Tulare Chamber of Commerce newsletter December 2012

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PRSRTSTD

U.S.POSTAGE

PAID

PERMITNO.232

TULARE,CA

2012 Officers

Art Clark

Chair of the BoardKohler & Clark Screw

Products, Inc

Philip SmithChair Elect

Citizens Business Bank

Crystal CotaVice Chair of FinanceM. Green & Co.

Marie Pinto

Immediate 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

KerissaPostma-ChapmanInternational Agri-Center

Crystal CotaM. Green & Co.

Simone FrazierLand OLakes

Dennis MederosLegal Counsel

Horswill, Mederos, & Soares

Sherri BakkeTulare Regional Medical Center

Geoff HindsTulare County Fair

Ronald SmithSterling & Smith Funeral

Homes

John Thoma sBank of Sierra

Sue Ann HillmanJD Heiskel l

Linda NoguesBacome Insurance

Melissa FreitasValley Business Bank

Lonnie TiesieraWill Tiesiera

Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Professional Staff

Nina AkinPresident / CEO

Sherry Carson

Office ManagerVickie Kuntz

Information Specialist

LuAnn MiguelInterim Director of

Membership and Sales

Linda HowarthInformation Coordinator

the updateis the official monthly

publication of theTulare Chamber of Commerce

220 E. Tulare Ave.P.O. Box 1435

Tulare, CA 93275-1435

686-1547

email: [email protected]

web: www.tularechamber.orgFor advertising information call:Jennifer Guinn (559) 735-3235

the update is published in partnership withthe Tulare Advance-Register

www.TulareChamber.org thethe Update

UpdateDec. 2012Like us on Facebook and FoLLow us on TwiTTer aT TuLareTweeTs

Published date: Nov. 24, 2012

December 1st - 10am

Starts downtown K St. area

Save the Date: December 2011 -- Birth of a New TraditionNinas December 2011 article deserves repeating to remindus all to Shop Local for the Holidays Merry Christmas!

As the holidays approach, the giantAsian factories are kicking into high gearto provide Americans with monstrouspiles of cheaply produced goods - mer-chandise that has been produced at theexpense of American labor. This year willbe different. This year each of you willgive the gift of genuine concern for othercitizens. There is no longer an excusethat, at gift giving time, nothing can be

found that is produced by Americanhands. Yes there is!

Its time to think outsidethe box, people.

Everyone - yes EVERYONE gets theirhair cut. How about gift certificates fromyour local hair salon or barber? Howabout a pedicure? Or a Massage?

Gym membership? Its appropriate forall ages who are thinking about somehealth improvement.

Who wouldnt appreciate getting theircar detailed? Small, Locally owned detailshops and car washes would love to sellyou a gift certificate or a book of gift cer-

tificates.Are you one of those extravagant giv-

ers who think nothing of plunking down

the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiverwould like his driveway sealed, or lawnmowed for the summer, or drivewayplowed all winter, or games at the localgolf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restau-rants - all offering gift certificates. And, ifyour intended isnt the fancy eatery sort,what about a half dozen breakfasts atthe local breakfast joint. Remember, folksthis isnt about big National chains - thisis about supporting your home townBusinesses with their financial lives onthe line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldnt use an oilchange for their car, truck or motorcycle,done at a shop run by the Local workingguy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift formom? Mom would LOVE the services of alocal cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, andI KNOW I can find some young guy whois struggling to get his repair business up

and running. (Right here in the chamberoffice)

OK, you were looking for something

more personal. Localcrafts people spin theirown wool and knit theminto scarves. They makejewelry, and pottery andbeautiful wooden boxes.Creative Eye has wonder-ful things.

Plan your holiday out-

ings at local, owner oper-ated restaurants and leave your server anice tip. And, how about going out to seea play at your hometown theatre, Encore?

Christmas is now about caring aboutUS, encouraging American small business-es to keep plugging away to follow theirdreams. And, when we care about otherCitizens, we care about our communities,and the benefits come back to us in wayswe couldnt imagine.

THIS is the new AmericanChristmas tradition.

This is a revolution of caring abouteach other, and isnt that what Christmas

is about? Dont forget its about Jesus too.God Bless all of you and your Families.

Nina Akin-President/CEO

Lets Talk BUSINESS! with Camara Auto Services, Inc.

