Chamber March 2012

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TULARE,CA

2012 Officers

Art ClarkChair of the Board

Kohler & Clark ScrewProducts, Inc

Philip SmithChair Elect

Citizens Business Bank

Crystal CotaVice Chair of Finance

M. Green & Co.

Marie PintoImmediate Past Chair

Tulare Adult School

Linda NoguesVice Chair of Membership

Bacome Insurance

Deanne Martin-SoaresVice Chair of

Governmental Affairs

2012 Board

Terry BrazilTulare Historical Museum

KerissaPostma-ChapmanInternational Agri-Center

Crystal CotaM. Green & Co.

Dominic FontanaLand OLakes

Melissa FreitasValley Business Bank

Geoff HindsTulare County Fair

Viktoria MeyersTulare Regional Medical

Center

Sue Ann HillmanTulare City Schools

Linda NoguesBacome Insurance

Lonnie TiesieraWill Tiesiera

Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Jerry BreckinridgeTulare Police Department

Dennis MederosLegal Counsel

Horswill, Mederos, & Soares

Traci MyersEx-Officio

City of Tulare

Professional Staff

Nina AkinPresident / CEO

Sherry CarsonOffice Manager

Andi CabreraDirector of Mem bership

and Sales

Linda HowarthInformatio n Coordinator

the updateis the official monthly

pblication of the

Tlare Chamber of Commerce

220 E. Tlare Ave.

P.O. Box 1435

Tlare, CA 93275-1435

686-1547

email: [email protected]

web: www.tlarechamber.org

For advertising information call:Colleen Ferreira (559) 735-3227

the update is pblished in partnershipwith the Tlare Advance-Register

www.TulareChamber.org thetheUpdate

UpdateMarch 2012

Our Apologies goout to M. Green &Company who werenot thanked for thetable they deco-rated at our Annual

Awards Banquet.

Lets Talk BUSINESS!with Gainsborough Studios Jeff Killion

Upcoming Propositions

Technological change poses a risk tomost established businesses. Failure tomaintain an awareness of technologicaladvances in your industry (regardless ofwhether you choose to implement themor not) will gradually dull any competi-tive edge your organization may currentlyenjoy. Threats and opportunities must becarefully analyzed. Strategic investmentsmust be made as a result of that analysis.In the photography industry technologicalchange is constant. Consider the intro-duction of the Kodak Brownie (earlylarge production box roll-film camera)in 1900 and the cessation of film cameraproduction by the same company in 2004.I spent a few moments with Jeff Killionearlier this week and he shared some ofhis thoughts about keeping up.

Philip:Jeff, what have been the keypoints for your business in terms of tech-nological change? How did you cometo a decision as to whether or not toimplement any particular advance in the

industry?Jeff:The first major change for my

studio occurred in the 1980s. During thisperiod I could develop black and whitefilm on may own, but had to send colorprints to a lab for processing. Since colorphotography had grown to about 75%of my total production I had to decidewhether to move into color development.After much deliberation and research,I invested in the technology and it per-formed well for many years.

The next big decision point occurredalmost two decades later when digitaltechnology finally became commerciallyviable. Once again, a lot of research wasrequired, especially with some industryexperts opining that digital would neverbecome a substitute for film. I chose to

make the investment in digital capability.This allowed me to triple the number offrames I could shoot with any individualsubject and provided an opportunityfor greater variation in poses and back-grounds.

In both cases, I had to analyze how

the change would impact my business,and weigh that against the cost of imple-mentation. Within my market, wouldthe technology realistically pay for itself?Anytime youre faced with a decision ofthis nature it is important to take yourtime. Objectivity, research and carefuldeliberation are all important. Prayerdoesnt hurt either.

Philip: It would seem to me, as anindustry outsider, that you must be fac-ing increased competition from amateurphotographers, or those running a home-based enterprise. How does a profes-sional studio compete when technologyprovides an acceptable substitute?

Jeff: Our clients are looking for some-

thing different in portraiture. Mom, Dadand Grandma are working in a separatemarket segment. Snapshots are fun andfast, particularly in digital format; but,theyre not professional portraits. We dosee competition from home-based pho-tographers and there is nothing wrongwith that. In this industry weve alwayshad to compete with bathtub operators(literally developing their film in a resi-dential bath), and the capabilities of thisgroup increased substantially with theavailability of lower cost 35mm camerasin the 1990s, and again during the lastdecade w ith digital development.

If someone shoots a hundred picturestheyre going to get some good ones.The challenge is in the amount of timerequired to review, select and edit the

photographs for presenta-tion to the client. Withextensive experiencein lighting, posing andcomposition, the trainedprofessional photographerspends much less timebehind the camera; andin front of the computer.Time translates to moneyand no matter what yourecharging you need tomake a profit in order to stay in businessfor an extended period.

Philip: For those just starting out inbusiness, how would you recommendthey address technology in their businessplan? What should they look forandlook out for?

