august 2010 clarion
DESCRIPTION
Brentwood Chamber NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
What’s Inside:
August 2010 Vol. 46, No. 8
The Brentwood Voice of Business
Page 2: Director’s Corner & Board of Directors and Staff
Page 3:Chamber Hours of Operation & New Members Page 4: Ambassador’s Corner
Page 5: Chamber Events Page 6: 2010 Golf Tournament
Page 12: Postmaster Ribbon Cutting & Good Morning Page 13: CalChamber Article Page 14: Lead, Collaborate, and Innovate… Page 15: July Mixer @ LA Boxing
Page 7: 2010 Golf Tournament Page 8: 2010 CornFest Page 9: 2010 CornFest Cont... Page 10: 5 Tips to Marketing... Page 11: 5 Tips to Marketing Cont...
The Brentwood Clarion Page 2
BRENTWOOD
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2010
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shayn Cutino, President
Anja Wellness
Karen Spann, Past President
The Monthly Grapevine
Joe Trebino, President-Elect
Delta Pure Water, Etc.
Ken Seamann, Chief Financial Officer
Discovery Professional Services
Olga Vidriales, V.P. Community
Programs, Travis Credit Union
Brent Aasen
Equus Group
Amy Alvis
Alvis Frantz and Associates
Greg Benner
Les Schwab Tires
Bill Fee
Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists
Paul Kelly
Home One Mortgage
Lori Knudsen
California Payroll
Shelly McMahon
Shelly’s Garden
Richard Perez-Pacheco
Black Sheep Design
Donna Spencer
Cortona Park
Dirk Zeigler
Zeigler Insurance Group
********************************
Staff Members
Harry York, CEO
Lisa Hurt, Support Services Dir.
Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator
Bill Putman, Volunteer
Pat Trombino, Event Coordinator
Kimberly Eubanks, Office Assistant
Director’s Message
I remember going back to Wisconsin as a child and
visiting my grandparent’s farm. I always looked at the
lifestyle as a slow and relaxed way of living. Boy was
I ever wrong. I also use to watch my mom run an
office and thinking it looked so easy. I could handle
that. (But I remember I helped by licking envelopes) I
think we have all looked at what other people do and
think…that must be nice to have such an easy job. Oh it must be nice to
work outside. Boy it would be fun to own a boutique, trying on clothes
all day. If we only knew what really goes on behind the scenes. I
believe as business owners we have all had our victories and challenges,
and through it all really enjoy what we do. It’s never easy to keep up with
technology, regulations and changes in our own trade.
I have found that being involved in my community, the chamber and
associations is crucial (especially small business) to stay in business. In
the first couple of years I didn’t realize how important it was. I joined to
be a part of something bigger than myself. What I found were others that
had gone through the same learning curves that I was beginning and
found their recommendations and referrals the best resource I could ask
for. It saved time; I didn’t try and re-invent the wheel and moved me onto
the next step with minimal stress. I have two “learning curves” this year.
One is hiring an employee full-time. Going through all the steps to be an
employer (this is different than telling my sons when and where they are
helping) and doing payroll has been a very painless process. Because of
the people I know in the chamber I was able to ask a couple of questions
and jumped right in knowing I was in good hands. My second area is
changing from excel spreadsheets to QuickBooks. Now that for me is a
serious learning curve. Actually it’s been more like a learning circle, it
just keeps going around. I laugh a lot to avoid crying, until I remember I
have a bookkeeping expert to assist me, when I can’t remember what to
do next. And anyone who knows me, knows remembering is not my
strong suit.
As we all know, it’s a difficult time. But stay active, stay involved as
much as you can. Sometimes just being around another hard working
business owner, will give you the extra boost of energy and will power to
keep going strong.
Shelly McMahon
Shelly’s Garden
The Brentwood Clarion Page 3
CHAMBER HOURS
Mon. - Thur. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am to 12:00pm
Phone: 925 634-3344
Fax: 925 634-3731
Email:[email protected]
www.brentwoodchamber.com
ANNUAL CHAMBER EVENTS
October 8, 2010
Golf Tournament
Shadow Lakes
October 23, 2010
Hometown Halloween
November 6, 2010
Fall Taste of Brentwood
Restaurant Tour
November 20, 2010
Holiday Parade
CHAMBER MIXERS
August 19, 2010
Cedar Creek Stables
September 16, 2010
Apex Securities
October 21, 2010
Markots
November 18, 2010
Shepherd’s Gate
Mission Statement : The
Brentwood Chamber of Commerce is
a voluntary organization dedicated
to the promotion of the civic and
commercial progress of the
community. We will continuously
strive to maintain and foster a
healthy business climate for
Chamber members and the entire
community.