LEADERSHIP TULARE

A Day with TulareRegional Medical Center

October 6, 1973: Egypt and Syria(with the support of other Arab nations)launch an offensive against Israel thatwill become known as the Yom KippurWar (due to the surprise attack commenc-

ing on that holy day). Within days, theUnited States provides support for thebeleaguered nation in the form of fund-ing, military supplies and equipment. Inretaliation the Organization of PetroleumExporting Countries (OPEC) declares anoil embargo against the United States(and other countries demonstrating sup-port for Israel); banning all exports of oilbound for those countries. This ban, andthe production cuts and upward pressureon oil prices that follow, result in gasolineshortages throughout the country. Linesstretch for blocks when fuel is available.Supply is inconsistent and rationed attimes. Demand remains constant even

as prices rise. Politicians respond bynegotiating with OPEC member nations,setting a national maximum speed limit at55 miles per hour in an effort to conservefuel and encouraging a renewed emphasison domestic oil production.

Earlier that same year, John Camarahad fulfilled one of his personal goals bypurchasing the 601 South K Street gasstation where he had been working fromformer owner Joe Silva. The 1970 TulareWestern graduate observed the lines andthe shortages, experienced difficultiesobtaining fuel for his station and notedthat the industry he had become involvedin was changing, perhaps permanently.As international tensions continued toimpact oil supplies (eventually resultingin a second embargo when the estab-lished government in Iran is overthrown),John increased his focus on automotiverepair. Camara Service Center opened at

its current location at 440 South K Street,Tulare in 1978. The business expandedand incorporated in 1989.

Philip: Congratulations John! The for-tieth anniversary of Camara Auto Servicesis coming up in January. Obviously stay-ing in business for 40 years takes a lotof hard work. What else do you feel isnecessary to ensure longevity in a smallbusiness? Are there been any particu-lar management skills or traits that youregard as essential?

John: One of the things Ive alwaysemphasized is that you never stoplearning. Ive been a member of theAutomotive Service Councils of California(ASCCA) since 1986. Ive served on theboard of the organization and we consis-tently utilize their continuing educationcourses. We joined the organization, inpart, to ensure that we would be able tokeep up to date with the computer-basedchanges occurring in automotive designduring the 1980s. Our customers wereexperiencing new problems with theirvehicles and we needed answers.

For example, at one point I wasworking on a 1980 Buick Riviera andsimply could not figure out what theproblem was. The owner had broughtit in because it wasnt running smoothlyand Id already tuned it up and made allthe adjustments that we typically wouldunder the circumstances; but nothingworked. I enrolled in a three-day com-puter class over on the coast and by thetime I finished the course I knew whatthe problem was. We got the vehiclefixed and our client back on the road.Our team knows the importance of stay-ing up-to-date to ensure that were pre-pared to assist our customers when they

need us.

Philip:Working in anyservice industry comeswith its own set of chal-lenges, but some people

get really attached to theirautomobiles. Or, if theyrelike me, they simply dontknow too much about carsso any repair can becomea frustrating process.What is your service philosophy? How doyou maintain your client relationships?

John:We recognize that car problemscan make for a really difficult day forsome people. Whether they want theirvehicle to be absolutely perfect, or havelimited experience with automotive repairwe always make an extra effort to see ifwe can improve that bad day. We knowthat it is important to ensure a positive

customer experience even when circum-stances are challenging.

Our motto is Providing TroublefreeTransport and that is our primary goalfor any customer interaction. We treat ourclients like family. Since I would neverwant my wife (or any other family mem-ber) to be stranded on the side of a roadwith an inoperative vehicle we work toensure consistent performance for all ourcustomers cars. Records are maintainedon all vehicles serviced so no one has togo rummaging through their glove com-partment to find prior repair information.Were not 100% perfect by any means, butwe try to be.

Providing excellent service means wehave experienced personnel, up-to-dateequipment and professional managementpractices. During the early years, I would

See Lets Talk Business/4

Leadership Tulare class of 2013began its program with Tulare RegionalMedical Center on October 16. Hosted bySherrie Bakkee, Director of Marketing andFoundation, the class was first introducedto Kevin Shimamoto, TRMCs interimChief Executive Officer. Mr. Shimamoto,a native of Kingsburg and Selma CA,discussed the accomplishments andchallenges of the 66 year old hospitalin todays rapidly changing healthcareenvironment. The district hospital (whichmeans it is quasi- governmental and mustcomply with various federal, state, anddistrict regulations) began in 1946 with

the passage of two bond issues by theresidents of Tulare. Since its initial com-pletion in 1951, the hospital has had twomajor expansion projects, the most recent

a 115,000 square footmedical tower, whichwill include state of theart technology, a 24 bedemergency room, 5 newsurgical suites, robotic sur-gery, advanced CT imagin-ing, 16 private birthingrooms with two dedicatedC-section surgery suites,expanded ICU with trauma capabilities, aNeonatal intensive care unit and helicop-ter landing pad, all slated for completionin early 2014.

