2013 in Review - Palmdale Chamber of Commerce

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SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER
A GREAT 2013
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MEMBERSHIP
VANTAGE
www.palmdalechamber.org | Issue DECEMBER 2013
2013 in Review
CHAIRMAN'S LETTER
RANDY KELLER
CHAIRMAN
A Great 2013
THEVANTAGE • ISSUE DEC 2013
T
2
he Fourth Quarter of 2013 has brought many
changes to the Palmdale Chamber of
Commerce. We say good bye to Liz De La
Cruz, our Office Administrator of over 9 years. Congratulations on your new position with the Palmdale School
District. Well deserved!! Also, we would like to welcome
Francine to the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce as our
new Office Administrator, she comes to us with numerous years of experience in Business and Education.
Many of you have had the opportunity to meet her at
our most recent events so thank you for actively participating in the Chamber events. Another change was the
resignation of Chair Elect, Roger Gallizzi due to health
reasons. We wish you God Speed Roger and can’t
wait to see you back where you belong, out in your
community supporting your students, your staff, your
teachers, your numerous charitable organizations and
local business. Finally, based on recent events, we have
decided to take a new Direction with the overall Leadership of the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce. Jeff
McElfresh is no longer the CEO. When the time is right,
the outstanding Personnel Committee from our Board
of Directors will conduct a search. In the meantime, you
are more than welcome to pass on any messages and/
or feedback to myself at [email protected]
how It can or will impact your business. Thank you to all the
Candidates who participated as well as a very special thank
you to Dennis Anderson, Editor of the AV Press for being the
moderator of the Forum. It also looks like we may now need
to do another Candidate Forum for June 2014 based on
most recent rulings and announcements.
Taste of Palmdale was on September 26th which was the
coldest day of the year since February. Despite the weather
we had a good show of support for 30 restaurants and
wineries who gave away more food than you can imagine.
Thanks to all of those who came out and had a good time.
Congratulations to back to back Best Restaurant Golden
Spoon Award winner Fourteen Restaurant at Embassy
Suites. Congratulations to first time entrant and Best Dessert
Golden Spoon Award Winner Yard House. It was good to
see two members win the Taste of Palmdale awards even
though non-member restaurants and wineries were represented including Best Winery Golden Spoon Winner Willow
Spring Winery. Congratulations to each of you and a big
thank you, again, to everyone who came out. The challenge
is out there for next year. Let’s break 40 Restaurants and
Wineries and put on a fantastic show for our residents and
businesses of Palmdale.
Finally, it is with mixed feelings that I relinquish the gavel as
your Palmdale Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the
Board. It has been a year full of challenges for all of us, in
both our time with the Chamber, as well as our own businesses. The Board of Directors and Ambassadors we end
the year with have been a fantastic group of individuals who
have morphed into a solid team of leaders in their own right.
I am proud to call you all my colleagues and I thank all of you
(and your families) from the bottom of my heart for all the hard
work and time you each have given in support of my role and
the 400+ Members we have in our Award Winning Palmdale
Chamber of Commerce. It is now that I pass the torch to
Caroline Bernal your incoming Board Chair (officially at our
Crab Crack and Installation on January 24th , 2014). Happy
Holidays and I wish you all Good Luck.
Who was at the Candidate Forum during our October Luncheon on October 16th? If you were, you had the opportunity
to hear City of Palmdale Mayoral and City Council Candidates speak on the issues Palmdale faces as a City and
The William J. “Pete” Knight Palmdale Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade was one of the best Christmas
Parades ever produced by the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce. This year the new route on 47th Street East between
Avenue R and Avenue S proved to be a great success.
Themed “Miracle on 47th Street”, with Mayor Jim Ledford as
our Grand Marshall, and over one hundred entries from Car
Clubs to Equestrian riders and nine of our local school bands,
which were professionally judged by the Southern California
School Band and Orchestra Association.
I am very happy to announce that the Palmdale Chamber
of Commerce received a 3 Star Accreditation from the U.S.