Bank of America
Sherry Verduzco
241 Oak Street
Brentwood, CA
(925) 634-3561
Wells Fargo Bank
Heather O’Connell
1115 Second Street
Brentwood, CA
(925) 513-6000
Brentwood Regional Community Chest
Lill Pierce
1066 Claremont Drive
Brentwood, CA
(925) 624-3216
Ikon
Carrie Woodin
390 N. Wiget Lane, Ste. 200
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 988-4225
Www.ikon.com
The Brentwood Clarion Page 4
Ambassador's Corner
For at least the last five years
our family business has been a
Chamber Member. In that period
we have enjoyed quality
business with other Chamber
Members and Businesses in the Brentwood area. As our
Business has expanded outside the area on certain
jobs, many times there is one thing we realize. The
Brentwood area has special Business people with a
special attitude of wanting to work together. The
Chamber has always seemed to be a centerpiece for this activity. I have
noticed this even more that the Chamber is linked with other Chambers
on the internet. If you enjoy working with people I encourage you to be
open to what the Brentwood Chamber has to offer.
Our business has helped protect Brentwood with graffiti film and
security film on glass. As well as reduced energy costs with clear solar
energy film. If we can help you call me at (925) 766-6774.
Paul Roman
Window Innovations Inc.
2145 Elkins Way Ste. C
Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 766-6774
www.windowinnovationsinc.com
The Brentwood Clarion Page 5
Join Us on Facebook! Click the Facebook picture to the left to be directed to our page. Also Look for our CornFest Page.
Also Join us on our Linked in page by clicking the link above.
August Chamber Events
August 5th–
Downtown
Brentwood Hot
Brentwood Nights
August 5th– Brentwood Chamber
Good Morning Brentwood with Guest
Speaker John Smulo of Purple Cow
websites. “Social
Networking beyond
Facebook & Twitter”
August 12th- Downtown
Brentwood Movie Night
August 19th– Brentwood Chamber
August Mixer @ Cedar Creek Stables
1095 EDEN PLAINS ROAD, Brentwood
August 19th-
Downtown
Brentwood Home &
Garden Show
August 26th-
Downtown
Brentwood
SummerFest
Trying to get the word out??
Call the Brentwood Chamber of
Commerce and ask about how
you can advertise your
business...
(925) 634-3344
The Brentwood Clarion Page 6
16th Annual
“Fun Scramble”
Golf Tournament
Friday October 8, 2010
@ Shadow Lakes
401 W. Country Club Drive
Brentwood, Ca
(925) 516-2837
Early Bird Special !
For a limited time only!
$400.00 per foursome with full payment for the four at the
time of booking.
Payment must be in the Chamber Office at
8440 Brentwood Blvd. Ste C
on or before August 13th at 5:00 o'clock
NO EXCEPTIONS
Credit Card, Check, or Cash
Second Chance Special!
August 14- September 17 $450.00 per foursome
All fees after September 17th,
are individual golfer fees of $135.00 per player
The Brentwood Clarion Page 7
Team Players
Call (925) 634-3344 if paying by Credit Card... Player #1
Company:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Phone: Cell:
Email:
Shirt Size:
I would like to bring __ (additional) guest to the Dinner.
Player #2
Company:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Phone: Cell:
Email:
Shirt Size:
I would like to bring __ (additional) guest to the Dinner.
Player #3
Company:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Phone: Cell:
Email:
Shirt Size:
I would like to bring __ (additional) guest to the Dinner.
Player #4
Company:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Phone: Cell:
Email:
Shirt Size:
I would like to bring __ (additional) guest to the Dinner.
