January 2010

www.TulareChamber.org

Update the
states. Their contributions to the community are vast. Many organizations can count on support from JDH, including: Light House Rescue Mission, Tulare Salvation Army, Tulare Boys & Girls Club, Tulare Hospital Foundation, The Pixley Foundation, and Visalia Chapter of the American Red Cross. Still family-owned, great-grandson of the founder Scot Hillman, has been at the helm since 1991 and continues the tradition of innovation and generosity. Ely Auto Parts is the Small Business of the Year. Ely Auto Parts was started by C. Harold Ely in 1935. Ely first purchased a store in Coalinga but moved to Tulare in 1936. Ely Auto Parts is now owned and operated by third generation family members, Matt and Denyse Weaver, with the fourth generation awaiting their turn. Ely Auto Parts is a strong community supporter, involved in Tulare Improvement Program, Tulare Chamber of Commerce, Encore Theatre, Tulare Rotary Club, and others. All of this years winners are people who help make Tulare such a great place to live and do business. They truly deserve our support and recognition, said Tulare Chamber President and CEO Nona Watson. We are proud to recognize their efforts. This years banquet will include recognition of all the award winners and will serve as the official swearing in of Patty Rocha as the Chambers Chair of the Board for 2010. The event also includes a silent auction. For information on donating an item or reservations, please call 686-1547.

save the dates

January 6 - 5pm ribbon cutting at Madrids Team Realty, 205 North K Street January 12 - 5pm ribbon cutting celebrating Camaras Auto Services 37th anniversary, 440 South K Street January 22 - 6pm Annual Awards Banquet, Heritage Complex July 19-30 - Travel with the Chamber to the Aores! Visit Lisboa and the islands of Terceira, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, & Sao Miguel

Annual Awards Banquet Set For January 22nd at the Heritage Complex
Reservations are now being accepted for the Chambers Annual Awards Banquet, slated for Friday, January 22, 6:00pm at the Heritage Complex. This years list of award recipients truly represents some of the most outstanding and amazing individuals and businesses in our area. We are sure to have a sell-out crowd on hand to recognize these honorees. Tickets are available for $50 each and tables of eight can be reserved for groups. Reservations must be pre-paid and will be accepted through January 15, or when the capacity of the venue is reached. To join us in celebrating the successes of 2009 and honoring the Tulare Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Large Business of the Year, please call 686-1547 for reservation information. Womens Ministries, and Tulare Wee Care Day Care; just to name a few. She is also the founder of Memes Manners Class, which teaches manners to local school children. Rhonda and her husband, Steve, are farmers/dairymen and have been married for 39 years, with children, Kelly Nickelson, Natalie Muth, Blake Wilbur, and AJ Taylor, and they have five grandchildren. Lonnie Tiesiera has been named the 2009 Man of the Year. He is the owner of Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, a company that has been in Tulare since 1983. Lonnie was instrumental in bringing the Boys and Girls Club to Tulare. Lonnie approached the Boys Lonnie Tiesiera & Girls Club of Tulare County about opening a facility here. He spent countless hours promoting, persuading, fundraising, and negotiating for this Club to be in Tulare. Lonnie is an active member of the Tulare Sunrise Rotary, sponsors numerous civic and charitable activities through Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, and has hosted an annual fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County at his home for more than 300 people. Lonnie has certainly embraced Tulare as his home town. He and his wife, Laurie, have been married for 28 years and have two children, Jennae and Christopher. JD Heiskell is the Large Business of the Year. Founded in 1886, this Tulare-based company now employs more than 300 people in a dozen locations throughout seven

This Years Award Winners Are:

2009 Officers
Chair of the Board Adair & Evans

Tulare native, Rhonda Wilbur has been named the 2009 Woman of the Year. She is the co-founder and current Board Member of the Light House Rescue Mission, a shelter for homeless women and children in our community. In addition to the Light House Rescue Mission, Rhonda Rhonda Wilbur is considered a driving force behind many organizations and community-sponsored programs that benefit agriculture and education. Some of the organizations that have benefitted from Rhondas dedication are: Tulare First Baptist Church, California Women for Agriculture, COS Foundation Board Member, Soroptimist, 4-H Leader,

