Antelope Valley Board of Trade

June 2013
The official news source of the
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
JUNE 27th INSTALLATION & RECOGNITION BANQUET
You are cordially invited
You are cordially invited
to attend the 56th Annual
to attend the 56th Annual
Antelope
Valleyinvited
Board of Trade
You are cordially
to attend the
Annual
Installation
&56th
Recognition
Banquet
Antelope
Valley
Board
of Trade
Antelope Valley&Board
of Trade Banquet
Installation
Recognition
Inside
Installation & Recognition Banquet
2
3
4
6
8
9
President Scott Cummings
11
and Board Members
15
16
...
Annual legislative visit to
An Evening of Recognition for
Sacramento
2012-2013 Outgoing President
President’s Farewell
Drew Mercy
AVBOT Welcomes New Lifetime
An Evening and
of Recognition
for
Board Members
An
Evening
of
Recognition
for
Directors
2012-2013 Outgoing President
2012-2013
Drew
Mercy ofOutgoing
Installation
2013-2014 PresidentAVBOT New Director Spotlight
and President
Board Members
Scott
Cummings
Drew
Mercy
and Board Members
AVBOT Visits Sacramento!
and Board Members
Installation of 2013-2014
Thursday, June 27, 2013
President Scott
Cummings
Board of Trade Joins Opposition
6:00 p.m.
- Social Hour
and Board
Members
7:00
p.m.
- Dinner andof
Program
Installation
2013-2014 to $2.4 Billion Transportation Fee
University of Antelope Valley Ballroom
44075 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, California
$50.00 per Person
$400.00 per Table of 8
RSVP and Pre-Pay by June 14, 2013
Teri 661-942-9581
teri@avbot.org
Kaiser Celebrates Construction
Milestone on New Specialty Building
Calendar of Events
Membership Update
Executive Notes
Annual legislative visit to Sacramento
Each year, an AVBOT delegation
heads to Sacramento to voice our interests
and concerns regarding regional issues. On
our recent trip, we spoke of the importance
of Edwards Air Force Base, the aerospace
industry, and CEQA modernization among
other topics.
Our delegation was represented with
expertise in retail (Scott Cummings), environmental and transportation (Bill Taylor),
aerospace (Al Hoffman) as well as legislative representatives (Lisa Moulton and
Drew Mercy), and FAA and remotely piloted vehicles (Don Rhea). Each delegate
was able to pull from experience to add to a
lively exchange.
Assemblyman Steve Fox had the district
in mind, and welcomed our information,
especially with regard to the committees to
which he is assigned: Higher education, Veterans’ Affairs and Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy, and chairing the
Select Committee on Community Colleges.
The Assemblyman was kind enough to take
us to the Assembly floor for a photo op and
introduced us on the Assembly floor.
We spoke to Senator Jean Fuller as well
as Assemblywomen Shannon Grove and
Connie Conway’s office about our region,
the importance of the aerospace industry
and preserving the unique mission of Edwards AFB. Encroachment on Edwards
was discussed, not only from a real estate
perspective, but with regard to renewable
energy and the communications spectrum.
We also discussed the possibility of another
BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) in
2015 and the impact to our region.
We spent time once again with Wade
Crowfoot, the Governor’s Military Advisor.
Antelope Valley
Board of Trade
Executive Board
Drew Mercy, President
Scott Cummings, Vice President
Antelope Valley Mall
Kelly Kennerknecht, Secretary
Kaiser Permanente
Josh Mann, Treasurer
Rhonda Nelson, Past President
Northrop Grumman
Ingrid Chapman, Director at Large
Chapman Communications
Cathy Hart, Director at Large
Southern California Edison
Executive Director, Vicki Medina
Vicki Medina
Executive Director
The Military Advisory Council has been
named and we have two representatives with
our best interests in mind: Senator Steve
Knight and Tom Berard. We exchanged information about UAVs or remotely piloted
vehicles and their role in our region.
Time was also spent at the GoBiz office
where we concentrated on CEQA modernization. They welcomed the case studies
and solutions that take our environment into
consideration while allowing for economic
growth. Look for the article in this newsletter with more details about this meeting.
Senator Knight spent time with us as well
and gave an update on SB 19, 412, 413, 414
and SB 415. After meeting with Senator
Knight, we climbed to the top of the Capitol,
the cupola, to place an autograph marking
the AV Board of Trade’s 57th annual trek.
Don’t sit on the sidelines, get involved…
stay involved,
Directors
Bret Banks, AVAQMD
Mike Belzil, Lockheed Martin
Marta Golding Brown, Southern BIA
Los Angeles Ventura Chapters
Anthony Bruneau, Cobb Doerfler and Associates
Gustavo Camacho, Camacho Auto Sales
Richard Caulkins, Los Angeles County
Sanitation District
Richard Cook, Antelope Valley Hospital Foundation
Scott Cummings, Antelope Valley Mall Management
John Currado, Allstate Financial/
Currado Insurance Inc.
Steven Derryberry, Kestler Derryberry LLP
Rob Duchow, Southern California Gas Company
Gordon Elder, CFP®
John Fergione, Test Pilot/ Consultant
Dr. Jackie Fisher, Antelope Valley College
Larry Grooms
Mark Hemstreet, Hemstreet Hospitality
Al Hoffman, The Boeing Company
Harvey Holloway, Coldwell Banker
Commercial/Valley Realty
Chuck Hoey, Chuck Hoey & Associates
Bob Johnstone, The Aerospace Office
Julie Montague, Palmdale Regional Medical Center
Lisa Moulton
George Nagy, Mojave Desert Bank
Aida O’Connor, Hanford Home Loans
George Passantino, Passantino Andersen
Communications
Todd Porter, LAMAR Outdoor Advertising
Dr. George “Bud” Reams, Monte Vista Building Sites
Dr. Ken Santarelli, CSU-Long Beach Antelope Valley
Engineering Program
Bill Taylor, Granite Construction
Donna Termeer, Antelope Valley YMCA
Angela Underwood-Jacobs, Antelope Valley Bank
Tom Weil, City Manager California City
Johnny Zamrzla, Western Pacific Roofing Company
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
is a voice — Your Voice —
for the Antelope Valley Region.
