ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP … · customers best interest and really listening...

6
PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________ PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE VS-0000257351.INDD ADVERTISER: HOUSE_VISALIA_RETAIL PROOF CREATEDAT: 1/26/2016 5:20 PM SALES PERSON: TERESA DISINGER (ARS) PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 01/30/16 PUBLICATION: VS-VT SPECIAL SECTIONS SIZE: 6 col X 21 in VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • JANUARY 30, 2016 Business Update AWARD-WINNING MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FEBRUARY 2016 • VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 2 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG ZZZ)DFHERRNFRP9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZWZLWWHUFRP9LVDOLD%L] Visalia Chamber of Commerce 222 N. Garden St., Suite 300 Visalia, CA 93291 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION ICONS Business-Government Business Relations Promoting Community Strong Local Economy COMMUNITY LOYAL MEMBERS A thriving community starts here! VS-0000257351 UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY 11, 2016 Preventing Workplace Violence Presented by: Boretti Inc. Marie Calendars 11:30 - 1:30 pm $50.00 includes lunch Reservations Required [email protected] FEBRUARY 16, 2016 Travel Slide Show: Colors of New England 12:00 pm Chamber Office 222 N. Garden Street FEBRUARY 17, 2016 YPN Mixer Lunchbox - 112 N. Court 5:30 - 7:30 pm $10.00 at the door RSVP [email protected] FEBRUARY 24, 2016 What you need to know about the largest shift in payment/credit card processing history Presented by Alexander Financial 9:00 - 10:00 am Brandman University, 649 S County Center http://www.visaliachamber.org/ events/calendar/2016-02-01 FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Business After Hours Mixer Hosted by Kaweah Delta Hospital 5:30 – 7:30 pm FEBRUARY 25, 2016 Chamber Ambassador Breakfast Meeting Visalia First Assembly Church 8:00 am Spectacular South Africa September 22 - October 5, 2016 Colors of New England October 11-18, 2016 Collette Vacations CST#2006766-20 Chamber Explorations CST#2048841-40 Grand Circle Travel CST #2041626-40 Jet Vacations For more information, go to www.visaliachamber.org We Invite you to Explore in 2016! New The Visalia Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our newest members. We encourage individuals and businesses to support Chamber Member businesses. ALARMS & SECURITY Ag Central Security 594.9444 ADVERTISING SERVICES & GRAPHIC DESIGN, NEWSPAPERS Coffee News 594.9444 www.visaliacoffeenews.com COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Graham & Associates 754.3020 www.mdgre.com DEPARTMENT STORES DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse www.dswinc.com GIFT BASKETS Central Valley Health Snacks 372.7286 www.centralvalleyhealthysnacks.com MERCHANT SERVICES Alexander Financial Group 509.270.6207 http://seanb02.wix.com/afg1 PRINTING, TROPHIES, PLAQUES & ADVERTISING, SIGNS & BANNERS, GRAPHIC DESIGN Epic Print & Promo 594.9444 www.epicprintandpromo.com SPORTS & TRAINING The Diamond Academy of Central California 802.5001 www.thediamondacademycencal.com Renewing Members The Visalia Chamber of Commerce thanks the following companies for renewing their commitment to the community of Visalia. Advanced Micro Systems* BEN-E-LECT Foundation* Berkshire Hathaway Home Services * California Business Machines California Medical Imaging Associates Edward Jones/Mandy Basra Financial Advisor Family Builders Foster Family Agency* Figaro’s Mexican Grill* Golden State Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery, Inc Gubler & Abbott LLP Hiliti, Inc Innovation Commercial Flooring, Inc J & D Lighting & Alarm* Karen Gross / State Farm Insurance Lowe’s Marriott Hotel Rauber & Johnson* Sam Logan/Merrill Lynch Sequoia/Wuksachi Village & Lodge* St. Paul’s School* The Yokohl Ranch Company LLC * Tulare County Fair Tulare County Office of Education Visalia Public Cemetery District Walton Family Moving & Storage, Inc.* Wells Fargo (Main Street Branch)* Wells Fargo (Mooney Branch)* Wells Fargo Advisors* Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Office* Wells Fargo Home Mortgage* *Indicates membership in the Visalia Chamber 110% Club. Thank you, Get well soon, I love you, Thinking of you, each of these short phrases are powerful ways to tell someone that you care. Have you ever felt like words are not adequate to express your feelings? Shyra Hicks and Meg Bagnall of Creative Flowers in Downtown Visalia want to help you find the perfect token of affection to help express your feelings of love, gratitude, sympathy, and caring. Shyra and Meg bought Creative Flowers three years ago and are very excited about the direction and growth that they have experienced so far. When Meg and Shyra bought Creative Flowers they brought with them years of floral design and business experience. Longtime friends, Meg and Shyra worked together for many years and knew that they would be a dynamic partnership. As partners in the business, both owners have defined roles that make the business work. Shyra has been a floral designer for more than 25 years. Her focus is on the creative side, and working alongside customers to understand their vision. Meg brings years of floral design experience and business knowledge gained from owning a previous business. “Three years ago, we began thinking about making a change, we were looking at our options. When this store came up for sale all of the pieces seemed to fall into place and we decided that we needed to take the leap and go out on our own” stated Meg. Since taking ownership, Creative Flowers has seen dramatic growth. “I think that one of the reasons for our growth is our commitment to our customers.We treat them like family” stated Shyra. They also credit their corner location downtown with helping them to grow their business. “We have a very walkable location, it is easy to get to and there is good parking” noted the owners. “We get a lot of walk in traffic, some is due to location although a lot of the credit is due to our window designs. We design our windows for each season to show the range and variety of flowers available.” Hicks noted that they are very picky when it comes to the types of flowers that they carry. With the drought, there are certain flowers they no longer carry because the blooms and stocks are too small. They want to be sure that every customer is getting the best possible arrangement when they leave the shop. Sometimes Shyra and Meg have to take a few extra minutes to educate their customers about the different characteristics of the flowers in order to ensure the best quality arrangement. One tip for all potential customers is to be sure to use a local florist whenever possible. “Even if someone ends up using a competing florist, we want our customers to understand that using a wire service to order floral arrangements is not a good idea. A local florist will always ensure that you get your moneys worth, whereas with a wire service you will usually end up paying for a substandard arrangement”. Both owners agreed, looking out for customers best interest and really listening to what clients want have been keys to the success of this new business. Creative Flowers prides itself on staying on trend with floral and gift shop trends. They have begun to carry more gift items, so that customers can purchase flowers and gifts at the same time. Creative Flowers carries gifts at all price points and believes that no matter what the occasion they can help you find the perfect gift. Another trend that Creative Flowers is taking advantage of is social media. More and more people are finding ideas for floral arrangements online and using online reviews and social media to choose a florist. Shyra and Meg are very happy that their online reviews have been positive and that they know that these reviews have helped them to grow their business. Whether you have and intimate dinner party, a large wedding or just want to say that you are thinking about someone special Creative Flowers is happy to help you find the perfect gift or floral arrangement. They work hard to provide a high quality product, educate their customers and give back to the community that has helped them to be successful. The Chamber would like to thank Creative Flowers for their support of this community and for their willingness to take a leap of faith and follow their dreams. Creative Partners Make Creative Flowers Thrive BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Shyra Hicks and Meg Bagnall, have owned and operated Creative Flowers for three years.

Transcript of ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP … · customers best interest and really listening...

