January 2015 - Lemoore Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
January 2015 - Lemoore Chamber of Commerce
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LEMOORE DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Lemoore LifeStyle 300 E. STREET LEMOORE, CA 93245 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED It is the mission of Lemoore Chamber of Commerce to be the leader in our community for building sustainable economic growth, advocating for a pro-business climate and enhancing Lemoore’s working relationships with Lemoore Naval Air Station, City, Education, Tourism Business and Agricultural interests. 300 E Street, Lemoore, CA 93245 • (559) 924-6401 • www.lemoorechamberofcommerce.com January 2015 2015 Lemoore Citizen, Business & Organization of the Year to be Awarded O n Friday, January 23rd, 2015, a wonderful group of individuals will be awarded for their service to their community. The following is a brief explanation of how deep their dedication runs. 2015 Citizen of the Year: Robert (Bob) Clement Bob Clement has helped to shape Lemoore into the community it is today. Robert M. Clement was born and raised in Lemoore, California. He attended Lemoore Elementary School, Mary Immaculate Queen School, Lemoore High School and West Hills College in Coalinga. Bob played baseball, football and basketball in high school. While at West Hills College he played baseball. He then transferred to Fresno State where he earned a BA in Physical Education and a minor in Social Science, then went on to receive his MA in Education from the University or LaVerne. Bob began teaching at his alma mater, Lemoore High School, in 1971. This was just the beginning of a lifetime devoted to the youth of Kings County and the Lemoore community as a teacher, coach, civic leader, devoted church supporter, and service club volunteer. Bob was the head baseball coach for 28 years. In addition to forming the lives of our students and athletes, he played an integral part in the renovation of the Lemoore High baseball facility. While at Lemoore High, Bob also coached football on the varsity and lower levels. Bob had the honor of having his baseball jersey retired by Lemoore High’s baseball team and was selected as the California State Baseball Coach of the Year in 1998. Bob is on the Board of Directors of the Lemoore High School Foundation having served in that capacity since 2004. In 1999, Bob left Lemoore High School it become the Athletic Director at West Hills College Coalinga. While in Coalinga, Bob helped coach the football team, participated in Academic growth and oversaw an upgrade in the athletic facilities. In 2007, Bob became Athletic Director at West Hills College campus in Lemoore. Under Bob’s leadership, the Lemoore campus added men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, cross country, wrestling, and women’s basketball. Bob also played an integral role in the planning of the Golden Eagle Arena. Bob played a key role in bringing state community college athletic championships to West Hills College which infused dollars into the local community. The Lemoore community played host to visiting teams competing in community college soccer, golf, and wrestling championships. Bob has served on the Lemoore Planning Commission since 1995 and served as chairman for two terms. He has devoted 19 years to the growth and development of the City of Lemoore. Bob is also very active in his church and has served as a church leader for several years. As a matter of fact, Bob was instrumental in the planning of the new St. Peter’s Catholic Church, serving as co-chairman of the St. Peter’s New Church Building Fund Committee from 2000-2011. Although Bob retired from West Hills College as the Athletic Director in January of 2013, he is still an active member of our community. He is currently beginning his third term as the president of the local Kiwanis Club. This year, Bob took over for the late Bill Henry as Chairman of the Kings-Tulare All Star Football Game Committee, and Bob also serves as one of the announcers at the Golden Eagles Women’s Basketball games. “Behind every good man there is a great woman.” Bob has been married to the beautiful Paulette for 28 years, and we would be remiss to say that Bob wouldn’t be the man he is today with her. As you can see, Bob is without a doubt a pillar in the community. His lifetime of outstanding and selfless contributions to the community of Lemoore most certainly meet all the requirements for the 2015 Lemoore Citizen of the Year! 2015 Business of the Year: FAST Federal Credit Union FAST employees and volunteers (Board of Directors, Supervisory Committee, Ambassadors) are an active part of the communityvolunteering as many as 3,000 hours each year to serve various charities and events. They sponsor and provide financial education, Character Counts! and Ethics Day Conferences throughout the year in local schools. Most recently, FAST raised almost $1,000 for UCP Day to celebrate abilities and to create a life without limits for those in our community. In