jan08 - Calabasas Chamber of Commerce

MARCH 2009
2009 Calabasas Board of Directors Hit the Jackpot
at Monte Carlo Night & Installation
Doug Ridley presented
the Chairman’s Award
to Elena Yasno of Ticket
to Travel.
2009 Calabasas Chamber Board: (Front row l-r): Michelle Paquette,
Director; Susan Orgen, Vice Chair Finance; Brenda Johnson, Director;
Stephanie Warren, Immediate Past Chair; Barbara McDaniel,
Director; Kimberly Bordonaro, First Vice Chair and Carol Washburn,
President/CEO. (Second row l-r): Jeff Morton, Director; Don Lucove,
Director; Trevis Rucci, Vice Chair Chamber Development; Doug Ridley,
Chairman of the Board; Elena Yasno, Director; Jeff Blum, Director and
Matthew Pime, Director.
Arlene Bernholtz, center, received the Bill Van Gieson
Memorial Award for community service. Pictured with
Arlene are past Chamber chairpersons Stephanie
Warren, Larry Negrin, Jeff Blum and Toni Yamin.
Calabasas Mayor Salutes a Green and Prosperous City at Annual Address
City of Calabasas Mayor Mary Sue Maurer presented The State of
the City Address at the new Calabasas Civic Center. Residents, City
staff and civic leaders including the Calabasas Chamber of
Commerce who hosted the pre-program mixer for the crowd, came
together to hear the Mayor’s speech. The Mayor reflected on the
many successful City accomplishments from the past year. Mayor
Mary Sue Maurer (center) is shown with Carol Washburn from the
Calabasas Chamber of Commerce and surrounded by the City Media
Department, who staged the program in Founders Hall and recorded
the program for viewing on CTV. The evening included a review of
City departmental activities and the Citizen of the Year Award presented to City Planning Commissioner Gary Klein. To view the State
of the City Address, visit: www.cityofcalabasas.com.
The CALABASAS POST is a publication of
the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce,
23564 Calabasas Road, Suite 101
Calabasas, CA 91302
818.222.5680 / Fax 818.222.5690
E-mail: info@calabasaschamber.com
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., M - F
www.calabasaschamber.com
2009 Board Of Directors
Chairman of the Board
Doug Ridley (2006)
Quisenberry, Ridley & Shiffman, LLP,
818.577.8080
First Vice Chair
Kimberly Bordonaro (2006)
ProStyle Image Consultants, 818.468.4670
Vice Chair Finance
Susan Orgen (2004)
SRO Business Solutions and Multi Data
Services, 818.591.2222
Vice Chair Governmental Affairs
Martin Seda (2005)
AXA Advisors, LLC, 818.587.4297
Vice Chair Chamber Development
Trevis Rucci (2008)
Wachovia Securities, LLC, 818.380.3203
Vice Chair Membership
Dave Ribble (2008)
The Company Image, 818.906.9894
Immediate Past Chair
Stephanie Warren (2004)
VICA, 818.817.0545
Jeff Blum (2007)
Wachovia Securities, LLC, 818.735.6908
Brenda Johnson (2006)
Calabasas Pharmacy, 818.223.8656
Rick Lemmo (2008)
Caruso Affiliated, 323.900.8122
Don Lucove, CPA (2008)
Lucove, Say & Company, 818.224.4411
Barbara McDaniel (2005)
Coldwell Banker – Calabasas, 818.540.5376
Jeff Morton (2007)
AmeriFund Lending Group, 818.564.4127
Michelle Paquette (2009)
All Ways Consulting, 310.429.7117
Matthew Pime (2006)
New England Financial, 818.999.2800
Elena Yasno (2008)
Ticket to Travel, 818.222.0252
Chamber Staff
Carol Washburn, President/CEO
Bridget Karl, Marketing Director
Cheryl Frotton, Administrative Assistant
Newsletter Design George Gura
Studio One Design, 818.595.1695
2 • www.calabasaschamber.com
Chairman’s Message
By Doug Ridley,
Quisenberry, Ridley & Shiffman, LLP
a very interesting conversation this week with a
I had
person who was interested in the Chamber but hadn’t
been to an event for a while. We were discussing the Chamber
and talking about comparing the Chamber to other networking groups that people can belong to.
Our Chamber Breakfasts start off with an introduction and
recognition of new visitors and guests. It’s a very warm way to
start a meeting. We then have each person in the room give a thirty second commercial
about their business. This gives everyone a chance to hear about each person’s products
and services. We then do something focused on networking or marketing. Some months
we might do some table top networking where each person talks to their table of ten for
two minutes about what they do. This allows each person to really talk themselves up.
