Greetings!
Welcome to the Eastern Madera County Area News brought to you by the
Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce. We are pleased to present news from our members and the communities of Eastern Madera County.
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Reasons to Think and Search Local First
 Businesses owned by local people that are free to make their own operating decisions benefit our community in a variety of ways. They:
Give great service
Independent business people genuinely love what they do, and have the ability to go above and beyond to make sure you are a satisfied customer - saving you time, money and stress.
Contribute to our community's economic success
More money stays in our community when you patronize locally-owned businesses than when you go to a national chain - money that is used to employ local people, support local nonprofits, and buy local products.
Create community
Independent businesses reflect the values and interests of the community, and often serve as gathering places where you can meet your neighbors, friends, and the owners of the business.
Offer unique goods and atmosphere
Local businesses and organizations offer goods and services that you might not find anywhere else, helping make our area y a vibrant, authentic place that is different than other places.
Give back to the community
Local businesses sponsor and participate in events benefiting the community, and donate goods and services to local nonprofits.
Improve our community's environment
Because they live here, local business owners see their businesses' impacts on our environment and community, and have the freedom to implement innovative programs to address these impacts.
Create great places to work
Local businesses have human-scale workplaces that value and involve their employees, and are flexible and fun places to work.
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Eastern Madera County Job Fair - Looking For Employers
jesinosa@maderacoe.k12.ca.us
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Help Us Fill The Gottschalks Building
Your opinion is important to us in a continuing effort to fill
vacancies in Oakhurst specifically the Gottschalks building. The owner
of the center has done an excellent job trying to find an appropiate
replacement for Gottschalks; taking into account the products our
community needs the most.
More>>>
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Chamber Mixers
Join in on the Fiesta! Thursday February 25th, 5:30 - 7 PM  |
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Oakhurst Branch Library Gets New Hours
Due to further budget cuts, the library has been forced to
once again decrease its hours of operation. Effective immediately, hours are as
follow:
Monday - Thursday: 11 am to 6 pm
Friday: 11 am to 2 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
We will also be closed on the following county furlough
Fridays:
February 12th & 26th
March 12th & 26th
April 23rd
May 7th & 21st
We recommend that you check our website regularly for any future
unexpected changes.
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Business.gov
Launches First Government-Sponsored Online Community for Small Businesses
 WASHINGTON
- SBA's Business Gateway Program announced today the launch of a new Web initiative - www.Community.Business.gov
- the first government-sponsored online community built specifically for small businesses.
The objective of the Business.gov Community supports the White House's mission to create a transparent and connected democracy, and aims to provide small business owners, bloggers, and the government with a place to discuss and share information about starting and running a successful business. Read More>>>
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E-Waste Recycling
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Meet New People - Join the Chamber Ambassadors
Is your New Year's resolution to improve your business? Help yourself by learning to help others-become an Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.
Come see what being an ambassadors all about, join us at the next Ambassadors Meeting: Tuesday, March 9th, 12pm in the Chambers Meeting Room (Blue building next to the cemetary, upstairs from Nelson Press.)
 Underwood Insurance Ribbon Cutting Pictured from left to right: Jolene Elizalde, Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce; Shawna Petrushkin, Ameriprise Financial; Sue Graham, Oakhurst Giftworks; Chris Baker, Digital Mirrors; Robin Underwood, Underwood Insurance; Diane Underwood, Underwood Insurance; Rima Runtzel, Sierra Telephone; Brian Gearhart, Honorary Mayor & Pines Resort; Rick Hlava, Valley Regional Insurance. *Join us for the next Ribbon Cutting, Tuesday Februrary 23 at 12pm Yosemite Lake Owners Association, 30250 Yosemite Springs Parkway, Coarsegold. RSVP to chamber@oakhurstchamber.com or call 559-683-7766 |
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Women In Business Luncheon
 Make your reservation today. Call 683-7766.
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Are you one of our next Honorary Mayor candidates?
 You can become the next Honorary Mayor of Oakhurst. To win the race, simply raise money for your favorite not for profit charity. Each dollar counts as a vote, the most votes win the title and duties of Honorary Mayor.
Over the Years the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce Honorary Mayors program has brought awareness to and raised thousands of dollars for many local charities.
