The The - Ventura Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

Connection
The
E-NEWSLETTER | JANUARY - JUNE 2013 | VENTURACHAMBER.COM
“Making Business Happen”
1
VENTURA
CHAMBER
2013 OFFICERS
Jim Duran, Chairman of the Board
Barbara Quaid, Chair Elect
Steven Brown, Treasurer
Jeff Hata, Secretary
Mel Sheeler, Vice Chair Business Development
Mary Jarvis, Vice Chair - Communications
Phil Carlson, Vice Chair - Membership
Matthew Graczyk - Vice Chair
Governmental Affairs
Mike Silacci - Immediate Past Chair
MESSAGE FROM
THE VENTURA
CHAMBER
BOARD CHAIR
2013 DIRECTORS
Saurabh Bajaj, FASTSIGNS of Ventura
Kevin Clerici, Downtown Ventura Partners
Scott Corby, AERA Energy
Nan Drake, EJ Harrison & Sons, Inc.
Sharon Dwyer, Ventura County Community
College District
Tony Fiori, Vista Honda
John Hecht, SESPE Consulting, Inc.
Lucas Johnston, Pacific Western Bank
James Perero, Myers, Widders, Gibson,
Jones & Feingold LLP
Suzanne Scar, Central Coast Imaging Solutions
Pat Seminario, Marriott Ventura Beach
Jim Word, Casitas Municipal Water District
SENIOR DIRECTORS
Gary Wilde, Community Memorial
Health Systems
Randy Hinton, RH Wealth Advisors
Marni Brook, Montecito Bank & Trust
Stephanie Becerra, Montecito Bank & Trust
Ted Cook, Ventura Rental Center
These are exciting times as the Ventura Chamber of Commerce continues to
develop partnerships in the business community in order to enhance our strong
business economy. The Ventura Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ventura
are working closely together to make our city a business friendly community.
Let’s talk about the West end: In case you didn’t know, we have an amazing industrial community on the West End of Ventura. Businesses on the West end of
Ventura are responsible for hundreds of jobs in our city. The businesses on the
West end distribute products all over the world and are responsible for generating big revenues to our city. I’d like to say “thank you” for your commitment and
dedication to our city and to the Ventura Chamber of Commerce for making our
business community a strong and vibrant place to do business.
How about home based business? The Ventura Chamber of Commerce is planning to honor our home-based business by providing a venue to perform ribbon
cuttings and a place to highlight businesses that may be virtual or established in
a home office. We, at the Ventura Chamber believe that home based business are
very important to the economy of our city and The Chamber wants to congratulate those people who have become entrepreneurs.
CHAMBER STAFF
Ed Summers
President & CEO
Terry McBreen
Membership Services Manager
Matt Guthrie
Public Policy/Governmental Affairs
Charleen Morla
Marketing & Events Director
JIM DURAN, BOARD CHAIR
Leslie Knapp
Office Manager
Vadim Simakov
Office Administrator
COVER PHOTO BY: DAN HOLMES | WWW.DANHOLMESPHOTO.COM
LAYOUT & DESIGN : CHARLEEN MORLA
2 JANUARY - JUNE 2013
CONTENTS
05
THE CHAMBER MOVING FORWARD
06
INTO THE UNKNOWN:
08
OUR CHAMBER COMMITTEES
11
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP
12
VENTURA TROLLEY
15
Predicting Future Business Opportunities
Making It Happen
RELAUNCHED. Meet Our New Leaders!
Making Downtown-to-Harbor Travel a Breeze!
VENTURA WORKING TOGETHER
16
NEW MEMBER ALERT
20
YEAR IN REVIEW
28
RENEWING MEMBERS
31
TEAMWORK MAXIMIZES BUSINESS POTENTIAL
33
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Welcoming new Chamber members from January - June
A Photo Recap of this Year’s Events and Festivities
Featuring long term members AT&T and VC Star
Three Chamber Members partnering up for one venture
Chamber Members in the News
“Making Business Happen”
505 Poli Street, 2nd Floor
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 643-7222 | FAX (805) 653-8015
www.VENTURACHAMBER.COM
3
Between Santa Barbara and Malibu in the heart of Southern California’s Gold
Coast, the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach features magnificent views of the Santa
Barbara Channel, Channel Islands, Ventura Pier and Harbor. The perfect meeting
and conference destination for your group meetings, team building events or
special catering galas and corporate retreats from 10 to 700 attendees.
258 ocean view rooms with private balconies
18 deluxe suites with double patios
19,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and event space
11 meeting rooms including two large ballrooms
Newly renovated “Top of the Harbor” ballroom featuring floor to ceiling windows
with panoramic views of the Santa Barbara Channel & Channel Islands
Custom catering with Certified Meeting Professionals (CMPs) on staff
High-speed wireless internet access in guest rooms and meeting rooms
FREE 24 hour business center and FREE 24 hour fitness center
International Hotels Group (IHG) Rewards program
Seaside heated pool on the Promenade Boardwalk
Award winning C-Street Restaurant featuring sustainable, local produce and seafood
Private beachfront events/Surf lessons/Bonfires
Walking distance to Ventura Pier, Downtown and AMTRAK
Aqua Beachfront Bar and Lanai patio with fire pits
Member –Green Hotels Association and Green Engage
100% Carbon neutral facility-Renewable Choice Energy Windpower
carbons offset for the hotel (also available for your meetings and conventions)
Escape to Ventura’s star destination!
4 JANUARY
- JUNE 2013
Call
805-648-2100
today!
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Harbor Drive,
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Ventura Beach,
Beach, CA
CA 93001
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www.CPVentura.com
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m
THE CHAMBER
moving forward
As many already know, there have been changes within the
Chamber Office. The biggest difference is that after 17 years
on staff and over 30 as a volunteer, Nancy Maxwell retired in
March. This left some very hard shoes to fill and prompted
the question: How do we enhance the value of the Chamber
in serving and supporting our members and business community?
After a great deal of thought and a review of “best practices”
within the Chamber community, we decided to approach
membership value and services in a new direction. For that
I was happy to announce the addition of Matt Guthrie to the
Chamber Staff. As we noted at the time, “One of the primary
roles for a Chamber is to initiate and advocate for public
policy favorable to a strong business and economic environment. Businesses in the community depend on the Chamber
to represent its interest when they do not have the time or
resources themselves. Matt brings a strong level of experience and resources to the Chamber to enhance our efforts to
support the business community.” Since his arrival, Matt has
worked closely with the Chamber’s Legislative Committee
and has been involved in the Chamber Alliance, providing
in-depth information to the Chamber members on legislation that can impact their businesses. He also worked with
Chamber and community members to develop a Manufactures Advisory Council to bring more focus on this critical segment of the economy. Based on initial input from
Advisory Council members, the Chamber is working on an
issues survey, determining the best practices, and identifying
critical resources to develop a strategy for business growth
and expansion.
We rounded out the team with the addition of long time
Chamber Ambassador and volunteer, Terry McBreen as
our new Membership Services Manager. Terry has lived in
Ventura for 35 years and has a strong understanding of the
community as well as the Chamber. Terry is specifically
responsible for building communication with our existing
members and enhancing our members’ ability to network
and increase business opportunities. Recently Terry brought
together restaurant owners in Ventura to begin a dialogue to
focus on this important business segment here in our City.
Participation for Chamber members has been strong; attendance is up at events and meetings. I am confident that
we have built a strong team and programs that are focusing
on what our members and businesses need in Ventura to be
strong and successful; and we are seeing results!
5
Into the Unknown: Predicting Future Business Opportunities
On Thursday, June 20th, the Ventura Chamber
was Ernie Villegas (District Director for Assemblymember
Jeff Gorell, 44th District) who spoke about Unforeseen Opof Commerce held its annual Economic Outlook Breakfast
portunities resulting from becoming a Regional Center in
at the beautiful Marriott Ventura Beach; the theme for this
Unmanned Aviation. Villegas’ presentation covered topics
year’s program was “Into the Unknown: Predicting Future
such as Civil Uses for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),
Business Opportunities.” This topic was ultimately chosen
the legislation surrounding UAVs, and the economic impact
because today there are many unknowns in the business
of UAVs.
world, and as Chamber CEO Ed Summers put it, “How do
Following Ernie Villegas was Greg Van Ness (CEO
you write a five-year strategic plan for your company, when of Tolman & Wiker Insurance Services) who spoke about
you don’t even know what is going to happen tomorrow?”
Innovations in Business Risk Management. Van Ness disOver 180 people filled the Marriott’s Costa de Oro ballroom cussed how risk exists in all aspects of a business and how
to hear the six speakers selected for this year’s program.
companies such as Tolman & Wiker work to solve these
After opening remarks from Chamber CEO Ed
problems. After Van Ness was Velma Lomax (Board MemSummers, Chamber Board Chairman Jim Duran, and
ber at Ventura Unified School District) whose presentaMayor Mike Tracy, the program began with a presentation
tion was about Educating and Preparing the 21st Century
on Strategic Planning from Dr. William Cordeiro, Ph.D
Workforce. Lomax spoke very passionately about education
(Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at CSU Chan- and the need for students to be able to apply the skills being
nel Islands). Dr. Cordeiro discussed the fundamentals of
taught. She also stressed that blue collar jobs are still imporstrategic planning and reminded everyone that while the
tant, and that it is up to today’s educators to prepare today’s
business world is vastly different than it was 10 years ago,
youth for a full range of career fields.
strategic planning is still fundamentally the same. Follow
Before the final presentation of the morning, Chaming Dr. Cordeiro was Bill Camarillo (CEO of Agromin) who ber CEO Ed Summers and City of Ventura Community
spoke about New Business Possibilities in Alternative Ener- Development Director Jeff Lambert went into the audience
gies, Sustainability, and Technology. Camarillo discussed the for a segment called “Community Good News.” Summers
various technologies utilized in biogenic energy projects; as and Lambert selected certain people from the audience
well as the growth of the biogenic industry. After Camarillo and asked them what exciting things are occurring in their
business and their industry. Some
highlights of the Good News included
Marlyss Auster (Executive Director of
the Ventura Visitor’s Center & Convention Bureau) who said that tourism in Ventura is on the rise and that
cities outside of California are looking
to Ventura as the example of what to
do; and Scott Corby (Vice President
of Pacific Operations at Aera Energy)
who said that with many of their older
employees retiring, Aera will have
many jobs becoming available in both
the engineering and business services
part of their company.