Some months we might have a short presentation on some aspect of networking or marketing. After this part of our breakfast, we spend some time giving testimonials about
other Chamber members that we might have worked with over the last month. “Mr. Soand-so gave me the best service at great prices and really helped me out” OR, “I referred
one of my clients to Ms. Such-and-such and she really made me look good for that referral.” Finally, we close with an opportunity for anyone in the room to ask publically for
any other person’s business card. Hands are raised, and “I could really use the card for
the something-or-other person who spoke earlier.”
Our breakfasts are a GREAT way to find and to give referrals. We are unique in that
our Chamber is focused on giving and receiving referrals and leads DURING the meeting.
Plus, it’s a very fun, welcoming and light-hearted atmosphere. It’s one of the strongest programs we have, and Marie White and her breakfast committee do a wonderful job.
It’s all about creating relationships with your fellow Chamber members. I challenge
you this month to get out of your office, out of your chair, and come to a Chamber event.
Or even better, join a committee where you can work side by side with other members.
(Like our Wine Tasting Committee that has started this month!) I can assure you that
once you start working on those relationships, you can count on learning ways to
improve your business. Please find me at the next event, so I can show you around.
Legislative Update
By Martin Seda, Economic & Governmental Affairs Committee Chair
The discussion at the last Committee meeting, on February 2nd, was largely dominated by the ongoing state budget stalemate and its effects on many aspects of our community and surrounding jurisdictions. Our public representatives made several key
points as summarized below:
1. State Budget Update – Jesse Switzer, representing Assembly Member Julia
Brownley’s Office, commented on the impact the budget impasse has had on the State.
Specifically: A.) The state is starting to issue IOU’s rather than payment of some of its
financial obligations. B.) The state bond ratings have been lowered; we now have one of
the lowest ratings among all 50 states. C.) The unemployment rate is the highest it’s
been in 15 years.
The good news is that both sides of the legislature are reconsidering their positions
(new revenues versus spending cuts) that may bring about a budget compromise in the
near future. In addition, California is well positioned to receive federal funds should
they become available through passage of a stimulus package introduced by the Obama
Administration.
2. County Financial Impact – Cynthia Scott, representing Supervisor Zev
Yaroslavsky’s office, discussed how the lack of a state budget coupled with a weakening
economy has affected the County. Specific outcomes include: A.) Shortfalls caused in
part by uncertainty of state support levels, will require one to two months to resolve.
Continued on page 6
March 26 Luncheon
“Power Hour Networking”
Business Mixer
The Calabasas Chamber Invites You to the
March Business Mixer & Grand Opening of
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Calabasas Country Club
4515 Park Entrada, Calabasas
Cost: $20 Members; $25 Non-Members
RSVP to Cheryl at 818.222.5680,
or email to info@calabasaschamber.com
CALABASAS
PARKWAY
5023 N. Parkway Calabasas
(Parking lot access available on
N. Parkway Calabasas & Ventura Blvd.)
Thursday, March 19
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by:
Patty Williams,
The Arthritis Foundation
2009 Arthritis Walk at Magic Mountain
Sunday, May 3
~ Free Admission ~ Refreshments ~
~ Networking ~
Non-members will be charged a nominal fee for admission
Reservations required
Call the Chamber at 818.222.5680,
or email: info@calabasaschamber.com
March 2009 • 3
Good Morning, Calabasas!
Deborah Snyder of Glabman Homes will
moderate the March Good Morning Calabasas!
Breakfast on Thursday, March 12th starting
at 7:15 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn –
Calabasas. This month’s breakfast will be a
special Networking format with the theme,
“March Forward by Adding Value and
Differentiating from Competition.” Bring plenty of business cards
to share and literature for the marketing display table and rehearse
your 30-second business introduction.
Thank you to Elena Yasno for moderating the February
Breakfast program, “Getting to the Heart of Your Business.” Another
thank you to Simar Gulati from New York Life for hosting the
February breakfast.
Thank you to the following people for their generous door
prizes: guest speaker Robert Silverstone, Silverstone Consulting;
Simar Gulati, New York Life; Bob J. Epstein, Attorney at Law;
Jami Taguchi, Certified Hypnotherapist, MA; Steve Burleigh,
College Pathways; Elegance Hippolyte, All Saints Home Care;
Brittany Lee, Rambling Rose and Catherine Cobb, Fido Fitness and
Shaklee. Bringing a door prize to the breakfast is a great way to
publicize your business! REMEMBER to stop by the Chamber
with 60 promotional items from your business to distribute at
the March Breakfast – call for details.
Chamber members and the general public are invited to attend
the monthly Breakfast. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for
non-members. Please call Cheryl Frotton at 818.222.5680 to make
your reservation.
March Breakfast Hosted by:
Maksim Avrukin,
President/CEO
Gladius Technologies offers companies comprehensive, reliable
and cost-effective solutions for all their computer needs.