Jeff: Dont be closed minded. Alwaysbe prepared for the next innovation.Change is going to happen no matterwhat industry you work in and it is muchbetter to have a firm grasp on the lat-

est technological advances. That doesntmean that you necessarily buy them, itmeans that you make the effort to remaininformed and knowledgeable about yourindustry. Whether through industry asso-ciations, trade publications, or seminars itis very important to stay current.

What to look out for? Dont alwaysbelieve the experts; and make your owndecision, youre the one that has to livewith it.

Upcoming Opportunities

Jeff Killion plans to openGainsborough Studio for photogra-phy and Photoshop classes this spring.Additionally, Jeff can provide custom edit-ing and printing to give your own digitalphotographs a studio quality finish. Call(559) 686-4838 for additional information.

Get on your marks get set and.. go! This is the time of year that manypeople get ready for the mad dash tothe parking lot when leaving the localgrocery or retail store in an attempt toescape the dreaded sales pitches frompetitioners with proposed ballot initia-tives trying to gather the number of sig-natures required to get onto the ballot inNovember. Clich slogans like: Savethe Poor, Reduce Government Waste,Affordable Education and Jobs for

All are shouted out to those leaving thestores, in hope that they catch someonesattention. Unfortunately many people intheir daily haste will quickly sign, withouttaking the time to truly understand whatthe proposition is actually intending todo. The average person signing listens tothe quick sound bite about what is beingproposed. The sound bite of course willalways sound inviting and very necessaryto help California. This is not to say thatthe person soliciting your signature doesnot believe their product, but it may notbe the product that is being advertised

On June 5th we will have two proposi-tions to vote on, term limits and increasedcigarette tax to fund cancer research. In

November we are already facing a water

bond and two other initiatives. There are9 initiatives recently submitted, anotheris in the signature verification processand there are 55 others that are in thesignature collection process. It is likelythat many of those 65 will not all makeit as did the 35 other proposals that didnot make the deadlines or the signaturerequirements.

As these propositions make their wayto the voting booth, the GovernmentalAffairs Committee will dissect them to

determine the impact they will haveon businesses. Some of these proposi-tions propose new taxes and regulationsthat will impact us all. With all of thesepropositions, one wonders why we evenneed legislators in Sacramento. Perhapsit supports an argument for a part-timelegislature; oh wait, that proposition isone of the 65 in signature collection pro-cess. It is known as California CitizenLegislature Act Initiative (#11-0095).Afew to watch for business impact:

California Sustainable CaliforniaState Bank Initiative (#11-0051).Official summary: Establishes a statebank, initially funded by $200,000,000General Fund loan. Imposes a 15% mini-

mum tax on value of oil and gas extracted

in California, for statebank capital.

CaliforniaCorporationsAmendment Initiative(#11-0054). Officialsummary: Substantiallyreplaces currentCalifornia law governingcorporations. Declarescorporations are not per-sons or citizens, thereby eliminating cor-

porations state constitutional protections.Holds officers and directors personallyliable for a corporations intentional actsor crimes.

California Rules for How ManyWomen Must be in the State LegislatureInitiative (#11-0069). Official summary:Requires that each Assembly district andeach Senate district have two elected rep-resentatives, one male and one female,doubling the number of state legislators.

Learn more about these upcomingpropositions and what impact they haveon you and your business. The Chamberof Commerces Governmental AffairsCommittee meets the 2nd Monday of themonth at 12:00 noon at Apple Annies.

Like us on Facebook and FoLLow us on TwiTTer aT TuLareTweeTs

Its The EconomyStupidMayors Corner By Wayne Ross, Mayor

Many might remember the famousreply when President Clinton was askedhow he planned on running for thepresidency against President Bush back in1992. Well, we on the Tulare City Council

will be asked how we plan to provideall the services to our citizens and ourresponse might be if we can make thebudget work!

Over the next few months we willbegin the task of looking at the budgetto determine what or where we allocateour precious resources and what serviceswe provide. One of the most importantthings that the Council must remember isthat we are talking about using taxpayersmoney. I have written before about therole of government but nothing makes itmore clear what that role is come budget-ing time. Since coming on the Councilover 3 years ago, the reserves, whichhave been set at 15%, have shrunk from

$15 million down to $5 million. The easyanswer is that we have spent more thanwhat has come in. Obviously a downeconomy has resulted in lower tax rev-

enues, property tax has dropped, andeven more damaging has been the dropin impact fees from construction activities.

While these events are known to most,the nagging question becomes what

actions have taken place to reduce spend-ing? The only variable that anyone hascontrol over in this situation is expenses.Like any family out there, when given thechoice between keeping the toy haulerversus keeping the house, the choice iseasy. But when given choices of reducinghours at one of our departments againstdeferring a repair or funding equipmentreplacement, the choices can get tricky.Unfortunately, deferring the hard choicesdoes not look like an option this budget-ing session.

