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PetalumaBUSINESS
PetalumaBUSINESS
“Petaluma’s voice for business”
March 2010Vol 19, No 3
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE
PAIDPETALUMA, CAPERMIT NO. 127
6 Petaluma Blvd. North, Suite A-2Petaluma, CA 94952707-762-2785
A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce • www.petalumachamber.com
Time Sensitive Material - Deliver by Mar. 5
Economy Study ShowsPetaluma Needs Retail
A newly released study presented tothe Petaluma Area Chamber ofCommerce revealed that the City ofPetaluma’s current fiscal crisis clearlydemonstrates that the city would bebetter off financially and commerciallywith greater retail availability.
“Without dramatic changes to thecity’s revenue streams or resurgence inthe local economy, the city will be facedwith ongoing budgetary problems andfurther difficult decisions,” said LonHatamiya, an economist that authoredthe study. “Petaluma’s current fiscal crisiswill remain challenging for theforeseeable future.”
Major Findings
• Petaluma has experienced asignificant decline in General Fundrevenues, a rapid drop of 34.6%since 2007.
• A lack of diverse retail options islimiting the city’s ability to reboundfrom the economic downturn at thesame rate as the state as a whole.
• Had two proposed shopping centerprojects been in place during theeconomic downturn, the city’sfinancial crisis would not be sogreat.
• Validates the city’s previous studiesthat determined that Petaluma issignificantly under-retailed in majorretail categories, including BuildingMaterials stores and General Mer -chandise stores, among others.
• “If the Lowe’s store had beenopened in Petaluma in the past twoyears or into the future, the Citycould generate an additional$240,000 in sales tax per year.
• If the Target store had been openedin Petaluma in the past two years orinto the future, the City couldgenerate an additional $290,000 insales tax per year.
• In addition, Building Materials stores(Lowe’s) and General Merchandisestores (Target) opened in NorthernCalifornia communities from 2003-2007, were among the top 7 salestax generators in each city the yearfollowing their opening and con -
• Other Northern California com -munities experienced a significantincrease in new tax revenue withthe construction of Lowe’s andTarget stores.
The study was commissioned byMerlone-Geier Partners, developers ofDeer Creek Village. Hatamaya, the study’sauthor, is the former secretary of theCalifornia Technology, Trade, andCommerce Agency.
The study focused on the economicimpact on Petaluma if both the Regencyproject (Target) at the Fairgrounds andthe Deer Creek project (Lowe’s) werebuilt. The following is extracted from thereport.
Current Resident or
tinuing in successive years. As aresult, these types of stores not onlyadd to the retail mix of acommunity, but also provide asteady source of sales tax revenue.
Moreover, our independent TaxableRetail Sales analysis which solely focusesupon the potential additional benefits ofopening both a Lowe’s store and a Targetstore could also result at a minimum inover $550,000 in new sales tax just fromthose two stores. Simply by opening theLowe’s and Target stores, at the very leastthe City would be able to save three policeofficer positions and two firefighterpositions slated to be eliminated or leftvacant in the FY2010 budget.
Board ElectionNominations Open
A new year, and it is once again timefor the annual election for members ofthe Chamber of Commerce Board ofDirectors. Each year, four members areelected to three-year terms by theChamber membership. In addition, theChamber president appoints threemembers to one year terms.
A nominating committee has beenselected to recommend a slate ofcandidates for the election. Members ofthe nominating committee are EleceHempel Chair, Petaluma People Services,
of Petaluma Business. The ballots will bemailed on April 1, and must becompleted and mailed to the Chamberoffice by April 23. The new Board will beannounced in the May issue of PetalumaBusiness.
The elected directors whose terms are
expiring are Les Villanyi, Monica Soiland,
Jeff Mayne, and Will Soper. The
appointed directors whose one year
terms are expiring are W. Thom
Knudson, Deb Padia, and Matt White.
John Burns, Petaluma Argus Courier,Katie Kerns, PG&E, Jim Alexander, JimAlexander Financial Consultant, andKathy Moore, First Community Bank.
The nominating committee will reportits slate to the Board of Directors onMarch 8. Any member in good standingcan have his or her name placed on theballot simply by submitting a petitionsigned by five Chamber members byMarch 15.
A list of candidates, with theirstatements, will appear in the April issue
2 March 2010 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
PETALUMA BUSINESS CREDITSPublished by the Petaluma Area Chamber of
Commerce, 6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-2©2009 Petaluma Chamber of Commerce
Don Bennett Editor & WriterAVM Graphics Design & Production
Marin Sun Printing
PetalumaBUSINESS
Petaluma Business ads are sales boosters! An economic way to reach more than 800 businesses monthly. Call the Chamber, 762-2785 for specifics & discount rates.
