Blues Fest Boosts Local Economy Sequoia Park Zoo
Transcription
Blues Fest Boosts Local Economy Sequoia Park Zoo
MIX E R FUN! Bring Your Business Cards! INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The next Mixer will be Thursday Sept 16th, 5:30 pm at HealthSport 3441 Pennsylvania Avenue (off Myrtle), Eureka SEPT 2 0 1 0 CHAMBER REVIEW • CB Cutten Realty Ranks High page 2 • Leon’s TV Ad Wins Award page 2 • CalChamber Concerns: Prop 19 page 5 • Sequoia Park Zoo Honored page 4 • Miranda’s Rescue in Eureka pg. 8 A M O N T H LY PU BL IC AT IO N O F THE GR EATER EUR EKA CHA M B ER O F COMMERCE CHAMBER BRIEFS Red Lion Hotel Hosts September Blood Drive Chamber members the Northern California Community Blood Bank and the Red Lion Hotel are teaming up for a very important cause. Every minute of every day, someone needs blood. Members are encouraged to come out and support the cause and become a volunteer donor. The event is taking place in the Red Lion Hotel parking lot, located at 1929 4th Street, Eureka ca 95501, on Friday, September 24th from 10 am–3 pm. Come out to support our community and save lives by becoming a donor. For further information contact Tamila Meyer at 441-4712. Record Attendance Hundreds Delighted Blues Fest Boosts Local Economy Sequoia Park Zoo/ Security National Mixer A record number of people came out for the ever-popular local music tradition, Blues By the Bay, which attracted hundreds of music lovers from around the state. “Lodging vacancies were scarce. We worked hard to find a place to stay for those who came at the last minute,” said J Warren Hockaday, Chamber ceo. “The economic contribution of this event is impressive.” By Carol Clymo, Chamber Ambassador The August Mixer found us surrounded by the beauty of the amazing Sequoia Park Zoo. This year the event was jointly-hosted by SN Servicing Corporation and the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation. While munching on delicious freshly prepared foods, sipping on beers provided by Lost Coast Brewery and wine from Bode Cellars we were being observed by Bono and Johleen the pair of Gibbons who reside at the zoo as they enjoyed their own dinner of fresh fruits and vegetables. Over the years the outdoor event has drawn huge crowds and award-winning musicians from around the country, including Walter Trout, Teresa James and The Rhythm Tramps, the Ty Curtis Band, Tommy Castro and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, who headlined Sunday’s show. Executive Director and coordinator for Blues by the Bay Glenn Maxon said that this year’s show is better than ever. “We’ve got the best lineup on the West Coast,” Maxon said “You know your lineup is hot when you’ve got guys like Tommy Castro playing and they aren’t even headlining.” More than a dozen bands played over the course of the two-day event, along with more than 40 vendors. Pre-sales for the event almost doubled last year’s and Sunday’s attendance outnumbered Saturday’s four to one. Mayor Virginia Bass shares humorous moment with Chamber crowd at Sequoia Park Zoo Before the announcements started, I had the opportunity to speak with some of the mixer attendees. Former Chamber Ambassador, Jaymi Dark has been attending mixers the past three years and truly enjoys the camaraderie shared with other business members, as well as the delicious food. Terri Clark, Executive Director of Mobile Medical Office has been attending mixers on and off the past twenty years. She enjoys the chance to learn about new businesses, mingle with fascinating people and enjoy delicious food. Media Marketing Manager Continued on page 7 JULY 15 September Red Lion Hotel New Members Konaloha Coffee Company Ruth Howell and John Koontz Team Women Andrea Ralph Nor-Cal Automotive Brad Curtice Miranda’s Rescue Inc. Dean Paris and Shannon Miranda 2010 Chamber Mixer Calendar September 16 HealthSPORT October 21 Coast Central Credit Union November 18 North Coast Dance/Arkley Center December 16 Nylex.net/Spa at Personal Choice/ Eureka Main Street/United Way of the Wine Country What’s NEW? Eureka Chamber Membership News Send submissions to susan@eurekachamber.com Member Wins TV Advertising Award Popular Chamber member, Leon’s Car Care Center was the subject of a recent, award winning television commercial. The TV spot was produced by fellow member CoxRasmussen & Co. Marketing and Advertising of Eureka. Cox Rasmusen was presented the Bronze Telly Award for a 30-second television commercial produced for Leon’s. The Telly Awards annually honors local, regional and cable television commercials and programs The commercial, titled “Leon’s 007,” plays on a James Bond theme and features Leon’s Car Care Center owner Dale Warmuth as “Dale Bond.” “The name is Bond, Dale Bond.” The Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce welcomes submissions from its members. All submissions become the property of the Eureka Chamber. Due to space limitations there is no assurance of publication. All submissions may be edited or modified. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, The Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Unless otherwise indicated, opinions expressed herein are those of the author/writer and do not necessarily represent the views of The Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, the editor, its agent(s), board officer(s), or employees. 