Page 1: ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP … · customers best interest and really listening to what clients want have been keys to the success of this new business. Creative

PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

VS-0000257351.INDDADVERTISER: HOUSE_VISALIA_RETAIL PROOF CREATEDAT: 1/26/2016 5:20 PMSALES PERSON: TERESADISINGER (ARS) PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 01/30/16PUBLICATION: VS-VT SPECIAL SECTIONS SIZE: 6 col X 21 in

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • JANUARY 30, 2016

Business UpdateAWARD-WINNING MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FEBRUARY 2016 • VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 2 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG

Visalia

Cham

bero

fCom

merce

222N.G

ardenSt.,Su

ite30

0Visalia,C

A93

291

ADDRES

SSE

RVICEREQ

UES

TED

VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION ICONS

Business-Government Business Relations Promoting Community Strong Local Economy

COMMUNITY LOYAL MEMBERSA thriving community starts here!

VS-0000257351

UPCOMING EVENTS■ FEBRUARY 11, 2016

Preventing Workplace ViolencePresented by: Boretti Inc.Marie Calendars11:30 - 1:30 pm$50.00 includes lunchReservations [email protected]

■ FEBRUARY 16, 2016Travel Slide Show: Colors of NewEngland12:00 pmChamber Office 222 N. GardenStreet

■ FEBRUARY 17, 2016YPN MixerLunchbox - 112 N. Court5:30 - 7:30 pm$10.00 at the doorRSVP [email protected]

■ FEBRUARY 24, 2016What you need to know aboutthe largest shift in payment/creditcard processing historyPresented by Alexander Financial9:00 - 10:00 amBrandman University,649 S County Centerhttp://www.visaliachamber.org/events/calendar/2016-02-01

■ FEBRUARY 23, 2016Business After Hours MixerHosted by Kaweah Delta Hospital5:30 – 7:30 pm

■ FEBRUARY 25, 2016Chamber Ambassador BreakfastMeetingVisalia First Assembly Church8:00 am

■ Spectacular South AfricaSeptember 22 - October 5, 2016

■ Colors of New EnglandOctober 11-18, 2016

Collette Vacations CST#2006766-20Chamber Explorations CST#2048841-40Grand Circle Travel CST #2041626-40Jet VacationsFor more information, go towww.visaliachamber.org

We Invite you toExplore in 2016!

NewThe Visalia Chamber of Commercewould like to welcome our newestmembers. We encourage individualsand businesses to support ChamberMember businesses.ALARMS & SECURITYAg Central Security594.9444ADVERTISING SERVICES &GRAPHIC DESIGN, NEWSPAPERSCoffee News594.9444www.visaliacoffeenews.comCOMMERCIAL REAL ESTATEGraham & Associates754.3020www.mdgre.comDEPARTMENT STORESDSW Designer Shoe Warehousewww.dswinc.comGIFT BASKETSCentral Valley Health Snacks372.7286www.centralvalleyhealthysnacks.comMERCHANT SERVICESAlexander Financial Group509.270.6207http://seanb02.wix.com/afg1

PRINTING, TROPHIES, PLAQUES &ADVERTISING, SIGNS & BANNERS,GRAPHIC DESIGNEpic Print & Promo594.9444www.epicprintandpromo.comSPORTS & TRAININGThe Diamond Academy of CentralCalifornia802.5001www.thediamondacademycencal.com

Renewing MembersThe Visalia Chamber of Commerce thanksthe following companies for renewing theircommitment to the community of Visalia.

Advanced Micro Systems*

BEN-E-LECT Foundation*

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services *

California Business Machines

California Medical Imaging Associates

Edward Jones/Mandy Basra FinancialAdvisor

Family Builders Foster Family Agency*

Figaro’sMexican Grill*Golden State Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery,IncGubler & Abbott LLPHiliti, IncInnovation Commercial Flooring, IncJ & D Lighting & Alarm*Karen Gross / State Farm InsuranceLowe’sMarriott HotelRauber & Johnson*Sam Logan/Merrill LynchSequoia/Wuksachi Village & Lodge*St. Paul’s School*The Yokohl Ranch Company LLC *Tulare County FairTulare County Office of EducationVisalia Public Cemetery DistrictWalton Family Moving & Storage, Inc.*Wells Fargo (Main Street Branch)*Wells Fargo (Mooney Branch)*Wells Fargo Advisors*Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Office*Wells Fargo Home Mortgage*

*Indicates membership in the Visalia Chamber 110% Club.

Thank you, Get well soon, I loveyou, Thinking of you, each of theseshort phrases are powerful ways totell someone that you care. Have youever felt like words are not adequateto express your feelings? Shyra Hicksand Meg Bagnall of Creative Flowersin Downtown Visalia want to helpyou find the perfect token of affection

to help express your feelings of love, gratitude, sympathy, and caring.Shyra and Meg bought Creative Flowers three years ago and are veryexcited about the direction and growth that they have experiencedso far.When Meg and Shyra bought Creative Flowers they brought with

themyears of floral design and business experience. Longtime friends,Meg and Shyra worked together for many years and knew that theywould be a dynamic partnership. As partners in the business, bothowners have defined roles that make the business work. Shyra hasbeen a floral designer for more than 25 years. Her focus is on thecreative side, and working alongside customers to understand theirvision. Meg brings years of floral design experience and businessknowledge gained from owning a previous business.

“Three years ago, we began thinking about making a change, wewere looking at our options. When this store came up for sale all ofthe pieces seemed to fall into place and we decided that we neededto take the leap and go out on our own” stated Meg. Since takingownership, Creative Flowers has seen dramatic growth. “I thinkthat one of the reasons for our growth is our commitment to ourcustomers. We treat them like family” stated Shyra. They also credittheir corner location downtown with helping them to grow theirbusiness. “We have a very walkable location, it is easy to get to andthere is good parking” noted the owners. “We get a lot of walk intraffic, some is due to location although a lot of the credit is due toour window designs. We design our windows for each season toshow the range and variety of flowers available.”Hicks noted that they are very picky when it comes to the types

of flowers that they carry. With the drought, there are certain flowersthey no longer carry because the blooms and stocks are too small.They want to be sure that every customer is getting the best possiblearrangement when they leave the shop. Sometimes Shyra and Meg

have to take a few extra minutesto educate their customers aboutthe different characteristics ofthe flowers in order to ensure thebest quality arrangement. One tipfor all potential customers is to besure to use a local florist wheneverpossible. “Even if someone ends upusing a competing florist, we wantour customers to understand thatusing a wire service to order floralarrangements is not a good idea.A local florist will always ensure that you get your moneys worth,whereas with a wire service you will usually end up paying for asubstandard arrangement”. Both owners agreed, looking out forcustomers best interest and really listening to what clients want havebeen keys to the success of this new business.Creative Flowers prides itself on staying on trend with floral and

gift shop trends. They have begun to carry more gift items, so thatcustomers can purchase flowers and gifts at the same time. CreativeFlowers carries gifts at all price points and believes that no matterwhat the occasion they can help you find the perfect gift. Anothertrend that Creative Flowers is taking advantage of is social media.More and more people are finding ideas for floral arrangementsonline and using online reviews and social media to choose a florist.Shyra and Meg are very happy that their online reviews have beenpositive and that they know that these reviews have helped them togrow their business.Whether you have and intimate dinner party, a large wedding or

just want to say that you are thinking about someone special CreativeFlowers is happy to help you find the perfect gift or floral arrangement.They work hard to provide a high quality product, educate theircustomers and give back to the community that has helped themto be successful. The Chamber would like to thank Creative Flowersfor their support of this community and for their willingness to takea leap of faith and follow their dreams.

