BUSINESS NEWS

December 2013
Big Bear Chamber of Commerce “ We Mean Business”
BUSINESS NEWS
Serving Big Bear Valley Since 1947
Volume 6, Number 12
Big Bear Chamber of Commerce
More Small Business
Owners are optimistic
about the economy
and remain conservative about risks in
Business.

The Hartford 2013 Small Business
Success Study, which surveyed 2,000
small business owners and is one of
the most comprehensive studies of its
kind, reveals that small business owners may be taking a more conservative
approach to running their businesses
despite more feeling optimistic the
economy will strengthen this year.
Over 2,000 small business owners were
asked in a survey by Hartford, what they
would do if they had $100,000 to invest
in their business. Answer this question
yourself and see how you compare:
Key points:

Slow economic growth, taxes and
healthcare costs continue to top the
list of major risks to small businesses
this year.

However, fewer small business
owners cited those factors as major
business risks than last year.

Taken together, it suggests they’re
adjusting to a new kind of economic climate.
The study also reveals:


Many small business owners say
they have not taken more risks
over the past six months.
Factors that contribute to their
business success are shifting.
Most small business owners at least
somewhat informed on the Affordable Care Act, but split on its impact.
Local business owner and President of
the Village Business Association, Matt
Scriven, stated that the Thanksgiving
weekend sales were a huge success for
the Village merchants. They were well
stocked, well visited and were open adequate hours to meet the high demand.

Market my business
(43%)

Pay bills, loans
(33%)