2 The Telly Awards annually honors local, regional and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions and work created for the Internet. More than 13,000 entries are received annually from ad agencies, production companies, TV stations, cable companies, interactive agencies and corporations. CoxRasmussen owners Brent Rasmussen and Alicia Cox produced the ad with Director David Scheerer. CoxRasmussen is a 24-year advertising agency located in Henderson Center, Eureka. Coldwell Banker Wins National Ranking Despite a challenging economy, Chamber member, Coldwell Banker Cutten Realty recently was rewarded for hard work and dedication by earning an impressive national ranking. Jim Gillespie, president and ceo of Coldwell Banker Real Estate llc, announced that for the first and second quarters of 2010, Coldwell Banker Cutten Realty ranked No. 3 nationally from among 406 Coldwell Banker affiliate offices in its office size category. “An accomplishment of this nature distinguishes Coldwell Banker Cutten Realty as a shining example of dedication and exceptional performance for the entire Coldwell Banker family,” Gillespie stated. An accomplishment of this nature distinguishes Coldwell Banker Cutten Realty as a shining example of dedication and exceptional performance… Broker/owner Mock Wahlund attributed the success to the highly motivated full-time agents that work for Cutten Realty. “Our aggressive advertising campaign and career driven agents is a combination with proven results.” Wahlund also stated that “Humboldt County once again has proven that it has a productive market of its own.” www.eurekachamber.com Let the Games Begin Eureka The Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mike Newman Chair The Shaw Group Gregg Gardiner Vice-Chair 101 Things to Do John Dalby Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong. —Richard Armour The campaigns are already gearing up for the seasonal assault of the general election. Between now and November we will be besieged with all of those good reasons why our precious vote should be cast for one candidate or against another…or both. In what has become a monumental exercise in marketing, simple reason and common sense are often the first casualties. The politics of fear abound with the dire consequences that will surely come about if we make the wrong choices. The campaign commercials will condense complex messages into 30 second sound bites, provided for fast and easy consumption. But, it has become fairly clear that the tone and theme of a candidate’s message is far more persuasive than its content. There are basically two kinds of people who become engaged in the political process; those who can get the job and those who can do the job. The unfortunate reality is that far too often, they are not the same people. The responsibility that confronts voters is to penetrate the smokescreen of rhetoric and passionate arguments in the hope of catching a glimpse of a person’s character. I remember a conversation I had years ago with a veteran campaign consultant. I had grown tired and distrustful of all of the negativity, name calling and personal attacks that so often accompany political races. He was amused by my apparent lack of political sophistication and stated simply. “They go negative because it works…especially when their candidate is running behind.” I haven’t changed much since then and for me a campaign that focuses more on the shortcomings of an opponent over the abilities of the candidate, are a sure sign of someone who wants to get the job more than they want to do the job. A good friend summed it up by saying that, people campaign in poetry and govern in prose. It follows that all of those glib political promises and self serving generalities rarely make a difference once in office. The harsh reality of truly effective governance is the ability to work cooperatively with other members Treasurer Redwood Capital Bank Gary Barnard by J Warren Hockaday Pachanga Mexicana Greg Dale Coast Seafoods Company Jackie Deuschle Miller of the Council or Board toward crafting solutions. Despite the campaign hoopla from those candidates who want you to believe that they are responsible for an array of accomplishments, the truth is that in government precious little gets done by individual office holders. Green Diamond Resource Company Still, members clearly understand that decisions made at all levels of government have a profound impact on business success and the ability to expand and create new opportunities. The trick is to promote economic development through private businesses and generate the tax revenues that fuel the engines of government without stalling the engine of commerce. Hans Gerstacker Inherent in the political process is the natural friction of ideological and partisan perspectives. However, when that friction leads to dysfunction as it has in recent years, it is only the voters who can send the message that enough is enough. For too long the discussion has been more about doing what is best for the cause than what is best for the people and the communities. As always, there is a lot at stake in