TRMC has an elected 5 member boardof directors. Elections are staggered, withthe first election by zones occurring thisNovember. There are also various com-

See Leadership Tulare/2

Philip SmithVice President,

CitizensBusiness Bank

Charlene Dawson

Hometown Christmas

ImportantInformation

for Property

OwnersThe City of Tulare is

proposing a rate hike for ourwater services the first of FIVEfee hikes starting January 1, 2013 continuing to rise each year

until January 2017.

We invite you tovoice your opinion.

APublic Hearingwill be heldThursday, December 6, 2012

3:00 PMTulare Public Library

in the City Council Chambers475 N. M Street, Tulare


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page 2 December 2012 tulare chamber the updateNovember 24, 2012 Tulare Advance-RegisterPROVIDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Members RenewChamber Investment

Thank you to the following businesses andindividuals who renewed their membershipduring the month of October.

Amaral Dairy ServiceAnthem Blue Cros s/Wellpoint Inc

Bel R. Martin & SonsBeleeza Salon

Black Bear DinerBrowman Development

Buckman MitchellCardoza Company

Casa Grande Senior CareCasa of Tulare County

Charter Inn & SuitesDelrayDoug Les Farms

ElementsFamily Services of Tulare County

Franeys Floor CoveringFrank De Pietro & Sons

Gannet/Tulare Advance RegisterHealth Net

Kiwanis of Greater TulareKohler & Clark

L&S PavingLevon Rich

LPL Financial

Magnolia Health CareMario Simoes Family Dairy

Mendes Calf RanchMick Chamberlain

Optimal Hospice FoundationPatricia Drilling DDS

Pearson RealtyPenas Disposal ServicePete Vander Poel Dairy

Pinnacle TechnologySa Recycling

Salser & Dillard Funeral ChapelSalvation Army

SHRMSons of Italy/Roma Lodge

Steve PresentT-Bar Dairy

TC Cabrillo ClubTerra Linda Dairy

The Village Shopping CenterTulare County Con solidated Ambulance

DispatchTulare Dairy Center

Tulare Dairy Herd Improvement AssociationTulare Local Development C ompany

UC Davis VetValley Air Crafts

Valov & Sons Farming

New Discrimination Laws MeanChanges for Policies, Posters

Employers will need to change notices,postings and employee handbook policiesrelated to discrimination and harassmentprevention to reflect two recently signedbills, AB 1964 and AB 2386.

Religious Dress/Grooming

AB 1964 amends Government Code sec-tions 12926 and 12940 and clarifies that theFair Employment and Housing Acts (FEHA)discrimination protections and reasonableaccommodation requirements cover reli-gious dress practices and religious groom-ing practices.

As stated in the analys is of the bil l, theintent is to provide clarity and ensure thatall religions receive equal protection under

the law. The added language s tates: Religious dress practice is construed

broadly to include the wearing orcarrying of religious clothing, heador face coverings, jewelry, artifactsand any other item that is part of theobservance by an individual of his orher religious creed.

Religious grooming practice is also

to be construed broadly and includesall forms of head, facial and body hair

that are part of the observance by anindividual of his or her religious creed.

Importantly, the law specifies that anaccommodation is not reasonable if theaccommodation requires segregation ofthe individual from other employees or thepublic.

Employers are required to make reason-able accommodations unless an accommo-dation is an undue hardship. The amendedstatute clarifies that the undue hardshipdefinition that applies to other types ofdiscrimination, also applies to religious dis-crimination.

Breast Feeding

AB 2386 amends California Government

Code Section 12926 and makes it clear thatbreast feeding is protected by law and dis-crimination on that basis is illegal.

The new legislation was enacted, inpart, to reflect a decision by the FairEmployment and Housing Commission(FEHC) in 2009 in which an employee wasterminated because she was nursing herbaby during her lunchtime break.