2 • June 2013
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
President’s Message
Mission Statement
The Antelope Valley Board of Trade’s
mission is “to engage in maintaining
and promoting diverse business and
industry, quality infrastructure, and
a strong legislative voice for the
benefit of its members and the
greater Antelope Valley.”
DIRECTORS EMERITUS
Cherie Bryant, Antelope Valley Press
Ron Emard, Robertson Palmdale Honda
Patricia Fregoso-Cox, Time Warner Cable
Chris Spicher, Antelope Valley Florist
LIFETIME DIRECTORS
Janice Anderson
Clyde Bailey
Larry Chimbole
Coleen Clutterham
Katie Corbett
Joseph Davies
Michael Dispenza
Roger Hemme
Frank C. Roberts
Jack Stewart
Lew Stults
Kurt Ullman
Monna Wagner
Your comments and suggestions are
always welcomed. Send them to the
following address or by email.
The Antelope Valley Business News is a monthly
publication. The deadline to submit articles and
photos is the 15th. Submit to:
AV Board of Trade
548 West Lancaster Blvd., Suite 103
Lancaster, CA 93534
661/942.9581 / Fax: 661/723.9279
Email: teri@avbot.org
Website: avbot.org
Printer
Brian McTaggart, Four Star Printing
661/274-1896 • Fax: 661/274-0007
Editor
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
Antelope Valley Business News
President’s Farewell
Serving the past year as president
of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade has
been is an experience I will always value
and reflect fondly upon. I truly appreciate
the trust and support you have shown me
over the last twelve months.
Under incoming president Scott Cummings leadership, the Business Outlook
Conference was enormously successful.
Meeting the needs of our attendees, it also
earned us fiscal security for the Board of
Trade to ensure we have the resources to
continue providing economic leadership
for our members and community.
Despite many challenges that continue
to face our community, it has been a good
year for our organization. We started off
the year with the understanding that the
federal budget sequestration could devastate our national defense and have a tremendously negative effect on our local
economy as a result.
Ensuring that our voice is heard on this
issue has been my top priority, and while
the federal budget issues are still bogged
down, we have had several successes.
We’ve received positive support back
from our local representatives in Congress,
House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy and
Armed Services Chairman Buck McKeon.
When the FAA threatened to cut service to
the air traffic control tower at Plant 42, we
were able to be in Washington personally
to work with McCarthy and McKeon’s office and press the FAA into reversing that
decision.
The Antelope Valley Board of Trade’s
primary purpose is to protect our local
economy and advance public policy that
increases economic opportunity within the
region. To that end, we have pursued transportation and educational infrastructure,
business friendly tax policy and reduced
regulation and industry specific programs
that support growth in our defense jobs.
When we talk about our defense jobs
though, we aren’t just talking about creating jobs in a vacuum to support our regional economy. We’re talking about en-
AVBOT President
Drew Mercy
suring our national defense, our United
States military, continue to be the best and
most advanced in the world. The Antelope Valley feels immediate economic pain
when short-sightedness leads to job losses
and cuts in these areas. However, in order to bring national attention and support
we must remind our leaders that the entire
world will feel the sting down the road if
our nation is unprepared and diminishes
our ability to meet security threats in the
future.
Unfortunately, defense department furloughs still threaten the test and development missions in the Antelope Valley. This
will continue to be an area that AVBOT actively works to increase understanding of
how vital these missions are to our national
security.
I have no doubt that our incoming president and vice president, Scott Cummings
and Al Hoffman, will meet these and any
other projects head on and provide us with
energetic, creative and successful leadership. I hope you’re able to join us on June
27th at the University of Antelope Valley for
our Installation of Officers and Directors.
Again, thank you for the opportunity you’ve
given me over the past year, and here’s to a
great year under Scott’s leadership!
Sincerely,
Drew Mercy
June 2013 •
3
AVBOT Welcomes New Lifetime Directors
AVBOT Honors Aida O’Connor with
Lifetime Director Title By KATIE CORBETT
Longtime supporter and past president of the Antelope Valley
Board of Trade, Aida O’Connor has been named Lifetime Director
for her dedication and multiple contributions over three-plus decades with the organization.
When told of the recognition, O’Connor expressed surprise and
gratitude, saying she was honored to be receiving the award at the
56th annual Officer Installation and Recognition Banquet June 27.
“I believe strongly that the Board of Trade is the single most
important organization serving the Valley’s business community,
and I tell everyone I meet about belonging and its benefits,” she
said.
Her record of support of the Board of Trade includes serving as
president, director, nominating committee chairman, historical committee chairman, membership director, university site and economic
development committees. But she is most proud of founding and
organizing the Business to Business EXPO, which became one of
the most successful business events in the state, attracting more than
10,000 people annually.
For several years she co-chaired the Business Outlook Conferences and recalled that the conference that featured Science Fiction
Author Ray Bradbury drew a full house of 1,200 people.