the November vote. And despite the temptation to tune much of the tedious campaign rhetoric out, it is critical that we as members of a business organization endure the rancor and try and see past the distractions of personal attacks to the substance beyond. Desperation is not hard to spot. It is true that desperate people will campaign aggressively and sometimes persuasively but the desperate make poor leaders and questionable decisions. Carlton Nielsen It is as the Poet Gerald Locklin once wrote, “If your urn is sufficiently Grecian, it can ofttimes get away with being a crock…” Linda Disiere North Coast Investors Group Scott Flynn Red Lion Hotel Roy Frostenson KIEM – TV State Compensation Insurance Fund Russ Harris North Valley Bank Dave Kuta The Times Standard Jeff Marsee College of the Redwoods Nylex.net Chuck Petrusha Advanced Security Systems Mike Renner L & M Renner Alison Talbott Pacific Gas & Electric Greg Williston SHN Consulting Eng. & Geologists EUREKA CHAMBER STAFF J Warren Hockaday President/CEO Susan Gillespie Office Manager Jennifer Chierici Membership Services Linda Cangas Visitor Center Assistant Phone 442.3738 2112 Broadway, Eureka www.eurekachamber.com CHAMBER REVIEW Editor J Warren Hockaday Newsletter Design Carson Park Design Printing Times Printing www.eurekachamber.com 3 Chairman’s Report Public Private Jobs Partnership Working in Local Businesses By Mike L. Newman Chairman, Eureka Chamber Board of Directors Well, here we are, at the start of an election season that will shape the business climate for the City of Eureka and Humboldt County for the next years. And I believe that the citizens of Eureka will be facing decisions to be more probusiness. In order to fund our vital services, such as police and fire, as a City we need to attract new businesses that will open and assist current businesses in staying. For a decade, the State of California has been looking for additional money for its programs. At the same time the legislature continues to pass new laws and creating programs without a funding source in place. This leaves the cities and counties to rely mainly on revenues generated through the commerce that is generated within each jurisdiction’s boundaries. This Chamber will continue to be at the forefront responding to the needs of member businesses in our city. The solution to current economic difficulties involves expanding business activity and creating jobs. That means attracting new businesses and offices within Eureka’s city limits. The idea is to increasing shopping and service choices here so that local residents will not have to travel elsewhere and spend their hard earned money purchasing goods and services outside Eureka. How many people do you know can’t find the variety they need here and either travel or order goods and services through the Internet? Think about that when candidates talk about what they will do when elected to office. We need to elect people who will fight the red tape and bureaucracy that hurt local businesses 4 and stifles the creation of new jobs for our community and our children. There is a proposition on the November ballot in November that, while popular for some will not be beneficial to the businesses of California. The proposition I’m referring to is 19 that would legalize the personal use of marijuana. There are serious, potential adverse impacts to an employer’s legal rights and protections. Moreover, significant concerns over public and employee safety arise with this proposition that will cost business more money and red tape than is necessary. For instance, if this measure is approved, employers would be faced with the burden of proving that an employee who tests positive for marijuana is “actually impaired” from performing the job before taking any adverse action. As an example, if an employee smells like alcohol, he can be tested for a level of intoxication and the employer would, more than likely be protected if disciplinary action was taken. But if this proposition is passed, that same employee, if smelling of marijuana, could file a discrimination lawsuit because there are not levels of “intoxication” established at this point. This is an especially important issue when power machinery is used or driven in the workplace. There are considerable safety and liability issues for all concerned. This Chamber will continue to be at the forefront responding to the needs of member businesses in our city. Please give us a call if you have questions or comments about the November ballot. Mike L. Newman, is a broker with Shaw & Petersen Insurance — The Shaw Group Sequoia Park Zoo and Gardens Honored by California Garden Clubs Local representatives of California Garden Clubs Inc. and the Eureka Sequoia Garden Club honored the Sequoia Park Zoo and Gardens at the August Chamber mixer. Mary Lou Goodwin, California Garden Clubs past president; Anne Van Zandt, California Garden Clubs landscape design consultant; and Sue Moran, president of the Eureka Sequoia Garden Club presented a California Garden Clubs Inc. Landscape Design Certificate to the city of Eureka in honor of its Sequoia Park Zoo and Gardens. Mayor Virginia Bass and Gretchen Ziegler, manager of Sequoia Park Zoo and Gardens accepted the commendation on