Lance Morris

Chair-Elect Preferred Outlets at Tulare Vice Chair of Membership Martinho Construction

Patty Rocha

Immediate Past Chair TF Tire & Service/Limas Real Estate Vice Chair of Finance Sozinho Realty Vice Chair of Governmental Affairs Ely Auto Parts

Marc Limas

List of New Laws Affecting Businesses in 2010

The California Chamber of Commerce yesterday released a list of new laws scheduled to take effect in 2010 or earlier that will have an impact on businesses in California. The following is a list of new laws that have recently gone into effect or will take effect in 2010: New Form I-9 Revised August 7, 2009, the new Form I-9 contains an updated list of acceptable documents that employees must present upon hiring. The new form also bears a note that all documents presented to establish identity and/or ability to work in the United States must not be expired. E-Verify Required for Federal Contractors Federal contractors and subcontractors must use the E-Verify system when hiring employees. Other employers may use the verification system if they wish to do so. E-Verify compares Form I-9 document information against federal government databases to verify employment eligibility. Increase in State Withholding State withholding increased on November 1, 2009. There is a 10 percent mandatory increase on employee withholdings, a 0.6 percent increase in supplemental wage withholding and a 1.2 percent increase on wage stock options and bonus payments. Alternative Workweek Schedules The law regarding alternative workweek schedules was amended to permit an eight-hour day as a valid alternative schedule. Additionally, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) issued an opinion letter stating that under some circumstances, an alternative workweek schedule may be in place for less than a full year for example, during the summer months only. FMLA Amendments Federal legislation changed the definition of which service members are covered for leave under the qualifying exigency category. For regular Armed Forces members, covered active duty means duty during the deployment with the Armed Forces to a foreign country. Reservists are covered when they are on duty during deployment with the Armed Forces to a foreign country or notified of an impending call to active duty. Civil Air Patrol Leave Employers with more than 15 employees are subject to a new leave for employees who are volunteer members of the Civil Air Patrol.

Mat Sozinho

Brian Martinho

Matt Weaver

2009 Board
Tulare Historical Museum Kohler & Clark Screw Products

Terry Brazil Art Clark

Tulare Adult School

Marie Pinto
Mario Simoes Family Dairies

Leanne Sandlin Marisa Simoes John Thomas Traci Myers

Daniel Enriquez
Hazels Kitchen Land OLakes

Gary Germaine
Tulare City School District TF Tire & Service

Three Sisters Farmstead Cheese Bank of the Sierra City of Tulare ex officio

Sue Ann Hillman Lionel Pires

(continued on page 2)

Professional Staff
Nona Watson
President/CEO

Labor Law Corner

Kary Mancebo-Ingram
Membership Program Coordinator Information Coordinator

Employers Not Obligated to Classify Employees as Exempt

We have an hourly, non-exempt employee whose duties may make him eligible to be classified as an exempt administrative employee. The employee is demanding that we classify him as exempt. Are we required to change his classification? No, an employer is not obligated to classify employees as exempt. In California, depending upon the exemption, employees may be exempt from overtime or from Section 3-12 of the Industrial Welfare Commission orders. The use of these exemptions is simply available to the employer; nothing in the law requires an employer to utilize an exemption. On the contrary, misclassifying an employee as exempt who is not can be a very costly error.

Specific Criteria

Joyce Rauen
Office Manager

Bette Pence

Horswill, Mederos & Soares

Legal Counsel provided by

the update
is the official monthly publication of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, 220 E. Tulare Ave., P.O. Box 1435, Tulare, CA 93275-1435 email: info@tularechamber.org web: www.tularechamber.org Editor: Kary Mancebo-Ingram For advertising information call: Colleen Ferreira (559) 735-3227 the update is published in partnership with the Tulare Advance-Register

The law outlines the specific criteria required for the exempt classifications. Employers should establish that each and every criterion is met in order to correctly classify employees as exempt. Ultimately, the burden lies with the employer to defend the decision. Employees frequently view an exempt classification as a promotion even if the wage is commensurate with an hourly position. As a result, employees are willing to trade overtime compensation for the perceived status or prestige of an exempt position. Carefully consider employee requests before taking an action that may be hard to defend and may result in a substantial overtime obligation later.