Chambers of Commerce. We are maintaining our status of
being part of the top 3% of Accredited chambers in the United States. As stated by the U.S. Chambers of Commerce
the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce is the only Accredited
chamber in Los Angeles County. Thank you to Laura Gordon
and your committee for all the hard work to make this happen as it is no small task.
Randy Keller
Randy
Keller
2013 Chairman of the Board
2013 Chairman of the Board
EDITOR’S LETTER
DECEMBER 2013VANTAGE
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CHAIRMAN’S LETTER
A Great 2013
Water is
Everyone’s
Business
NEW MEMBERS
PALMDALE CHRISTMAS PARADE
Heads to Eastside
PALMDALE BUSINESS BREAKFAST
SPONSORS
5
2013 GRAND OPENINGS
10 BENEFITS OF CHAMBER
MEMBERSHIP
JANUARY CALENDAR
Promoting
Women
in Business
FEATURES
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6
6
WATER IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS
PROMOTING WOMEN IN BUSINESS
10
CHAMBER Receives
3 Star Accreditation
from US CHAMBER
To Promote, Develop and Service
Business, Industry, and Community.
Volume XX, No. 12 © 2014 Palmdale Chamber of
Commerce. All Rights Reserved. The Vantage is
published monthly by the Palmdale Chamber of
Commerce. Printed in Palmdale, CA by Four Star
Printing. Comments and articles may be submitted to the Chamber office, 817 East Avenue Q-9,
Palmdale, CA 93550. The Palmdale Chamber of
Commerce reserves the right to reject any advertisement or editorial; it does not make any representations as to opinion and facts concerning advertising
or editorials; it may edit for content and space. Send
all address changes or calendar events to the Palmdale Chamber Office. For sponsorship and advertising information call the Chamber staff at 661-2733232 or email at [email protected]
Connect with us online
facebook.com/palmdalechamber
twitter.com/palmdalechamber
palmdalechamber.org
Palmdale Chamber of Commerce
817 East Avenue Q-9
Palmdale, CA 93550
Phone: 661-273-3232
THEVANTAGE • ISSUE DEC 2013
Our Mission
3
Welcome New Members
October 2013
November 2013
December 2013
ll Antelope Valley Chevrolet
ll A.W. Imports
ll Buffalo’s Café
ll Antelope Valley Transmission
and Clutch
ll Kids Closet Connection Antelope Valley
ll High Desert Cellars
ll In Shape Health Clubs
ll Ni Hao Sushi & Dining
ll George’s Heating and Air
Conditioning Inc.
ll Hank’s Service Center, Inc.
ll Industrial Radiator and
Muffler, Inc.
ll Empowered Church Palmdale
If you’ve recently joined the
Chamber—tell your business
neighbors that they should join
too!
GET CRACKIN’!
Reserve tickets for the crab crack cruise.
THEVANTAGE • ISSUE DEC 2013
Attend The Palmdale Chamber
73rd Annual Installation
and
Recognition Reception
Friday, January 24th, 2014
4
Standard ticketS: $50
captainS table ticketS: $65
Recognition Reception
5PM – 6PM
Crab Crack Dinner and Entertainment
6PM – 10PM
ticketS are available at palmdalechamber.org or call 661-273-3232 for reServationS.
Palmdale Crab Crackin ad.v2.indd 1
12/21/13 12:58 PM
Water is Everyone's
Business
W
ater is Your Business – a campaign by the National Association of Water
Companies and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – seeks to engage businesses, water infrastructure stakeholders and community leaders on the value
of sustainable water provision, the benefits of investing in water infrastructure for the whole
community, and potential solutions in delivering sustainable water systems.
We are active in public policy issues, creating national and local dialogues that provide
business and community leaders with the tools and resources needed to meaningfully
participate in the discussion on water infrastructure needs – with the ultimate goals of
enhanced water system performance, job creation, economic growth and environmental quality.
The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) is the public voice for more than one hundred private
water companies, ranging from large investor-owned utilities to small, community-based providers. Seventy-three
million Americans – nearly one in four – receive service from a private water service provider.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more
than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry
associations.