November, FAST sponsored a Christmas Tree at Soroptomist’s Festival of Trees to help raise funds for programs to improve the lives of women and girls. FAST also sponsors the Lemoore Chamber’s Student of the Month, where students are recognized for showcasing a Character Counts! Pillar, as well as the Dollar Dog Contest at the Annual Central Valley Pizza Festival each year. To give you a little background, FAST Credit Union was the first 57th Annual Installation & Awards Banquet Wednesday, January 14th at Noon Friday, January 3rd at 6 p.m. Tachi Palace Willow & Sequoia Banquet Rooms Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino / 3rd Floor Bingo/Banquet Hall See page 3 for luncheon info See page 2 for event info Chamber Luncheon local credit union. They started in 1953 as Kings County School Employees Credit Union. FAST served with seven members depositing $5.00 each. Their first office was a small garage in Lemoore. FAST stands for “Families and Schools Together,” a reference to their history. Although they still serve schools, they are now a community credit union with membership open to anyone who lives, works or worships within Kings County. FAST Federal Credit Union is a full service, not-for profit, member owned, financial institution dedicated to serving the financial needs of their members. Their profits are returned to their members in the form of higher dividends, lower interest rates on loans and many other low or no-fee products and services. They have saved Members over $1 Million in interest and fees by simply looking at the loans and credit cards they currently have and seeing if they can improve them. “We call it a free financial checkup. We either save them money or give them $20. It’s a Win-Win!” Their motto is, “We make it fun. We make it simple. We do it…FAST”, and they do just that! The Chamber thanks you for your continued dedication to our See Awards; Page 7 Christmas Parade Winners See page 6 for Full List PAGE 2 – January 2015 Lemoore LifeStyle A Message from Jenny Mac Thank you for your Service! I t is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to five of our Chamber Board of Directors this year. Skip Nugent, Michael Patterson, Don Warkentin, Noe’ Ambriz and Melinda Larson will be stepping down from their many years of service as their terms have ended. They will all be missed, but we feel honored to have benefited from their presence for so long. Skip Nugent, owner of Best Buy Markets, has served on the Chamber Board since 2009 and was the Board Chairman in 2013. Skip has donated generously to virtually every chamber event over the past six years, volunteered countless hours selling tickets and bartending, driven parade dignitaries in the Christmas Parade and has always been a calm, reasoned voice on the board. Skip and his wife Misty have also been a huge presence in our community with their fundraising efforts for Children’s Hospital Central California called “Happy Hearts”, in honor of his daughter. Although his term is over, we know we will continue to see Skip’s influence in our community. Michael Patterson, Director of Hotel, Spa, Wardrobe and Retail Operation at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, has also served on the Chamber Board since 2009 and was the Board Chairman in 2011. Michael’s clear sense of business ethics and fairness have been an enormous benefit to the Board, helping determine best practices and the most beneficial programs. You would have always seen Michael and his wife Deana selling tickets at Rockin’ the Arbor and attending almost every chamber event, from banquets, to luncheons and the Central Valley Pizza Festival. Michael never steered us wrong, and we could trust his advice and leadership throughout the years. Thank you, Michael, for lighting the way. Don Warkentin, President of West Hills College Lemoore, served on the Board since 2009 as well and held the title of CFO since 2012. Don has volunteered for the Christmas Parade alongside the Kiwanis for years, bartended at both the Pizza Fest and Rockin’ the Arbor and helped facilitate the Chamber’s use of the West Hills College Golden Eagle Arena for our Installation Banquet in 2013 and 2014. Don and his wife Betty have given back to our community in so many ways, that in 2014, Don was named Citizen of the Year. Noe’ Ambriz, Educator of the Leadership Development Institute for Adventist Health, has served on the Chamber Board since January of 2012. Noe’s three year term has been a blessing to us as he has been one of the most dedicated Board members in history. He donated to every event, served on many committees and for three years, Noe’ did not miss one Rockin’ the Arbor to fully run ticket sales. Although we will miss his smile, we are incredibly happy for Noe’s retirement from Adventist Health at the end of 2015, because we know he is excited to be moving to Mexico and starting his next chapter! Melinda Larson, Public Affairs Officer at Naval Air Station Lemoore, served six years as a non-voting Ex-Officio Director on our Board. Melinda’s busy work