august 2008 - Calabasas Chamber of Commerce

AUGUST 2008
Make “Green” a Part of Your Life in Calabasas
City Environmental Leaders Will Speak at the August Luncheon
T
he Calabasas Chamber’s August luncheon will
feature the “Green Team” from the City of
Calabasas on Thursday, August 28, at the
Calabasas Country Club starting at 11:30 a.m. The
Country Club is located at 4515 Park Entrada in
Calabasas.
Calabasas has developed a culture of environmental
awareness and action always striving to become a
“Green” City. They have undertaken many initiatives
aimed at greening Calabasas and the way the city works.
The Green Team will give an overview of what the City
Jonathon Wolfson
Maureen Tamuri
Alex Farassati
has accomplished and where it is heading with its environmental planning and initiatives.
the City of Calabasas, will focus her discussion on what makes
Jonathon Wolfson, Mayor pro Tem, will talk on “Going
our new Civic Center “Green.”
Green Calabasas” initiatives. He will give us an overview of
Please join us for this panel presentation. After their short
how Calabasas actively promotes green education, green pracpresentations, we hope you will share your questions and
tices, and demonstrates ways that our citizens can weave wise
ideas with them.
environmental practices into their daily lives.
To attend the August 28th Luncheon, please RSVP to
Alex Farassati, head of the Calabasas Environmental
Cheryl in the Chamber office at 818.222.5680, or send an
Services Division, will be discussing the city’s myriad recycling
email to info@calabasaschamber.com and invest $30 as a
programs and advances that we expect to occur.
member or $35 as a non-member (and remember, noMaureen Tamuri, Community Development Director for
shows will be charged).
The 2008-09 Business Directory is Here!
Calabasas Civic Center Debuts
DESTINATION CALABASAS, the 2008-09 Calabasas Chamber of Commerce
& Community Guide has just been released and is available at the
Chamber and locations throughout the community.
Showing pride for their finished Directory are: (l-r) John Helmuth, JH Grafix;
Carol Washburn, Chamber President/CEO; Rick O’Bryant, Publisher, Direct
Access International; Bridget Karl, Chamber Marketing Director and Cheryl
Frotton, Chamber Administrative Assistant.
The community’s new state-of-the-art municipal complex
featuring environmentally sustainable buildings and
grounds is now open to the public. See back cover of this
newsletter for the Civic Center Dedication Ceremony and
Calabasas Chamber presentation.
The CALABASAS POST is a publication of
the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce,
23564 Calabasas Road, Suite 101
Calabasas, CA 91302
818.222.5680 / Fax 818.222.5690
E-mail: info@calabasaschamber.com
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., M - F
www.calabasaschamber.com
Chairman’s Message
By Doug Ridley,
Quisenberry, Ridley & Shiffman, LLP
many exciting things this month, it’s hard to know
S owhere
to start. By now, you’ve seen our fantastic
Adam Adair (2007)
Eden Surgical & Wellness Center, 818.444.4244
Chamber Directory! It’s another great job by Rick O’Bryant
and John Helmuth, so make sure you thank them at the next
Chamber event. Plus, your Chamber staff, including Carol,
Bridget, and Cheryl, did a great job of getting the directory
together. You can see why they call this the Calabasas Phone
Book!
We’re gearing up here for our next Calabasas Bowling Tournament, the battle for the
Cal Cup! Are you ready with your team? Call the Chamber office today to reserve your
spot with your company or friends around town. Remember that all proceeds go to the
scholarships awarded by the Chamber to students right here in Calabasas, so you can do
a little to help mold the business leaders of tomorrow. Even if you don’t have a team,
join the mixer going on at the same time because this is not an event you want to miss.
We get a little “competitive” when we bowl…
We’re really looking forward to having our Mayor pro Tem Jonathon Wolfson moderate our August luncheon featuring speakers from the city talking about how to do business with special “Green Initiatives.” Our city has paved the way to lead the entire country by staying environmentally sound and still making smart business decisions.
