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June 2012

www.TulareChamber.org

Published date: May 26, 2012

Update the
has happened in most communities (including ours) is because of the Chambers efforts and the Service Clubs that rally together. Economic development and thriving commerce are the Nina Akinresponsibility of all. If President/CEO you look at the most successful efforts, the private sector is responsible for the Tulare Outlets, the World Ag Expo and more. We dont spend the money, we make it. We make the events that create a Community. There are interesting times ahead, but rest assured, Your Chamber, its Board and its members are always looking for new ways to create Economic Growth in Tulare. Thank you for being actively involved; if you are not involved, call the Chamber well find you a cause

Save the Date:

Tuesday, June 5th 1PM Bling 4 You BBQ/Ribbon Cutting, 1585 E Tulare Ave. Thursday, June 7th 10AM Cartmill Overpass Ribbon Cutting Monday, June 11th 12PM Governmental Affairs Committee meets at Apple Annies Tuesday, June 12th 12PM Ambassador Meeting at the Chamber Wednesday, June 13th Ribbon Cutting for Costas Catering. Call the Chamber for more information.

Community Involvement
Most of us spend our lives working and raising a family and every once in a while have the opportunity to engage in politics or something related to the public arena. All of my life I have enjoyed community involvement. I started working on presidential campaigns when I was in high school; most of our family friends were either on the city council or active on one board or another; I never knew any difference. I thought this was how it is for everyone in a community. My Dads buddies were either a mayor at some time or a chairman of this or a board member of that; my mother even worked on Marcie Bufords (the first woman mayor in Hanford) campaign! I was raised to believe you needed to give as much as you get to create a happy marriage, a happy family, an active church and a healthy community. My family belonged to service clubs and I was encouraged to volunteer at a very young age. My Father is a Mason and I was a Jobs Daughter, we went to church on Sunday and I sang at the Rest Homes with my grandmother. I was a PTA president, President of the Kings Guild; I worked on campaigns to pass school bonds, sold Girl Scout cookies, taught Art to the elementary school children and have always dedicated my time to the community in which I lived. This is community. This is the description of a person who belongs to a community. Every person who sits on our City council is there with the right purpose in mind. They are not career politicians and they dont give their time because they want something in return or have a hidden agenda. Everyone who belongs to a service club is cut from that same cloth. What a joy it is to see the generosity of Tulare. I know that we will be able to look back on all of this and know that our efforts were not in vain. The Chamber of Commerce is the CORE of every community. Every great thing that

2012 Officers
Chair of the Board Kohler & Clark Screw Products, Inc

Art Clark

Immediate Past Chair Tulare Adult School Vice Chair of Membership CEO of the Tulare Fair

Marie Pinto Geoff Hines

Chair Elect Citizens Business Bank Vice Chair of Finance M. Green & Co.

Philip Smith

Poll Briefing on Cap and Trade Energy Tax Please Join Us - Thursday, May 31
Please join the California Chamber of Commerce and Californians Against Higher Taxes to review recent polling results on the cap and trade issue and to discuss efforts to oppose this $30 billion hidden energy tax (through 2020) proposed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This hidden tax would significantly increase energy prices and poses significant threats to California consumers, businesses and the states economic recovery. If CARB proceeds with the auction as planned, Californians will face: Higher gas prices at the pump. Higher utility bills for gas, electricity and water. Higher prices for every day goods and services. Higher costs for schools, colleges and hospitals anyone who uses large amounts of energy. Finally, CARB is attempting to implement this hidden energy tax without a two-thirds vote of the Legislature by calling it a fee. A briefing and planning meeting will

Crystal Cota

Deanne Martin-Soares
Vice Chair of Governmental Affairs

2012 Board
Tulare Historical Museum International Agri-Center

Terry Brazil

John Thomas Sue Ann Hillman Linda Nogues Lonnie Tiesiera

Legal Counsel Horswill, Mederos, & Soares Bacome Insurance Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc. JD Heiskell Bank of Sierra