Committees
Agri-BusinessRebecca Scott, 540-0054Royal Petroleum
AmbassadorsDaniel Canales, 781-9483Insphere Insurance Solutions
Jim Alexander, 762-2818Financial Consultant
Business/EducationDennis Hardle, 763-5348Hardle and Company
Government AffairsWayne Leach, (415) 883-9850CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering Group
Leadership Petaluma ProgramCall the Chamber for info, 762-2785.
Past Presidents CouncilElece Hempel, 765-8488Petaluma People Services Center
Call 762-2785 for more information. River John FitzGerald, 794-0667 FitzGerald & Associates
Wake-Up PetalumaJim Becker, 778-7780Edward Jones Investments
Jeff Mayne, 536-6161Excel Mortgage Solutions
Women in BusinessAnne Fischer Silva, CN, 849-3569A New Leaf Nutrition
PresidentLes Villanyi*, 484-4992
Nikken Wellness [email protected]
First Vice PresidentMonica Soiland, 762-3200Midstate Construction
Second Vice PresidentMkulima “M” Britt*, 778-8448Clover Stornetta Farms, Inc.
TreasurerRon Malnati*, 769-2294
Exchange [email protected]
Immediate Past PresidentElece Hempel*, 765-8488
Petaluma People Services [email protected]
DIRECTORS
John Burns, 762-4541Petaluma [email protected]
Daniel Canales*, 781-9483National Assoc. for Self-Employed
Katie Kerns*, 557-7045PG&E
W. Thom Knudson*, 763-1911Behrens, Nelson & Knudson
Richard Marzo, 763-1515Lace House Linen
Jeff Mayne, 536-6161Excel Mortgage Solutions
Deb Padia*, 792-5102
Tony Sarno*, 664-1400Keegan & Coppin
Will Soper*, 763-3888Beels Soper LLP, CPAs
Matt White, 795-4477Basin Street [email protected]
CHAMBER STAFF762-2785 • Fax 762-4721
Email: [email protected]
Onita Pellegrini*, CEOJudy Carney, Bookkeeper
Daniella Ellicott*, Member ServicesKathy Brandal, Office Assistant
VISITORS PROGRAM769-0429 • Fax 283-0528www.visitpetaluma.com
* Leadership Petaluma Graduates
Ambassador ProfileKathleen StaffordWells Fargo
Kathleen Stafford brings two majorpassions to her role as Ambassador:bringing people together and educationabout money.
Kathleen has worked for Wells Fargosince her college days, with breaks toraise her three boys, twins Jesse andTony, 10, and Nick, 13, all born inPetaluma. She is now a Premier Bankerand a Loan Specialist at the WashingtonSquare Branch.
“Wells Fargo has been very good tome,” she says. They gave her greatflexibility to take care of her children’sneeds when she was a single mother.
Now happily remarried to Lawrence,she is involved in the community inmore ways than ever. Along with herchamber duties, she is on the event-planning committee for PEP housingand also organizes Wells Fargo eventsand parties. Her newest project iswriting a book about relationships,
based on hundreds of questionnairesshe’s collecting from men and women.
Kathleen’s late father, a retired ChiefMaster Sergeant of the Air Force, gaveher real life lessons often in the value ofmoney and setting goals.
“For instance, it was the eighties, and Ijust had to have a pair of $85 Guessoveralls,” recalls Kathleen. “My dad gaveme $40 which is what he thought theywere worth and said, ‘If you want themso much, you’ll find a way to earn therest.’”
These days, she says, the young peoplewho open accounts at Wells Fargo don’tknow what a register is let alone knowhow to balance one. Kathleen teacheschildren—some as young as 4 yearsold—about banking, using a curriculumcalled “Hands-On Banking.” At the TinyTots daycare, she uses pennies to teachthe value of, say, a piece of candy or asmall toy. Older children learn the cost
Kathleen Stafford
of their lunch, both individually and as ayearly expense, and talk about ways toearn money through chores.
She joined the Chamber because inher work at Wells Fargo bank,networking is an important skill. And asa businesswoman and mother, shewanted to learn more about hercommunity and the people behind thebusinesses here.
Her goal as an ambassador is to bringmore people into the mixers, to “makethe chamber functions an even betternetworking resource.”
Eating Right, Downtown Events,Sonoma-Marin Fair at Wakeup
Downtown happenings, eating right,and this year’s local Fair highlight themixed bag of presentations at the Marchprogram for Wake Up Petaluma,scheduled for March 23, 7:30 a.m., atRooster Run.
