We Won! - Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

Luncheon
November 19
Mixer
November 19
Lompoc Valley Florist
The official publication of the Lompoc Valley
Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau
We Won!
Lompoc Valley in Bloom representatives took the stage with judges at the
annual America in Bloom symposium in Hershey, PA to accept first place in
the national American in Bloom program.
The Lompoc Valley was announced as a population category winner and recognized for its community involvement during the eighth
annual America in Bloom symposium and awards program on Saturday, October 3 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The City’s “Lompoc Valley in Bloom” program won in their first
year of participation in the “America in Bloom” national beautification program. Lompoc was awarded the trophy for first place in
the 50,000 - 100,000 population category. Program co-chairs Lori
Cordova and Barry Weaver proudly represented the Lompoc Valley
on stage in Hershey to receive the award. Barry Weaver accepted
the plaque for Lompoc’s impressive achievement and thanked everyone, especially the hundreds of wonderful volunteers and community members who have participated since the project’s inception two years ago. The valley’s participation in the program was
suggested by local horticulturist David Lemon, who also acted at
the local projects mentor.
The trip was coordinated by Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Denny Anderson, who headed to Hershey
Pennsylvania accompanied by a small posse representing Lompoc
Valley in Bloom. A display of local Lompoc Valley products was
assembled and showcased throughout the three-day symposium.
The Lompoc contingent attending the symposium included Lori
Cordova, Shirley and Gary Gettings, Bonnie Fairbanks, Maria Hantz,
Bill Hinshaw Barry and Weaver and Denny Anderson
Vol. 22, No. 5
November, 2009
State Farm Supports
Hispanic Committee
Local State Farm Insurance agent Jason Reynolds, second from
left, presents Hispanic Business Committee Chair Maria Aguiniga
with a $2,000 check to support the committee’s recent Tardeada
dance. Chamber President/CEO, Denny Anderson is far left. John
Turner, District representative for State Farm Insurance is on the
right.
Lompoc Valley in
Bloom representatives
Lori Cordova,
Shirley Gettings,
Bonnie Fairbanks and
Maria Hantz find a
quiet spot and take a
breather during the
America in Bloom
symposium activities in
Hershey, PA.
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
LOMPOC VALLEY CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE AND
VISITORS BUREAU
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
John Free, Chair
Kipp Thonack, Immediate Past Chair
Jason Reynolds, Chair-Elect
John Keth, First Vice-Chair
Dena Lara, Second Vice-Chair
Bill Reardon, CFO
Bill Hughen, Jr., At Large
Gary Williams, At Large
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fred Bittle, Santa Fe Mortgage
Pat Brady, Good Samaritan
Angela Brooks, Century 21 Realty
Lori Cordova, Catering by Lori Cordova
Robin Dunaetz, Surf Connection
John Free, Chair, Civic Member
Marno Goetsch, Village Oaks Investments
Tim Harrington, Terralink Consulting
Richard Harrison, R. Lompoc Ace Hardware
John Keth, The Party Shop, First Vice-Chair
Dena Lara, Boys & Girls Club of Lompoc,
Second Vice-Chair
Bob Manning, Sue’s Place
Jaime Marks, CoastHills Federal Credit Union
Ana Maya, Servicios Maya
Bill Reardon, CFO, LOVARC
Jason Reynolds, State Farm Insurance
Kipp Thonack, Edward Jones
Sachi Yenokida, Union Bank of California
EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS
Frank Hain, Lompoc Planning Commission
Susan Warnstrom, 4th District County
Supervisor’s Office
Michael Madriaga,
Assemblyman Blakeslee’s Office
STAFF
C. Dennis Anderson, President/CEO
Dennis Headrick, Executive Assistant
Risha Sanderson, Receptionist/Secretary
Trisa Judt, Bookkeeper/Secretary
Gene Stevens, Marketing/Advertising
AND
Matilda, the Chamber's ghost
THE CHAMBER, the official publication of the
Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce, is published
monthly for a $15 yearly membership subscription.