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The Brentwood Clarion Page 8
Special Thanks to all the 2010 CornFest Sponsors 92.1 Diablo Valley, 95.3 KUIC, 101.7 KKIQ, 104.1 The Hawk,
Kat Country 103, 110 Magazine, Allan Frank, MD, MS,
Bank of America, Biglow Insurance Agency,
Black Bear Diner, Black Sheep Design, Brentwood
Ace Hardware, Brentwood MinuteMan Press, Brentwood
Press, Brentwood Self Storage, Bud Light (Markstein),
California Diesel & Power, Cinelux Delta Cinema, City of
Brentwood, Coca-Cola, Comcast, Dallas Shanks and
Sons Automotive, Delta Sun Times, Diablo Magazine,
Dwelley Farms, ECC Bank, F.A. Maggiore & Sons, G&S Farms,
Got-A-Party, Harvest Park Bowl, John Muir Health, Kendall
Automotive, Kohl’s, KSFO 560, Mary’s Delicacies, Mazzy’s
Fire Protection Specialists, Mimi’s Café, Nancy Kaiser,
Quick Stop, Ron Nunn Farms, Safeway, Simoni &
Massoni Farms, Streets of Brentwood, Sutter Delta
Medical Center, The Monthly Grapevine, Travis Credit
Union, Tri Delta Transit, Wayne E. Swisher Concrete, Inc.,
WR Properties, Wineshop at Home with Kathi Reed and last but not least Zeigler Insurance.
Once again a Big Thanks to everyone that made this years 2010 CornFest happen.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 9
This years 2010 Cornfest
was an excitement because of
the new layout and the variety of
Downtown Businesses and
vendors that were inside the
gates of the festival. We had a
handful of volunteers this year
which became a major help
throughout the entire CornFest,
so we would like to give all of them
a big thank you. The vendors
and Downtown Businesses were
awesome this year cooperating
with all the changes and we hope
that it will be better each and
every year.
A Big Thanks to all the
Chairs, Leads, Staff and
Entertainment: Shayn Cutino,
Harry York, Lyle Miller, Ken Seamann, Sal Cutino, Panchon Guillen,
Jilda Fairhurst, Kimberly Eubanks, Pat Trombino, Bill Putman,
Lisa Hurt, Jeff Davis, Robin Evenson, Alida Garcia, Hazel
Weatherford, Joe Trebino, Greg Reppert, Johnny Rodriquez,
Olga Vidriales, Richard Perez-Pacheco, Ryan Accord, Dirk Zeigler,
and Kevin Tate with California Carnival.
The 2010 CornFest committee wants to Thank all the
Non-Profit Organizations for all of their excellent work we
could not have done it without them. This includes: American
Cancer Society, American Legion Post 202, VFW Post and
Auxiliary, Brentwood Kiwanis, Brentwood Lions Club,
Brentwood Premier Soccer Club, Brentwood Rotary, BSA Troop
90, Daughters of the British Empire, Delta community Services,
Delta Diablo Det. Police Explorers, Discovery Bay Lions, East
Contra Costa Historical Society, Emmaus Men, Emmaus
Women, Freedom High Boys Soccer, Heritage High School Band,
Heritage Parents Club, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Job’s
Daughters, Knights of Columbus, Masonic Lodge, One Day at a
Time, Orin Allen Boys ranch, Resurrection Ministries,
Soroptimist of East County, and Soroptimist of the Delta.
Thanks to Julie Munana
from Smiles: Creative Imaging
and the Brentwood Press for
all the wonderful variety of
pictures that were taken
during the 3 days of our 18th
Annual 2010 CornFest.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 10
5 Tips for Marketing Your Business Online – to Get the
Biggest ROI by smallbiztrends
Online marketing is taking up an increasing share of the budgets of small businesses. There’s no mystery behind it: online is where customers are gravitating. So if you want to attract customers, and serve existing customers with new products and services, you too need to be placing an increasing proportion of your marketing budget online.
But in a small business it’s important to spend wisely, because our resources and budgets are limited. You want to focus on techniques that consistently deliver a powerful return on investment (ROI), as the following 5 techniques do:
(1) Commit to regular email marketing -- Email is a top online strategy for small businesses – especially among businesses that are not satisfied with the status quo, but want to grow. For instance, in one survey 82% of small businesses that currently use or plan to use email marketing, expected revenue growth.* You’ll want to build a house email list consisting of those who opt in (elect to receive communications from you). That list is like gold because it consists of people who have shown interest already in your products and services – and who WANT to hear from you again. For more information, check out the article here at Business.gov on: Getting Started with Email Marketing. (2) Start a blog or renew your efforts with your existing blog – A blog offers so many benefits – here are just a few: It helps your business get found by search engines, because of the great content you provide. It helps you engage more effectively with existing customers and new prospects – blogs are conversational and help you develop a closer bond than with static websites. And a blog also gives you the opportunity to tell the world more about what you do, how you do it, and how your business is different. For detailed pointers, read: Thinking of Starting a Blog? Tips to Help You Start, Maintain & Grow a Small Business Blog!