Jeff Mayne will talk about the “Pulse ofDowntown” and upcoming events inDowntown Petaluma.
business consulting he will be offeringat the Chamber office.
In addition on the program isrecognition of new members and araffle drawing.
Cost for the breakfast is $20 forChamber members, $25 for non-members. Reservations needed – call762-2785.
Anne Fischer Silva, A New LeafNutrition & Skincare, will share thesecrets to a good nutritional plan.
Vicki DeArmon, Marketing Director ofthe Sonoma-Marin Fair, will present apreview of this year’s Fair, “CelebratingSummer’s Bounty”, which will be heldfrom June 23 – June 27.
Also, Al Ramirez will discuss the free
President’s Message
Change CanAlso Be Good
By Les Villanyi,President,
Petaluma AreaChamber ofCommerce
4 March 2010 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Editorials & Opinions, Analyses, Commentary, Viewpoints
Commentary
It’s almost spring! A time for rebirth,reassessment of priorities, taxes, andother fun stuff. A lot of good things arehappening! In February, the city councilvoted 5-2 in favor of the East WashingtonPlace/Target center that will bring injobs and help to stanch retail leakage to neighboring cities. I’m sure this is not the end of the debate, but kudos tothe council in getting off the dime,whether through political expediencyor true dedication to building a betterPetaluma. Either way it will result inmovement forward instead of continuedstagnation, polarization, and lostrevenues to the city.
As a citizen of Petaluma, I too wouldlike to maintain the charming smalltown ambience. However, we cannotexist in a vacuum. Time marches on,needs change and expand, populationsgrow, and city services have to be paidfor by someone. The idea of “NIMBY”(not in my backyard) could be expandedto “NOOMP” (not out of my pocket) asrelates to many people’s assertion ofwho should pay for city services.
Selfishly, I would also like to shortenmy own shopping excursions on thefreeway to either Rohnert Park orNovato. So I am very excited about whatchange will bring to the Petalumaexperience. In my 17 years as aPetaluman, I have seen a number ofambitious projects that have trulyenriched not only the cultural life of thecity but also the everyday life of thecitizens.
Platinum Members Gold Members Silver Members
Ace Shirt & Cap • Circle Bank • Clark Rosen, Coldwell Banker Deer Creek Village • Moonware Design
Bronze Members
Nominations Sought ForCommunity RecognitionAwards Ceremony
Nominations are now open for the annual Community Recognition awards. Weare fortunate to live in a community where so many people give so much tomake this a finer place to live for us all. Now is the time when we can recognizethose who have done so much, often with no recognition at all.
We urge our members to take a few minutes and think about those people youknow in this community who would be worthy honorees when our communitypacks the Sheraton to bestow richly deserved recognition on our friends andneighbors.
Our current rash of economic bad news has served to remind us that wecannot always rely on good times and a good economy to carry us through, andin times like these it is the leadership exerted by a large number of concernedcitizens that helps us not only survive the bad times, but to alleviate the pains ofa struggling economy.
Chamber CEO Onita Pellegrini said that in addition to recognition at theAwards Ceremony, the honoree in the small business category will also berecognized at the annual Sonoma County Spirit of the County awards
These awards are an outstanding opportunity to recognize friends andneighbors who have gone “beyond the limit” to do good for our community.
The annual awards event takes place on April 29 at the Sheraton. Applicationsare available at the Chamber office or online at peralumachamber.com.Completed forms can be returned to the chamber office or faxed to (707) 762-4721. Deadline for nominations is March 15, 5:00 p.m.
Award categories are:
• Citizen of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Large Business of the Year
• Small Business of the Year
• Excellence in Education
• Excellence in Agriculture
• Service to Youth
• Service to Seniors
In addition, Policemen of the Year and Firefighter of the Year will be selectedby their respective departments, and the Community Service award will beselected by the Argus-Courier.
So, please look over this list very carefully, and if you see someone who isdeserving of recognition, please contact the Chamber office at 762-2785 for infoon submitting nominations.
Nancy Cooley,Agent
The prospect of new stores coming inmeans more time spent in Petaluma, notonly in these new stores but in existingstores that will complement each other.It is like having a shoe store and a socksstore nearby. What fun!
I am tired of the naysayers who shootdown ideas without offering anythingconcrete and viable that can address theneeds of the community at large. Onedefinitely wonders at their motivation orhidden agenda. With the continuingeconomic woes, we need a shot in thearm and these small but vocal groupstend to polarize rather than be a part ofthe solution. We have such a widebreadth of industry here that newindustry benefits everyone.