I have been asked by many what ser-vices, programs, or projects would be cutor reduced. I think the real question that

should be asked is what is the purposeand function of government. In its mostsimple function the government willprovide the basic services such as fire,

police, water and sewer,trash, and streets. Usingthat approach the Councilwould make sure thatthose functions are work-

ing smoothly and effi-ciently. For many the ideawould be to make reduc-tions across the boardon all departments. Whilevery democratic in choiceit doesnt address the need to prioritizethe services we provide.

On Feb. 24th the Council will spendthe day listening to each department talkabout their respective budgets and projec-tions for the upcoming fiscal year. Alongwith our City Manager, we will have tosort through all the information providedto make a choice regarding the directionof the budget. I believe this Council is upto the task of making sure that the deci-

sions are made with all the best informa-tion available and with all the citizens inmind.

Published date: February 25, 2012

Wayne Ross

Deanne Martin-Soares

Philip SmithVice President,

CitizensBusiness Bank


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page 2 March 2012 tlare chamber the pdate

Febrary 25, 2012 Tlare Advance-RegisterPROVIDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Whi le the reasons for earning twoincomes may vary from couple to couple,these families often face a similar finan-cial challenge: participation in separateretirement programs.

As a coup le, your combined ret ire -ment assets are not just limited to whatyou may have accumulated in your cur-rent employers retirement plans. You alsoneed to consider any older accounts thatare still sitting in former employers plans,or assets that have been moved to roll-over IRAs. After inventorying your various

retirement assets, consider some areaswhere a joint planning effort may helpenhance your investment outcome.

Setting a Mutual GoalPursuing the goal of retiring together

requires a long-term approach. Start bydetermining how large a combined nestegg you will need. This will depend onhow much you have already saved andwhen you hope to retire, as well as yourretirement lifestyle choices - where youplan to live, whether you plan to maintainmore than one residence and what youplan to do with your time. All of thesefactors will affect your retirement incomeneeds.

Keep in mind that Americans are liv-

ing longer and that one or both of youcould spend 20 or more years in retire-ment. Also carefully review the potentialfinancial benefits of delaying retirement.

Working for an extra few years couldenable you to continue making contribu-tions to your IRA or employer-sponsoredretirement plan and delay taking with-drawals.

Asset AllocationAs with any investment portfolio, your

retirement accounts should work in uni-son to pursue a single accumulation goal.Ask yourselves whether your overall assetallocation is appropriate for your com-bined objectives and risk tolerance. Are

the portfolios adequately diversified? Arethey over weighted in any one asset classor individual security? Also consider howyour retirement portfol ios complementyour other assets, such as taxable invest-ment accounts and real estate.

DistributionsFor couples in or near retirement,

an equally important part of the plan-ning process is determining when andhow to withdraw money from retirementaccounts. Consider which accounts (i.e.,taxable vs. tax-deferred) to tap first. Itmay be better

to liquidate assets in taxable accounts,allowing assets in IRAs and qualifiedretirement plans to continue growing

tax-deferred. Remember, however, thatwith few exceptions, the IRS requiresindividuals to begin withdrawing moneyfrom tax-deferred accounts no later than

age 701/2, at which point you may wantto rethink your distribution strategy. Forinstance, might it make sense to converta Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA to avoidtaking distributions altogether? Your taxadvisor can help you consider the taxconsequences of conversion, as well asthe potential benefits of a Roth IRA.

These are just a few of the issues dual-earner couples need to consider whenmanaging their individual retirement planaccounts. Since no two couples financialsituations are alike, the best course oaction is to make an appointment todayso that we can begin devising a coordi-nated plan for meeting your future finan-cial needs.

Please contact us if you have any ques-tions. Paladin Investment Group 559-625-4005 www.paladininvestmentgroup.com

Yours, Mine and OursA Couples Guide to Retirement Planning

Kimberly Lindley, Jerry Hayton , Trish Arnold

Members Renew ChamberInvestment

Thank you to the following businesses andindividuals who renewed their membership

during the month of January.

Julie Dredge AlandJulies Little Flower Shop

221 E. Tlare Ave., Tlare, CA 93274

Jerry Lewis

Lewis InsurancePO Box 1378, Tlare, CA 93275

Pauline SmithGary E. M. Smith OD, Inc.

PO Box 1137, Tlare, CA 93275

Debbie ThrasherTulare Emergency Aid Council, Inc.424 N. N Street, Tlare, CA 93274

Lolen EastEMD Networking Services, Inc.

4930 W. Kaweah Cort, Site 200Visalia, CA 93291

Joe MattosMattos Bros. Dairy

4017 Kansas Ave., Hanford, CA 93230

Norma SchaefersThe Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino

17225 Jersey Ave.Lemoore, CA 93245

Don SchultzLife Star Ambulance


Joan ThorntonCollette Vacations

Lisa FranksEducational Employees Credit Union3612 S. Mooney Blvd.