The final speaker of the
morning was Deputy Mayor Cheryl
Heitmann (Chair of the City Council’s
Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee) who unveiled the City’s newly
adopted five-year Economic Development Strategy. Heitmann revealed that
putting together the strategy was a
very collaborative effort that involved
many business owners and community representatives in Ventura; and
that it is a dynamic document that will
be changed constantly through community input. Heitmann stressed that
Ventura is a business friendly city;
every month, one person from City
Council, one person from City staff,
and a representative of the Chamber
do a visitation to a local business in
Ventura; these visitations allow both
the City and the Chamber to see how
businesses are functioning in Ventura,
how the two organizations can help
these businesses, and to receive input
regarding City processes.
The Chamber would like to thank
the Marriott Ventura Beach for their
gracious hospitality, all of our attendees, our wonderful speakers, and our
sponsors: County Commerce Bank,
Kaiser Permanente, City of Ventura,
Montecito Bank & Trust, Aera Energy,
Community Memorial Health Systems,
Cal State University Channel Islands,
Southern California Edison, Ventura County Star, Vintage Production
California, Tolman & Wiker Insurance
Services, Pacific Western Bank, VC
Reporter, Ventura Breeze, E.J. Harrison
& Sons, Cypress Place Senior Living,
Western States Petroleum Association,
AT&T, Sheeler Moving & Storage, Barber Automotive Group, Ventura Rental
Center/Ventura Rental Party Center,
and CAPS TV.
I AM THE CHAMBER
Pattie Braga,
business loan officer
ventura county
credit union
Having been born and raised in Ventura, I
thought I knew everyone and everything about
“my” wonderful town. But the Ventura Chamber of Commerce has given me the opportunity
to not only learn more about Ventura and the
surrounding areas, but to connect with people
and businesses I never would have had a chance
to with my own circle of contacts. I am now
an active member of the Chamber through the
Teacher of the Month program, I attend many of
the annual events and try to make a few ribbon
cuttings too. Most importantly, I am able to help
my fellow Chamber members get loans to expand
their businesses and have built strong relationships with the people and businesses of Ventura.
KICK OFF MIXER!
Tuesday, August 27
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ventura’s Surf Brewery
3561 Market St., Ste A
Come be part of the action!
Network. Fun. Prizes. FREE!
7
Our Committees
AMBASSADORS
The Ventura Chamber of Commerce is lucky to have
a great group of members called “Ambassadors”. This group
consist of members who want to get a bit more involved with
other members in the Chamber. Their Mission Statement: “To
develop, promote and increase business connections. To promote recruitment and retention of members through personal
contact. To assist in identifying new benefits for Chamber
members.” This really sums up what an Ambassador does. If
you were to talk to an Ambassador they would tell you they have
gained so much more by being an Ambassador. They truly are
the “movers and shakers” of our Chamber. Attend an event and
you will be warmly greeted by an Ambassador. The Chamber
can count on the Ambassadors to attend Ribbon Cuttings and
again they make the new member feel like they have a place
to grow their business and meet new friends. If you think you
would enjoy being part of this great group please contact Terry
McBreen at the Ventura Chamber office (805) 643-7222 and she
will be happy to get you on board and started as an Ambassador!
BIZ CONNECTIONS
“A hidden gem within our Chamber” is how participants of Biz Connect describe their experience within the
Chamber’s networking world. As business owners and members
of our community, networking is an important component to
the growth of business. A cost effective way of participating
in this process is to participate in one of the four networking
groups that the Chamber offers.
With the option to meet in the morning or at lunch
time, Biz Connect offers the opportunity to exercise the key
elements of networking: Know, Like, Trust, Refer. Bi-weekly
meeting of Biz Connect help build relationships with trusted
members of the Chamber community and respected professionals within their perspective fields. Biz Connect is open to all
Chamber members and it is a fun way to get to know, like and
trust each other.
For more information on the Biz Connect groups, call
the Chamber office and ask to speak with Terry McBreen or go
on line to http://venturachamber.com/who-we-are/committees/
biz-connections/
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Economic Development Committee has focused
on key issues over the past several months. “The topics that we
have covered all have a significant impact on our local economy
and the ability to conduct business here in Ventura”, stated Mel
Sheeler, Vice Chair for Business Development.
In February the Committee started a review and discus-
sion regarding the City of Ventura’s General Plan. The Council
had begun to schedule work sessions on components of the Plan
to consider possible changes and revisions. The Chamber has
developed a policy statement from the business perspective on
changes and revisions that would improve the City’s ability to
attract capital and meet the goal of creating and retaining jobs in
the community.
Shana Epstein, Director of the City of Ventura’s Water and Waste Water Division provided the Chamber with an
update on the City’s water supply and Water Management Plan
that was recently approved by the City Council. Shana emphasized that the new plan provides a realistic approach to the
City’s projected water supply in relation to the City’s growth and
economic development goals.
Finally, a joint meeting of the Economic Development
Committee and Chamber Legislative Committee will look at the
City’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance to provide input on recommended changes before final decisions are reached. Chamber President Ed Summers emphasized “it is important that the
Chamber represents business during the formulation of policy
to ensure the business voice is heard and considered as part of
the final decision”.
The Chamber’s Economic Development Committee
meets the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 am in the Chamber office.
GREEN TASK FORCE
On April 16th, the Green Task Force again received
Special Recognition by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors at the 2013 Countywide Climate Change Action Award
ceremony.
GTF member Ohana Pet Hospital received the award
for Best Sustainable Practices in the Small Business Category.
Under the leadership of Janis Shinkawa, DVM, and three other
doctors, Ohana Pet Hospital has emerged as a model of sustainable practices for veterinary and other medical facilities and as
a replicable example of how small businesses can reduce their
carbon footprint. In February, Ohana was the subject of a Green
Task Force “Best Green Practices” workshop.
The Green Task Force hosted Green Drinks in May at
Connect Ventura and we are looking forward to our next event
on August 14th, hosted by the Friends of Channel Coast State
Parks. Check our Facebook page for details.
Our monthly meetings are held each month on the
third Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 at the Chamber. Presentations
run the gamut from green building practices, electric cars, and
Santa Cruz island conservation efforts to aquaponic urban farming.
Our major event, the Green Jobs Expo on June 8th, is
highlighted on page 16 of this issue. Continued on page 10
9
I AM THE CHAMBER
In the summer of 2005, I was excited by the endless opportunities being the new owner
of FASTSIGNS of Ventura would bring. I was new to the area and looked forward to
becoming part of the community. The best advice I got was to join the Ventura Chamber, get involved and give it time. Being an active member has been a great way to very
quickly learn about our wonderful city. I have made so many business connections and
great friends. The networking and marketing opportunities have helped me grow my
business, while giving me the chance to serve my community.
Saurabh Bajaj, owner, fastsigns of ventura
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Within the framework of the Ventura Chamber’s newly
approved guidelines, our Legislative Committee will work to
highlight and emphasize local issues that impact the quality of
life in our community. While we will continue to maintain focus
on state and federal legislation impacting our local businesses
and economic development, we see an opportunity to play a
larger role in developing strategic plans and detailed positions
on regional and local issues.
An example of this is the city’s Inclusionary Housing
Ordinance and Policy Consideration for the 2014-2021 Draft
Housing Element. The Ventura Chamber dedicated a combined
meeting of June’s Legislative and Economic Development Committee meetings to discussing this issue and its impact on our
community.
Chambers of Commerce spend a great deal of time
opposing legislation and policies that harm business. While
sometimes it is necessary to react, we see an opportunity to take
a proactive role in proposing ideas and solutions that have a
positive impact for our community.
MARKETING COMMITTEE
The Marketing Committee of the Ventura Chamber
has been very busy the past few months working to support the
image and visibility of the Chamber in the community.
One of the most exciting developments in the past few
months has been the launch of the new Chamber website. The
Committee and its E-Marketing work group had a great deal of
input and provided many excellent ideas that helped contribute to the final product. The Events work group has also been
busy and thanks to their efforts the most recent Expo was a
great success. And the Chamber now has a shiny new brochure
to promote the value of the Chamber thanks to the hard work
of the Publications task force. None of this would have been
possible without all of the hard work and time donated by the
dedicated volunteers who serve on the Committee. They are a
terrific team!
VENTURA COMMERCE
& EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Ventura Chamber Commerce and Education
Foundation (VCEF) has had a successful year bringing our business and education communities together through sponsorships,
donations, and grants. We thank the following for their support
to Ventura’s education programs:
Sponsor for the Fire Department program
All the Businesses who donated to TOTM
All the Business who participated in the PFAD
The Grants to ASPIRE
We are also honored to welcome two new members to
our VCEF Board of Directors: Mindy Easter, Owner of Axxess
Ventura and Steve Doll, Vice President, NAI Capital Commercial Real Estate.
Through Mindy’s leadership, Axxess has helped our
local schools raise over $12,000 this last year alone. Her entrepreneurial and marketing experience brings timely insight into
how VCEF might improve our partnerships with our schools
as they add relevant real-world enrichment programs for our
middle- and high-school students. Steve has a deep connection
with our business and volunteer organizations brings great skill
and know-how of how to develop important partnerships and
resources to improve VCEF’s existing programs.