Creative Partners Make CreativeFlowers Thrive

BUSINESSSPOTLIGHT

Shyra Hicks and Meg Bagnall, have owned andoperated Creative Flowers for three years.

Page 2: ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP … · customers best interest and really listening to what clients want have been keys to the success of this new business. Creative

PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

VS-0000257351.INDDADVERTISER: HOUSE_VISALIA_RETAIL PROOF CREATEDAT: 1/26/2016 5:20 PMSALES PERSON: TERESADISINGER (ARS) PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 01/30/16PUBLICATION: VS-VT SPECIAL SECTIONS SIZE: 6 col X 21 in

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • JANUARY 30, 2016

2 • FEBRUARY 2016 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

The Visalia Chamber Hits the GroundRunning in 2016

Gail ZurekPresident & CEOVisalia Chamberof Commerce

When I worked in higher education I was oftenasked what I did with my summers. Most assumedsince the college students were not on campus, Imust not be either. However summers were vitalto making the academic year successful. The lullallowed for vital evaluation and planning that pushedmy department and ultimately the university to beeven better for the students, alumni, and communitywe served.I chatted with a business owner recently about

this phenomenon. When we began talking aboutbusiness high and low cycles, I shared aboutsummers in higher education. He laughed saying“I remember low cycles, but they’re a thing of the past.” Helearned quickly that those cycles meant less business, lessproduction and he simply couldn’t afford any lows cyclesanymore. Now he has to do all the planning and evaluationduring busy high cycles. I can relate. I shared with him thatthe Chamber was non-stop, as soon as one initiative was over,the next was half way through. He smiled at my confession,“Good, it’s good to hear our Chamber is working really hardfor our members!”

So to sharewith you, all I sharedwith him: yourVisalia Chamber is hitting the ground runningin 2016. We see many wonderful things on thehorizon. It’s hard not to be optimistic in ourline of work. Our Young Entrepreneur Programcontinues to inspire youth ages 12 – 18 to starttheir ownbusinesswith the support of a nationallyrecognized program. The Visalia Leadershipprogram has a dynamic group of leaders thatdesigned a water conservation program that hasreached funding and partnership support weeksahead of schedule and is on track to make areal impact on educating children. Your Visalia

Chamber has advocated to develop a strong economy throughpotential changes to the food truck and microbrewery zoningordinance. The Chamber responded to members request toupdate the sign ordinances in ways that would support howbusinesses do business. If this is just our list to date, 2016 isindeed going to be a wonderful year.The reality is your Chamber’s work is never done. There

is always more to be done to support our members and helpcreate as strong local economy where business thrives.I invite you to join us in this important work.

GROUNDBREAKING • GRAND OPENING • RIBBON CUTTING • CEREMONIES

Ribbon Cutting

Literacy CenterTulare County Library • 200 W. Oak Ave • 713-2700

Ribbon Cutting

Tulare Rescued Treasures266 E Cross Ave, Tulare

About this publication …Business Update is the official monthly publication of theVisalia Chamber of Commerce, 222 N. Garden St., Ste. 300,Visalia, CA 93291, (559) 734-5876. Periodicals, Postage Paidat Visalia, CA 93277; Publication No. USPS 494-660. AnnualSubscription rate $15. Postmaster: Send address changesto Visalia Chamber of Commerce, 222 N. Garden St.,Ste. 300, Visalia, CA 93291. Advertising information, callthe Visalia Times-Delta at 559.735.3235. Editor: NicolaWissler. Layout: Times-Delta Media Group.©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means ofthe entire contents or any portion of this publication without writtenpermission is prohibited. The appearance of any advertisements inthe publication does not constitute support or endorsement for anyproduct, person, cause, business or organization named therein,unless specifically noted otherwise in the advertisement.

Categories

Large, Medium, and Small Business of the Year Non-Profit of the Year

Emerging Leader Woman of the Year Man of the Year

To nominate a person or business go to: www.visaliachamber.org or call 559-734-5876

The deadline for nominations is April 1st, 2016

Award recipients will be recognized at the Annual Awards Celebration on June 16, 2016

The 4th annual Rockin’ ResolutionRun gives participants a healthy startto the New Year while raising $6,000for Visalia Rescue Mission.

Bank of the Sierra held its fourthannual Rockin’ Resolution Run onNew Year’s Day. The annual runaims to inspire community membersto make fitness goals for the NewYear, while also creating communityawareness. In its fourth year, the runhas now raised more than $30,000for local charities.

Low temperatures in the 30s didn’tdeter nearly 330 runners fromparticipating in the race, including 51children showing up for a one-milekid’s race.

Over the past three years, the localrun has partnered with Visalia RescueMission, a local homeless outreachorganization which serves thecommunity through offering food andshelter and other programs for men,women and children in need. Thegroup serves an average of 130 peopleeach night. All net proceeds for theevent, totaling over $6,000 this year,went to the Mission.

Mike Olague, chief banking officerfor Bank of the Sierra and presenterof the check to the Visalia RescueMission, expressed his gratitudeto the organization. “Bank of theSierra’s promise is to help make everycommunity we’re a part of better,and we’re honored to partner withthe VRM to assist in their service.We’re also pleased to be able bringan enjoyable event to the Visaliacommunity.”

Bank of the Sierra RunFunds Local Non-Profit;Inspires Fitness for

New Year

START THE NEWYEAR RIGHT BYVOLUNTEERINGFOR THE TULARECOUNTY LIBRARYADVISORY BOARD

Would you like to make a differencein the lives of children, teens, andadults?

Do you want to contribute tokeeping our libraries great in TulareCounty?

The Tulare County Library AdvisoryBoard seeks candidates to fillvacancies representing SupervisorDistricts 4 and 5 and three At-Largemembers. The Advisory Board meetsonce a month to advise and makerecommendationsregardingallphasesof library services and operations ofthe Tulare County Library System.Members work with the CountyLibrarian on important library issuesthat affect their communities. TheBoard also presents an annual reportto the Board of Supervisors about theTulare County Library.

District Four includes librariesin Dinuba, Orosi, Woodlake, andopening soon in London. Springvilleand Terra Bella libraries are locatedin District Five. At-Large memberscan come from anywhere in TulareCounty.

For more information and to requestan application by mail, contact eitherthe Library at (559) 713-2700 or theClerk of the Board of Supervisors'Office at (559) 636-5000. Theapplication form also is availableon the Tulare County website athttp://tularecounty.ca.gov/clerkoftheboard/.

The Visalia Chamber of Commerce isnow seeking nominations for the

2016 63rd Annual Awards Celebration

Spectacular South AfricaSeptember 22 - October 5, 2016$4899 per person (double occupancy)The Visalia Chamber of Commerce invites you to escapeon a once in a lifetime trip to spectacular South Africa andexperience culture and nature in harmony. The fourteen-daystay is an amazing chance to take in breathtaking scenery,experience rich cultural histories, and get up close andpersonal with wild animals.

The trip is planned to take place from September 22 throughOctober 5 in 2016, with options to spend 3 nights in Dubai or3 nights in Victoria Falls before or after the tour. Booking yourunforgettable trip to South Africa before March 23rd allows

you to take advantage of lower prices.

