Like us on Facebook and FoLLow us on TwiTTer aT TuLareTweeTs

March 2013

www.TulareChamber.org

Published date: Feb. 23, 2013

Update the
Thursday, March 14, 2013 5:00 - 7:00pm Tulare Boys & Girls Club 948 N. H Street

Save the Date:

Get Ready For Cars On K Coming April 6, 2013 Applications are at www.tularechamber.org Cruise night April 5th at A & W on J street

Tulare Boys & Girls Club Chamber Mixer

Come discover the Tulare Boys & Girls Club ... Get a tour, learn about our programs, get to know the kids, have a chance to win door prizes and mix and mingle over tasty appetizers with local businesses! For more information call Lynn at 592-4074 Hosted by Tulare Chamber

2013 Officers
Chairman of the Board Citizens Business Bank
Immediate Past Chair Kohler & Clark Screw Products, Inc

Philip Smith

Simone Frazier
Chair Elect Land O Lakes

Art Clark

Vice Chair of Membership Tulare Adult School

Marie Pinto

Lets WORK together Tulare!

Those attending the Tulare City Council study session on Tuesday, February 5 were treated to a tremendous example of consensus building. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to witness our citizens WORKing together for the benefit of our community. The topic under consideration at the study session was the proposed PropertyBased Business Improvement District, or PBID. This initiative is intended to change the way in which certain aspects (primarily marketing and overall district management) of the downtown Tulare business area are administered. In order to accomplish this, four individuals: Lionel Pires, Patrick Isherwood, Bob Barnier and Chris Harrell have spent countless hours over the last 18 months analyzing the probable impact of the PBID concept on our community, and speaking with those who are most likely to pay for, and benefit from, the program. Potential stakeholders in the process include: downtown property owners, business owners and managers, Tulare Downtown Association members and staff, the City of Tulare as both a property owner and an integral part of any change that may take place, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and the larger membership of our business community. Each of the stakeholders has their own vested interests to consider as well as the interests of the business district as a whole; a true communication conundrum. As many readers are already aware, our current Tulare Downtown Association (TDA) is funded through an assessment levied by the City of Tulare on licenses sold to businesses operating within the downtown Tulare business district. The efforts of the TDA to promote our downtown district are hampered by the fact that their funding relies entirely on businesses that are OPENif you havent driven down K Street recently give it a shot and youll see what I mean. Alternatively, the PBID administers funds collected through the county which are assessed based on an identified property measurement. The property owner pays the assessment, and may choose to pass along the charge to a tenantif they have a tenant... Empty storefronts create the image of an undesirable area in which to do business. In order for our downtown to succeed everyone needs to WORK together. It is the together aspect of the aforementioned presentation that I appreciated the most. The persons responsible for drawing up the proposal made a concerted effort to address issues raised by all stakeholders. A downtown business owner inquired whether his assessment would double since his property is on a corner. The answer was no, the property owner will only be assessed on one of the two frontages based on the specifics of that particular location. One party currently paying TDA fees wanted to know if he was going to be hit with both charges. Once again, the answer was no, the current proposal calls for a re-setting of the TDA assessment to zero during the implementation of the PBID. Budget issues impacting the City of Tulare were taken into account as well. As proposed, the city would not be assessed for owned (primarily former redevelopment) properties in the downtown area; in exchange, the city has been requested to reduce the fees that are typically charged when a new business opens downtown. I know Don Dorman and his management team will have to go over the numPhilip Smith bers on this, but I personVice President, ally think this particular Citizens part of the proposal brilBusiness Bank liantly addresses the needs of all parties involved. Deliberate and thoughtful communication enabled Lionel, Patrick, Bob and Chris to put together a proposal that makes sense for our community. They werent trying to sugarcoat anything or promising a hundred new jobs. Projected costs associated with the transition to a PBID were not buried in the fine print, they were clearly identified. These gentlemen didnt ignore the concerns brought forward by stakeholders; they found imaginative ways to tangibly address those concerns. What I observed on the evening of February 5 was truly excellent communication. Those council members present were able to engage in the discussion because that is the purpose of a study session (as opposed to a public hearing in which officials are only intended to listen to testimony on a topic under consideration). The presentation was well thought out, informative and nonconfrontational. Citizens present politely weighed in when appropriate opportunities to do so arose. Listening to that presentation, I was proud to be a member of this community. If we approach one another with respect and consideration (even when the topics are difficult ones) we all benefit. Anything is possible if we WORK together Tulare!