What is your charity? Wouldn't you like to be the Honorary Mayor of Oakhurst for a year? You can make a difference, we can help.
We are now accepting nomination for Oakhurst Honorary Mayor Candidates. For more information stop in to the Chamber office, call 683-7766, or visit us online at: www.oakhurstchamber.com.
The Oakhurst Honorary Mayoral Race deadline to enter the event is Wednesday, April 14, 2010. The "Kick Off -Chamber Dinner" for the Honorary Mayoral Race is April 28th.
Raise Awareness and Money for your Favorite Charity!
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Do you want to run but not sure for what organization? Contact the Chamber for suggestions
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Discover Tuscany, Join us for Orientation
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Madera County Film Commission Achieves Non-Profit Status
 The Madera County Film Commission, a California Public Benefit Corporation, has been granted non - profit status by the Internal Revenue Service. According to executive director Dave Wolin; "this is a major step forward for us; enabling the film commission to apply for grants from a variety of organizations."
Since county budget cuts eliminated their funding last year, the film commission has been operating with both private financial support as well support from Madera County businesses who see the value in attacting film and advertising projects to the area. In recent years, the film commission has generated about $2 million a year in revenue in Madera County.
Read More>>>
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One Stop Office Products is coming to Oakhurst
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Submissions Rolling In - Deadline March 1st
Oakhurst, CA. - A committee formed from the Oakhurst Area Chamber of
Commerce is looking for talented artists who can create a logo for a new
signature event.
The
Yosemite International Jazz Festival, currently being planned for fall of 2011,
will be a big event according to organizers. "The momentum the organizing
committee is building is incredible," said committee chairperson Angelo Pizelo.
"This is going to be an amazing festival with a lot of exciting events that
will be a tremendous draw for our community."
As
the festival is still in its planning stages, the group is in need of a logo to
symbolize the event. "We want something that will reflect the mountains, Yosemite and jazz," said Pizelo. "Something attractive to
use in our marketing materials that will catch the eye and help create
interest."
The winner
of the contest will receive a $500 prize. The money is being donated by the
Eastern Madera County Foundation; a philanthropic organization formed by
the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce for the benefit of Eastern
Madera. The Chamber is also the organizing force behind the event.
The
festival, which is anticipated to make a substantial impact to the community's
economy, is also being organized as a fundraiser benefitting the Oakhurst Civic Center
project. "This is an important vision for Oakhurst, to give residents a place
to gather, a center point for our community. This festival will go a long way
to making that a reality," Pizelo said.
Logo
submissions can be emailed to jarrod@YosemiteThisYear.com,
or mailed to the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau, 41969 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA,
93644 and marked "Jazz
Festival Logo Contest." All submissions must be original works. No clip art
will be accepted. All reproduction rights will remain with the Jazz Festival
and its principals. No royalties outside the $500 cash prize for the winner
will be paid. Only digital submissions, either emailed or mailed on a CD, will
be accepted. All submissions must be received by March 1. The committee will
announce a winner by April 15.
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Stavast Studio Limited Time Offer
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Jean Butterfield, owner of Nature's Leaf, gets nominated
Jean Butterfield is nominated for the Female Vocalist Category by the Northern California Bluegrass Awards. The 2010 Ceremony honoring Northern CA bands and musicians is March 13, 2010.
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Come Play for the Chamber P.O.T.S.
Team is forming now. We
need good basketball players and players that just want to have fun. Team of 20
forming now. We will play the Harlem Ambassadors May 13th at Yosemite High
School. Don't miss the opportunity of a lifetime! Practice will begin the 1st part of March.Sign up now! 559-683-7766 or e-mail chamber@oakhurstchamber.com.
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Thank You from Erna's Elderberry House
It was our 25th Valentine's celebration last weekend and although I was a little concerned about its turnout this year, I am very happy to say it was a fantastic success - two magical days - just like old times!
It warmed my heart and filled me with great joy to see the return of so many familiar faces, that despite these challenging times their love and loyal support for my restaurant prevailed - I want to thank you all dearly with deep appreciation.
The good news is that romance is a condition of the heart, not the calendar. Know, at the Elderberry House we will always delight in offering you a place where your special celebrations can be shared according to your budget, every day of the year.
If you are seeking the experience of our renowned, delectable 5 course dinner, or all you want is one entrée, or perhaps you like to visit us for just a glass of wine and cheeses, or only to savor a yummy dessert plate and coffee - the choice is yours.