The getaway begins in Sandton, South Africa – thecosmopolitan center of Johannesburg. Tours will take you fromthere through Soweto (South West Township) to explore thearea’s rich history; this includesmuseum tours and an excursionto Liliesleaf, where Nelson Mandela was arrested. From thereescape into nature with a few days exploring Kruger NationalPark, the largest game reserve in South Africa. A local expertwill lead you on an open-air-vehicle safari game drive in searchof elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinos.

Next you will fly to Knysa, a picturesque resort town. Enjoythe opportunity to explore Featherbed Nature Reserve with alagoon cruise and a drive through the biologically rich forest.Find your way back to civilization by visiting a local school and

learning about the efforts being made to educate the region’schildren. After that you’ll get to enjoy a guided tour of one ofthe older working ostrich farms in the area. You will then travelto the heart of the wine lands region and explore Stellenbosch,one of the oldest European settlements in the region, beforeenjoying a wine tasting.

End your journey in Cape Town, where you will get to ridea cable car to the top of Table Mountain, offering stunningpanoramas of the surrounding area. Travel out to Cape Pointand spend some time with the penguins at Boulders Beach,then explore the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Youwill say goodbye to South Africa with a lesson on the DjembeDrums, a hand washing ceremony, and a communal Africandining experience.

Booking your unforgettable trip to South Africa before March23rd allows you to take advantage of lower prices.

Highlights:• Johannesburg • Soweto• Panoramic Route • Kruger National Park• Safari Game Drive • Garden Route• Knysna • Featherbed Nature Reserve• Ostrich Farm Visit • Wine Pairing Dinner• Cape Town • Table Mountain

Features:• 14 days • 22 meals• Roundtrip airfare from Fresno• English Speaking Tour Director

Page 3: ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP … · customers best interest and really listening to what clients want have been keys to the success of this new business. Creative

PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

VS-0000257351.INDDADVERTISER: HOUSE_VISALIA_RETAIL PROOF CREATEDAT: 1/26/2016 5:20 PMSALES PERSON: TERESADISINGER (ARS) PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 01/30/16PUBLICATION: VS-VT SPECIAL SECTIONS SIZE: 6 col X 21 in

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • JANUARY 30, 2016

WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG • FEBRUARY 2016 • 3www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz

GoodNews

from our Members

Stacy MorrisSt M i

BOARDSPOTLIGHT

VISALIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

A Time of Transition

Forbes ranks Citizens Business Bank Number 1 - Forbeshas ranked Citizens Business Bank Number 1 on its 2016 listof the 100 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts in the U.S.With $7.6 billion in total assets, Citizens Business Bank earnedits Forbes top ranking based on 10 metrics, including assets,return on average total common equity and revenue growth.The Visalia Police Department announces the promotion

of Senior Communications Operator Darlene Friend toCommunications Supervisor.Darlene began her careerwith the Visalia PoliceDepartment in December2003. During her tenure withVPD, Darlene has worked asa Communications Operatorand Communications TrainingOfficer, in addition to her mostrecent assignment as a SeniorCommunications Operator.Prior to her employment withVPD, Darlene worked as aCommunications Operator for the Reedley Police Department.Congratulations to Darlene!

For thee l e v e n t hconsecutive yearHappy Trailshas increasedthe number ofrides offeredto our childrenand adults withd i s a b i l i t i e s .In 2015 weprovided over2,394 lessonsto riders from17 central valleycommuni t ie s .The 138 ridersranged in age

from4 to 50+with themajority (85%) under the age of 18. Ourriders are challenged by a variety of disabilities includingADHD,developmental delay, autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome,fetal alcohol affects, PTSD and various psychological-socialissues. There were also more than 11,000 volunteer hoursexpended in 2015 in arena classes and property improvementprojects.

Kaweah DeltaH e a l t h c a r eD i s t r i c twould like toC o n g r a t u l a t eLindsey Porteron being namedemployee ofthe month.Lindsey Porterwas nominatedby Elsen Jacob,pharmacist atKaweah Delta."Lindsey isa wonderfult e c h n i c i a n , "shares Jacob. "Not only does she complete her duties withdiligence and care, she does so with an infectious cheerfulness.Additionally, when there are STAT medications, or medicationsrequiring delivery, Lindsey often runs the medication up to thepatient care units herself to expedite care for the patient."Hands in the Community would

like to thank the Exeter Women’s Cluband its members for supporting us since2010. HNC has been fortunate to receivehelp in the way of volunteers, gift basketsfor our annual dinner/silent auctionand connecting us with the businesscommunity.We are grateful for our partnership

together. This enables us to ensure thatfundamental principles of partnership,equality, fairness and inclusion arethreaded throughout all the community.Visalia Transitwants you to know that if you have amonthly

bus pass you can get rewarded at over 70 local vendors. Seeall of the discounts here: https://www.visaliarewards.com/participating-retailers/Family Healthcare Network - In recognition of MLK Day,

FHCN's Community HealthCorps AmeriCorps members andCommunity Health team honored Dr. King's legacy througha day of service. As part of an annual tradition, our teamvolunteered at the Woodlake Veterans Memorial Building bypatching up and repainting interior walls and ceilings. A bigthank you to our volunteers from Woodlake Rotary, WoodlakeUnified School District, and Woodlake High School who joinedus, and to Oral E. Micham, Inc., The Home Depot, and Wal-Mart for their generous donations.

Happy Trails

Lindsey Porter

Visalia Police Department

The beginning of the springsemester of the 2015-2016school year is a time of transitionfor Visalia Unified. As you mayknow, Craig Wheaton, our

superintendent for the past five and half years, hasaccepted a position as deputy superintendent for TulareCounty Office of Education. In an earlier article, heoutlined the accomplishments of our district during histenure, including the continuous increase in academicachievement, a graduation rate that significantly exceedsthe state average, the opening of a new elementary schooland, soon, a new middle school—all while successfully guidingVisalia Unified through the recession. We wish Dr. Wheaton wellas he takes on the responsibilities of his new position.In November 2015, I was named the interimsuperintendent of Visalia Unified. As interimsuperintendent, my role will be to ensure thatthe school district functions smoothly until thenew superintendent is named. This involvesmaintaining all of the services and activitiescurrently being provided by the district to supportlearning and achievement for all students. We have much workin progress, including the ongoing transition to the new statestandards, our growing systems for academic and personal supportfor students at all levels, and our efforts supporting teachers intheir work with students. Currently, the Visalia Unified SchoolBoard is considering the process and timeline for selecting thenew superintendent. Our organization has strong and capablestaff at all levels, and I am confident that the interim period will

be one of seamless transition.On a personal note, I am honored to be theinterim superintendent of our district. This is my28th year with Visalia Unified, the only districtthat I have known as an educator. My careerbegan at Mt. Whitney High School in 1987,where I taught drafting and woodshop. I was adean at Mt. Whitney for one year and then anassistant principal at Redwood High School forfive years. In 2004, I was selected as principal ofSequoia High School; and in 2006, I was namedprincipal of Redwood. In 2010, I became an Area

Superintendent, with oversight of alternative education; in 2012,I became an Assistant Superintendent, with oversight of secondaryeducation (middle schools and high schools); and in 2015, my

positionwas expanded to oversee the entireInstructional Services division, whichincludes all 40 of our schools. Havingworked at many levels within our district,I have knowledge of all aspects of ourschools. As interim superintendent, I willbecome more familiar with the financial

and human resources systems that, along with instruction,represent the whole of our district’s organization.I look forward to learning more about Visalia Unified in my newposition; and I am excited to be leading an organization in whichI have grown up--one that is engaged in many great things thatare bringing education, achievement, and options for thefuture to the 28,000 students whom it serves.