Vice Chair of Finance M. Green & Co.

Crystal Cota

Patrick Isherwood
Vice Chair of Governmental Affairs

2013 Board
Tulare Regional Medical Center

Sherri Bakke

Linda Nogues
Bacome Insurance Manuel Ortiz Ag Real Estate

International Agri-Center

Kerissa Postma-Chapman Crystal Cota

M. Green & Co. Valley Business Bank

Manuel Ortiz, Jr. Keith Reynolds

TAE Inc.

Melissa Freitas Shea Gowin

Gowin Green

Ronald Smith
Sterling & Smith Funeral Homes

Lonnie Tiesiera
Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Legal Counsel Horswill, Mederos, & Soares

Dennis Mederos

Golden State Paint & Body

Mike Watson

Professional Staff
President / CEO

Nina Akin

Sherry Carson
Office Manager Information Coordinator

Linda Howarth

is the official monthly publication of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce 220 E. Tulare Ave. P.O. Box 1435 Tulare, CA 93275-1435 686-1547 email: info@tularechamber.org web: www.tularechamber.org For advertising information call: Jennifer Guinn (559) 735-3235 the update is published in partnership with the Tulare Advance-Register

the update

Tulare Chamber of Commerce will publish new community guide and membership directory
The Tulare Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that sales for its upcoming community guide and membership directory are now underway. The guides are on target to print this fall, and will be distributed in and around the Chamber service area. The forthcoming Tulare community guide and membership directory will act as an exceptional Chamber membership recruitment tool, ideal community reference guide and informational relocation publication. This customized publication will feature a refreshing writing style, coupled with eye-popping design and colorful pictures - grasping the distinct character of the community. The publication will also include a complete Chamber membership directory and/or comprehensive buyers guide (categorical listing). Advertising in the Tulare community guide and membership directory has unrivaled advantages. The multi-platform advertising bundle goes beyond the traditional print publication to include: a community website and downloadable App is comparable to navigating through NewView eBook, which converts the publications editorial, pictures and design www.villageprofile.com, with features elements into a digital format; on-the-go including the community publication wireless access via various web-enabled cover graphic; links to editorial chapters; devices; and the searchable vpMobile.us access to the advertiser directory comBusiness Directory Portal, featuring the plete with reciprocal links; one-click, Chambers entire membership directory, GPS-driven directions to all Chamber available wirelessly, 24/7. Since 1996, the advertisers business locations; including Village Profile website has seen over direct dial and direct email capabilities. 250,000,000 hits from Internet locales This leading-edge, technologically around the world and from all manners advanced, royalty-generating publishing of users, and the vpmobile.us site totaled program is made possible through a partmore than 8.4 million hits from 20112012. This considerable traffic will prove nership between the Tulare Chamber of beneficial to the entire Tulare Chamber of Commerce and Chamber member Village Commerce community. See Community Guide/3 In addition, the Chambers Village Profile iPhone and Government Affairs Android App provides the Committee Meeting Chamber, its members and advertisers access to their comThe Tulare Chamber invites all citizens munity in one touch, anytime, to their Government Affairs Committee anywhere, from their handmeeeting the 2nd Monday of each month held Smartphone devices. at noon at Apple Annies. March 11th Downloadable from respective iPhone stores and the Android with be Shawn Bolouki /April. 8th marketplace, the Village Profile

PERMIT NO. 232 TULARE, CA

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

page 2 March 2013

February 23, 2013

PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

California Fair Political Practices Commission California State Contribution Limits

