Valley Business News - October 2009

Pg 2 Business Briefs

Pg 3 CEO Message

Pg 4 New 401(k) Safe Harbor

Pg 7 Technology Advice

Pg 8 Grand Openings

This issue

Vol. 3, No. 10 • october 2009s a n t a C l a r i t a

Valley Business newsS a N ta c l a r i ta V a l l e y c h a m b e r o f c o m m e r c e

Visit us at www.scVchamber.com

See TOWN HALL on Page 8

John H. Shaffery, a partner at Poole & Shaffery, LLP, and James D. Hicken, President/CEO of Bank of Santa Clarita, are among several local experts who provided tangible tips to business owners for surviving in today’s economy at a recent SCV Economic Town Hall Meeting.

By Mimi Slawoff

Local experts representing law, banking, real estate and technology

are encouraging business owners to ask for help if they need it and to utilize the many resources available in the community in order to survive and thrive in today’s economy. “As one business owner to all other business owners, if you are beginning to struggle, it is okay to reach out and try to find somebody that can help you,” said James D. Hicken, President/CEO of Bank of Santa Clarita. Hicken was among three keynote speakers to address a crowd of about 250 business owners and residents who attended the SCV Economic Town Hall Meeting Sept. 2 in the Disney Modular Theater at California Institute of the Arts. Neal Weichel, Realtor of RE/MAX of Valencia; and Craig R. Peters, Executive Vice President, CB Richard Ellis, Inc. also spoke at the meeting sponsored by the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce. Moderator John H. Shaffery, a partner at Poole & Shaffery, LLP, emphasized the importance of business owners and residents rallying as a community to get through tough economic times.

With the economy on everyone’s mind, the Town Hall meeting was organized to provide a forum for experts to discuss tangible strategies to business owners for moving forward in these challenging times, said Shaffery. When it comes to residential real estate, there’s no denying that the SCV is sorely lacking in inventory, said Weichel. But there’s good news for those facing housing problems. “The government and lenders are more willing to work with you. All major lenders are willing to work with homeowners. This is a tough period but it is a period we are going to get through,” said Weichel. On the commercial real estate side, Peters said there’s no time like the present for struggling tenants to deal directly with landlords. But have a plan. “If you’re planning to talk to the landlord, present a strategy. Don’t just say you need help,” said Peters, adding that a landlord is more willing to work

Non-Compete Agreements Still

Flummoxing Many Business Owners

By Brian E. Koegle

Although California courts have continually held that non-compete agreements between employers and em-ployees are unenforce-

able, many businesses are trying to find unique ways to protect themselves against former employees who start their own competing company. For businesses in a capitalistic economy, competition is not (usually) considered a good thing. However, for consumers, competition is generally considered to be a great thing. Competition drives down

Keynote speaker Neal Weichel,

Realtor, ReMax

Keynote speaker Craig Peters,

Executive Vice President, CB Richard Ellis

Chamber’s Expo Spotlights Local

BusinessesBusiness help Center and job fair are the newest offerings featured at the annual home and Business

expo, Oct. 9-11By Chris Donald

Over the past 25 years, the Santa Clarita Valley

has grown from an outlying suburb to a major regional center. Today, businesses large and small call the Santa Clarita Valley home. The SCV Chamber of Commerce is an important part of that success. The annual Home and

Business Expo is an opportunity for Chamber members to spotlight their business and connect with local residents. What first began as a modest event on a barren patch of dirt has now blossomed into a full-fledged weekend event with something for everyone, business and consumers alike. With the sagging economy has come a renewed focus on doing business close to home. Support for local businesses has the residual benefit of preserving the community through added tax revenues. Expo’s theme this year is “Make It New, Make It Better, Make It Expo.” For the first time in Expo history, the event will be held indoors in climate-controlled comfort as Expo moves to the popular Santa Clarita Sports Complex located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway near the intersection of Golden Valley Road between Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon Road.

TasTe of expo It all begins at 5 p.m. Oct. 9 with the crowd pleaser, Taste of Expo. About 25 of Santa Clarita’s finest restaurants and caterers will provide the “best of the best” in local dining fare. This event doubles as the Chamber’s October business mixer and typically draws up to 1,200 business people. Exhibit booths will be open during the event.

Main evenT Expo continues throughout the weekend and transforms into the ultimate meet-and-greet for consumers to connect with

Chris Donald is the owner of

Platinum Dinner Designs and

the 2009 Expo chairman.

See expO on Page 10

Local Experts Outline Economic

Survival Strategies

See NON-COMpeTe on Page 4

2 OctOber 2009 ScV chamber Of cOmmerce Valley Business news

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Santa Clarita to Receive $4.6 Million in Funding from Federal

Grant for Green Energy The City of Santa Clarita has been awarded $4,620,000 in funding for innovative environmental technologies as part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Transit Investments in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) competitive grant program. Santa Clarita received the fifth largest amount awarded through the program, which distributed $100 million in funding among 43 transit agencies selected nationwide. The funding awarded to Santa Clarita will allow the City to add canopies topped with photovoltaic modules to its Transit Maintenance Facility (TMF), which will generate electricity to offset electric power consumed at the site. The advanced canopies will also reduce costs by providing shade for full-size inter-city and commuter buses.