Invest in equipment
(24%)
Marketing is still the most effective way
to grow your business if done right. So
what is right for you?
Try online news releases.
They put your name where customers
look—search engines. They can get your
name to the very top of a Google page so
potential customers find you faster. They
have a broader reach than email marketing and they reach people way beyond
your email list, like prospects, journalists
and bloggers.
Don’t think you have any
news?
No matter what industry you’re in, or
number of employees you have, your
business makes news regularly. You can
turn any piece of news into an online
asset that helps you increase awareness,
attract more customers and win more
business.
Just think of everything you
do.
You started your company. That’s news
right there. Perhaps you recently
launched a new product or service, or
are offering a great promotion. Maybe
you hired a new employee, created a
website for your business or moved to a
new building. They're all opportunities to
make news. So spread the word, and get
your story out there with an online news
release.
Here is your tip of the week:
1: Tell everyone about your latest accomplishment or award.
The next time you win an award or have
a major breakthrough – or win an award
for your latest major breakthrough – let
the world know about it. An online news
release can take the story beyond your
industry in all sorts of ways and connect
you with all sorts of people, including
journalists looking for a story, and customers looking for a well-reviewed, credible product or service.
PRWeb Tip: Why not publicize an award
that one of your suppliers has won?
You’re selling award-winning products;
you should shout about it like the Arnie
Bauer auto dealership does. See an example here.: http://bit.ly/egazta
Big Bear Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 2860
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Standard Rate
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 86
Big Bear Lake
CA, 92315
BUSINESS NEWS
Board of
Directors
Executive Committee
Marlene Cain—Chairman
Marcain Communication
From the Executive Director
The Door is Open
I am so excited to be able to open a new chapter with the Big Bear Chamber
of Commerce. Thank you to the Board of Directors for
giving me the opportunity.
Brent Tregaskis—GAC/RTAC Chair
Big Bear Mountain Resorts - Bear
Mountain
Some of you may know that my husband, Dave, is English. When we married, we spent the first part of our marriage in Great Britain, where we lived and worked for 23
years. I am a first generation American born to Dutch
immigrants. So, the whole idea of immigrating was not
“foreign”.
Linda Ricchiuti–Economic Development Chair
The Copper Q
Lisa Patterson—Finance Chair
Altitude Financial Planning
Carrie Boucher— Membership
Chair
Union Bank of California
Austin Marshall—Special Events
Chair
Mitsubishi Cement Corp.
Marcus Dietz— Communications
Chair
Big Bear Today
Directors
Kurt Madden
Superintendent of Schools BVUSD
Karon Michel—
Affiliate Member
Dick Shaw
Crowell, Weedon & Co.
Lynne Arviso
Chamber Auxiliary President
Staff
Pam Scannell
Executive Director
Erin Riddle
Membership Consultant
I worked in retail management from the start, but really
wanted to get into the top rated store, John Lewis SouthPam Scannell
ampton, which I was able to do at an entry level in ‘84.
After working a few years, my potential was recognized and rewarded with a
promotion into management. A series of promotions ensued, and after turning
my production unit from a heavy loss to a healthy profit in just nine months, I
caught the attention of the corporate offices in London who had me demonstrate my techniques for other managers to adopt. Following a few years of
continual growth, I gained the attention of the Director of Finance and the
Managing Director who placed me in the position of Manager of Branch Audit.
This had me analyzing all department’s Profit an Loss accounts and reporting
to the General Manager with recommendations of improvements, along with
fine tuning procedures, tallies and security for 275 register points, stock operations and controlling a 6 million pounds sterling annual inventory.
Dave and I returned to the United States in 2004 and truly enjoy being closer
to family.
Building a second career was both a challenge and a joy. We rented in Santa
Monica for just over a year and decided to vacation in Big Bear. We fell in love
with the area and the friendly community. Our first serious stop was the
Chamber of Commerce. We wanted to know what kind of prospects there
might be for business or employment. The Chamber was a great resource
and the staff gave us some useful information. That was the clincher! We
moved up to Big Bear three months later.
My working relationship with the Chamber began with my position in Membership, then moved on to Operations Manager and now as Executive Director.
I hope to serve you all well and encourage you to let me know what you want
the Chamber to provide to you in order to support you and your business.
Kindest regards and best wishes for a happy and successful holiday season.
And remember, the door is open!
Page 2
Pam Scannell
Volume 6, Number 12
BigBearChamber.com
Big Bear Chamber’s Community Honors Luncheon
On Wednesday, November 13th, the Chamber held its annual Community Honors Luncheon, sponsored by Northwoods Resort and Conference Center and deliciously catered by Stillwell’s Restaurant. Jay Obernolte, Mayor of
the City of Big Bear Lake & owner of FarSight Studios, presented Business of the Year to ARKtech (Diana Guerrero) and Employee of the Year to Dawn Pribnow of The Bath Workshop. Rick Herrick, Councilman, City of Big