If you would like to donate to VCEF or to anyone of
our specific programs, you can do so by contacting Vadim at the
Chamber office (805) 643-7222.
Please follow us on the Chamber’s website to learn what
is happening and how you can contribute to Ventura’s business
and education partnerships. We welcome your feedback, suggestions, and comments.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP
(See Page 11)
Y
YPG
Relaunched!
es, that’s right! The Ventura Chamber is proud to announce the relaunch of our very own YPG! The Young Professionals Group (YPG) was
formed by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce to provide professional and personal development for the upcoming generation of business and
community leaders. Through seminars, mentoring, networking and social events members have the opportunity to strengthen their careers and
leadership skills while having a positive impact on the Ventura Community. With a mission to provide a platform for young professionals to
develop professionally and to cultivate relationships through social networking, the new YPG Leadership Council have already been meeting to
map out the rest of the year for the group and have also elected two Co-Chairs.
Tennay Fortier, Ventura Community Bank
Tennay Fortier is the Assistant Vice President, Customer Service
Manager at Ventura Community Bank, a division of Ojai
Community Bank (VCB). She is responsible for day-to-day
branch procedures, the Bank’s Corporate Cash Management
functions, and VCB’s Charitable Giving program. Since joining
Ojai Community Bank in 2008, Tennay has actively volunteered
and served in many organizations, including the Ojai Chamber of
Commerce. She was a member of the Ojai Chamber’s Business
Referral Group, which primarily focused on local business
networking and awareness. She has volunteered at events for
specific non-profit organizations such as the American Cancer
Society, HELP of Ojai, and has served on numerous event
committees. With Ojai Community Bank’s recent expansion
into the city of Ventura and given Tennay’s strong networking
experience, knowledge, and team-oriented personality, Tennay
accepted the transfer from Ojai to Ventura knowing that she
would be able to help lead business development and community
relations as the Bank continues to grow. Tennay is currently an
active member of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and has
stepped in as the Chair of the Young Professionals Group. She is
eager to be involved with her peers in the community.
Natalie Bradley-Chilio, Ventura County Credit Union
Natalie Bradley works for Ventura County Credit Union as the
Community Development Manager, where she is responsible for
VCCU’s corporate giving, community outreach, financial education, and membership growth. Since moving to Ventura County
and joining the Credit Union in May of 2012, Natalie has been
very involved in Chambers of Commerce throughout the community, serving on the steering committee of the YPN in Simi Valley and Education Committee in Greater Conejo Valley. Natalie
has recently stepped in as the Co-Chair of the Ventura Chamber’s
Young Professional Group and is excited to engage and connect
emerging leaders in our community. Additionally, Natalie is a
Rotarian with the Thousand Oaks Noontime Club and volunteers
her time as a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters and with the
Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. If that was not enough,
she is also currently pursuing her MBA at California State University Channel Islands.
The YPG is a peer driven and oriented group focusing on you
to assist in career, professional and personal development. Providing opportunities for informative and fun activities all designed to enhance your experience in your career and the community. There are many ways to become more involved in the
YPG. Join the Leadership Council, volunteer for a committee or
take advantage of the numerous members only events and membership benefits through the Chamber such as advertising and
greater exposure for your business. For more information or to
join today, please email Charleen@ventura-chamber.org or call
(805) 643-7222!
11
VENTURA
TROLLEY
Makes Downtown -to-Harbor
Travel a Breeze
A
service to provide a free, public trolley running between Ventura’s Downtown and Harbor Village will help transport visitors and locals alike
(Ventura, CA) – In a world that is both increasingly aware of humanity’s impact on
the environment and plagued by high fuel costs, public transportation is becoming
a more vital and in-demand part of every major metropolitan area. Ventura is setting into motion a service to provide
visitors and locals with a complimentary public trolley that
will make getting to the beach and around Ventura easier
than ever.
Aptly referred to as the “Downtown-Harbor Trolley,” this
new public transportation system runs from the historic
Downtown to the Ventura Harbor Village, making stops
at coastal hotels and Rhumb Line Restaurant and other
partner locations, including the Amtrak platform outside
the Ventura County Fairgrounds, which is home to many
of Ventura’s biggest and most exciting events. The trolley’s
overall route includes the ability to make flag stops along
the way. Licensed and uniformed trolley drivers are provided hands-free phone devices, with a phone number –
805-827-4444 – listed on signs at each pre-determined stop.
Drivers also can be contacted for arrival estimates.
The trolley is the creation of the Downtown Ventura Partners (DVP), who purchased and operate the trolley. Operations are funded through a unique partnership including
the Ventura Port District, Ventura Harbor Village, Rhumb
Line Restaurant, Ventura County Fairgrounds, City of Ventura, with additional support from Watermark Restaurant,
NeedThree, Montecito Bank & Trust, City of Ventura Environmental Sustainability, Ventura Water, Island Packers,
Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, Crown Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel, Ventura
Visitors & Conventions Bureau, Ventura County Air Pollution Control District and
Ventura County West.
With service beginning July 3, the trolley runs five days a week, Wednesday
through Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. during the summer season, with the
ability to adjust hours of operation and location stops. On weeks that involve major
holidays, the trolley service will adjust accordingly by moving Wednesday’s service
to Monday.
For more information on the trolley, contact DVP Director Kevin Clerici or Project Manager
Meredith Dilg at 805-641-1090. For more information on Ventura accommodations, attractions and events visit www.ventura-usa.com or phone 800-483-6215. A non-profit organization, the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau enhances tourism and the economy by
positioning the City of Ventura as a visitor and conference destination. The Visitors Center is
open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10
a.m. to 4 p.m.
13
Chamber Alliance Presenting Region’s Business
Perspective on Important Legislation
BY: BRENDAN HUFFMAN, Executive Director, Chamber Alliance
The Chamber Alliance has helped to hold back dozens
of bills that would impede on job growth and economic development in our region.
However, a handful of harmful bills have recently
passed out of their houses of origin and appear to have momentum to reach the governor’s desk unless our chambers can
rally more opposition to them.
SB 404 (Jackson) seeks to add “familial status” as a
protected classification under the FEHA to prevent discrimination for those who provides medical or supervisory care to a
listed family member.
The business community’s concern with SB 404 is that
a broad application of a protected classification will essentially
apply to all employees in the workforce and make it extremely
difficult for employers to effectively manage their businesses
without the threat of litigation if they were challenged as discriminatory on the basis of “familial status.”
Already, California has the nation’s most protections for employees against discrimination on the basis of sex,
pregnancy, medical condition, mental disability or physical
disability, not to mention compensation for them through the
Paid Family Leave Act.
Another bill of concern is AB 10 (Alejo), which would
lock in an automatic 25% increase in California’s minimum
wage over the next five years, far exceeding the state’s average
2.5% rate of inflation since 2002.
The California Chamber contends that “applying a
2.5% rate of inflation over the next five years to the current
minimum wage would increase the minimum wage only to
$9.06, almost a dollar less than the current proposal under AB
10.” Assemblymembers Jeff Gorell and Scott Wilk voted against
this bill; Assemblymember Das Williams voted in favor.
Meanwhile, the Chamber Alliance appreciates Senators Fran Pavley and Hannah Beth Jackson for supporting
AB 227 (Gatto), which seeks to protect small businesses from
drive-by lawsuits by providing a 14-day right to cure for allegations of a failure to post a Prop. 65 warning.
Assemblymembers Gorrell, Wilk and Williams also
voted for this bill, which addresses the problems of hundreds
of businesses being sued every year by lawyers who have no
clients and no damages.
For more information about the Chambers of Commerce Alliance of Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties, please
visit www.ChamberAlliance.biz.
I AM THE CHAMBER
Being a member of the Ventura Chamber has given me access to many invaluable resources.
The relationships from the chamber have generated numerous referrals and great community connections. A recent passionate chamber source that I am involved with is the Green
Task Force. The Green Task Force has empowered our business to work “green” and assisted
us to become certified green business in Ventura. I also enjoy going to the Connection
Breakfast each month. The breakfast is a great way to stay connected with the community,
discover upcoming happenings, meet new contacts and advertise your business. Oh, and
how could I forget about the Teacher of the Month recognitions. Each month the a teacher
is recognized for their outstanding achievement sponsored from the Chamber and local
businesses. This is one of the many ways the Chamber has empowered us to give back to the
community. Thank you Ventura Chamber.
James Panagotti, cafe owner | red brick pizza
Ventura
Working
Together
Ventura Working Together was the theme of a special breakfast presented by the Ventura Chamber which highlighted
the current work and goals of both the City and the Ventura
Unified School District.
Mayor Mike Tracy spoke on behalf of the City of Ventura
and outlined the progress made in the four priority areas set
forth by City leadership which include economic development and prosperity, prioritization of public safety and core
services, a safe and clean Ventura, and restoring public trust.
Highlights of some of the accomplishments cited include
increase in revenues, growth and expansion of local business,
increases in public safety staffing and reduction in violent
crimes, new infrastructure projects and a focus on reducing
vagrancy. The Mayor emphasized the City’s commitment to
maintaining the public trust through transparency, accountability and public service and noted that the City is very
close to finalizing and approving the Economic Development
Strategy which will guide the City through 2018.
Ventura Unified Superintendent Trudy T. Arriaga, spoke on
behalf of the school district and the theme of her message
was “What a Difference a Year Can Make.” Noting that at this
time last year, State budget issues created a bleak outlook for
school funding, she thanked those in attendance for the local
support of both Proposition 30 and Measure Q. Passage of
those measures has created a scenario in which funding has
been restored, classroom sizes can be maintained, teacher
layoffs are not necessary and at risk programs can continue.