Status Irrelevant

There are a few laws that apply to the duties of an employee irrespective of their classification status. For example, the fact that an employee is not actually classified as an exempt supervisor will not affect the obligation to provide any required training. Mandated tip pooling prohibitions may apply if the employee is an agent of the employer who hires, fires and disciplines employees. The Labor law Helpline is a service to California Chamber of Commerce preferred and executive members. For expert explanations of labor laws and Cal/OSHA regulations, not legal counsel for specific situations, call(800) 348-2262 or submit your question at www.hrcalifornia.com

PERMIT NO. 232 TULARE, CA

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Mayors Corner
The Saturday, November 21 headline of the Tulare Advance-Register read, County jobless rate at 15.9%. The article further pointed out that according to the California Employment Development Department, the unemployment rate in Tulare was 13.9%. By comparison, the rate was 9.5% for Tulare just a year ago. More recent reports indicate local unemployment rates have further increased. In case anyone is wondering, this is not good news. However, there are several projects in the works here that suggest our future will be brighter. In my October column I discussed the USA Wrestling facility that is working diligently towards reality here. Other projects include a new College of Sequoias campus, a new beef processing plant, a Kosher chicken processing plant, a new waste to energy plant, a new Loves Travel Center, expansions at Land O Lakes and Morningstar Creamery, and the Tulare Motorsports Complex (TMSC). In the five years that I have served on the Tulare City Council, our top two priorities have been Public Safety and Economic Development. I am proud to say the City has had a hand in each of the above projects, along with several more that have already come to fruition. This help has come in too many forms to describe in detail here. Suffice it to say that investments made by the City in various projects has come with an expected return. A good example is the incentives the City gave to attract our Outlet Mall. At the time, those incentives were bold and controversial. In retrospect, the City made a sound investment that is producing outstanding returns. While there has been some talk and press coverage of each of these projects, most of the attention seems to have been in regards to TMSC. It is a big and complex project. Because of that, its understandable that there has been confusion and misinformation about the details. For example, the November 19 edition of the Tulare Voice headline read, Citys Share of TMSC Infrastructure Soars. A more accurate headline would have read, City agrees to a maximum share of cost and a much lower cost is expected. Keep in mind the City of Tulare has been obliged to a share of cost for project oversizing for every development that has ever been done in our history. These costs are those determined to be for the future good of the City as whole, such as roads and interchanges. We will continue to be so obliged for these costs in future developments. Lets not lose sight of the enormous economic boost TMSC can bring to Tulare. We are talking about quality jobs and economic opportunity for our citizens and generations to come. Our staggering unemployment rate is not acceptable to me and TMSC has the potential to significantly reduce that problem in both the short and

By Craig Vejvoda
long term. Lets also remember that TMSC was invited to look at Tulare four years ago by our beloved International Agri Center. It is apparent the IAC can continue Craig Vejvoda to add improvements to their facilities and programs with the proceeds from a land sale. The City has been a long-time partner of IAC and should continue to support their success and their signature event, the World Ag Expo. Infrastructure improvements, paved parking and near-by hotels would all be beneficial to WAE. Our nation has attained unprecedented prosperity because of free enterprise. Over the centuries, our nations entrepreneurs created almost every job and every dollar of wealth. As a City, I believe we should encourage those who are willing to take the risks to create jobs in our community. In these most difficult economic times, it is hard for me understand why some people are going to such lengths to detour this free enterprise endeavor. As for the majority of the Tulare City Council and our hard-working city staff, we will continue to work for economic prosperity. It remains a key component of our Mission Statement, To promote a community, making Tulare the most desirable place to live, learn, play, work, worship and prosper.

