November - the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce

The Business Reporter!
NOVEMBER 2014
“Welcome To The Neighborhood
Let’s Shop... Small!
B
etween Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits
Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to
supporting small business in our community.
Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is
celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year, Small Business Saturday is on
November 29th. The goal of Shop Small
Atascadero is to get our community out and shopping in Atascadero. To create a stronger community
and keep Atascadero’s hard earned money local! By
supporting local, independently –owned small businesses, you help create jobs, boost the local economy and preserve neighborhoods in SLO County.
Together we can make this the biggest day of the
year for Atascadero’s small businesses.
Kelly Long of Kelly’s Casuals states, “Shop Small Saturday has been a very successful day for my store. Preparing and promoting this shop local event keeps my
customers aware of this important day where we encourage them to shop at their favorite, local stores in
Atascadero. Through my website, facebook and constant contact I reach a lot of people. The most important tool I have is discussing this day with each and
every customer beginning in November. The chamber
of commerce has visual marketing tools that they give
out free. I always have special promotions for the day
and offer refreshments and giveaways.”
2015
Annual Dinner
January 10, 2015
We Have a “Sweet” Surprise ...
You Will Not Want to Miss!
A
nnual Installation Awards Dinner is slated for January 10th, 2015 Invitations to
be mailed out first week of December. This
event is held each January and the purpose is twofold: To install the Chamber’s new Board of
Directors, Recognize and thank the outgoing board
members.
YOUR VOTES
COUNT 2014
@AtownChamber
WWW
The Atascadero Chamber will be promoting Small
Business Saturday throughout the month of
November through our e-blast, member meetings,
Atascadero News, Facebook and will dedicate a
page on our website. We also encourage small business owners to learn more about this promotion by
going to www.shopsmall.com. This is a free service
through American Express that has marketing materials and suggestions on how to get the “word” out
about your store or business.
Let’s work together and rally businesses to get involved in Shop Small Atascadero!
Ways you can attract attention for your business are:
• Email your customers and encouraging them to
Shop Small
• Announce Shop Small at any organization
meeting you attend.
Suggestions from American Express, who created
Shop Small Saturday, include:
• Encourage local businesses to work together to
cross-promote one another;
• Host an event;
• Provide entertainment & activities to draw
people to attend;
• Show your spirit with Small Business Saturday
decorations.
The main thing is to give great deals which will encourage Atascadero residents to get out and shop
small on November 29th.
Secondly, to recognize and honor the following:
•
•
•
•
•
Citizen of the Year
Business Person of the Year
Community Service Award
Organization of the Year
Ambassador of the Year
In addition to the awards, great food and wine
there will also be a live and silent auction where
you will be able to find great values on everything
from gift certificates to exciting vacation packages!
Auction Items Needed
The Chamber is currently working on one of the
biggest fund raisers of the year! The 2014 “Installation Awards Dinner” is fast approaching and we
need your support.
Once again, we are planning for the auction and
silent auction which are held in conjunction with
the Installation Awards Dinner held in January.
It’s A Great Day For
Shoppers
Some people put everything
into their work, their name
on the door, and their heart
into their community. Small
business Saturday is a day
to show our support. It is a
day to shop at stores owned
by our friends and neighbors and do our part for the
businesses that do so much
for us. You, as a consumer, are a key part in the
success of our small businesses. When you shop or
dine at a local small business, you’re showing your
support for the small businesses in your neighborhood and reinvesting in the community you call
home.
Mark your calendar for Saturday November 29th.
Get out there to Shop Small, get great deals and
make a difference in your community!
Let’s All Shop Atascadero!!
Letters are being mailed out reminding members
how important this event is for the Chamber. Silent
Auction Committee members and Ambassadors
will be calling on members needed for unique items
to donate.
Live Auction Items
For example, gift certificates, gift baskets, pictures,
sports memorabilia, golf accessories, advertising are
just a sample of items that have been donated in the
past for the silent auction. The live
auction is normally for the larger ticket items, such
as high- end jewelry, trips, tours, vacation packages,
etc. Please call the Chamber office 466-2044 if you
have an item or items you would like to donate or if
you know of someone that we may contact for a live
auction item.
Thank you in advance for supporting this year’s,
“Annual Awards Dinner”!
“Atascadero- Your Vote Counts!”
T
he Atascadero Chamber of Commerce urges
you to make your vote count!
Get out and vote November 4th at your
designated location. Candidates Forum – We
heard from all of our local incumbents and
candidates for the Mayor and City Council
positions. It was standing room only for the
Candidates Forum hosted by the Atascadero
Chamber of Commerce.
atascaderochamber.org
/atascaderochamberofcommerce
BUSINESS REPORTER
6904 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA. 93422
Shop Small and Make a Difference in
Atascadero!
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Atascadero, CA. 93422
Permit No. 68
Chamber’s Perspective
OUR PRESIDENT’S
BOARD OFFICERS 2014
Perspective
Chairman of the Board
Robert “Grigger” Jones
(Retired Professional)
Chairman -Elect
Kelly Long- Kelly’s Casuals
Chief Financial Officer
Joseph Modica, Jr.
Modica Finacial & Tax, Inc.
BOARD DIRECTORS
Terrie Banish- The Tribune
Helena Berardi- Heritage Oaks Bank
Ray Buban- Ray M. Buban, Financial & Tax Service
Kim Croft- Peabody & Plum Realtors Inc.
Eric Gobler- Eric J. Gobler Civil Engineering
Dr. Ryan McGaughey, D.C. ,
McGaughey Chiropractic
John Neil- Atascadero Mutual Water Co.
E.J. Rossi- Atascadero High School
Cory Black- Public Policy Solutions, Inc.
Adam Daner- Daner Law Firm, APLC
Jessica Sohi- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Mike Talen- HFG Coastal Insurance
Linda Hendy, President/ CEO
I
t is my pleasure to present to our members the
slate for our 2015 Board of Directors.
As you can see from the list below we have a very
strong group of business persons representing
many business industries, these individuals will get
an early start working on our 2015 business plan by
attending a full days retreat November 6th. This
year’s retreat will focus on increasing our new members and working “New” Member benefits for all
our Chamber Members. The Board will also work
on the Chamber’s role in Atascadero’s Economic
Development.
Newest Board Members Oct 2014-2015
Jessica Sohi – Holiday Inn Express & Suites
1st. Term 2014-2015:
Cory Black - Public Policy Solutions, Inc.
Adam Daner - Daner Law Firm, APLC
Ryan McGaughey, D.C. – McGaughey Chiropractic
Kim Croft – Peabody & Plum Realtors, Inc.
CHAMBER STAFF
Linda Hendy, President/CEO
Joyce Stewart, Member & Vistor Services
Tamrah Michael, Marketing Director
Kim Austin Director of Membership Development
Gerri Shoaf, Volunteer
AMBASSADORS
Eric Gobler, Chair
Eric J. Gobler Civil Engineering Joe Modica, Past Chair
Modica Financial & Tax, Inc.