Postage paid at Lompoc, CA, Postmaster. Send
address changes to P.O. Box 626, Lompoc, CA
93438-0626.
Chamber email addresses:
Denny Anderson: cda@lompoc.com
Dennis Headrick: deh@lompoc.com
Trisa Judt: accounting @lompoc.com
Risha Sanderson: chamber@lompoc.com
Gene Stevens: gene@lompoc.com
by John Free
Lompoc won 1st place in the America In Bloom
competition, a nation wide event. You saw this in
the 45 column inches devoted to the story in the
Lompoc Record.
This was started by, chaired by and executed by
Chamber members.
Here are a few of the leaders: David Lemon
brought the America In Bloom national competition program to the Chamber Board, which endorsed it with enthusiasm.
The execution of the program was chaired by
Lori Cordova and Barry Weaver. Whatever the
results, their name was on it.
Of the hundreds of volunteers some standouts are Shirley Gettings, Marno Goetsch,
Bill Hinshaw, Gary Gettings and Maria Hantz. Denny Anderson did much of the coordinating and contact work. There are so many others I haven’t listed who did so much
and had fun doing it.
So what does your chamber do for you? Well, Lompoc won a national competition
sponsored by America In Bloom - the first time entered and got lots of ink for it.
Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to accomplish this worthy goal.
The Board of Directors participated in a Strategic Planning Retreat, hosted and facilitated by Dal Widick on October 23rd. This program was encouraged by and executed by the next three presidents - Jason Reynolds, John Keth and Dena Lara. It was
their concern to create a coherent strategic plan for the Chamber, which then lead to an
intense day of participation by the directors and staff to create the framework for even
more success as the chamber adjusts to new challenges.
These three dedicated directors will spearhead the task of creating a business plan
for the chamber which addresses the needs of our business members in a changing
business environment.
Any chamber member who would like to participate in these deliberations should
contact Jason Reynolds for volunteer opportunities.
The 2020 Vision project is underway with 42 volunteers stepping up to give input to
the direction for economic development. There is room for more volunteers to express
their ideas on these vital subjects.
Participation is the key to accomplishing these worthy goals. I hope many of you
members will step forward and be heard.
Remember, nothing works until you do.
~ John
Office Spaces
for Rent
There are currently two office spaces
available for rent downstairs in the historic Spanne Chalkrock building
(Chamber building, 111 South I St.)
Each office is 175 square feet. Tenants
also have access to two conference
rooms as well as a kitchenette. Rent is $330 per month.
A third office space is also available with 360 square feet and rent of $475 per
month with access to the same common areas as above. No deposits required. All
utilities, except telephone are included.
For more info, or to see the spaces, contact Denny Anderson at 736-4567, or email
him at cda@lompoc.com
Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
2
Art & History Books on Sale
Kam Jacoby’s book , “Layers,” includes a photo of the historic
MacAdam Home, on J St. and Cypress Ave. as it appears today, with a
1900 photo of Leela MacAdam superimposed
“Large Art in Small Spaces - Discovering the California Mural
Town” are on sale at the Chamber office. This wonderful book explores murals in towns all over California, including an extensive
section on Lompoc’s murals. The book sells for $27.13, including
tax. It is a great coffee table book. You just might use it as a guide
book for traveling the state in search of great oversized art! Proceeds from sales of this book benefit the Mural Society.
Also on sale at the Chamber is John McReynold’s book, “Lompoc
– From Padres to Pinot.” John spent a lot of time developing this
book through research and interviews. The final result is an easy-toread overview of Lompoc history. This book sells for $16.26, including tax.
Copies of Kam Jacoby’s new book, “Layers, Composite Photographs from the Lompoc Valley” have just been received. Kam has
taken original historic photos and laid them over current photos of
the same location, taken from the same angle. Cynthia Carbone Ward
has written short narratives for each photo. The book sells for $27.13,
including tax.
All three volumes make great holiday gifts.
November
November Mixer
Mixer
Be sure to join Lompoc Valley Florist, 1026 North H St., for their very first
CHAMBER MIXER
on November 19, from 5-7 p.m.