schedule never got in the way of her being our go-to photographer for every chamber event, many times handing the camera off to then volunteer bartend or sell tickets. Melinda leaves us for a new job in Monterrey, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who has told her how jealous we are! We wish her all the luck in her new city and will miss her. These five individuals have done so much and now deserve a little break from it all. We salute all of you for your dedication and earnest stewardship. For those of you not moving out of the area, please keep in mind, after the required one year off the Board of Directors, according to our by-laws, we would certainly welcome you back! Lemoore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairperson Victor Rosa - Lemoore Middle College High School Chairman-Elect William A. Parry - Hammerschmidt Broughton Vice Chairman Frances Perkins - Best Western Inn & Suites Lemoore Past Chairman Michele Costa - DaCosta Farms CFO Jeff Babb - Agusa, Inc. Directors John Miller - Ramblin' Rose Florist John Roush - Lemoore Stadium Cinemas Dustin Fuller - Civic Minded Individual Chamber Staff Jenny MacMurdo Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Diana Perez Office Manager [email protected] Brenda Martin Events Coordinator Deanna Patterson - Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino Johnny Perez - Best Buy Market Jody Ruble - West Hills College David Endo - Lemoore Middle College High School Ex- Officio Directors Marlana Brown - NAS Lemoore Jeff Laws - City of Lemoore Phone: (559) 924-6401 Fax: (559) 924-4520 Website lemoorechamberofcommerce.com Lemoore LifeStyle January 2015 – PAGE 3 IRS Announces 2015 Standard Mileage Rates; Business Rate Increases (December 12, 2014) The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2015 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning January 1, 2015, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: • 57.5 cents per mile for business miles driven (up from 56 cents in 2014) • 23 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes (down half a cent from 2014 • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile, including depreciation, insurance, repairs, tires, maintenance, gas and oil. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs, such as gas and oil. The charitable rate is set by law. Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates. Under California Labor Code section 2802, employers must fully reimburse employees for all expenses actually and necessarily incurred. Many employers typically choose to use the IRS mileage reimbursement rate, but its use is optional. The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement has stated that using the IRS mileage rate will generally satisfy an employer’s obligation to reimburse for business related vehicle expenses, absent evidence to the contrary. However, if an employee can show that the chosen mileage reimbursement rate, even the IRS rate, does not cover all actual expenses the employee has incurred, the employer must pay the difference. Business vehicle expenses do not include only gasoline, but also wear and tear (depreciation), repairs, oil, insurance and other costs. Sunday Paid Sick Leave Law: A Look at Employer Compliance Options With the signing of the legislation mandating that employers provide employees with paid sick leave starting July 1, 2015, many employers are questioning what options they have to comply with the new law and how existing or newly adopted employer policies will coordinate with this new mandate. AB 1522 (Gonzalez; D-Sherman Heights; Chapter 317) provides employers with three options by which to satisfy the requirement to provide employees with paid sick leave, thereby offering employers some flexibility to implement a new or existing policy. Accrual Method The first option employers have to provide paid sick leave is the statutory mandated accrual method that requires an employee earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Under this option, an employer will have to track the hours of each employee to determine when the employee has accrued one hour of paid sick leave. An employer may cap an employee’s accrual at six days or 48 hours. Any accrued, unused paid sick leave must be carried over to the following year. ‘Front Loading’ Policy The second option for providing paid sick leave is a “front loading” employer policy that provides an employee with at least three days or 24 hours of paid sick leave, paid leave, or paid time off at the beginning of each year. Under a front loading policy, an employee does not accrue leave during the year, as the employee receives all of the paid sick leave or paid time off on the first day of the year. Under this option, an employer does not have to track the employee’s hours for accrual and does not have to carry over any unused paid sick leave. Employer Policy The third option is an employer policy that provides an employee with at least three days or 24 hours of paid sick leave in a 12-month period, year of