page 2 January 2010

PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

tulare chamber the update

New Mission, Vision and Values Set the Stage for a Bright Future at Tulare Regional Medical Center By: Terry Sayre
Tuesday, November 10th the Leadership Tulare class was introduced to the core values of the Tulare Regional Medical Center. The morning began with an amazing breakfast prepared by the centers Chef Enron. The entire day was orchestrated by Sherrie Bakke, director of marketing. Shawn Bolouki, CEO of TRMC, who has over 20 years healthcare experience in strategic planning, organizational development, facility planning and physician relations, was our first speaker. His initial questions to the group were; Can a building have a mission? Can bricks and mortar have a vision or values? His answer was NO but people can. His goal is for the TRMC (Tulare Regional Medical Center) to earn the trust and respect of the community by doing the right things and that equals core values. Mr. Bolouki presented the following core values explaining the current implementation of each value: Quality, Customer Service, Compliance/ Ethics, Finance/Efficiency, People, and Growth. We then were able to ask questions and the CEO again joined us for lunch in the afternoon to answer any other questions we may have had. For the remainder of the morning we heard from: Pat Mathewson, Chief Clinical Officer/ Chief Nursing Officer and Julie Gresham, Chief Quality and Compliance Officer for TRMC. The dedication and passion these officers of the Center demonstrate is heart warming. The pride they have in their colleagues was evident in their presentations. The data and statistics shared on the efficiency and satisfaction of patients was excellent. It is reassuring to see the high marks that the TRMC has received among all of the hospitals within the San Joaquin Valley. After the presentations, we toured the facility and were given an update on the future expansion of the hospital. Lunch was provided by Fugazzis at Evolutions, an extension of the TRMC. We were given a tour by Jayne Presnell showcasing the capabilities of Evolutions Fitness and Wellness center. We were able to ask questions and see the services provided to patients for rehabilitation. It was an informative day and it is clear that the TRMC, doctors, nurses, management and staff are committed to preserving and protecting the health of our community. They have recently rededicated their entire collective effort to support their new mission, vision and core values. Their goal is to provide safe, efficient, technologically-advanced healthcare with respect for the diversity Terry Sayre of our region and to be the leader and preferred healthcare organization in the region. It is evident that our own TRMC is well on its way to fulfill its mission to the benefit of all of us within this community. Thank you to all of those who shared their passion with us, we are grateful!

Volunteers of the Month

Members Renew Chamber Investment
Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who renewed their membership during the month of November. A & W Restaurants Acclaim Auto & Truck Accessories Amaral Dairy Service American Pool Anchor Plaza Barcellos Farms T-Bar Dairy Bardsley Gardens Senior Community Bassett Farms, Inc. BMI Mechanical Casa Grande Senior Care Home Charter Inn & Suites Collette Vacations Comfort Suites Delray Tire & Retreading, inc. Dennis K Buhler, DDS, Jocelyn Buhler Iverson, DDS Direct Media, Inc. Family Services of Tulare County Galaxy Tulare 10 Hazels Kitchen Andy Hinojosa, CPA MBA Huckleberrys Idas Direct Mortgage Iron Craft K & M Paint and Truck Repair, Inc. Lane Engineers, Inc. Lewis Insurance Life Star Ambulance Minyards Auto Parts James Moran, DDS Perfect Care LandscapeMaintenance Personnel Solutions Unlimited, LLC Rancho Teresita Dairy Bob Reynolds Serafine Italian Catering Smiles by Sullivan Smith & Mederos Realty Sousa & Sousa Dairy Sozinho Insurance Specialty Printing Sunrise Farms TOL Inc. Tulare Dairy Center Tulare Industrial Site Development Foundation Tulare Local Development Company Tulare Police Benefit Association Tulare Police Officers Union Tulare United Methodist Church UC Davis VMTRC Vincent Sola Partnership The Villas at Westgate Walnut Park Retirement Residence Dan & Barbara Xavier

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is proud to recognize Joan Lampe and Robert Hernandez as Volunteers of the Month. Their tireless dedication to the Childrens Christmas Parade is truly appreciated.