Antelope Valley Boy Scouts of America will also honor
O’Connor as the recipient of the Antelope Valley Distinguished
Citizen Award at their Annual Gala, June 19.
As the founder and past president of the Edwards Air Force
Base Civilian Military Support Group (CIV-MIL), she envisioned
and helped create the Flags of Honor Memorial and parade grounds
at the base. As a result of her extensive work with the organization,
she was honored to be selected as one of 100 persons nationwide to
attend the National Security Forum held at the Air War College in
Montgomery, Ala. She continues as an Honorary Lifetime CIV-MIL
Director, chairing many committees and charitable projects, such
as preparing deployment bags for
departing Airmen, and Operation
Shoe fly; the collection of approximately 7,000 pairs of shoes sent to
Afghanistan.
In 2007 she received the prestigious Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher
Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award for her lifetime contributions to the military members at
Edwards Air Force Base. The award says, “O’Connor personifies the
Fisher family qualities of patriotism, generosity and selfless dedication to military at Edwards Air Force Base.”
O’Connor founded Hanford Home Loans in 1979 with two employees and $250,000 in funds. Since then the company has grown
into one of Antelope Valley’s principal mortgage brokerages, arranging trust deeds throughout the state. As a leader in this field, she has
served as a director of the California Independent Mortgage Brokers
Association California, (CMA) the California Mortgage Association, and a member of the Greater Antelope Valley Association of
Realtors, as well as the Lancaster, Palmdale, and Quartz Hill Chambers of Commerce.
Still very active in the community, O’Connor is a founding director and current president of the Palmdale Sheriff’s Boosters. She
spoke at the dedication of the Palmdale Station Memorial Wall and
has chaired several fundraisers in support of the local law enforcement efforts.
Her personal life is just as fantastic as her professional world.
As a mother of 12 grown children, a grandmother of 23 grandchildren, and a great-grandmother of eight, she manages through determination and organizational skills to balance her time among her
business, public service activities and family.
Honorary Lifetime Director is a Singular Honor
Aida O’Connor and Alis Clausen Odenthal,
the two outstanding Antelope Valley Board of Trade members to be recognized as Honorary Lifetime Directors at the
June 27 installation dinner, will join a small, select and highly
distinguished group of community leaders.
The installation will bring to 15 the number of persons to
be recognized with the singular title of Honorary Lifetime
Director.
As spelled out in the AVBOT bylaws, Honorary Lifetime
Directors shall be individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service. The bylaws article states: “Distinction in pub-
4 • June 2013
lic affairs and/or recognition of special services rendered to
the Corporation shall confer eligibility for appointment as an
Honorary Lifetime Director. The recipient must have served on
Board of Directors. Approval must be 2/3 majority vote. Honorary Lifetime Directors will be exempt from the payment of
dues.”
O’Connor and Clausen Odenthal will join earlier honorees:
Janice Anderson, Clyde Bailey, Larry Chimbole, Katie Corbett,
Joe Davies, Mike Dispenza, Roger Hemme, Frank Roberts,
Jack Stewart, Lew Stults, Kurt Ullman, Monna Wagner and
Coleen Walker.
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
AVBOT Welcomes New Lifetime Directors
AVBOT Volunteer Powerhouse
Alis Clausen Earns Highest Honor
Alis Clausen Odenthal, whose many talents, leadership abilities
and dedication to community service made her a household word in
the Antelope Valley since 1970, was unanimously named as a Honorary Lifetime Director by directors of the Antelope Valley Board
of Trade.
Odenthal, who retired in 2013 from her position as Project
Manager for Regulatory Affairs for Southern California Edison,
said of her new recognition, “I have always believed in the mission and goals of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade in promoting
business, industry, and education in the area and am honored to be
named a Lifetime Director.”
As the Region Manager for Public Affairs SCE in the Antelope
Valley and Kern County from 1996 - 2007, she represented both
SCE and the Antelope Valley Board of Trade on a variety of committees at the local and state levels dedicated to preserving the land
and air space for military operations in Los Angeles, Kern and San
Bernardino counties.
As a member of the Board of Directors for the Antelope Valley
Board of Trade, she served as the co-chair of the 1996, 98, 2000 and
2002 Business Outlook Conferences and remained active on that
committee through the spring of 2007, producing videos and other
support materials.
Odenthal also chaired the AVBOT Aerospace Committee including the Joint Strike Fighter and Southwest Defense Alliance/
Base Retention sub-committees. The JSF committee successfully
lobbied both aerospace firms and the DOD for a greater share of
work on that $750 billion program for California. The grass-roots,
collaborative effort between the State of California, the City of
Palmdale, and the Antelope Valley Board of Trade resulted in an
increase from less than 5% to over 20% of the work staying in California.
A long time member of the Edwards Air Force Base Civilian
Military Affairs Committee (Civ-Mil), Alis served as secretary,
vice-president and president. She also serves as a member of the
Community Leader Program with Air Force Materiel Command,
meeting several times annually with the command staff at Wright
Patterson AFB and other bases around the country.
Alis Clausen Odenthal is perhaps even better known in the An-
telope Valley for the vocal talents
that began her career and continue
today as she serves on the faculty of
West Coast Baptist College, teaching voice classes and individual
voice students. She was an Adjunct
Faculty member at Antelope Valley
College from 1979 until 2007, earning Adjunct Faculty member of the year and other awards for her
work with students of all ages.
She served as Press Deputy to Los Angeles County Supervisor
Mike Antonovich in 1996. Previous employment includes 11 years
as news director, anchor and reporter for Channel 3 News in the
Antelope Valley.
She serves on the Los Angeles County Arts Commission (Past
President), numerous local foundation and business organization
boards and has been honored with numerous business, theatrical,
and volunteer awards.