Visalia, CA 93277

Rafael FigueroaFigaros Southwestern Grill

1348 E. Prosperity Ave.Tlare, CA 93274

Mike ElliottRuan Transport Corporation

754 S. Blackstone St., Tlare, CA 93274

Debbie WarkentinSissys BBQ & More


Teo AlbersAlbers Manufacturing Company, Inc.

A. J. TaylorGalaxy Tulare 10

Tim MarshHarris Construction Company, Inc

Sunlap MD, MuradMurad A. Sunlap, MD

Brian IcenhowerKeller Williams Reality Tulare County

Patrick OroscoThe Orosco Group

Hiring Veterans Makes Good Business SenseEnd of the year taxes, payroll taxes,

taxes, taxes, taxes, UGH! We sigh deeply,procrastinate to cut those checks, andask ourselves why do I have to pay in somuch? You might disagree with a lot ofthings our government spends our taxdollars on, but can you think of anythingthat is of immense value to you andyour business? I can!

Our military veterans are a highlytrained, disciplined, and quality work-

force that you have already invested in!Have you ever thought of it that way?In fact, these men and women returnhome hoping to offer their experiences,training, and talents back into their localeconomy! But instead, they are oftentold you are over qualified when seek-ing employment with our companies.Take a look at this article and discoverwhat you may have overlooked whenseeking highly qualified employees andsome much needed tax relief!

Hiring Veterans Makes Good BusinessSense

The California Department ofVeterans Affairs (CalVet) is apprisingbusiness owners that they may be eligi-ble for thousands of dollars in state andfederal tax benefits and other incentivesfor hiring qualified veterans.

California is currently home to 1.9million veterans. Another 30,000 menand women separate from military ser-vice and return to the state every year.With the withdrawal of troops from Iraqand Afghanistan, an additional 6,000

10,000 veterans are expected to returnto California by the end of 2012.

Tax Benefits and Other IncentivesAvailable

The federal Work Opportunity TaxCredit, for example, is based on a per-

centage, ranging from 25% to 40%, ofqualified first-year wages. Maximumeligible credits may be as high as $2,400for hiring a qualified veteran and up to$9,600 for hiring a veteran with service-connected disabilities.

Other state and federal benefits forhiring veterans may include:

State-level hiring credits: Enterprise

Zone tax credit for employers hir-ing certain economically challengedemployees, including veterans;

Training funds, tuition reductions,and military pay exemptions;

Federal Mentor-Protg Program:Allows certain government contrac-tor reimbursements for training/incidental costs associated withtraining physically challenged vet-erans.

According to the Corporate TaxationInsider, which offers more detailedinformation about the tax benefits of hir-ing veterans, the process for document-ing these state and federal tax benefits

is fairly straightforward for the certifiedpublic accountant or taxpayer. In addi-tion, systems can be set up to allow theemployer to pre-screen the employeesbefore they are hired in order to stream-line the documentation process andmaximize the hiring credit.

CalVet also notes that depending onthe nature of their service, veterans whoseparated from military service after9/11 may be entitled to five years of freehealth care through the U.S. Departmentof Veterans Affairs.

Veteran Employment: NationalPriority

Last year, President Barack Obamasigned into law the VOW to Hire HeroesAct, which provides much-needed prac-tical support to veterans transitioningfrom combat to careers. The Presidenthas publicly challenged the private sec-tor to hire 100,000 veterans or spousesby the end of 2013.

A soon-to-be-announced White Houseplan aims at placing thousands of post-9/11 veterans in first responder posi-tions and positions working to restoreand protect national parks. The FirstLady and the Vice Presidents wife, Dr.Jill Biden, are promoting the 100,000Jobs Mission and the Mili tary Spouse

Employment Partnership.Resources

Businesses interested in hiring veter-ans can view a step-by-step toolkit foremployers on the Americas Heroes atWork website.

Andi and I just got back from theW.A.C.E. convention and like all conven-tions the goal was to motivate and hope-fully supply enough information that youwill go back to your communities with

additional tools to make a difference.Strangely enough, there were two

different lines of thinking with all theChambers represented; as to what aChamber of Commerce should do. OneGroup says that Chambers should beadvocates for the Business community tothe city and local government; no morepancake breakfasts and Parades. Simplyrepresent business in local and stategovernmental affairs: Such as tax, feeand other increase issues. The secondgroup believes that we should be the gluethat keeps a community together withour networks; even with all the servicegroups, churches and schools. It is onlythe Chamber of Commerce that has the

ability to put faces with names and con-nect businesses with each other in the

business community. The chambers havea long standing reputation, earned overmany years, of being just that.