Going forward, Dr. Arriaga noted that the goal would be
not only to maintain the current level of service, but restore
some programs that provide much needed educational opportunities for Ventura Unified students.
The messages were upbeat, informative and filled with the
prospect of the good to come as working together we continue to make Ventura a great place to live and work.
You hire. You train. We pay.
On-the-Job Training (OJT) provides a business
solution for employers who are challenged with
hiring, promoting or retaining employees who lack
the specialized information to perform their jobs.
•
•
•
•
Training is partially reimbursed
Customized training, your way
OJT employees have a proven track record
Simple and effective process
Go to venturacountyjcc.org
for the nearest Job & Career Center.
Or email HSA-Employer-Services@ventura.org
for On-the-Job Training information.
venturacountyjcc.org
800-500-7705
Bringing People & Opportunities Together
15
NEW MEMBER ALERT
Abel Arts/Create Consulting
175 South Ventura Avenue, Ste. P313
Ventura, CA 93001
(541) 292-1541
www.abelarts.com
BenefitMall
2301 Campus Drive, Ste. 175
Irvine, CA 92612
(805) 794-0110
www.benefitmall.com
CBC Federal Credit Union
3636 Dean Drive
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 988-2151
www.cbcfcu.org
Access
6020 Nicolle Street, Ste. B
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 529-6866
www.informationprotected.com
Blue Isle Bookkeeping
4562 Westinghouse Street, Ste. H
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 965-3314
www.blueisleinc.com
Charter College - Oxnard Campus
2000 Outlet Center Drive
Oxnard, CA 93036
(805) 973-1240
www.chartercollege.edu
American Abstract & Reporting Services, LLC
1700 East Thompson Blvd., Ste. F-853
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 648-2886
www.abstractbiz.com
Buenaventura Golf Course
5882 Olivas Park Drive
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 677-6772
www.buenaventuragolf.com
Chick-fil-A at Ventura
1321 Eastman Avenue
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 339-0977
www.cfarestaurant.com/ventura/home
American Heart Association
816 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 291-7000
www.heart.org
Buenaventura Swim Club
P.O. Box 3934
Ventura, CA 93006
(805) 650-0400
www.buenaventuraswimclub.org
Cleaning Plus
910 Graves Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93030
(805) 483-6345
www.cleaningplus.net
American Lifestyle Promotions
79 Paseo Esplendido
Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 445-1104
www.alspromotions.com
Cafe Zack
1095 East Thompson Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 643-9445
www.cafezack.com
Coast Transfer and Storage/Mayflower
1699 Walter Street
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 642-7757
www.coastransfer.com
Amigo Party Rental
6250 Inez Street, Unit 10
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 653-6518
www.amigopartyrental.com
Caliber Collision
6200 King Drive
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 339-0561
www.calibercollision.com
Cottontail Creations
155 Brentwood Avenue
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 643-1700
Anchor Wellness
697 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 469-2020
www.anchorptventura.com
Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara
530 Hampshire Road
Westlake Village, CA 91361
(805) 379-4777
www.cancersupportvvsb.org
Aspen Systems, Inc.
405 Larmier Avenue
Oak View, CA 93022
(888) 970-2776
www.aspnsys.com
CapTel Captioned Telephone
1500 Olympic Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 526-5209
www.captel.com
Crazy Doctor Cafe
2991 Loma Vista Road
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 643-0800
www.crazydoctorcafe.com
Daylite Natural Lighting, LLC
3605 Arundell Circle, Ste. B
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 981-8003
www.dayliteco.com
“What a great experience. The Ventura Chamber has opened doors for me both professionally and personally. There is
something to be said about doing business with people that do business with you. Ventura is the city to do business in.
Having 16 years in the payroll industry I can’t think of a better support system then the Chamber!!! Thank You!!!”
~Dawn C. Rosin, District Manager, Payroll Division, BenefitMall
Delano Athletica
3000 Bunsen Avenue, Ste. F
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 889-8031
www.delanoathletica.com
Destinations by Denise
(805) 490-5893
www.destinationsbydenise.com
Diesel Insurance Solutions
2775 North Ventura Road, Ste. 203
Oxnard, CA 93036
(855) 553-4373
www.dieselinsurance.com
ETS Traductores | Expert Translation Services
Ramón 37. Fraccionamiento Alegria
Morelos, MX 62469
(805) 259-3765
www.etstraductores.com
Franchise Entrepreneurs Marketing Group
1237 Victoria Avenue, Ste. 114
Oxnard, CA 93035
(855) 249-6967
www.franchisemoneymachines.com
Jake’s Wayback Burgers
4960 Telephone Road, Ste. 102
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 644-5888
www.waybackburgers.com
Jay Nolan Community Services
15501 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Ste. 200
Mission Hills, CA 91366
(818) 361-6400
www.jaynolan.org
Jewelry Couture by Sehati
390 South Mills Road
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 650-0005
www.jewelry-couture.com
Jill Olivares - Allstate
370 Ventura Avenue
Oak View, CA 93022
(805) 649-6090
Joseph P. Reardon Funeral
Home & Cremation Service
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 643-8623
www.reardonfuneralhome.com
Kelly Gray Design
50 West Main Street, Ste. 300
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 275-0237
www.kellygraydesign.com
Laurus College
2351 Lockwood Street
Oxnard, CA 93036
(805) 267-1690
www.lauruscollege.edu
Legal Shield
1453 Poli Street
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 889-1099
www.oncallprotection.com
Macaroni Kid - Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura
3974 Fortuna Avenue
Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 415-5781
www.camarillo.macaronikid.com
Marie Callender’s
1295 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 644-0147
www.prkmc.com
Merrill Lynch Global Wealth & Investment
Management
1424 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-6334
www.fa.ml.com/john.g.kennedy
Meyer Insurance Services
1088 Eston Street
Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 402-9500
Miracle Rooter Plumbing
1946 East Thompson Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 641-3333
www.miraclerooter.com
MRC Global Financial & Insurance Services
1500 Palma Drive
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 665-3116
www.mrcfinancial.com
MV Transportation
940 Maulhardt Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93030
(805) 988-7508
www.mvtransit.com
NAHREP - Ventura County
2929 Ocean Drive
Oxnard, CA 93035
(805) 751-6064
www.nahrepvc.org
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
905 Country Club Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-1111
www.ojairesort.com
Olivas Links
3750 Olivas Park Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 677-6770
www.olivaslinks.com
Pacific Oaks Federal Credit Union
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 384-1100
www.pacificoaksfcu.org
Persnickity Cleaners
and Shoe Repair Shop
1171 South Victoria Avenue, Ste. D
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 644-1171
www.persnickity.com
17
NEW MEMBER ALERT
Petunia Pickle Bottom
305 South Kalorama Street, Ste. F
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 643-6697
www.Petunia.com
Staples
3400 Telegraph Road
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 654-9522
www.staples.com/
Pierpont Performance Sailing
1101 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
(415) 602-5880
www.pierpontperformancesailing.com
The Exhibit Company
1920 Goodyear Avenue, Ste. E
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 658-1991
www.exhibitcompany.com
Qwik Response
1098 Front Street, Unit B
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 962-6626
www.qwikresponse.com
The Final Code
1068 East Main Street, Ste. 100
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 243-8321
www.thefinalcode.com
Realty ONE Group Summit
940 East Santa Clara Street, Ste. 100
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 978-5764
The GoodLife
4711 Telephone Road, Ste. 1B
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 654-9800
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Good-Life-Wellness-Center/218288968271285?fref=ts
Rhumb Line
1510 Anchors Way Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 642-1200
www.rhumblineventura.com
Ryan Denger Contracting, Inc.
258 Dunsmuir Avenue
Ventura, CA 93004
(805) 651-9936
Santa Clara Valley Bank
Santa Paula, CA 93060
(805) 525-1999
www.SCVBank.com
Santa Cruz Market
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 643-7810
Savory Prime
4869 McGrath Street, Ste. 100
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 654-0977
www.savoryprime.com
Seasons Catering & Events
2646 Palma Drive, Ste. 255
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 339-9665
www.seasonscateringca.com
Stanley Steemer Ventura
201 Bernoulli Circle, Unit B
Oxnard, CA 93030
(805) 981-9500
www.stanleysteemer.com
The Salvation Army
155 South Oak Street
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 659-3598
www.salvationarmy.com
Urbane Cafe
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 701-0329
www.urbanecafe.com
VC Buzz/Buzz Radio
48 South Chestnut Street
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 620-0956
www.thevcbuzz.com
Ventura Ace Hardware
7838 Telegraph Road
Ventura, CA 93004
(805) 671-5024
Ventura Botanical Gardens, Inc.
P.O. Box 3127
Ventura, CA 93006
www.venturabotanicalgardens.com
Ventura Mini-Warehouse
3695 Market Street
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 644-1330
www.venturamini.com
Ventura Music Festival
472 East Santa Clara Street
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 648-3146
www.venturamusicfestival.org
Wayne Smith Photography
4882 McGrath Street, Ste. 280
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 658-2761
www.waynesmithimages.com
Westco International Consulting, Inc.
1360 North Olive Street
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 648-5004
www.westcointl.com
Winzer Corp.
24433 Wayman Street
Newhall, CA 91321
(818) 399-7105
www.winzerusa.com
Woodside Dental Care
10883 Telegraph Road
Ventura, CA 93004
(805) 647-1322
www.woodsidedentalcare.net
Worklife Strategies
(805) 765-1132
www.wklf.com
“Ventura Botanical Gardens’
experience as a new Chamber
member has been wonderful!
After attending our first Connection Breakfast in July, we
plan to become regular participants. It is a great way to learn
about all the wonderful things
happening in our community,
network with others, identify
resources and referrals, share
our project updates and more.
We are looking forward to getting more involved and thank
our Chamber friends for their
support!”
