Greater TehachapiChamber Of Commerce209 E Tehachapi Blvd

P.O. Box 401Tehachapi, CA 93581

661 822-4180Fax 661 822-9036

www.tehachapi.com

Newsletter

Your Chamber Working For You

Phone Calls369

Office Visitors

215

Referrals

1538

Directories

112

Maps

13

Information Packets

63

We'd like to share some ways we have promoted your business last month…

Gold Level

Silver Level

April 2015

Bronze Level

Platinum Level

NFIBMarch 26, 2015

Mark your calendar: Starting Oct. 1, 2015, businesses that have an EMV chip-enabled terminal—which processes credit and debit card payments and tracks data related to these transactions—will have additional protections from counterfeit credit and debit card fraud. Most new cards today come embedded with an EMV (short for EuroPay, MasterCard and Visa) microchip designed to stem data breaches and the overall use of counterfeit credit cards. So, in October, at EMV-compatible businesses, customers will insert their credit card into a slot on the payment terminal, which will read the chip.While small merchants are less vulnerable to the kind of fraud the technology protects against, stores that aren’t EMV-compatible will still face new liability issues, notes Jeffrey Novel, a small business litigator in Dallas who represents financial institutions and startups alike in business-related disputes. As the date approaches, here’s what merchants should know.What’s legally required?Businesses are not required to support EMV come October. However, some fraud liability will shift from issuers to merchants who haven’t upgraded their terminals. Therefore, if you choose not to invest in chip technology, your business could become legally and financially responsible for counterfeit fraud conducted in your stores.Big businesses like Target have the most togain by ensuring that the high volume of card

transactions at their stores are not susceptible to fraud. However, small businesses should carefully analyze the risk if they do not adopt the technology, says Novel.How do I measure my risk level?Examine your customer base. “Smaller merchants with relatively low card transaction volumes or a large number of repeat customers may find that the expenses associated with EMV upgrades are greater than simply accepting liability for the low levels of fraud they might experience from [card] transactions,” Novel says.That balance may shift as fraudsters migrate to the targets that are most susceptible. Some smaller retailers might begin to experience increased levels of fraud. “Online fraud has greatly increased in Europe as retailers have adopted the EMV terminals,” Novel says. Therefore, you should continually evaluate your risk level by looking at the volume of transactions you process as well as the type of products you sell.A tackle shop selling worms to repeat customers can probably afford to wait, he says. However, a high-end audio equipment retailer that caters to a large number of anonymous customers in multiple locations would be wise to meet the deadline.How would EMV technology protect my business?Point of sale terminals with chip technology will be protected from fraud liability if a

What Your Small Business Should Know About the Upcoming Fraud Liability Changes

See EMV/ Page 4

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ChairpersonMarty Pay

Farmers Insurance

Chair eleCtJim Wallace

Tehachapi Cancer Foundation

treasurerKathy Carey

BVS Properties

• DireCtors •Susan Abrego

Tehachapi Cleaning ProZ

Lorraine Berry Individual

Carl GehrickeTBB

Carolyn WilesTerra-Gen Power, LLC

Ida PerkinsPresident

Heather PardusReceptionist

2015Board of Directors

Staff

Please join the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce at our April Chamber Network Luncheon, Tuesday, April 21, 2015, 12:00 p.m. at Pacino's Pizzeria - Pastaria 1100 Tehachapi Blvd, #A. Our guest speaker will be Eugene Suksi, CEO Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District. Mr. Suksi will provide an update on the Healthcare District and the new hospital.Chief Executive Officer Eugene Suksi came to the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District (TVHD) as interim CEO in July 2014 and was appointed permanent CEO in December 2014. He has more than 25 years of senior executive experience, including CEO at Sutter Coast Hospital in Crescent City, CA, Chief Operating Officer at Cascade Medical Center in Leavenworth, WA, and Vice President of Clinical Services for three different hospital management companies.Mr. Suksi’s educational background includes a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from The University of Washington, as well as a Master of Counseling degree from Idaho State University. The cost is $15 for Chamber Members, $20 for Non-Chamber members, which includes lunch. Reservations are required. Please make your reservation by calling the Chamber at 661-822-4180. Reservation deadline is Friday, April 17, 2015.