Each town has a Chamber ofCommerce. Not all of them are as big as

ours and some of them are much big-ger. It all depends on the communityand what the citizens feel their chambershould look like. Really, you are thedeciding factor. For instance Visalia wantstheir Chamber to be more involved ingovernment and having a presence there.Exeter could not be more of a contrast.Exeter is a quaint town with a strongcommunity. Their dues are reflective oftheir goals and ideals. They have somegreat events and everyone likes to walkthe streets of Exeter, for its hometownfeel. So its important for them to createthat environment. Each Chamber sharesthe same concerns about its members andhow we can represent them the best way.

So, here we are in Tulare; we have

somewhat of a dilemma; we are a big-little town. What do you think we shoulddo? As your CEO I have a tendency tolean towards both. We have a uniquecommunity and we work well with our

city and council. We do not require ahuge governmental affairs group. Mydirection leans towards a more friendly,open-door kind of Chamber since theworld seems, at times, like a prettyunfriendly and closed-door kind of place.People are looking for comfort, stabilityand consistency; all the things our gov-ernment currently is NOT. So, tell mewhat you think? I work for you. I am tiredof hearing how California ranks as a stateto not do business in; I am tired of read-ing that our companies are leaving ourstate to operate in other states and evenother countries; I am tired of more of ourproducers money going to projects thatseem to produce less and less.

I read an interesting quote last week:the bigger the government the smaller

the citizen. The ques-tion I would ask is: Howfar back would you haveto go to see when someof the government proj-

ects became ineffectiveand still continued todrain all of our resourc-es? 5 years? 10 years?How many of thoseprojects have continued,even though they have proved ineffective?What worthwhile agencies have beencasualties of the process? When you haveto cut expenses sometimes you cut thegood and continue to support failed pro-grams; it just happens in the governmentculture. The Chamber has always beenat the core of economic development; 5years ago we had 6 full-time employees;today we have 3 for 685 members; weare still at the core of Tulares economicdevelopment. Tell me what YOU think?

Nina Akin-President/CEO

Keeping up with the Jones (or other Chambers of Commerce)

California PACE Financing for CommercialEnergy Efficiency Retrofits and Generation

The city of Tulare established a vol-

untary assessment district within thecity limits in 2010 to provide Tularebusinesses with access to PropertyAssessed Clean Energy (PACE) financingfor energy efficiency retrofits and cleanenergy systems like solar or fuel cells.The program is administered by FIGtreeEnergy Resource Company in San Diego.Go to the website below for completeinformation. The process begins withan application and energy audit to deter-mine the most cost effective projects foryour property.

California PACE is your opportu-

nity to lower your utility bills by add-ing clean energy systems and installingenergy efficient retrofits. Financing isavailable with no credit checks and nopersonal guarantees, and your paymentsare transferrable if you sell the property.

Lower your utility bills.

Replace what needs fixing.

Enjoy rebates and tax incentives.

Increase your property value.

Comply with energy policies.

Explore green lease options.

FIGtree Energy Resource Company

9915 Mira Mesa Blvd. Suite 130

San Diego, CA 92131

(877) 577-7373

www.figtreecompany.com


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tlare chamber the pdate March 2012 page 3

Tlare Advance-Register Febrary 25, 2012MEMBER NEWS

ember NewsApril 14th, 9:00 a.m., Plaza Park in

Visalia. Tulare-Kings Right to Life (TKRL) willhost its 17th Annual LIFEWALK (formerlyWALK FOR LIFE). Registration begins 8:30amat Arbor #5. The 2-mile walk starts at 9:00am. There will be music, food, face painting,

bounce house, tricky tray raffle, games andmuch more. Children and adults of everypersuasion will find something recreationaland exciting to do. Grand Prize is a 7-DayMexican Riviera Cruise for Two! Prizes willbe awarded for several different categoriesof walkers. Those who raise $150.00 or morein pledges will receive a FREE LIFEWALKT-shirt. Walkers and Sponsors of all ages andabilities, from strollers to wheelchairs, areinvited to join us in this easy and invigorat-ing spring outing. Pledge forms are availableat many local churches and businesses dis-playing a LIFEWALK poster. They may alsobe obtained by calling TKRLs office at (559)732-5000 or by e-mailing [email protected] may also register and do all of theirfundraising conveniently online at www.tkrl.org. Proceeds from the WALK will be used tosupport TKRLs various educational programsabout fetal development, abstinence, post-abortion healing, and stem cell research,along with booths at numerous fairs, expos,and conferences. For more information andto raise funds online, go to www.tkrl.org, orcall 732-5000.

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This is an urgent call to action toeveryone to register their vehicles for theCalifornia Ag License Plate program by April1. Acquiring approval for a special interestlicense plate was a tremendous accomplish-ment and one that should not be wasted. Its

an opportunity to show California consum-ers who provides their food, fiber, flora, andfuel.

Not only is this a unique opportunity tospread consumer awareness and educateothers about what farmers and ranchers do,but the annual fee of $40 will go directly tosupport agriculture education Californiasfuture farming generation.