New Laws
(continued from page 1)

Minimum Wage for Exempt Computer Professionals and Licensed Physicians Rates for exempt computer professionals and licensed physicians do not change for 2010. The current rates for these professions are:

Computer Professionals: $37.94/hour $6,587.50/month $79,050/year Licensed Physicians: $69.13/hour Safety AB 1083 (John A. Perez; D-Los Angeles) adds requirements to the Health and Safety Code requiring all licensed hospitals to annually conduct a safety and security assessment. SB 188 (Runner; R-Lancaster) amends the Code of Civil Procedure to permit postsecondary educational institutions to seek temporary restraining orders and an injunction on behalf of a student or students. This requires written consent of the student(s). Out-of-State Marriages California

Welcome Aboard New Members

Congratulations and thank you to the new members that invested in the Chamber this month.

recognizes out-of-state marriages as legal in California if they are legal in the state where the marriage occurred. SB 54 (Leno; DSan Francisco) provides a same-sex couples marriage, valid in the state in which it was contracted, will receive the same rights in California as spouses, with the exception of the designation of marriage. Workers Compensation Cannot Be Denied Workers compensation cannot be denied because an employee was killed by a third party in the course of the employees work, no personal relationship existed between them and the injury/death was because of third partys personal belief relating to the employees race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sex or sexual orientation.

A Market Bazaar
Boutiques Michelle Dorado 1731 E. Retherford Tulare, Ca 93274 (559) 684-1270

2010 Program of Work

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 100 years of service in 2010. Over the years, we have seen our community thrive and business grow in our area. Helping business succeed is what we are all about. Each year, the chamber Board of Directors meets to design a Program of Work, which guides the organization during the year. Our Program of Work this year will focus on promoting the community, creating networking opportunities, representing business interests with government and creating a strong local economy. This program was designed from information generated through the annual survey of our chamber members. Focus areas will be on retention of mem-

Video Production & Taping Services Dane Fagundes Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 688-0156 Computer Services & Sales Peter Morgan 239 South K Street Tulare, Ca 93274 (559) 684-8523

Danes Video Productions

PC Mobile Techs

bers, creating an active voice at the State and Federal level on issues facing the agriculture community, and a review of all current programs and services the chamber provides. We will focus on adding value to existing programs, adding new programs that reflect current times, and eliminating those services that have run their course. We are proud of the more than 700 business members who support our community at large, and we will continue to develop programs and services to ensure our chamber members succeed. We are looking toward the future and we are focusing on our mission to promote, support and attract business for the advancement of our community.

tulare chamber the update

ADVOCATING FOR BUSINESS

run their business. This will be accomplished through nine intensive, hands-on segments of training. Training is conducted by Michael Summers and Prashant Joshi, who together head up technology development and commercialization as well as DogWorks development at the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fresno. Mr. Summers and Mr. Joshi have experience reviewing hundreds of innovative product and business model submissions. After years of analyzing proposals and commercializing ideas, they have developed proprietary methods that prepare entrepreneurs and their business ideas for presentation, funding and launch. At graduation, participants will receive 9 professionally edited, high resolution, published business/launch plans, a matching power point presentation on a flash drive, and the confidence to pitch their business. Classes will be held at the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, 220 N. Santa Fe, Tuesday evenings, 6-9 pm, beginning January 26, 2010. Class is free to those who qualify, based on location. For all others, cost is $200 with a $50 refundable incentive payable to those who complete the class with full attendance. Register at www. sequoiavalley.com or contact Lori Dunagan at 559-688-3388 ext 103 for additional information. The Tulare County Economic Development Corporation is the regional leader of economic development: attracting, supporting and retaining business and industry for the communities of Tulare County since 1985. Nomination forms and information about the event can be found at www.sequoiavalley. com or by contacting Lori at 688-3388 x 103 or lori@edctulare.com. The event is being sponsored by The Gas Company and the Economic Development Corporation serving Tulare County. The Tulare County Economic Development Corporation is the regional leader of economic development: attracting, supporting and retaining business and industry for the communities of Tulare County since 1985.

January 2010 page 3

Member News

New doctor to join Visalia Medical Clinic. Visalia Medical Clinic, the largest physician-owned clinic in the Valley, will add Thomas Nguyen, MD, to its team of physicians in January. Nguyen, an internist, comes Thomas Nguyen, MD to Visalia Medical Clinic from Central Valley General Hospital in Hanford, where he practiced internal medicine for the past three years. Im looking forward to practicing at a multi-specialty facility like Visalia Medical Clinic, Nguyen said. Originally from Huntington Beach, Calif., Nguyen attended the University of California, Los Angeles where he studied biology. He went on to medical school, graduating from Ross University School of Medicine in New Jersey. He served his internship and residency at Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati in Ohio. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. I got into medicine because I enjoy interacting with patients and helping them get better. It makes what we do more meaningful, he said. Nguyen is married to Emily Doan, a Hanford dentist, and together they have a 2year-old son Augustin. Nguyen enjoys nature and photography. Visalia Medical Clinic offers the expertise of more than 40 physicians, physical therapy, a sleep lab, a diagnostic laboratory and a wide array of imaging technology all in one location at 5400 W. Hillsdale, Visalia. The clinic, which employs nearly 300 people, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, while QuickCare is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Also available is the fullservice, on-site Boyds Pharmacy. For information, call 738-7547 or visit www.vmchealth.com www.vmchealth.com.