In previous letters I have written thatin this economic downturn it is notbusiness as usual. The direction we tookin the past brought us to thischallenging time. We have to change andadapt in order to survive as a thrivingcommunity rather than a has-beencommunity that businesses shun.
It is time to change our attitudes also!Whether the halcyon days are justaround the corner or down the road apiece, we are living in the present andhave to learn to prosper in thisenvironment. There is no point inmooning over the past or looking to thefuture – we have to eat now, pay bills,raise children, and live.
Gray skies are already clearing up soput on a happy face!
6 March 2010 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce6 March 2010 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
The Petaluma People Services Centerwill host a seminar on CompassionateCommunication for people dealing withmemory-impaired individuals.
The seminar, presented by theAlzheimers Association, will be given at22 Howard Street on March 9 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. The seminar is free.
The program offers that com -
Seminar for AlzheimersWIB Lunch FocusesOn Home Makeovers
The Petaluma Area Chamber ofCommerce Women in BusinessCommittee presents as part of theirmonthly Brown Bag Lunch Seminarseries, “One-Day Home Makeover toCreate First and Lasting Impressions!”
The seminar will be held on March31st from 12pm to 1pm in theChamber’s Conference Room and will
be presented by Susan Morrison ofJoyful Surroundings; Home Staging &Design. If you are interested inattending this seminar, please e-mail [email protected].
Space is limited so reservations arenecessary. Drinks are provided. The costis Chamber Members $5 / Non-ChamberMembers $8.
Former Chamber StafferHas Peruvian Adventure
Marcie Becker-Waldron, formerChamber Board member, staff member,and graphic artist for PetalumaBusiness, recently traveled to Peru withHusband Dave Waldron. A recipient ofa double organ transplant and adiabetes sufferer who has lost one leg,Marcie nevertheless is an avid andactive traveler, At Machu Picchu inPeru she and Dave were isolated by theheavy rains, washed out roads, andlandslides. Following is the text of aletter she sent to friends.
Hi Friends,
Peru was quite an adventure…although not exactly the adventure weplanned. Machu Picchu is truly aninspiring and beautiful ancient site. Theonly way to Machu Picchu is by shuttlebus from a nearby village which isaccessible only by a single gauge railroadride along the Urobombo River. Weknew it was the rainy season but didn’tknow this was the rainiest rainy season
be no train for months and that thewhole town of 6,000 (tourists andindigenous folks) would be evacuatedby helicopter to Cuzco. One problem-Cuzco was fogged in. We were a part ofthe mob scene waiting in the main arenafor word about the evacuation. (greatpeople watching!)
Thank the Gods of all cultures thatDave is big and strong and speaksSpanish. He was able to wheel mearound cobblestone pathways built forllamas and to solicit (tip) help as neededto carry me up and down stonestairways where even llamas can’t go.
Somehow, even through medical andmilitary inspections we were able to geta free ride (without FF miles!) out oftown on the second military cargohelicopter to Cuzco.
Sadly, several hundred lost their livesand over 10 million Peruvians wereimpacted by this natural disaster. It tookabout a week to evacuate everyone from
in 23 years. The Urobombo wastumultuous.
I managed my way around the rockytrails and narrow uneven steps of M.P.with mucho help from Dave andPasquaro, our Incan guide. My leg fell offonce but fortunately didn’t tumbledown any terraces. Poor shockedPasquaro has a new story to share. It wasan exhilarating day.
In the village, our hotel was right onthe bank of the mighty Urobombo. At6am we got the knock on the door toevacuate the hotel. I was mid-makeupand never did finish both eyes.
Everyone scrambled to the trainstation…three blocks uphill. We waitedand waited and met some interestingpeople and waited and waited. We finallygot the word that there would be notrain due to a landslide.
We were allowed back in our hotel forthe short night and learned there would
munications is more than the ability toexchange words—it is the ability toconnect with someone. This programwill provide strategies on improvingoverall communication skills whilebonding with memory-impairedindividuals.
Registration is requested – call Kim at
PPSC 707-765-8490 to register.
Machu Picchu.
I would love to return to Peru—in thedry season. I had hoped to boost theireconomy with a shopping spree but Iwas busy with evacuations.
We barely got to the ship in time forthe next leg of our journey—cruisingdown the Chilean coast, around thehorn, into Antarctica and onto Argentinato Buenos Aires and brother Doug.
So far our cruise has been peacefuland we love being pampered.
We are well and hope you are too.
Love,Marcie and Dave
P.S. Did I mention that most of ourluggage is still somewhere in Peru?!