The process of registering for the AgLicense Plate program is simple. Visit www.CalAgPlate.com or fill out the form (PDF)and mail it to CDFA, the plates sponsoringagency, at P.O. Box 942872, Sacramento, CA94271. Cars, trucks, PTI trailers, and fleetvehicles are eligible and count toward the

quota of 5,000 that must be met by April 1.If the quota is not reached, all monies willbe refunded.

The deadline is fast approaching andyour action is urgently needed. For moreinformation, contact Andrea Fox at [email protected] or 916-446-4647.

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Does your Tulare Business qualify for taxincentives under the new state-designatedSequoia Valley Enterprise Zone? Find out onWednesday, March 7, 2012!

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce inpartnership with the City of Tulare Economic

evelopment Division and the Tulare CountyEconomic Development Corporation will be

holding a FREE workshop on Wednesday,March 7, 2012 at the Tulare Library - CityCouncil Chambers from 3:30-5:30pm toexplain the enterprise zone benefits and howyour business can access the benefits. Ifyour business is located within the EnterpriseZone boundary and you can answer Yesto any of the following questions, this work-shop is for you!

Do you have employees with a hiredate on or after October 6, 2010?

Do you plan on hiring employees inthe future?

Have you purchased new manufactur-ing or communication equipment or plan toin the future?

Would you like to keep your money tore-invest in your business, your employees

and your community?

Businesses could be eligible to receive a$37,000 hiring tax credit, which may allowthem to additionally invest in the employees,business and community, said Lori Dunagan,enterprise zone manager. Our goal is forevery eligible business to know about theprogram benefits and be able to utilize theincentives, she said.

The EDC said additional state benefitsinclude:

A 15-year net operating loss carryover.

Accelerated expense deductions.

Preference points on state contracts.

21-day fast-track permitting.

A 5-year, interest-free development feedeferral program

The fact that businesses can save moneyAND potentially reinvest back into our com-munity is a win-win situation! commentedNina Akin, Tulare Chamber CEO.

Join us on March 7, 2012 a t 3:30pm tofind out how the Sequoia Valley EnterpriseZone can benefit your bottom line!

To RSVP or for more information, pleasecontact Lori Dunagan at 559-688-3388 ext.101 or at [email protected]

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February 7, Magnolia HealthCorporations nursing homes, Twin OaksRehabilitation and Nursing Center in Tulare,Kaweah ManorConvalescent Hospitalin Visalia, PortervilleConvalescent Hospital,and Browning ManorConvalescent Hospitalin Delano were all rec-ognized by U.S. News& World Report as Best Nursing Homes in

2012. US Newss Best Nursing Homes rec-ognizes top-rated homes in all 50 states andoffers important guidance to families andhealthcare providers caring for people inneed of a nursing home.

More than 3 million Americans willspend part of 2012 in a nursing home, andtrying to decide under pressure which one isbest isnt easy, says Avery Comarow, HealthRankings Editor. Top-rated nursing homesare worth considering and deserve specialrecognition.

U.S. Newss evaluation of nursing homesis based on data from Nursing HomeCompare, a consumer website run by theCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The government agency sets and enforces

standards for nursing homes (defined asfacilities or portions of facilities enrolled inMedicare or Medicaid that provide 24-hournursing care and other medical services).Homes earn an overall rating of one to fivestars, as well as up to five stars in each ofthree underlying categories: health inspec-tions, nurse staffing, and quality of care. U.S.News updates each nursing homes ratingsdata quarterly.

Of more than 15,500 homes rated andprofiled on the U.S. News website, MagnoliaHealth Corporations nursing homes wereamong fewer than 1 in 8 that received afive-star overall rating in all four quarters of2011. Additional information is available athttp://health.usnews.com/senior-housing.

Providing excellent care and a familyenvironment for our residents is always ourtop priority, said Kenny Moyle, MagnoliaHealth Corporations CEO. We always striveto do our very best, and it feels great to berecognized for our efforts, added Moyle.

To learn more about Magnolia HealthCorporations nursing homes visit www.mag-noliahealthcorp.com.

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Valley Commerce Bancorp, (OTCBB:VCBP), a bank holding company and theparent company of Valley Business Bank,today announced fourth quarter 2011 netincome of $793 thousand, or $0.25 perdiluted common share. This compared tonet income of $764 thousand, or $0.24 per

diluted common share, for the fourth quarterof 2010. For the year ended December 31,2011 Valley Commerce Bancorp reportedearnings of $3.1 million, or $0.97 per dilutedcommon share, compared to net earnings of$2.2 million, or $0.65 per diluted commonshare, for 2010.