Our brand new Civic Center is the best example of this proposition: fiscally sound
(on budget), environmentally conscious (LEED rating), civic minded (center of government), and aesthetically and architecturally pleasing. When you think about our new
Civic Center, it really represents everything that is great about our city and our business
community. You should be proud to be a part of it. When you stop by the Center, check
out the beautiful Irish crystal vase that the Chamber presented to honor the city at the ribbon cutting. As the Civic Center is the jewel of the city, we hope that the multifaceted
crystal vase symbolizes the role this new center plays in our community. See you soon!
Jeff Blum (2007)
Wachovia Securities, 818.735.6908
Legislative Update
Joe Donato (2003)
Acura 101 West, 818.222.5555
By Steve Holzer, Economic & Governmental Affairs Committee Chair
2008 Board Of Directors
Chairman of the Board
Doug Ridley (2006)
Quisenberry, Ridley & Shiffman, LLP,
818.577.8080
Vice Chair Finance
Susan Orgen (2004)
SRO Business Solutions, Inc. and Multi Data
Services, 818.591.2222
Vice Chair Governmental Affairs
Martin Seda (2005)
AXA Advisors, LLC, 818.587.4297
Vice Chair Chamber Development
Kimberly Bordonaro (2006)
Pacific Coast Lending, 818.865.0600, ext. 106
Vice Chair Membership
Matthew Pime (2006)
AXA Advisors, LLC, 818.587.4241
Immediate Past Chair
Stephanie Warren (2004)
Ewing & Associates
Sotheby’s International Realty, 818.657.4417
Jeff Hoffman (2008)
Countrywide Home Loans, 818.449.0653
Brenda Johnson (2006)
Calabasas Pharmacy, 818.223.8656
Don Lucove, CPA (2008)
Lucove, Say & Company, 818.224.4411
Barbara McDaniel (2005)
Coldwell Banker – Calabasas, 818.540.5376
Jeff Morton (2007)
AmeriFund Lending Group, LP, 818.621.0308
Dave Ribble (2008)
The Company Image, 818.906.9894
Trevis Rucci (2008)
UBS Financial Services, 818.377.8824
Chamber Staff
Carol Washburn, President/CEO
Bridget Karl, Marketing Director
Cheryl Frotton, Administrative Assistant
Newsletter Design George Gura
Studio One Design, 818.595.1695
2 • www.calabasaschamber.com
At the July EGAC meeting, the Committee received reports from our public representatives. On behalf of Assembly Member Julia Brownley, Jesse Switzer reported that
the Assembly Member has been appointed to Chair the Assembly Education Committee.
He also discussed the status of attempts in Sacramento enact a State Budget.
Cynthia Scott reported, on behalf of L.A. County Supervisor Yaroslavsky, on the
groundbreaking for a new library in the Topanga area. She also reminded the Committee
that the “beach bus” (from the Valley to the ocean) would be operating through Labor
Day.
Jeff Reinhardt spoke to the Committee on behalf of the Las Virgenes Municipal
Water District. His comments focused on the present drought and the problems it is creating for the District in ensuring that Calabasas and environs enjoy a continued water
supply.
Jeff mentioned that, effective July 1, the District has imposed conservation measures
which, among other things, prohibit customers from irrigating their lawns, etcetera
between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and require that restaurants offer water only upon request.
On behalf of the Calabasas Public Safety Commission, Richard Woodard advised
that the number of false alarms being reported to the Sheriff’s office had dropped from
55 in May of 2007 to 35 in May of this year. He also discussed the California Highway
Patrol’s “Start Smart” program, which emphasizes to teenagers their responsibilities upon
beginning to drive. The CHP offered a program session in July at the agency’s De Soto
Avenue station.
The Committee next meets on August 4, noon, at Fins Creekside in Old Town
Calabasas. We would welcome your attendance.