April Chamber Network LuncheonEugene Suksi, CEO

Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District

WE NEED YOUR INPUT

Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District is conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment to identify and address unmet health needs in the community.

As part of the assessment, the District has developed a community-wide survey for professionals and resi-

dents. The survey is available thru April 30, 2015. We would appreciate you taking the time to complete the

survey and help improve the health of our community.

You may access the survey by clicking HERE

For more information or to request a paper copy, please contact:

Peggy Mendiburu: 661-823-1622: pmendiburu@tvhd.org.

Welcome Our Newest Members

SolarCityMark Boggess

25801 Paramount DrTehachapi, CA 93561

661-699-7462

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Luncheon Sponsored by

You may be familiar with the Tehachapi Visitor Guide, a long-time publication of the Tehachapi News.We converted from newsprint to an annual full color, glossy magazine-style publication in 2010. In 2013 and 2014 we published two editions and for 2015-16 we’re returning to an annual with 25,000 copies to be printed and distributed.Tourism has become an important part of Tehachapi’s economy.According to information presented to the Tehachapi City Council at its meeting March 16 (last night), an estimated 70,000 people attended major Tehachapi events last year;this included:• Tehachapi Mountain Festival: 40,000 people• 4th of July Hotdog festival: 8,000 people• Apple Festival: 5,000 people• GranFondo: 3,000 people (people came from 120 different cities)• Chili Cookoff: 2,000 people

And, of course, there are many other events that bring people to town, so the real number is probably much larger.An economic indicator of the impact of tourism, Transient Occupancy Tax (bed tax) revenue for Tehachapi increased from $250,000 in 2009 to $587,866 in 2014. Of course, some of this was people staying at hotels long-term for business, but they use services just like other visitors.

According to the Kern County Board of Trade, Tehachapi is the third largest tourism draw in the county. County-wide, tourism generated $1.34 billion in 2012, supporting 13,000 jobs.

The Tehachapi Visitor Guide is the only publication dedi-cated to serving visitors and it is supported by advertising. Don’t miss the April 10 deadline for the May 19 publica-tion.

Cal1 822-6828 for more information.

Our community is realizing that Tehachapi is at a distinct disadvantage because of our location. Any kind of chemotherapy treatment is at least a 90 mile round trip trek, either “down” the mountain to Bakersfield or over to Lancaster/Palmdale.

Diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer on October 1, 2012, Tammy fought the good fight until September 1, 2014 when cancer won the final bout.

It was during their trip “down the cancer road” that Tammy and Jim quickly became aware of the disadvantage they faced living in a small mountain community with Tammy’s treatment making the trip necessary five days a week for five weeks -- in Bakersfield.

Right now, there simply are no such services any closer. Tammy and I realized first hand that we did not fully understand the impact cancer and chemotherapy has on someone’s life. We quickly discovered there is a real gap in resources, education, financial assistance and other needs.

Of course, Tammy, being the loving, compassionate and driven person she was, decided they had to do something about the situation and began planning the Tehachapi Cancer Foundation in January of 2013. We received our 501(c) 3 status on Tammy’s birthday, March 18, 2014.

The Foundation plans to set up a support group for all types of cancer, both via their website and personal meetings and they already are providing some gas cards for those needing to make the trek for radiation and/or chemo treatments.

How to reach us. www.tehachapicancerfoundation.org tehachapicancerfoundation@gmail.com 844-644-87644

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EMV/ From Page 1counterfeit credit card is used at their location.

Without EMV technology, however, if a fraudulent card is used at one of your terminals, your business might have to cover the cost of the purchase.

Eventually, converting your terminals could also protect you from incurring additional penalties, Novel says, like investigation costs or fines imposed by a credit card processor or issuer.

What about compliance issues?

Merchants will still need to be PCI-compliant under payment card industry regulations. Under PCI standards, if cardholder data is stolen and a merchant is found to be the weakest link due to a lack of EMV compatibility, that merchant will be legally vulnerable.