Newhall County Water District Receives Award for Outstanding

Financial Reporting The Newhall County Water District received a Distinguished Budget

Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association’s of United States and Canada (GFOA). The award represents a significant achievement and reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff in meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. It is not an easy honor to achieve and reflects the commitment of the board and staff to the highest principles of governmental budgeting, according to NCWD General Manager Steve Cole. The GFOA is an organization supporting leading financial management practices for governments and their citizens. More information regarding GFOA and the award can be found on the GFOA website at www.gfoa.org. A copy of the District’s budget can be found on the finance page of the District’s Web site, www.ncwd.org. For more information about the District, visit www.ncwd.org.

2009 Online Marketing Boot Camp

The Online Marketing Boot Camp is a half-day session for non-technical small business owners to learn about all aspects of successful online marketing.

The program, which is sponsored by the SBDC College of the Canyons and the SBDC Technology Advisory Program, takes place from 1 – 5:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at College of the Canyons, University Center - Room 107, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia. The sessions are designed for optimum user-friendliness and are intended for non-technical small business owners of all skill levels. Participants will produce content at the sessions that can be immediately applied. Cost: $45.00 online (plus booking fee); $55.00 at the door (cash or checks only, please). For information and to register online please visit www.sbdc4biz.org

Santa Clarita City Manager Ken Pulskamp to Lead State’s

City Managers Santa Clarita City Manager Ken Pulskamp was named President of the City Mangers Department of the League of California Cities for the year 2010. Pulskamp was sworn in as President at the annual League of California Cities conference last month in San Jose, where he acknowledged outgoing President Kevin Duggan and discussed the new 2010 work program for the League’s City Managers department.

Santa Clarita to Receive $4.6 Presentation Award by the Government The program, which is sponsored by

business briefs The three areas on which Pulskamp plans to focus in 2010 include pension reform, state governance and continuation of department reforms. Pulskamp would like to see the City Mangers Department take the lead in developing fiscally responsible solutions that are fair to employees, employers and taxpayers to deal with much-needed pension reform in California.

Publisher/CeO: Larry Mankineditor: Mimi Slawoff

Vice President of Finance & Operations: Lisa BakerMember services Manager: Crystal Collatos

Director of events: Nichole Swansoninformation specialist: Cheryl Ramirez

C h a M B e R S t a f f

Production: JustImagine CommunicationsPrinting/Distribution: Mellady Direct Marketing

28460 avenue Stanford, Ste. 100Santa Clarita, Ca 91355

PH: 661-702-6977 • FAX: 661-702-6980www.scvchamber.com

The Valley Business News is a monthly, independent newspaper associated solely with the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Send us your company news! Submissions for Business Briefs should be emailed to:

[email protected] For more information, please call

661-254-0254

http://www.melladydirect.com/

http://www.santa-clarita.com/

ScV chamber Of cOmmerce Valley Business news OctOber 2009 3

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— Kevin Leahy, Owner, Candleman of Valenciawww.candleman.com, 661.257.9420

Golf Classic are also great examples of activities that bring hundreds of business representatives to Chamber-sponsored events. Perhaps the “granddaddy” of all Chamber events has historically been the organization’s annual Home and Business Expo. This October 9-11 event will bring thousands of businesses and consumers to the Santa Clarita Sports Complex. The amazing – and popular - Taste of Expo event takes place Friday evening, October 9. The “Taste” will provide a venue where 25 of our valley’s top caterers and restaurants will serve their finest cuisine to a crowd of more than 1,000 business leaders. The next two days will see the “consumer” community tour the 70 booths that will be on display at the Sports Complex. Expo organizers expect 2,500-3,000 visitors will attend the Expo on Saturday and Sunday. This year’s Expo Committee has also partnered with the College of the Canyons to sponsor a job fair for individuals seeking jobs in the

Santa Clarita Valley; 60 area employers will be present to discuss possible job openings within their respective organizations. Only an organization such as the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce could plan and execute an event as diversified as the annual Home and Business Expo. The event has something for everyone - access to the business community, access to the consumer community, the potential to find a great job in the SCV and most importantly, it will be a great time for the thousands of attendees who will visit this year’s Home and Business Expo. Hope to see you there!

When people think about a Chamber of Commerce, there are many thoughts that go through their mind about what it does for the general and business community. Certainly, we are here to provide assistance

to newcomers or persons interested in starting a new business. We are here to help our existing members grow their business and we are here to advocate for businesses before all levels of government. One of the things we do best is to create events where companies have the ability to either find new customers or say thank you to their current customer base. Monthly events such as Good Morning SCV or Business After Hours draw hundreds of businesses to venues and provide ideal opportunities for networking. Annual events such as the Installation Banquet, the Health & Wellness Fair, and the Oak Tree

EZ Chamber 5-08 4.875x6.25.indd 1 5/14/08 3:15:42 PM

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28422 Constel lat ion RoadSanta Clarita, California 91355 661.257.4440pointofv iewcommunicat ions.com

Expo is What We Do Best City's Luncheon Focuses on

“Setting a Course for Stability”

The annual State of the City luncheon will provide the community with an

opportunity to learn about current and future City programs and projects at

11:30 a.m. Oct. 5 at the Hyatt Grand Ballroom.