(Effective January 1, 2013-December 31, 2014)
Candidates seeking a state office and committees that make contributions to state candidates are subject to contribution limits from a single source. (Section 85301-85303.) Contributions from affiliated entities are aggregated for purposes of the limits. (Regulation 18215.1.) The chart below shows the current limits per contributor for state offices. The primary, general, special, and special run-off elections are considered separate elections. Contribution limits to candidates apply to each election. Contribution limits to officeholder and other committees apply on a calendar year basis. Contact your city or county about contribution limits for local offices. ceilings apply to the committee to oppose the recall that is controlled by the officeholder who is the target of the recall attempt. Candidates running to replace an officeholder who is the target of a recall are subject to the contribution limits and the expenditure limits applicable to the election for that office. (Section 85315; Regulation 18531.5.) Ballot Measure Committees Contributions to ballot measure committees controlled by a candidate for elective state office are not limited. Contributions from State Candidates and Officeholders A state candidate or state officeholder may not contribute more than $4,100 to a committee controlled by another state candidate or state officeholder (including a state or local election committee, legal defense fund, officeholder account, recall committee, or ballot measure committee). This limit applies on a per election basis and includes, in the aggregate, contributions made from the candidates or officeholders personal funds and from campaign funds. (Section 85305; Regulation 18535.) Communications Identifying State Candidates Any committee that makes a payment or a promise of payment totaling $50,000 or more for a communication that: 1. Clearly identifies a state candidate; but 2. Does not expressly advocate the election or defeat of the candidate; and 3. Is disseminated, broadcast, or otherwise published within 45 days of an election, may not receive a contribution from any single source of more than $34,000 in a calendar year if the communication is made at the behest of the candidate featured in the communication. (Section 85310.) Officeholder Committees Officeholder contributions must be cumulated (in full) with any other contributions from the same contributor(s) for any other future elective state office for which the officeholder maintains a controlled committee during the term of office in which the contribution is received. Contributions to candidates for future elections and to their officeholder account are cumulated for purposes of contribution limits. (Regulation 18531.62.) Contributions from State Lobbyists A state lobbyist may not contribute to a state officeholders or candidates committee if the lobbyist is registered to lobby the agency of the elected officer or the agency to which the candidate is seeking election. The lobbyist also may not contribute to a local committee controlled by any such state candidate. (Section 85702; Regulation 18572.) Local Elections Many cities and counties have local contribution limits and other election rules. Local Campaign Ordinances are listed on the FPPCs website. Check with your city or county about contribution limits for local elections. Definitions Person: An individual, proprietorship, firm, partnership, joint venture, syndicate, business trust, company, corporation, limited liability company, association, committee, and any other organization or group of persons acting in concert. (Section 82047.) Small Contributor Committee: Any committee that meets all of the following criteria: (a) The committee has been in existence for at least six months. (b) The committee receives contributions from 100 or more persons. (c) No one person has contributed to the committee more than $200 per calendar year. (d) The committee makes contributions to five or more candidates. (Section 85203; Regulation 18503.) Political Party Committee: The state central committee or county central committee of an organization that meets the requirements for recognition as a political party under Elections Code Section 5100. (Section 85205.)

The contribution limits are effective for elections held between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014. These limits do not apply to contributions made to elections in previous years. Such contributions are subject to the limits in place for that year - see previous charts. Legal Defense Funds Contributions raised for a legal defense fund are not subject to contribution limits or the voluntary expenditure ceiling. However, a candidate or officeholder may

raise, in total, no more than is reasonably necessary to cover attorneys fees and other legal costs related to the proceeding for which the fund is created. (Section 85304; Regulation 18530.4.) Recall Elections A state officeholder who is the subject of a recall may set up a separate committee to oppose the qualification of the recall measure and, if the recall petition qualifies, the recall election. Neither contribution limits nor voluntary expenditure

Amazon Announces its Third Fulfillment Center in California, Creating Hundreds of Jobs
Amazon today announced plans to open a new 1 million-square-foot, stateof-the-art fulfillment center in Tracy, California. The company will create hundreds of full-time jobs with benefits at the site. Amazon opened its first fulfillment center in California, located in San Bernardino, in October 2012 and is in the process of opening another facility in Patterson later this year. This latest development in Tracy not only represents good jobs coming to the region but Californias strong partnership with Amazon, said Kish Rajan, Director of the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development. This third new distribution center marks a commitment by Amazon of over 1,000 California jobs in the last year alone. We look forward to continuing our relationship with this world leading brand and hope to build more opportunities for Californians in the future. At the Tracy facility, Amazon employees will engage with high-end technology while fulfilling customer orders. Amazon fulfillment center jobs pay on average 30 percent more than traditional retail jobs and that doesnt even include the stock grants that full-time employees receive, which over the past five years have added an average of 9 percent to base pay annually. Amazon offers full-time benefits including healthcare.