4 • www.calabasaschamber.com
Welcome, New Members
SILVERSTONE CONSULTING – we provide business and leadership coaching to
professionals and business owners; executive team development and group coaching; business partnership and relationship
coaching; workshops and seminars.
Robert Silverstone – President/CEO
P.O. Box 8194
Calabasas, CA 91372
(310) 359-8482
robert@robertsilverstone.com
CR PRINT – offers digital and offset printing, graphic design, and mailing services.
Use the latest online technology and still
get the greatest local service!
Mike Corridori – Sales Manager
31115 Via Colinas #301
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(818) 879-6050
mike@crprint.com
THE UPS STORE #1047 – shipping,
packaging, mailboxes, mail services, passport photos, keys, copies, laminating,
binding freight and much more.
Ravi Bhalla – Owner
23679 Calabasas Road
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 591-1086
www.theupsstore.com/1047
LAS VIRGENES 7-ELEVEN – our doors
are always open 24/7 and our friendly store
teams are ready to serve you. Come in to
our 7-Eleven store and you’ll find a great
selection of fresh, high-quality products at
an everyday fair price, along with speedy
transactions in a clean, safe, friendly shopping environment. What’s unique about
our 7-Eleven is it’s also a gas station offering competitive pricing on gas.
Louis Kassar – Store Manager/President
4919 Las Virgenes Road
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 880-4022
klayinc@sbcglobal.net
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Did You Know
For each business referred
to the Chamber, you will
receive a $25 discount on
your membership dues
WILLNER & HELLER, LLC – is an independent wealth management firm specializing in creating and managing diversified,
tax efficient portfolios for individuals and
businesses.
Matt Heller – Managing Partner
15760 Ventura Blvd. #2026
Encino, CA 91436
(818) 501-7590
matt@whria.com
CALIFORNIA RECYCLES – provides
electronic recycling, business recycling
programs, biodegradable food service
items and recycled office supplies. Our
offices are open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m.
Elham Ebiza – CEO
1932 Cotner Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 478-3001
elham@californiarecycles.com
TOWN & COUNTRY PRINTING – is a
full service Graphic design and print
provider serving the area for over 25 years.
Our experienced staff strives for excellence in providing the highest quality of
service and products to our customers.
Cion Binschstock – President
5330 Derry Avenue #I
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(818) 889-2001
cion@t-cprinting.com
ALEXANDRA GUZMAN, LMFT –
licensed marriage and family therapist
specializing in treating adolescents and
adult anxiety, depression, various disorders and spectrum disorders such as
Aspergers and Autism.
Alexandra Guzman –
Owner/Licensed Therapist
4768 Park Granada #109
Calabasas, CA 91302
(310) 557-9974
a.guzman300@att.net
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BIG CARPET CARE – We offer a vast
array of cleaning solutions whether it’s for
your fine rug, carpet, or upholstery that
needs a new life and look. Our technicians are seasoned professionals and are
committed to providing you with excellent, no-hassle service every time.
Ben David – Owner
3513 Consuelo Drive
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 224-3513
bigwaterdamage@gmail.com
SIGNATURE RESOURCES – JOHN
HANCOCK FINANCIAL NETWORK – is
an insurance and financial service firm
that utilizes a team approach in providing
solutions in the area of business, retirement and estate planning as well as wealth
management.
Beth A. Blair, CPA –
Financial Representative
5700 Canoga Avenue #250
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 274-0221
bblair@jhnetwork.com
BEN’S HANDYMAN SERVICES – handyman business specializing in electrical,
plumbing, woodwork and general home
repairs, etc. Available anytime.
Ben Ezra – Owner
5604 Las Virgenes Road #76
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 448-8495
benshandyman@sbcglobal.net
COLLEGE PATHWAYS – provides individualized college admission planning to
maximize every student’s admission edge.
We demystify the process and help reduce
anxiety for parents and students.
Steve Burleigh – President/Owner
22287 Mulholland Hwy. #129
Calabasas, CA 91302
(866) 769-4944
steve@college.pathways.com
Advertising Opportunities!
Three great ways to reach the local community: place a
flyer in our monthly newsletter, place an ad in the
newsletter, and/or advertise online on the Chamber website. Call Bridget at 818.222.5680.
March 2009 • 5
City News
The Calabasas Civic Center has been named as one of three
“2009 Projects of the Year” by the Ventura County Chapter of the
American Public Works Association (APWA). The award is given
for “outstanding public works projects.” Calabasas City
Councilmember and Civic Center Task Force member Dennis
Washburn expressed thanks and said, “The Civic Center will soon
be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council as the first Gold
LEED rated Civic Center in the country. Calabasas is focused on
providing facilities and services that set an example for living right
and living well on Earth.” The Civic Center has been a major hit
with the community. Library traffic has increased by 100% from
the previous location and the Calabasas Amphitheater has been
host to a variety of performances and special events.