behalf of the city of Eureka. Goodwin and Van Zandt and a panel of landscape design consultants have chosen this project as an example of good land use and as an asset to the community. The city is being honored for creating the Sequoia Park Zoo and Gardens. As the only Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoological venue within several hundred miles, Goodwin said, the popular community attraction serves an important recreational and educational role in the northwestern California region. “The zoo provides an education into the local ecosystem with native ferns, fuchsias and other species under the established redwood trees,” Goodwin wrote in a press release about the commendation. “Hedges camouflage wire cages, with trees and shrubs inside exhibits including many native to the animals’ habitats. Water features throughout soften the hardscape. Raising and falling walkways edged with hardy plants and trees create a sense of discovery. A large lawn area with tree groupings with lighting for evenings doubles as an event area or children’s play area.” California Garden Clubs Inc. is the statewide federation of California garden clubs and plant societies representing more than 20,000 California gardeners. Founded in 1931, California Garden Clubs is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that offers extensive educational programs and resources to promote gardening, floral design, civic beautification, environmental responsibility and the exchange of information and ideas. California Garden Clubs Inc. is a member of the Pacific Region of the National Garden Clubs Inc. For more information, visit: www.CaliforniaGardenClubs. org. www.eurekachamber.com Power of The Sun Offered to Members From the California Chamber of Commerce One way to help protect the environment is to rely whenever possible on clean renewable energy. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (pg&e), strongly encourages the use of solar power as a non-polluting, renewable and sustainable form of energy. For businesses, solar energy works and it is affordable For businesses, solar energy works and it is affordable. By taking advantage of financial incentives that will soon be available, businesses can install thermal solar water heating systems and reduce energy costs while protecting the environment. pg&e is already offering renewable energy rebates to residential customers who invest in solar water heating systems and will soon be offering the same rebates to business customers. The California Solar Initiative-Thermal program will provide rebates to commercial customers who install eligible solar water heating systems in their business. pg&e will begin accepting commercial applications in the near future. For complete CSI-Thermal program guidelines and to learn more about program eligibility, incentive rates, the application process and required documentation, please visit: www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/ solarenergy/csi/thermal/ Email pg&e at solar@pge.com or call pg&e’s Solar Customer Service Center at 877-743-4112. Calchamber Sounds Alarm On Employer Impact of Prop 19 Legalized Marijuana Legal Analysis Reveals Serious Workplace Issues If Measure Becomes Law Proposition 19, the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010, not only would legalize pot use in California but create a legal quagmire for employers by compromising workplace safety and establishing a new class of protected workers in the state, according to a legal analysis released today by the California Chamber of Commerce. Imagine a workplace where employees show up to work high and there’s nothing an employer can do about it “This initiative would change the way employers are required to do business in our state,” said Allan Zaremberg, President and ceo of the California Chamber of Commerce. “Essentially any employer would be required to offer marijuana users extra protections above those provided to other employees. If Proposition 19 becomes law, our state’s workers will face increased exposure to injuries and our employers will face increased exposure to liability. Proposition 19 is bad for employers and their employees.” Proposition 19 seeks to legalize the cultivation, processing, transportation, distribution, and sale of marijuana for personal use in California. However, the measure is written in a way that blurs the line for employers regarding important workplace issues including whether or not employers must allow marijuana smoking at work and who will pay for marijuana-related accidents. CalChamber’s employment law advisor Jennifer Shaw, who prepared the analysis, points out that the measure establishes a new, higher, but yet undefined standard of “actual impairment.” According to Shaw, under this standard, an employer cannot take any action related to an employee’s use of marijuana and their potential threat to workplace safety as is currently the case for alcohol. For example, if a forklift driver showed up reeking of marijuana smoke, an employer could not take disciplinary action until it could be proven that the employee’s job performance was ‘actually impaired’ by the marijuana use (for example, after an accident occurred). Under Proposition 19, marijuana would