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Alhambra Chamber of Commerce eNewsletter June 2012
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AROUND ALHAMBRA | |
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce
104 S. First St., Alhambra, CA 91801 Tel: 626 282-8481
Fax: 626 282-5596
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Executive Committee
President:
Mark Paulson, Venti Realty
Vice President:
Valarie Gomez, West San Gabriel Valley YMCA
Immediate Past President:
Carmelita Haltom
At-Large Members:
Walter Tang, Superior Scientific
Frank Chen, Law Offices of Frank W. Chen
Victoria Deise Wilson, The Alhambra
John Chappell, Bewley Allen Cadillac
Oriana Chan, Wells Fargo Bank
Dana Cop, AT&T, Inc.
Iris Lai, Alhambra Hospital Medical Center
Lee Lieberg, Dilbeck Realty
Susanne Passantino, Allied Waste Services
Joe Pavon, Al's Towing
Chuck Reyes, Holmes Auto Body
Marissa Castro-Salvati, So. California Edison
Helen Romero-Shaw, So. California Gas Company
Lorraine Simpson, Credit Union of Southern California
Dr. David Snyder, Optometrist
Joanna Vargas, Jayvee Dance Center
Paul Yao, CAL Counties Title
Executive Director/Editor: Owen Guenthard
Membership/Advertising Sales: Stan Yonemoto
Business Outreach: Sharon Gibbs
Secretary: Irma Hernandez
Copy Editor: Dulcy Jenkins
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Stay Connected
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Contributions Welcome
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Do you have an announcement about your business?
Is your business offering a special promotion?
Is your business involved in a charitable event that you would like to publicize?
Do you have any short business articles or tips that you would like to share?
Have you made a successful business connection with another Chamber member that you would like to tell us about?
This newsletter's goal is to keep the members of the Chamber informed and connected. We would appreciate any business related article, announcement, event, or business connection about you and your business. Send your items to Irma Hernandez: ihernandez@alhambrachamber.org or to Dulcy Jenkins djenkins@alhambrachamber.org.
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OUR COMMITMENT
TO YOUR BUSINESS
As a member of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, you are aligned with more than 450 other business and individuals in an organization that is working to strengthen the long-term economic vitality of its members and the community. You will find that many of our specialized services have been designed to meet your needs. Be sure to put them to work for you today!
- Increased contact with prospective clients and customers;
- Positions on legislative issues of major importance to the business community;
- Public/private partnerships with City Hall and the Alhambra School District;
- A sound business voice to service organizations and the community;
- Personal and business development;
- Advertising and marketing opportunities
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Upcoming Events
Reminder! |
Wednesday, June 27
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Mixer Wells Fargo Bank
123 S. Chapel Ave.
Alhambra, 626-289-9254
Wednesday, July 4
9:00 p.m.
Fourth of July Fireworks
Almansor Park
800 S. Almansor St.
Alhambra, 91801 Youth groups food booths after 3:30 p.m. Picnic setting, celebrate!
Friday, July 6
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Mosaic Monthly Art-Walk
Alhambra Renaissance Corner
1 E. Main St. at Garfield Ave.
The ArtWalk is held every first Friday of the month Please contact:
downtownalhambra@yahoo.com
Visit Downtown Alhambra website for events and activities around our city.
The Academy of Special Dreams has been featured at our monthly ArtWalk
The Academy of Special Dreams believes that all persons, regardless of their disabilities, should have equal opportunities to express their talents and to be successful in the Arts.
Please visit their website and help make a difference.