The cost is $35 and includes a special, commemorative gift. For more information and to R.S.V.P. please visit

www.santa-clarita.com or call 661-255-4939.

“Sunset in the Vineyard” to Benefit Assistance League® of Santa Clarita

Enjoy samplings of a variety of wines from Santa Clarita private vineyards and winemakers at this year’s “Sunset in the Vineyard.” The fundraising event, which will high-light informal presentations from winemak-ers, takes place from 3 – 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8 at the home and Compa Vineyard of Jeannie, Chris and Tim Carpenter.

The proceeds benefit Assistance League programs in the Santa Clarita Valley. Tickets are $55. For more information, contact Stacey Mayfield at 661-254-4126 or e-mail [email protected]. Information about Assistance League membership, philanthropic programs and community involvement can be found on their website www.assistanceleague-alsc.org.


With today’s economy,

many employers are finding it difficult to maintain their contributions to 401(k) plans. In the past, employers that had been following

safe harbor provisions for their plan did not have a choice in whether or not to make non-elective contributions to their plans, short of terminating the plan. New proposed regulations issued this summer may allow for a change to this requirement, providing relief to employers. Traditionally, 401(k) safe harbor plans are deemed to have passed certain nondiscrimination tests when the plan provides for qualified contributions for all eligible non-highly compensated employees as follows:

• A non-elective contribution equal to 3 percent of compensation or

• A 100 percent match on elective contributions up to 3 percent of compensation and up to 50 percent of the employees’ elective deferrals that exceed 3 percent but do not exceed 5 percent of compensation

The determination of the safe harbor contribution needs to be made prior to the

beginning of the plan year with at least 30 days notification to employees. Subject to certain exceptions, the safe harbor provision must be maintained throughout a full 12-month plan year. Generally, this means that the plan cannot be amended mid-year to revert back to performing ADP/ACP nondiscrimination testing for non-elective contributions. Proposed regulations effective May 19, 2009 amend Sections 1.401(k)-3 and 104.1(m)-3 to permit an employer sponsoring a safe harbor plan that incurs a substantial hardship to reduce or suspend safe harbor non-elective contributions during a plan year. The following conditions, similar to those required for a change to safe harbor matching contributions, must be met:• The employees must be provided with at least 30 days notice noting thereduction or suspension • Eligible employees must be given a reasonable amount of time before the suspension or reduction of the match and after notification to modify their elective contributions• The plan must be amended to provide that ADP nondiscrimination testing will be satisfied for the entire plan year in which the reduction or suspension occurs, using the current year testing method (current year compensation and deferrals)• The plan funds all safe harbor

contributions through the date of the plan amendment. A supplemental notice that summa-rizes the consequences of the amendment related to the reduction or suspension of future safe harbor non-elective contribu-tions, provides the effective amendment date and provides for procedures for modifying existing employee elective deferrals would be sufficient. Plan sponsors should weigh the costs involved in amending the plan and in performing nondiscrimination testing with the cost of the non-elective contribution to determine if this is the best approach. One additional alternative is the “wait-and-see” approach. Notification is provided to the employees before the beginning of the plan year stating that the plan sponsor “may” provide a safe harbor non-elective contribution. If the plan sponsor later decides to fund the contribu-

tion, a 30-day supplemental notice must be provided to all eligible employees before the end of the plan year. The notice must include the minimum 3 percent non-elective contribution and the plan must be amended to allow specifically for this contribution. If the plan sponsor decides not to fund the contribution, then standard nondiscrimination testing must be com-pleted. This option, while not any more costly than the option above, does provide for a little more flexibility and may be viewed more favorably by the employees. Regardless of which option a plan sponsor chooses, he or she may provide much needed relief with today’s uncertain business environment.

Janet Thomerson, a CPA with Hedman Partners, can be reached at 661-286-1543.

www.Hedmanpartners.com.

New 401(k) Safe Harbor Option for 2009

Non-Compete Agreements

Janet Thomerson

At Hedman Partners, we provide our middle market business and individual clients with customized, forward-thinking solutions that enable them to plan for a secure and sound financial future.

27441 Tourney Road, Suite 200, Valencia, CA 91355 Website: www.hedmanpartners.com

Planning Ahead Building Relationships Securing Your Future

Call us today at (661) 287-6333 or e-mail us at [email protected]

VIA Endorses Candidates in the November 3 Consolidated Election

santa Clarita Community College District, Governing Board Member,

Office #1-- Brian Koegle

Attorney, Poole & Shaffery

santa Clarita Community College District, Governing Board Member,

Office #3-- Randy Moberg

Chief Operating Officer, L/B/W Insurance

William s. hart union high school District, Governing Board Member

-- Joe MessinaSmall Business Owner, All Covered/

Wildcat Technology Solutions

Newhall County Water District, Board of Directors

-- B.J. Atkins Water Board Director, Atkins Environmental

-- Maria GutzeitWater District Director

Compliance Plus Cost is $40 for VIA members and $50 for non-members. Reservations for the Oct. 20 luncheon should be received by Thursday, Oct. 15 and can be made by calling VIA at 661-294-8088 or by visit-ing www.via.org.