Business Mixer
at
August 28 Luncheon
Guest Speakers:
Jonathon Wolfson
Mayor pro Tem, City of Calabasas
Maureen Tamuri
Community Development Director
The Go-To Photography Studio in the Calabasas Area
Alex Farassati
23962 Craftsman Road, Calabasas
Environmental Services Division
Thursday, August 21
Topic:
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
~ Refreshments ~ Networking ~
~ Free Admission ~
To make a reservation, call the
Chamber Office at 818.222.5680
“Going Green Calabasas Initiatives”
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 28
Calabasas Country Club
4515 Park Entrada, Calabasas
Admission: $30 Members, $35 Non-Members
Bowling Tournament Mixer
and The CAL CUP Challenge!
AMF
Woodlake Lanes
23130 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills
Reserve your place by calling Cheryl at
818.222.5680, or by sending an
e-mail to info@calabasaschamber.com
August Luncheon Hosted by:
West Valley Family YMCA
Friday, August 15
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: $275 for a Team of Four
16 Teams of 4 will compete for the
CAL CUP!
Since the founding of the West Valley Family YMCA, we have
provided health and fitness programs as an integral part of our
mission.
Join a winning team or come watch the fun!
Proceeds go to the Chamber Education
Committee’s Student Scholarship & Awards Fund
We are asking for a donation of $5 for all non-bowlers
Thank you for your support!
To register as a team or RSVP to the mixer,
call the Chamber at 818.222.5680
Remember-A-Member
Congratulations to Brenda Johnson of Calabasas Pharmacy
and Myron Basch of Money Mailer for winning the
Remember-A-Member drawing at the June Luncheon. Both won a
free admission to the July Luncheon & Business-Builder
Workshop featuring Susan Sommers.
August 2008 • 3
Good Morning, Calabasas!
Marie White will moderate the August
Good Morning, Calabasas! Chamber Chairman Doug Ridley will be speaking to the
Members on “How To Build Your Business
Through Referrals” on Thursday, August
14, starting at 7:15 a.m. at the Hilton
Garden Inn – Calabasas. Doug’s talk will be
an informative guide on how our members can build strong business connections through referrals.
Remember to make a reservation early. Bring plenty of business cards to share and literature for the marketing display table and
rehearse your 30-second business introduction!
Thank you to Marie White for the terrific Networking
BINGO Breakfast. All Chamber Members had the time to introduce themselves when their business cards were drawn but if a
Member won BINGO they won ample time to promote their business as the winning prize and received a wonderful gift donated
by our own Chamber Members. Another thank you to Steven
Davis from Extreme Boot Camp of Calabasas for hosting the
June breakfast.
In addition to our speakers, the following people donated
door prizes: Joe Engle, LoanSmart, Inc.; Bob J. Epstein,
Attorney at Law; Catherine Cobb, Fido Fitness & Shaklee;
Susan Carlson, My Beautiful Bare Skin and Michelle Paquette,
All Ways Consulting. Bringing a door prize to the breakfast is a
great way to publicize your business!
Chamber members and the general public are invited to
attend the monthly Breakfast. The cost is $15 for members and
$18 for non-members.
Please call Cheryl Frotton at
818.222.5680 to make your reservation.
Education & Scholarship Awards
August Breakfast Hosted by:
Our mission is to be consistently forthright, considerate and
fair to our clients, our vendors and ourselves. We believe that
our pursuit of greater knowledge and process refinement is
best served in a culture of goodwill.
Be good… then do good.