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Alhambra Chamber
109th Installation Dinner
Almansor Court
For more info call the Chamber
626-282-8481
Membership & Advertising:
If you would like to become a member of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce or advertise in Around Alhambra, please call us at 626-282-8481
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Executive Director's Message
Is the State's Slow Economic Recovery the Result of Sacramento's Punitive Policies? The fact that California's economic recovery is lagging behind other states such as Texas, Florida and even Michigan should not come as a shock to our elected officials in Sacramento who at the time of this writing were still struggling to create a budget. Recently the results from the annual survey of more than 500 CEOs by Chief Executive Magazine were released and California ranked dead last among all 50 states for the eighth year in a row. The CEO's are asked to rank the states in which they do business among a variety of areas, including taxes and regulations impacting businesses, the quality of the workforce and living environment. |
Five Best States for Business
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Five Worst States For Business
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| 2012 | 2011 | 2012 | 2011 | | | Rank | Rank | Rank | Rank | | 1. Texas | 1 | 50. California | 50 | | 2. Florida | 3 | 49. New York | 49 | | 3. North Carolina | 2 | 48. Illinois | 45 | | 4. Tennesse | 4 | 47. New Jersey | 47 | | 5. Indiana | 6 | 46. Michigan | 48 |
California's onerous labor and environmental regulations, as well as high taxes are all job killers for companies wanting to do business in California. Once the most attractive state for business, California now has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation; and with 12 percent of the nation's population, California has one-third of the nation's welfare recipients. As the result of these conditions and for the first time in decades, California is now losing population as people migrate to other states offering greater opportunities. A second survey, published by Forbes Magazine, attempts to rate the best cities for jobs in 2012. Based on employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for November 2000 through 2012, Forbes ranked all 398 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) on growth trends and the region's momentum. The highest ranked California SMA was Hanford-Corcoran at 36th. Only three other California SMA's mad the top 100 - San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Bakersfield-Delano and San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City. In contrast Texas had 20 SMA's in the top 100 and six in the top ten. Executive Director Owen Guenthard |
Alhambra Chamber Very Special Events
Installation Dinner: Friday, July 20
Tournament of Roses Luncheon: Tuesday, Dec. 4
TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT(S), PHONE THE
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce at 626-282-8481
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It's All About Networking
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People do business with people they know. The Alhambra Chamber of Commerce makes it easy to meet new business contacts every month at its Business After Hours Mixers. These networking events attract 50-75 people who are ready to make new connections.
The next Business After Hours mixer will take place
Wednesday, June 27 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
HOSTED BY OUR MEMBERS AT
123 S. Chapel Ave. Alhambra, 91801
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores and 12,198 ATMs and the Internet at wellsfargo.com across North America and internationally.
Members $10, $15 non-members. PAY AT DOOR
For more information, phone the Chamber at 626-282-8481.
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Ambassador of the Month
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 | Richard Jones
San Marino Tribune
626-792-492 |
Why Be an Ambassador?
As a Chamber Ambassador, I greatly enjoy getting the latest Alhambra business intelligence and community news from the knowledgeable Chamber staff in
order to help my business. There are many ways to volunteer one's talents and time: from organizing the
B to B breakfasts and monthly mixers to helping out with the Alhambra Beautiful Awards. In these tough economic times, the Chamber is like a lifeboat, and being an Ambassador is like helping your neighbors weather
the storm.
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109th Installation Dinner
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Friday, July 20, 2012
Honoring the new Board of Directors and New Officers
President
Valarie R. Gomez
and
Farewell to Past President
Mark Paulson
Almansor Court - Lakeview Room
Cocktails & Appetizers, 6:00 pm, Dinner - 7:00 pm
Stanley Cup, $2500 - includes 10 VIP seats, Ad and listing in program
and Around Alhambra newspaper
MVP, $1,000 - includes 4 preferred seats and listing
in event program
Team Players, $65
For more information, please call the Alhambra Chamber at 626-282-8481
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Business Expo and Hot Spot
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SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, August 18
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Alhambra Renaissance Theater Plaza
in conjunction with the very successful
Hot Spot - Fashion Week
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Bob Wondries May Mixer
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400 S. Atlantic Blvd., hosted the Chamber mixer on May 23. Charles Ma (left), general sales manager, and Chris Greco, general manager, are standing in front of Paul Wondries' 1929 Model A Ford.
Bob Wondries Ford,
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Business Member of the Month
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With two years in Alhambra, Volkswagen builds strong following based on solid history of high value, unique designs
Volkswagen Alhambra will celebrate its second anniversary this July. "It's been an interesting experience," said Rich Wilson, owner of the Alhambra store and also Volkswagen Pasadena. "With the stores' close proximity to each other, I wasn't sure how to create a unique shopping experience for all of our customers."
That seems to be a problem of the past. Mr. Wilson and General Manager Karl Zerrenner have spent the last six months changing the feel of the Alhambra store. They have created a mini Volkswagen/automotive museum on the showroom floor. Five totally restored museum-quality VWs are now on display along with five antique restored gas pumps, a 1947 78 rpm Rock Ola jukebox and a Coca Cola soda fountain out of an old pharmacy. Add to that some classic diner booths that act as sales desks, and you find yourself experiencing a bygone time.
Mr. Zerrenner was quick to point out that Volkswagen Alhambra is still primarily in the new and used car business. "We have several hundred cars to choose from, including the all new Passat, which is built right here in the United States. Our entire lineup has been receiving rave reviews, including Motor Trends' Car of the Year Award. We also have a large selection of certified pre- owned Volkswagens available as well as extra clean other makes and models."