Candidates vying for seats in the College of the Canyons, William S. Hart Union High School District and Newhall County Water District are scheduled to speak at the

Valley Industrial Association’s next business luncheon. The public is invited to attend the luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Valencia Country Club, 27330 Tourney Road in Valencia. The consolidated election will be held on Nov. 3, 2009. Only those candidates specifically requesting VIA’s endorsement were interviewed. Based on those interviews, VIA’s Board of Directors board voted to endorse the following candidates:

prices, increases consumer options, and typically results in a better quality product or service. For businesses, though, competition divides market share and potential profit, and can sometimes kill a business that had “cornered the market” or had developed a particular niche within a particular industry. For many businesses, one of the worst forms of competition comes when a former employee, who learned all of the company’s secrets of success, branches off and begins directly competing with his former employer. While not widely enforceable, up until 2008, many employers used non-compete agreements (whether enforceable or not) to limit former employees from directly competing in the same market, or same geographic area, as long as the restrictions on the employee were “narrowly-tailored” and did not unfairly restrict the employee’s ability to work. However, in 2008 the California Supreme Court slammed the door on the enforceability of such provisions, and ruled that not even the most limited or narrowly-drawn non-

compete agreements are unenforceable under California law, within the context of an employment relationship. Since the 2008 decision was handed down, many employers have visited their attorney seeking advice on how to protect themselves from competition. Many business owners have had difficulty understanding that the fully-negotiated contractual provision in the company employee handbook, which would otherwise limit a former employee from taking the information learned while employed to start a competing group, is unenforceable and probably isn’t worth much more than the paper it is printed on. These employers are now trying new approaches to protecting themselves from competition. From a practical standpoint, the most successful tactic for employers to limit unfair competition is to take affirmative steps to protect their trade secrets and proprietary information, such as customer/client lists, vendor information, marketing and strategy

Continued from page 1

See NON-COMpeTe on Page 5


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Non-Compete Agreementsplans, co-worker contacts and price lists whenever possible. The key to protecting trade secrets, and maintaining control over proprietary information, is to make sure that steps are taken to prevent that information from disclosure. For instance, many employers are now splitting client/customer lists among different sales personnel, so that no one person has access to the entire client list. Employees are only provided enough information sufficient to deal directly with the few clients he/she is assigned to manage. As an additional step, the more client-specific information included in a client list, the more likely the list will be viewed as “proprietary” by a judge, if a dispute ever arises. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of clients are usually not proprietary in nature, given the relative availability of this information through outside sources (e.g. phone book, internet, etc.). As such, more specific information, such as client likes/dislikes, personal information, ordering preferences, and cell phone numbers, will make the client list more valuable, which increases the likelihood hat the list will be viewed as truly “proprietary” in nature, which in turn may allow the employer to protect the information from disclosure. Also, any proprietary information or

trade secrets should be stored in a secure location in order to avoid an unauthorized and unintentional release. Client lists, vendor information, co-worker contact data, should be maintained with either password-restricted access, or on a separate computer/server, where only a few key employees have access to the information, whenever possible. Finally, while non-competition agreements are unenforceable within the employment context, a well-drafted confidentiality provision, when combined with the proper protective steps set forth above, may restrict an employee’s ability to compete against your business. The difficulty is implementing a policy which successfully limits the disclosure of proprietary information without stepping over the line by limiting an employee’s ability to compete in the marketplace. Without the proper protective measures in place, prepared by a knowledgeable attorney, a business could easily find itself losing its competitive edge to former employees looking to profit from their work experience.

Brian E. Koegle is a partner with Poole & Shaffery, LLP, a full service business, corporate and employ-ment law firm. He can be reached at 661- 290-2991. Nothing contained herein shall be or is intended to be construed as providing legal advice.



College of the Canyons

Fall 2009 Job,

Career & Intern Fair

Sat. Oct. 10; 10AM -1PM

New Location!Santa Clarita Sports Complex20880 Centre Pointe Pkwy.Top of the hill from the Aquatics Center

More information at: www.scvchamber.com or phone (661) 702-6977.

Expo sponsors:City of Santa ClaritaLexus of ValenciaVino 100 (Taste of Expo)Burrtec Waste Industries, Inc.American Business MachinesBack to Health Chiropractic

Expo 25 promises to be better than ever. This year, Expo moves indoors to the popular Santa Clarita Sports Complex bringing community and business together for the ultimate meet-and-greet. The celebration starts Friday night with Taste of Expo featuring Santa Clarita’s finest restaurants and caterers. Exhibitors, non-profits and community entertainment showcase during the main event Saturday and Sunday for a non-stop weekend of fun and excitement. Make It Neighborly – Make It Expo!