WeConnect Portal Unveiled for California Families – The
Calabasas Library website and the City of Calabasas Services website now feature a link to the WeConnect website portal. The
WeConnect website is part of a public service campaign headed
by California First Lady Maria Shriver. The website serves as a
one-stop-shop connecting Californians to programs and services
for which they may be eligible. For more information about
WeConnect, please visit www.weconnect.net.
The City of Calabasas and the Mountains Restoration Trust
will be holding the annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday,
March 14, at Gates Canyon Park located at 25801 Thousand
Oaks Blvd. in Calabasas. Come and learn about compost techniques during a Smart Gardening Workshop at 9:30 a.m. A fun
tree planting activity for children will commence at 10:00 a.m.
and the official Arbor Day Ceremony and Tree Planting will take
place at 11:00 a.m. This event is free and residents are welcome
to get involved in helping to create a beautiful and healthy environment in Calabasas. For more information about the Arbor
Day Celebration, please call (818) 224-1600.
Legislative Update
Continued from page 2
B.) County departments are implementing 5% reductions in their
budgets. C.) 2008 foreclosures have increased significantly over
2007.
3. Southern California Water Supply – Jeff Reinhardt, from
the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, reported that despite
our recent rain the supply outlook remains poor with current
sources at about a one year supply. In anticipation of rationing
programs yet to be announced, the LVMWD has taken the following actions: A.) Began significant outreach programs to prepare the public. B.) Planning to implement conservation goals
through water budgets that are based on individual ratepayer
characteristics.
4. Public Safety – Richard Woolard, Calabasas Public Safety
Commissioner, discussed two situations warranting community
attention: A.) Residents should be more aware of how their safety could be compromised when encountering unexpected visitors
at their door. B.) Accidents involving motorcycles have
increased, possibly due to more motorcycles on our roads. The
Sheriff believes that better training is needed.
The committee meets on the first Monday of the month at
Fins Creekside Restaurant at 12 noon – our next meeting will be
on Monday, March 2nd. Please join us!
6 • www.calabasaschamber.com
Thank You, Renewing Members
1962
Waste Management / G.I. Industries
1989
Tri-County Insurance
1990
Leonis Adobe Museum
1995
The Acorn Newspapers
Quality Parking Service, Inc.
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
1997
S O I Aviation
Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostics, Inc.
Chamber Deputies and Board Members join Alexandra Guzman,
LMFT for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Alexandra is a marriage and
family therapist located at 4768 Park Granada #109. To learn more
about her services, call 310.557.9974.
1998
Calabasas Village
1999
Canoga Park Heating & A/C
2001
Microcom Technologies, Inc.
George Thompson Diamond Co.
2003
Calabasas Orthodontics
Trillium Sports Medicine
2004
RMS Direct, Inc.
Talbert Family Foundation
Silver Star Automotive Group
2005
Jonathon Wolfson
Robert Silverstone, Silverstone Consulting was welcomed by
Chamber Board Members, Staff and Deputies to celebrate a ribbon
cutting. Robert operates a successful coaching and consulting business. Call 310.359.8482 or visit www.robertsilverstone.com.
2006
Calmont School at Cottontail Ranch
NOW Messenger Service
2007
NaturalLift by Christina
Malibu Canyon Dental
Arthritis Foundation
Order Your Personal
Magnetic Name Badge
For the low price of $12, receive
a distinctive green magnetic badge
with engraved white lettering to publicize your business at functions you
attend. You may place your badge
order through the Chamber office at 818.222.5680.
Susan Sommers, Susan Sommers & Associates, Inc. was joined by
Chamber Deputies and Board Members to celebrate her ribbon cutting. Author and professional business coach, Susan has facilitated
two Business-Builder Workshops for the Chamber. To learn more
about their services contact Susan at susan@susansommers.ca.
March 2009 • 7
MARCH 2009
2
Monday, 12:00 noon
EGAC Committee Meeting
Fins Creekside
23504 Calabasas Road
3
Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.
Deputy Meeting
Chamber Office
23564 Calabasas Road, Suite 101
12 Thursday, 7:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Good Morning, Calabasas!
Chamber Networking Breakfast
Hilton Garden Inn - Calabasas
24150 Park Sorrento, Calabasas
19 Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
Education Committee Meeting
Chamber Office
Visit the Farmers’ Market
Old Town Calabasas
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
19 Thursday, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Business Mixer
Barrister Executive Suites, Inc.
5023 N. Parkway Calabasas
24 Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting
Acura 101 West
26 Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Chamber Luncheon
Calabasas Country Club
4515 Park Entrada, Calabasas
Chamber “Players” Strike It Rich
in Friendships at Monte Carlo Night
Printed on
recycled paper