It will be a warm and festive evening, where you'll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds
of the holiday season by candlelight while sipping your favorite beverage
or nibbling on scrumptious holiday treats.
Help us kick off the holiday season in grand style!
Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
3
September Mixer Fun
Winning Back a Wary Workforce
By Jack and Suzy Welch
excerpted from Business Week
The September Chamber mixer was hosted by Classic Installation.
Plenty of food and beverage was provided by the hosts. During the
door prize drawing, Chamber Ambassador Rocky Rollins won a
Classic Installation $1,000 gift certificate.
What can companies expect when the economy finally improves?
A hiring game that’s entirely different - and harder.
This recession has really shocked people. Never before has the
bottom fallen out so fast or affected so many people so deeply. Virtually no organization has been left unscathed. Two years ago, being in business was filled with promise and payback. Now, you just
don’t know what bad news awaits you when you arrive at work
every day.
The result? Many people have come to the conclusion that they
don’t want to work for “the man” anymore. They want to work for
themselves or someone they know and trust. As a marketing specialist recently said, “My husband was fired. My hours were cut in
half. As soon as we get on our feet, we’re starting our own business. We’re never going to let ourselves be vulnerable again.”
She’s hardly alone. From coast to coast there’s a tidal wave of emotion. To be someone else’s employee, people are saying, is to be at
someone else’s whim.
The impact of this growing attitude could be profound. When the
economy recovers, most companies might, for the first time, have
to deal with a candidate pool that’s not particularly excited to work
for them. As if surviving the recession wasn’t challenging enough!
Fortunately, companies can prepare now for the changed hiring
dynamic ahead. All they have to do is, stop acting like big companies—bureaucratic and impersonal—and start creating a fast-moving and vibrant atmosphere. They’ll need to mimic the upside small
companies and entrepreneurial ventures offer as a matter of course.
Teams will need to be smaller, organizations flatter, and the values
of candor, informality, and innovation must be baked into the culture. People will need to feel that what they say matters, regardless
of rank and title. Perhaps most important, companies will need to
understand that when the recovery arrives, stars will no longer wait
around to be given the authority to make decisions or to be promoted. The alternative—running their own show—has too much
appeal.
This is talking about a serious trend. This recession has left a deep
scar on the psyche of working people. Previous recessions came on
more slowly, their layoffs occurred more gradually. And previous
recessions didn’t leave most people blaming business, especially
Big Business, for what went wrong.
Something fundamental in our society has changed, and it will
show in how people choose their next jobs. Is that a bad thing? It
could be just the opposite. Our economy will only be helped by
more people becoming entrepreneurs. If the proposed capital gains
tax increases don’t take a toll on them, they’ll be the lifeblood of
job creation. And big companies will only be helped by acting in
ways that appeal to entrepreneurial types of employees. After all, in
the “revised” economy of the future, speed, flexibility, and innovation will be more crucial than ever.
So, we can’t be precise about when this terrible recession will be
over. All we know is that it eventually will be. And when it is, a
brave new type of employee will rule the day. And only brave new
companies will be able to entice them back.
Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Hosts: L/R: Alan Westwood, Contract
Estimator, Jan Webb, Jack Webb,
President, Ivon Cortez, Office Manager,
Susie Walker, Kitchen & Bath Designer,
Brad Jones, Foreman.
Kim Keth and Angela Brooks
pose at the buffet table
Help With Dues Payments
For those members who are renewing their memberships,
the Chamber has initiated an automatic payment program.
You can now have your dues automatically withdrawn from
your bank account in monthly or semi-annual installments, or
in a lump sum, so that your payments are easier and less painful for you to make. We can provide the forms for you to authorize payments from your bank.
If you are interested in signing up for this program, or have
any questions please call the Chamber office at 736-4567.
4
Crafting Solutions to California’s
Water Crisis
Chamber
Luncheon
By Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee
California is in the middle of a three-year
drought that is threatening water supplies
across the state. To make matters worse, Federal judges have shut off water to the rest of
the state from the Sacramento Delta. In many
communities, consumers are being forced to
cut back their water usage through mandatory conservation programs. Especially hard
hit are California’s vast agricultural lands.