Editors note: Marcie also made thenews. See the following Youtube link tosee her being evacuated by helicopterand wheelchair.
youtube.com/watch?v=pXuIXDn7azI
President’s CircleContinues to Grow
Membership in the Chamber’sPresident’s Circle Club has now swollento 23 businesses, as Rooster Run EventCenter joins the group as a Silver Member.
Members of the President’s Circleenjoy advantages of advertising inChamber publications, event spon -sorships, and other benefits, as a meansof maximizing their memberships.
The current roster of the President’sCircle:
Platinum members: Bank of Marin,Comcast, Doyle Contracting, ExchangeBank, PG&E, Port Sonoma, and RedwoodCredit Union.
Gold members: Clover Stornetta,
Nancy Cooley State Farm Agent, andSummit State Bank.
Silver members: AVM Graphics,Century 21 Bundesen, First CommunityBank, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan,Medley Glass Works, Pacific eDocumentsSolutions LLC, Sonoma Bank, andRooster Run Event Center.
Bronze members: Ace Shirt and CapPrinting, Circle Bank, Clark Rosen-Coldwell Banker, Merlone-GeierPartners/Deer Creek Village, andMoonware Design.
For information about becoming aPresident’s Circle member, call 762-2785.
Chamber Active In Civic IssuesWith the new year, the Chamber has
been busy with issues new and old.
In January, the GovernmentAffairs/Economic DevelopmentCommittee met with Chuck Dalldorf,League of California Cities, who made apresentation of an initiative the Leagueis trying to get put on the November2010 ballot. The initiative aims topermanently protect local governmentrevenues from any state borrowing ortaking (fixes the Prop. 1A exemption)and protects TO tax and utility user taxrevenues from being borrowed or takenas well by the state.
The initiative would also protectredevelopment money and Prop. 42Street and highway funds as well astransit operating funds.
That same day, the Board of Directors
and members of the GA/ED committeehad a brown bag lunch at the Chamberoffice, discussing local issues withSupervisor Mike Kerns. One of the issuesdiscussed was the effort to place an itemon this year’s ballot opposing the Indiancasino in Rohnert Park.
A number of men and womenrepresenting the Chamber turned outfor the City Council meeting onFebruary 8 to support the Regencyshopping center at the Fairgrounds. TheEIR and the tentative map wereapproved 5-2, but the project wasreturned to the Planning Commissionfor further review of site design.
In addition, the Chamber was active inarranging participation at the Februaryfocus group activities regarding theCity’s economic strategic plan.
8 March 2010 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Glimpses of a DayWith Leadership
On January 20, the PACC Leadershipclass participated in CommunityService/Non-Profit Day. The day’schairman, Pennylee Christensen, themedthe program “The League of Extra -ordinary Citizens.” The Day wassponsored by McKenzie Smith EagleWest Ins. Agency and Tony Maestri, StateFarm Insurance.
Held at the Petaluma Yacht Club, morethan 17 speakers shared their dedi -cation, information and stories, provingwhy Petaluma is so unique and special.
All Photos courtesy of Victor KunkelPhotography.
Pennylee Christiansen addresses theLeadership class at the Petaluma Yacht Club.
Bert Smith of Bert’sDesserts talked aboutthe importance ofbusiness owners givingboth their time and/ortheir products.
Pat Landrum told aboutHealthy CommunityConsortium & Allianceof Non-Profits.Jim Fitzgerald talked
about the annual effortsof Christmas Cheer.
Lee Strauss spoke to whyvolunteer with Hospiceof Petaluma.
Bill Sullivan of thePetaluma Kiwanis Clubtalked about Kiwanis sup -port for kid’s programs.
Libby FitzGerald & Jim O’Grady of Peta lu -ma Valley Rotary showing off SteamerLanding Park and sharing how all threeRotary Clubs in Petaluma came together to make this project happen.
The class ended the day at the YachtClub with a happy hour or two.
10 March 2010 Petaluma Business – A publication of the PACC
Tax Benefits InYear of Stimulus
Baldwin McGaughey has issued anewsletter itemizing tax deductions andtax credits in this year of stimulusefforts. The text of the newsletterfollows.
New Jobs Credit for California: Anew tax credit of $3,000 for eachadditional full-time employee hired isavailable to small businesses with 20 orless employees beginning January 1,2009. The credit must be claimed on atimely filed original return received bythe Franchise Tax Board (FTB) on orbefore a cut-off date specified by the FTB.