(3) Leverage others’ blogs – Not sure you can commit to writing regularly in a blog? Or perhaps you have a blog, but are looking for additional ways to promote your business? If you like to write, then guest posting on other blogs is a no-cost (other than your time) way to spread the word about your business. And at the very least, you can comment on others’ blogs, and participate that way. For more about guest posting, read: How to Guest Post to Promote Your Blog.*
So, what are you waiting for? Jump on these 5 techniques and you’ll be able to craft a cost-effective marketing strategy that is in sync with today’s customers’ behavior.
Anita Campbell is the Founder of Small Business Trends*, an online publication and community serving small businesses.
Continued on page 11...
The Brentwood Clarion Page 11
(4) Advertise cost effectively with pay per click advertising – Pay-per-click advertising (such as Google AdWords) is a technique that literally can pay for itself. You pay only for clicks back to your website, meaning that you only pay for people who see your ad and click through to your site. That way you know you are paying for qualified traffic, i.e., those who have seen your ads and have some interest in whatever you’re advertising. However, programs like Google AdWords require some knowledge if you want to maximize your return; otherwise, you could end up wasting money. And remember, if you feel Google AdWords may require too much time and attention, you can always outsource the management of your PPC ad programs to a professional. To get started, read: Google AdWords Explained – Growing Your Small Business with this Cost Effective Marketing Tool.
(5) Jump on the social media bandwagon – Think of social media like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Bizsugar.com and the like as being a way to “amplify” and spread your message. The Web is increasingly becoming a social place. Consumers and businesspeople increasingly share information, product recommendations, and content that they like. Wouldn’t you like to encourage and make it easy for others to share your content or recommendations about your products/services? That’s where playing in the social media sandbox can help. For more information, please check out: Getting Started with Social Media Marketing. You may also find this article of interest: Adding Social Media to the Business Marketing Mix - No Longer a Question of "Why?" but "How?"
For more information about online marketing, please also check out the videos that the SBA just produced in partnership with Google.
Advertise your
Business here!!
For more information
call the Brentwood
Chamber of Commerce
(925) 634-3344
The Brentwood Clarion Page 12
Ribbon Cutting
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
would like to congratulate Diane E. Torres for
becoming the new Postmaster of Brentwood.
The City of Brentwood’s Post Office held
an Installation Ceremony for the new
Postmaster of Brentwood California on Friday,
July 23, 2010 at 10am on Oak Street.
If you would like to contact the post
office you can reach them at (925) 240-2067.
They Can also be located at 18 Oak Street,
Brentwood.
Good Morning Brentwood
August 5, 2010 - 7:30 a.m.
Brentwood Chamber Board Room 8440 Brentwood Blvd # C, Brentwood
Corner of Brentwood Blvd & Chestnut St
Program:
“Update on Social Networking
beyond Facebook and Twitter”
Guest Speaker:
John Smulo of Purple Cow Websites
Only $10 for paid members $15 for non-members
-- Includes Light Breakfast –
RSVP @
[email protected] or 925-634-3344
Next Breakfast September 9, 2010
The Brentwood Clarion Page 13
CalChamber Reports on Status of Major Business Bills
(July 26, 2010) Numerous business priorities remain to be considered when legislators reconvene after their summer
recess, according to the California Chamber of Commerce summary of the status of top priority bills for the business
community.
Among the pending proposals are 29 “job killer” bills still moving through the legislative process.
The CalChamber report presents the status of bills as of July 2, when the Legislature began a summer recess break
with legislators on notice that they could be asked to return within 24 hours if a budget deal is reached.
Within each subject area, the list presents bills in order of priority with the highest priorities at the top.
The CalChamber will publish a second status report in September, showing the status of priority legislation when the
Legislature adjourns the session on August 31.
September 30 is the last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature on or before September 1.
The CalChamber will publish its final status report, showing the ultimate fate of priority bills sent to the Governor this
year, in October.