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By Joe Messina The Web, The World Wide Web. It is also the Local Santa Clarita Web, The Los Angeles County Web, The Southern Califor-nia Web. It does and will reach thousands of people locally and worldwide for very

little money. It can also help you weather this economic storm. In times like these we are told to cut back and tighten up to become more efficient. Great advice but we can’t forget that we also need to market our companies. We need to get the word out about what we do, how good we are and how we serve the community. This is where the Internet and social networking can help. The cost is nominal, the exposure great. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Linkedin are resources for your business that can be used at minimal or no cost. Twitter, an effective outlet for informing large numbers of people about what you are doing and where you are going to be, is similar to a press release. Linkedin and Fa-cebook are great places for people to gather to see what other people are saying about you and who you are affiliated with. Not using these types of resources to-day is like not having a yellow page ad 10 years ago, or a fax machine. To weather this storm you will need to be on the “eInformation” train. Get

yourself hooked up to these services and get your website primed with “Keywords” and “SEO” programming. No website? Get one, link it to other sites, get other sites to link to you. Have your website work for you by taking orders 24 hrs a day. Websites don’t require vacation time, days off or sick day leave. The web can take many orders in a short period of time with high accuracy, whereas one or two people taking orders on the phone can slow things down to a crawl. Get “googled,” (not, not a dirty term). By having the above technical resources in place, you will learn when people are look-ing for you or your services and whether your business name shows up on the first page or second of page Google or Yahoo, (my grandparents would think I was using foul language by now). So use the resources you have available, The City, The EDC Committee, the Internet, social networking, the Chamber, VIA and so on. Also, let’s not forget “email blasts” - those nasty emails you get that you throw away on a regular basis except, when they are short, easy to read and have something to offer you. You can regularly send out hundreds or thousands of emails at little or no cost whereas sending out 1,000 postcards locally with postage and printing costs could exceed over $800 dollars per “campaign.” Targeted email blasts can be very successful and very affordable. We can help you weather this storm. For more information, please contact the Chamber at 661-702-6977 or Joe Messina at 661-257-0244, [email protected].

Get Your Business Up to Speed with Internet Technology

Joe Messina, Diirector of Strategic

Services, All Covered / Wildcat

www.wildcat.la www.allcovered.com

By Chip Meyer

The Buck Stops Here One of the best advantages about having a business in Santa Clarita is that we are in a designated Enterprise Zone, which offers several strategic advantages, especially for hiring qualified employees, but also to assist your

business with investments in technology. If you spent money on technology or hired an employee in the past couple of years, or you are planning on hiring or investing in your business in the coming year, it is critical you become informed about the Enterprise Zone. There are no up-front costs to get this information. The City has resources for you as does the SCV Chamber of Commerce. For that matter, please feel free to email me and I would be happy to forward contacts and suggestions to you. I got my start in the Enterprise Zone process early on, knowing I had already hired a qualified employee, and knowing that the credit on that hire was up to 20 percent of his salary each year. I was sur-prised to find out that I had already hired

Chip Meyer, CEO, The Chip, Inc., a Microsoft Gold Partner focused

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Festival of the Arts to Showcase Talent, Professional Artists in Old Town Newhall

The City of Santa Clarita will present the 2009 Festival of the Arts on October 3 - 4 in Old Town Newhall. The two-day festival, sponsored by Lockheed Federal Credit Union, will highlight a spectrum of artistic talent in a variety of mediums, focusing on the process of art.The 2009 Festival of the Arts is free and will feature a variety of artists creating artwork in multiple mediums along Main Street between Lyons Avenue and 5th Street. For more information about the City of Santa Clarita’s 2009 Festival of the Arts, please contact the Arts and Events Office at 661-286-4018 or visit www.scfestivalofthearts.com.

several other qualified employees. There are several more ways to qualify an em-ployee than you can imagine. I used a third-party to interview my staff and determine any eligibility. The savings on my taxes was well worth the cost of professional help in this process. But the best part was that the fees were only due after my refund check, so I did not have to pay any money in advance to get the benefits of the tax credits. All re-ward, no risk. And if I had not started this process, I would never have known I had missed some great tax credits. Another way the Enterprise Zone can assist a business is by refunding sales tax paid in the zone for qualified purchases. Again, here I got assistance, this time from Rick Grandinetti, my CPA. He was also able to help me understand the Schedule 179 Deduction that is available this year from the IRS, which allows a business to take up to $250,000 in technology purchases as an immediate deduction, as opposed to a multi-year depreciation. Take advantage of the tax credits available to your business, and spend wisely on tech-nology. Those two tips will make sure the buck stops at your desk, and not at the IRS. 661-260-3000; www.TheChip.com


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26111 Bouquet Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91350

661-799-8088, www.eliteflooring.net

Tuesday, September 15LaW OFFiCe OF JusTiN kLiNe

27240 Turnberry Lane, Suite 200Valencia, CA 91355

661-362-0868, www.jklinelaw.com

Thursday, September 24eNChaNTeD kiDs

25868 McBean ParkwaySanta Clarita, CA 91355

661-259-8033, www.enchantedkids.com

Tuesday, September 22eDWaRD JONes iNvesTMeNTs

25129 The Old Road, Suite 103Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381

[email protected]

Chamber ambassadors, local dignitaries and friends celebrated several milestones in august and september with ribbon cutting and certificate presentation ceremonies.