In addition to being a past president of the Antelope Valley
Board of Trade, Alis was an active volunteer leader with Cedar
Street Theatre, Flight Test Historical Foundation, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, Antelope Valley College Foundation (including 2
years as president), United Way and the Lancaster Performing Arts
Foundation. She also volunteered with the Palmdale Chamber of
Commerce, cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, the Antelope Valley
Fair and the American Cancer Society.
The AVBOT Honorary Lifetime Director recognition is by no
means the first award honoring Alis Clausen Odenthal. She was:
1993 Woman of the Year for the 36th Assembly District; Golden Apple Award winner at AV College, 1996 AVC Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year; Antelope Valley Athena Award Business Woman of
the Year in 2000, Antelope Valley College Foundation Professional
Achievement Award in 2010 and three-time winner of the California
Cable Association’s Diamond Award for Best News Show.
Alis hold a Master of Arts in Musicology from UCSB, as well
as a BA degree in Vocal Performance.
She and her husband, retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department Capt. Richard Odenthal, have homes in Lancaster and
Huntington Beach.
Teri Lamping Retires
Teri has served as the Executive Assistant of the AV Board of Trade since
2009. She has been the first point of contact in our office and at our events!
Her background in hospitality has lifted our events to the highest level.
Teri is retiring to spend time with her family and will be truly missed.
Teri pictured with her family (left to right): Teri, daughter Haleigh,
daughter Emily and husband Tony.
Antelope Valley Business News
June 2013 •
5
AVBOT New Director Spotlight
Mojave Air & Spaceport Deputy GM
Karina Drees Joins AVBOT Board By KATIE CORBETT
Passion for space has guided the illustrious career of Karina
Drees, deputy general manager at the Mojave Air and SpacePort and
a newly elected director of the AV Board of Trade.
Drees’s interest in space was developed while working as an intern at the X PRIZE Foundation during her MBA studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management, she
said. “It then intensified while I was completing the International
Space University’s summer session program in Beijing, China.”
In 2012 came the present opportunity for her at Mojave Air
and SpacePort. She explained that she was so impressed with the
spaceport’s future in 2007 when she worked with Manager Stuart
Witt on a research study that she took the job. “I feel very fortunate
to be involved in an industry that I’m so passionate about and have
a job that I truly love! “
“The spaceport has grown substantially in the past decade and
has an unlimited future. The commercial space industry is in its infancy of growth.”
In her position at Mojave, Drees oversees day-to-day operations but also recruiting of new companies and retaining existing
companies for the 75-tenant special district airport. Perceiving that
the AVBOT was one of the most active and influential organizations
in the region, Drees has chosen to dedicate her impressive talent and
experience to advance the Board of Trade’s mission.
As she described her decision, “Working in the aerospace industry there is no better organization to get involved with than one
has such a substantial effect on business in the AV. I am looking
forward to being intimately involved on committees where my contributions and experience will make the biggest impact.”
Further, the spaceport “is focused on playing a support role in
creating new jobs in flight test, commercial space, transportation
and research industries. Many of
these objectives are in line with the
AVBOT mission, which is why I
believe I can benefit the board and
the greater Antelope Valley.”
Born in a small rural town
in Iowa and raised in Nebraska,
Drees moved to Phoenix when she
was 18 and earned a Bachelor of Science in finance from Arizona
State University. Her career started in finance and business administration for high-tech start-ups in Arizona, followed by senior positions in strategy, business development and operations for growing
technology companies.
While studying for her MBA at MIT in 2007, she received two
prestigious awards: Patrick J. McGovern, Jr. Award for Outstanding
Contribution to Entrepreneurship at MIT and Martin Trust Community Award for Leadership in the MIT Sloan Community. Also she
chaired the MIT $100K Entrepreneuship Competition, which educated the MIT community about entrepreneurship, raised $350,000
to fund one year of operations, and led a team of 100 student volunteers.
Currently she serves still as a board member of the MIT $100K
Entrepreneurship Competition, a judge for the MIT Global Challenge and an SBIR proposal reviewer and panelist for the National
Science Foundation.
Living in Mojave, Drees is enjoying some time with her husband, Army Capt. Todd Quelet, who just returned from service in
Afghanistan. “We have been living apart for nine months and are
thrilled to be reunited. The two volunteer together and are getting
heavily involved in improving quality of life in Mojave.”
AVBOT Honors Antelope Valley Press’s Aerospace
Reporter Allison Gatlin at the May Business Briefing
Luncheon featuring Mojave Air and Space Port
General Manager
Allison has covered the burgeoning growth of private sector activity
at the Mojave Spaceport, the growth of the civilian rocket industry and
of course the success of Spaceship One and now the Virgin Galactic
enterprises. NASA’s programs increasingly involving science and mission aircraft operating out of Palmdale are a special interest. In addition
to covering the AV, Allison reports on the issues facing communities in
East Kern County, including Mojave and California City.
Allison was honored with Certificates of Recognition from the offices of: Congressman Buck McKeon; Congressman Kevin McCarthy;
Senator Steve Knight; Assemblyman Steve Fox; Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner; City of Lancaster; Board of Equalization; Palmdale
Chamber of Commerce and Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Proclamations were presented from LA County and California City.