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THEVANTAGE • ISSUE DEC 2013
Imagination
drives us
to change.
5
Palmdale Christmas Parade
Heads to East Side
T
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2013 Holiday Parade
THEVANTAGE • ISSUE DEC 2013
he Palmdale Chamber 2013 Holiday Parade was a tremendous success. For the first time, the parade
route was located on the east side of Palmdale. Themed “Miracle on 47th Street” the parade began at 47th
St. East and Avenue R, and made its’ way to 47th St East and Avenue S.
Hundreds of spectators lined the entire parade route to cheer parade Grand Marshal Mayor Jim Ledford, and over
100 parade entries. Parade entrants included local Marching Bands, equestrian units, and many local businesses and
service organizations throughout the Valley. The Palmdale Chamber would like to thank our title sponsor, The Palmdale
Auto Mall, Kimberly Speeze, Nicole Gray and the parade committee and the many volunteers who helped make the
parade a smashing success. The Chamber also thanks the Pizza Experience for donating their restaurant to the committee for a command post and location for the volunteer breakfast!
We look forward to seeing all of you next year!!
Promoting Women in Business
T
he Center for Women in
Business (CWB), a program
of the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce Foundation, promotes
and empowers women business
leaders to achieve their personal and
professional goals by:
• Increasing opportunities for
women to serve on corporate
boards and in the C-suite
• Mentoring women at all stages
of their careers
• Building a network for women
entrepreneurs to encourage
peer-to-peer networking, education, and professional growth
To join this network sign up at
http://cwb.uschamber.com/
Palmdale Business Breakfast
1st Thursday of the month
7:00am
Embassy Suites
39375 5th St West, Palmdale
• FREE Business card ad monthly
“Business Card Directory” *
• Made to Order Breakfast or Buffet
• 30 second commercial to promote
your business
• Display brochures & promotional
material
• Network & pass out business cards
• Opportunity prize drawings
• Bring a gift for opportunity drawing
Palmdale Chamber of Commerce
(661) 273-3232, Fax (661) 273-3232
817 E. Avenue Q-9, Palmdale, CA 93550
www.palmdalechamber.org/breakfast
THEVANTAGE • ISSUE DEC 2013
Admission: $13 Members, $18 Non-Members
RSVP Required
Register Online: www.palmdalechamber.org/breakfast
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Palmdale Business Breakfast Sponsors
SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER
Palmdale Trophy
ProCare Hospice
Improving Quality of
Life
W
hether you’re looking for a Sports Trophy,
Letterman’s Jacket, name badges, Corporate Shirts, or Bronzing Baby Shoes---Palmdale Trophy is THE place for all of your needs. We
feature State of the Art Computerized Embroidery Machines, and can also produce Glass and Acrylic Awards.
If your company needs Signage, we can produce any
sign you might need, including ADA Compliant (Braille)
signs. Proudly serving the Antelope Valley since 1978,
please call us today at 661-273-2880, or stop by at
39450 3rd St. East #150 in Palmdale. Visit our website
at www.palmdaletrophy.com, or E mail us at palmdale_
[email protected].
OCTOBER
Sam’s Club makes your
life easier
Q
uality, name-brand merchandise at exceptional
prices: It sounds simple enough, but at Sam’s
Club, it’s a concept we take to a higher level.
Our nearly 600 locations are not only terrific places to
save money, but also destinations for solutions that can
help ease a busy schedule. Whether stocking a pantry
or a business, selecting new electronics or getting ready
for a party, our Members count on Sam’s Club as their
source for the products and services they need to keep
things running smoothly.
H
ospice is a model of Philosophy and care.
ProCare Hospice is not a place. It is designed
and administered to provide end-of-life treatment to patients and their families. ProCare Hospice is
committed to improving the quality of life for individuals
experiencing a life-limiting illness.
Our services include, but are not limited to:
• Pain control and symptom management.
• Support and the assurance that patients and family members are not alone. Fear, loneliness, anxiety, worry and feelings of helplessness may send a
family into despair; Hospice can prevent or relieve
some of that despair.