Please be sure to visit and welcome the following businesses:

Chamber ambassadors, local dignitaries and friends celebrated several milestones in august and september with ribbon cutting and certificate presentation ceremonies.

open for business

chamber members step up to the Plate

The Chamber thanks the following businesses that donated items at the September mixer:

Valencia Oaks Building, Candleman, Premier America Credit Union, MB2 Raceway and Unruh Chiropractic, Inc.

In addition, the following Chamber members donated items for Good Morning SCV at HomeTown Buffet:

Fitness Edge/Boot Camp/Personal Training, PROforma Graphix Unlimited, Plumbing by Kirk, Superior Design, HOTSPOTSCV.COM

and Lavish Salon. As always, the Chamber is proud to recognize:

Burrtec Waste Industries, Inc. for the ongoing monthly donation of trash receptacles, and Jeff Lui of SCV Commercial Real Estate

Services for the transport of our bar trailer each month. Many thanks go to Steve Dinkowitz of Dink’s Deli for providing the Chamber with wonderful bagels and pastries each month for the Get Acquainted

Meeting. He has donated each month for many years.Please visit these members to say “thanks” on your own.

Town Hall Meeting

with you if you have a game plan. In addition to the keynote speakers, a panel of experts offered strategies for business survival and encouraged business owners to make good use of resources available through the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles. Panel members included Jim Backer, JSB Development; Marlee Lauffer, Newhall Land; Charlie Gill, Integrated Property Services Group, Inc.; Chip Meyer, The Chip; Joe Messina, All Covered/Wildcat Technology; Jason Crawford, City of Santa Clarita; Kevin Leahy, Candleman; and Gerry Plummer, County of Los Angeles. Chip Meyer and Joe Messina spoke passionately about the importance of getting up to speed with technology. Business must-haves include having a website, buying the right amount of equipment (buy what you need now, not in two or three years) and utilizing social networking. Visit www.scvchamber.com to access an online resource guide that provides the names and contact information for several organizations prepared to assist business owners with a recovery process and business growth plan. The resource guide outlines programs and services – as well as networking events - offered by the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industrial Association, Small Business Development Center, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, L.A. County Office of Small Business/PTAC, SCVJobsOnline.com, the City of Santa-Clarita, College of the Canyons Fall 2009 Job, Career & Intern Fair and the 25th Annual Home and Business EXPO, hosted by the SCV Chamber of Commerce.


Visit us on our Website:

www.scvchamber.com

L-R: Panel members Charlie Gill, Integrated Properties; Jason Crawford, City of Santa

Clarita; and Kevin Leahy, Candleman.


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Our newest branch continues our commitment to customer careOur newest branch is open in the neighborhood—bringing you the convenience, support and personal attention you deserve along with a wide array of products and services. Come in and meet the dedicated bankers who live and work in the community.

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William S. Hart Park, 24151 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita. The event features music, wine and beverages, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. After judging, presentation of winners will be the focal point of the affair. Food will by catered by the Hyatt Hotel and other sponsors. Artwork will be available for purchase. Sponsors include KHTS 1220 Radio Station, Walmart, SCV-TV, Hyatt Regency Valencia, Magazine of Santa Clarita, The Signal, FASTFRAME. Tickets cost of $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For tickets, visit http://www.santaclaritaartists.org/ and click on 2009 Art Classic or contact Laurie Morgan 661-244-7689. Free public viewing for students, seniors, handicapped, and organizations takes place from 1:30 – 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.

COC 40th Anniversary, Summer of Love Celebrated in

Production of “Hair” In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of both College of the Canyons and the legendary Woodstock music festival held in 1969, the college’s theatre and music departments will proudly present “Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical,” beginning Oct. 16, at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons (PAC).

The college’s production team has maintained “Hair’s” ‘flower power’ backdrop and interwoven themes about tuning in and on to the ‘now,’ while working to present something that will be remembered as more than a nostalgic period piece. “Hair” will run at 8 p.m. Oct. 16, 17, 23 and 24, and 2 p.m. Oct. 18, and 25, on

the PAC main stage. This production contains adult language and subject matter and is most appropriate for mature audiences. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for seniors and students with proper I.D. and can be purchased from the PAC box office by calling 661-362-5304 or visiting www.canyonspac.com.