The service department at Alhambra is fully staffed with certified technicians and advisers. Mario Snaer, service director, added, "We also have a good supply of parts for your VW, with the Pasadena store being close enough that we will run up there to get whatever we need to get your car fixed right the first time and on time."
Mr. Wilson and Mr. Zerrenner both believe that investing back into the community is the only way to sustain long term relationships with its customers. "We have donated to many local school projects, scout, and church events, and also sponsored several Alhambra-based golf tournaments," said Mr. Zerrenner. ''We were one of the major sponsors of the recent Taste of Alhambra event and have held Chamber of Commerce mixers at the dealership."
"We will do everything possible to make your experience at Volkswagen Alhambra positive and friendly," said Mr. Wilson. "We invite you to come in and not only experience our vintage showroom, but also see what Volkswagen has to offer in fuel efficient, safe automobiles."
1811 W. Main Street, Alhambra, 91801. Phone 626-407-0500
Visit our website at vwalhambra.com
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Welcome our new Chamber members!
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Alhambra officially welcomes Howard's Appliance and Big Screen Superstore,
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2121 W. Main St., with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 14. From left: Miguel Carranza, sales manager, Howard's; Stacy Leiker, vice president of operations, Howard's; Councilmembers Luis Ayala and Gary Yamauchi; Mayor Barbara Messina; Judy Lawrence, CEO, Howard's; Mike Sanchez, general manager, Howard's; Vice Mayor Dr. Steve Placido; Councilmember Stephen Sham; Chamber President Mark Paulson; Valarie Gomez, Chamber board member and YMCA CEO; and City Manager Julio Fuentes.
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Archer Travel Service/GPS
4148 Ocean View Blvd.
Montrose, CA 91020
818-236-4297
We are experts in creating innovative solutions to fit any corporate travel needs. We provide affordable dream vacations, tailored to your needs.
California Institute of Advanced Management
9550 Flair Dr. #500
El Monte, CA 91731
626-350-1500
A Private Non-Profit Graduate School affiliated with the Peter F. Drucker Academics of China and Hong Kong.
East West Bank #2
403 W. Valley Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-576-7447
East West Bank is a full-service commercial bank serving consumers and businesses throughout the U.S. and in Greater China. For businesses, we offer a complete line of products and services, in addition to an experienced staff that is committed to helping their customers' enterprises succeed. At East West Bank, we build bridges. We provide the important financial link that can turn opportunities into growth and prosperity.
G.A. Public Adjusters
2450 W. Main St., #101
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-293-8849
G.A. Public Adjusters, is a Southern California-based, fully licensed and bonded, public adjusting firm.
We solely represent the interest of the insured in the adjustment of claims for fire, theft, windstorm, vandalism,
water, hurricane and earthquake damage. We ourselves used to work for the insurance companies, we know how
they operate and we know that there are mistakes that can be made on their part. Truth is they are obligated to pay claims, but sometimes may have their own interest at heart when it comes to handling claims. With the knowledge
we now have, we know work on behalf of the insured for your benefit not the insurance company. We act as the constant advocate and adviser for our clients' needs from the hours just following the loss all the way through
the final settlement of their claims.
I C Property Management Corp.
2450 W. Main St., #101
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-293-8849
IC Property Management is Southern California's premier, full service Management Company, dedicated to
providing the best service to its clients and tenants. We believe in building an honest relationship with owners, tenants, and board members to provided excellent communication. We focus on helping our investors
determine their goals and develop plans to achieve them.
K & L Properties
1117 Westminster Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-576-8493
Importers, Property Management and Maintenance
L.M.R. Marketing
1300 E. Main St., Suite 208
Alhambra, CA 91801
323-481-3807
L.M.R. Marketing in Alhambra, CA is a private company categorized under Marketing Consultants. It was
established in 2010 and incorporated in California. Products or Services: Specialized Marketing Services, American Marketing Services, Digital Marketing Services, Archway Marketing Services and Aspen Marketing Services
Lamille Coffee, Inc.
1112 Westminster Ave.
Alhambra,CA 91803
626-202-0100
If great beans were easy to find, every coffee company would offer the same specially premium coffees we do
and LAMILL would likely be in another business. LAMILL is committed to sourcing the Earth in an effort to produce the world's best cup of coffee. And if you're talking coffee, you're talking beans. The world's best green beans are grown between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. For those of you, who slept through geography, imagine a
wide band around the Earth's equator. Known as the Bean Belt, it boasts rich soil and mild temperatures with
plenty of rain and shaded sun - an ideal climate for growing coffee.
