaluate your staff, reduce or cut back positions to control your costs. Salaries make up a large part of most budgets and you can sink the ship by retaining your whole staff because you don’t want to let someone go, or cut back their hours. Utilize outsourcing to save money. Bring in a temp for a project instead of keeping someone on staff year round. Let your vendors help you do the support tasks so you can focus on the things you do best. Don't panic and do something stupid. Rash decisions can be costly, these difficult business times may not change tomorrow, but this will pass. Focus on value; you shouldn't cut your prices as a way to generate more traffic. A reduction in prices rarely increases business enough to offset the discount. But be competitive and creative in how you price and pre- sent your product or service. Pay your invoices at the maximum time allowed instead of the order they are received. Let your money earn you interest instead of your vendor. Renegotiate your debts, leases, and credit terms. Credit is cash flow and cash flow is necessary for sur- vival. Lenders and vendors will almost always work with you if you take the time to ask. Stay on top of your receivables. Encourage prompt payment with incentives if you must and don't be afraid to pick up a check on delivery whenever possible. Times are challenging, but if you manage your business and your workforce effectively you can maneuver from struggling business to market leader once the economy turns around Keep the faith and be strong and the rewards will come to you and yours in the end. Coauthored by: David Mengel, Harry York, Owner/President Gemini Staffing, Brentwood Brentwood Chamber, CEO (925) 513-7069 [email protected]
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The Clarion Brentwood's Voice of Business
Transcript of November 2008 Newsletter Brentwood Chamber
The Brentwood Clarion Page
November 2008 Vol. 44, No 11
The Brentwood Voice of Business
SURVIVING THE CHALLENGE
Times are tough all over and businesses both large and small are struggling to keep alive. Small businesses are tak-ing it on the chin as the trickledown effect of people holding on to their monies; along with the tightening of credit offerings is putting a serious squeeze on cash flow. Stay focused on your goal, (to make money) as you trudge through these tough times and stay strong, as some-times the biggest winners in a down economy are those that do nothing more than ensure they are the "last man standing". Here are a few tips that might help you keep your doors open while we all try to survive crunch of a down economy:
You will have to work harder, work longer hours, and you will have to work smarter. Re-touch with your current and past clients. Focus on re-establishing contacts and extending contracts. It's
easier to retain a customer than to find a new one. Be professional, dress professional, you and your business need to make a great first impression. Keep marketing and advertising. Those companies that retain visibility during down times tend to have an
advantage over those who quit promoting their business to save a few pennies. Network. Be out there connecting with other businesses, potential opportunities for leads, and customers.
Maintain your Chamber membership. Chambers are the best place to make contacts. Stay positive. People get tired of whining and complaining. You will notice that customers will come back to
businesses where they have enjoyed positive experiences. The sky isn't falling, and the sun is still going to rise tomorrow.
Know your competition. Evaluate your staff, reduce or cut back positions to control your costs. Salaries make up a large part of most
budgets and you can sink the ship by retaining your whole staff because you don’t want to let someone go, or cut back their hours.
Utilize outsourcing to save money. Bring in a temp for a project instead of keeping someone on staff year round. Let your vendors help you do the support tasks so you can focus on the things you do best.
Don't panic and do something stupid. Rash decisions can be costly, these difficult business times may not change tomorrow, but this will pass.
Focus on value; you shouldn't cut your prices as a way to generate more traffic. A reduction in prices rarely increases business enough to offset the discount. But be competitive and creative in how you price and pre-sent your product or service.
Pay your invoices at the maximum time allowed instead of the order they are received. Let your money earn you interest instead of your vendor.
Renegotiate your debts, leases, and credit terms. Credit is cash flow and cash flow is necessary for sur-vival. Lenders and vendors will almost always work with you if you take the time to ask.
Stay on top of your receivables. Encourage prompt payment with incentives if you must and don't be afraid to pick up a check on delivery whenever possible.
Times are challenging, but if you manage your business and your workforce effectively you can maneuver from struggling business to market leader once the economy turns around Keep the faith and be strong and the rewards will come to you and yours in the end. Coauthored by: David Mengel, Harry York,
Owner/President Gemini Staffing, Brentwood Brentwood Chamber, CEO (925) 513-7069 [email protected]
The Brentwood Clarion Page 2
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.