Henry Mayo Becomes a Smoke and Tobacco-Free Facility

Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s campus, which includes the physician offices near the hospital and the surrounding grounds, became a smoke and tobacco-free environment last month. The tobacco-free policy will apply to the hospital and its exterior grounds (including sidewalks and parking areas), the Ambulatory Care Center, the Foundation Building and medical office buildings. All employees, physicians (and their office staff), patients, visitors and volunteers will not be permitted to smoke anywhere on Henry Mayo’s campus. For patients who smoke, doctors can order a nicotine patch on admission. The patch, which releases nicotine through the skin, will ease cravings during a hospital stay. For more information or to enroll in Henry Mayo’s Tobacco Cessation program, please call 661-253-8177.

Tickets On Sale for SCAA Gala The Los Angeles County Dept. of Parks and Recreation and Santa Clarita Artists’ Association (SCAA) will co-host the 20th annual Art Classic on Sunday, Oct. 18. The Classic will showcase artwork displayed in oil, watercolor, acrylic, sculpture, mixed media, digital and photography from 1 – 5 p.m. at Hart Hall,

maintained “Hair’s” ‘flower power’ backdrop and interwoven themes about tuning in and on to the ‘now,’ while

Henry Mayo Becomes a Smoke

community briefs


ruby

ChairmanBill Kennedy

Wingspan Business Consulting

immediate Past Chair Charlie Gill

Integrated Property Services Group, Inc.

Chair elect John Shaffery

Poole & Shaffery, LLP

Corporate secretary Marlee LaufferNewhall Land

vice Chair of economic DevelopmentJohn Shaffery

Poole & Shaffery, LLP

vice Chair of Ways and MeansTony Tartaglia

The Gas Company

vice Chair of MarketingKris HoughSCVBank

vice Chair of Member RelationsSue Nevius

La Quinta Inn & Suites

vice Chair of advocacy & Governmental Relations

Carl GoldmanKHTS AM-1220 Radio

Chris angelo – Stay Green, Inc. James Backer – JSB Development

Jim Bizzelle – Pardee Construction Company hunt Braly – HackerBraly, LLP

Dana Cop – AT&T Jason Crawford – City of Santa Clarita

Charles Gill – Integrated Property Services Group, Inc. Carl Goldman – KHTS AM-1220 Radio elizabeth hopp – Bank of Santa Clarita

kris hough – SCV Bank Bill kennedy – Wingspan Business Consulting

ian Lamont – The Signal Marlee Lauffer – Newhall Land

kevin Malone – Mercedes Benz of Valencia Dena Maloney – College of the Canyons

Bill McClendon – Lexus of Valencia sue Nevius – La Quinta Inn & Suites

Jay schutz – All Corked Up John shaffery – Poole & Shaffery, LLP

Douglas sink – Remo, Inc. Lloyd sreden – Stern, Kory, Sreden & Morgan, AAC

Jan swartz – Princess Cruises Tony Tartaglia – The Gas Company Randy Wrage – Spirit Holding, Inc.

Dora Zavala – Mary Kay Cosmetics/ Dora Zavala Jeffrey hacker – Chamber Counsel

Chairman

Chamber Officers

Chris angelo – Stay Green, Inc. James Backer – JSB Development

Jim Bizzelle – Pardee Construction Company

2009 board of Directors

Lexus of ValenciaPoole & Shaffery, LLPSCV BankSouthern California EdisonThe Signal

Burrtec Waste Industries

AT&TAdvantage DisposalBank of Santa ClaritaCastaic Lake Water AgencyHenry Mayo Newhall Memorial HospitalNewhall Land

REMO, Inc.

Jon Gardner InsuranceKaiser PermanenteLoan Connectors/Rhona JukesPaul Davis & Alberta Bellisario Ins.Castaic Lake Water Agency

A-1 PartyAcademy Swim Club

platinum

goldsilver

diamondbronze

2009 Package members

Package Memberships

allow members to pay upfront for multiple

Chamber events and

services at a discounted

rate.

SCV Home & Business ExpoContinued from page 1local businesses. Nearly 100 businesses and organizations set up shop for the weekend under one roof to promote goods and services.

Business Help CenTer Supported by the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee, representatives from various agencies will be on hand to help local business owners learn about important resources. Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon’s office, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the City of Santa Clarita, and other organizations are expected to provide attendees with the unique opportunity for one-on-one face time. The center will be open from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.

JoB fair The College of the Canyons Fall 2009 Job, Career and Intern Fair will provide information related to entry, middle and upper level opportunities as well as available workshops focusing on employer expectations, interviewing and resume preparation. Visit the Job Fair from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 in the Activities Center.

non-profiTs, CandidaTes Corner and enTerTainMenT

The Activities Center will also host a Non-Profit Arena and a Meet the Candidates Corner on Saturday and Sunday. Weekend entertainment local classic rock band Blue Sky, New World Dance Studio and Fun & Fit

Gymnastics on the outdoor stage. Expo would not be possible without the dedication of Expo committee volunteers, Chamber staff and generous sponsors. Even in these difficult times, several companies and organizations have come forward in support of the Chamber’s efforts. Special thanks go to the City of Santa Clarita, Lexus of Valencia, Vino 100 (Taste of Expo), Burrtec Waste Industries,

Inc., American Business Machines, Back to Health Chiropractic and The Chip, Inc. Whether browsing the main exhibit hall, enjoying community entertainment or learning who is hiring or how businesses can receive help, attendees are encouraged to explore and experience all

aspects of this signature Chamber event.