Laurie Shigekuni & Associates
225 S. Lake Ave., Suite 300
Pasadena, CA 91101
800-417-5250
Our goal is to provide our clients with the highest degree of integrity, competence, and service. We understand
that estate planning not only deals with issues of finance, but also involves human relationships. Through listening
to the needs of our clients, we will provide them with legal solutions that best care for them and their loved ones.
It is also important to our firm that we serve those who are unable to financially afford legal services. Thus, we offer
a sliding fee scale for low income clients. As indicated in the biography above, we have significant experience in public interest work. We will use a portion of proceeds from our estate planning practice to serve
underrepresented individuals.
Mission Fitness Center
2451 Mission Street
San Marino, CA 91108
626-799-0977
If you want to get into shape but don't want to join an impersonal corporate gym, the new
Mission Fitness Center in San Marino maybe just what you're seeking. This boutique gym is in a beautiful brick building in San Marino's Mission District, at 2451 Mission Street, just east of Garfield Avenue. The space has
the sunny, airy feel of an art studio, with high ceilings, exposed brick and wood walls, and huge paned
windows. The Graces plan to display art by local artists on some of the walls.
Options For Youth
405 S. San Gabriel Blvd., Suite A
San Gabriel, CA 91776
662-337-9352
As teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District during the 1980's, John and Joan Hall saw countless students struggling to fit in and do well in a traditional high school setting. Committed to providing them with an alternative educational environment, in 1987 the Halls established Options for Youth (OFY) public charter schools as a
contracted service. When Charter School Law was passed in 1993, Options For Youth opened the first charter
school in California located in Victor Valley. Today, Options for Youth has 31 non-traditional learning environments state-wide that are similar to school libraries or study halls and provide a safe, friendly atmosphere for learning. Students work one-on-one with assigned teachers or in small groups.
Raidentech, Inc.
321 Vineland Ave.
La Puente, CA 91746
626-968-9860
Wholesale the hottest toys & gadgets on earth. We sell the most popular and bestselling radio control products by Syma, Doublehorse, Artech, JXD, Exceedrc, UDI, and many more. Best of all, we sell to wholesalers and resellers!
Schwanhauser Corp.,DBA Jayvee Dance Center
248 E. Main St., Suite 201
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-458-7594
The business professionally instructs students in different genres of dance within structured classes to all ages. Schwanhauser Corp is the umbrella corporation that manages the dance center's operations.
Wedbush Securities
1000 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #855
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-688-4339
Wedbush Securities is the largest broker dealer headquartered on the West Coast. As an Advisor with Wedbush,
I assist clients in building and protecting their wealth. Using a hands-on approach to managing client accounts.
I am available for account reviews and consultations.
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Thank you for your Chamber renewals and continued support!
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Alhambra Beauty College
200 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-282-7765
Member since 2009
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ISU ARMAC Insurance Agency
100 E. Huntington Dr., Suite #100
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-281-6000
Member since 2011
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Special Signs, Inc.
115 N. San Gabriel Blvd.
San Gabriel, CA 91775
626-285-8870
Member since 2001
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Bell Tower Bilingual School
3116 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-943-9970
Member since 2008
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Mary Louise Bunker
Member since 1995
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Teng Properties
9525 Las Tunas Dr.
Temple City, CA 91780-2105
626-347-8828
Member since 2010
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Bethany Church of Alhambra
21 N. Olive Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-282-9124
Member since 2010
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Michael S. Yu, A Law Corporation
9860 Flair Dr.
El Monte, CA 91731
626-289-2833
Member since 2000
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The Alhambra
1000 S. Fremont Ave., Unit 1
A10-Center, 1st Floor, Ste 10150
Alhambra, Ca 91803
626-300-5038
Member since 1972
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Cakelly Property Management
539 W. Main Street
Alhambra, CA 91801
Member since 2011
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Paychex
500 N. Brand Blvd. #1400
Glendale, CA 91203
323-313-5504
Member since 2010
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Top Island Seafood Restaurant
740 E. Valley Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-300-9898
Member since 2007
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Fronteras Mexican Grill & Cantina
118 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-308-0179
Member since 2006
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Oneonta Montessori School
2221 Poplar Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-284-0840
Member since 2008
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Wondries Family Collision Center
328 S. Marengo Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803
626-282-5496
Member since 2001
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Precisious-Affordable-Gifts.com
211 1/2 S. Atlantic Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-227-6092
Member since 2011
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