On November 12th at an annual awards ceremony in Fresno, put on by the Business Journal, Tulare based Blain Homes was honored as one of the Top 10 Best Companies to Work for in Central California. President & CEO Allan Blain accepted the award on behalf of the company.

the challenging Pacific Coast Banking School curriculum and his high ranking in the graduating class while continuing his outstanding performance as one of our team leaders, is to be commended. Were all very proud of Jeff, said Gilles For over 70 years Pacific Coast Banking School has partnered with University of Washington Graduate School of Business to teach the business of banking to over 10,000 bankers and members of the financial services community. Valley Business Bank, a full-service commercial banking institution, was established in 1996 and has been serving the banking needs of it neighbors and friends for 13 years. It operates through conveniently located offices in Visalia, Fresno, Tulare, Tipton and Woodlake, and can be found on the internet at www.valleybusinessbank.net. Valley Business Bank: A Passion For Excellence

Entrepreneur Awards seeking nominations. The Tulare County Economic Development Corporation is having their 5th annual Recognizing Excellence in Entrepreneurship awards event, and is seeking nominees for the awards. This is an event that we hold each year to recognize and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit that has helped Tulare County grow for decades, said Lori Dunagan, Business Development Director at the EDC. Entrepreneurs play a key part in the sustainability and growth of our economy. They launch new business, provide jobs, and invest in the community. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their achievements. The deadline to nominate an entrepreneur is January 28, 2010. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to nominate themselves. Winners will be announced at an awards luncheon to be held February 25th at the Visalia Convention Center. All nominees will receive mention at the event.

Write the Plan - Pitch the Idea! Project 9 - Not Your Average Business Plan Class. (Tulare County) Project 9 is a hands-on approach to writing a modern business/launch plan with emphasis placed on learning how to pitch the plan to investors and potential customers. Upon completion of the p9 training, participants will have a modern professionally edited business/launch plan designed so that an investor will actually read it, a pointed well rehearsed pitch, a matching power point presentation, and confidence in their ability to pitch their idea and

Earlier this year, the Business Journal had conducted in an in depth analysis of businesses in the four Central California counties, including Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern, and awarded the Top 10 in the small to medium size category (companies with 25-99 employees) and the Top 5 in the Large category (100 or more employees) at the awards event. We are honored to have been recognized by the Business Journal with this award, Blain said. We owe this award to our 35 employees whose contentment and satisfaction on the job were a big factor in the overall ranking we achieved. We are celebrating our 50th year of success here in our community largely due to our tremendously hard working staff that cares a great deal about excellence in all that they do. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be a part of such a great spirited, winning team.

Don Gilles, President and CEO of Valley Business Bank announced that Jeff W. Lefler, Vice President and SBA Manager, graduated from Pacific Coast Banking School (PCBS) on September 4, 2009. This years graduating class consisted of 211 executives, representing a diverse mix of financial institutions from around the country. The effort Jeff put into his completion of

Coldwell Banker Choboian Real Estate is proud to present Coldwell Bankers Top Agents for November, 2009. Top Listing Agent Julie Beltran. Top Agents in Open Escrows are Jo Elliott and Hollis Fernandez. Top Agent in Closed Escrows is Maria Maria Chavez Chavez. These Individuals are outstanding sales professionals and have the primary goal to serve their clients in the most professional manner. They continually strive to be number one! said Wayne Julie Beltran Butterfield, Sales Manager. Coldwell Banker Choboian Real Estate is located at 155 North K Street, Tulare, Ca. 93274, and can be reached at 559-686-8591 or www.cbchoboian.com. Coldwell Banker Choboian Real Estate has been serving Jo Elliott & Hollis Fernandez the Tulare County area for over 50 years. Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker organization has been a premier provider of full-service real estate. The Coldwell Banker system has more than 3,600 residential and commercial real estate offices and 117,000 Sales Associates in 28 countries and territories. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge program and awardwinning website, www.coldwellbanker.com.