The FEHCs decision was designated ashaving precedential authority, thus such

discrimination is a violation of FEHA.

The amended Government Code defini -tion of sex includes, but is not limited to:

Pregnancy or medical conditions relat-ed to pregnancy.

Childbirth or medical conditions relat-ed to childbirth.

Breastfeeding or medical conditions

related to childbirth.

The rest of the defin ition o f sexremains unchanged:

Sex also includes a persons gender.Gender means sex, and includes a per-sons gender identity and gender expres-sion. Gender expression means a personsgender-related appearance and behavior

whether or not stereotypically associatedwith the person s assigned sex at b irth.

Updated Poster/Software

The California Chamber of Commerce2013 California and Federal EmploymentNotices Poster and Employee HandbookSoftwarewill include changes to policiesand posters as a result of AB 1964 and AB2386.

Order the Mandatory 2013 California andFederal Employment Poster from the TulareChamber and Avoid Potential Fines and Penalties

Tulare Chamber i s making it easy foryour business to comply with Californiaslabor laws. No matter how many employ-ees you have in California, your business isrequired by law to post a current Californiaand Federal Employment Poster in a centrallocation. As part of a special partnership

with the CalChamber, the Tulare chamber iscurrently taking pre-orders for the updated2013 California and Federal EmploymentPoster. The CalChambers all-in-one postercontains the 16 required state and fed-eral employment notices every Californiaemployer must post. CalChamber is a trust-ed source for California and federal compli-ance products, with more than 120 years ofexperience helping California business dobusiness.

The 2013 poster includes the manda-tory update to the Discrimination andHarassment notice, effective January 1,2013. In addition,

The Cal/OSHA notice has changed.

The Employee Polygraph ProtectionAct notice has changed.

There are pending changes to theFamily Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and

Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)notices. If approved for 2013, these

will be mandatory changes .

Implementation of workers compen-sation reform measures will also beginin 2013. As a result, there are potentialmandatory changes to the WorkersCompensation notice and pamphlet

regarding employees rights and ben-efits and employer obligations.

Failure to comply and have a currentposter posted in a central location at your

workp lace could result in significant finesand penalties. Posters must be displayed ina conspicuous place where all employeescan easily read it, such as a break room,common hallway, payroll office or othercommon location. Employers must also dis-play posters in each company location.

The Tulare Chamber wants to make sureyour business is in compliance and urgesyou to place your 2013 poster order todayto ensure delivery by January 1. Posters

will be shipped in mid-December. Pleasecall the Tulare Chamber at (559) 686-1547or email [email protected]

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LENDING SERVICES

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and many other benefits...

Not a member? Join Today!

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5011 Visalia, CA 93278-5011

www.tucoemas.orgFederally insured by NCUA

TULARE1233 E. Prosperity Ave.

(559) 685-8892

VISALIA2300 W. Whitendale Ave.

5222 W. Cypress Ave.

(559) 732-8892

PORTERVILLE1389 W. Henderson Ave.

(559) 784-8892

Leadership Tulare(continued from page 1)mittees that operate within the hospitalincluding the medical executive commit-

tee, peer review, and numerous subcom-mittees which insure that the Mission,Visions, and Values of the hospital areheld to the highest standard to providethe best possible care and outcomesfor its patients. The hospital is also theonly one in the Central Valley to carrytwo quality accreditations, one fromJoint Commission, an agency paid bythe Centers for Medicare and MedicaidServices (CMS), the other from DNVwhich is sanctioned by the federal gov-ernment.

Challenges to the hospital includeimproving its revenue cycle. Mr.Shimamoto explained that without ade-quate finances the hospital cannot meet

its Mission within the community. Effortsto improve TRMCs revenue include hav-ing the proper systems in place, timelyand accurate service capture and billing,skillful contract negotiations, customerservice based collections, and recapturingstaff previously outsourced.

The class was also introduced toPatricia Mathewson, RN, Chief ClinicalOfficer/ Chief Nursing Officer and CarolFurgal, Vice-President of Quality. Ms.Mathewson explained the various fed-eral, state, and local governmental agen-cies which legislate and monitor theoperations of the hospital. Ms. Furgaldiscussed how the hospital monitors andmeasures objective patient data and thenmakes corrections or improvements basedon scientific best practices to improvepatient care and prevent patients fromreturning to the hospital for the same ill-ness. She further added that regulatory

agencies such as CMS have instituted pro-grams that pay per performance, whichaffects how much hospitals get paid forthe care they provide to patients.