We will always joyfully welcome you at the Estate by the Elderberries...
This time of the year the ride up highway 41 to sunny Oakhurst is especially lovely and rewarding. Driving up from Fresno recently, I broke out of the fog just as I approached the North Fork turnoff, it was a magnificent sight! Coming out of the grey, I suddenly entered a world of bright blue skies, warm sun, lush green hills against the white snow-capped peaks of the Sierra, it seemed like I entered paradise. Why not take the pleasure of a drive to the hills this Sunday and treat yourself to a scrumptious Brunch at the Elderberry House - served from 11.00am to 1.00pm - (4-courses inclusive a glass of Champagne, Croissants, Brioche and Coffee - $ 46.00 pp).
Dear friends, do plan to visit us now and then, take a brief respite from your daily pace, and allow us to keep being a part of the special times in your life ...
With fondest regards,
Erna
Erna's Elderberry House
48688 Victoria Lane
PO Box 2413
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone: 559 683-6860
E-mail: chateau@chateausureau.com
Website: www.chateausureau.com
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For more information about the Oakhurst Area Chamber including; news, events, membership, and benefits please visit our website: www.OakhurstChamber.com |
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| | Business of the Week
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Joe's Sew & Vac
40114 Hwy 49 Ste C
Oakhurst, CA 93644 Phone: 559-683-5101
jyqlt@yahoo.com
Member Since: 2009-05-26
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| New Members
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Please join us in
welcoming the
following businesses
to the Oakhurst Area
Chamber:
El Capitan Foundation
Lawson Construction, Inc
The Grind
Underwood Insurance
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| Renewing Members
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Congratulations to the following businesses. They benefit from
all of the many services the
Oakhurst Area Chamber
provides.
Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst
Bryant Home Corporation
Campora Propane Service
Comfort Inn
Community Medical Center of Oakhurst
Eagle Quick Lube
Educational Employee Credit Union
Herschy Environmental, Inc.
J. Carol Realty, Inc.
Macaulay, Doug/Foster & Parker
Madera County Economic Development
Miller's Mountain Sports & Apparel
Norm Nadeau Realty
North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians
Oakhurst Pest Control
Peter D.D.S., Rodney
Pines Resort and Conference Center
Pizza Factory, Inc.
Sierra Art Trails
Sierra Star
Sierra Telephone
Stanovich, Janet
Yosemite Gateway Assoc. of Realtors
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January Statistics
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The Oakhurst Area Chamber is one of the most frequently dialed number in the area. Our website generates well over three million hits per year!
We provide a FREE place for our members to display their business cards and brochures in our busy lobby.
View our stats to see just how busy we were in January:
Website Hits: 312,791
Member Referrals from Website:
3,474
Relocation Requests: 5
# Emails Answered: 456
# of Phone Calls Received: 420
# of Visitors: 80
# of Mailed Items Sent: 118
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Benefit of the Month
E-Blasts
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Are you celebrating a special event?
Do you want to showcase what your business sells or
the services you provide?
Then an e-blast is a good place to start. Our daily e-blast reaches
over 800 e-mail addresses, making it a great way to advertise and expand your clientele.
Special: Buy 3 Get 1 FREE
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Customer Appreciation
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|  We would like to thank Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino for agreeing to sponsor this year's leadership simulcast- Maximum Impact. Further information on this event coming soon...
THANK YOU!
Our Mission:
"Promote and support the economic vitality of our
local businesses, while honoring and preserving the unique lifestyles of our Mountain Communities."
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Proud Sponsors of the
Oakhurst Area Chamber
Gold Sponsors:
 Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino London Properties
Silver Sponsors:
P.G.& E.
Mariposa Portable Sanitation Sierra Telephone
Donaghy Sales
Bronze Sponsors:
The Pines Resort
Corporate Sponsors:
United Security Bank
Yosemite Bank
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Is Your Business Compliant?
Save $$$'s by purchasing your 2010 Labor Law Posters at the OAC My OSHA Store.
CLICK HERE |
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We've just launched our online fundraising campaign. Proceeds of this fundraiser will go to Beautification projects such as the 41/49 intersection and the empty lot across from the cemetery. For further information click here.
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