Kerissa Postma-Chapman Crystal Cota

M. Green & Co. Land OLakes

Simone Frazier
Valley Business Bank Tulare County Fair

take place to include a presentation on recent polling on this issue and review what Californians Against Higher Taxes has done to date on this important public policy question. California Chamber of Commerce 1215 K Street, 14th Floor California Room Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. RSVP/Questions: Jenny@gcwest.com If you are unable to join the meeting in person, please use the dial-in information below. Thank you. Dial-in #: 866-910-4857 Event #: 307006#

Melissa Freitas Geoff Hinds

Dennis Mederos Traci Myers

Ex-Officio City of Tulare

Tulare Regional Medical Center

John Barbadian

Lets Talk BUSINESS!

with Hancock A/C & Heating
When Craig Hancock was growing up in Bishop, California he made a few discoveries along the way. He enjoyed baseball and continued to play after high school until sidelined by injuries. He found that he enjoyed working at the local appliance store; delivering, maintaining and repairing new and used appliances (o.k., so delivery to the upper story of an A-frame residence may not have been so enjoyable). It wasnt until after graduation though, that he understood the full truth of his fathers oft repeated statement its not the problems; its how you deal with them. As it became clear that successive injuries might prevent Craig from pursuing a career in baseball his father, Dick Hancock, encouraged him to attend college and develop skills in other areas. Given his early aptitude for appliance repair Craig chose to attend heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) courses while playing for a team in southern California. During the 1980s he completed his coursework, worked for a local firm to develop his skills and finally took the exams required to obtain his contractors license. Having enjoyed the way of life offered by our community during visits with family, Craig chose to relocate to Tulare and opened the door of Hancock A/C & Heating in 1990. For the sake of accuracy the initial door that was opened was the door of his truck; for the next five years Craig was the firms only employee. Philip: Many small business owners find it difficult to grow with their organization. Some entrepreneurs are challenged by the prospect of managing personnel. How did you make the transition from being the only guy on the job to being the guy that is managing eight other people? Craig: Over the years Ive had to adapt to the fact that more people would be required to respond to the growing demand for our services; but we grew very carefully. In 1995 the first employee was hired by Hancock A/C & Heating, my wife Rosemary. We discussed the situation and decided it would be best if she left her job with a local attorneys firm and began handling the phones and files for our business. She hated to leave that job, but we really needed her in the office while I was out in the field. Since then, weve gradually added technicians or office staff as needed. Teamwork is important even if it means Ive had to reconcile myself to being the coach, not the player. I primarily handle logistics now and no one is done for the day until everyone is done. One of my rules is that if a technician cannot identify the problem within five minutes he needs to call for back up. By communicating consistently with my crew if one of the guys gets bogged down I can shift his workload to someone else, or call in someone with special skills. Philip: Youve mentioned your fathers opinion of problems a couple of times during our conversation. How do you apply his philosophy to managing your business? Is there any particular approach you take when addressing problems? Craig: Our primary goal is to solve our clients problem. Thats it and thats all. If we can fix the problem, instead of merely pushing new equipment, well have attained our goal. Many of the hardest-working families in Tulare find the financial challenge of a new air conditioner to be an enormous burden. So, if we can repair a motor instead of replacing an Philip Smith entire unit; problem solved. Vice President, I didnt start this business Citizens to get rich, I like the work. Business Bank Rosemary and I work every day and were going to keep working. If we can fix the clients problem today, theyre going to call us in the future. By placing the clients interests ahead of our own we solidify the relationship. Weve been honored to receive the American Home Shield Quality of Service Award for customer satisfaction two years running now; placing us among the top ten HVAC contractors in the country for service quality. Our clients truly appreciate what we do. When we opened the office on Monday morning after the first hot weekend in April our inbox was filled with service requests. My family and I have been blessed and were very grateful. Philip: During the last seven years contractors have made (and lost) fortunes in your industry. How did you and Rosemary decide to approach the housing boom? What management principles took you through the economic cycle and enhanced the stability of your organization during those years? Craig: When Rosemary and I discussed our options as the economy was heating up,

Sherry Carson
Information Specialist

President / CEO Office Manager

Nina Akin

Professional Staff

Director of Membership and Sales Information Coordinator

Andi Cabrera

Vickie Kuntz

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: Colleen Ferreira (559) 735-3227 the update is published in partnership with the Tulare Advance-Register

the update

PERMIT NO. 232 TULARE, CA

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

See Lets Talk/3

Salute to Dairy!
June 21st 11:30-1:30 at the Heritage Complex. Contact the Chamber for Sponsorship opportunities and tickets for this event or register online at www.tularechamber.org. Our Guest Speaker will be Tyler Bramble of AllTech. Join us while we salute dairy and hear about all the amazing advancements AllTech is bringing to Tulare.