employment, or calendar year. Under this option, an employer can determine the accrual rate or method, so long as the annual amount provided to all employees is at least three days or 24 hours of paid sick leave, paid time off, or other paid leave. Specifically, Labor Code Section 246 (e)(2) was amended into the bill at the end of session to address employers’ concern that although they generally provide at least three days of paid time off or paid sick leave each year to their employees, the accrual method may not be on an hourly basis. See Law; Page 7 January 2015 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 NEW YEARS DAY Chamber Office Closed 4 Mooney Museum Open Noon – 3:00 p.m. 5 Employee Training Day Chamber Office Closed 6 7 Employee Training Day Chamber Office Closed BINGO 6:00 p.m., Senior Center 8 Saturday 2 3 Vets/Seniors Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Bldg. 9 10 Vets/Seniors Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Bldg. City Council Meeting 7:30 p.m. 11 Mooney Museum Open Noon – 3:00 p.m. 12 13 Ambassador Mtg 1pm Freight Room 14 15 Chamber Luncheon Noon-1pm Tachi Palace BINGO 6:00 p.m., Senior Center 18 Mooney Museum Open Noon- 3:00pm 19 20 21 22 MLK Jr. Day Chamber Office Closed 25 26 27 CBOD Mtg 7am Chamber Office 17 23 24 Vets/Seniors Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Bldg. th 57 Annual Chamber Installation & Awards Banquet - 6:00 p.m. Tachi Palace City Council Meeting 7:30 p.m. Mooney Museum Open Noon - 3:00 p.m. 16 Vets/Seniors Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Bldg. RSVPs DUE for Installation Banquet 28 29 30 Vets/Seniors Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Bldg. Community Breakfast 8:30-10am, Tachi Palace 31 PAGE 4 – January 2015 Luncheon Guests gather around food by Gibson’s Catering Lemoore LifeStyle Karina Escobedo-Lemoore Middle College High School November Student of the Month and her teacher. 2014 Chamber Holiday Luncheon Thank You’s Door Prize Donations Ramblin’ Rose Florist – Fresh Christmas Wreath Blue Door Massage & Spa- Gift Certificate Lisa Munde Photography- Gift Certificate Fatte Albert’s- Gift Certificate Best Buy Market- Gift Certificate Elite Performance - T-shirt & 30 Day Gift Certificate Comcast Business - Gift Basket Best Western Inn & Suites -Gift Basket w/ Gift Certificate Lemoore Stadium Cinemas -Movie Passes Family Eye Care- Gift Baskets Décor a Lemoore -Centerpiece Farmer’s Fury – 6 Bottles of Wine Holiday Music Michelle Semas & Dave Bezinque Catering Train Depot Freight Room all decked out for the Holiday Luncheon Kim Gibson - Gibson’s Catering Lemoore LifeStyle January 2015 – PAGE 5 PAGE 6 – January 2015 Christmas Parade Thank You’s Major Sponsor Terry O’Hare, DMD –Kings Dental Group Associate Sponsor Agusa, Inc. Judges Dave Dack Debbie Muro Chris Brazil Judy Holwell Rick Rayburn Ed Martin Lindsay Fuller Ben Luis Announcers & Attendants Jay Salyer Sandy Salyer Tony Oliveira Mike Madden Parade Committee Jeff Babb Grace Garst Ayla Tidwell Dennis Fuller Mike Madden Virgil Powell Jay & Sandy Salyer Dustin & Lindsay Fuller Kyle Reynolds Jeff Blain Vehicles & Drivers for Parade Dignitaries Brooke Warkentin Jesus Garcia Melinda Larson Doug Verboon Keller Motors Jeff Levinson Refreshments for Parade Dignitaries, and Judges donated by Frances Perkins, Lemoore Best Western Inn & Suites Starbucks, Lemoore Plus the Many who helped make this Parade a Success Stoney’s Sand & Gravel Lisa Franks- Educational Employees Credit Union City of Lemoore Public Works Department Maintenance & Fleet Department Streets & Refuge/Trash Dept Volunteer Fire Department Police Department Volunteers in Policing Lemoore Kiwanis Club Lemoore NAS Barrier Guard Volunteers Lemoore High School Water Polo Team Lionel Garza & Boy Scouts Troop 480 - sponsored by American Legion Post 100 Lemoore Stadium Cinemas Dave Bezinque & Michelle Semas Lemoore LifeStyle CONGRATULATIONS! 2014 Lemoore Christmas Parade WINNERS Auto Category 1st Handford Trailbusters 4wheel Drive Club 2nd White Top Restaurant 3rd Kings Cab Cheerleaders 1st Lemoore Youth Cheer 2nd Lemoore High School Pep Squad 3rd Lemoore Recreation Cheer School Floats 1st Total Childcare Center 2nd Lemoore Preschool 3rdCYP Commercial & or Community Floats 1st South Valley Community Church 2nd Girl Scouts Troop 406 3rd Boy Scouts Troop 480 & Girl Scout Troop 2258 Bands 1st Lemoore High School 2nd Liberty Middle School Marching Band & Colorguard 3rd Lemoore Middle College High School Animals 1st Valley Animal Haven 2nd Laton Lions Pokey 3rd Kings Co. Pygmy Goat Club & Island 4-H Dog Care Marching Units 1st Cub Scout 402 2nd Fresno Pulmonary Hypertension Support Group Misc. 1st Lemoore Church of the Nazarene 2nd Kings Dance Center-Dancers Unlimited 3rd John Mayfield New Members Deli-Delicious Scot & Mary Goble, Owners 855 N. Lemoore Ave. Lemoore, CA 93245 Mailing Address: 4014 E. Wood Ave. Laton, CA 93242 559-730-8400 [email protected] Renewing Members Ensignal, Inc. Kings Eye Center Medical Group Dr. Forte, Yang, Beard, Keck & Poindexter Lemoore Real Estate