Designs Of The Interior (DOTI) – offers a new concept in interior
design services and window treatments, furnishings, lighting, art and
accessories to complete a room… using your budget, lifestyle and
taste. (l-r) Carol Washburn, Chamber President/CEO; Veronica Osmonov, Diligent Financial Group, Inc; Catherine Cobb, Fido Fitness
& Shaklee; Elena Yasno, Ticket to Travel; Lori Henle, Genaro
Lagdemeo, Karen Shoener and Wendy Huffman, Designs of the
Interior; Jeff Morton, AmeriFund Lending Group; Bob Epstein,
Attorney at Law; Mike Higginbotham, AXA Advisors, LLC; JoAnne
Catran, Carlson Wagonlit Travel of Calabasas and Stephanie
Warren, Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty.
Advertising Opportunities!
Three great ways to reach the local community: place a flyer in our
monthly newsletter, place an ad in the newsletter, and/or advertise
online on the Chamber website. Call Bridget at 818.222.5680.
The 2008 Education and Scholarship Awards Winners were recognized at the Chamber's luncheon with the Mayor – (l-r) Doug Ridley,
Chamber Chairman; Cindy Iser, President of LVUSD School Board;
Michael Galbraith, Calabasas High School; Tiffany Massey,
Viewpoint Upper School; Joyce Smith, Viewpoint School; Jason
Flahie, Viewpoint Middle School; Sarah Winikoff, A.E. Wright
Middle School; Alissa Whiteley, Huntington Learning Center; Anthony
Frasco, A.C. Stelle Middle School; Renee Lamkay, Prudential
California Realty; Carol Washburn, Chamber President/CEO and
Carolyn Coradeschi, Silverado Senior Living, Calabasas.
4 • www.calabasaschamber.com
Welcome, New Members
THE ROSE GOLDWATER FOUNDATION – is a non-profit organization that
assists community agencies with an
emphasis on children. Over the years, various agencies will receive support from the
Foundation. This first event will fulfill a
need at the Pacific Lodge Boys Home.
Rose Goldwater – Founder
22692 Crespi
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
818.225.1040
rgoldwater@westerncommercialank.com
SUSAN SOMMERS & ASSOCIATES,
INC. – develops marketing and media
strategies, programs, training and coaching for small and medium-sized businesses, non-profits, associations and arts-related organizations. Susan is the author of a
new book, Building Media Relationships,
2nd edition, which will be published by
Oxford University Press in October 2008.
Susan Sommers – President
15 Dana Crescent
Toronto, ON L4J 2R4, Canada
905.889.6029
www.susansommers.ca
BLOOM IMAGE AND STYLE COACHING – was created with one goal in mind.
To provide the answers and skills that give
you the power to define and project what
you want others to see about you. You can
experience an image that exudes self-confidence with style that will enhance your
lifestyle.
Michelle Dettman – President
23679 Calabasas Road #554
Calabasas, CA 91302
818.610.3312
www.bloomimagecoaching.com
SHERI NEUBERG, CERTIFIED HYPNOTHERAPIST – Considered a “Motivation and Confidence Specialist,” Sheri has
channeled her therapeutic expertise into
EATING ON A TIMELINE – A HYPNOSIS
WEIGHT LOSS CD available for purchase.
Let go of pounds easily and effortlessly by
changing your food attitudes, behavior
and choices!
Sheri Neuberg – Owner
25742 Simpson Place
Calabasas, CA 91302
323.691.6375
www.hypnosheri.com
JAC ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
SERVICES – specializes in bookkeeping
and legal secretary assistance. With over
20 years experience as a legal secretary
and maintaining records for attorneys, Jill
now offers independent bookkeeping and
legal secretary services.
Jill A. Cobb – Owner
818.706.3010
jillacobb@earthlink.net
GLADIUS TECHNOLOGIES INC. –
computer consulting for small business,
computer on-site and remote support,
virus removal, service set-up, back-up
automation and anti-spam services.
Maksim Avrukin – President
14148 Magnolia Blvd. #212
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818.913.1335
www.gladiustechnologies.com
MANOS PUBLIC RELATIONS INC. – is
a boutique firm focusing on marketing
and promotions in the area of health,
beauty, fashion and events.