page 2 June 2012

May 26, 2012

PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

June Ballot Measure Information to Share with Your Employees

Jobs and the state of the economy are of high concern to the public at large and most likely your employees. As they weigh their choices for the June election, your employees may find it helpful to learn about the business perspective on the ballot measures. Sharing this information is not the same as telling employees how to vote and the sample text below attempts to make that clear. You can include the link below in an email to employees who would like more information. If you have concerns about communicating these positions to your employees, be assured that you are within your rights to do so just remember: NO PAYCHECK STUFFERS, no coercion, no rewarding or punishing employees (or threatening to do so) for their political activities or beliefs. For more guidelines on political communications to employees, see the brochure on our website. Note the distinction between internal communications (to employees, stockholders and their families) and communications to external audiences (such as non-stockholder retirees, outside vendors, customers, passersby). **********

Remember to Vote
As you consider your choices on the June ballot, we want to share with you the positions of the California Chamber of Commerce on the statewide ballot measures. Please dont interpret this email as a message telling you how to vote. We are providing this information because the CalChamber positions are based on the impact of the ballot measures on Californias economy and jobs climate. For more information on the reasons for each position, please see the link at the bottom of the email.

Subject Limits on Legislators Terms in Office 29 Oppose Additional Tax on Cigarettes for Cancer Research More information available at www. calchamber.com/ballot 1215 K Street, Suite 1400 Sacramento, CA 95814 916 444 6670 www.calchamber.com

Prop. Position 28 Support

Overview of June Ballot Measures

Limits on Legislators Terms in Office. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. Reduces total amount of time a person may serve in the state legislature from 14 years to 12 years. Allows 12 years service in one house. Applies only to legislators first elected after measure is passed. Placed on Ballot by: Petition signatures. Reasons for Position Unlike a 2008 attempt to reform term limits (Proposition 93), Proposition 28 applies its revised limits only to legislators first elected after the proposition passes. Legislators elected. Following are brief summaries of the measures that will appear on the June ballot and the reasons for the California Chamber of Commerce positions. The CalChamber encourages employers to share this information with their employees. Businesses are within their rights to do so - just remember: NO PAYCHECK STUFFERS, no coercion, no rewarding or punishing employees (or threatening to do so) for their political activities or beliefs. For more guidelines on political communications to employees, see the brochure at www.calchamber.com/guidelines. Note the distinction between internal communications (to employees, stockholders and their families) and communications to external audiences (such as non-stockholder retirees, outside vendors, customers and passersby). For more information on the ballot measures, see the link listed below or visit the website of the secretary of state at www.sos.ca.gov. Proposition 28 would continue to be subject to existing term limits. The CalChamber opposed Proposition 93 in 2008 because it did not include a companion reform measure on redistricting, a goal subsequently accomplished with the passage of Proposition 11 in 2008. Proposition 28 is a much-needed improvement to the current term limits law while keeping the original initiative intact. More Information: www.cafreshstart.com Imposes Additional Tax on Cigarettes for Cancer Research. Initiative Statute. Imposes additional $1 per pack tax on cigarettes and an equivalent tax increase on other tobacco products. Revenues fund research for cancer and tobacco-related diseases. Placed on Ballot by: Petition signatures. Reasons for Position This initiative imposes an additional tax on cigarettes and an equivalent tax increase on other tobacco products to fund research for cancer and tobaccorelated diseases. It is estimated to raise nearly $1 billion in new taxes, but nothing in Proposition 29 requires the Proposition 29 funding to be spent in California or even in the United States. Although cancer research is important, the CalChamber Board of Directors thought it was inappropriate to create a new program when the state is slashing existing essential programs, such as education and courts. In addition, the Legislative Analysts Office concluded that the revenue stream to fund these new programs would be declining and the CalChamber Board was concerned that it would once again put existing programs at risk to keep the new programs. More Information: www.NoOn29.com

Welcome Aboard New Member

Congratulations and thank you to the following new members that invested in the Chamber during the month of April.
Retail Relocated to K Street. Owners Irma and Sid Carter Jr. have moved to their new location and we are delighted to have them in our downtown area. We plan to have a Ribbon Cutting soon!