Rotary Club of Lemoore Visalia Rawhide Lemoore LifeStyle January 2015 – PAGE 7 Prop. 65 Warning Proposal Merits Business Concern The latest proposal by the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to revise Proposition 65 warning requirements should be of concern to business, the California Chamber of Commerce warns in a video report. The revised regulation would not add more meaningful information regarding how businesses present Proposition 65 warnings and would further increase the risk of litigation. CalChamber Policy Advocate Anthony Samson says in the latest CalChamber Capitol Report that there is cause for alarm, first due to the “sheer costs to the business community,” which will be extraordinary. Second, the proposal will do far more to alarm consumers and less to inform them, he says. Finally, the proposal will invite “extraordinary new avenues for increased litigation under Proposition 65.” CalChamber is urging business to voice concerns to OEHHA on the proposed warning changes. CalChamber comments are posted at www.calchamber.com/environmental. Governor Calls for Reform In May 2013, noting that Proposition 65 has been abused by “unscrupulous lawyers driven by profit rather than public health,” Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. proposed reforms to strengthen and restore the intent of Proposition 65. Specifically, the Governor proposed to end frivolous, “shakedown” lawsuits; improve how the public is warned about dangerous chemicals; and strengthen the scientific basis for warning levels. Proposition 65 Requirements Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, requires California businesses with 10 or more employees to provide a clear and reasonable warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing individuals to chemicals known to cause cancer and/or reproductive z. In order to comply with Proposition 65, a business must: • Assess whether it releases, or its products contain, Proposition 65-listed chemicals; • Determine whether its consumers may be Awards Their canned food drive on the morning of the Christmas Parade assisted with Presents on Patrol and the 6th Annual Community Christmas Dinner. They also held their second annual Kings Lions New Year’s Eve Party on December 31st. Their major fundraisers throughout the year also include the Kings Lions Brewfest and the Lings Lions Luau. The Kings Lions have given generously to numerous organizations in our area including the Lemoore Senior Citizens Center, Lemoore Police Explorers Program, the Lemoore & Hanford Youth Boxing Programs, the Lemoore BMX Bike Riders, a Stratford Youth Soccer Team, the Naval Air Station Lemoore Aviators Memorial Association, the Sarah A. Mooney Historical Museum, the Badge of Brothers, Lemoore Christian Aid, God’s Bread Box, the Lions International Rose Parade, and the adoption of Kings Lions Complex (formerly 19th Ave. Park). Recently, the Kings Lions delivered backpacks filled with school supplies to needy students in our area schools and just held a vision clinic for patients in need of eye care surgeries, glasses and exams. They were also voted “Best Non-Profit Organization of the Year” by the Hanford Sentinel Reader’s Choice Awards and selected by their 4a2 District as the “Top Club” for their district. It is with great pleasure that we award Kings Lions Club as the 2015 Organization of the Year! See page 3 for more information about the Banquet and please join us as we celebrate these extraordinary honorees! Continued from page 1 community! 2015 Organization of the Year: Kings Lions Club Since their charter was established on October 15th of 2013, the Kings Lions Club has looked for ways to serve the citizens of Kings County and the City of Lemoore. They are made up of 40 hard working and motivated community members. Their membership is diverse in every way, truly representing Lemoore and Kings County’s diversity. The Kings Lions actively seek out opportunities to help those in need in our own backyard as well as internationally. Their very first community service project was the Tanglewood Apartment Fire last year. When they heard that there was a tragic fire that displaced several families, the Kings Lions Club was first on the scene to organize and deliver much needed food and supplies directly to the affected families, even before the Red Cross had arrived. That is what makes the Kings Lions Club and our community great, the willingness to get involved and help our neighbors in need. Their list of accomplishments is clearly very impressive. As of December 1, 2014, they have donated over $24,000 back to our community and countless man hours. exposed to a listed chemical at levels that necessitate a warning (that is, “when” to warn); and • Determine (if a warning is required) what the warning must say (that is, “how” to warn). Recent Regulatory Efforts OEHHA has initiated three significant regulatory undertakings in 2014. Most significantly, OEHHA has proposed a substantial regulatory overhaul of the “clear and reasonable” warning requirements, which