Kim Austin, Director of Membership Development
Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
Robert Borish, CPA, North County Tax and
Accounting
Angela Cisneros, K-Jon’s Fine Jewelers
Norm Espana- Espana Electric
Uschi Fenton-Keller Williams North County Realty
Uschi Fenton, Realtor
Marge Griffin, Consultant, Mary Kay Cosmetics
Kevin Johns- CoastHills Federal Credit Union
Rob Jones, Surfs Up Driving & Traffic School
Sean Kennedy, Kennedy Club Fitness
Drew Lewis, California Meridian Insurance
Greg Modica, Modica Financial & Tax, Inc.
Jesus Rubio, Union Bank of California Paul Shannon
Roger Williams, Crossroads
Larry Womack, Edward Jones Investments
LIFETIME MEMBERS
Barbie Butz
Donn Clickard
Jerry DeCou
Maggie Vandergon
Bob Wilkins
Information in this newsletter regarding any business
does not constitute an endorsement by the
Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.
MEET YOUR
Directors
E
.J. Rossi first moved to the area in 1993 to
attend Cuesta College. He received his AA
at Cuesta, his BA from California State University Fresno, and his Masters from Cal Poly SLO.
During his time at Cuesta he met is lovely wife Tracy and has been committed to the community of
Atascadero ever since. During his time in Atascadero, E.J. has been connected to the local businesses.
He and his wife were local business owners of the
Dance Center of Atascadero from 2002 – 2006 and
he stays involved in his wife’s family business:
Michael’s Optical.
2
LET’S WELCOME YOUR
2nd Term 2014-2015:
Joe Modica - Chamber CFO, Modica Financial and
Tax, Inc.
Mike Talen - HFG Coastal Insurance Services
Terrie Banish - The Tribune
Ray M. Buban, EA - Financial &Tax Service
Helena Berardi – Heritage Oaks Bank
John B Neil – Atascadero Mutual Water Company
New & Returning Board Members:
2015 Chairman of the Board,
Kelly Long – Kelly’s Casuals
2014 Chairman of the Board,
Robert “Grigger” Jones
1 Year Appointments
E.J. Rossi – Atascadero High School
John Donavan – State Farm Insurance
Additional names of candidates for director can
be nominated by petition bearing the genuine signature of at least twenty (25) qualified members of
the Chamber. Such petitions shall be filed with the
nominating committee by November 28, 2014. The
determination of the nominating committee as to
the eligibility by the petition(s) shall be final.
If legal petitions for additional candidates are presented, the names of all candidates shall be arranged
alphabetically on a ballot and be mailed to all members. The candidates with the greatest number of
votes will be declared elected. If you have questions
relative to the selection and election of Directors,
please call President/CEO Linda Hendy 466-2044.
Newest Director!
J
essica Sohi is the Director of Sales & Marketing
at Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Atascadero,
located at 9010 West Front Road. She has been
on the management team since the pre-opening
phase of the hotel, which opened its doors in summer 2008. Jessica manages the sales and marketing
efforts for corporate and leisure accounts, groups
and conference services as well as community involvement and the hotel’s wine and beer program.
Jessica began her hospitality career 12 years ago in
luxury hotels as reservation sales consultant at the
Mobile five-star, Mandarin Oriental San Francisco.
At that property she proceeded to manage group
sales, catering & conference services before leaving
in 2005 to join the pre-opening sales team at the St.
Regis Hotel, San Francisco. She left San Francisco
in 2007 to open Holiday Inn Express & Suites of
Atascadero (HIE-A) with her husband Amar Sohi
who is the hotel’s General Manager and Operating
Partner. She continues her dedication of offering a
high level of customized service for all guests, and
strives to be a great champion for the hotel’s commitment to excellence. Jessica participates with the
MEET YOUR
Directors
H
elena Berardi is a Vice President/Sr. Client
Relationship Manager, at Heritage Oaks
Bank. She’s a Central Coast Native who attended Cuesta College, and has nearly 30 years of
banking experience. Helena worked for Mid-State
Bank & Trust for 20 years, before she was asked to
join the Heritage Oaks Bank team in 2005. She
targets new business and maximizes her strengths,
through building genuine relationships in the community. She manages a portfolio of corporate customers, existing and new. In her role, she also
participates and coordinates many community
activities, as a representative of the bank. She manages a VIP portfolio, and works with those clients to
ensure that they are always happy!
E.J. is dedicated to serving the community through
multiple service organizations and has served as a
board member for the Chamber of Commerce, the
Atascadero Performing Arts Center Committee,
and Atascadero Kiwanis.
E.J.’s biggest impact on the community of Atascadero is in his work as the Principal of Atascadero High
School. Starting in 2007, he began as the Assistant
Principal in charge of Curriculum and Instruction
and then in 2008 became the Principal. He brought
a great deal of educational experience to the school
even at his young age, having worked at every level within the educational system. While going to
school, E.J. worked in preschools, ran after school
programs at elementary schools through the YMCA,
and worked at a high school in the athletics & activities departments. Upon completing his education,
he taught elementary and middle school math, and
was a superintendent/principal, before coming to
AHS.
Our
President’s
Perspective
Jessica Sohi
Director os Sales & Marketing
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Atasacdero
Atascadero Tourism & Promotions Committee,
and consults with organizers for wine and culinary
events geared to out of market visitors. Jessica also
enjoys supporting local causes, especially those that
benefit children, education and the arts. Raised in
San Luis Obispo, she graduated from San Francisco
State University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology and minor in English.
Jessica and Amar have resided in Atascadero the
past 7 years where they are raising their two children, ages 6 and 4. Both professionally and personally, Jessica supports local, small businesses whenever possible. Jessica looks forward to continuing
to forge partnerships with community members to
increase the success of Atascadero businesses and
residents alike.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Atascadero is an
award-winning hotel offering personalized service,
upscale styling and boutique amenities. The hotel
has earned many accolades, most noteworthy is the
prestigious 2011 Torchbearer Award which placed
the hotel among the top 1% of hotels in the
Americas region, and HIE-A has consistently earned
the ranking of #1 in region each year since opening.
Helena Berardi
Vice President/Sr. Client Relationship Manager
Heritage Oaks Bank
She served on the board of the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce for 4 years. She is thrilled to be
serving on the Atascadero Chamber Board, and is
finishing up her 2nd year on the board. Coordinating social events and activities is one of her specialties, and she is very proud to have been appointed
the Chairperson of the Atascadero Installation and
Awards dinner for a third year!
Whenever possible, Helena enjoys spending quality
time with her 5 grandchildren, who also live on the
Central Coast. Cheyene, Armand, Gavin, Gage and
Gabriella!
E.J. Rossi
Principal
Atascadero High School
With his wide range of experience connection within the community, E.J. has been able to build upon
the tradition of “Greytness” within Atascadero High
School and help develop students into adults who
will excel in both college and careers.
When he is not working or serving on a community service project, E.J. enjoys spending time with his
wife Tracy and their two kids, Tobi (13) and Corbin
(9). Together they enjoy camping, playing sports,
and serving others.