Sids Upholestry

Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who renewed their membership during the month of April.
Best Western Town & Country Lodge Building Maintenance Services Citizens Business Bank Palace Food Depot SS Shirts Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. Tulare Community Health Clinic Craig Vejvoda CLU Walter Mortensen Insurance Cary & Connie Stanley Tulare Polaris Tulare County Cabrillo Civic Club #12 Grissom-Wallace Communications Inc. Machado Custom Hay Loading, Inc. Mid-Valley Pipe & Supply Tulare County Mortgage Services Fisher Manufacturing Company Judge Walter Gorelick Jasjeet S. Malli, DDS, Inc. Quad Knopf, Inc. Sharp Insurance & Bonding Sissys BBQ & More Tulare County Fair Tulare Senior Services, Inc. United Way of Tulare County Darrell & Bobbie Wilson Farm Credit West Carrolls Tire Wirehouse Janet Heath Morrison Management Specialist C.P.Phelps, Inc. Land OLakes Tulare Youth Service Bureau Inc. Tulare County Federal Credit Union Nunes Appliance Service Joe & Inez Simoes Valley Industrial Medical Group Happy Trails Riding Academy Tulare Elks Lodge #1424 Wonder Valley Ranch Resort Boyds Electric Motors, Inc. Billie Fry Morris Levin & Son Hardware Richs Business Options/Amway Global Kevin Wright Insurance

Members Renew Chamber Investment

California Exports Rise for 29th Month

California export trade, dragging bottom three years ago, has emerged as arguably the brightest star in the states economy. California businesses shipped merchandise valued at $14.62 billion in March, up 4.8 percent from $13.95 billion in March 2011, according to an analysis of Thursdays U.S. Commerce Department trade figures by Beacon Economics, a consulting firm with offices in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. March marked the 29th straight month of year-over-year growth, coming off a 2011 that was an all-time record year for California exports. With the March figures in the book, California companies are now exceeding the merchandise export totals recorded at any time since state-of-origin data were first compiled in 1987, said Jock OConnell, Beacons international trade adviser. And that includes the era of the dot-com boom. Beacon said all three export segments rose year-over-year. Exports of manufactured goods in March nudged up 2.2 percent to $9.38 billion, non-manufactured exports (chiefly raw materials and agricultural products) rose 15.5 percent to $1.90 billion and re-exports gained 6.6 percent to $3.34 billion. Christopher Thornberg, a Beacon founding partner, said the numbers offer hope for wider economic recovery in California: Although non-manufactured goods posted stronger gains, the increase in manufacturing exports on a monthly basis should translate into upward pressure on the labor markets in the manufacturing and logistics-oriented sectors in coming months. Still, experts cautioned about overseas economies. Chinas economy is cooling down, much of Europe is in recession and recent setbacks are starting to affect several of the previously fast-growing developing economies of Latin America and Asia, OConnell said. Looking ahead, much will hinge on whether European Union leaders will be able to finally defuse the long-simmering euro crisis, and, if not, how badly the fallout will affect financial markets elsewhere. On the import side, California took in $30.72 billion in goods in March, up 6.3 percent over $28.9 billion in March 2011. Some goods entering California go to other states, so exports are considered a more accurate measure of the states trade health. Nationally, the U.S. trade deficit swelled to $51.8 billion in March, up from $45.4 billion in February. That was the fastest rate of increase in nearly a year, as imports hit a record $238.6 billion. Imports rose 5.2 percent from February, a byproduct of high-volume purchases of foreign oil, autos, cellphones and clothing. Exports totaled $186.8 billion, up about 3 percent from February.