The lack of water is shutting down farms, and putting farmers out
of work. Many farmers are even being forced to cut down orchards
because the trees on their land are dying without the water they
need. As a result, farms are producing less food, driving up grocery
bills for people across the state.
Water troubles are not new to California. For nearly 20 years,
California has been trying to deal with the looming water crisis. I
believe it is now more important than ever that we come up with a
long-term, sustainable solution that will provide water for all Californians. California families and agricultural workers deserve this.
I am currently working with other legislative leaders to craft a balanced plan that will provide water while still respecting the environment.
Any plan to fix our water problems will need to include new storage, better conveyance, a plan to restore water from the Delta, greater
conservation and improved water quality and reliability. Additionally it is important that any plan include a fiscally responsible revenue source to pay for that plan. We are still working on the details
of the plan to fix California’s water supply issues, and I encourage
you to become involved by sending me your suggestions on how to
fix our water problem.
Thursday, November 19
11:30 a.m.
New Life Christian Center,
816 North C St.
$15 per person
Program:
Call the Chamber at 736-4567
for reservations.
Advance reservations and payments are
required by November 16
Program to be announced
watch Friday Focus for more info
UPCOMING MIXERS
November 19: Lompoc Valley Florist
December 10: Boys & Girls Club
Wilkerson
Chiropractic
. . . the clinic of choice
“The longest established chiropractic clinic serving Lompoc”
DR. MARC WILKERSON, D.C.
DISCOVERY PLAZA
415 E. Ocean Avenue
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 736-4537
www.wilkersonchiro.com
DR@wilkersonchiro.com
Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
5
Home-Based Businesses Need
Business Insurance
By: Jason Reynolds
State Farm® agent
The dream of owning a business is becoming a reality for thousands of people each year. For many of these would-be captains of
industry, that means starting the operation at home. However, your
enterprise may be in jeopardy if you don’t have business insurance.
You need business insurance because most homeowners policies
place limits on business-related exposures. For instance, a copier
or fax machine used for business and damaged in a fire may not be
fully covered because it is considered business property.
Also, the homeowners policy does not cover business liability,
loss of income, exterior signs and many other important items. If a
client were injured at your home while conducting business, your
homeowners policy would not apply. Anyone who operates a homebased enterprise and does not have the proper insurance coverage
is putting his or her business and personal assets at risk.
Business insurance may provide many or all of the coverages listed
below:
· Accidental direct physical loss coverage for business personal property.
· Broader off-premises property coverage Loss of income coverage
· Extra expense coverage
· Contractual liability coverage
· Liability of employees while acting within the scope of their employment.
Many entrepreneurs start their businesses on shoestring budgets
and try to cut corners by keeping expenses at a minimum. But when
you consider what you get, business insurance becomes a tool you
can’t afford to work without.
December Newsletter Deadline
The deadline for the December Chamber newsletter will
be November 13 (FIRM!)
Due to vacations and holiday closures during Thanksgiving week, we need to get the newsletter organized and mailed
early. Submit information to deh@lompoc.com by November 13. Late submissions cannot be accepted this month.
Spooky Fun at
October Mixer
John and Kim Keth of the Party Shop
greeted visitors to their October Halloween Mixer. Attendees were encouraged
to wear costumes and bring a toy for the
Lompoc Toys for Tots campaign.
Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
6
November Community Events
November 1, 6, 7, Cabrillo High School Performing Arts presents
Neil Simon's "Fools," 7:30 p.m., Cabrillo High School. Tickets:
$10 presale, $10 at the door.
November 3, Opening of Lompoc Valley Arts Council, "Best of
the Best" 21st annual Arts Exhibition and Competition, Lompoc
Public Library, Grossman Gallery. Reception, November 7, 2-4
p.m.