The Business Reporter
Members in Action
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE 2014
These Chamber members are an elite group of
businesses influential to the economic vitality of
Atascadero whose continued support has been instrumental in the Chamber’s growth.
Spotlight
Spotlight
S
SESLOC
Federal Credit Union
ESLOC Federal Credit Union is a not-forprofit financial institution founded in 1942.
We’re proud to be the longest established credit
union on the Central Coast. Our Atascadero branch
opened in October 2008, in the Food-4-Less
shopping center, bringing the total number of
branches to four.
While people sometimes refer to us as a “bank,” a
credit union is actually built on a different business
model. A credit union is a financial co-operative,
which means our only “investors” are the people
(members) who deposit their money at the credit
union. Because there are no outside investors, profits are returned to members in the form of lower
loan rates, higher savings dividends and many free
and low-fee services. Our members are local people, which means funds stay local and are put to
use in our community in the
form of home, vehicle, construction, commercial property, and personal loans.
Today SESLOC employs over 115 people. Our
employees work to provide outstanding service to
members and they actively participate in local
communities, supporting SESLOC’s commitment to
youth, education, and affordable housing in San Luis
Obispo County.
SESLOC offers a wide range of loan and deposit
accounts, including home and construction loans,
commercial property loans, and vehicle, credit card
and personal loans. Members enjoy generous dividends on deposit accounts, including share savings
certificates (CDs), IRAs, and summer savings programs for educators, along with estate planning and
investment services.
SESLOC began as the vision of two local educators
– Robert Byrd and Charles Teach. Today it is a wellknown and highly respected name in our County.
We are proud to have been
voted “Best Financial Institution” seven years in a row in
the New Times Reader’s Poll.
We’re committed to providing
sound financial services and
education.
Longest
Established
Credit unions are not-forprofit, so you won’t find
branches on every corner.
However, in the cooperative
spirit, credit unions nationwide have joined together to
establish an extensive no-surcharge ATM network which
allows members to conveniently deposit and withdraw
funds. Members can access their SESLOC accounts
through 50 local ATMs, including 8 in Atascadero.
Our ATM network provides nearly 30,00 ATMs nationwide and in 10 foreign countries.
Credit Union
on the Central
Coast..
SESLOC branches are located at: 8380 El Camino Real,
Atascadero. 1245 Spring Street,
Paso Robles 3807. Broad Street,
San Luis Obispo. And 1399
Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande
The ATM nearest you can be
found using the CO-OP ATM locator on our
website at www.sesloc.org. Accounts are insured to
$250,000 by the NCUA. We are an Equal Housing
Lender.
From a 1940s desk-drawer operation run by volunteers, SESLOC has grown from its original 32 members to over 37,000 members– people who qualified
for membership because they live, work, worship,
or attend school in San Luis Obispo County, or are
part of a member’s immediate family.
For more information on becoming a Chairman
Circle business conatact Linda Hendy at the
Atascadero Chamber of Commerce
Spotlight
Spotlight
The Tribune
Dealsaver Continues Generating Sales
for Local Businesses
N
ow in its fourth year, The Tribune’s Dealsaver program continues to be one of the best
ways for local businesses to generate walk-in
traffic and create new customers without any cash
outlay.
“Businesses are surprised when they find out that
the Dealsaver program doesn’t require extra marketing dollars. The program is based on a revenue share
model. The merchants split the revenue of what
their deal generates.” said Sergio Holguin, manager
of online & marketing at The Tribune.
Here’s how the program works:
- People sign up to receive a daily Dealsaver email
offering discounted goods and services from merchants in San Luis Obispo County.
The deal is only available for purchase through
Dealsaver and is only available for a limited time.
After purchasing the deal, Dealsaver customers
print out a deal certificate and take it in to the merchant to redeem.
Once the deal ends, the merchant receives
payment for their share of the sales. Dealsaver provides tremendous promotional value for the merchants in the program. With everything from email
marketing, online advertising and newspaper ads,
Dealsaver reaches more than 125,000 people on a
daily basis.
LABOR LAW
Makeup Time:
Corner
Sometimes OK for Employees...
By:Gary Hermann HR Advisor
Is makeup time available to employees working an
alternative workweek? Yes, in some instances.
- Section 513 of the California Labor Code spells out
n the criteria for makeup time: “If an employer aph proves a written request of an employee to make up
o work time that is or would be lost as a result of a
personal obligation of the employee, the hours of
- that makeup work time , if performed in the same
s workweek in which the work time was lost, may not
n be counted towards computing the total number of
,
hours worked in a day” for overtime computation.
Overtime Pay
It should be noted that the section does require
the payment of overtime for hours in excess of 11
in one day and 40 in the workweek. Of course,
the 11-hour daily limit would prevent the use of
makeup time in a health care industry 12-hour day
alternative workweek.
Thus, while the section does not prohibit the use of
makeup time for employees working an alternative
workweek, the usage is far more limited than for
employees not working an alternative workweek.
For instance, an employee on a four 10-hour day
alternative workweek, who needed to take five
hours off one day, would have only one hour each
of the next three days to make up that time without
an overtime liability.
“The promotional value of our Dealsaver program
adds up to more than $21,370 per month, a figure
most small businesses would find difficult to spend
on advertising. This program makes a multi-platform marketing program possible for them; that’s
the beauty of it,” said Terrie Banish, VP of Advertising for The Tribune.
In addition, people who have purchased Dealsaver
deals, tend to spend more than the value of their
voucher. According to a survey of Dealsaver users,
73% have spent more than the value of their voucher, a figure confirmed by most of our Dealsaver merchants. We have several special deals coming up for
categories like Halloween, Dining, Golf, Spas, and
“12 Days of Deals!”
If your business would like to find out more about
Dealsaver, contact Terrie Banish, VP of Advertising
with The Tribune and SanLuisObispo.com, at:
1-805-781-7841.
Wage Order Flexibility
Better flexibility is provided in Section (B) (1) of
the Industrial Welfare Commission orders dealing
with alternative workweeks. That section provides
that nothing shall prohibit an employer , at the request of an employee, to substitute one day of work
for another day of the same length on an occasional
basis to meet the personal needs of the employee
without the payment of overtime.
If an employee on a four 10—hour day alternative
workweek misses a day, he/she can request to work
another 10-hour day, outside the schedule as a substitution, without any overtime liability.
The last paragraph in Labor Code Section 513 does
prohibit employers from encouraging or otherwise
soliciting employees to request makeup time to
avoid the payment of overtime. It should also be
noted, however, that an employer is not required to
allow either makeup time or substitute days.
3
Members Are Our Business
NOVEMBER
AFTER HOURS
RIBB ON CUT TINGS!
MIXER
Hosted by: Heritage Oaks
Brand new Chamber member, Tori Brown, Owner of Bottom Line Bookkeeping along with Sherry Degner, Chamber Board members, Ambassadors and staff celebrate the
opening of her new location in Adobe Plaza!
Amdal In Home Care-
Susie Blackwell, Andrew Jackson as well as other staff
members along with City Council Member Heather
Moreno, Chamber Board members and Staff and friends
of Amdal join in on the ribbon cutting celebration of
their new location.