Calculating Your Retirement Needs

When retirement was years away, calculating how much income you may need may have involved a lot of estimates. Now you can be more accurate. Consider the following factors: 1. The length of your retirement. The average 65-year-old man can expect to live about 17 more years; the average 65-year-old woman, 20 more years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Have you accounted for a retirement of 20 years or more? 2. Earned income. Working during retirement, even on a part-time basis, can reduce your need to tap retirement assets for ongoing living expenses. 3. Your retirement lifestyle. Your lifestyle will help determine how much income youll need to support yourself. A typical guideline is 60% to 80% of your final working years salary, but if you want to take luxury cruises or start a business, you may need 100% or more. 4. Health care costs and insurance. Most Americans are not eligible for Medicare until age 65, and even then, Medicare doesnt cover everything. You can purchase Medigap supplemental insurance to cover some of the extras, but even Medigap does not pay for long-term custodial care, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and other ongoing essentials. For more on Medicare and health insurance, visit www.medicare.gov. 5. Inflation. Because the rate of inflation can vary over time, its a good idea to tack on an additional 4% each year to help compensate for increases in the cost of living.

Kimberly Lindley, Jerry Hayton , Trish Arnold

A New Phase of Planning

Tucoemas #201616

Running the Numbers

The next step is to identify potential income sources, including Social Security, pensions, and personal investments. Also review your asset allocation -- namely, how you divide your portfolio among stocks, bonds, and cash.1Are you tempted to convert all of your assets to low-risk securities? Such a move may place your assets at risk of losing purchasing power due to inflation. You may live in retirement for a long time, so try to keep your portfolio working for you both now and in the future.

Once youve assessed your needs and income sources, its time to look at tapping your nest egg. First, determine a prudent withdrawal rate. A common approach is to liquidate a maximum of 5% of your principal each year in retirement; however, your income needs may differ. Next, youll need to decide when and how much to withdraw from your tax-deferred and taxable investments. Investors are required to take annual withdrawals from employer-sponsored retirement plans and traditional IRAs after age 70 1/2. Be aware that these withdrawals are subject to federal income tax.2 The advantage of maintaining taxdeferred investments for as long as possible is their ability to compound on a pre-tax basis and thus offer greater earning potential than their taxable counterparts. In contrast, long-term capital gains from the sale of taxable investments are currently taxed at a maximum of 15%. Please contact us if you have any questions.

1Asset allocation does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. 2Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts made prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to an additional 10% penalty. In the case of employer-sponsored plans, there are special rules that apply to plan participants aged 55 and older who separate from service.

Paladin Investment Group 559-6254005 www.paladininvestmentgroup.com

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

MEMBER NEWS

June 2012 page 3

May 26, 2012

Member News

Spring into Sumer on June 2nd Vendors, Food, Local Businesses. 9-4PM at the Corner of Aronian & East Tulare Ave. For more information contact the Avon Training Center. 684-0505 Lisa or 901-1631 for Debbie. [ Books Bands & BBQ is a bash to benefit the Tulare Public Library. Saturday, June 30th from 1-8PM at the International Agri Center in Tulare. Head down for a day of live music, fantastic food and activities for all ages at the second annual summer fundraiser. [ Condor R/C Club invites you to a Remote Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration Saturday, June 2nd 9AM-2PM at the International Agri Center. See R/C airplane and Helicopter Flying Demonstrations, Static Displays and how R/C models work. Food & Drinks Available Free admission and Free Parking and fly a model with a club instructor. [ At ServiceMaster by Benevento we know that nothing can be more frustrating for business owners than experiencing a disaster. Disasters are not something that you can predict, but they are something that you can plan and prepare for! Here are some tips to make sure your business is ready First, have an Emergency Response Plan! Visit www.ready.gov for a great template that your business can use. Be sure that it includes plans for evacuation, shelter, lockdown and medical emergencies. Also include all pertinent contact information in case someone is not on scene that you need to get in touch with. Next, ensure that all members of your Emergency Response Team as well as department heads have copies of the emergency plan. You will also want to have regular meetings to discuss any changes to the plan as well as to check for understanding. Finally, a plan doesnt do any good if it is not implemented! Complete a drill to make sure everyone understands their role during an event. This will help to alleviate some of the confusion that can occur during a catastrophe. Should you have any questions on developing an emergency plan for your business, ServiceMaster by Benevento can help! With our 866-RECOVER program we can not only assist you in preparing for an emergency, but also support you when it occurs. With one phone call we can get you the resources you need to get your business back up and running in no time at all. Give ServiceMaster by Benevento a call today to find out more (559-625-8554 or 800399-CLEAN (2532))! [ Co-Sponsored by IDEA! Printing and Graphics and Provident-Salierno Family Foundation, Tulare-Kings Right