Circles of Excellence
A program of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce
Ambassadors Circle
Acclaim Auto & Truck Accessories Bank of the Sierra Citizens Business Bank College of the Sequoias Horswill, Mederos & Soares Ruan Transportation Corporation Sturgeon & Beck, Inc. Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino TF Tire & Service Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Presidents Circle
J.D. Heiskell & Company Lagomarsino Group Res-Com Pest Control Saputo Cheese USA, Inc Southern California Gas Company Tulare Advance Register Tulare Outlet Center Tulare Regional Medical Center

Directors Circle
International Agri Center Land O Lakes Valley Business Bank

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize these members who have gone above and beyond membership investment in 2013. Their support is instrumental in the growth of the Chamber.

Get Healthy & Strong!

NO Contracts or Initiation Fees
Only 35 per mo.
$

Not a member? Join Today!

LENDING SERVICES ELECTRONIC SERVICES DEPOSIT SERVICES and many other benets... TULARE 1233 E. Prosperity Ave. (559) 685-8892 PORTERVILLE 1389 W. Henderson Ave. (559) 784-8892

Ladies Only Area

We sell dietary supplements

Fitness for Men & Women Lose Weight Feel Better Get Fit
VS-0000217874

Iron Grip Gym

VS-0000217500

VISALIA 2300 W. Whitendale Ave. 5222 W. Cypress Ave. (559) 732-8892 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5011 Visalia, CA 93278-5011

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

www.tucoemas.org Federally insured by NCUA

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

MEMBER NEWS

March 2013 page 3

February 23, 2013

New Family Medical Leave Act Regulations Effective March 8

(February 7, 2013) The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule implementing important regulations expanding FMLA protections. The first expansion provides families of eligible veterans with the same jobprotected FMLA leave currently available to families of military service members and it also enables more military families to take leave for activities that arise when a service member is deployed, according to the DOL. The second expansion modifies existing rules so that airline personnel and flight crews are better able to make use of the FMLAs protections. The regulations were revised to implement statutory amendments to the FMLA that occurred under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 and the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act. The regulations do not take effect until March 8, 2013 30 days after the publication of the final rule. According to the DOL website, military caregiver leave for a veteran will not be available until the effective date of the Final Rule on March 8, 2013. CalChamber will continue to keep you posted as to required poster and form changes and the effective implementation dates of those changes. HRCalifornia will be updating content, including revised forms and a mandatory poster change. Visit this DOL webpage for more information, including the final rule, a military leave guide, fact sheets and other materials.

SCE education energy workshops for February and March 2013

February 2013
Tue 26 CSI Contractor Solar Class Wed 27 IHACI: (CAQI/QM/QS) HVAC System Diagnostics Part 3 Evaluating, Analyzing, and Ultimately Identifying the Root Cause(s) of the HVAC/R System Thu 28 IHACI: (CAQI/QM/QS) HVAC System Diagnostics Part 4 - Accurate Elimination and Verification of the Root Cause(s) of the HVAC/R System

Tulare Chamber Renewing Members

AMVETS Department of California Anthony DeRose Collette Travel Cool Hand Lukes Manuel & Dollie Faria Figaros Southwestern Grill Gary Smith OD Inc. Gowin Green Harris Construction Hazels Kitchen Janet Heath Lampe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Levon Rich Mattos Dairy Parul Gupta MD Robert Reynolds RUAN Ruiz Foods Sousa & Sousa Dairy Tachi Palace Tulare County SchoolsPalo Verde Union School Tulare Emergency Aid New Members: Pitching Wedge Restaurant & Lounge Kathy Simmons 5300 S. Laspina,Tulare 686-0270 Scentsy-Janell Flores 30718 Privateer Ct. Lemoore 836-9242 www.janell.scentsy.us Tulare Baseball Association Brett Miller PO Box 695, Tulare 679-2675 www.tularebaseball. com