Todd Oto,Ed.D.

Superintendent, VisaliaUnified School District

On a personal note, I am honoredto be the interim superintendent

of our district.

Stacy Morris is theVice President / GM ofBEN-E-LECT. She hasbeen a Chamber Boardmember since 2013.The Chamber is ourconnection to the city.It keeps us up to date

with local happenings, whether good orbad, and lets the business communityknow what we need to be aware of. Italso provides networking opportunitieswith other individuals and businessesthat one could not get elsewhere.What brought you to Visalia?I was born and raised in this area. Myfamily moved to the high desert for acouple of years and came right backwhen we realized that it snowed there!What is your favorite thing aboutyour job/company? I can make animmediate impact in the professionallives of others. It’s a company wherewe can bring somebody in with minimalwork experience and if that personhas the desire and work ethic, we canmentor him or her to become a strongmanager. Our entire managementteam is on board with this mentoringphilosophy and in fact, many camethrough the ranks through mentoring.It really makes for a great culture.What do you like to do when youare not working? I love the game ofsoccer. I enjoy playing in as many leaguesas possible and watching my husbandand daughter play. I also get the joy ofsupporting my youngest in her love forraising and competing on horseback.It has me spending many weekendsat junior rodeos and other horsecompetitions. Last, but not least, I am anactive student through Masters where Iam working towards degrees in BiblicalCounseling and Christian Ministries.What is your favorite place to go inVisalia when you are not working?Home. I spend so many nights andweekends away from my home, thatwhen I have the opportunity to selectwhere I will be, it’s always home withmy family.What is your favorite charity or localcause? I am a non-profit junkie! I amdeeply embedded in The BEN-E-LECTFoundation which supports the VisaliaRescue Mission through its mentoringprogram and has supported Good NewsJail & Prison Ministry along with manyothers.What is your best advice for youngprofessionals? Don’t expect anythingto be handed to you. If you want tobe in a position of leadership, do morethan is asked of you on a regular basis.Not for the sake of your extra effortbeing noticed, which is nice, but for thesake of pushing yourself to learn more,stretch your limits and become a personwho others can rely on. It will pay off inthe end.What is your favorite quote? “Courageis what it takes to stand up and speak.Courage is also what it takes to sit downand listen.” – Sir Winston Churchill

Stacy Morris

February 11thPreventing Workplace Violence

Presented by: Boretti IncMarie Calendars11:30 - 1:30 pm$50.00 - Lunch is includedRegistration is required:[email protected]

February 24thWhat you need to know about thelargest shift in payment/credit card

processing history

Presented by: Alexander FinancialBrandman University9:00 - 10:00 amFree for Chamber Members$10.00 for non-membersRegistration is requested:http://www.visaliachamber.org/events/calendar/2016-02-01

The old adage “An ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure” most definitely applies to theworkplace. Sexual harassment is among themost serious of workplace problems, and thuspreventing this problem is worth almost any effort.Thus, California has made prevention of sexualharassment the law; Government Code section12950.1 requires that certain employers providetraining on sexual harassment prevention.

This law applies to employers with 50 or moreemployees (it is not required that all 50 employeesbe in California). Training must be given to all supervisors.Employers would be wise to construe the definition of“supervisors” broadly – if there is doubt as to whether youremployee is a “supervisor,” train them just to be safe. Employeescovered by the law must be trained every two years.

The law requires that the training be of the “classroom” varietyor other “interactive training.” California’s Department ofFair Employment and Housing has suggested that internet/web-based training is sufficient as “interactive” training.The training must include practical examples dealing withprevention of harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

If the training is conducted as “classroom training,”the actual time instructors spend teaching musttotal two hours, excluding breaks. Furthermore,classroom training can only be done by an attorney,a professor or instructor, or a Human Resourceprofessional (each of these must have two years ofexperience). If the training is web-based, it must takeat least two hours to complete the course. A recordof who received the training, when it took place andwhat type, and who gave the training must be keptfor two years.

While training does not completely eliminate the possibilityof sexual harassment lawsuits, this “ounce of prevention” –required for all companies with over 50 employees – is wellworth the effort.

This article is for education and information purposes only;it should not be construed as legal advice. If you have anemployment law question for inclusion in a future article,contact Brett T. Abbott at Gubler & Abbott LLP ([email protected]). For specific employment lawadvice or other legal assistance, contact Gubler & Abbott LLP,(559) 625-9600, 1110 N. Chinowth St., Visalia,CA 93291 (www.thecalifornialawyers.com).

THE LAW AT WORK

Brett Abbott,Attorney

Gubler & Abbott LLP

The Importance of Sexual HarassmentPrevention Training

Page 4: ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP … · customers best interest and really listening to what clients want have been keys to the success of this new business. Creative

PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

VS-0000257351.INDDADVERTISER: HOUSE_VISALIA_RETAIL PROOF CREATEDAT: 1/26/2016 5:20 PMSALES PERSON: TERESADISINGER (ARS) PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 01/30/16PUBLICATION: VS-VT SPECIAL SECTIONS SIZE: 6 col X 21 in

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • JANUARY 30, 2016

www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamberwww.twitter.com/VisaliaBizwww.twitter.com/VisaliaBizwww.plus.google.com www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber4 • FEBRUARY 2016 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber

HEALTHCARE NOTE

Kaweah Delta isone of our region’smost dynamic and

progressive health care providers. We work hardto make sure vital medical and nursing services areavailable to meet individual patient care needs – it isthe most important thing we do.To support our physicians and nurses, we also workto provide the facilities and technologies neededfor the provision of excellent patient care. In thatregard, Kaweah Delta is now entering into one of themost dynamic growth phases in its history.Our Board of Directors has approved funding tosupport the development of a new Neonatal Intensive CareUnit (NICU) and cardiology/medical surgical unit on the fifthand sixth floors of the Acequia wing of the medical center.In addition, we are now planning a major expansion of theemergency department, a new endoscopy facility, and an urgentcare center in northwest Visalia. Each of these are truly essentialprojects that will allow our physicians and nurses to provide thebest care for the individual needs of our patients.In addition, to ensure we meet the requirements of state law,relative to the seismic safety of hospital facilities, and to expandand modernize our acute care system, we are now planning forthe development of a new acute care hospital. This upgrade willreplace the original Kaweah Delta hospital, often referred to asthe Mineral King wing.This project is required by law. We know this with certaintybecause we have spent more than three years working withthe state. We aimed to determine if we could, in some manner,exempt Kaweah Delta from these seismic requirements, thusallowing us to preserve use of the Mineral King wing. It was

confirmed with great clarity that a new acute carehospital would be required.We are now in the active planning stages for thedevelopment of thenewacute carehospital.Wewillnot only replace some 273 beds, which currentlydo not meet the new seismic safety standards, butalso provide for critical supporting services such aslaboratory, radiology, and pharmacy services.The requirement to develop a new acute carehospital of this scale will involve undertaking themost significant capital project ever taken on inour community. While Kaweah Delta will use itsfinancial reserves, issue additional revenue bonds,

and seek out available state and federal funding, we will not beable to undertake this project without community support.It is a simple and powerful fact that while Kaweah Delta isfinancially strong, it does not have the resources necessary totake on a project of this magnitude without community support.In the near future, you will learn a great deal more about thisproject and our work to develop the most responsible fundingstrategy possible to develop the new acute care hospital.While this project is about development of physical facilitiesand critical technologies, it should be remembered that the veryheart of this effort is to secure, for our community and region,the best health care possible.This new acute care hospital effort will translate into lives savedand lives restored to good health. These vital services are alwaysprovided to individual patients, one at a time, by physicians andnurses who are at the heart of everything we do. Please join usin our effort to secure a bright and vital healthcare future for our community.