be more protected than alcohol. “Imagine a workplace where employees show up to work high and there’s nothing an employer can do about it,” said Shaw. “It is pretty clear that Proposition 19 will lead to many unfortunate outcomes including compromised workplace safety, discrimination lawsuits filed by employees who use marijuana but got fired for poor performance, and increased costs of liability insurance,” she said. Last month, CalChamber’s products division — HR California — began looking into the employer implications should Proposition 19 become law. That initial review raised many questions and led to the preparation of the full legal analysis by CalChamber’s employment law advisor that was released today. A full copy of the legal analysis is available at www.calchamber.com. SHOP LOCAL at the Eureka Chamber Gift Shop! Local Products Made by Local Artists Eureka The Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce www.eurekachamber.com 5 Member Legislative Briefing Californians of all political stripes can breathe a sigh of relief, the Legislature has adjourned for the year. The Senate and Assembly each took their time on the final day of the 2009-10 Legislative Session and 62 days into the fiscal year, to discuss and vote on dueling budget plans. As expected, neither plan passed, however it was an important step in what has become a complicated dance of budget negotiations. The floor debate also provided a picture on where each party stands. Democrats put forward a plan that contained spending authorizations that would provide more money to schools and continues funding for social programs. After reportedly facing pressure from within their own caucuses, Democratic leadership did not take up trailer bills that contain the “tax swap” proposal, increase in the Vehicle License Fee, delay several corporate tax breaks, or suspend Proposition 98. Republicans claim the proposal was just a ruse, and that the Democrats’ endgame is to significantly raise taxes that would hurt the middle class. As proof, the Republicans posted a series of budget bills online that they say Democrats have ready but did not put up for a vote. Republicans put forward a plan that contained most of Governor Schwarzenegger’s May Revise with some changes. The proposal did not include the use of red light cameras to catch speeding drivers, raising property insurance surcharges to pay for emergency response, increasing water quality fees, and housing low-level prisoners in county jail. The Republican proposal eliminated welfare-towork programs and state-subsidized childcare. Democrats argued that the Republican plan would cost the state billions in federal dollars while hurting low-income Californians and students. The Governor held a press conference and criticized the Democrats for proposing a 6 by Keith Dunn Eureka Chamber Lobbyist Dunn Consulting, Sacramento budget that continues the practice of spending beyond the state’s means; however, he seemed to leave the door open on increased revenues. He stressed that work towards a budget agreement continues, even when it appears that no progress is being made. As the November election draws closer, it may be more difficult to bring Democrats and Republicans to negotiate. As the November election draws closer, it may be more difficult to bring Democrats and Republicans to negotiate. Despite the lack of progress on the budget, there is some good news from Sacramento. Eureka’s Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro’s was able to pass his legislation ab 1690 out of Legislature with bipartisan support and is now awaiting action by the Governor. As many Eureka Chamber members may remember, Assemblyman Chesbro’s legislation would provide tax relief to those who suffered a financial loss as a result of the January Humboldt County earthquake. ab 1690 would ensure that Humboldt residents and businesses are not further hurt financially by the earthquake by providing them with much needed tax relief. Eureka Chamber members could help themselves and Assemblyman Chesbro by requesting that the Governor place his signature on this important legislation. Take the time to support ab 1690 and help yourselves and your neighbors in Eureka and the surrounding communities of Humboldt County. Large, but easily missed, “This is not a bill” Yellow Pages False Billing Scams by Joel Mielke, Carson Park Design That “fingers walking” logo, and the term “yellow pages” are not protected by trademark or copyright, and occasionally every business recieves an “invoice” that is a cleverly disguised solicitation for listing in a “yellow pages” directory that is not widely distributed, or not published at all. The familiar appearance works to the advantage of the scammers. Language used on the “invoices,” such as present listing information, or prompt payment is necessary to guarantee ad placement deliberately adds to the confusion. It may say directory listing renewal invoice even though you’ve never advertised, so how could you “renew”? Even today, despite the best efforts of the National Association of Attorneys General, and the Association of Yellow Pages Publishers, many of these enterprises fall within the bounds of the law. As long as they actually publish a phone book, they