Please plan to stop by the Business Mixer on
November 20. We look forward to seeing you at
Heritage Oaks Bank!
November 20, 2014
P
Bottom Line Bookkeeping -
Whether you’re expanding your business or starting
a business, we have the financing that’s right for you.
From term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing and commercial real estate loans to agribusiness financing and SBA loans, decisions are made
locally by responsive community bankers who
provide regional market expertise with the personal service your business expects and deserves.
lease join the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce for the “After Hours” Business Mixer
on Thursday, November 20 from 5:30 to 7:00
pm. You are invited to share your holiday spirit
with friendly Chamber members and guests, and
enjoy good food, a glass of wine and the chance to
win great prizes. Heritage Oaks Bank is hosting
the holiday-themed mixer at 7480 El Camino Real.
Heritage Oaks Bank has grown to have a larger
presence in our community. Earlier this year, Heritage Oaks Bank and Mission Community Bank
joined forces and merged to form an even stronger community bank. As the leading community
bank headquartered on California’s Central Coast,
with offices from Atascadero, Templeton and Paso
Robles to Oxnard, we’ve put local deposits to work
making loans to local businesses, professionals, individuals and nonprofit organizations since opening our doors in 1983.
Heritage Oaks Bank has money to lend to local
businesses. As a locally-managed independent
bank, our goal is to provide you with timely decisions, convenient services that fit your specific
needs, flexible financing solutions and responsive
service.
Spotlight on
Non-Profit
Must!Charities-
Becky Gray, Executive Director of must! Charities
holds the scissors in preparation of their ribbon cutting.
Joined by their board members, Food Bank representatives, Chamber Board Members and Chamber staff.
West Coast Auto & Towing -
Ryan Amborn, owner of West Coast Auto and Towing
cuts the ribbon in celebration of the grand opening of his
new location. He is joined by family, friends, employees,
loyal customers and vendors, Chamber Board members
and Chamber staff to help him celebrate.
Meet The Wellness Kitchen
By: Millie Drum
Since 2010, The Wellness Kitchen and Resource
Center has provided nutritious food programs,
weekday lunch service, classes, group support
resources and is recognized by the medical community as a tremendous asset to their patients and
the public at large. There is no other nonprofit
organization in SLO County that offers the services
and programs that integrates whole food nutritional counseling and education and nourishing meals
prepared for individuals who seek optimal health
and those facing cancer and acute illness; specifically diabetes, food allergies, digestive and heart
health issues.
Along with Wellness Foods, the Healing Foods
program provides nourishing meals to those facing
a health crisis (particularly cancer) without the
financial means to purchase or prepare food and
who may lack the support of family or caregivers.
Colony Days
Hertz Car Rental-
Next door to West Coast Auto and Towing,
Ryan Amborn cuts another ribbon for the grand opening
of Hertz Car Rental Agency. He is joined again by family,
friends, employees, Chamber Board members and
Chamber staff to help him celebrate.
Power Start Graduates~
October’s Power Start Graduates include from left Valarie
Wansak with Wilkins Action Graphics, Kevin Rice with
Forver DJ Events, Kat Breig with The Wellness Kitchen,
Berni Hiser with Coastal Community Builders, Kim Croft
with Peabody and Plum, Derek Stoltzfus and Keith Rima
with The Laundromat by Swish & Swirl, Susan Bumbaca with Safeguard Print and Promo, Marie Roth with
Helping Hand Health Education and Emily Armet with
Avalon Real Estate.
Join Us for the Next Power-Start
Meeting, on November 19th!
Make your reservation today
by contacting Kim at: 466-2044.
4
The food is comforting and easily digested for individuals going through chemotherapy or any type
of recovery. This program is funded through grants
and the “Pay It Forward” program that encourages
those who can afford to donate money to help those
in need, expressing the message that “You’re not
alone.”
Founder, Executive Director and Therapeutic Chef
Nancy Walker personally inspires the patrons, staff
and volunteers to be advocates for a healthy eating
lifestyle. She states, “It is my intention to help
everyone discover that good health is enhanced
by the best nutrition, educational resources and
the love shared by all in the supportive, healing
atmosphere of The Wellness Kitchen.” Visit “The
Kitchen” at 1255 Las Tablas Road in Templeton.
Call 434-1800. Click www.TheWKRC.org for complete information on programs, services, classes
and events.
Mixer Pics!
The 2014 Colony Days Committee worked hard to
make sure that this year’s celebration was
a great success. Thank you
for all your hard
work!
Kent Kinney and
Gail Kudlac Present Royalty Henry
Barba and Alice
O’Dell as the 2014
King and Queen of
Colony Days.
Gail Kudlac of the Colony Days
Committee presents Charles “CAP”
Capper with the plaque and recognizes
him as the 2014 Grand Marshal of the
Colony Days Parade.
The Business Reporter
Networking Opportunities
OCTOBER WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Wrap-Up
November Women In Business
Luncheon
Empowering
Empowering Yourself to Survive
the Unthinkable
You’re More Capable Than Your Think
G
uest Speaker, Rob Jones is a 1st Degree Black
Belt in Tang Soo Do with a 16 years background in Law enforcement and the owner
of Surf ’s Up Driving & Traffic School.
You don’t want to miss this important Women in
Business Meeting and learn Self Defense Techniques. It’s about knowing how to self-protect, not
self-defend! What is your most powerful weapon? It
may not be what you think it is.
Be confident after learning these techniques that
you will have the skills you need!
This event will sell out so get your reservations early.
YOURSELF TO SURVIVE
THE UNTHINKABLE
YOU’RE MORE CAPABLE THAN YOU THINK
Center: Marguerite Pulley, Chair of Atascadero Women
in Business with Guest Speakers from Cuesta College. Left
-Shannon Hill, Executive Director, Foundation/Advancement Right -Sandee McLaughlin, Vice President of Student
Services
Rob Jones
Owner/Operator
Surf’s up Driving & Traffic School
16 years in Law Enforcement
1st Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do
Self Defense Techniques-
Guest Speakers Sandee McLaughlin, Vice President of Student Services and Shannon Hill, Executive Director, Foundation/Advancement enlightened the attendees with interesting facts and
information about the many opportunities that
Interested in Attending Women in Business?
Cuesta College offers to our community. One
You can register online at:
very exciting opportunity is “The Cuesta
www.atascaderochamber.org or call Joyce at:
Promise.” A scholarship for every new SLO coun466-2044.
ty high school graduate, paying all student fees for
$20 for Members, $25 for Non-Members
a Full Year! The Promise Scholarship application
Reservations, Payment or Cancellations required by for the 2015/16 school year will be available beginning January 1, 2015.
noon the Tuesday prior to the Friday luncheon.
Thank you Sandee & Shannon for brining all this
important information to Atascadero and being
AMBASSADOR
our Women in Business Guest Speaker.