New Member PC Mobile Techs

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome PC Mobile Techs as a new member. Owned and operated by Tulare Western and Institute of Technology graduate, Peter Morgan, his shop offers affordable PC service for everyone. Peter specializes in laptops, Linux, PCs, and Macs. He also has the capability to build you a custom PC or server. PC Mobile Techs will evaluate your computer for a $20 inspection fee and then do the work for a flat rate. Peter wants to be the Cricket Wireless of computer service great service and a great price. PC Mobile Techs serves customers in Tulare and Kern Counties. They are located at 239 South K Street and their hours are 9am 6pm, Monday through Friday, and 10am 2pm on Saturdays. For more information, please visit their downtown location or call 684-8523.

New Member - Bravo Farms Restaurant & Cheese Shoppe

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome Bravo Farms Restaurant & Cheese Shoppe as a new member. Bravo Farms began in 1979 in Visalia and moved to Traver four years ago. Their newest location is in Preferred Outlets at Tulare. The restaurant in Tulare has been open since November 20th, offering salads with fresh produce and toppings tossed to your liking, sandwiches with hot-off-the-grill meats on your choice of fresh bread, soup of the day, beer battered onion rings, ultimate French fries, kid selections, coffee, tea, soda, milk, plus California wines and premium brews. Included in the restaurant is a gift shop stocked with gourmet items, gifts, and of course, cheese. Bravo Farms Restaurant & Cheese Shoppe is located at 1691 Retherford Street in Tulare. Their hours of operation are 10am-10pm, seven days a week. For more information, please call 329-8197 or visit their website, www.bravofarms.com.

New Member - Salles Caf

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome Salles Caf as a new member. Salles was founded in the mid-1930s by Joe Salles and was owned by the Salles family until 2000, when it was purchased by the Wasnick family. Still true to its roots, Salles Caf offers great home-cooked meals and service in a great family atmosphere. Chef Frank Santos continues to create the delicious comfort food Salles is famous for. Every morning, Salles is jumping with fresh biscuits and gravy, omelets, pancakes, and eggs. Also on the menu: terrific hamburgers, homemade chili, Portuguese soup plus a soup du jour, sandwiches, honey fried chicken, salads, desserts, a special of the day, and a senior menu. Every Tuesday, the special is Portuguese spare ribs and on Fridays, its fish and chips and homemade clam chowder. The restaurant is filled with patrons who frequent every day; youll surely see a familiar face. Its the type of place where everyone knows your name and how you like your coffee. Salles pays homage to its past and is proud of its future. Completely remodeled in 2006, Salles now offers a bigger seating area and a private meeting room. Yes, you can still sit at the counter but on new stools. Salles Caf is located at 2082 North J Street as is open every day from 5 am to 2 pm. Go to Salles where youll be treated like one of the family.