Visit www.scvchamber.com or phone 661-702-6977 for more information. For daily updates and post event coverage, follow SCV Chamber Expo on Facebook and Twitter @SCVExpo. Make It Neighborly, Make It Expo!

FREE FLU SHOTSCourtesy of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, medical staff will be on hand throughout the weekend to administer free flu shots for senior citizens and caregivers. In order to receive a free flu shot, adults must meet one of the following guidelines: age 65 years or older; adults age 18 and older with a long-term health problem, weakened immune system, or muscle or nerve disorder; adults who live with or care for people at high risk for influenza-related complications. Flu shots will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, with 500 doses on Saturday and 300 doses on Sunday


ThuRsDay, OCT. 18 a.m.

Get acquaiNted meetiNGChamber

FRiDay, OCT. 28 a.m.

mico-eNterpriSe committeeChamber

TuesDay, OCT. 611 a.m.

traNSportatioN committeeChamber

5:30 p.m. GraNd opeNiNG

caSh america payday adVaNce #2121

18829 Soledad Canyon Rd., Canyon Country

ThuRsDay, OCT. 83 p.m.

THINK SaNta clarita ValleychairS

Chamber

4 p.m. THINK SaNta clarita Valley

GeNeral meetiNG Chamber


city couNcil aGeNda reViewCity Hall

5 – 9 p.m. taSte of Expo

Santa Clarita Sports Complex, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway,

Santa Clarita

saTuRDay, OCT. 10 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

home & buSiNeSS ExpoSanta Clarita Sports Complex, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway,

Santa Clarita

suNDay, OCT. 1010 a.m. – 3 p.m.

home & buSiNeSS ExpoSanta Clarita Sports Complex, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway,

Santa Clarita

Tuesday, OcT. 138 a.m.

health & wellNeSS committeeChamber

11 a.m. GoVerNmeNt affairS

Chamber


hmNmh GoldeN Valley outpatieNt phySical therapy

19013 Golden Valley Road, Suite 125, Canyon Country

WeDNesDay OCT, 147:30 a.m.

Good morNiNG ScVHomeTown Buffet,

23154 Valencia Blvd., Valencia

ThuRsDay, OCT. 1511:30 a.m.

ecoNomic deVelopmeNt committeePoole & Shaffery,

25350 Magic Mountain Parkway, 2nd floor, Valencia

TuesDay, OCT. 205:30 p.m.

GraNd opeNiNG

caNyoN couNtry deNtal Group & orthodoNticS

26877 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita

WeDNesDay, OCT. 218 a.m.

hiSpaNic buSiNeSS committeeChamber


memberShip/ambaSSador meetiNGChamber

8:30 a.m. marketiNG meetiNG

Chamber

5:30 p.m. Grand Opening

pacifica SeNior liViNG of SaNta clarita24305 West Lyons Avenue,

Newhall

Friday, OcT. 238 a.m.

city couNcil aGeNda reViewCity Hall

oCtoBeR 2009 MeetiNgS aNd eveNtS CaLeNdaRoCto

mark Your calendar

For real time Chamber calendar information,

please visit www.scvchamber.com.

Weddings • BirthdaysAnniversaries • Showers

Business Events

6 6 1 . 2 9 7 . 2 2 7 5 • S a n t a C l a r i t a , C a

ThuRsDay, OCT. 18 a.m.

et acquaiNted meetiNGChamber


ico-eNterpriSe committeeChamber

TuesDay, OCT. 611 a.m.

raNSportatioN committeeChamber


caSh america paydayadVaVaV Nce #2121

18829 Soledad Canyon Rd., Canyon Country

ThuRsDay, OCT. 83 p.m.

THINK SaNta clarita Valley

Tuesday, OcT. 138 a.m.

health & wellNeSS committeeChamber

11 a.m. GoVerNmeNt affairS

Chamber


hmNmh GoldeN ValleyoutpatieNt phySical therapy

19013 Golden Valley Road, Suite 125, Canyon Country

WeDNesDay OCT, 147:30 a.m.

Good morNiNG ScVHomeTown Buffet,

23154 Valencia Blvd., Valencia


ecoNomic deVelopmeNt committee

toBeR 2009 MeetiNgS aNd eveNtS CaLeNdaRtoBeR 2009 MeetiNgS aNd eveNtS CaLeNdaR

ark Your calendar

Weddings • BirthdaysAnniversaries • Showers

Business Events

6 6 1 . 2 9 7 . 2 2 7 5 • S a n t a C l a r i t a , C a

A-1 PartyKim Kurowski, Owner


Watch Art

Create Art

Live Art

Sponsored byPresented by

scfestivalofthearts.com

Saturday 10am - 9pmSunday 10am - 6pm

OCTOBER 3 & 4Old Town Newhall on Main Street

Documents

Valley Business News - October 2009