Mark Your Calendar:
Friday, November 14, 2014, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave. Atascadero
It’s not about being physically bigger, faster or stronger...
it’s about knowing how to self-protect, not self-defend!
What is your most powerful weapon?
It may not be what you think it is!
November 14, 2014
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Pavilion on the Lake
Contact Joyce at: 805.466.2044
or visit: online
www.AtascaderoChamber.org
Register
at: www.atascaderochamber.org
Shout-Out!
Jeannie Malik
Greg Malik Real Estate Group
Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 466-2540
www.GregMalik.com
North County Tax &
Accounting
5905 Capistrano Ave, Ste A,
Atascadero
(805) 466-7121
Katrina Pobst, Heart 4 Health Massage & Wellness, Plexus
Worldwide Products. Katrina was our Business Spotlight
Speaker and provided great information on October Breast
Awareness Month.
AMBASSADOR OF THE
Greg Malik has been selling homes in North County
since 1980. He established Greg Malik Real Estate in
2004 with a dynamite team offering stellar service
and a smart seller program with flexible commissions! If you want to sell your home fast and for top
dollar, call Greg Malik Real Estate!
How long have you been attending WIB?
I’ve been an active member since 2007 and have
served on the WIB Committee since 2013.
Why do you love Women in Business?
I enjoy the networking, vast variety of informative
guest speakers and the treasured friendships formed
over the years through my affiliation .
AMBASSADOR OF THE
2nd Quarter
R
Members- $20
Non-members- $25
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Robert Borish
Trevor LaSalle, Owner Guest House Grill presents gift
certificate to Drew Lewis , California Meridian Insurance
Services, Inc (Center) Eric Gobler, Eric J. Gobler Civil
Engineering
(9315 Pismo Ave.)
REGISTER ONLINE!
Spotlight
How long have you been employed?
Forever
How long have you been an Ambassador?
Just over a year
What do you like best about being an Ambassador?
I enjoy the comradery of working with the other
ambassadors and Chamber folks. As ambassadors,
we reach out to Chamber members to make sure
they are receiving Chamber communications and to
also receive feedback; so this is a great opportunity
to meet new business owners and keep abreast of
happenings in Atascadero.
PLAN TO ATTEND:
3rd Quarter
Eric Gobler, Eric J. Gobler Civil Engineering
Ambassador Greg Modica, Modica Financial & Tax, Inc.
Joe Modica, Jr., CFP E.A., Modica Financial & Tax Inc.
Linda Modica, Modica Financial & Tax Inc
Bobby Lynch, Manager, Que Pasa Mexican Cafe presents
gift certificate to Greg Modica, Modica Financial & Tax,
Inc. (Center)Eric Gobler, Eric J. Gobler Civil Engineering
The Chamber Speaks
To The Girl Scouts!
ecently the Chamber was asked to send a
representative to a local Girl Scout Troop
meeting to explain what the Chamber does
and how it helps local businesses. This troop consists of local 4th grade girls who are working on
their “Business Owner Badge”. When Kim Austin
visited she asked, “What do you think the Chamber does?” Some of the responses were:
1) You tell them (the businesses) where to pay bills,
2) You come up with ideas to help businesses sell
more things,
3) If they are bad, you throw them in the Chamber.
G
et those ugly sweaters out, dust off those
silly reindeer outfits -McGaughey
family! Next month is December...and
that means.... time to “Get Your Ugly On!” for
the NCYP Ugly Sweater Mixer! On December
5th, from 5:30 -7:30pm at trendy, new Bristols
Cider House in Atascadero! There will be tons
of fun to be had, Coats to give away ( NCYP
will have a Coats 4 Kids box outside to drop
it all off in!) and yummy ciders to drink! For
more detais and information, remember to
visit us online at: www.facebook.com/joinncyp
or on the Chamber’s website at: www.Atascaderochamber.org.
5
“Wow! Wow! Wow! ”
Building Business
Renewing Members
Aaron Corob Insurance
A-Jay Excavating, Inc.
Atascadero Colony Days Committee
Atascadero Cooperative Preschool
Atascadero Masonic Lodge
Bordeaux House Apartments
Boy Scouts of America
Chalk Mountain Liquor & Deli
Coastal Communities Physician Network
Coastal Copy
Information Press
Joebella Coffee Roasters
Michael Frederick Paving Corporation
Mira Vista Apartments
Modica Financial & Tax, Inc.
North County Christian School
Pacific Coast Travel
Paso Robles Chevrolet
Paso Robles Children’s Museum
110% Club
Atascadero Grocery Outlet
Dan Phillips Insurance Agency
Five Star Rain Gutter, Inc.
Greg Malik Real Estate Group
JJB Auto Glass
Paso Robles Safe & Lock, Inc.
Patterson, James, 5th District
Pear Valley Vineyard and Winery
Portola Inn / Portola Event Planning
Pure Pediatric Dentistry
Rancho Tee Motel
RE/MAX Parkside Real Estate
Sacred Spark Hot Yoga
SESLOC Federal Credit Union
Smart & Final Extra #392
Spinnaker Financial
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
The UPS Store
The Oaks Apartments
The Timbersmith, Inc.
Well Seen Sign Company
Western Janitor Supply, Inc.
Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards
Wysong Construction
Did You Know...
Eye-Opening Statistics on Chamber Membership:
“When Consumers know that a small business is a
member of the Chamber of Commerce,
they are 44% more likely to think of it favorably and
63% more likely to purchase goods and
services from the company in the future.”
~Study conducted by the Shapiro Group
Sign-up Online Today..
and.. Welcome to the Family!
B
ecome A
member
TO T
U
O
K Y GREA !
N
A
RS
TH F OUR
E
B
EM
O
ALL MBER M
CHA
6
Look At All These New
Members!!!
Parents Helping Parents/ Parents for Joy
Sharlene Agrusa & Janell Allen
Real Estate Central Coast
Loc: 3620 Sacramento Dr. Ste 201, SLO
Terry Pippin, Broker
Phone:
(805) 549-8148
Loc:
7375A El Camino Real, Atascadero Email:
parentsforjoy@yahoo.com
Phone:
(805) 459-7363
Web:
www.phpslo.org
Email:
terrypippin87@gmail.com
Web:
www.yourcentralcoasthome.com
The Salvation Army
Sharon West
Tolosa Press
Loc:
5411 El Camino Real, Atasc.
Dana McGraw
Phone:
(805) 466-7201
Loc:
615 Clarion Ct. # 2, SLO
Phone:
(805)543-6397
Powder Coating USA, Inc
Email:
dana@tolosapress.com
Lanette Wright
Web:
www.tolosapress.com
Loc:
440 Sherwood Rd. Paso Robles
Phone:
(805) 237-8886
Digital POP Marketing
Email:
info@powdercoatingusa.com
Curtis Ashcraft
Web:
www.powdercoatingusa.com
Loc:
Serving SLO County
Phone:
(805) 439-0396
Safeguard Print & Promo
Email:
curtis@digitalpopmarketing.com
Susan Bumbaca
Web:
www.digitalpopmarketing.com
Loc:
7840 Morro Rd., Suite 100A
Phone:
(805) 461-0992
North County Foot Health Center
Email:
rbrown@gosafeguard.com
G.S. Buz Hamblin, D.P.M.
www.safegueardprintandpromo.espwebsite.