6 • June 2013
Photos from left to right:
AVBOT Aerocomm chairperson Al Hoffman; Allison Gatlin, AV Press
and Stu Witt, General Manager, Mojave Air and Space Port
Certificates of Recognition presented by left to right: Ryan Rush,
representing Supervisor Zack Scrivner; Sandy Corrales, representing
Assemblyman Steve Fox; Lisa Moulton, representing Senator Steve
Knight; Drew Mercy, representing both the City of Lancaster and
George Runner Board of Equalization; Kennan Hochschild, representing Congressman Kevin McCarthy; JD Kennedy, representing
Congressman Buck McKeon; Al Hoffman, Aerocomm Chair; Allison
Gatlin, AV Press; Stu Witt, Mojave Air and Space Port
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
AVBOT New Director Spotlight
Financial industry executive Stan Turner
elected to Board
Representing Edwards Federal Credit Union, Stan Turner provides 44 years of banking expertise and acumen available to the AV
Board of Trade as one of the newest elected directors.
Since 2006 Turner has served as the president/CEO of Edwards
Federal Credit Union, the only remaining locally headquartered financial institution in the Antelope Valley. As he described the credit
union, it is 19,000 members strong with assets of $164 million and
with offices at Edwards and Lancaster.
Joining the Board of Trade soon after moving to the Antelope
Valley seemed natural to Turner who throughout his career as a
banker has worked with various groups that encourage economic
growth. “Of course, when I learned about AVBOT, I joined. I have
especially enjoyed the Business Outlook Conference held each
year.”
“In my career I have seen the results of a challenging economy.
In the AV, we seem to be well-positioned for a recovery, and I will
do my part to work with the other AVBOT Board members to ensure
that the Antelope Valley has a strong future,” Turner said.
Asked what committees he would like to serve on, he explained
that his “excellent staff at the credit union” would allow him more
time to serve as an active Board member with AVBOT, but he
wasn’t sure yet what areas he would choose.
A native of Visalia, Turner earned his bachelor’s degree in business from California State University Fresno and spent two years in
the Army, including one tour in Vietnam. On his return from Vietnam, he didn’t have any idea what career he wanted, and a friend
recommended that he interview with the United California Bank in
San Francisco. After three interviews, the bank hired and placed him
fortunately in a yearlong management-training program, he said,
which banks don’t do anymore.
From there he became a commercial loan officer and assistant
manager in Madera for eight years
and then returned to Visalia where
he wrote loans for many startup
businesses. Later working for a
bank in Arroya Grande during a
time of turmoil for financial institutions, he joined Vandenberg Federal Credit Union as the vice president of operations and from there he came to Edwards.
Presently Turner keeps busy with the Lancaster West Rotary
Club, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, the Lancaster Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, the CIV-Mil group and the Central Christian
Church.
And if he has any more time, he said, “I work out at 24 hour Fitness, enjoy golf, racquetball, basketball and jogging, and playing the
piano, plunking out a new tune (too bad I can’t read music.)”
He and his wife, Joan have been married for 23 years and have a
“yours, mine and ours” kind of family, a total of six children and five
grandchildren. “Ours is our 22-year-old boy (Kameron) who is a
junior at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. And my
mom Caryl is now 99 years young, healthy and lives in San Pedro,”
he added.
With great pride in serving the Board of Trade, Turner concluded, “I am committed to the success of our community and will help
to get things done to improve our valley. This way we can fulfill our
mission ‘to engage in maintaining and promoting diverse business
and industry, quality infrastructures and a strong legislative voice for
the benefit of its members and the Greater Antelope Valley.”
Scholarships Awarded
ANTELOPE
VALLEY
COLLEGE
Antelope Valley Business News
The officers, directors, staff, members and friends of the Antelope
Valley Board of Trade (AVBOT) in honor of Dr. Jackie Fisher’s service to
the organization as Past President (2008-2009) and current Director, joined
with the Antelope Valley College Foundation to award a scholarship in
memory of six-year-old Nickolas Lee Smith, Dr. and Mrs. Jackie Fisher’s
grandson. To date, $1900 has been donated to the Nickolas Lee Smith
Memorial Scholarship. At the AVC Scholarship Convocation on May 15th,
two $500 scholarships were awarded by Vicki Medina, representing the AV
Board of Trade, along with Nickolas sister and mother, to Raul Perez and
Valerie Stahl, both returning STEM students at Antelope Valley College
with aspirations of attending CSU Long Beach, the Antelope Valley campus. Congratulations Raul and Valerie. This scholarship is perpetual and
you can still make a donation by going to: www.AVC.EDU/Foundation
June 2013 •
7
AVBOT Visits Sacramento!
Monday, May 13, 2013
AVBOT Visits the Assembly Floor
Left to Right
President Drew Mercy; Bill Taylor, Granite Construction;
Scott Cummings, AV Mall; Al Hoffman, Boeing;
Assemblyman Steve Fox; Executive Director Vicki Medina;
Don Rhea, ClancyJG; Lisa Moulton
AVBOT Visits with
Senator Steve Knight
Executive Director Vicki Medina,
Senator Steve Knight
(Left to Right) Bill Taylor, Granite Construction; Lisa
Moulton; Al Hoffman, Boeing; Senator Steve Knight;
Scott Cummings, AV Mall; Executive Director Vicki
Medina; Don Rhea, ClancyJG
AVBOT Visits with Senator Jean Fuller
Don Rhea, ClancyJG; Lisa Moulton;
Executive Director Vicki Medina; Al Hoffman,
Boeing; Senator Jean Fuller; Bill Taylor,
Granite Construction; Scott Cummings, AV Mall
8 • June 2013
(Left to Right) Don Rhea, ClancyJG; Senator
Steve Knight; Executive Director Vicki Medina; Bill
Taylor, Granite Construction; Al Hoffman, Boeing;
President Drew Mercy
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
Board of Trade Joins Opposition To $2.4 Billion Transportation Fee
The Antelope Valley Board of Trade has joined with
more than 55 other business and economic development groups in
Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed) opposition to a
proposed Congestion Mitigation Fee that would extract $2.4 billion
from new construction over the next 20 years.