On the misty morning of Jan 8th, the Visalia Leadershipclass of 2016 boarded a Visalia city bus bound for the Airport.Along the way, civic session coordinators Amy Davis, CalebGunning and Caleb Haus shared fun facts about Visalia transitand the extensive transitnetwork.

Mario Cifuentez,manager for the COVAirport greeted theclass on arrival andshared the history ofAir service in Visaliaand the exciting futureahead. Mario discussedconcepts of Federalaviation administrationfunding and regulatorycompliance. The classtook to the airfieldtouring the grounds asMario spoke of greatercommercial air serviceopportunities ahead forVisalia. Time did fly as itwas soon back to the bus,and on to the downtownVisalia transit center.Monty Cox, Visalia’s transit manager gave an overview on therole of public transit in our region and the great partnershipwith the National Park Service including the Sequoia Shuttle.The Sequoia Shuttle reduces tourist impact in the park andcreates incentive for travelers to stay in Visalia hotels with adiscounted park entrance fee. Additionally, Monty sharedinformation about the newly launched commuter line betweenVisalia, the Fresno Airport and Fresno State University calledthe V-Line.The class then met with Josh McDonnell, City Planner forVisalia. The class reviewed the 2030 General Plan whichoutlines future growth for the City. The plan includes a scenic“Conservation Buffer” corridor along the 198 and continuesthe trend of growth rings radiating from downtown. The tieredgrowth boundaries “pressurize redevelopment”, promotesinfill of under utilized property and improves accessibility forresidents.The class then stopped at the Tulare County Board ofSupervisors building and walked a little of the bike path/trail

along the Mill Creek river and Main St. featuring trail signswith historical information. Arriving back at Fresno PacificUniversity, the class enjoyed sandwiches from the LunchboxCatering Company, and listened to Jim Robinson of San Joaquin

Valley Homes talk about residential planning and what goesinto creating a housing development. The process of homebuilding is a labyrinth of urban planning review, considerationfor access to services, environmental impact, inclusion ofcommercial space or schools as part of the development, andwhat types of houses to build.The day concluded with a panel discussion with Stephen Peckof Peck Planning and Development, LLC and City CouncilMember Greg Collins from Schoettler Planning Consultants.The discussion was lively as the class asked questions on thehistory of development in Visalia, planning for the future,lessons learned and ideas for the future.From all the viewpoints and visits observed through this day,it is clear that a great care has been dedicated to the future ofVisalia and how the community moves. The identity of Visaliais made up of varying viewpoints, continued participation andcollective vision - An incredible day of learning for any aspiringleader.

By Lindsay MannChief Executive Officer –Kaweah Delta Health

Care District

Planning, Land Use, and TransportationLEADERSHIP VISALIA

Leadership Visaila Class Members learned toured the Visalia Municipal Airport and learned about regional air services.

VISALIA – VisaliaMedical Clinicannounces thereturn of clinicald e r m a t o l o g i s tLaine Koch, MD, toits staff.

Dr. Koch practicedwith Visalia Medical Clinic for severalyears before moving to Virginia withher Navy husband. Her practicefocuses on diagnosis and treatment ofskin cancer and chronic skin diseasessuch as psoriasis, eczema and severeacne, she explained.

“Some dermatology practices mayfocus more on cosmetic concerns,but my practice primarily addressesskin diseases,” she said. “I also reallysee my practice as a partnership withmy patients, where we work togetherto find the best solution. What worksbest for one patient may not be rightfor another. It is important to tailortreatments to meet each patient’sspecific needs.”

Dr. Koch completed medicalschool at Eastern Virginia MedicalSchool; served her internship inpediatrics at Children’s Hospital ofthe Kings Daughters in Norfolk,VA; and completed her residencyin dermatology at Eastern VirginiaMedical School. She has specialinterests in pediatric dermatology anddermatopathology. She has studieddermatopathology at Tufts MedicalCenter/Caris Life Sciences in Bostonin addition to having practiceddermatology there.

Visalia Medical Clinic, an affiliate ofKaweah Delta Medical Foundation,offers the expertise of more than 50providers. The clinic is open Mondaythrough Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.;with extended and weekend hoursat QuickCare. For information, call739-2000 or visitwww.vmchealth.com.

Laine Koch, MD

5 Reasons to call aStaffing Agency TodayMost businesses can use an extra

set of hands to handle a big project ora new surge in business, but most arealso reluctant to hire full-time staff. Astaffing agency can provide temporaryemployees to help with a wide varietyof business tasks. Working closelywith the staffing agency, a hiringmanager can ensure that temporaryworkers possess the needed skills,education, and experience to meetthe needs of the company.Improve ProductivityBringing in temporary workers to

handle work overload can preventemployee burnout of full-time staff.By bringing in temporary staff tohandle the extra work load, full-timeemployees can continue to focus ontheir main job tasks while maintainingtheir productivity.Try Before You BuyTemporary employees give the

business a chance to try out anemployee before making a permanentoffer of employment.Decrease CostsTemporary staff persons are

employed by the staffing agency,not the business that is using theirservices. This can decrease the overallcosts of the employee as the businessdoes not have to provide benefits to atemporary staff member. In addition,bringing in temporary staffmay reduceother overhead costs such as overtimefor regular, full-time employees.Avoid Unemployment ClaimsBecause the temporary staff person

is an employee of the staffing agencyand not the business, there is noconcern about the person filing forunemployment when their servicesare no longer needed by the business.Increase FlexibilityTemporary employees allow

businesses to use staff as needed.Temporary employees can be broughtin to cover the vacation of an employeeor maternity leave. Many staffingagencies can provide employees ina wide variety of disciplines to meetall of the needs of the business. Thebusiness then has the flexibility to usethe services of the temporary staff asneeded, whether it is a few hours at

Clinical DermatologistReturns to VisaliaMedical Clinic

See Staffing /6

The election cycle in 2016 will be a busy one indeed,not just becausewe elect a newpresident for our nation,but for a variety of issues much closer to home as well.Both the Tulare District Hospital and the Kaweah DeltaHealthcare District are anticipating reaching out tovoters to pass bonds for major construction.I had lunch with the CEO, Lindsay Mann of theKaweah Delta Healthcare District in November, anddiscussed the projects they envision building, and themandates they are under to completely upgrade andreplace their acute care facility as required by state lawby 2030.These expansions and the new Kaweah Delta acutefacility will costs millions of dollars, which local taxpayers are goingto have to agree to support thru the passage of general obligationbonds. Grants, loans, and philanthropic donations are also part ofthe formula for funding, but let’s be clear, local tax payers are goingto have to agree to these bonds if they want to continue havinghospitals here.Unfortunately you can expect that the largest tax burden will fall

on landowners, and namely farmers will feel thatpain in their tax assessments each year. It’s difficultto see the costs associated with these bonds, andknow that our tax assessments get bigger and bigger,but so do our needs for water and other farm inputs,which are not going to get cheaper.Without more water in this Valley, the agricultureeconomy is going to suffer, and so will our abilityto pay these bonds. Agriculture like everything elsein business cannot continue to bear the higher andhigher costs of doing business in California withoutaddressing some of these concerns.As citizens we all need to care about the water

availability for exactly this reason. Our farms do not just supportfood production and jobs, but water means commerce andcommerce allows rural infrastructure to be built and services likehospitals to be provided to our communities. Without water, farmscan’t pay for bonds to support these services. We all need to worktogether to support our local economy and ensure wekeep our farms and families safe and healthy.