page 4 January 2010

NETwORkING OPPORTUNITIES

tulare chamber the update

January Calendar The Chamber is always pleased to help our members celebrate new
6 Ribbon Cutting at Madrids Team Realty, 205 North K Street, 5:00 p.m. 11 Tulare Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee meets at 12 noon at Apple Annies in Tulare. Information: 686-1547 12 Leadership Luncheon Tulare Historical Museum, 444 West Tulare Ave., 11:30 a.m. Michelle Nunley will be the guest speaker, she will be speaking on Stress Management. Luncheon is open to the public. Cost is $15. Reservations call the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, 686-1547. 12 Tulare Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Meeting 12 noon at various locations. For location and information call 686-1547. 12 Camara Auto Service 37th Year Anniversary Celebration 440 South K Street, Tulare, 5:00 p.m. Information: 688-5721 12 Blood Drive 3 to 7 p.m., at the Tulare Senior Community Center, 201 North F Street. Donors receive a variety of discounts from Valley Businesses. Information: Ken Dodson, 358-1331 or Darla Silvera, 288-6319. 17 Celebrating Tulare Historical Museums 25th Anniversary 2 p.m. at the Tulare Historical Museums Heritage Room, 444 West Tulare Avenue. Join us in celebrating. Lets keep our community pride alive and mark this moment in history. (1985-2010) The public is invited and the Sunday @ 2 program is free. 20 Tulare Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting 4 p.m., Tulare Chamber of Commerce Office, 220 East Tulare Ave. Information: 686-1547 22 Tulare Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation and Awards Banquet Celebrating 100 years of Incorporation 1910 -2010. Installation of Officers and honoring the Man & Woman of the year also the Small and Large Businesses of the Year. International Agri-Center, Heritage Complex, 4500 South Laspina St., Tulare. Tickets are $50 each. Reservations are necessary. Tickets are available at the Tulare Chamber of Commerce Office, 220 East Tulare Ave. or by calling 686-1547. This event usually sells out so make your reservations early.

beginnings with ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremonies.

LPL Financial celebrated the grand opening of their new office with a ribbon cutting. Financial consultants Jerry Hayton and Trish Arnold recently formed Paladin Investment Group whose consultants are affiliated with LPL Financial, a national network of more than 11,000 independent financial advisors. Together, Trish and Jerry have more than 35 years of experience and they are able to advise you on many topics, including life insurance, retirement planning, education planning, stocks, bonds, annuities, and mutual funds. Their new office is located at 4130 South Demaree, Suite A, in Visalia. Trish and Jerry can be contacted by phone, 625-4005, or by e-mail trish.arnold@lpl.com or jerry. hayton@lpl.com.

Sids Upholstery celebrated their new location with a ribbon cutting. This local, family-owned company has been in business for 35 years. Now owned and operated by Sid Carter, Jr., Sids Upholstery is able to handle all of your upholstery needs. Bring in your furniture or vehicle, and entrust it to Sids expertise. Sids has many fabrics to choose from or you can bring in your own selection. Sids Upholstery is located at 225 North L Street and is open Mondays-Fridays from 8am to 6pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. For more information, please call 688-4571.

Olmeca Music Group celebrated joining the Tulare Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting ceremony held during Posada California. This event was at the International Agri-Center on November 22, 2009. More than 20,000 people were in attendance and over 7,000 toys were collected. For more information, please call 686-2174 or visit their website, www.olmecamusic.com.

Thank You Hazels Kitchen For Hosting Mixer

Tulare welcomed its own California Welcome Center with a grand opening celebration on Thursday, December 10, 2009. In attendance were dignitaries from our city, county, and state. California Welcome Centers are the official state visitor centers offering valuable information and services for todays travelers. The CWCs are here as your personal travel concierge to assist you in all aspects of your California trip. Tulare is one of 14 Welcome Centers in our state. Other locations include Auburn, Barstow, Oceanside, Pismo Beach, and Truckee. Tulares center is located at 4500 South Laspina. Our CWC will offer local gifts, brochures from through the state, vacation ideas, and internet access. For more information, call 688-3388.

Thank you to Hazels Kitchen for hosting our December mixer. Guests enjoyed wonderful hors doeuvres, homemade chocolate truffles, freshly baked cookies, cranberry champagne, Italian sodas, and other festive drinks to celebrate the Holiday Season. Hazels Kitchen is located at 237 North L Street.

Ambassador of the Month

Tony Cota of Best Western Town & Country Lodge was named the Ambassador of the Month for December. Tony attends ambassador meetings and is always ready to help at ribbon cuttings. He welcomes new Chamber members with visits and phone calls. The Chamber is lucky to have an ambassador like Tony. To learn more about the Ambassador Program, please call 686-1547.

Thank You to Our Childrens Christmas Parade Sponsors

Although the difficult decision was made to cancel our parade, we were still fortunate to have generous sponsors. They were: Horswill, Mederos, & Soares; NSE Insurance Agencies; Premier Color Graphics; Tulare County Federal Credit Union; and Tulare Polaris. Next years parade will have the same theme, Christmas Future, sponsors, and Grand Marshal, Mary Ann PerryFelemi.