The class ended its day with a tour of

Evolutions Fitness and Wellness Center.Its director, Jayne Presnell, stated that notonly does the facility offer a large varietyof exercise equipment and classes to itsmembers but also provides physical reha-bilitation services for clients who havesustained injuries or illnesses such asstrokes that affect activities of daily living.The centers goal is to promote an optimallevel of wellness in each of its clients.

The Leadership Tulare class of 2013would like to thank Tulare RegionalMedical Center for graciously hosting ourclass and giving invaluable insight intothe healthcare services the hospital pro-vides to our community.

Membership DriveDecember 11 and 12!!

Contact the Chamberfor more information

559-686-1547

Be a part of the funand grow with the Chamber!


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tulare chamber the update December 2012 page 3Tulare Advance-Register November 24, 2012MEMBER NEWS

ember NewsA BIG THANK YOU TO TULARE ROTA-

RY and Scott Daley for the projects at theTulare Athletic Club Sports Complex.

The projects started with the new TACSoccer Park. Scott Daley worked with Tu-lare County, the city of Tulare, the TulareRotary Club and many local businesses

to amend the lease and get the field builtlargely through donations. Total cost of thefield was approximate $10,000, largely do-nated by the Tulare Rotary Club and TAC.Additional donations were made by theCardoza Company, Daley Homes, GowinGreen, California Turf Equipment, EwingIrrigation, Action Rentals, Lange Engineersand Morris Levin and Son.

The next project will be their new build-ing. Scott Daley spent over a year meetingwith Tulare county officials and City of Tu-lare to apply for and recive approval fromthe Planning Commission. Tulare countySupervisor Pete Vander Poel was instru-

mental in securing the new lease agree-ment.Planning Commission approval cameon Sept. 17th, and is made possible by agenerous $50,000 donationby the TulareRotary Club and $22,000 from the TAC.

[

A yearly giving program by WellsFargos Central California team membersbenefited the International Agri-CentersAg Warriors program today at a checkpresentation in Tulare, California. Themoney raised by the community supportcampaign, organized by a group of Fresnobased employees, will directly benefit vet-erans.

Our goal is to help veterans findrewarding careers in the agriculture indus-try, said Jerry Sinift, International Agri-

Center CEO. This generous donation fromWells Fargos employees will go directlytowards helping veterans who trulydeserve our support.

The Ag Warriors program assists vet-erans who return to civilian life in searchof careers in the agriculture industry. Theprogram works by connecting veteranswith potential employers and resources toassist them with finding long-term oppor-

tunities.We pride ourselves on being the

community bank, and its important togive back to the community we serve,said Ken Ramos, President, West CoastBusiness Banking Central Division.Through efforts by our team members,we were able to raise more than $10,000for Ag Warriors--a program we definitelybelieve in.

Fundraising events organized by WellsFargo team members included a pancakebreakfast, live auction, a barbecue and anice cream social. The funds were raised bythe 200 team members who work in the

Central Division Administrative office inFresno.

Involvement this year surpassed allother years because our team membersloved that it was benefiting veteransthrough the Ag Warriors program, saidSheri Schmidt, Central Division BusinessBanking. This years campaign was alot of fun and we were happy to cometogether as a team to show the true spiritof community support.

The International Agri-Center is home

to World Ag Expo, February 12-14, 2013

in Tulare, California. An estimated annu-

al average of 100,000 individuals from 70

countries attend World Ag Expo each year.

The Expo is the largest annual agricul-

tural show of its kind with 1,400 exhibi-

tors displaying cutting-edge agricultural

technology and equipment on 2.6 million

square feet of show grounds.

[

Cabrillo Civic Club of Tulare County#12 is now accepting scholarship applica-tions from High School students who meetthe criteria. The deadline is March 15,2013. Requirements: Portuguese descent,U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a

3.50 GPA or higher.For more information please contact

Dulcie Nunes, 688-8070. Applications areavailable on line at www.cabrillocivic-clubs.org

[

Congratulations Century 21 Jordan-Link& Company Tulare Office ...Top Agents for the Month of October:

Top Sales Volume Janel Young

Top Sales Unit Bruce Swanson

Top Listing Volume Mitch Choboian

Top Listing Units Tammy Johnston.