Loc:
8290 Morro Rd, Atascadero
com
Phone:
(805) 466-6111
2 Tropical Gals Risk Management
Cherent Ranch Studio
Consulting, MeShawn & Rose Hunt
Brent Keast
Loc:
Serving SLO County
Loc:
Atascadero
Phone:
(805) 423-2246
Phone: (805) 460-0495
Email:
2tropicalgals@gmail.com
Email: bkeast1@earthlink.net
Web:
www.2tropicalgals.com
FaceBook –Cherent Ranch Studio
Web:
Karla Murray, Independent Sales Director
Avalon Real Estate
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Emily Armet
Loc:
Serving SLO County
Loc:
8740 Atascadero Ave, Atascadero
Phone:
(805) 238-9107
Phone:
(805) 748-8780
Email:
karlamurray@att.net
Email:
emily@avalon-re.com
Web:
www.marykay.com/kmurray6
Web:
www.avalon-re.com
Templeton Chiropractic & Bodywork
Lisa Burger Tech Coach
Dr. Jennifer Olthafer
Lisa Burger
Loc:
65 S. Main Street, Templeton
Serving SLO County
Loc:
Phone:
(805) 434-2500
Phone:
(805) 296-1757
Email:
mbchiro@gmail.com
Email:
hello@lisaburger.com
www.templetonchiroandbodywork.com
Web:
www.lisaburger.com
Heart & Soles Day Spa
Olive Tree Fine Arts
Linda Jackson
Denise Schryver
Loc: 5405 El Camino Real, Atascadero
5850 Traffic Way, Atascadero
Loc:
Phone: (805)461-5953
Phone:
(805) 440-4579
Email:heartandsolesdayspa@hotmail.com
Email:
flyer@onemain.com
Web:heartandsolesdayspa.com
Web:
www.olivetreefinearts.com
The MCSC Women’s Business Center
Hertz Car Rental
Chuck Jehle
Ryan Amborn
Loc: 71 Zaca Lane #130, SLO
Loc:
9195 El Camino Real, Atascadero Phone:
(805) 595-1357
Phone:
(805) 462-8333
Email:
chuckj@mcscorp.org
Email:ryan@westcoastautoandtowing.com
Web:
http://www.mcscorp.org
Web:
www.hertz.com
The ARTery
Canine Tutors
Bobbie Nunez & Bill Arkfield
Ashley Starling
Loc: 5890 Traffic Way Atascadero
Loc:
Serving SLO County
Phone:
(805) 464-0533
Phone:
(805) 400-8309
Email:
the1artery@gmail.com
Email:
ashley@caninetutors.com
Web:
www.theartery.info
Web:
www.caninetutors.com
Rodan & Fields Dermatologist
Vino Vice
Anna Ferree
Geoff Auslen
(805)391-3215
Phone:
Loc:
Serving SLO County
Email:
annaferee.randf@gmail.com
(805) 400-5977
Phone:
Web:
AnnaFerree.MyRandF.com
Email:
events@vinovice.com
Web:
www.vinovice.com
The Business Reporter
Voice of Business
News From The
City
From The Office
of Supervisor
Debbie Arnold
Rachelle Rickard
By City Manager
Del Rio Road/Highway 101
Interchange Project
B
eyond the history, the beautiful scenery, the
climate and all of the other things that make
Atascadero a unique and wonderful place to
live, the best thing about this community are the people who live here and their deep and abiding love for
Atascadero. There are few topics of discussion that stir
up more passion in the community than the proposed
Walmart/Annex project and the associated Del Rio
Road/Highway 101 Interchange Improvement Project. Recently, there have been a number of articles,
editorials and Facebook posts about these projects
that very clearly demonstrate that passion. I hope
to be able to provide some clarifying information regarding the fees for the Walmart/Annex Project, how
those fees compare to other businesses and what potential solutions are moving forward.
In 2008 a group of citizens proposed an Ordinance
which would limit the size of commercial buildings
in Atascadero. A ballot measure was placed on the
November 2008 ballot which asked the voting public if they agreed with limiting the size of commercial
buildings. 68% of Atascadero’s voting citizens voted
No on this Measure. This was a clear message to the
Council that the community was in favor of a big box
store. As part of the Environmental Impact report
(EIR) review of the proposed Walmart and Annex
projects, a traffic analysis determined that the Del
Rio/Highway 101 Freeway Interchange (Interchange)
should be improved in order to accommodate the
expected traffic from both of the projects. The EIR
analysis also showed that the current Interchange
configuration could accommodate the Walmart portion of the project while maintaining the City service
level standards, but improvements would be needed if
both Walmart and the Annex were built.
In addition, due to the two-lane constraint at the freeway overcrossing, the 2008 “Interchange Operational Improvement Study” completed by W-Trans and
reviewed by Caltrans recommended roundabouts
as the preferred option for the Interchange. In 2009,
W-Trans recommended that $3.75 million be used as
a “very preliminary planning-level discussion” number for the roundabout project costs. Based on multiple costs estimates, a “fair share” cost model was prepared for the City by Resource Cost Specialist. The
model used $4.5 million to calculate the fair share
cost of the Interchange Improvement Project. It was
determined that traffic generated by the Walmart/Annex Project would generate 53% of the freeway interchange traffic. Because businesses want cost certainty
when determining where to locate their business, it is
common to charge a fixed dollar amount rather than
an unknown future amount.
City staff prepared the conditions of approval to require Walmart/Annex to pay their fair share (53%) of
the estimated interchange improvement costs based
on that $4.5 million model, with a small provision for
cost overruns (up to a maximum of $200,000 each).
This “Special Del Rio Interchange Traffic Impact Fee
(TIF)” will be paid in addition to the City’s Standard
Traffic Impact Fees charged to other businesses that
want to build in town. In addition, a number of other
street improvements are required to be constructed
by Walmart/Annex.
A standard business building in Atascadero, such
as the new Springhill Marriott Building, will pay
$9.37 per square foot in Traffic Impact Fees. In total Walmart/Annex will pay $20.66 per square foot in
Traffic Impact Fees. In comparison, Target paid the
City of San Luis Obispo $18.80 per square foot in TIF,
for the more expensive Los Osos Valley Road interchange Project.
The City of Atascadero is charging the Walmart project more TIF per project square foot than the City
of San Luis Obispo charged Target. In fact, Walmart
is paying more per square foot in TIF in Atascadero than any other big box store in San Luis Obispo
County has paid, which includes Target and Costco in
San Luis Obispo, Walmart and Target in Paso Robles,
and Walmart in Arroyo Grande.
Overall, it is expected that Walmart and the Annex
will pay $5.3 million in TIF. In addition to the TIF,
the projects will also be responsible for constructing
a third roundabout at El Camino Real(ECR)/Del Rio
Road, installing a new signal light at ECR and San Anselmo Road, improving a half-mile of ECR as a 4-lane
arterial, improving 1,000 feet of Del Rio Road, and
installing amenities such as an enhanced transit stop,
Class II bike lanes, street landscaping and sidewalks.