Hospitals Seeking Our Support

Many New Developmentsare on the Horizon

By Joey Airoso,Tulare County

Farm Bureau President

Page 5: ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP … · customers best interest and really listening to what clients want have been keys to the success of this new business. Creative

PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

VS-0000257351.INDDADVERTISER: HOUSE_VISALIA_RETAIL PROOF CREATEDAT: 1/26/2016 5:20 PMSALES PERSON: TERESADISINGER (ARS) PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 01/30/16PUBLICATION: VS-VT SPECIAL SECTIONS SIZE: 6 col X 21 in

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • JANUARY 30, 2016

WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG • FEBRUARY 2016 • 5www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz

One of the biggest barriers that entrepreneurs face while startinga business is finding start-up capital and getting some initialvisibility. These barriers are not easy to overcome, howeverstudents participating Visalia/Tulare Young EntrepreneursAcademy have three amazing opportunities to present theirbusiness ideas to the public and raise start-up capital for theirnew businesses.The first chance for theYEA! students this yearwill be participationin the 2016 SouthernCalifornia Gas CompanyE n t r e p r e n e u r s h i pChallenge. 2016 marks the 10th year that the SouthernCalifornia Gas Companywill workwith the Tulare CountyOfficeof Education, Innovate Tulare Kings and the Visalia Chamberof Commerce to host an event geared toward inspiring youngpeople to become entrepreneurs. The Gas Company Challengeis open to all high school student teams in Tulare and KingsCounty. In the past teams from Redwood, Mt. Whitney, GoldenWest, Dinuba, Porterville, Harmony, Lemoore and Tulare havecompeted for the opportunity to win cash prizes and braggingrights. Previous winners presented business ideas for a medicalapp while another team created a plan for a for a business thatwould produce bioluminescent chlorine that makes your poolor fountain glow in the dark. If you know of students or studentteams/clubs with an entrepreneurial spirit we would encouragethem to learn more about this great opportunity by going to:http://www.tcoe.org/Challenge/. The challenge will be heldon March 9th at the Wyndham Hotel from 8:00 - 2:00pm.The week after the Gas Company Challenge YEA! students

will participate in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy InvestorPanel. Students will pitch their ideas to a panel of Investorsmuch like the show Shark Tank. They will explain their ideas,provide financial projections and wow the investors with theirentrepreneurial spirit. At the end of the evening students will beaward start-up funding that will give them the boost they needto get their businesses off the ground. The YEA! Investor Panelwill take place on March 17th at 5:30 pm in the Oak Buildingbehind the Visalia Unified School District office. This event isopen to the public and we encourage entrepreneurially mindedstudents to come and learn more about how to get involved theYEA! program next year.Lastly, students from all over California will have theopportunity to participatein the “Get a Taste ofSuccess” pitch competitionhosted by Doing WhatMatters For Jobs and theEconomy. This is a videopitch competition wherestudents are encouragedto film a 2 minute businesspitch and provide a 10slide power point presentation. Regional finalist will moveonto a statewide competition, the finishers at the regionalswill pitch live at the state competition to a panel of judges.The submission deadline for this competition is April 8,2016. More details on this competition can be found at:https://app.reviewr.com/s1/site /GetaTasteofSuccess

Opportunities for Student Entrepreneursare Everywhere

The November ballot islikely to include lots ofissues for California votersto decide.

So far there are twomeasures placed on the ballot by the Legislatureand six by proponents gathering sufficient petition signatures.On the BallotThe Legislature placed on the ballot proposals to:• Kick legislators out of office for bad conduct.• Remove from law provisions specifying how bilingual educationimmersion programs were to function. The deleted provisionswere adopted via Proposition 227 of 1998 but later overturnedby the courts.

InitiativesProponents have submitted petitions signed by enough registeredvoters to qualify the following initiative proposals for the Novemberballot:• A California Chamber of Commerce-supported measure thatmakes it more difficult to divert federal Medi-Cal matching fundsto programs other than health care.

• A CalChamber-supported $9 billion school bond: $3 billion fornew construction and $3 billion for modernization of K-12 publicschools; $1 billion for charter schools and vocational educationfacilities; $2 billion for community college facilities.

• A CalChamber-opposed proposal to require statewide voterapproval for revenue bonds used to build California infrastructureprojects exceeding $2 billion.

• A referendum asking voters to overturn the legislation banningsingle-use plastic bags.

• An initiative to require condoms to be used by performers inadult films.

• An initiative that prohibits state agencies from paying morefor a prescription drug than the lowest price paid by the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs.

Awaiting Signature VerificationAwaiting verification that sufficient valid signatures were submitted

is a referendum to overturn the aid in dying law passed by theLegislature and signed by the Governor last year. The law allowsa terminally ill, mentally competent adult to obtain a prescriptionfor a life-ending drug if two doctors confirm the diagnosis andother safeguards are met.Possible InitiativesMajor proposals that may find their way onto the November ballotinclude measures dealing with:• Legalizing recreational use of marijuana. The CalChamberwill bemaking sure anyproposal doesn’t interferewith employers’ability to enforce policies needed for a safe workplace.

• Income tax. A couple of initiative proposals filed would extendthe income tax increase approved by Proposition 30. Oneproposal is sponsored by teachers; the other is sponsored by thehospital association and a health care union. Both would movethe highest income tax rate up to 15.3%.

• Property tax. A proposal has been filed to impose a tax surchargeon commercial and residential property worth more than $3million. In essence, this would be a tax increase on businessproperties, similar to a split roll.

• Cigarette tax. One proposal increases the cigarette tax by $2per pack and the equivalent on other tobacco products andelectronic cigarettes to fund certain Medi-Cal and health careprograms.

• Minimum wage. Two very similar initiatives to increase theminimum wage have been filed. Both would increase theminimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021, but one would expandthe minimum number of paid sick leave days from 3 days peryear to 6 days per year.

• Legislative Process. The initiative would require all proposedlegislation to be in print for 72 hours (3 days) before theLegislature votes and require all legislative proceedings to berecorded and be available within 24 hours.

• Campaign Finance. The proposal would increase fines forviolations of the political reform act.