Madhu Bajaj
Administrative Director
Ventura Botanical Gardens
3rd Annual
GREEN
JOBS
EXPO
By: Diane de Mailly
On June 8th, the Green Task
Force organized the 3rd Annual Green
Jobs Expo at Ventura College, a co-presentation of Assembly member Das Williams,
the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, the
City of Ventura and the Ventura County
Community College District (VCCCD).
On a balmy sunny day outside at
Ventura College’s Quad, the event opened
with welcoming remarks by Ed Summers,
Ventura Chamber CEO, Sharon Dwyer,
Program Manager, Division of Economic
Development, VCCCD, Brian Brennan,
City of Ventura Council member, Hannah Beth Jackson, California State Senator and Das Williams, Assembly member..
25 exhibitors greeted over 300 job seekers
from 10 a.m. to 2:30.
Exhibitors represented all sectors of the green economy, including
transportation (Gold Coast Transit); solar
(Colored Solar, Solar City and Verengo
Solar); cleaning services (Envifriendly
and Pure Essential Cleaning);green employment services (Center for Employment Training (CET), County of Ventura, Business and Employment Services,
United Staffing Associates), water (Ventura College Water Science and Ventura
Water); green medical practices (Ohana
Pet Hospital) and government resources
(Assembly member Das Williams AD37,
Ventura County Regional Energy Alli-
ance (VCREA) and City of Ventura Environmental Sustaiability).
Workshops were held in the Cafeteria, covering resume writing tips and
mock interviews. Wayne Pendrey, a CET
Green Building Construction Instructor,
presented on the “Status of Solar Today.”
Grateful thanks to our sponsors, the Ventura County Community College District,
AT&T, City of Ventura Environmental
Sustainability and Ventura Water.
A California Dream Come True: Business Expo A Hit
California Dreamin’, representing everything California from golden
sandy beaches to majestic snow covered
mountains, was the theme as the Ventura Chamber presented its semi-annual
business expo on May 23 at the beautiful
Four Points Sheraton hotel at the Ventura Harbor.
The expo played host to 65 exhibitors, five of which were food vendors
who served their delicious cuisine to
fellow exhibitors and spectators. Ventura County Credit Union Community
Development Manager Natalie Bradley,
a regular participant in the expo said,
“Ventura County Credit Union truly enjoys participating in the Ventura Chamber’s California Dreamin’ Expo. This
event gives us the opportunity to speak
with community residents and local
business, providing them with information and resources, and building a strong
financial partner relationship.”
The hotel was packed as visitors
from all over Ventura County came to
see and be a part of this great event; even
City Manager Mark Watkins took time
out of his busy schedule to come and
support the Chamber and its members.
Watkins later said, “Congratulations to
the Ventura Chamber of Commerce for
hosting a fabulous Business Expo. It was
great to see and meet many businesses
from the City of Ventura and the energy
and enthusiasm of both the exhibitors
and the attendees was awesome. Hosting
the event at the Four Points Sheraton in
Ventura Harbor made it a truly Ventura
experience!”
The Chamber would also like
to thank Ventura TowneHouse for their
generous donation of a 46” television
that was raffled off at the end of the expo
as the big grand prize of the night; the
Chamber Ambassadors who volunteered
their time; and especially our sponsors:
City of Ventura, Four Points Sheraton,
Community Memorial Health Systems,
VC Star, Ventura Breeze, Cypress Place
Senior Living, and the VC Reporter.
Photos on page 22.
19
CONNECTION BREAKFAST
TOP ROW: Who brings a mattress
to the Connection Breakfast? Our
January sponsors - Spencer’s
Ventura Mattress did!; our February Connection Breakfast sponsor
showcasing thier products - Kama
Sutra Closet; Plan B Wine Cellars
& Four Brix Winery teaming up on
a 40-second commercial! SECOND
ROW: Donny Caccamise & Tom
Spence of KVTA 1590AM’s Horse
Power for an Hour sponsored our
March breakfast; May Connection
Breakfast sponsor - Community
West Bank THIRD ROW: Residents
and staff from Cypress Place Senior Living pose with the creative
movie-themed centerpieces they
made for the June breakfast;
Rotary Ventura East sponsored
the July breakfast. BOTTOM
ROW: Our Co-Emcees Jim Nicoll
& Robert Duarte modeling robes
from Kama Sutra Closet at our
February breakfast; Chamber
members testing out the props at
our January breakfast; Ken May
& Lynn Mikelatos stop for a photo
op while networking at the Connection Breakfast.
ANNUAL MEETING
TOP ROW: New members of the Board were sworn in by Ventura College President - Robin Calote at the Annual Meeting & Board Installation in January BOTTOM ROW: Alyssa Van Keuren receives an award on behalf of Marriott Ventura Beach as 25 Year Member; Members of the River Community Church came to support Jim Duran’s being installed
in as the new Chamber Board Chair; Outgoing Chair Mike Silaccis is presented with “train” themed thank you gifts.
“WORKING TOGETHER”
21
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ BUSINESS EXPO
TOP ROW: Another packed house at the California Dreamin’ Business Expo this past May; Our
favorite “C” Street Members - Aloha Steakhouse and Crowne Plaza stop for a photo opp 2ND
ROW: Representatives from People Helping People won the Grand Raffle Prize - a 42” Flat Screen
LCD donated by Ventura Townehouse; the staff from Ohana Pet Hospital decorated their booth with
California styled treats! RIGHT: Event sponsor - Community Memorial Hospital (Kim Weems and
Mary McCormick)
TOP ROW: Deputy Mayor Cheryl Heitmann and Chamber CEO Ed
Summers cut the ribbon for the new Chamber Website Launch; Himalaya Cuisine serving scrumptious delites; Stacy Brown, Courtney Lindberg
& Steve Doll networking at the Expo RIGHT: Nancy Broschart (Ventura
Water) meets new member Julie Pukerson (The Exhibit Company); Rob
Bragenzer of Spice Topia serving up some tasty Creme Brulee BOTTOM ROW: Sam Benner - Benner Marketing Group demonstrating the
new website; Members enjoying the evening event through networking!
THE MIX!
CLOCKWISE: Lola Herrera (Humana), Alison Carlson (Nerium), and Caryl Cantrell (Pacific View
Mall) enjoy an evening networking at an Open House sponsored by Gold Coast Acura; Chamber Members having a blast racing one another at THE MIX! sponsered by Jim Hall Cart Racing
in February; Ventura County Credit Union Staff present a check to FOOD Share Ventura Board
members at THE MIX! in June; Networking in style at the June MIX; Jann Huling (Service Master
Emergency Response) and Bonnie Mercandante (Softouch Photography) network the night away.
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
CLOCKWISE: Sessa
Manufacturing; Island Packers; CAPS
TV; Four Seasons
Cleaners
23
RIBBON CUTTINGS
TOP ROW: Barrister Executive Sites; Jersey Mikes @ Pacific View Mall
2ND ROW: MRC Global Financial; Plan B Winery 3RD ROW: Chick-fil-A;
The River Community Church; BELOW: Barber Subaru; Ventura Rental /
Ventura Party Rental
TOP ROW: Western Federal Credit
Union; Caliber Collision @ Ventura
Auto Mall 2ND ROW: ACE Hardware
Ventura; Delano Athletica; 3RD ROW:
GoodLife; Dr. Zarrinkelk; GP Real
Estate; LEFT: SRS Solarsilicone Recycling
Services; Jake’s Wayback Burgers; THE
B.E.A.C.H.; Dickey’s Barbeque
25
BIZ CONNECT, CONNECT
TOP ROW: Biz Connect Members Rosandra Esquivel, Jim Nicoll, and Lorie Balzer having some fun at the Biz Connect, Connect; Rob Bragenzer and
Stephen Joyce networking the night away. BOTTOM (L-R): Biz Connect Chair, Diane Meyers enjoying the evening meeting member; Ridgeway Pope
stop for a quick photo op during the event; Biz Connect 1 Chair Andi Mallone explains to Tawnee Pena the rules for the fun ice breaker she facilitated
that evening.
BI-QUARTERLY
TOP WEB CLICKS
These are the top sites clicked through from the Chamber website
#1 Vintage Production California LLC
#2 Coastal View Healthcare
#3 FOOD Share-Ventura County’s Food Bank
#4 M & C Tech Group North America
#5 Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors
#6 E.J. Harrison & Sons Inc.
#7 Laurus College
#8 SAS Comfort Shoes
#9 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
#10 Novotech Nutraceuticals, Inc.
#11 Macaroni Kid - Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura
#12 Ventura Rental Center
Breeze
V e n t u r a
Your Hometown Paper
The Ventura Breeze is a
proud member of the Ventura
Chamber of Commerce and is the
2011 “Small Business Of The Year”.
The Ventura Breeze is published every other Wednesday
and over 11,300 free copies are circulated to almost 600
locations in the cities of Ventura, Ojai and the Channel
Islands Harbor including local merchants and
businesses, Ventura City Hall , the Ventura Visitors &
Convention Bureau, restaurants, the Ventura Harbor and
all of the major hotels.
The Breeze is read from cover with cover with great
enthusiasm, your ad will be seen by thousands of local
residents, business owners, community leaders, and
visitors. You will reach a highly targeted audience.
Make a significant impact on local readers who are
passionate about the newspaper and support the Breeze
advertisers by placing your ad in
the Ventura Breeze.
Contact us at advertising@venturabreeze.com
or at (805) 653-0791
Teacher
of the
Month
The Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation
would like to invite all Chamber members to donate
to the Teacher of the Month (TOTM) Program for the
2013-14 school year:
The TOTM program awards one teacher within the
Ventura Unified School District for his/her outstanding performance in teaching and their contribution to
the students at their school and within our community.