AVBOT was among the signers of a BizFed letter to L.A. Metropolitan Transit Authority CEO Art Leahy, opposing the Congestion
Mitigation Fee’s adoption.
The letter pointed out that voices from the business community
have been largely ignored by the MTA during the 10-year-long consideration of the fee, noting that Metro staff has not met with the
CMF Feasibility Policy Advisory Committee in more than a year.
The letter stated: “While we understand local governments’ need
to comply with the Congestion Management Plan system developed
under Proposition 111 – and thus receive state gas tax local subvention from Congestion Management Agencies, in this case Metro
– we strongly believe this proposal has critical problems and is significantly out of step with today’s transformed transportation and
economic landscapes.”
BizFed noted that the fee approach began prior to LA County
voter approval of Measure R’s $40 billion in dedicated funding for
transportation and at a time when “fees” and regulations affecting
business were far less prevalent. Today, LA County already has three
transportation sales taxes. This proposal amounts to an added $2.4
billion, 20-year cost to the business community for new development - thus, a surcharge on those who would provide the economic
development the region needs.
The letter goes on to point out that the CMF would throw money
at transportation projects without a comprehensive plan as to how
the goal of reducing traffic congestion would be reached and monitored for effectiveness.
The letter concludes by saying, “We are aware that solutions
are vitally needed. But this proposal and its timeline are of grave
concern to the business community, and after careful consideration
we must oppose this proposal as written. Ultimately, we believe the
broad effort to mitigate LA County’s transportation network – and
create a strong and healthy economy and environment - needs to be
informed by much more holistic, current and substantive analysis
regarding the region’s transportation funding options and assessment of our CMP network. Updated strategic planning efforts would
encompass our current transportation and economic landscape…”
AVBOT enlightens State Biz Team On
the Key Issue for CEQA Change
SACRAMENTO – Although efforts begun last year to modernize
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) remain in the
hands of state legislators, the Antelope Valley Board of Trade’s
May 13 mission to the State Capitol brought a compelling new
message to the Governor’s Office of Business (GO-BIZ).
In an hour-long meeting with GO-BIZ administrators,
AVBOT Transportation Committee Co-Chair Bill Taylor received
a positive reaction in summing up the need for CEQA reform.
Taylor said, “Businesses need certainty of process when they engage with the CEQA process. Unfortunately, even when they meet
or exceed all regulatory and statutory requirements they still have
problems with CEQA.”
Taylor added, “You can follow all the rules and still fail, and
that’s frustrating.
The bill currently before the Legislature, Senate Bill 731, is
characterized by its author, Sen. Darryl Steinberg (D-San Francisco) as a comprehensive reform to strengthen CEQA’s protection
of the state’s environment and residents, while modernizing the
law to aid California’s economic growth.
The author stated that SB 731 “is the result of months of discussion and negotiation with key representatives from the business, environmental, and organized labor communities.”
Antelope Valley Business News
Steinberg said the changes were key issues identified by a
CEQA working group of experts he brought together in late 2012
to “help reduce litigation and delays from CEQA while protecting
the legitimate uses of the statute.”
CEQA was signed into law by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan in
1970. Between then and 1990, some 334 sections were added,
amended or repealed. Between 1990 and 2002, 170 sections were
changed, and an additional 83 sections were added, amended or
repealed since 2008.
Steinberg’s SB 731 was scheduled for a hearing in the Senate
Appropriations Committee on May 20, having passed the Environmental Quality Committee on an 8-0 vote on May 6.
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) was created by Gov. Jerry Brown as California’s
point of contact for economic development and job creation efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection,
permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business
assistance, international trade development and assistance with
state government agencies.
June 2013 •
9
Summer Readiness
Partnering This Summer
Community conservation efforts helped save 300 megawatts during a critical time last summer. This summer—same
as last—conservation efforts will be more important because of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station continuing to
be offline.
Although we have sufficient resources to meet business and residential electricity needs, the loss of a major transmission line could result in transmission grid problems affecting portions of Orange County. We are taking steps to make
sure that doesn’t happen, including accelerating transmission projects, promoting conservation and energy efficiency
programs and increasing community outreach efforts.
Bottom line is that SCE is looking to partner with you to make this a smooth summer.
Prepare Now for Summer
Summer is almost here, which often means higher energy usage. Personally or professionally, you can monitor your
budget using Budget Assistant. Manage and control your electricity costs when you set a monthly spending goal,
and get updated with weekly email, text or voice message alerts – eliminating any end-of-the-month bill surprises. And
that’s not all…
What your organization can do...
What you personally can do...
It is also the time when business electricity rate shifts
from lower “winter” rate period to the higher “summer”
rate period (June-September). The reason for this shift is
to align rates with increased energy demands that come
with the summer months, when demand is at its peak
and the cost to produce energy is higher.
SCE offers a variety of low-cost and no-cost solutions to
help you get ready to reduce your energy usage and take
control of summer electricity bills.
SCE can help you prepare now to lower your energy
usage and better manage your electricity bills during the
summer months. We offer a wide variety of tools, including case studies that provide examples of what other
businesses are doing to save energy and costs, tips on
how to make your workplace more energy efficient, and
payment plans that give you alternate methods of paying
your bill.
Save with Save Power Day Incentives.