• Water Bond. The proposal would benefit water recycling,conservation and open space purchases

Lengthy Ballot Shaping Up for November

Become a Cavalier,at a lower cost

Calley CederlofOriginally published in the Visalia Times-Delta on January 5, 2016

Central Valley Christian Schoolis rolling out a way for students toattend the private school withoutbreaking the bank.Variable tuition is a need-basedtuition assistance program thatassesses each family’s financialsituation separately to determinetuition.“We want to make faith-basededucation available to as manyfamilies as desired,” said Larry Baker,CVC superintendent.Families that are unable to covertuition costs can apply for variabletuition in order to see if their needsfit the criteria. The applicationis separate from the enrollmentapplication process and does noteffect admission to the school.The implementation of the newprogram comes after a drop inenrollment.Currently, the CVC high school,which can hold 350 students, has alittle over 250 students in attendance.The elementary and middle schoolsare also looking for higher enrollmentrates.The hope is that with theintroduction of lower tuition costs,classes will begin to fill up.“There is a great sense of communityand generosity in the CVC family thatenables us to provide tuition help,and this new program will allowmore families to get in on that,”Westra said.CVC’s variable tuition ranges from40-80 percent of the full cost ofeducation. No family ever pays thefull cost of tuition, as textbooks andtransportation fees are included at noadditional cost.Families interested in the tuitionprogram are encouraged to apply assoon as possible, as there is a limitedfunds available.If funding were to run out, studentswill be admitted to the school butwill be put on a variable tuitionwaiting list. The first students onthe list, structured in the order inwhich applications were received,will receive lower tuition costs if andwhen more funds are made available.Payment plans are also available.For more information on CVC orthe program contact Nicole Mulderat 734-2684 ext. 260 or visitwww.cvc.org/admissions.

Save the Date:Hands in the

Community GolfTournament

We’d like to invite you to participatein Hands in the Community’s ThirdAnnual Golf Tournament event onFriday, April 29th between 12:00 and5:00 p.m. at the Ridge Creek CountryClub. There is limited space for teamregistration (four people per team), sosign up quickly!To reserve your place you need to payonline and the cost of this event is$150.00 per player or $550 per team.You can pay on our secure website:https://secure-q.net/Donations/HandsITS/4685. Let us know howmany people are attending in thecomment section and that you wantto attend the Golf Tournament.Thank you for your partnering withus. If you have any questions, pleasegive us a call at 559.625.3822ext. 3 or email us [email protected].

Page 6: ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 9LVDOLD&KDPEHU ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP … · customers best interest and really listening to what clients want have been keys to the success of this new business. Creative

PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

VS-0000257351.INDDADVERTISER: HOUSE_VISALIA_RETAIL PROOF CREATEDAT: 1/26/2016 5:20 PMSALES PERSON: TERESADISINGER (ARS) PROOF DUE: - NEXT RUN DATE: 01/30/16PUBLICATION: VS-VT SPECIAL SECTIONS SIZE: 6 col X 21 in

VISALIA TIMES-DELTA • JANUARY 30, 2016

www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamberwww.twitter.com/VisaliaBizwww.twitter.com/VisaliaBizwww.plus.google.com www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber6 • FEBRUARY 2016 • WWW.VISALIACHAMBER.ORG www.twitter.com/VisaliaBiz www.Facebook.com/VisaliaChamber

THANK YOUTO OUR PREMIER

INVESTORS

INVESTOR SPONSORS:BEN-E-LECT

Southern California EdisonLamp Liter Inn

Central Valley Business Forms

CHAIRMANS SPONSOR:

PRESIDENT SPONSORS:

v i s a l i a t i m e s d e l t a . c om

EXECUTIVE SPONSORS:

DIRECTOR SPONSORS:

CLIP & SAVE

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

CALENDAR - FEBRUARY 2016

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29

Visalia CityCouncil Meeting

4 pm work session;7 pm regular sessionCouncil Chambers

Visalia CityCouncil Meeting

4 pm work session;7 pm regular sessionCouncil Chambers

AmbassadorBreakfast

Visalia FirstAssembly Church

8 am

Payment Card Pro-cessing Seminar9:00 am Brandman

University

Preventing WorkplaceViolence Seminar11:30 am Marie

Calendars

Government AffairsMeeting

7:15 pm Buckman-MitchellOffice

Travel Slide ShowVisalia Chamber Office

12:00 pm

SMOG CHECKVisalia Smog

1902 E. Main St.(Next to BSE RENTS)

(559) 627-9200(Ask for Jimmy)

1950 W. Walnut Ave.(Walnut & Mooney next to FLYERS GAS)

(Star Station)

(559) 635-7300(Ask for Jose)Se Habla Español

TWO LOCATIONS

$25oo OFF+CERT. MOST CARS

WE DO DIESEL SMOG CHECK ALSO*Restrictions Apply*

MOST COMPETITORS COUPONS ACCEPTED

VS-000

0257

353

2.35APR*%

Balance Transfer& Cash Advance

www. tucoemas.org • (559) 737-5777Federal ly insured by NCUA

* Platinum Visa Cards only.Valid 01/15/16 - 04/15/16.

Brea th i ng Room!

http://www.facebook.com/tucoemas twitter:@tucoemastThis is a great rate to give yourselfsome breathing room. Consolidate,get extra cash for taxes or just relax

for a weekend get-a-way!

*APR= Annual Percentage Rate 2.35%. Promotional Rate good for 6bi l l ing cycles. After that APR for the remaining balance wil l be10.90%. Offer subject to credit approval. Balance Transfer/CashAdvance cannot payoff exist ing TFCU credit cards, loans or l ines ofcredit . Offer val id from January 15, 2016 thru Apri l 15, 2016. CashAdvance fee of $5.00 or 2.00% of each cash advance, whichever isgreater wil l apply. No fee for Balance Transfers.

Business AfterHours at Kaweah Delta

5:30 – 7:30 pm

Staffing(continued from page 4)

week or on a full-time basis. Usinga staffing agency can avoid thepermanent commitment that a full-time employee requires, saving bothtime and money.Personnel Solutions Unlimited,

Inc. can provide skilled professionalsto fill the occasional gaps in yourstaff. To supplement your full timestaff, we can fulfill your temporary,temporary-to-hire and direct hireneeds.Beth Bruegman – Personnel

Solutions 559.734.0570

YPN MixerLunch Box5:30 pm…

Join the SHRM T/K Legislative Director, Faith Lisle Driscoll, asshe reviews the new laws, regulations and judicial opinions affectingCalifornia employers this year. This training session will include:• modifications to the state mandated paid sick leave,• expanded protections for whistleblowers,• new interpretations to religious accommodation requirements,• the new Equal Pay Act, update on FMLA, and• dealing with the new strict compensation requirements for piece-rate compensation.Attendees will be provided with practical tips for applying the

changes in the workplace and communicating them throughemployee handbook revisions. Bring your notepad and questions toget the most out of this session!Bio: Faith Lisle Driscoll was born and raised in Fresno. She is a

graduate of California State University, Fresno and holds a degreein Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship.

She continued her education at San Joaquin College of Law, whereshe received her Juris Doctorate degree. Her legal practice isconcentrated in the areas of employment compliance and litigation.She assists employers in disputes involving claims of unpaid wages,discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination.Ms. Driscoll also drafts employment agreements and ensuresemployment handbooks are compliant with state and federallaw. Additional areas of representation include general businesslitigation matters including breach of contract, torts and commercialcollections.WHEN: Tuesday February 16TH 11:30-1:30

(Check in starts at 11:00)WERE: The Marriott in Visalia located at

300 S Court St. Visalia, CA 93291REGISTER ONLINE: www.shrmtularekings.orgQUESTIONS: Contact Fran Herr at 559.300.5941

or email [email protected]

SHRM of Tulare County AnnouncesLegal Updates Luncheon