March 2013
Fri 1 Tue 5 Thu 7 Fri 8 Introduction to Lighting ICE-O-Matic: Ice Machine Service Training Residential and Light Commercial HVAC Basic Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Wed 13 2008 Nonresidential Standards Essentials for Energy Consultants Thu 14 From Candles to LEDs - Getting to the Point Fri 15 From Candles to LEDs - Getting to the Point

Community Guide
(continued from page 1)
Profile, and is produced at NO COST to the Chamber. For publication and advertising information or to reserve ad space now, contact the Tulare Chamber of Commerce or Sales Representative David Waligorski at

559-686-1547. Visit Communities Across America and Maximize Your Marketing Online by linking your Business website to your local Community at: http://www.villageprofile.com. Visit Colleges & Universities Across America at:

http://www.collegetownprofile.com iPhone App Download: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/villageprofile/id372241416?mt=8 Android App Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.mcsolutions.villageprofiledroid

Tue 19 CSI Contractor Solar Class Wed 20 IHACI: (CAQI/QM/QS) System Performance Module Part 1 Thermodynamics: Heat in Motion Thu 21 IHACI: (CAQI/QM/QS) System Performance Module Part 2 - A SubSystem of the Building Tue 26 CSI Commercial Solar Workshop Wed 27 IHACI: (CAQI/QM/QS) System Performance Module Part 3 Heating System: Comfort with Energy Efficiency Thu 28 IHACI: (CAQI/QM/QS) System Performance Module Part 4 Cooling System: Comfort with Energy Efficiency

Thank you to all our great chamber members that created beautiful tables for annual awards dinner
Acclaim Auto & Truck Accessories Bank of Sierra Bret Stuber CPA Educational Employees Credit Union Gowin Green Landscaping Grandmas House A Vision of Hope Hazels Kitchen International Agri-Center J.D. Heiskell Land O Lakes Leadership Tulare M Green Magnolia Health Corp Marie Pinto Morris Levin & Son Paladin Investment Group Premier Real Estate Rabobank Relay For Life Roma Lodge Service Master by Benevento State Farm Tachi Palace Tucoemas Federal Credit Union Tulare County Farm Bureau Tulare Outlet Center Tulare Regional Medical Center Visalia Rawhide Baseball Valley Business Bank Wells Fargo Bank

Energy Education Center- 4175 S. Laspina St., Tulare, CA 93274 Free training-reservations are encouraged, call (559) 625-7126 or visit www.sce.com/workshop

Member News
Tulare Rotary Club members will hold their 17th Annual Crab Feed on Friday, March 8 at the Heritage Complex. During the evening upscale items including several vacation destinations will be auctioned by World Champion Auctioneer David Macedo. Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Scot Hillman. We are very excited about this years Crab Feed, states Paul Daley, event chair. Along with a delicious all you can eat crab dinner and live auction, the event will also feature a large silent auction containing lots of sports memorabilia and a fun raffle. We will have something for everyone, Daley added. The evening will begin at 6 pm with a social hour and dinner at 7 pm. A large silent auction containing numerous items will be open most of the evening, and the live auction will begin after dinner. Rotary Club members work hard to make this event a success, states Deanne Martin-Soares, rotary club president. This is our major fundraiser for the year, and the proceeds go directly back to our local community. Last year the club contributed over $60,000 to support college scholarships, charities, sports programs and other organizations with special needs. Helping is what were all about, added Martin-Soares. To purchase tickets at $60 per person, or for more information on Sponsorship