Earn up to $100* a year in bill credits when you reduce
your energy usage between 2PM and 6PM when a Save
Power Day is called. It’s our way of rewarding you for doing your part to conserve energy.
Discover Home Rebates
Recycling your old, inefficient working refrigerator or
freezer is an environmentally-conscious way to save
energy, lower your electric bill, and help the environment
– and you’ll receive a $35 incentive!
Demand Response: Rewards for Reducing
We offer a variety of Demand Response Program options
that reward qualifying business customers for reducing
their energy use when demand is high — typically during
summer months.
In addition, take advantage of SCE Rebates such as:
Get ready for summer today. Take advantage of the
helpful options that best fit your energy and cost-saving
needs. To learn more, visit www.sce.com/energytips.
Get ready for summer today. Take advantage of the helpful options that best suit your energy and cost-saving
needs. To learn more, visit www.sce.com/reduce.
•
•
•
Refrigerators – $35 - $75
Pool Pump and Motor – $200
Evaporative Coolers – $300
*Savings may vary based on actual usage reductions during a Save Power Day and other factors. These programs are funded by California utility ratepayers and administered by Southern
California Edison under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. Incentive programs limited to SCE customers only. Specific program terms and conditions apply.
Programs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are effective until funding is expended or the program is discontinued. ©2013 Southern California Edison. All rights reserved.
10 • June 2013
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
Kaiser Celebrates Construction Milestone on New Specialty Building
Building in Lancaster Scheduled to Open
in Late 2014
LANCASTER, CA (May 10, 2013) – Kaiser Permanente celebrated
a significant milestone on the construction of its new Antelope Valley specialty building today as the last beam of the building’s steel
structure was placed. To mark the occasion, community leaders
joined Kaiser Permanente physicians and staff, and the building’s
construction team on- site. A virtual tour of the building gave attendees a sneak preview of the large facility scheduled to open in
late 2014.
The 136,000-square-foot facility will have 94 exam rooms and
offices for 66 specialty physicians making it more convenient to get
specialty care in the Antelope Valley. The new building will house a
pharmacy, lab, x-ray, and 16 specialty departments, including cardiology, hematology/oncology, orthopedics, and urology.
This is a landmark project for Kaiser Permanente as it is the first
building in the Kaiser network to seek the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certification from the U.S.
Green Building Council.
Kaiser Permanente is pursuing a wind turbine for the site that
will assist with powering the remaining construction process, and
the build itself, once it opens—another first for Kaiser Permanente.
“Our new building takes advantage of the Antelope Valley’s natural resources—incorporating wind and sun as energy sources,” explains David Kohl, MD, Medical Director for Kaiser Permanente
Antelope Valley.
“The new Antelope Valley Specialty Building is striving to be
the largest ‘net zero’ medical office building in the United States –
producing as much power as it is using,”
Kaiser Permanente has been an integral part of the Antelope Valley community since 1968. This year marks the 45th anniversary of
its first office in Lancaster, and 10th anniversary of our Palmdale
Medical Offices.
The new specialty building, designed by Taylor Architects and
constructed by McCarthy Building Companies, will be Kaiser Permanente’s fifth location in the Antelope Valley.
“Our new specialty building reaffirms Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to making health care convenient and accessible in the Antelope Valley,” explains Barbara Zelinski, chief operating officer for
Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of
health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health
care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our
mission is to provide high quality, affordable health care services to
improve the health of our members and the communities we serve.
We currently serve 3.5 million members in Southern California.
Kaiser Permanente serves more than 100,000 members in the Antelope Valley. Care for members and patients is focused on their total
health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team
of caregivers. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.
Have you joined us?
Antelope Valley Business News
June 2013 •
11
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
This Membership supports business promotion, industrial expansion and economic development of the Antelope Valley.
PLEASE PRINT
Business Name
Phone: Area Code (
)
Representative & Title
Fax: Area Code
)
(
Individual Membership (NON-BUSINESS ONLY)
Address
City
State
Zip
Email Address
Website
Date
Charge Card #
Signature
Expiration Date
Membership Fees
Business Memberships:

Homebased Business

10 Employees or less

11 to 49 Employees

50 plus Employees
Corporations:

1000 plus Employees
Organizations:
 Civic,Nonprofit,etc.
 Nonprofit-501(c)(3)
Incorporated City:

Municipalities
Non-Business:

Individual
$
$
$
$
200
250
350
500
A Nonprofit 501(c) 6 Corporation
Business Investment — Tax Deductible
The AV Board of Trade’s Mission Statement “is to engage in
maintaining and promoting diverse business and industry,
quality infrastructures, and a strong legislative voice for the
benefit of its members and the greater Antelope Valley.”
$ 1000
$ 250
$ 150
$ 500
$ 150
How would you like to receive AVBOT
information/ monthly newsletter?

U.S.PostOffice

Email
(please include email address above)
 Business Card (6 months)
$ 150
 BusinessCard(OneYear)
 Flyer:(one8.5”x11”)
 $200-BusinessLuncheonSponsorship
$275
$150
SAVE $25 PER YEAR
Includes a 235-word article about your business and you, a photo of your
business or of the owner/CEO/representative, and company logo in the
Antelope Valley Business News, our monthly newsletter, on our website, and
a 5-minute presentation at the Business Luncheon that you sponsor!
COMMITTEES
Please check your preference(s).
Mail To:
ANTELOPE VALLEY BOARD of TRADE
548 West Lancaster Boulevard, Suite 103 •
Lancaster CA 93534-2534
661.942.9581 • Fax: 661.723.9279
• Email: teri@avbot.org
• Website: www.avbot.org
12 • June 2013
Advertising Rates
Business, Corporate,
Organization, City Members Only
Ads are printed on inside of newsletter.