Each month during the school year (September
through June), one teacher is chosen to receive this
award in excellence. We hope to send a clear message
to these teachers that the business community supports and values their dedication to the children of
Ventura.
We are looking for businesses that would like to participate in recognizing these outstanding teachers. We
are asking for ten, “stand alone” items, valued at $25
or more. One item of the ten that you donate will be
given out each month to a teacher. Additionally, if
you decide to donate, you will be invited to present
your item at each of the ceremonies held at the various
schools within the Ventura Unified School District.
This gives you a great opportunity to not only showcase your generosity but your business as well!
Please call Pattie Braga, Business Lending Officer at
Ventura County Credit Union at 805/477-4052 or
email her at PBraga@VCCUonline.net for more details
or to sign up as a donor.
27
RENEWING MEMBERS
“
AT&T is proud to be an integral part of the Ventura community. We are committed to continuing
our long-standing collaboration with the Ventura
Chamber of Commerce, the leading voice of business and a strong advocate of economic vitality in
the city.”
MIKE SILACCI,
Regional Vice President
AT&T, 65 YEAR MEMBER
65 Soares, Sandall, Bernacchi,
& Petrovich LLP
Southern California Edison Co.
Ventura County Star
64 Ted Mayr Funeral Home & Crematory
Pierpont Inn, The
Limoneira/Limco Del Mar Ltd.
63 Smith-Hobson
Aera Energy LLC - Ventura Production
Unit
Tolman & Wiker Insurance Services, LLC
60 Vance, Thrift & Biller LLP, CPA’S
55 Chicago Title Insurance Co.
54 Taft Electric Company
Coca Cola Bottling Company
52 Barber Automotive Group
50 Ventura County Amusement Service
49 AECOM
Wolfe, Emch, Crowley, CPA’S
Ivy Lawn Memorial Park
Ventura County Credit Union
Marina Village Shopping Center
48 Robert L. Pazen,O.D. &
Kristopher Skromme, OD
Ventura Trophy Company
Automobile Club of Southern California
47 Kaiser Permanente
46 Poinsettia Pavilion
42 Hammer-Hewson Assoc.
Eulau Accountancy Corp.
41 Myers, Widders, Gibson & Jones LLP
META law, inc.- Muegenburg Estate &
Trust Attorneys
Vic’s Plumbing Supply Co. Inc.
40 Pacific View Mall
E.J. Harrison & Sons Inc.
39 Golf N’ Stuff
38 McDonald’s Family Restaurant #3425
37 Lindsay and Company, CPA
Ventura County Fairgrounds
36 Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
“
“The Ventura County Star is thrilled to celebrate
65 years of membership with the Ventura Chamber
of Commerce. What began many decades ago as a
membership has grown into an indepth partnership
worth renewing every year. As your local newspaper
continues to grow in new directions, we look forward to many more years with the Ventura Chamber
of Commerce.”
MONICA WHITE,Regional Director
of Marketing, West Coast
VC STAR, 65 YEAR MEMBER
34 Paradise Chevrolet
T.E. Hoctor & Company
33 Ventura Travel Service
32 Isensee Floorcovering Inc.
Nordman Cormany Hair
& Compton LLP
Community Memorial Health System
31 Hospital Association of So. California
Island Packers of Ventura
Ventura Isle Marina
Victoria Village Shopping Center
29 Country Inn & Suites By Carlson
Gold Coast Transit
Central Courier LLC
Yolanda’s of Ventura Inc.
Ventura Rental Center/Ventura Party
Rental Center
28 Medicine Shoppe, The
General Magnaplate California
Girl Scouts of California’s Central
Coast
Arc Ventura County, The
For Your Home
Rasmussen & Associates
Hofer Enterprises
27 Custom Awards & Engraving
Paychex, Inc.
Leach Mounce Architects
Oaktree Property Management
26 Just Write Court Reporters
Earth Systems Southern California
FOOD Share-Ventura County’s Food
Bank
25 Marriott Ventura Beach
Metson Marine
Sullivan Oilfield Services
Ashwood Gardens Apartments
23 Assistance League of Ventura County
Whisenhunt Communications
Alert Communications
Gold Coast Recycling, Inc.
22 Casitas Municipal Water District
Employers Depot, Inc. dba RNLI/
Workforce Systems
Office Depot
21 Water Resource Engineering Associates
Pacific Aire, Inc.
Door Outlet - McCleery Company, Inc.
20 Ventura County Coastal
Association of Realtors
American Cancer Society, Central & Greater Ventura
19 Lloyd Properties
Stiix Billiards
Cardiology Associates Medical Group
Ventura Muffler & Brake Center
Fred Evans Team - RE/MAX Gold Coas
John E. Peakes Insurance Agency
18 Arby’s Roast Beef
RH Wealth Advisors, Incorporated
Union Bank - Mills
17 Cummins Cal Pacific, Inc.
Motel 6
DJ’s California Catering
Ventura Baptist Church
FASTSIGNS of Ventura
16 Moss & Associates
Vista Honda
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Armada Apartments
Porta - Stor
15 Gold Coast Broadcasting
Busy Bee Cafe
JH Biotech, Inc.
Pacific Western Bank
14 KHAM INC
13 Planning Services
Housing Authority of the City of San
Buenaventura
Museum of Ventura County
Ventura Orthopedic Medical Group
CSU Channel Islands
12 Oasis Real Estate
Brinkman & Company AAC
Nature’s Grill
Ventura Education Partnership
United Way of Ventura County
Community Access Partners (CAPS)
Cypress Place Senior Living
11 State Farm Insurance - G.Scott
Anderson, Kill, Wood & Bender P.C.
Rabobank - Victoria Branch
Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.
County Commerce Bank
10 Central Coast Imaging Solutions
Bamieh & Erickson, PLC
Margarita Villa
Ventura West Marina
Power Self Storage
Seaside Highland Games
Ventura Gateway
Freeway Mini Storage
The Bonaventure
Sheeler Moving And Storage
9 Aloha Steakhouse
Four Seasons Cleaners
Luxe Salon & Day Spa
Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP
8 Easter Seals Southern California
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Magnum Fence and Security
BBM&D Strategic Branding
Ventura Executive Suites
Kruger Bensen Ziemer Architects, Inc.
7 Home Pride Carpet Cleaning
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Dena Rogers - State Farm Insurance
Buenger Commercial Real Estate, Inc
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
DCH Lexus of Oxnard
Hishmeh Enterprises
O-sabi Japanese Restaurant
Mac-Lynn Construction
Pacific Breeze Chem-Dry
6 The Surgery Center of San Buenaventura
Cypress Point Apartments - The Towbes
Group
Rayne Water Conditioning
Hub International
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Corporation
Montecito Bank & Trust
5 M & C Tech Group North America
WSI Global Marketing
Leon’s Transmission
Evans Tax & Business Services
United Blood Services of the Central Coast
WorldVentures - Stephen Joyce
Old Creek Ranch Winery Inc
4 Draganchuk Security & Patrol, Inc.
Infinity Gift Baskets
Massage Envy Spa of Ventura
Ventura Pacific
Mission Church
Wharf, The
Strauss Law Group, APC
Red Brick Pizza
Dryclean Safari
Associated Electric
Rabobank Main St Branch
Fileyourtaxes.com
Rabobank N.A. Mills Branch
Richard A. Nyznyk, Attorney at Law
Rotary Club of Ventura South
Silver Development & Associates, Inc
SAS Comfort Shoes
Financial Network - Richard S. Jeffery,
Treacy Villa
CFP
The Towbes Group
Prudential California Realty
Western States Petroleum Association
Cornwall Security Services
Diani Building Corp.
1 Softouch Video & Photography
Treacy Villa
KP Enterprises
West Side Cultural Center Kids Arts
SESPE Consulting, Inc.
Straight Up
Coastal Occupational Medical Group
Best Western Inn of Ventura
Consortium Media, Inc
Downtown Ventura Partners
3 Barkley Insurance & Risk Management
Health Care Planners
Western Federal Credit Union
Loving Arms Family Care, Inc.
Coastal Softub
ML Peterson Agency
Faulconer Boger
Project Safer, Inc.
Applied Merchant Systems
Norman Dowler, LLP
Concours Motors Inc.
Project Understanding
Frank Schipper Construction
Arjay’s Window Fashions
Kingdom Center, The
County Schools Federal Credit Union
Ventura Pet Barn
Implantech Associates, Inc
Cypress Meadows LP - The Towbes
Rubicon Theatre Co.
Group
Buenaventura Mobile Home Estates
Nerces Fine Jewelry Inc
Haines Security Solutions, LLC
Ralston Courtyards
Riviera Bronze Manufacturing
Keller Williams Realty
Tina Reed Johnson
Sign-A-Rama
Ventura County Lodging Association
Swift Chip
Charles Carroll Funeral Home
Vintage Production California LLC
Direct Service Insurance
2 Bank of America
Helayne Warschaw
Axxess Ventura
Independent Capital Management
Ventura County Library - E.P. Foster Branch
- Christine Sztukowski
805Insider
Pemko Manufacturing Company
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ventura County
Ventura TowneHouse
Himalaya Cuisine
American Pacific Mortgage Corp
JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA
Santa Barbara Travel Bureau
CP Bookkeeping
John McBride, Attorney and Counsellor at Law
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
West Coast Derby
Knockouts, Inc.
Capital Planning
Associates
Essex Realty
CARPET-FLOOR-UPHOLSTERY-RESTORATION
Management, Inc.