[

DATES TO REMEMBER FOR 2013

Tulare ChamberSchedule Of Events For 2013:

Annual Awards: January 25th, HeritageComplex;

Cars On K: April 6th; State of theCity:May 23rd. at Edison EnergyEducation Center

Salute to Dairy: June 20th, HeritageComplex

Board Meetings are the 3rd Wednesdayof every month at 4:00

Governmental Affairs: 2nd Monday ofeach month, 12:00 at Apple Annies(unless Monday is a holiday).

[

Bringing ShoppersDowntown for the Holidays -

Holiday MarketEvery Tuesday Thru Dec 18.

The new Happy Holiday Market runsevery Tuesday thru Dec 18 on K Streetbetween Kern and Tulare Avenues from 5PM to 8 PM. During the six-week periodvendors can rent booth space along thestreet as we set up an outdoor shoppingmall. Plans include possible horse-drawncarriage rides, Christmas music by livebands, food, gift shopping and more.Businesses are encouraged to extend theirhours on Tuesdays to participate. Formore information contact the Downtownoffice at 685-2350 or log on to tulare-downtown.com

220 E. Tulare AveTulare CA 93274559-685-2350Fax: 550-686-4915

[

BMI Mechanical, Inc. and BMI-PacWest, Inc. announce theappointment of Dax Paul Brott as Chief Operating Officer

CalChamber Sues to Invalidate CARBs Cap and Trade Auction

BMIMechanical,

Inc. and BMI-PacWest, Inc.are pleased toannounce theappointmentof Dax PaulBrott to theposition of Chief Operating Officer. Dax,the 4th generation Brott to become a partof our 102 year old company, joined BMIin October of 2007 taking on the respon-sibilities of General Manager. BMI is aHeating, Ventilation and Air ConditioningCompany specializing in PreventiveMaintenance, Design-Build/Retrofit and

Energy Conservation for commercial build-ings. BMI Mechanical serves the entireCentral Valley from Bakersfield to Modestoas well as North LA County. BMI-PacWesttakes care of Ventura, Santa Barbara andSan Luis Obispo Counties.

Dax began his professional career as anaccountant after studying finance at SantaClara University. After six years of workin San Francisco and earning his CPA, hedecided to make a career change. As Daxput it, I knew if I wanted to come backto the company, I needed to bring some-thing back to it some knowledge andsome expertise. To broaden his business

experience, he accepted the position ofSales Manager with CNH Global, a heavyequipment manufacturer composed ofsuch brands as Case IH, New Holland

and Kobelco. Dax worked for the firmscaptive finance company, CNH Capital.

As Sales Manager of several western U.S.states, he was responsible for growing theamount financed with the company eachyear, expanding retail penetration of theirinsurance products, and increasing theuse of their proprietary credit card. Daxalso trained and educated salesmen andmanagers at the equipment dealerships ontheir variety of financial products.

Since joining BMI, Dax in 2009 alsoassumed the duties of Operations Managerhelping to increase our gross profit per-centages and develop a restructuring ofmanagement to better serve our custom-ers. In 2010 he added Sales Management

responsibilities for BMI-PacWest, Inc. Daxbrings the energy, talent and vision ofhis predecessors to BMI, but is quick tocontribute the companys success to themany employees that have served BMIwith dedication and an unmatched qualityof service.

As Chief Operating Officer, Dax willmaintain his current duties while assum-ing the overall company-wide leadership,strategic planning and management ofboth BMI Mechanical, Inc. and BMI-PacWest, Inc.

History of BMI Mechanical

A thi rd generation family owned busi-ness, BMI Mechanical, Inc. traces its rootsto Burlington, Kansas where E.E. Brottestablished Brott Tin and Plumbing Shop in

the year 1910.

An invitation to install a Rodgers

Powdered Milk System in Tipton, Californiabrought Double E and his young sonGail out West. Following the completionof the project, the senior Brott headed forOklahoma with his family. Gail, however,saw the opportunity for growth and devel-opment in California and decided to stay.

He worked for the Ford Motor Company,a couple of local plumbing shops and then

ventured ou t on his own working out ofthe back of a pickup truck.

In the midst of the Great Depression,Gail visited his family who had returnedto Kansas and talked his father into mov-

ing the family West once more, feeling thatthey could do better in California. It was1935 when Double E joined his son, Gail,opening Brott Plumbing and Sheet MetalShop in Tulare, California. Hard work, anunrelenting commitment to quality and a

vision to be the best in their field d ifferen-tiated them from the competition.