Allan W. Stone, President and ChiefExecutive Officer, remarked, We are pleased

to report that 2011 was the most profitableyear in the Companys histo ry. Our focus isalways on producing sustainable core earn-ings so we were par ticularly pleased that netinterest income increased in 2011. Althoughthe year over year improvement in earnings

was mostly a ttributable to a reduct ion in theprovision for loan losses, we feel that this

was made possible by our dedicated e ffortsto identify, monitor, and resolve the credit

weaknesses that were an unfortunate realityof the recession. We anticipate overall posi-tive trends in loan portfolio credit qualitygoing forward.

Stone added, The lack of loan demand inthis post-recession period remains a challengeand we are intensifying our calling, referraland marketing efforts in order to build this

vital piece of our business. In addition, ourmanagement team and all our employees con-tinue to work very diligently to prepare ourbank to compete and succeed in an ever morechallenging community banking environment.Our improved credit quality and our strongnet interest margin give us cause for opti-mism in the years ahead. We look forward tocontinuing to meet the banking needs of ourcustomers as well as providing our sharehold-ers with a safe and sound investment, and weremain fully committed to growing the valueof that investment.

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Saturday, March 31st at the HeritageComplex 4450 S Laspina in Tulare.

Sponsored by the Tulare Sunrise RotaryClub, this event is a fundraiser for the TulareBoys & Girls Club. Tickets are $75 per per-son. For tickets and more information con-tact Lynn at 592-4074.

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The Tulare Baseball Association andits numerous players have played baseball

under the lights for over 50 years. At this

time our lighting system has become outdat-ed and inefficient. Tulare Baseball would liketo improve our lighting system to a moremodern setup that is used at new baseballfields around the nation. This system willprovide well lit playing fields for all playersand continue to afford us the opportunityto host district, state, and possibly regionaltournaments. Our association has flourished

over the years, but as we have seen in thepast we cannot do this without the supportof our community. At this time we would liketo ask that you make any contribution that

you can or choose one of the following lev-els of support and continue to let the lightsshine bright on Tulare Baseball.

$100-$499 : Donor name will be onplaque with list of donors

$500-$999 : Donors will receive an indi-vidual name plaque located at the park

$1000- $4999 : Donors will receive a pen-nant on light pole for five years as well as anindividual name plaque located at the park(only 48 pennants available)

$5000 + : Donors will receive a 4ft by 8taluminum banner

Please send any donations to TulareBaseball Association PO BOX 695 Tulare93275 with your name, phone number,address, and donor name as you would likeit to appear.

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In our free government contractingcourses and seminars you will learn tech-niques to tap into the profitable federal,state, and local government markets. Ourinstructors have extensive experience ingovernment contracting and are familiar withthe latest contracting laws and regulations.For Questions, call the Federal Technology

Center (The FTC) at 866-382-7822 toll free.Introduction to Govt Contracting Learn

federal, state and local government require-ments, certifications, and qualifications. 1020

Tenth Street, Modesto Lindsey Center. March20th 9AM-12PM

Business and Entrepreneurship Centerat the Kern Community College District at2100 Chester Ave, 2nd Floor, Atlantic RmBakersfield CA. March 28th 9AM- 12PM

General Services Administration (GSA)Schedules Clear ip the myths and confu-sion about contracting with GSA. March 29th9AM-12PM

To register, or for a comple te list of ourclasses, go to www.theftc.org

VS-0000195349

Lose Weight F

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etFi

tTulare 299 So. L Street (559) 688-4312

NOOnly $35 per mo.

Ladies Only Area

We sell dietary supplements

Contracts or Initiation Fees

Iron GripFitness for Men & Women

VS-0000195429

Get Healthy& Strong!


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page 4 March 2012 tlare chamber the pdate

Febrary 25, 2012 Tlare Advance-RegisterNETWORKING OPPORTuNITIES

www.tucoemas.org

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

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

Federally insured by NCUA

Serving Tulare County Since 1948...

New & Used Auto Loans

Credit Union Direct lending (CUDL)

Auto Buying Services

Visa Credit Cards & Personal Loans

RV & Travel Trailer Loans

Fixed & Variable Rate MortgagesHome Equity Line of Credit

Discount Amusement Park Tickets

Visa Gift Cards

Travelers Checks & Gift Checks

Home, Auto, & Life Insurance

LENDING SERVICES

OTHER BENEFITS

Savings Accounts

Youth Savings Accounts

Special Savings Accounts

Checking Accounts

Certificate Accounts

Individual Retirement AccountsMarket Index Certificate

ELECTRONIC SERVICES

ATM / Visa Debit Card

Online Banking & Bill Pay

Mobile Banking

Direct Deposit & Wire Transfers

Electronic Statement

DEPOSIT SERVICES

VS-00001

93473

Sterling & Smith#1954266x5.25

Proof Out

MarchCalendar

MarchCalendar

March 7thEnterprise Zone workshop

March 7th8AM-12PM and 1PM-5PM Qick-

books Class at the Chamber

March 9thRotary Crab Feed

March 12th12PM Governmental Affairs Commit-tee Meeting at Apple Anniess

March 13th10AM Grondbreaking for new school

located at Alpine and Morison. Nameof school not yet determined.