Melinda Manos – President/Owner
4766 Park Granada #108
Calabasas, CA 91302
818.610.3650
www.manospr.com
IMAGE PROMOTIONALS – whether you
are looking for a specific item or just
browsing for ideas, our site is a one stop
shopping source. From fun items to the
traditional, you can easily search for some
of the hottest items on the market. We are
here 24 hours a day – 7 days a week.
David Dettman – President
4909 Genesta Avenue
Encino, CA 91316
818.285.3072 ext. 15
www.imagepromotionals.com
ROBERTSON & VICK, LLP – specializes
in construction defect cases and environmental cases for luxury homes and commercial properties. We offer 10% off to all
Chamber members on our hourly rate.
Alexander Robertson IV, ESQ –
Senior Partner
Jonathan S. Vick, ESQ – Managing Partner
880 Hampshire Road #B
Westlake Village, CA 91361
805.418.9900
www.rvcdlaw.com
WESTSIDE REMODELING – we are a
design build high-end home remolding
company. Our in-house designers will
help with your home remodel. Master
baths, kitchens, additions, new builds, any
room in your house.
Sarah Arnold – Office Manager
780 Lakefield Road Suite #E
Westlake Village, CA 91361
818.499.4129
www.westsideremodeling.com
FARMERS INSURANCE GROUP – provides insurance products including automobile, life, homeowners, renters, small
business, snowmobile, and teachers’ liability plans, as well as financial services.
Barbar Saleem – Insurance Agent
11150 W. Olympic Blvd. #1090
Los Angeles, CA 90064
818.558.8297
www.farmersagent.com/bsaleem
KLEIN CONSTRUCTION GROUP – is a
general contractor with more than 25
years experience, specializing in commercial ground up and tenant improvement
projects.
Robert Klein – President
PO Box 8265
Calabasas, CA 91372
818.223.9768
www.kleinconstructiongroup.com
Member Business News
The Rose Goldwater Foundation is
presenting their inaugural event called “The
Rose Award” on Thursday, August 28th.
The first project will benefit the Pacific
Lodge Youth Services in Woodland Hills.
Proceeds from the event will be used to
restore and enhance its athletic field so that
full athletic activities can be provided to its
residents. For more information contact
Lois Julien at 818.222.6790.
Direct Access International, Inc. of
Westlake Village just released the JulyDecember 2008 edition of its hotel inroom publication titled “Presenting
Magazine.” This visitor’s guide is in over
8,000 hotel rooms from Woodland Hills to
Ventura. To receive a copy or for more
information, contact DAI at 805.371.4466.
August 2008 • 5
Welcome New Members
New Members receiving plaques: (l-r) Doug Ridley, Chamber
Chairman; Judith Fine-Sarchielli, Sarchielli and Associates; Kathy
Rezaii, Calabasas Escrow Inc. and Rhiannon Panopoulos, Blue
Cross Health Insurance Agent.
50th Anniversary Celebration
The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District hosted the Chamber's
July Business Mixer at their Calabasas headquarters. In honor of
their 50th Anniversary, Chamber Chairman Doug Ridley (left)
thanks General Manager John Mundy and his dedicated staff for 50
years of Excellent Service to the community.
6 • www.calabasaschamber.com
Member Spotlight
Thank You,
Renewing Members
1986
Acura 101 West
1992
Southern California Edison
1993
Cosmos Grill
1994
Maria’s Italian Kitchen
1995
White House Properties – Deanna Shapiro
1996
Cypress Land Company
1997
Congregation Or Ami
1998
Calabasas Self Storage
Viktor Benes Continental Bakery
Fred and Jill Gaines
1999
John Paul Richard, Inc.