“The merchant could be liable for fines, penalties and even termination of the right to accept payment cards,” Novel explains. “Ideally, merchants will shield themselves from liability by complying with both EMV and PCI standards.”

WATCH >> NFIB's Webinar on the EMV Changes

We walk you through the following points:•What is EMV®? What is NFC®? Status of the U.S. migration to EMV/NFC•Touch points on the impact EMV/NFC will have on the U.S. payments infrastructure•What EMV/NFC is not•What EMV/NFC will solve (over time)•When EMV/NFC will become relevant to you and your business•EMV/NFC implementation models

APRIL CHAMBER MIXERAPRIL CHAMBER MIXERAPRIL CHAMBER MIXERAPRIL CHAMBER MIXER CELEBRATING CELEBRATING CELEBRATING CELEBRATING

GRAND OPENINGGRAND OPENINGGRAND OPENINGGRAND OPENING

BOTTOMLINE

BOOKKEEPING

SERVICE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8TH, 2015

5:00-7:00 P.M.

RIBBON CUTTING AT 5:30 P.M.

HORS D’OEUVRES AND REFRESHMENTS

NO HOST BAR

ENTERTAINMENT

DRAWING AT 6:30 P.M.

100 SOUTH ROBINSON ST TEHACHAPI, CA 93561 661-823-4921

SAVE THE DATES! "Business After Hours "

Chamber Mixer ScheduleHOSTED BY

April 8th Bottomline Bookkeeping Service

May 13th Charlotte L. Ruse, Legal Document Service June 10th The Woods Pavilion

July 8th J. Williams Personal Financial Planning, Inc.

September 9th RST Cranes, Inc.

October 14th Available

Mixers are a great opportunity to meet your business neighbors and community members in an informal setting. These events are a great way to share information about your business and learn about other members.

If interested in hosting a Chamber Mixer, please contact us at 661-822-4180.

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Chamber Ribbon CuttingsSouth Street Digital, Inc.

Chamber Director Jim Wallace; Chamber President Ida Perkins; Chamber Ambassadors Tina Larson, Pat Doody and Harriet Clendenin joined South Street Digital for their Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting on Friday, March 13, 2015.

South Street Digital is located at 20825 South St, Ste B. For more information call 661-823-4908.

Congratulations Lydia and Audrey!!!!!

Scenes from the March Chamber MixerHosted by American Pacific Mortgage

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April Membership Anniversaries27 YearsKiwanis Club of Tehachapi16 YearsCollege Community ServicesDave's Auto RepairTBB14 YearsBVS PropertiesSnow OrthodonticsThe Balancing Act10 YearsJackie Wood PhotographyMurray Family Farms9 Years City of TehachapiTerrio Therapy-Fitness, Inc.7 YearsBrady Chiropractic Goldfish Publications, LLCPetra Mediterranean Deli & Restaurant

6 YearsAirstreams Renewables, Inc. Fairfield Inn & Suites by MarriottHungry Howie's PizzaTehachapi Fitness4 YearsLila Winger3 Years2nd Chance RanchAlert Disaster RestorationHome DepotKaiser PermanenteTruxtun Radiology Medical GroupWilliam W. Kritlow2 YearsAbbey Carpet of TehachapiGlenwood GardensThe Mold Detective 1 YearMercy Air

tehachapi.com working for our members

We'd like to share with you a summary of our website business directory

activity last month

Main Directory Search Page Visits

Alphabetical Listing SearchCategorical Listing SearchSearch ForNew Member ListingReferred to Member WebsiteEmails Sent to MembersMember Map Views

529

1,49137

1,2261357

3,00988

Calls Placed to Members 4,544Category Sponsor Ad

11 Renewing Members Strengthen Chamber and Business CommunityThe following members renewed their commitment to the Chamber from

February 25, 2015 through March 27, 2015 Please thank them for their support and patronize their businesses whenever possible!