to Lifes (TKRL) 11th Annual Golf for Life tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 11th, at the Visalia Country Club, according to April Kesterson, Executive Director of TKRL. The 4-person shot-gun scramble represents a major fundraising event for TKRL. Entry fee is $150 per person, which entitles the participant to 18 holes of golf on one of Central Californias finest courses, plus lunch and a catered dinner at the VCC clubhouse. Check-in will begin at 10:30 a.m., with tee-off at 12:00noon. In addition, everyone has a chance to win an array of prizes by purchasing raffle tickets during the evening festivities. Kesterson said there are still opportunities for local businesses or individuals who want to support the tournament as a Sponsor. Life Saver and Heartbeat Sponsor Packages are available, as well as Tee/Green Sponsor levels. TKRL works for restored moral, cultural and legal respect for innocent human life, reaching out to a society afflicted by legalized abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide and euthanasia. TKRL offers education in these life issues, offering positive alternatives and support to the distressed and their families. For information about Sponsor Packages and/or Registration Forms, contact April Kesterson at 732-5000, visit www.tkrl.org, or e-mail april@ tkrl.org. [ Valley Commerce Bancorp, (OTCBB: VCBP), a bank holding company and the parent company of Valley Business Bank, today announced first quarter 2012 net income of $859 thousand, or $0.27 per diluted common share. This compared to earnings of $625 thousand, or $0.19 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2011. All per share calculations stated above have been adjusted for the 5% stock dividend issued in June 2011. Allan W. Stone, President and Chief Executive Officer, remarked, Between our recent repayment of TARP funds to the U.S. Treasury and our strong first quarter results, we are pleased to get 2012 off to an exceptional start. Our first quarter results reflect the core strengths of our company that include strong risk management and a solid financial position. Our attention is turning away from recession issues and towards the future. We are aggressively competing for quality customers and making the investments needed to succeed in a rapidly modernizing banking industry. We look forward to a productive and rewarding year in 2012. [ Permanent power is currently available in the Medical Tower transformer and service section. The Expansion Project has two 1.5 mega-watt back-up emergency generators supplying power when the Southern California Edison grid becomes unavailable. These vital machines have been stored on site for many months. The emergency generators were craned onto their pads May 17

and 18. After connection and testing of the emergency generators, the Medical Towers electrical system will be complete. The 21,700 square-foot basement, housing electrical equipment, mechanical equipment, the fire pump and the inpatient pharmacy is approximately 80% framed and dry walled. Work will begin on plumbing & electrical finishes, flooring and painting. The Imaging Department is located on the first floor. The MRI will be located in the southwest corner of the building. The special MRI pad and framing of the walls will be completed the end of May. The pneumatic tube system designed to carry medication to nursing stations throughout the Medical Tower, is installed in the Basement and First Floor and is progressing throughout the building. Second Floor framing has started in the Physicians Lounge and Staff Locker areas and will continue through the entire floor including Pre and Post Operative areas, Operating Rooms and Procedure Rooms.

The installation has started for boom supports for 3 treatment rooms in the Emergency Department on the First Floor, 4 Operating Rooms and 2 Endocrinology Procedure Rooms on the Second Floor. Booms are adjustable structures holding overhead lights and monitors used by Physicians during surgical procedures. [ United Way of Tulare County is pleased to announce that the Hunger Doesnt Take a vacation Food Drive was a huge Success. On May 11th, Ruan Transportation, Food 4 Less Teamed up to for one day to Drive Away Hunger here in the South Valley. Hundreds of folks congregated at the Food 4 Less on Dinuba Blvd to donate non perishable food items and enter a chance to win prizes donated by Wal-Mart DC of Porterville, and Verizon Wireless. A special thanks to the team at Ruan Transportation, together with friends family and community over 1200 lbs of food were donated. Thank you to all of you for your commitment to Tulare County. www.unitedwaytularecountytc. org