All meetings are held at the Chamber
unless noted otherwise,
5 Business Connection, 12:30 p.m.
5 YLLV Topic Day
6 Farmers Market, Ocean Ave. and I St., 1:30-5:30 p.m.
11 CHAMBER CLOSED - VETERANS DAY
12 Hispanic Business Committee, 8 a.m.
12 Military Affairs Committee, 4 p.m.
12 YLLV Board of Trustees, 5 p.m.
13 Farmers Market, Ocean Ave. and I St., 1:30-5:30 p.m.
16 VIPs, 11:30 a.m.
16 Executive/Finance Commitee, 4 p.m.
17 LLV Board of Trustees, 12 noon
17 Ambassadors, 4 p.m.
18 Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m.
19 Business Connection, 8:30 a.m.
19 2020 Vision, downtown project, 10 a.m.
19 Chamber luncheon, 11:30 a.m., New Life Christian Center
19 MIXER, Lompoc Valley Florist, 1026 North H St., 5-7 p.m.
20 LLV Topic Day
20 Farmers Market, Ocean Ave. and I St., 1:30-5:30 p.m.
26 CHAMBER CLOSED - THANKSGIVING
27 CHAMBER CLOSED - THANKSGIVING
27 Farmers Market, Ocean Ave. and I St., 1:30-5:30 p.m.
November 7, Holiday Boutique, New Life Christian Center, 816
North C St., 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
November 8, Avenue Flower Shop Christmas Open House, 1313
North H St., 12-7 p.m.
November 14, Lompoc Valley Florist, Christmas Open House,
1026 North H St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
November 7, Turducken Dinner, $100 per person. Info: Carol
White, 733-3583
November 19, Second annual Community Breakfast at the Lompoc
Boys & Girls Club, 1025 W. Ocean Ave.
November 21, monthly open house at Artesia School, 115 W. Chestnut Ave., 2-4 p.m.
November 27, 28 Holiday Open House at the historic FabingMcKay-Spanne House, 207 North L St., 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
JOIN THE
CLUB!
Your Chamber has taken on many projects and encourages
you to join our 110% Club. The VOLUNTARY 110% contribution is used to support ongoing Chamber programs, such
as, Olde Towne Market, Lompoc Valley in Bloom, etc. When
you receive your membership investment renewal notice, consider becoming a 110% Club member. You will be recognized
in the Chamber newsletter. Following are the 110%ers for
the month of September:
At Home Senior Services, Inc.
Creative Memories
Bumatay Jewelers
Stuart’s Valero
Billye L. Iverson
JM Development Inc.
Ebbert’s Heritage Real Estate
Classic Installation Company Inc.
In Shape Health Club
Lompoc Toys for Tots
Tor’s Foreign Cars Service
Lompoc Valley Police Activities League
Welcome New Chamber Members
as of September
Lompoc School of Dance
Pacific Coast Strategies
New Thai Market
Overland Security Services, LLC
Free Business Counseling . . .
Is available for start-up and established businesses. Get assistance with marketing, product mix planning, financial sources, business plans, licenses and permit information and requirements, etc.
Tim Harrington, a consultant with the Small Business Development Center, will help you get your business on track.
Call the Chamber at 736-4567 to arrange an appointment with Tim.
Renewing Members
Email Addresses for Your City Officials
As of September
Tony Durham, Councilmember
t_durham@ci.lompoc.ca.us
Bob Lingl, Councilmember
boblingl@aol.com
Cecilia Martner, Councilmember
cecilia_martner@cmartner.org
Ann Ruhge, Councilmember
jaruhge@hotmail.com
Mike Siminski, Mayor
lompocski@gmail.com
Laurel Barcelona, City Administrator l_barcelona@ci.lompoc.ca.us
Arleen Pelster, Community Dev. Director 1pelster@ci.lompoc.ca.us
Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
110%
American Red Cross
Fast Pass Car Wash
Jim Vreeland Ford
Santa Barbara Foundation
Starbucks Coffee Company
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Lompoc, CA
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LOMPOC VALLEY CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE & VISITORS BUREAU
P.O. Box 626
Lompoc, CA 93438-0626
(805) 736-4567
Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
8