Gail Brotts retirement in 1970 broughthis son, Garth, to the helm. The company

was incorporated thi s same year, and thename changed to Brott Mechanical, Inc.Garth spent the next decade and a halfdeveloping and expanding his mechanicalcontracting business. In 1987 BMI became

affiliated with the Linc Corporation in anattempt to build the companys servicedepartment. While unpopular with the

management team, this proved to be

one of the most prudent choices Garthever made as it led to the development of aHVAC Service Contracting business with areputation that remains unrivaled. In 1993,Garth faced the most critical challengeof his career: the unfavorable businessclimate in regards to large construction,the heart of BMIs business. With a heavyheart Garth shut down BMIs constructiondivision leaving a small service depart-ment intact. Following a period of adjust-ment, BMI began to flourish again with its

new focus on Service and Design/Build.BMI-PacWest, Inc., founded in 2003, is anoutgrowth of BMIs success in the Central

Valley and the desire to offe r CentralCalifornia Coast building owners the samequality and value that has been a tradition

with the B rott family for over 100 years.

Two thousand and seven was a banneryear fo r BMI as Dax Brott, Gar ths young-est of three sons, joined the BMI team. Heis currently serving as the companys ChiefOperating Officer and poised to be the4th generation Brott to carry on the familybusiness. Two thousand and ten markedour 100th year in business - truly a mile-

stone, and everyone at BMI shares in thepride of this achievement. We continue tobe the company, Where Better really mat-ters!

The California Chamber of Commerce

today filed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate

Californias cap and trade auction argu-

ing that the California Air Resources Board

(CARB) exceeded the authority granted to

it under AB 32 in establishing the revenueraising program.

The complaint, filed in Sacramento

Superior Court today, asserts that AB 32

does not authorize CARB to impose fees

other than those needed to cover ordi-

nary administrative costs of implement-

ing a state emissions regulatory program.

What was not authorized by AB 32 is the

Boards decision to withhold for itself a

percentage of the annual statewide green-

house gas (GHG) emissions allowances

and to auction them off to the highest bid-

ders, thus raising from taxpayers up to $70

billion or more of revenue for the state touse, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit does not challenge any ofthe provisions of AB 32 nor the merits ofclimate change science. The only issueaddressed in the litigation is the portion ofCARBs regulatory program that seeks to

permit the Board to allocate to itself GHGemissions allowances and to profit by sell-ing them to GHG emitters. CalChamber,other members of the business com-munity, members of the Legislature, theLegislative Analysts Office and CARB haveall highlighted the fact that the auction isnot needed to achieve the goals of AB 32.The business community has repeatedlyunderscored the fact that the auction willraise energy costs significantly in the state,harm the economy and impact Californiascompetitiveness, without providing anyadditional environmental benefits.

AB 32 gives California the oppor-

tunity to be the leader in reducing car-bon emissions, said Allan Zaremberg,

President and CEO of the California

Chamber of Commerce. Unless we

adopt the most cost effective way of

reducing carbon emissions, other states

will not follow us. The current CARB

proposal is the most costly way toimplement AB 32 and it will hurt con-

sumers, the job climate, and the ability

of businesses to expand here.

A copy of the legal documents can befound on the CalChamber website. TheMemorandum of Points and Authorities

in Support of Verified Petition for Writ ofMandate and Complaint for DeclaratoryRelief can be found here. The Petition

for Writ of Mandate and Complaint forDeclaratory Relief can be found here.

A filed copy of the Memorandumof Points and Authorities in Support of

Verified Petition for Writ of Mandate andComplaint for Declaratory Relief can be

found here. A filed copy of the Petition

for Writ of Mandate and Complaint for

Declaratory Relief can be found here.

The California Chamber of Commerce

(CalChamber) is the largest broad-based business advocate to government

in California. Membership represents

one-quarter of the private sector jobs in

California and includes firms of all sizes

and companies from every industry within

the state. Leveraging our front-line knowl-

edge of laws and regulations, we provide

products and services to help businesses

comply with both federal and state law.

CalChamber, a not-for-profit organization

with roots dating to 1890, promotes inter-

national trade and investment in order to

stimulate Californias economy and create

jobs. Please visit our website at www.cal-chamber.com.

BMI CEO and COO


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page 4 December 2012 tulare chamber the updateNovember 24, 2012 Tulare Advance-RegisterNETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

NovemberCalendar

DecemberCalendar

Saturday, Dec. 110am - 11am Tulare Christmas Parade.