Jeffrey Scott #201619

Lets Talk

(continued from page 1)

the principle we kept coming back to was simply to maintain our focus. Even though it appears that were in the same industry with all the HVAC firms in town; that isnt the case. First, were much more involved in the servicing aspect of the industry then we are in new installation. Sure we could have hired a bunch of guys and bid on the sub-division work; but what do I do at the end of the job, lay them off if I dont have another contract? We really try to create a family environment within our organization, and that means sticking by the people on your team. We hire carefully and dont want

to be put in a position where wed have to lay someone off. Our employees have families that depend on the paycheck they bring home. Second, our market is primarily residential, with a little light commercial. Were not out bidding the big jobs, the ones that can put a company out of business if something goes wrong. Thats not the type of business were after. Well stick with the residential market and do our best to develop relationships that last for generations. As long as we treat our employees right and our customers right well be here ten years from now fixing HVAC problems one household at a time.

page 4 June 2012

May 26, 2012

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

June Calendar
Saturday, June 2nd Saturday, June 2nd Monday, June 4th
9-2PM International Agri Center Model Aircraft Demonstration. Condor R/C Club. Free admission free parking. 9-4PM Spring into Summer at the Corner of Aronian and East Tulare Ave at the Tulare Avon Training Center 11:30AM Monday Munchies Meeting of the Minds! At Figaros in Tulare 1348 E. Prosperity Ave.

Discover Tuscany
Your tour begins in Rome. Upon arrival, you may wish to sign up for an optional tour of Classical Rome or enjoy free time to explore on your own. This evening, get acquainted with your fellow travelers during a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant where regional foods, fun Italian melodies and fine Italian wines kick of your Tuscan adventure! That is just one day of this 10 day trip. It is time to cross this one off your bucket list. This trip is on our calendars for November 6th through the 15th. Book prior to May 6th and save $100 per person. This trip will take you to Rome, Assisi, Basilica of St.Francis, Montecatini Terme, Siena, San Gimignano, Wintery Tour, Florence, and a Tuscan Feast. Contact the Chamber at 6861547 or Jill Worley at 686-8085 for more information.

Tuesday, June 5th

1PM Bling 4 You BBQ/Ribbon Cutting, 1585 E Tulare Ave.

Thursday, June 7th Thursday, June 7th Monday, June 11th

10AM Cartmill Overpass Ribbon Cutting 5:30PM Communication Seminar, 3rd Session Tulare-Kings Right to Lifes (TKRL) 11th Annual Golf for Life tournament at the Visalia Country Club. For information about Sponsor Packages and/or Registration Forms, contact April Kesterson at 732-5000, visit www.tkrl.org, or e-mail april@tkrl.org

Mixer!
We were delighted to have Cool Hand Lukes Cater our April Mixer. Business and Civic Minded people of Tulare met and enjoyed prizes, some delicious appetizers courtesy of Cool Hand Lukes, and as always made strong business connections in the community. See for yourself and join us at our monthly mixers or host one yourself! For opportunities to host a mixer contact Andi Cabrera at 686-1547 or email at acabrera@tularechamber.org

Coming in 2013 a trip to

Tour departs March 18th 2013 and trip includes 7 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, airport transfers, sightseeing tours, special dinner on the beach, English speaking tour guide, and plenty of leisure time to enjoy the beauty of Bali on your own!

Bali

Monday, June 11th

12PM Governmental Affairs Committee meets at Apple Annies

Tuesday, June 12th

12PM Ambassador Meeting at the Chamber

Wednesday, June 13th Monday, June 18th

Newsletter deadline

Ribbon Cutting for Costas Catering. Call the Chamber for more information.

Monday, June 18th

11:30AM Meeting of the Minds Monday Munchies. Toms Smoking BBQ, 240 N. L St.

Circles of Excellence
A program of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce
Directors Circle
International Agri Center Land O Lakes

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

Thursday, June 21st

Salute to Dairy Luncheon!!

Saturday, June 30th

Ambassadors Circle
Acclaim Auto & Truck Accessories Adair & Evans, An Accountancy Corporation

Books Bands and BBQ 1-8PM International Agri Center. Fun for the whole family!

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 Valley Business Bank Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Please send your event dates to lhowarth@tularechamber.org.

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

Sequoia Beverage #201618

Iron Grip Gym #201615