The City is responsible for building the improvements to the Interchange as funding becomes available. Walmart may move forward with or without
the interchange improvements, the Annex, however,
may not open until the interchange improvements are
complete.
In anticipation of the oftentimes lengthy Caltrans process for a freeway interchange improvement project,
5th District Supervisor
Atascadero’s City Council approved a contract with
Wallace Group in 2012 to provide initial engineering for the Interchange Project.
While it is still very early in the process, Wallace
Group is now preparing to complete and submit the
first phase of the Interchange Project to Caltrans. In
preparation of the Caltrans submittal, Wallace has
prepared an updated cost estimate for the Interchange Project based on a much greater level of detail and using Caltrans cost models. The current cost
projections for construction of two roundabouts is
about $9 million dollars, and the design, permitting,
inspection, environmental document preparation,
materials testing and other soft costs could add $3
million to the cost of the Interchange Project.
We can all agree that the new approximate $12 million figure represents a significant increase from the
initial rough estimates made back in 2008-2009,
and we all want to know why it happened. There
are several important factors that played into the
early estimates being much lower than current estimates, which include a Caltrans bridge widening
requirement for a wider sidewalk that meets current
ADA requirements, a significant increase in filling
and retaining walls in order to meet the Caltrans
cross-slope requirements, a significant increase in
right-of-way costs due to requirements for the Ramona Road realignment, and underestimates of the
total soft costs. Could some of the costs been anticipated? It’s possible. Other increases could only be
found through the engineering, design and Caltrans
process that have occurred over the last eighteen
months.
While it is easy for all of us to look back and say
what should have been done, it is important that we
look forward to figure out what we will do. I, too,
wish that the Del Rio Interchange Project would
cost $4.5 million and that the City could use the TIF
that Walmart/Annex are paying to build 100% of the
Interchange Project with funds left over to improve
traffic at other unrelated places within the City. The
reality is that if the City chooses to build the Interchange, the City will have to use the entire $5.3
million in TIF to pay for the Del Rio Interchange
Project. The City will also have to look for ways to
bring the cost of the project down and look for grant
opportunities. Remember, these are very preliminary cost estimates and they will continue to be refined and opportunities for savings will be explored.
The very obvious potential opportunity for savings
is the need for soil. The Walmart/Annex project will
require removal of a large amount of soil. The Interchange Project will need soil. Excess soil excavated
from the Walmart/Annex site may be available to be
used to build the Interchange Project embankments
which could result in cost savings of almost $1 million on the Interchange Project.
The City is also optimistic about the potential of
receiving funding assistance for the Interchange
Project from SLOCOG as part of their 2015 funding
cycle. While SLOCOG funding is not guaranteed at
this time, we believe that the combination of project
timing, funding match potential, sustainable communities priorities, climate action plan goals and
regional needs is an ideal situation for the City to be
competitive for SLOCOG grant funding. The City
is not asking for a handout or bailout as has been
implied, but instead is asking for the same consideration that SLOCOG has given to other important
interchange projects in the County such as the soon
to be constructed Los Osos Valley Road Interchange
Project in SLO ($32 million project. 50% SLOCOG
Funded) the Brisco Road Interchange Project in Arroyo Grande ($14.4 million project. 45% SLOCOG
Funded) and the 101/46East Interchange Project in
Paso Robles ($15.5 million project. 60% SLOCOG
Funded).
While we all have a case of sticker shock, the City
has time. The current estimate is still a preliminary
estimate and per the Wallace Group is very conservative. The Caltrans process is a lengthy process that
we have only just begun. The Interchange Project is
not expected to be approved by Caltrans for another
two years and there is a lot of public process between
now and when a contract might be awarded for construction of the Interchange Project.
From the Office of Supervisor
Debbie Arnold
5th District Supervisor:
I
want to congratulate the Atascadero Chamber
of Commerce for initiating the Business Walk
held in Atascadero last month. The results of
the surveys were presented this past week, and the
information is invaluable for truly understanding
the needs of businesses in Atascadero. What a
great way to reach out to the business community
as a whole.
While the surveys revealed that many Atascadero businesses struggle with homeless issues, I am
happy to report that the County of San Luis Obispo
is working aggressively to provide services that
will help our homeless population find alternatives
to living on the streets. As chair of the County’s
Homeless Services Oversight Council I have been
pleased to see our county receive grants to be able
to fund housing for many of our homeless at market rate. The challenge is always finding available
rental units. There is an effort underway now by
the County Department of Social Services (DSS)
to identify suitable rental units. Any interested
property owners with rental units are welcome to
call Laurel at the DSS for information on how you
can help (805)781-1878.
People often ask me what motivated me to run for
public office. I often respond by saying in part it
was to strengthen the voice of the private sector
businesses who have been struggling with increased
regulatory burdens, and the cost to comply. I know
from my experience with working in County and
State government that it is very difficult to reverse
decisions made by prior governing bodies, so new
legislation would be well vetted.
Government efficiency becomes more difficult with
time as more laws are passed each year and interpretation of those laws become more complex. I
am happy to report that the County took a positive
step towards government efficiency this week when
it made a decision to break a large County department into smaller separate departments. These
departments had been combined years ago to save
money.
The conclusion after several years was that the cost
savings was minimal and the Board of Supervisors
voted unanimously to break the General Services
Department back into four separate departments
in order to provide better service for the same cost.
The change will result in the following independent
departments: General Services, Parks & Recreation,
Airport, and Information Technology.
I look forward to these changes that will result in
enhancing customer service for our citizens.
It is an honor to represent the 5th District.
Supervisor Debbie Arnold
Some opportunities have already been identified to
reduce costs, and we will continue to look for more
as we go through the process. The community voted
in 2008 to support commercial development and developers are willing to invest in our community. The
last piece of the puzzle is to get the infrastructure in
place to support the demand. Working together, we
can and will find the solutions that are right for our
community.
For comments or questions, please contact me at
Atascadero City Hall at 470-3400 or visit:
www.atascadero.org.
7
The Business Reporter!
NOVEMBER 2014
@AtownChamber
/atascaderochamberofcommerce
www.AtascaderoChamber.org
EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA!
READ ALL ABOUT IT...
Armed Forces day at the Charles Paddock Zoo in
Atascadero November 5th!!
Santa’s Coming to Town!!
Parents for Joy Vendor Fair November
8th. 9 am -3 pm at the Colony Park
Community Center. For more
information contact Jen at:
(805) 591-9602
here!
Santa Claus is coming to
Bloom N Grow!
Dec 6th from 11-1.
There will be candy canes and pictures to commemorate this special
event!
The City of Atascadero and the Charles Paddock Zoo are
very pleased and proud to
announce the arrival of two
new Red Panda cubs at the
Zoo! The new panda babies will stay at the Charles
Paddock Zoo for approximately a year and then will
be assigned to other zoos in
order to continue the ongoing Red Panda breeding program which is designed to save this unique species from
extinction.