Theodore
2000
Calabasas Veterinary Center
California Wildlife Center
Debbie Bruschaber - Mountains Restoration Trust
Debbie Bruschaber has spent more
than 25 years in the real estate industry;
her work has ranged from land acquisition for master-planned developments
to natural resource protection to financing, appraisal and construction. For the
past 16 years, she has focused on waterquality improvement, habitat restoration and open-space acquisition; for
eight of those years she has been a project manager at the MRT. She worked to
develop Headwaters Corner at Calabasas, a 12-acre interpretive site containing significant environmental and cultural resources. Last year she headed the restoration
of Dry Canyon Creek at that site; more than 900 linear feet of
restored stream now support numerous aquatic plants and animals.
Bruschaber is president of the Calabasas Historical Society and
Historic Preservation Commissioner for the City of Calabasas.
The MRT was established in 1981 by the State Coastal
Conservancy. A not-for-profit 501c3 land trust, it works in partnership with the community, government agencies and elected officials to preserve, protect and enhance the natural resources of the
Santa Monica Mountains. The MRT has placed conservation easements on more than 2,000 undeveloped acres in the mountains.
Public programs and restoration activities are held in the
MRT’s 1,200-acre Cold Creek Preserve, at Headwaters Corner at
Calabasas and at various other locations. The Trust offers weekend educational programs, special events and volunteer and community service opportunities. For information or to participate,
visit www.mountainstrust.org or call 818-591-1701.
2001
Calabasas Car Care Center
Coldwell Banker – Marc and Rory Shevin
Quality Security Service
Texaco Xpress Lube & Carwash
2003
Rodeo Realty – Syd Leibovitch
Moz Buddha Lounge
2004
Esprit Cleaners, Inc.
2005
LoanSmart, Inc.
2006
UBS Financial Services
2007
All Ways Consulting
Amazing Memories, Inc.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based
voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a
major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and
service. (l-r) Veronica Osmonov, Diligent Financial Group, Inc.; Bob
Epstein, Attorney at Law; Michelle Paquette, All Ways Consulting;
Carol Washburn, Chamber President/CEO; Marcey Verty-Viner,
Sonia Lopez and Tameka E. Payne, American Cancer Society; Jeff
Morton, AmeriFund Lending Group; Stephanie Warren, Ewing &
Associates Sotheby’s Intl. Realty and Elena Yasno, Ticket to Travel.
August 2008 • 7
AUGUST 2008
4
Monday, 12:00 noon
EGAC Meeting
Fins Creekside
23504 Calabasas Road
5
Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.
Deputy Meeting
Chamber Office
23564 Calabasas Road
6
Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.
Technology Committee Meeting
Chamber Office
23564 Calabasas Road
14 Thursday, 7:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Good Morning Calabasas!
Chamber Networking Breakfast
Hilton Garden Inn - Calabasas
24150 Park Sorrento, Calabasas
15 Friday, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Bowling Tournament & Mixer
AMF Woodlake Lanes
23130 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills
21 Thursday, 11:45 a.m.
Education Committee Meeting
Chamber Office
21 Thursday, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Business Mixer – Pixel Planet
23962 Craftsman Road,
Calabasas
26 Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting
Acura 101 West
24650 Calabasas Road
28 Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Chamber Luncheon
Calabasas Country Club
4515 Park Entrada, Calabasas
Calabasas Chamber Adds Sparkling Crystal
to City’s LEEDs Gold Civic Center
The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce congratulates the City Council on the New Civic
Center Opening – (l-r) Councilmember Barry
Groveman; Mayor pro Tem Jonathon Wolfson;
Chamber President/CEO Carol Washburn;
Chamber Chairman Doug Ridley presenting a
gift crystal vase to the City; Mayor Mary Sue
Maurer; Councilmember James Bozajian and
Councilmember Dennis Washburn. The Civic
Center is designed to meet the U.S. Green
Building Council’s Gold standard for
Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED). The Civic Center is located at
100-200 Civic Center Way in Calabasas. Phone:
818.224.1600.
Open 24 Hours A Day. . .
Visit www.calabasaschamber.com
to view and register for upcoming events!
Printed on
recycled paper