Bear Lake, & owner of KBHR 93.3 Radio and Outdoor, presented NonProfit of the Year to the Southern California
Mountains Foundation, accepted by Kathy Clapsaddle. Herrick also presented Volunteer of the Year to Robbie Bos
from the Big Bear Valley Community Gardens Project. Congressman Paul Cook (District 8), also provided signed
certificates of recognition for each of the finalists. Congratulations!
Business of the Year Finalists: Big Bear Vacations, Sonora Cantina,
*ARKtech, Body Tek, The Bath Workshop, o koo Ran
NonProfit of the Year Finalists: Bearly Speaking Toastmasters, Old Miner’s Association, Bear Valley Community Gardens Project, Soroptimists International,
*Southern California Mountains Foundation
Employee of the Year Finalists: *Dawn Pribnow, Janice Etter, Kelsey
Evans, (not pictured) Cynthia Perez.
Volunteer of the Year Finalists: Gwen Craig,
Robin Martin, Jamiee Smith, Henry Moreno,
*Robert Bos.
(* Winners in blue font)
Page 3
BIG BEAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
(909)866-4607
Would you like a fun chance to help your Community out? The Chamber has lots of different ways to
get involved. Like to plan parties and get together? Like to just get out and meet people? Enjoy just
helping around the office? We can help you get involved! If you or an employee can benefit from networking or improving their networking skills, we can help.
The Big Bear Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers who would like to have a great time, help the
local businesses and support our community and business community. Please call the office at
909.866.4607 today if you are interested! We would love to have you attend our next Volunteer
meeting is December 12 at the Chamber at Noon. Bring your lunch!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
Home of the Hangover
Welcome new owners: Joseph Prizament
and Ashley Segall Prizament. “Not just
your local liquor store with Beer, Wine,
Spirits and Cigars. We carry most of the
wines featured on the Village Wine Walk.
We have one of the best craft beer selections in town and WE DELIVER! We offer a bigger and better selection
and better pricing. Locals, come and enjoy 10% OFF Tuesdays!”
Located at 42074 Big Bear Blvd,, Big Bear Lake. (909) 866-2103
Open Sun-W 10am-8pm, Th-Sat 8am-10pm. Hours will increase with
the season.
The Perfect 10 Nail Salon
Welcome Teri MacMaster. “At the Perfect 10 Nail Salon, we strive to
give you the very best nail experience. We pride ourselves in using only
the best products on the market. We are a professional, relaxing, positive salon and provide a friendly atmosphere. You are sure to leave
here looking and feeling your best.” Located at 42621 Moonridge Rd.,
#1, Big Bear Lake. Call Teri at The Perfect 10 Nail Salon
(909) 878-3366 Open M—Sat 9am—5pm
The Wine Room at Wolf Creek Resort
Welcome Dave Stone and his Entertainment Director, Mike Cross.
“Taste a remarkable selection of Wines from around the world, available by the bottle, available by the glass, or tasting flights. The kitchen
offers traditional pairings with appetizers, cheese, meat and fruit plates
in addition to seasonal specialties. Specialty beers, draught beers and
a selection of domestic and imported beers is available.
Open Th-Sat 5pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-6pm. Located at Wolf Creek Resort
41421 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-2644
Grumpy Joe’s
Welcome to Joseph McLaughlin.
“We specialize in tools and snow products and our staff offer quality
and reliable referrals and training you can count on. In addition, our
friendly and professional staff are here to answer any questions you
may have about our company or our services. Whether you need tools,
training, or contractor referrals, we have what you need at prices you
can afford. Our function is to complement the community and its existing businesses.” Located at 502 W. Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear City.
(909) 633-9488 Open 7 days, 8am-5pm“except for church on Sunday”
“Way to make a Difference”—by Lynn Gordon, Author, 52 Ways to Make a Difference: Hurry, Hurry Away! If you can
wait just one moment longer, let a rushed and obviously stressed-out person go ahead of you in the check-out line at
the grocery store, post office, or the bank. Your kindness might be what it takes to enable that harried person to take
a much needed breath. If you notice a friend or coworker being especially stressed, see if there is something you can
do to help. Pitch in on a project for an hour or get a little treat to keep their morale up.
Thank You to our Renewing Members
Alpine Meadows Retreat
Lins Graphics
Bear Valley Ski & Board Shop
Martin Storage
Big Bear City CSD
Mountain Trophy & Pro Shop
Big Bear Computer Club
North Shore Cafe
Big Bear Consulting
North Shore Trading Company
Big Bear Fishing Adventures
Nottingham’s Restaurant & Tavern
Brown, Mark W., DDS Inc.
Reiki Big Bear
Cantrell’s Guide Service
ReMax Big Bear
Cowboy Express Steak House
St. Columba’s Episcopal Church
Desert Rose Studio
Sweet Basil Bistro
Edward Jones Investments
TC Ride Shop
First Baptist Church
The Bath Workshop
Friends of the Big Bear Valley Library
The Copper Q
Hallstead Construction
The Tea & Coffee Exchange
Ken Willis Construction
VA Communications/Big Bear Telephone
CONTACT US
Big Bear Chamber
of Commerce
P.O. Box 2860
630 Bartlett Rd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-4607, ext 0
BigBearChamber.com
© Volume 6, Number 12– Big Chamber of
Commerce Business News. This publication
is owned, written and edited by the Big Bear
Chamber of Commerce. All information
contained in this publication is believed
accurate. No portion of this publication may
be reprinted without the written consent of the
Big Bear Chamber of Commerce.