Holiday Craft Boutique at the Pavilion on the Lake – Saturday November 15th 10:00 am to 3:00pm Admission is
free. Call (805) 470-3178
777 Auction!
777 Auction Company – General
Auction
Preview - Saturday November
22nd, Auction November 23rd.
The Mid-State Cruizers of
Atascadero 25th Annual Car Show!
The Mid-State Cruizers
of Atascadero presented a total of $6,000.00 to
ten North County chariStudio 101 West
Marketing & Design Wins Big for awards from ties following a successful
25th year of their annual
Graphic Design USA (GDUSA)
Car Show. Representatives
Winner of the GDUSA 2014 American Graphic Design
from North County Humane Society, Loaves and Fishes,
Award for Central Coast
CASA, Atascadero Library, Escuela Del Rio, AtascadeWedding Professionals
ro High School Auto Shop, Boxes for Soldiers and SLO
Branding and Logo
Railroad Museum accepted checks for $600.00 each. Not
Winner of the GDUSA
pictured were ECHO and Coats, Books and Toys for Chil2014 American Graphic
dren.
Design Award for ROOST Logo
Winner of the GDUSA 2014 American Package Design
Dudleya Studio is offering Fall
Award for BasiX and BabyBasiX Packaging
Adults and
Kids Art Classes
The Kiwanis Club of Atascadero and Chalk
Mountain Golf Course
Contact Lauren to register 610-2489
or email her at: lauren@dudleyastudio.com
The Kiwanis Club of Atascadero and
Chalk Mountain Golf Course are excited
Twin Cities Community Hospital
to invite you to participate in the InauguThe Intensive Care Unit
ral “Joe D” DiDomenico Memorial Golf
(ICU) and Definitive
Tournament, a Benefit event for Atascadero Loaves and
Observation Unit have
Fishes, Saturday November 8th, 2014.
received the silver-level
Beacon Award for Excel2014 Central Coast Economic Forecast
lence from The American
November 7th at the Alex Madonna Expo Center.
Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) on SeptemBreakfast begins at 7:30 with the program
ber 7, 2014. Twin Cities Community Hospital has also
from 8:30 – 11:30.
been recognized for its exceptional performance in delivering care to heart failure patients with a Get With The
“A Taste of Wellness” Woman’s
Guidelines®–Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality AchieveRetreat
ment Award.
will be presented by The Wellness
Kitchen and Resource Center NoAtascadero Community Band’s Fall Concert
vember 7th -9th. For More informaAt the Atascadero Bible Church Nov. 2nd. Admission
tion and to register, call (805) 434-1800 or email info@
is free, any donations are welcome as proceeds are
TheWKRC.org. To view site accommodations, visit :
designated to benefit Coats for Kids.
www.DancingDeer.org
Call: (805) 239-4644.
Let’s Go To...
Tuscany!
DepartingMarch 24, 2015
For more information on Tuscany email Linda Hendy at:
Linda@atascaderochamber.org
NOVEMBER
2014
Notes:
City Council
Mtg.- 25th
@6pm
2
9
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Exe. Mtg.
3 Ambassadors
4
10
Comm Mtg12pm
11
Member
Benefits 11am
5
12
17
18
WIB Comm.
Mtg- 12:00
23
30
24
1
7
8
13
14
15
Board Retreat
WIB Luncheon
19
Power Start!
25
SATURDAY
6
Veteran’s Day!
16
FRIDAY
Planning
Comm.-4th &
18th @7pm
NCYP
Comm. Mtg
1:30pm
Corner
Parents for Joy Vendor Fair
Holiday Craft Boutique
Red Pandas at the Zoo...
SUNDAY
The Greyhound
26
20
21
22
State and Federal School Testing: STAR to SBLAC
As changes continue with State and Federal testing,
policy makers are also determining what components to include when comparing schools across
the state and nation. The transition away from
STAR testing to SBAC testing occurs this year, but
at the high school level, only students in the 11th
grade will participate in the SBAC assessments. To
help counterbalance the fact that only one grade
level will be tested, policy makers are considering
using other common data points between high
schools. Those being considered are graduation
rates, passage of the California High School Exit
Exam (CAHSEE), number of students taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes/tests, the attendance
rates, graduation rates, and students completing
the series of courses required for college entrance
(A-G completion). While we are awaiting the final
determination of the items to be reviewed and the
weight being given to each area, Atascadero High
School continues to shine in these outside assessments.
Of the continuing assessments, AP tests are common world-wide and the CAHSEE is common
across the state. For sophomores taking the CAHSEE for the first time, AHS has had a combined
passage rate of 90% or better for the past 4 years
with English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Since the inception of the test in 2008, our total
passage rate is over 99.9% with only two students
not passing the test during their testing window.
We are consistently higher than the state and
county average, and have had the highest passing
rate in the county on multiple occasions. With our
AP programs, we have a high number of students
taking AP classes, tests and passing the tests with a
3, 4, or 5. When this happens students can receive
college credit for the courses they took. Last year,
we had 340 students take 565 AP classes. Of the
340 students taking an AP class, 184 students took
a total of 303 AP tests for the courses they were in.
Altogether, 178 tests were passed, giving students
the ability to receive college credits for their class
and test passage.
Common to all high schools are their attendance
rates, graduation rates and percentage of students
completing A-G requirements. Again AHS shines
with results much higher than the state averages
and higher than our county average. Our attendance rate and graduation rate are 94.36% and
96.4%, well above the state averages in these areas
which are in the mid to low 80s. Not only are
Greyhounds coming to school and graduating, but
almost 50% of them are finishing having completed the A-G courses needed to be eligible for
UC entrance. Atascadero’s 48.56% of graduating
seniors is second best in San Luis Obispo County.
Atascadero High School continues to find itself
in the top three of SLO County schools in each of
these areas.
While we wait for the new SBAC testing to go into
effect and play a part in the new accountability
system, we continue to work on these major areas
that may also be included in a high school’s overall
rating. As we move into this new accountability
system, Atascadero High School feels Greyt about
its success so far in these areas and looks to
continue in the Greytness we have built!
November Events & Committee
Dates!
05 Wed Member Benefits Committee Meeting 11:00
03 Mon NCYP Committee Meeting
04 Tue Executive Committee Meeting
04 Tue Ambassadors Committee Meeting 12:00
06 Thu Board of Director’s Retreat
14 Fri WIB Luncheon
17 Mon Women in Business Committee 12:00
20 Thu After Hours Mixer- Heritage Oaks
27 Thu Thanksgiving Chamber Closed!
28 Fri Chamber Closed
29 Sat “Rally” Atascadero to Shop Small
City Council: Nov. 25th
Planning Commission: Sept 4th & 18th
For other community events, remember to
visit the Atascadero Chamber’s website at:
After Hours
Mixer
27
Thanksgiving!
Chamber
Closed
28
Chamber
Closed
29
Shop Small!
WWW
atascaderochamber.org
Get Involved & Join Us Today!