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Hi Fellow Chamber Members:
It wasn't all that long ago when people would say "There's not much shopping available in Brent-
wood". You had to go to Antioch, Concord, Walnut Creek, Stockton....or even farther to find what
you wanted. Well....I for one am proud to say all of that has changed! Recently, as you probably all
know, the new STREETSOF BRENTWOOD has opened I was there for the spectacular grand opening
and Chamber Ribbon Cutting event! There's something there for everyone..all ages !
You would hear people walking around saying things like "look, a candy shop" or "the theater is
huge" or naming stores they only could find in the larger cities places to eat, the beautiful fountain in
the center, and parking all around! You can find almost anything you could ever want right here in
Brentwood now!
All of this in our Brentwood! Right at our fingertips! Isn't this exciting? As was mentioned in the
grand opening, the Streets of Brentwood was 100% leased...so no empty spaces! And, this was the
first complex of it's kind in all of California! With this being so new, exciting and huge, I sincerely
hope our community can support all these new stores along with keeping the existing downtown and
surrounding area businesses thriving. Being a native of Brentwood, my heart lies in the "older part of
Brentwood", but as well, I do support positive growth!
I meet with a group of high school friends annually and this year they all picked Saturday Oct.25th in
Brentwood to meet and shop for a day. We graduated at Liberty many years ago, and some of them
hadn't been back to Brentwood for several years ...boy, were they ever surprised! The first place we
went was to visit the Streets of Brentwood. We ended the day in downtown, which has also changed a
lot since they saw it last. They're all coming back to try the restaurants not yet opened and bring their
spouses to see how Brentwood has grown!
Years ago, we had a Chamber promotion where we put signs in business windows saying "SHOP
BRENTWOOD FIRST,” but unfortunately, it didn't always work! Now we can truly say "SHOP
BRENTWOOD FIRST!” It really works!
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE By Toni Grimes
The Brentwood Clarion Page 3
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 2008 California and Federal Posters, 2008 California Labor Law Digest, California Labor Law Ad-ministration, and the 2008 Employee Handbook soft-ware.
Now on sale in the Chamber office is a pictorial
history of Brentwood by author Carol A. Jensen
The Brentwood Clarion Page 4
One if the Chamber’s most popular events was held on Saturday, October 25th in downtown Brentwood. Jilda Fairhurst, event coordinator, along with Director Lyle Miller and volunteer Bill Putman had things well under control by the time the business people arrived to set up their booths for the big event. The Chamber would like to thank downtown merchants Kendall Automotive for the use of his property and Maria Neu Interiors Design Studio for allowing the Tri Delta Halloween bus to plug into her electricity. If you weren’t downtown, below is a little of what you missed.
Safe trick or treating for children is what Halloween should be all about.
A special thanks goes out to Tri Delta Transit for bringing their Haunted Bus for the delight of the young people.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 5
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
OCTOBER MIXER—SHEPHERD’S GATE
Jennifer Harp welcomed Chamber members to Shepherd’s Gate and gave a short history about their mission. The food for the mixer had all been prepared by the resi-dents. The Chamber would like to thank the following businesses for their donation of raffle prizes: Inglis, Reagan & Associates WineShop at Home Ruggiero’s Italian Style Catering Hampton Inn Sal Cutino of East County Woodworks won the Share-the Pot drawing of $56.00 and donated it back to Shep-herd’s Gate. The Chamber also donated their share to Shepherd’s Gate. Don’t miss our next mixer hosted by Linda Evans of American Pacific Mortgage being held at Cap’s Oak Street Bar and Grill, 144 Oak Street, Brentwood.
Jim & Sharon Beckerich of Isagenix and Barbara Guise of the Health Hut.
Loretta Holden of Liberty Mu-tual and David Mengel of Gemini Staffing
(Photographs by Generations Photography)
The Brentwood Clarion Page 6
CAROL CAREY COUTURE SALON & SPA
9040 Brentwood Blvd., Ste. E
Carol Carey is getting ready to cut the ribbon on her new Salon and SPA. She is joined by co-workers, family, friends, Chamber Directors and Ambassadors as she officially opens for business. Carol had opened a beautiful new Salon on the corner of Griffith and Brentwood Boulevard and invites you to come by to enjoy the services offered for nails, hair and skin.