First-time Homebuyer’s Credit: Acredit limit of $8,000 for qualified first-time homebuyers is available in 2009.Further, long-time residents who ownedand used the same principal residencefor any 5 consecutive years of the last 8years prior to purchasing a subsequentnew principal residence, may nowqualify for a tax credit of up to $6,500.
Residential Energy PropertyCredit: The new law increases theenergy tax credit for homeowners whomake energy efficient improvements totheir existing homes. The new lawincreases the credit rate to 30 percent ofthe cost of all qualifying improvementsand raises the maximum credit limit to$1,500 for improvements placed inservice in 2009 and 2010. The creditapplies to improvements such as addinginsulation, energy efficient exteriorwindows and energy-efficient heatingand air conditioning systems.
Residential Energy Efficiency TaxCredit: This nonrefundable energy taxcredit will help individual taxpayers payfor qualified residential alternativeenergy equipment, such as solar hotwater heaters, geothermal heat pumpsand wind turbines. The new law removessome of the previously imposedmaximum amounts and allows for acredit equal to 30 percent of the cost ofqualified property.
Business BriefsThe sponsors of the 31st Annual Miss
Teenage California Scholarship Pageant, tobe held in Los Angeles April 23-25, are currently seeking outstanding young women 13-19 to compete. Visitwww.missteenageca.com.
Bank of Marin announced theappointment of Augustine Acuna asBranch Manager for two of the bank’sthree Petaluma branches. Acuna willsplit duties between the NorthMcDowell and Marina locations. Acunareplaces Faith Giosso, who was pro -
moted to Branch Operations Mana ger.
Stroller Strides, a Petaluma companythat promotes health and fitness forprenatal and post-pregnancy moms andtheir babies, was recently ranked amongEntrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500,the coveted list that recognizes topfranchises in the nation. The company’sexercise programs, including StrollerStrides of Petaluma, not only help momsstay fit, but also promote entrepreneur -ship for women.
American Opportunity Credit:This credit helps pay for first four yearsof College, by modifying the existingHope credit for tax years 2009 and 2010,making it available to a broader range oftax payers. Income guidelines are ex -pand ed and required course materialsare added to the list of qualifiedexpenses. Many of those eligible willqualify for the maximum annual creditof $2,500 per student.
New Vehicle Purchase Incentive:New car buyers can deduct the state orlocal sales or excise taxes paid on thepurchase of new cars, light trucks, motorhomes and motorcycles. There is no limiton the number of vehicles that may bepurchased, and eligible taxpayers mayclaim the deduction for taxes paid onmultiple purchases. However, the deduc -tion is limited to the tax on up to $49,500of the purchase price of each qualifyingnew vehicle. Qualifying new vehiclesmust be purchased, not leased, after Feb.16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010.
Child Tax Credit: If you have adependent child under age 17 at the endof 2009, you probably qualify for thechild tax credit. This credit, which canbe as much as $1,000 for each qualifyingchild, is in addition to the regular $3,650personal exemption for 2009 you canclaim for each dependent.
Credit for Child and DependentCare Expenses: If you pay someone tocare for your child so you can work orlook for work, you probably qualify forthis credit. Normally, your child must beyour dependent and under age 13.Though often referred to as the childcare credit, this credit is also available ifyou pay someone to care for a spouse ordependent, regardless of age, who isunable to care for himself or herself. Inmost cases, you need to obtain the careprovider’s social security number ortaxpayer identification number andenter it on your return.
12 March 2010 Petaluma Business – A publication of the PACC
The Redwood Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC)offers free business counseling to small businesses.
• Develop a business plan• Review & enhance an existing business plan
A representative from the SBDC will be at the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce office every other Tuesday.
For more information and an appointment, contact Santana MacInnes at (707) 524-1770.
Dairy Industry Has PositiveStatewide Economic Impact
A study released by the California MilkAdvisory Board (CMAB) highlights thedairy industry’s impact on California’seconomy, including the number of jobsand revenue generated from a typicaldairy farm in one year. In 2008, the latestyear for which figures are available,California’s largest agriculture com -modity was responsible for creating atotal of 443,574 jobs and $63 billion ineconomic activity for the state.
The typical California dairy cow andfarm stimulates a positive ripple effectthroughout the state, according to theresearch conducted by J/D/G ConsultingInc., an independent dairy industryresearch firm based in Florida.Specifically, a typical dairy farm inCalifornia generates $33.1 million ineconomic activity and 232 jobs in thestate, including ‘on-the-farm’ and‘beyond-the-farm’ jobs like milk tankerdrivers, grocery store clerks, feedfarmers and employees at milkprocessing and cheese plants, amongothers.