Abbey Carpet of Tehachapi 2013Applegate Garden Florist 1995At the Salon 2014Brite Cleaning Industries 2011

Farmers Insurance Marty Pay 1992Foot & Ankle Institute 2009Kaiser Permanente 2012M & M Sports 1998

Member SinceMember SinceThe Mold Detective 2013Mulberry Place Assisted Living 2009Servicemaster of Tehachapi 1993

Member Since

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2015 Mountain Festival Theme Announced"Mountain Fun Under The Sun" is the theme for the 2015 Tehachapi Mountain Festival®. Thank you Joe Lantana, the winner of this year’s Mountain Festival Theme Contest.

Presenting the check to Joe and his daughter Ashley is Mountain Festival Chairman Carl Gehricke. Joe and his family will be our VIP guest to all events during Mountain Festival, including participation in the parade, tickets to the rodeo and pancake breakfast, and an Official Tehachapi Mountain Festival® T-shirt featuring his winning theme.

The Mountain Festival theme sets the tone for the entire Mountain Festival. Once the theme is established, the logo can be designed. Parade floats are planned based on the theme. The official Mountain Festival t-shirts, posters, brochures, and all advertising bear the official logo.

Congressman McCarthy, Senator Fuller, and Assemblywoman Grove Mobile Office Hours at the Chamber

Government Representatives will hold office hours at the Chamber office on Tuesday, March 21, 2015 from 10 to 11 AM. For appointments, contact the following representatives: Congressman McCarthy, Representative Keenan Hochschild, 661-327-3611 Senator Fuller, Representative Romeo Agbalog, 661-323-0443 Assemblywoman Grove, Representative Javier Reyes, 661-395-2995

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GTEDC Mtg7:30 AM The Shed

Chamber Office Closed

sun Mon tue WeD thu Fri sat4

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13 14 15

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Calendar of Events April 2015

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s h o p l o c a l !Support your local business community

www.tehachapi.com

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Chamber ServiCeSFor Members Only

Mailing Labels Electronic (Excel) Mailing List

$35.00 $50.00

Directory of MembersAvailable to all at No Charge

Free to Members OnlyDisplay of Cards & Brochures in the Chamber Office Referrals From: Phone Calls Walk-In's Internet First Hotspot in Newsletter (first 90 days of membership)

Website Advertising - Members OnlyContact Chamber Office for pricing and options

Employment Posters 2015Members Non-Members

$55.00 $74.00

Advertising - Members OnlyNewsletter Hotspot Newsletter Card per month per year

$ 35.00 $ 25.00 $200.00

Relocation Packet Insert/per year

$125.00

Government Reps See page 6 for appt info

City Council Mtg 6 PMClaude L Wells

Education Center

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Non-Profit Showcase5-8 PM West Park Activity Ctr

818-519-7144

Wildland Fire Expo11 AM - 2 PM Meadowbrook

Park 661-823-1001

Bark for Life Dog Walk9 AM Railroad Park

Board of Directors MtgChamber Office 5:30 PM

TVRPD Board Mtg 5:30 PM490 West D St

First Friday Art Reception 5-8 PM

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CHAMBER LUNCHEONPacino's 12:00 PM

Celebrity Bartender for Charity Souza Family

Vineyard 2-5 PM

2015 California Employment Poster SetAvailable Now!!!

Make sure your business is in compliance. Even if you only have one employee, you can be fined $17,000 for not posting required notices. Our poster includes all notices in one convenient poster.Pick yours up Today!!!

The 2015 California and Federal Employment Poster Set is now available at the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce. The price is $55.00 for members and $74.00 for non-members, which includes Poster Protect.Pick yours up Today!!!!

Rotary "Spring Fashion Show" 5-8 PM BeeKay Theatre 818-519-7144

City Council Mtg 6 PMClaude L Wells

Education Center

Bottomline BookkeepingService Chamber Mixer & Grand Opening 5-7 PMRibbon Cutting 5:30 PM

100 S Robinson St661-823-4921

TVRPD Easter Egg Hunt 9:30 - 11:00 AM

West Park 661-822-3228

Annual Brite Lake Fishing Derby 7AM to 1 PM

661-823-3228TUSD Board Meeting 6 PM

TUSD Board Meeting 6 PM For detailed information on events, visit our Community Calendar at www.tehachapi.com