EAST BAY TATTOO COMPANY 6715 Brentwood Blvd., #D
925-513-4090
Leonard and Lori Duran surrounded by family, friends and Chamber members cut the ribbon on their tattoo facility on October 20th. The company has been in business for several years, but recently moved to this great new location. If you are in the area, stop by and welcome Leonard and Lori to Brentwood.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 7
Finally, the Streets of Brentwood was opened Friday, October 24th, with the Liberty High Band, the Marine Corps Color Guard, dignitaries, Chamber Directors and Ambassadors in attendance. While Tracy Nobil of Continental Retail Property Services and Harry York, CEO of the Brentwood Chamber hold the ribbon, Mayor Bob Taylor as-sisted by Congressman Jerry McNerney, Jeremy Devine of Rave Theaters, Mayor Abram Wilson of San Ramon with _______________of Continental Retail Property cut the official ribbon to start the day of shopping. Forty of the stores were open for business with more to open shortly and REI will open in the spring.
STREETS OF BRENTWOOD Sand Creek & Highway 4 By-Pass
The Brentwood Clarion Page 8
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OFFICIAL HOLIDAY PARADE APPLICATION
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL/BUSINESS ORGANIZATION:_________________________________________________ PERSON IN CHARGE:_________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:_________________________________________________CITY & ZIP:________________________ PHONE: ( ) ______________________________________ CELL: ( ) ______________________________ FAX OR EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________________________
NUMBER PARTICIPATING IN ENTRY: _________ DOES ENTRY CONTAIN NOISE OR SOUND? ____________
In entering this event, I agree to accept the decision of the judges and to abide by all the rules and decisions herein and attached of the parade committee, which reserves the right to refuse any entry. I further agree to release the City Of Brentwood, the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and it associates from any and all liability for loss, damage or injury to any person or property from participation in this event. I HAVE READ THE PARADE RULES
Date:_____________________ Signature: __________________________________ My signature certifies as to the category my entry and will be judged as such, and I have read and agree to the parade rules. Important: Briefly describe your entry for reviewing stand announcement (use another sheet of paper if necessary). Please keep it as brief as possible: _____________________________________________________________________
MAIL WITH $20.00 ENTRY FEE* made payable to: Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, 240 OAK STREET, BRENTWOOD, CA 94513.
*Equestrian Groups of five or more riders, will be required to pay a $50.00 clean-up fee. Single riders $5.00.
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
Presents
The 26th Annual Holiday Parade
Saturday November 22, 2008
Time: 4:00 p.m.
ENTRY CATEGORY
(CHECK ONE)
FLOAT ____________ MILITARY____________ NOVELTY__________
BAND ____________ POOPER SCOOPER_____________ AUTO _____________
EQUESTRIAN*________ EQUESTRIAN GROUP*_________ MUNICIPAL________
The Brentwood Clarion Page 9
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JOIN US FOR THE
November Mixer
hosted by:
Linda Edwards American Pacific Mortgage
at
Cap’s Oak Street Bar & Grill 144 Oak Street, Brentwood
Thursday, November 20, 2008
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
*Raffle Prizes
BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November
November 1 A Taste of Brentwood (restaurant tour)
November 20 Good Morning Brentwood
November 20 Mixer
November 22 Holiday Parade
December
December 12 Chamber’s 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
The Brentwood Clarion Page 10
At-Home Tastings •Premier Wine
Gifts
Custom-Labeled Corporate Gifts
Kathi Reed Independent Wine Consultant
925-240-8382
www.winealongwithme.com [email protected]
The Brentwood Clarion Page 11
BRENTWOOD
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kathi Reed, President WineShop at Home
Shelly McMahon, Ex-Officio Shelly’s Garden
Shayn Cutino, Director Anja Wellness
Bill Fee, Director Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists
Toni Grimes, Director Notary Public
De-De Hays, Director Prudential California Realty
Richard Inglis, Director Reagan Management Services
Paul Kelly, Director Home One Mortgage
Richard Perez-Pacheco, Director Black Sheep Design
Ken Seamann, Director Discovery Professional Services
Karen Spann, President-Elect The Monthly Grapevine
Joe Trebino, Director Delta Pure Water, Etc.
Lyle Miller, Alternate Director Bust-A-Bug Pest Management
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]
www.brentwoodchamber.com
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
The Chamber Ambassador Team
The Brentwood Clarion Page 12
Phone: 925-634-3344
Fax: 925-634-3731
Email: [email protected]
www.brentwoodchamber.com
The Brentwood Clarion
Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
240 Oak Street
Brentwood, CA 94513
TEAR OUT THE CENTER SECTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER AND GET INVOLVED!
The Brentwood Farmers’ Market
is OPEN every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon
Downtown Brentwood