address the “how to warn” question. OEHHA also has asked that stakeholders suggest additional potential regulatory changes that may help to address the “when to warn” question, and has further developed regulations related to a Labor Code requirement for adding chemicals to the Proposition 65 list. Warning Regulations On March 7, 2014, OEHHA proposed a “preregulatory” draft regulation overhauling the existing requirements for “clear and reasonable” warnings under Proposition 65. The proposal, according to OEHHA, is “designed to provide more meaningful information for individuals in Proposition 65, facilitate the public’s understanding of these warnings and make the warnings more consistent.” OEHHA also noted that the proposal “is intended to implement the Administration’s vision concerning improving the quality of the warnings being given and providing certainty for businesses subject to the Act.” On June 12, 2014, CalChamber submitted an extensive comment letter, also signed by nearly 140 California-based and national organizations and businesses of varying sizes that, collectively, represented nearly every major business sector on which OEHHA’s proposal would Law Continued from page 3 A majority of employers allow employees to accrue paid leave on a pay period basis, as it is easier to administer, especially for a large workforce, than tracking each individual employee’s hours worked. Section 246 (e) reflects such employer policies by stating that an employer does not have to provide sick leave in addition to what they already offer if the employer policy either: • mirrors the accrual, carry over and use requirements set forth in AB 1522; or • provides employees with at least three days or 24 hours of paid sick leave each year, regardless of the actual accrual rate. Interpreting this section otherwise would essentially render Section 246 (e)(1) meaningless. Section 246 would not provide two options for an employer policy if the intent and requirement was that any employer policy had to match the specific accrual method set forth in AB 1522. Moreover, Section 246 (e)(2) is not just limited to “front loading” policies, as such poli- have an impact. The coalition explained in detail why OEHHA’s proposal actually undermined the Governor’s calls for reform. Specifically, the proposal would: • substantially exacerbate the already-problematic Proposition 65 litigation climate; • further increase consumer alarm and confusion about Proposition 65 warnings; • significantly decrease business certainty; and • dramatically increase compliance costs and defense costs for businesses of all sizes. The comment letter addressed virtually every provision of the OEHHA proposal, explained the basis for the coalition’s opposition, and provided recommendations where appropriate. On September 23, 2014, OEHHA circulated a revised draft of the regulation to several stakeholders, including CalChamber. In an informal memorandum dated October 10, 2014, CalChamber noted that the revised draft, while an improvement from the original draft, still contains significant flaws that undermine the Governor’s calls for reform. Additional refinements are needed to the improvements identified above, and some of the major flaws, including the requirement to specify one or more of 12 specific chemicals, are still present in the revised regulation. Next Steps CalChamber continues to work with OEHHA on a revised regulatory proposal, which OEHHA anticipates will be released for formal rulemaking comment in late 2014 or early 2015. Staff Contact: Anthony Samson © 2014 California Chamber of Commerce cies are separately recognized in the bill under Labor Code Section 246 (d). Section 246 (d) references subdivision (e) to acknowledge that an employer must have a policy for front loading, not to limit Section 246 (e)(2) to only a front loading policy. Nothing in 246(e)(2) requires that an employer provide the three days or 24 hours at the beginning of the year; it just requires that an employer provide an employee with three days or 24 hours of paid time off or paid leave each year. Flexibility These three options provide an employer with the necessary flexibility to determine which method of offering paid sick leave fits best with the employer’s specific workforce and environment. Employers have until July 1, 2015 to determine which option to utilize. Under any of the three options, however, the employer must allow an employee to use the accrued paid sick leave or paid time off for the same purposes and under the same conditions as set forth in AB 1522. Any employer policy should reference these purposes and conditions. Staff Contact: Jennifer Barrera © 2014 California Chamber of Commerce PAGE 8 – January 2015 Lemoore LifeStyle CHAMBER MEMBER IN THE administration, and massage technique. Ayla and Grace met at Milan Institute in Visalia where they became instant friends when they realized that they had a shared interest in horses. They’ve always dreamed of starting a massage spa together and knew that the small town of Lemoore would be a