March 13th12PM Ambassador Meeting

March 19thNewsletter deadline for April edition

March 20th6PM Tscany Slide Show

March 31st5:30PM Comics for Kids at the Heri-tage Complex

Please send your event dates [email protected].

The Olive Branch Lodge hosted the January Mixer at the MasonicTemple. Chamber members networked and toured the facilitywhile enjoying appetizers. The group was delighted or the tourof the historic building, shown in this photo is our knowledge-able tour guide and Olive Branch Lodge Master, Steve Presant.For more information on the historic lodge visit their websiteat www.calodges.org/no269/ . The facility is available for rentfor meetings and events and is equipped with projector for easeof presentations. The ample space and full kitchen is a delightto host an event in. Thank you to the Olive Branch Lodge for agreat event. If you are interested in hosting a mixer contact Andiat [email protected].

January MixerJanuary Mixer

Learn to use QuickBooksWe are offering free QuickBooks

classes with instructor Lance Wilkins.

The first time we offered this courseit was so wellreceived that wewanted to offer itagain. InstructorLance Wilkins will

once again teach the following informa-tion.

From 8-12 PM: Basic Quickbooks

From 1-5 PM: Payroll, Reports, etc.Following is a more detailed descrip-

tion of the curriculum.

Writing checks, creating customerinvoices and payments, using accounts-receivable and accounts payable, bankreconciliation and more!

Payroll, Sales Tax, and 1099s Setting up and using QuickBooks

to print 1099s at year-end

Setting up and using different salestax codes; creating sales tax reports forgovernment forms, etc.

Setting up payroll, processing pay-roll, paying payroll tax liabilities, payrollreports, etc.

Advanced QuickBooks Useful reports to increase efficiency

Custom invoices and other forms

Export to Excel or Word, create

collection or other letters automaticallywith QuickBooks data!

Loan Manager

Accounting for Bad Debts

Fixed Assets and Credit Cards

Your Questions and more!

All Classes located at the Chamberoffice, 220 E Tulare Ave. Call 559-686-1547 for more information and to regis-ter. Seats are limited!

Discover Tuscanywith the Chamber

Your tour begins in Rome.Upon arrival, you may wish tosign up for an optional tour ofClassical Rome or enjoy free

time to explore on your own.This evening, get acquaintedwith your fellow travelers duringa festive wel-come dinner at alocal restaurantwhere regionalfoods, fun Italian melodiesand fine Italian wines kickof your Tuscan adventure!That is just one day of this10 day trip. It is time to cross this one off your bucketlist. March 20th 2012 at 6PM we will be having a meet-ing to discuss the details of this trip. This trip is on ourcalendars for November 6th through the 15th. Book priorto May 6th and save $100 per person. This trip will takeyou to Rome, Assisi, Basilica of St.Francis, Montecatini

Terme, Siena, San Gimignano, Wintery Tour, Florance,and a Tuscan Feast. Contact the Chamber at 686-1547 orJill Worley at 686-8085 for more information.

Excitement Revving Up for Cars on KCars on K is coming to

downtown Tulare on Saturday,April 7th from 10 am to 3 pm.More than 200 classic and cus-tom cars, trucks, motorcycles,and modified pulling tractorswill line the streets duringthis free, family-friendly event.

There will be food from localcaterers, music, vendors, and lotsof great sales at Tulares down-town businesses. Once again,there will be a beer garden areasponsored by Sequoia Beverage.A big thank you to our TitleSponsors: Merle Stone Chevrolet,

Sturgeon & Beck, and Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, whose support makes this eventpossible. There is something for every-one at this event. Bring the entire familyand enjoy the Chambers 25th AnnualCars on K. Blast from the Past, FridayNight April 6th from 6-9PM Join us forCruise Night at the A&W on J St.

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize these members who have gone above andbeyond membership investment in 2011. Their support is instrumental in the growth of the Chamber.

Presidents CircleJ.D. Heiskell & Company

Lagomarsino GroupPreferred Outlets at Tulare

Res-Com Pest Control

Saputo Cheese USA, IncTulare Advance Register

Tulare Regional Medical Center

Directors CircleInternational Agri Center

Land O LakesMC Solutions

Ambassadors CircleAcclaim Auto & Truck Accessories

Adair & Evans, An AccountancyCorporation

Bank of the Sierra

Citizens Business BankCollege of the Sequoias

Horswill, Mederos & SoaresLane Engineers, Inc.

Quad Knopf, Inc.Ruan Transportation Corporation

Sturgeon & Beck, Inc.Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino

TF Tire & ServiceValley Business Bank

Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Circles ofExcellenceA program of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce

Documents

Chamber March 2012