• When curative care is no longer appropriate, our
Hospice program enables a terminally ill person
to decide how and where the rest of his or her life
should be lived. Hospice care or palliative care
focuses on comfort and quality of life.
• Being in control keeps spirits up so that a person
can make the most of each day and concentrate
on living. Persons with a life limiting illness receive
benefits from ProCare Hospice that are not available in a traditional health care setting of curative
care.
• Experience You Can Trust
• Proudly serving your community since 1996. For
more information, call 661-951-1146 or visit our
website at:www.procarenet.com
THEVANTAGE • ISSUE DEC 2013
DECEMBER
8
Digitech/ADT Keeping your Home and
Business Safe
D
igitech is your exclusive ADT security Dealer in the Antelope Valley. Since 1999, we have been specializing
in home and business security systems throughout the Antelope Valley. Keep your business or home safe
with the latest in security. We can install cameras that allow you to monitor your business or residence
from your Smart Phone. We are locally owned and operated, and are dedicated to providing you with peace of
mind, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact Eli Colvin at Digitech today at 661-722-3344 for more information.
2013 Grand Openings
Arches at Regional Center West, October 15
Care First Primary and
Urgent Care Center,
October 25, 2013
The Pizza Experience, November 2, 2013
THEVANTAGE • ISSUE DEC 2013
Palmdale
Regional
Medical Center,
The Center for
Wound Care
& Hyperbaric Medicine,
December 10,
2013
Ni Hao Sushi, November 14, 2013
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CHAMBER Receives
3 Star Accreditation
from US CHAMBER
T
he United States Chamber of Commerce awarded
the Palmdale Chamber with Accredited status for
its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.
“Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and for positively
influencing action in their community,” said Raymond P.
Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber Executive Director of
Political Affairs and Federation Relations. “We applaud
these organizations for advancing the principles of free
enterprise.”
Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive
Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas
of governance, government affairs, and technology. This
extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.
THEVANTAGE • ISSUE DEC 2013
This is the 2nd consecutive time the Palmdale Chamber has been awarded the 3 Star rating. The Palmdale
Chamber is the only Chamber in LA County with a 3
Star rating. Become a member today and start taking
advantage of all the benefits you’ll receive from your
membership. Call 661-273-3232 today!
10
Your Chamber
2013 Executive Board
Randy Keller, Chairman of the Board
Embassy Suites
Caroline Bernal, Chair Elect – Vice Chair,
Fund Development
The CBreeze Corp
Laura Gordon, Corporate Secretary
Great Hill Services Inc.
Tammy Boyd, Chief Financial Officer
Elite Tax and Financial Services
Nicole Gray, Vice Chair Community Affairs
Storage Express
Brad Hayes, Vice Chair, Economic Development
Greenbee Landscape Inc.
Chuck Church, Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs
Individual
Board of Directors
Patrick DiMichele
Coldwell Banker Commercial Valley Real Estate
Karen Faulis
Palmdale Regional Medical Center
Mike McMullin
Antelope Valley Press
Gio Murcia
Gio’s Auto Diagnostics
Jodi Wolfe
L.A. Co. Sherriff’s Department
John Woodward
Twilight Beads
2013 Ambassador List
Chief Ambassador
Don Ryan, Farmers Ins.
Vice-Chief Ambassador
Paul J. Porteus, Prospect Mortgage
Eli Colvin, DigiTech ADT
Wendell Cuffy, Wendell Cuffy State Farm
Tina DeRienzo, A.V. Employment Services
Pepe Eads, Gary Rardon & Associates
Vladimir Gomez, Helping Hands AV
Patti Holt-Pulsifer, SourceOne Payroll
Kim Perkins, First City Credit Union
Tammy Romero, Lamar Outdoor Advertising
Kimberly Spezze, Elite Tax & Financial Services
Mike McMullin Vice Chair/Membership
by
Top 10 Benefits of Chamber Membership
W
hy should you join the Palmdale Chamber
of Commerce? The reasons are many. The
Chamber has built in programs that will
help you market your business without having to allocate
resources you may not have. Here are 10 of the biggest
benefits to your membership.