can keep doing business year-after-year — even if the directory is only distributed to the advertisers. Protect yourself: In Eureka, your bona fide directory billings would come from AT&T, or Hagadone (the Black Book). Be wary of generic-sounding companies, like Yellow Pages Unlimited. If it is a “solicitation,” the Postal Service requires an all caps disclaimer, but this is often hidden (see the thinly outlined larged type in the example above). Talk to a sales representative before responding. Ask for a copy of the directory. Be especially wary of any invoice that doesn’t include a telephone number for the vendor. www.eurekachamber.com Mixer from from 1 for the Humboldt County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Richard Stenger has had a lot of fun visiting with dedicated people the past four years. Richard especially loves to share with other attendees the vision of how wonderful Co-host Cherie Arkley of Security National welcomes the crowd our community can be. Lisa Corral the Special Events Coordinator for the Blue Lake Casino and Hotel enjoys the networking opportunities and the chance to brief the crowd on upcoming Casino activities and events during the “30 second Ad” spots. The reason Chamber Mixers are so well attended is because they are an opportunity to have fun, make new business contacts, enjoy food and beverages from local members, win prizes and learn more about the work the Chamber does on behalf of its members. Zoo Foundation President, Jeff Lamoree updates members about upcoming zoo events The reason Chamber Mixers are so well attended is because they are an opportunity to have fun, make new business contacts, enjoy food and beverages from local members, win prizes and learn more about the work the Chamber does on behalf of its members. Chamber Board Chairman, Mike Newman introduced the mixer hosts, Jeff Lamoree, President of the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation and Cheri Arkley, owner of SN Servicing Corporation. The new chamber members were announced: Nor Cal Automotive, Eureka Payments llc and Team Women. Kathryn Blaisdell, one of the ten ambassadors in attendance, reminded members of the benefits of the Member to Member Discovery Program and encouraged those interested to find out more by inquiring at the chamber office. In addition, the chamber has expanded its gift shop with dozens of new locally produced products for sale. If you are looking for a wonderful gift, or have out of town friends visiting, this is a great place to go shopping for unique, locally made items. Following introductions of the Chamber Board of Directors, elected officials and President’s Circle members Hagadone Directories and PG&E, the “30 second spot” advertising portion of the mixer began. Interspersed with the varied dollar announcements, business cards were selected and the abundant door prizes were awarded to more than 25 delighted participants. Over 30 announcements were made…and at $1.00 for 30 seconds, it’s the best deal in town. Next month’s mixer will be held at the newly opened Health Sport, located on Myrtle Avenue in Eureka on Thursday, September 16, 2010. We look forward to seeing you there. A D V E R T I S E M E N T S www.eurekachamber.com 7 Bring Your Business Cards! The next Mixer will be Thursday Sept 16th, 5:30 pm at the HealthSport 3441 Pennsylvania Avenue (off Myrtle), Eureka Eureka The Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce 2112 Broadway Eureka, CA 95501 MIX ER PRSRT STD u.s. postage paid permit no. 56 eureka, ca 95501 Return Service Requested F UN! INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Blues by the Bay Record Attendance page 1 • Red Lion Hosts Blood Drive page 1 • Leon’s TV Ad Wins Award page 2 • CalChamber Concerns on Prop 19 page 5 • Sequoia Park Zoo Honored page 4 www.eurekachamber.com C H A M B E R SEPT 2 0 1 0 R E V I E W A M O N T H LY PU BL CIC HATIO A MNBOEF RTHER GR E VEATER I E W EUR EKA CHA M B ER O F COMMERCE Miranda’s Rescue Thrift Shop Opens in Eureka The Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce helped celebrate the Grand Opening of Miranda’s Rescue Thrift Store, 1694 Myrtle Avenue in Eureka. District Manager Brian Paris and Store Manager Jerry Howard kicked off the Grand Opening celebration with a Ribbon Cutting last month. Members of the Chamber Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Eureka Mayor Virginia Bass, officials and business leaders gathered to celebrate. Since 1995, Miranda’s No-Kill Rescue, Adoption & Sanctuary facility has brought relief to thousands of distressed, neglected, abused and discarded A D V E R T I S E M E N T 8 animals, large and small. The shelter is finaced by proceeds from their thrift shops, adoption fees, fund-raising projects and donations. Proprietors, Shannon Miranda and Dean Paris, along with their team of volunteers, have fought legal battles, sought homes and cared for many rescued animals. No cry for help goes unheeded. If you have items you wish to donate to the store, please call 441-1755 for more details. Ribbon Cutting ceremonies are sponsored by the Eureka Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the investment and vote of confidence demonstrated by new and expanding business members.