Packages . . . featuring great business recognition opportunities, call Paul Daley at 686-1761 extension 106 or Renee Soto at 331-2017. [ Cabrillo Civic Club of Tulare County, #12 are now accepting scholarship applications from High School students who meet the criteria. The Deadline is March 15, 2013. All applications must be in by the deadline. Criteria is as follows: ~ Portuguese descent ~ US Citizen or permanent resident ~ GPA of 3.50 or higher For more information please contact Dulcie Nunes at (559) 688-8070. Applications are available on line at www. cabrillocivicclubs.org/scholarship. [ During their January Meeting, Tulare Regional Medical Center Board of Directors recognized two physicians as Care Champions. Samuel Kuo, MD, Oncologist and Arnold Weldon, MD, Family Medicine, received the honor from the surviving spouse of patients they cared for. Champions of Care, Tulare Hospital Foundations Grateful Patient program, was established to provide patients a formal means of expressing appreciation for their Tulare Regional Medical Center healthcare experience. Tulare Regional Medical Center Physicians and staff receive an extension to their hospital name badge, identifying them are a Care Champion.

ad

The City of Tulare

is looking for citizens to be on the following Boards and Commissions: Board of Public Utilities, Community Relations Commission, Library Board, Commission on Aging, Tree Committee, and the Housing & Building Appeals Board. Applications can be picked up at the City Hall, 411 E. Kern.

The Peru trip is an 8 day trip. Not 21 days as stated in the February newsletter. The Tulare Chamber of Commerce trip to Peru is September 21 28, 2013. Join us for a presentation Tuesday 19th at 6 PM at the Tulare Chamber office. Please join us. Call (559) 686-1547 for more info.

Correction:

page 4 March 2013

February 23, 2013

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Tulare Chamber of Commerce presents...

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

March Calendar
Thursday, Feb. 28
4pm - 5pm New Member Orientation for Tulare Chamber. 220 E. Tulare Ave.

Peru: Ancient Land of Mysteries

with Optional 4-Night Easter Island Discovery Post Tour Extension with Optional 4-Night Peruvian Amazon Post Tour Extension

Friday, March 8

5:30pm - 6:30pm ROTARY CRAB FEED

8 Days 11 Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners September 21 - 28, 2013

Sunday, March 10
Daylight Saving Time Begins

Monday, March 11

Noon Governmental Affairs Meeting, Apple Annies, 1165 N. Blackstone Ave., Tulare

Monday, March 11

Ambassadors Lunch Meeting, 220 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare, in the TRADE ROOM

Wednesday, March 13

4pm - 5pm Executive Committee Meeting, 220 E. Tulare Ave.Chamber office

Sunday, March 17
St. Patricks Day

Monday, March 18

6pm - 7pm Community Game Night Bingo. Twin Oaks Assisted Living Center, 999 North M St.

Wednesday, March 20

4pm - 5pm Tulare Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting. 220 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare Chamber office

Thursday, March 28

6pm - 9pm Microsoft Excel Class. 220 E. Tulare Ave, Tulare Chamber of Commerce-Trade Room

Sunday, March 31
Easter

Details Ribbon Cutting

The Chamber is always pleased to help our members celebrate new beginnings with ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremonies.
Tulare Regional Medical Center Groundbreaking

Excitement Revving Up for Cars on K on Sat., April 6th

Cars on K is coming to downtown Tulare, and more than 150 classic and custom vehicles will line the streets during this free, family-friendly event. Beautiful cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display, in addition to food, music, door prizes and lots of great sales at Tulares downtown businesses. Bring the whole family because theres always something for everyone to enjoy at this event. Dont forget the Cruise Night April 5th at the A & W on J street and Tulare starts at 5:00pm, the pre- show kick off !! Cars on K, sponsored by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, Will Tiesiera Ford, Sturgeon and Beck , Merrill Stone Chevrolet and Budweiser Saturday, April 6 from 10 am to 3 pm. On K Street between Inyo and San Joaquin Streets in downtown Tulare. Call Tulare Chamber of Commerce at 686-1547 for more information or visit www.tularechamber.org

The Chamber helped celebrate the grand opening of Details Party Rentals with a ribbon cutting. Todd and Karen have relocated their business to 3809 N. Mooney Blvd., Tulare. They have a beautiful show room filled with ideas for parties. Stop by, say hello and look at all the great ideas they have on display. Their phone number is 685-8810 or visit the website at www.detailspartyrentals.com