When compared to the impact ofother notable California industries, thedairy industry provides more economicstimulus and jobs to the state yearly thaneither the iconic motion picture/television or wine industries. The mostrecent statistics available for theseindustries show that the motionpicture/television industry contributes
$35 billion and 208,230 jobs (2007) andthe wine industry provides $59 billionand 330,000 jobs (2008).
And they’re doing so in a sustainablemanner. California’s dairy producers aresubject to the most stringent environ -mental regulations in the U.S. In 1997,the industry partnered with govern -mental agencies and academia to createthe California Dairy Quality AssuranceProgram (CDQAP), a voluntary partner -ship providing education and resourcesfor dairy producers to navigate andcomply with the state’s myriad ofenvironmental regulations as well asproviding information on animal healthand welfare, food safety and emergencypreparedness.
The program was recognized withCalifornia’s highest and most prestigiousenvironmental honor, the Governor’sEnvironmental and Economic Leader -ship Award (GEELA) and is considered amodel of how an industry can work inpartnership with governmental agenciesfor the betterment of the environment.
California’s dairy industry iscomprised of dairy families, many whohave been in the business forgenerations. The dairy families wereresponsible for producing more than 41billion pounds of milk in 2008, a figurethat is expected to exceed 46 billionpounds by 2020.
More than 50 alums of theLeadership Petaluma pro -gram gathered at Taps in Feb -ruary for socializing and inthe process raising $200 forthe Tomorrows Leaders Todayprogram. Pictured above are,LtoR, Giselle Rue, OnitaPellegrini, Sharon Medley,Joan Bunn, Lori Pearce, and
Nancy Cooley. The group’s next mixer is scheduled for April 16. Applications fornext year’s class, which starts in August, are now being accepted.
Business BriefsThe 2010 US Census is recruiting
part-time, temporary census takers at$20/hr. now. These jobs offer good pay,flexible hours and paid training. Call 1-866-861-2010 for more informationand to schedule a test locally. Tests areavailable in English and Spanish,bilinguals are encouraged to apply. There’s a practice test available atgoogle.uscensuspracticetest.
From March 1 to 31, Curves ofPetaluma will collect non-perishableitems and monetary donations for food
banks in the local area. Members whodonate a bag of groceries or make aminimum donation of $30 during themonth of March will receive a reusableCurves grocery freezer bag for free. Non-members who do likewise betweenMarch 8 and 20 can join Curves for free.
An Easter Egg Hunt with children’sactivities will be hosted by PetalumaSunrise Rotary. The event for children 12and under is free and takes placeSaturday, March 27, at the Sonoma-MarinFairgrounds, 10am -12pm, rain or shine.
FREE Business Counseling
Don Bennett& Associates
Advertising & PR ConsultingWriting & Editing Services
[email protected] Petaluma Coffee & Tea
212 2nd St., south of D, in the Theater District • 763-2727
Make every day specialwhen you wake up to your own select blend or let us make it for you
at our espresso cart!
Weekdays from 7:30 to 5:30Saturdays from 8:00 to 4:00
14 March 2010 Petaluma Business – A publication of the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce
Members
New MembersKresky SignsCecelia Brown429 First StreetPetaluma, CA 94952
Marin County Sidewall CompanyPeter Sutton601 Galland StreetPetaluma, CA 94952
Petaluma Community AccessJohn Bertucci205 Keller Street, Ste. 102Petaluma, CA 94952
Petaluma Finger PrintsBrian Ballatore110 Kentucky StreetPetaluma, CA 94952
Red Rock PoolsRobert Nyden5438 Alta Monte DriveSanta Rosa, CA 95404
Renaissance Man Home RepairMike HamrickPetaluma, CA 94952
RiverviewBob Dickson196 Mission DrivePetaluma, CA 94952
Tara Firma FarmsAnastasia Schuster3796 I Street ExtensionPetaluma, CA 94952
Renewing MembersAAA Insurance/AAA Travel AgencyAble Fence CompanyAdams MovingAdobe Creek Funeral HomeAirport ExpressAmerican AgCredit, FLCAArchaeological Resource ServiceATL EventsBank of Marin, North McDowell Blvd.Barbara's BakeryBarlow PrintingBenevolent & Protective Order of ElksBetter Business Bureau, Inc.Big O Tires #70Brandner Veterinary Hospital, Inc.