Each fall, the CalChamber also publishes a record of legislators’ votes on key bills affecting the California business cli-
mate. Generally, the bills selected for the vote record have appeared in one of the status reports. This year’s vote re-
cord is scheduled to be published on October 22.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 14
Lead, Collaborate and Innovate Professionally and Personally Summer tends to take over. Vacations, schedules change, the pace of life and work slows and things
tend to get quiet.
Re-engage and Refuel here are five ways to use what is left of summer to recharge in every way—
Professionally—Think about the leader you’ve become. Do you like what your thinking? Are you being
all you need to be for your team, your colleagues, clients/customers? What do you want to change?
Read and share this article and make a commitment to leadership, collaboration and innovation.
Personally—Read a book for fun, get organized, clean out a closet and donate stuff you don’t need,
host a barbeque/potluck and reconnect with family and friends.
Physically—Get outside, Nike says it best, “Just do it!” Walk, run, swim, hike, bike, throw a ball with
your kids or grandkids, or get out there and do that neglected yard work. The toughest part of any
kind of physical activity is getting started but once you “do it” we guarantee you’ll feel recharged. If
your still not feeling it then read Younger Next Year (Crowley & Lodge— pink for gals and yellow for
guys) it will convince you!
Financially—Visit Dave Ramsey’s website, it is sure to give you both profound and simple ideas. Make
a commitment to reviewing your budget and find at least 3 ways to cut your expenses, you’ll be
amazed at what you find. We know this sounds radical, but we stopped visiting Starbucks every-
day…yes really. We're embarrassed to share the expense but proud of the savings!
Spiritually—Garbage in leads to Garbage out. Breathing life into your heart will clear your head of the
all the clutter. Replace the garbage (or balance it out) with good stuff. Buy a daily devotional to get
started, it’s a settling way to focus and start your day. Three recommendations: Max Lucado, Grace
for the Moment (morning and evening); Eugene Peterson’s The Message; and if you are married, John
and Staci Eldridge, Love and War —this book is enriching our relationship and affirming our commit-
ment to each other.
As you take the lead to refresh and recharge in each of these areas stress will fade and fulfill-
ment will grow. Go for it and by all means circle back to us with your feedback on any of these
suggestions! Cheers to making the most of your summer.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 15
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce would like to
thank Joseph Garcia and the staff of LA Boxing for hosting
the July Mixer on July 15, 2010.
The Chamber would also like to thank John Smulo of
Purple Cow Websites, Karen Spann of The Monthly
Grapevine and Joseph Garcia of LA Boxing for all the
wonderful raffle donations. Congratulations to Bill Fee of
Mazzy’s Fire Protection Specialists and Bill Putman from
Delta Community Services, the winners of the Free month
membership for LA Boxing.
LA Boxing is located at 8650 Brentwood Blvd. in
Brentwood and can be reached by phone (925) 634-2691 or
by email at [email protected].
The Brentwood Clarion Page 16
Phone: 925-634-3344
Fax: 925-634-3731
Email: [email protected]
www.brentwoodchamber.com
The Brentwood Clarion
Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
8440 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C
Brentwood, CA 94513
The Brentwood Chamber of
Commerce
is now offering:
2010 California and Federal
updated Labor Posters.
Pick yours up today at
8440 Brentwood Blvd. Ste. C
Paper Version: $23.00
Plastic Version: $39.00
City of Brentwood (925) 516-5400
Parks & Recreation (924) 516-5444
Community Development (925) 516-5405
Brentwood Library (925) 516-5405
Police Non Emergency (925) 634-6911
Fire Department (925) 634-3400
Brentwood Aquatic Park (925) 516-5430
Newspapers
Brentwood Press (925) 634-1441
Contra Costa Times (925) 757-2525
Brentwood News (925) 779-7120
Transportation
Tri Delta Transit (925) 754-4040
Hotels
Hampton Inn (925) 513-1289
Holiday Inn Express (800) 345-8082
Hospital
Sutter Delta Medical Center (925) 779-7200
John Muir Medical Center (925) 308-8100
Theaters
Delta Cinema (925) 240-7370
Rave (925) 809-0030
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Stop by the
Brentwood Chamber
of Commerce today
for your very own
copy of
“Images of America
Brentwood.”
Cost: $21.65