perfect fit for their vision of Blue Door Massage & Spa. Once their idea formed legs, they were off and running. Within a matter of months, all of their planning had come to fruition. As fortunate would have it, they stumbled across 212 D Street, an office that was converted from an old home in downtown Lemoore, and an ideal location for creating a home-like feel for their customers. Once they were able to procure their Lemoore business license, and make some beautiful and elegant décor additions, Blue Door Massage & Spa opened its doors on August, 15, 2014. Grace and Ayla both live in Lemoore and, “cherish (their) little downtown economy.” “ We would love to see more small business come into Lemoore, and the Chamber of Commerce is “Your escape is just beyond the blue door…” It is with great pride that the Chamber recognizes Blue Door Massage & Spa as our Chamber Member in the Limelight this month. But even more than what Blue Door does for the community; it is what these two new 20-something business owners have achieved in just a short amount of time. It is their story that we’d like to highlight as an example of entrepreneurship in our small town, which is alive and well! Back in early 2014, Grace Garst and Ayla Tidwell began the process of making their dream a reality. Ayla Tidwell is a co-owner of Blue Grace Garst & Ayla Tidwell, Owners Door Massage and Spa. A country girl originally from Stratford, Ca, she 212 W. D Street, Lemoore, CA 93245 attended Kings Christian School, where she met and married her high 559-308-3796 / 559-381-6820 school sweetheart, Jake. She has Email: [email protected] been a certified massage therapist since 2009 when she graduated from Website: www.thebluedoorlemoore.com Milan Institute in Visalia, Ca. Before launching Blue Door Massage and Spa she was self employed, working out of a room she subleased such an asset to anyone who wants to get started from a chiropractor in Lemoore, Ca. She used here,” says Grace. “We are so blessed to be in a her massage business to put herself through service industry that allows us to take care of College of the Sequoias then Fresno State and people. The biggest reward we receive is when graduated in 2012 with a degree in accounting. we are able to help someone relax, find some She’s had to grow and manage her own busi- tension relief and de-stress.” You have more than likely seen the duo out ness while juggling the workload of being a full time student. Ayla has been a member of the and about in the community this past fall and Lemoore Chamber of Commerce and has been winter. They have been going into local businesses and local organization’s fund raisers and actively involved in her community. Grace Garst is a co-owner of Blue Door providing free chair massage stations. They set Massage and Spa and also a country girl origi- up their massage chairs and give out free 10 nally from Reedley, Ca. She has been a certified minutes chair massages for a group of people massage therapist since 2009 when she gradu- on location. “It’s always so rewarding to be able ated from Milan Institute. Just out of school she to treat people when they aren’t expecting it!” subleased a room in Jazz Productions Salon and They were also involved in Rockin’ the Arbor, Spa in Visalia, Ca. She then partnered with a Friday Night Market, Holiday Stroll, volunteered chiropractor in Visalia as his marketing director on the Lemoore Christmas Parade Committee, and launched a massage therapy element to his sponsored a table at the Annual Kings County practice. She helped him grow and establish his Salute to Agriculture Banquet, and donated gift business while honing her skills in marketing, certificates for every Chamber event. Blue Door Massage & Spa If you’re interested in what they have to offer, their services include customized massage services, facial skin treatments, waxing, airbrush makeup, and eyelash extension. Spa parties have been a big success as well at Blue Door. They hosted various groups of friends celebrating birthdays, company employee appreciation days, and women’s groups. They block off a section of time in their calendar to be open just for them. Providing mini-services to larger groups and full services to smaller groups while they sip, snack and chat. “This is a great way to celebrate while pampering those around you.” Since their opening in August, these dynamic women have made a name for themselves in our community. They have had so much business that they were able to add another member to their staff, an aesthetician, to expand their services. Most importantly though, Ayla made a special addition to the Blue Door family on December 5th, 2014 when she welcomed her first daughter, Kittia. We are so happy for Ayla and her new one! It goes to show that age does not matter in business; intelligence, hard work, integrity and community really make the difference. Please join us in celebrating the success of these two lovely ladies, and help them stay successful by SHOPPING LOCAL-SHOP LEMOORE!
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