Aerospace
BusinessOutlook
Conference
Education
Environmental
Health Care





Historical
Joint Legislative
Marketing&Membership
Public Relations
Transportation
Thank You
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
Full Service Printer Who Can Satisfy All Your Printing Needs
Your University in Your Community
CSUB-AV
ANTELOPE VALLEY
43909 30th Street West
Lancaster, California 93536
(661) 952-5000 FAX (661) 952-5126
email: csubav@csub.edu
www.csub.edu/AV
GEORGE “Bud” REAMS
Property Manager
MONTE VISTA BUILDING SITES, INC.
(661) 942-0435
Fax: 942-7485
email: mvbsbud@verizon.net
42220 10th St. W. Ste. 101
Lancaster, CA 93534
Ad Space Available
$25.00 per month
Call 942-9581
Antelope Valley Business News
June 2013 •
13
Membership
Advantage
• The Antelope Valley Board of Trade is
an important vehicle for YOU to shape
tomorrow’s business climate.
• The Antelope Valley Board of Trade is
an important forum for YOU to present
issues and concerns and make valuable
business contacts.
• The Antelope Valley Board of Trade is an
important resource to help YOU solve
business challenges.
Want to run your
ad here?
Call 942-9581
(661) 945-9445
14 • June 2013
Antelope Valley Board of Trade
Calendar of Events
June 2013
June 4
5:30 PM
California City Council, City Hall, Council Chambers, 760-373-8661
June 5
11:30 AM
Quartz Hill Chamber Luncheon, Cascades at Rancho Vista Golf Course, 722-4811
4:00 PM
JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE, Fire Training Station, 942-9581
7:00 PM
Palmdale City Council, City Hall, 267-5151
June 11
8:00 AM
HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE MEETING, Lemon Leaf, Lancaster Blvd., 942-9581
3:30 PM
JOINT EDUCATION COMMITTEE/MSET CONSORTIUM MEETING, AVROP, Palmdale, 942-9581
4:00 PM
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING, AVBOT Office, 942-9581
5:00 PM
Lancaster City Council, City Hall, 723-6000
June 12
11:30 AM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, JP Eliopulos Hellenic Center, 948-4518
June 13
9:30 AM
AEROSPACE COMMITTEE, Lancaster Chamber Conference Room, 942-9581
June 14
ALL DAY
FLAG DAY
June 16
ALL DAY
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
June 18
7:30 AM
BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MEETING, The Palmdale Hotel, 942-9581
12:00 PM
Tehachapi Chamber Luncheon, Veteran’s Hall, 822-4180
5:30 PM
California City Council, City Hall, Council Chambers, 760-373-8661
June 19
11:30 AM
Palmdale Chamber Luncheon, Cascades at Rancho Vista Golf Course, 273-3232
June 25
5:00 PM
Lancaster City Council, City Hall, 723-6000
June 27
12:00 PM
Mojave Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 824-2481
6:00 PMINSTALLATION OF OFFICERS, University of Antelope Valley Ballroom, 942-9581
(Area Code 661 unless otherwise noted)
Antelope Valley Business News
June 2013 •
15
ANTELOPE VALLEY BOARD OF TRADE
548 W. Lancaster Blvd., Suite 103
Lancaster, CA 93534-2534
(661) 942-9581 Fax (661) 723-9279
Email: info@avbot.org
Website: www.avbot.org
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
Permit No. 55
Mojave, CA
93501
MISSION STATEMENT
The Antelope Valley Board of Trade’s mission is
“to engage in maintaining and promoting diverse
business and industry, quality infrastructure, and
a strong legislative voice for the benefit of its
members and the greater Antelope Valley.”
Membership Update
new members and renewing members! Thank you for your support of the Antelope
Valley Board of Trade who continues to be the Voice — Your Voice — of our Valley. We look forward to seeing you
at the Business Luncheons held monthly on the 4th Tuesday.
Antelope Valley Union HS District
Dr. David Vierra
44811 North Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93534
948-7655
www.avhsd.org
DP Commercial Brokerage
“The Dirt Peddler”
Rosalie Clark Brown
38839 North 20th Street East Suite A
Palmdale, CA 93550
273-2664
www.dpcommercial.com
Camacho Auto Sales
Gustavo Camacho
412 Auto Vista Drive
Palmdale, CA 93551
449-8600
www.camachoauto.com
Four Star Printing
Brian McTaggart
38917 – 20th Street East Suite 201
Palmdale, CA 93550
274-1896
www.fourstarprinting.net
Chapel of the Valley Mortuary
Dennis Persons
1755 East Avenue R
Palmdale, CA 93550
947-7118
www.manta.com
Thompson Von Tungeln Law Office
Kevin Von Tungeln
857 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534
945-5868
www.tvttrustlaw.com
CSUB (California State University –
Bakersfield)
Craig Kelsey
43909 – 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
952-5000
www.csub.edu
Union Bank
Pam Gaspar
843 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534
723-2761
www.unionbank.com
RENEWALS: BUSINESS
RENEWAL: ORGANIZATION
CSULB (California State
University Long Beach)
Ken Santarelli
45356 Division Street
Lancaster, CA 93535
723-6429
www.csulb.edu
Hoffmann Hospice
Nicol Gerstein
655 West Avenue Q Suite A
Palmdale, CA 93551
272-2355
www.hoffmannhospice.org
RENEWALS: INDIVIDUAL
Lisa Moulton
Alis Clausen Odenthal
Frank Visco