Where: Starts downtown K St. area.

Friday, Dec. 7Downtown Holiday Open House. Fri.,Dec. 7, 2012 - Sat., Dec. 8, 2012. Where:Downtown Merchants

Monday, Dec. 10Governmental Affairs Meeting. Where:

Apple Annies, 1165 N. Blackstone Ave.,Tulare.

Mon, Dec. 11 - Thurs, Dec. 13Membership Drive

Where: Tulare Chamber

Monday, Dec. 17Deadline for the Chamber NewsletterMon Dec 17, 2012, 5 pm

Where: 220 E. Tulare Ave.

Tuesday, Dec. 186pm - 7pm Community Game NightBingo. Where: Twin Oaks Assisted LivingCenter, 999 North M St.

Wednesday, Dec. 194pm - 7pm Tulare Chamber of Com-merce Board Retreat and Dinner

Where: 220 E. Tulare Ave, Tulare.

Mon, Dec. 24 - Tues, Dec. 25We will be closed for the ChristmasHoliday.

Tues, Jan. 1-Wed, Jan. 2, 2013We will be closed New Years Day

Please send your event dates to [email protected].

Contact Veronica at559.787.2551or

[email protected]

YOU DID

WHATAT YOUR

COMPANYRETREAT

?

Tulare FamilyResource CenterCelebrates OPENHOUSE on October18th, with friends ofthe Chamber, guests,staff and refreshments.The Center offers manyservices for youth, fami-lies and communitieswith access to servicesranging from nutrition,health, education, hous-

ing, utility assistance and employment training. We were delighted to be of assistance witha Ribbon Cutting and learn of their many services available to our community. TulareFamily Resource Center is located downtown Tulare at 115 E. Tulare Ave.

The Chamber is always pleasedto help our members celebrate newbeginnings with ribbon cutting and

grand opening ceremonies.

SA Recycling in Tulareopened their new loca-tion this October andcelebrated with staffand family at a GrandOpening catered bySissys BBQ with KJUGon site for entertain-ment. Special ProjectCoord ina to r Rob inRobinson, pictured tothe left of Craig Vejvoda,addressed the group

and thanked the many people that helped make the new site possible. Be sure and checkour Chamber Facebook for more photos and tag yourself and friends! Also Check SARecyclings website for more information on the company www.sarecycling.com

The Tulare Chamber of Commercewould like to recognize these members

who have gone above and beyondmembership investment in 2011.

Their support is instrumental in thegrowth of the Chamber.

Presidents Circle

J.D. Heiskell & Company

Lagomarsino Group

Res-Com Pest Control

Saputo Cheese USA, Inc

Southern California Gas Company

Tulare Advance Register

Tulare Outlet CenterTulare Regional Medical Center

Directors Circle

International Agri Center

Land O Lakes

Ambassadors Circle

Acclaim Auto & Truck Accessories

Adair & Evans, An Accountancy

Corporation

Bank of the Sierra

Citizens Business Bank

College of the Sequoias

Horswill, Mederos & SoaresRuan Transportation Corporation

Sturgeon & Beck, Inc.

Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino

TF Tire & Service

Valley Business Bank

Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Circles of

ExcellenceA program of the Tulare

Chamber of Commerce

Lets Talk Business(continued from page 1)get very concerned about the pricing strate-gies some of my competitors were using. Ididnt see how I could possibly beat theirprices and still make ends meet. One ofmy early mentors advised me to stop wor-rying about what others did and just focuson doing my job well; and charging enoughto put food on the table. Our pricing is fairand reasonable for the work we do.

Philip:Any other philosophies that havestuck with you over time? Maybe someadvice from another colleague or mentor

John: My accountant sat down with meas I was just getting started and delivereda pretty firm message. He said never,never, never pay your household bills fromyour business account. Then he had meoutline a household budget and pay myselfby check every pay period. The point hewas trying to make was that the businessfunds belong in the business; it wasnt mypersonal piggy bank. A business needsmoney to operate, make payroll, pay sup-pliers, utilities and the mortgage. If youstart tapping into your business account forpersonal expenses and depleting those corefunds you may find that you dont have abusiness anymore. That was good advice.

Tulare Chamber of Commerce newsletter December 2012

Documents

Transcript of Tulare Chamber of Commerce newsletter December 2012