Karen Todd Westbrook Ribbon Cutting

Nearly 200 community members and dignitaries attended the ground breaking celebration for Tulare Regional Medical Centers newest Healthcare Center on North West Street in Tulare. When opened the clinic will be licensed to provide primary care for adults and pediatric patients. Medical specialty needs will continue to be referred to the Hillman Healthcare Center on Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare. Thanks to Community Development Block Grand Funding, provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Tulare Regional Medical Center received $250,000 to provide the infrastructure needed for developing the clinic. Saturdays ground breaking ceremony featured TRMC Governing Board Members, Senior Leadership, Tulare City Council and Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, Pete Vander Poel. During a time when rarely the City Council agreed on an initiative, the granting of funds to Tulare Regional Medical Center for the development of a Healthcare Clinic on the west side of Tulare was a unanimous vote, said Craig Vejvoda, Vice Mayor City of Tulare.

Pin it, Pin it Real Good!

Can you get more than just the ocassional high-five from the Pinterest Possy? Why yes you can, but first you need to know what to post. Women do love Pinterest but that love is also growing with the search engines so knowing more about your posts will help you with both audiences. To pin it real good, you need to know what pins people like so you can give them more of what they want. This is where analytics come in. Social media marketing continues to grow, improve, and become something that companies can utilize as a means for networking, brand exposure, and more business. When it comes to Pinterest, utilizing this site for exposure is a must. Listed below are 8 different analytics tools that can assist you and your business in figuring out what works and doesnt work with the Pinterest community. Octopin Octopin specializes in the Campaign Manager which allows the user to create multiple boards and campaigns, and schedule pins before theyre published on Pinterest. Users can also host promotional contests through their brand. Pro: Octopin provides advanced analytics and a ranking lists of contest participants. Con: More in-depth plans are costly. Cost: charge per plan Pinpuff Pinpuff analyzes your influence on Pinterest through what youre pinning and the frequency of your pins. These numbers can provide an estimated worth of each pinner. Pro: Suggests tips to users on how to get maximum use out of Pinterest Con: Not opened for use, currently still in Beta Cost: Free Pinfluence Pinfluence emphasizes the importance of creating boards that your target audience wants to see. You are able to build community boards and invite contributors to pin that are interested in your brand. Pinfluence searches for these potential contributors through keyword searches. Pro: Helps users to build huge network of relevant target audiences Con: is a downloadable tool, not currently available on Mac Cost: Free ten-day trial, $9.99 for a month-to-month membership, $7.99/ month for a six-month membership, and $5.99/ month for an annual membership. Repinly This dashboard tool helps users find popular pins, boards, and pinners in any given category on Pinterest. You are able to sort through each category by repins, likes, comments, or the date. Pro: shows Top Pinning Sources from sites like Google, Etsy, Flickr, Tumblr, etc. Con: Repinly suggests sponsored Pinners to Follow, and these may not be relevant to your brand or audience. Cost: Free PinReach PinReach provides users with a score based off of their activity levels on Pinterest. The goal of this tool is to produce and share great content on Pinterest. Using this particular tool, repins boost your score much quicker than pinning something new. The more popular the pin, the higher your score will increase. Pro: Allows users to see what other pinners are interested in on Pinterest Con: Your score is based primarily off of what others think of your pins, not of your activity (likes, comments) on Pinterest Cost: Free Reachli Reachli is a tool that can be used by businesses interested in maximizing their brand or product exposure on the web. Pro: Tracks images not only on Pinterest, but also on Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Con: Not as useful of a tool for an average Pinterest user Cost: Charge per package Curalate Provides analytics of the images from your site that users pin, and keeps track of these users in an easy-tonavigate dashboard. Pro: Organizes those who comment on your products so you can easily respond to them and build consumer engagement Con: Provides analytics on your products, not your actual page Cost: Monthly fee, pricing depends on your online marketing budget PinAuthority PinAuthority creates widgets for your website or blog to show off your Pinterest followers and assists users in gaining followers by featuring them on PinAuthoritys homepage. Pro: Provides updated statistical data for users on a daily basis Con: May use cookies to display info about your account when you visit third-party websites if you have their Visitor Widget installed. Cost: Free to use, other plans start at $9.99/ month to be featured on PinAuthoritys homepage and sidebar