Steam Dry*Pet Odor Removal*Oriental Rugs
First 5 Ventura County
Sofas-Chairs*Repairs*Patching*Re-installation
Time Warner Cable
Stretching*Tile & Grout Cleaning & Restoration
Media-Janet Fukumoto
Stone Polishing & Restoration*Wood & Laminate
Long Term Care of
Frank Perez
Ventura County
(Ombudsman)
cleaningplus805@verizon.net
Cleaning Plus
805-483-6345
www.cleaningplus.net
29
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION: HUMAN TRAFFICKING
I have been a police officer with the Ventura
Police Department for the last 9 years and have been
a CNOA member for several years. In my various assignments I have received training and experience that
can be used to provide rescue to the poor in the world
who are being exploited and enslaved. Human trafficking is one of the largest and fastest growing criminal
industries and worldwide, there are nearly two million
children in the commercial sex trade. (UNICEF) As I
have been made aware of these staggering statistics, I
was convicted to take action on behalf of these victims
and God has provided me with an opportunity to directly answer this call. I have been accepted to a position with a Christian organization called International Justice Mission. I
will be working as an Investigator in South Asia* to provide rescue to children who are victims of sex trafficking. My family and I will be moving to South Asia for
approximately 11 months, beginning in June of 2013. I
will be taking an unpaid leave of absence from the Ventura Police Department during this time.
Some of you may already be familiar with the
work of IJM, but for those of you who are not, here is an
overview: IJM is a non-profit organization composed
of Christian investigators, attorneys, social workers, and
support staff. IJM carefully investigates situations of injustice and slavery, and partners with local officials to
free victims from their immediate situations of danger.
After the victims have been freed, IJM seeks to address
the root of the problem by prosecuting the perpetrators
in local court systems and empowering communities to
make structural changes that can prevent such abuses
in the future. IJM also works with aftercare providers
to help the newly freed victims adjust to a life that is
very different from their past oppressive experiences.
Please explore the International Justice Mission website
for further information (www.ijm.org).
This is a volunteer position and my family and
I are responsible for raising 100% of our financial support. We are writing to ask you to partner with us
through financial and prayer support. Our estimated
total financial support-raising goal is $58,000.00. This
will cover outgoing costs such as plane tickets and travel
costs for our family of five, as well as daily expenses for
the duration of our deployment to South Asia. Please
see the below information on how to send financial support. IJM is a non-profit organization and all financial
gifts made properly thought IJM are tax-deductible. In
addition to financial support, we are in need of a great
deal of prayer as we prepare to leave and during our
time in South Asia.
If you would like to receive updates or are interested in other ways to take part in providing rescue to
victims of trafficking and other injustice, please e-mail
Dave at dvruggie@aol.com or druggiero@venturapd.
org.
Thank you so much, Cpl. David Ruggiero #352
SPOTLIGHT ON BIZ CONNECT
My experience with Biz Connect #1 has been very positive in all aspects. To start with I have
met some wonderful business people that can help me with services and products that I need
for my business and personal life. Mostly, they have small businesses, much like myself and
with this comes a sense of community. I refer my friends and colleagues to these because they
care about serving people and go the extra mile to help others in their business dealings. As
a bonus my fellow Biz Connect members refer me business which helps my bottom line. From
my standpoint this expands my sales team. This is very important in a business like mine that
is primarily referral based. I recommend joining a Biz Connect group to all local businesses as
Logan Osland
Chiropractor
Logan Osland Chiropractic
part of their marketing plan.
Teamwork Maximizes
Business Potential
Three locally inspired Ventura Chamber businesses are
collaborating to offer an exceptional event experience to clients
in Ventura County. Whether coordinating a wedding, a corporate or non- profit event or private gathering from formal to
informal, these three deep rooted businesses, The Museum of
Ventura County, Main Course California and Ventura Rental
Party Center understand the concept that “the whole is greater
than the sum of its parts.” Alone they are all successful, thriving,
local businesses; together they are a force to be reckoned with.
The Museum of Ventura County located at 100 East
Main Street in Ventura offers two unique event spaces. The
Martin V. & Martha K. Smith Pavilion is located on the beautiful Museum grounds and provides a unique setting for weddings, private, non profit and corporate events with a seating
capacity up to 200. The Pavilion is AV compatible and includes
CD, DVD, Blue Ray IPod and wireless microphones. The Plaza
meeting space has been utilized by many businesses and nonprofit, private and corporate groups and has a seating capacity
of 140. This unique event space is tent capable, boasting a beautiful rock wall, soothing water feature, gorgeous queen palms
and colorful mosaics depicting the History of Ventura County.
Both Ventura Rental Party Center and Main Course
California have a long standing relationship with the Museum
and have worked tirelessly to offer a seamless event experience
to the public. With a full catering kitchen onsite, Main Course
California has the capability to do what they do best. “Developing and creating a custom menu, complemented by a wellplanned presentation that brings our client’s vision to life is the
cornerstone of our success” states Executive Chef and co-owner
Rachel Main. Based in Ventura and taking to heart the concept
of sourcing local, Main Course California contracts with sustainable and certified organic farms and ranches that use pesti-
cide and hormone free products. “Some of our clients want only
organic ingredients, gluten free or vegan options while others
don’t care as long as it tastes good” says Main. We are first and
foremost a catering company and so we cater-that is- we aim to
please always delivering our very best” adds Main with a smile.
Ventura Rental Party Center remains a consistent force
in the event industry with a local history spanning three decades. No stranger to event design and coordination, co-owner
Heidi Whitcomb brings an unparalled insight to the team. Prior
to the recent collaboration between the trio, Ventura Rental Party Center services the Museum on a weekly basis with current
on- trend event rentals such as tables, chairs, canopies, lighting, china, flatware and linens. “Having worked consistently in
both the Pavilion and Plaza event spaces and understanding the
layout and event possibilities, allows for a stress free set up for
the team.” We have tented the Plaza for a party of 300 people
and provided event rentals and set up for both the Pavilion and
Plaza for approximately 800 events over the course of our relationship with the Ventura County Museum offers Whitcomb.
“There isn’t a challenge with space planning, design or set up
that we haven’t mastered in our history of collaborating with the
Museum” adds Whitcomb.
The trio’s success has not materialized without overcoming major challenges along the way. Robert Jacobi, managing director of Main Course California reflects on the company’s inception stating, “We started our business during the
worst financial crisis since the Great Depression and not only
persevered under extremely difficult circumstances, but thrived
to earn the respect of our industry peers.” Main Course recently
won the coveted “Best Caterer 2012” awarded by industry giant
The National Association of Catering Executives; Santa Barbara-Ventura County Chapter. 31
Ventura Rental Party Center has
also earned various accolades by the same
organization most recently “Best Event
Professional of the Year 2012” which was
awarded to co-owner Heidi Whitcomb.
The Museum of Ventura County, Main
Course California and Ventura Rental
Party Center are without a doubt an event
industry tour de force, a perfect storm,
if you will. “I like to call us the “Dream
Team” offers Shanon Rice of The Museum of Ventura County. With 80 events on
the books for 2013 and the 2014 calendar
rapidly filling up, we certainly think the
term fits quite nicely.
To book events with the Museum of Ventura County please contact
Event Facilities Manager Shanon Rice at
805-653-0323x318 or srice@venturamuseum.org. Contact Main Course California at 805-658-8900 or info@maincourseca.com. To reach Ventura Rental Party
Center, please call 805-644-4496 or Heidi
Whitcomb at heidiw@venturarental.com
Leadership Ventura is now recruiting!
Since 1994, Leadership Ventura has given over 250 participants a chance to learn the
inside workings of our elected offices, business and our cultural community. This
year long program introduces you to key businesses, government and community
leaders where you can experience lectures, panel discussions and site visits which
gives you direct contact with the people who keep the community running and help
you understand the community better. The program is under the direction of Dr.
Relly Nadler, True North Leadership, Inc. who uses the Myers Briggs personality
profile as a tool to help you understand how to motivate people and improve your
leadership style.
To find out more about Leadership Ventura and meet the current class and Alumni, please join us on Tuesday, August 6, 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Plan B Winery, 3520
Arundell Circle, Ste. 107, Ventura. For more info, please call Vadim at the Ventura
Chamber office (805) 643-7222
I AM THE CHAMBER
As a new member to the community 13 years ago and new to my 2nd profession of Real Estate,
I knew it was important to make both business and professional connections. I was fortunate
to meet someone early on that invited me to attend a Chamber event and the rest is history. As
with anything, you get out of something what you put into it. My Chamber membership has
allowed me to keep current on developments in the community – what businesses are coming,
issues that are relevant to business function on a local and state legislative level, opportunities
to welcome new businesses in the community through the Ambassador group, networking
through the greater Chamber activities as well as the small Biz Connections groups sponsored
by the Chamber. Being a Chamber member for the past 13 years has allowed me to develop relationships and knowledge about our local businesses and to forge wonderful personal relationships. Truly the Chamber people are like a second family to me.
Lorie Balzer, realtor | oasis real estate
BUSINESS BRIEFS
New York Life Insurance
Company Names Dan
Lyon Partner
Dan Lyon, a leader in the Ventura County business community for 20
years, has been named partner of the
Central Coast General Office of New
York Life Insurance Company.
“Being named a partner in a
Fortune 100 company like New York Life
is a tremendous accomplishment in the
business world,” says Jane Choi, a New
York Life managing partner. “Dan Lyon’s
duties will include recruiting new agents;
training, developing and retaining agents;
and assisting in the overall operation of
the office.”
Lyon has worked at New York
Life’s Central Coast general office in Oxnard for the past three years in various
capacities, including agent and financial
services professional. He has been recognized as Annuity Champion of the Year,
2012; Guaranteed Income Elite Status,
2012; and Long Term Care Insurance
Champion 2011.
Currently a board member of
the Ventura Family YMCA, Lyon is a former chairman of the Ventura Chamber
of Commerce; former chairman of the
Ventura Parks and Recreation Commission; former district governor of Lions
Clubs International District 4-A3; former president of the Ventura Downtown
Lions Club; and former president of the
Ventura Packers Youth Football.