Circle Bank, President's Circle-Bronze Level
Cowboy Up, Inc. DBA 256 North Events Center
Dairy Delivery, Inc.Digilock Security People, Inc.Edward Jones Investments, Jim BeckerGale's Central ClubGallery One - Contemporary ArtGolden Living CenterHaus FortunaHeritage Homes of PetalumaHotel Petaluma - ApartmentsHover Insurance Services, Inc.Mahoney Davison Co.McKenzie Smith Eagle West Insurance
Services LLCMerlone Geier Partners/Deer Creek
Village, President’ Circle, Bronze LevelMV TransportationNelson StaffingOld Adobe Union School DistrictOut West GaragePaula R. Gardner, D.D.S.Petaluma Auto Body Shop, Inc.Petaluma Downtown AssociationPetaluma Museum AssociationPetalumen's Lighting Company LLCRaley's Supermarketrisibisi Restaurant - Wine BarRiverTown Feed & Pet Country Store, Inc.Save Energy CompanySoft ShellSpringfield Place - Retirement CommunitySpurgeon Painting, Inc.Stony Point Rock Quarry, Inc.Tres Hombres Long Bar & GrillWomen's Cancer Awareness Group
Long-Time MembersPetaluma Auto Body Shop, Inc.,
34 YearsRosalind Pacciorini
Brandner Veterinary Hospital, Inc., 26 Years
Barry Santero
Barlow Printing, 25 YearsPatrick Barlow
Edward Jones Investments, 25 YearsJim Becker
American AgCredit, FLCA, 24 YearsRuth McClure
Old Adobe Union School District, 23 Years
Dianne Zimmerman
Nelson Staffing, 22 YearsKelly Hartman
Able Fence Company, 22 YearsDan Boyd
Adams Moving, 22 YearsSherri Adams
Gallery One - Contemporary Art, 22 Years
Michael Gonzalez
AAA Insurance/AAA Travel Agency, 21 Years
Marueen Chisholm
ATL Events, 19 YearsSylvia Parkinson
Big O Tires #70, 19 YearsRandy Scott
Archaeological Resource Service, 18 Years
Katherine Flynn
Heritage Homes of Petaluma, 19 Years
Terry Kosewic
Mahoney Davison Co., 18 YearsKerry Davison
RiverTown Feed and Pet Country Store, Inc., 18 Years
Don Benson
Spurgeon Painting, Inc., 17 YearsKaren Spurgeon
Petaluma Museum Association, 17 Years
Joe Noriel
Cowboy Up, Inc. DBA 256 North Events Center, 15 Years
Wayne Vieler
Petaluma Downtown Association, 15 Years
Marie McCusker
Hotel Petaluma - Apartments, 13 Years
Robert Miller
Hover Insurance Services, Inc., 12 Years
David Hover
Barbara's Bakery, 10 YearsJacquie Perlmutter
Paula R. Gardner, D.D.S., 11 YearsPaula Gardner
Out West Garage, 11 YearsMaria do Ceu
Springfield Place - Retirement Community, 11 Years
Christine Bunce
Adobe Creek Funeral Home, 10 Years
Jeff Lyons
Petaluma Business – A publication of the PACC March 2010 15
Calendar – March
2 AmbassadorsPetaluma Valley Hospital, Pat Schaefer’s Office400 N McDowell Blvd.7:30 A.M.
4 Business After Hours - John Nunes Photography1334 Ross St.5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
5 Government Affairs/EDCPACC Conference Room6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-27:30 A.M.
11 Business After Hours - Jim Becker & John Tornes,Edward JonesPetaluma Arts Center230 Lakeville Hwy5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
16 Leadership AlumniPACC Large Conference Room6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-29:00 – 10:00 A.M.
16 AgribusinessSonoma-Marin Fair ConferenceRoom, 175 Fairgrounds Dr.12:00 Noon
18 Business After Hours - Ambassadors Business BlitzPACC Office6 Petaluma Blvd., N., Suite A-25:30 – 7:30 P.M.
19 Government Affairs/EDCPACC Conference Room6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-27:30 A.M.
23 Wake Up Petaluma (RSVP)Rooster Run2301 E. Washington$20 Members, $25 NonmembersRSVP: 762-27857:30 – 9:00 A.M.
31 Women in Business Brown BagLunch SeminarPACC Conference Room6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-212:00 – 1:00 P.M.
Have you checked out our online calendar? Visit www.petalumachamber.com and click on the Calendar button!
Ambassador Business Blitz After Hours
Join us for Wine, Food, Fun & 50/50 Raffle
Thursday, March 18th • 5:30 – 7:30pmPetaluma Chamber of Commerce Office
6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A-2
Hosted byWells Fargo, Wagner Health Center, InSphere, Medley Glass Works,
Extreme Pizza, Quality Inn, Mary Kay, GoSmallBiz.com & Floral Fantasies
P E T A L U M A A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