1) Monthly Breakfast Meeting---The First Thursday of every month you can participate in the monthly
Breakfast meeting. There you’ll meet other members,
and have the opportunity to present a 30 second “commercial” about your business.
2) Monthly Luncheon---The third Wednesday of
each month the monthly luncheon is a great way to
meet other Chamber members. Each month luncheon
speakers provide you with valuable information that
you’ll be able to use in your business.
3) Grand Openings---When you join the Chamber,
you can schedule a Grand Opening celebration for your
business. Chamber members and elected officials will
come out in force to help you launch your business in
the community.
4) After Hours Mixers—The third Friday of the
month you can attend our After Hours Mixer. This is
another great way to network with other Chamber members.
5) Sponsorships---There are many opportunities to
sponsor Breakfast meetings, Luncheons, Mixers, various
events such as the Golf Tournament, Crab Crack and
Taste of Palmdale. Host a Mixer at your business to let
everyone in the community know where you are.
6) Advertising—Membership in the Chamber gives
you the opportunity to advertise at a greatly reduced
rate on the Palmdale Chamber page that runs the 2nd
and fourth Thursday of each month in the AV Press.
Regular advertisers on the page also will receive a business profile.
7) Social Media—follow the chamber on Facebook and Twitter. Keep in touch with Chamber events,
and communicate what is happening in your business.
8) Easy Payments—Pay your membership dues in
one payment, or you can choose to pay in installments.
Do whatever is best for YOU.
9) Committees—Want to get more involved?
The Chamber has many opportunities for Volunteers.
Check out the committee that fits best with your unique
skills.
10) Let your Voice be heard—the Chamber acts as
an advocate for its members. If you want local officials
to hear your concerns, the Chamber is the best way to
add your voice to any issue.
Don’t wait! You can start taking advantage of all
these benefits as soon as you join. Call 661-273-3232
today, or stop by the office at 817 E Ave Q-9. For
more information, go to our website at
www.palmdalechamber.org.
Follow your Chamber on Social Networks!
THEVANTAGE • ISSUE DEC 2013
I
n today’s world, so much of what’s going on in our
community is located on Social Networks. That’s
precisely why you’ll find the Palmdale Chamber on
Facebook and Twitter. “Like” our Facebook page, and follow the Chamber on Twitter. You’ll find out about Mixers,
Grand Openings, and other events. You’ll be able to see
photos of events, and you’ll be able to share those events
with your friends and customers. If you’re currently using Social Networking to promote your business, linking
yourself with the Palmdale Chamber is a great way for you
to expand your Social Networking Audience!
11
817 East Avenue Q-9
Palmdale, CA 93550
Phone:661.273.3232
Fax:661.273.8508
www.palmdalechamber.org
January 2014
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7:00am
LCC Breakfast
Schooners Patio Grill, Lancaster
5:00pm-6:00pm
73rd Annual Installation and
Recognition Reception
7:00pm-10:00pm
Crab Crack Dinner and
Entertainment
Chimbole Cultural Center, Palmdale
@palmdalechamber
7:00am-8:30am
Palmdale Chamber Breakfast
Embassy Suites Palmdale
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11:30am-1:00pm
AVBOT Business Briefing Luncheon
Hellenic Center
+palmdalechamber
5:30pm-7:30pm
QHCC Business Mixer
QHCC Chamber Office
Event dates and/or locations are subject to
change. Full calendar of events available at
www.palmdalechamber.org
8:00am-9:00am
Finance Meeting
Palmdale Chamber Conference
Room
7:30am-8:30am
Executive Board Meeting
Embassy Suites Palmdale
11:30am-1:00pm
LCC/QHCC Luncheon
Hellenic Center, Lancaster
11:30am
AVAACC Luncheon
Hilton Garden Inn, Palmdale
Networking: 11:30am
Luncheon: 11:30am-1:00pm
Palmdale Chamber Luncheon
Rancho Vista Golf Club, Palmdale
ALL DAY
Office Closed
Holiday Observance
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
KEEP IN TOUCH
/palmdalechamber