Lyon has been named Small
Business Man of the Year, Ventura Chamber of Commerce; 40 Under 40, Pacific
Coast Business Times; Fred W. Smith
Fellow and Melvin Jones Fellow for Lions
Clubs International. In addition, Lyon
was honored with an International President’s Commendation for Lions Clubs
International in 2009.
A native of Camarillo, Lyon is a
graduate of Santa Clara High School in
Oxnard. He received his bachelor of arts
degree from New Mexico Highlands University where he played football and was
a Football Academic All-American. Lyon
currently lives in Ventura.
New York Life Insurance Co.,
founded in 1845, is the largest mutual life
insurance company in the United States
and one of the largest life insurers in the
world. New York Life has the highest
possible financial strength ratings from
all four of the major credit rating agen-
cies. Headquartered in New York City,
New York Life’s family of companies offers life insurance, retirement income, investments and long-term care insurance.
New York Life Investment Management
LLC provides institutional asset management and retirement plan services. Other New York Life affiliates provide a variety of securities products and services,
as well as institutional and retail mutual
funds.
Local Business Owner
Goes From Delivery
Driver To Award-Winning Domino’s
Franchise Owner
Ventura. CA – Sam Hishmeh
has come a long way since beginning his
career as a delivery driver in 1988. The
local business owner of 75 Domino’s
Pizza stores located in Southern, Northern, Central California as well as Tucson
Az.was awarded the esteemed International Franchise Association Gold Franny Award for operational excellence. The
award was celebrated at a Domino’s Pizza
awards ceremony held in London.
Hishmeh purchased his first
Domino’s Pizza store in Santa Paula, Ca.
in 1990 and has been growing his business ever since.
The Gold Franny Award is the
most prestigious honor bestowed on a
Domino’s Pizza franchise owner. Hishmeh earned this award as part of an elite
group of nearly 1,100 franchise owners in
the United States. The awards are based
on several key factors including operational audit scores, community involvement, store safety & security and team
member morale.
The Gold Franny Awards were
created more than 20 years ago by the
International Franchise Association and
designed to honor excellence among
franchise owners.
“Sam’s personal commitment,
leadership and determination to grow
his franchise made him tremendously
successful in 2012,” said Scott Hinshaw,
Domino’s executive vice president of
franchise operations and development.
“I am thrilled to honor Sam with a Gold
Franny Award for his hard work in making Domino’s the preferred pizza delivery
company in his area. He is an inspiration
to his peers and truly deserving of this
honor. The idea of beginning as a driver
and working your way toward fulfilling
the dream of becoming an award-win-
ning franchise owner is what Domino’s is
all about.”
Nordman Cormany Hair
& Compton Llp To Close
Its Doors
75-year-old Firm Leaves Legal
Legacy Throughout the Region
Partners at Ventura County’s
iconic law firm Nordman Cormany Hair
& Compton LLP announced today that it
will close its doors this summer, after 75
years of service to the region.
“We are proud of our firm’s widespread contribution to this community,
and grateful to our clients for their confidence in our expertise and their loyalty
over the years,” said Joel Mark, managing
partner.
A number of recent retirements
and departures by partners were cited by
the firm as factors contributing to the decision to close.
NCHC is well-known as the top
firm for legal services and, among attorneys, the best place for launching a successful legal practice. In addition, many
judges came out of the firm and many
new law firms resulted from partners
who went out on their own.
“It’s a very sad day. The Nordman firm has been a force in the business community for decades. I spent 26
years there working with the best lawyers
around, and the firm set the standard
for commitment to the charitable and
educational communities, including direct hands-on involvement in creating
the United Way of Ventura County, the
Ventura County Community Foundation
and California State University-Channel
Islands. Quite a legacy,” said Jon Light,
founding partner at LightGabler LLP.
Community service was a hallmark of the firm, which was a regular
sponsor of numerous charity events and
causes throughout Ventura County and
beyond. “The firm has been a terrific supporter of the United Way and the nonprofit community for decades. Their inkind support has been invaluable to our
organization. I was very disappointed to
learn that the firm is closing,” said David
Smith, CEO of United Way of Ventura
County.
“NCHC’s tradition of civic engagement
is now part of our legacy. We are extremely proud of that, and are glad that
so many attorneys
CONT. from pg. 33
33
CONT. from pg. 33 who carry NCHC on their resumes learned
the value of community service here,” noted Tamiann Cook,
CEO of NCHC.
Former partner Meghan Clark said, “I count myself lucky to have
had the opportunity to be ‘raised’ by the NCHC farm system. It
made me a better lawyer. People might be shocked to realize the
extensive list of community leaders, judges, attorneys and other
individuals who all have roots with the Nordman firm.”
The Nordman Award, given by the Ventura County Bar Association each year, recognizes extraordinary leaders in the community. “The award reflects the great spirit of the firm,” Clark said.
“This is a sad occasion felt not just by the long-time employees
and partners, but the community that the firm helped develop
from its agricultural roots to a major financial influence on the
West Coast.”
The firm’s attorneys have represented a variety of clients including influential individuals, global corporations, local governments and small families, all of whom helped shape Ventura
County’s prized quality of life. The firm maintained practice areas in business and corporate litigation, employment, business
and commercial law, creditor’s rights and bankruptcy, real estate
and land use, environmental, family law, oil and gas, administrative and local government law, taxation, estate planning, probate
and trust law, and intellectual property law.
Details of the firm’s closure will be released in the coming weeks,
Cook said.
Platinum
2
0
1
3
The Chairman’s Cirlce represents a special group of
businesses and individuals who have made a significant
annual financial investment in support of the Ventura
Chamber of Commerce’s initiatives, programs and projects.
Gold
Silver
Bronze
HOFER
ENTERPRISES
BREEZE
V e n t u r a
Your Hometown Paper
City of Ventura Wins
Million Dollar Judgment
Against United Water
Conservation District
Judge Thomas Anderle of the Santa Barbara Superior
Court confirmed today that the United Water Conservation
District has been unconstitutionally overcharging the City of
Ventura for water pumping extraction charges. The Court further ordered United to refund to the City the principal amount
of $962,866 plus a 7% prejudgment interest rate. Also, the City
is not required to pay United extraction charges for the period
January to June 2013 at rates that exceed an average for all customers.
“As water stewards, Ventura Water and our 113,000
customers are committed to supporting and managing our regional water resources,” said Mayor Mike Tracy. “Today’s ruling
demonstrates that equitable cost sharing for water is a reasonable expectation and that pumping charges should be consistent
with the benefits received.”
In April, the Court ruled that the United Water Conservation District had been unconstitutionally charging municipal
and industrial customers, which includes Ventura, three times
as much as other groundwater pumpers. It was determined
that the rates charged to this customer group did not have
factual cost support, which was in conflict with Proposition 218
approved by voters in 1996.
Today’s decision is the latest action resulting from two
lawsuits filed by the City of Ventura, on behalf of their customers, to protest unfair water extraction charges. Based on a 1960’s
California law, the United Water Conservation District has
historically charged municipal and industrial customers three
times more than agricultural customers.
Ventura Water, a City of Ventura organization,
provides integrated water, wastewater and stormwater services
to 113,000+ customers with 32,000 service connections. Ventura’s drinking water sources are all local and its water reclamation facility treats between eight and nine million gallons from
homes and businesses daily.
This release can be found on the City of Ventura’s website at www.cityofventura.net.
EVENT
CALENDAR
JULY
THE MIX!
Pierpont Racquet Club
500 Sanjon Rd., Ventura | Thurs., July 25, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
AUGUST
Connection Breakfast ~ Sponsored by Ventura County Fairgrounds
Derby Club @ Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura | Fri., Aug. 2, 7:15am
LEADERSHIP VENTURA Mixer
Plan B Winery
3520 Arundell Circle, Ste. 107, Ventura | Tues., Aug. 6, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ribbon Cutting / Grand Opening @ Fabricmate Systems
2781 Golf Course Dr., Ste. A, Ventura | Wed., Aug. 14, 9:30am
THE MIX!
The Pierpont Inn
550 Sanjon Rd., Ventura | Thurs., Aug. 22, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
YPG Kick Off Mixer!
@Ventura’s Surf Brewery
4561 Market St., Ste. 107, Ventura | Tues., Aug. 27, 5:30pm - 8:00pm
SEPTEMBER
Connection Breakfast ~ Sponsored by Ventura Townehouse
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura | Friday, September 6, 7:15am
Affordable Care Act Seminar
Time & Location TBA | Thursday, September 12
OCTOBER
Connection Breakfast ~ Sponsored by DCH LEXUS OF OXNARD
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura | Fri., Oct. 4, 7:15am
Semi-Annual Business Expo
Four Points by Sheraton - Ventura Harbor
1050 Schooner Dr., Ventura | Thurs., Oct. 24, 4:30pm - 7:30pm
NOVEMBER
Connection Breakfast ~ Sponsored by BIZ CONNECT
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura | Fri., Nov. 1, 7:15am
TASTE
The Pierpont Inn
550 Sanjon Rd., Ventura | Thurs., Nov. 7, 5:30pm - 8:00pm
DECEMBER
Connection Breakfast ~ Sponsored by Pacific View Mall
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura | Fri., Dec. 6, 7:15am
17th Poinsettia Awards
Marriott Ventura Beach
2055 East Harbor Blvd., Ventura | Thurs., Dec. 12, 11:30am
For more information on events, sponsorship & advertising opportunities, please contact Charleen Morla, Marketing & Events Director at the
Chamber office (805) 643-7222 or visit www.VenturaChamber.com
35
505 POLI STREET, 2ND FLOOR, VENTURA CA 93001
805.643.7222 | FAX: 805.653.8015
WWW.VENTURACHAMBER.COM

The The - Ventura Chamber of Commerce

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