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A PUBLICATION OF THE BERKELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOURTH QUARTER 2010
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1834 University Ave. Berkeley, CA 94703 · TEL 510.549.7000 · FAX 510.549.1789 · EMAIL info@berkeleychamber.com
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| IMPORTANT: YOUR NEW CHAMBER DIRECTORY MEMBER LISTING
The 2011 Chamber Directory is going to print! Insure that your member listing is correct...more... |
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2010/2011 Officers
Rod Howard, Chairman of the Board, Synectic
Jonathan DeYoe, Immediate Past Chairman, DeYoe Wealth Management
Kevin Allen, Interim Treasurer, Rose Garden Inn
Vice Chairmen
Debra Barnes, Alta Bates Summit Foundation
Michael Goldin, Goldin Design
Erik Holland, Fidelity Insurance
Mark McLeod, Sustainable Business Alliance
Diane Rames, The Daily Californian
Malaga Smith, Malaga Corp.
Board of Directors
Manjul Batra, Ajanta Enterprises/Coopreative Realty
Alicia Bert, Pacific Gas & Electric
Lisa Bullwinkel, Another Bullwinkel Show
John Caner, Downtown Berkeley Association*
Sam Chapman, Berkeley Lab
Joe Diliberto, Sandler Sales Institute
Steven Donaldson, RadiantBrands
Fred Fassett, Minuteman Press
Carolyn Henry-Golphin,
Skates on the Bay
Heather Hensley, North Shattuck Association*
Barbara Hillman, Visit Berkeley*
Dr. Betty Inclan, Berkeley City College
Stacie Jackson, Wells Fargo Bank
Nancy Johnson, Berkeley City Club
Kevin Knox, Mosaic
Terrie Light, Berkeley Food and Housing Project
Michele Molitor, Nectar Consulting
Doreen Moreno, University of California
Trina Ostrander, Bayer Healthcare
Roland Peterson, Telegraph Property and Business Improvement District*
Mark Rhoades, Citycentric Investments
Daniel Stea, PBG Real Estate
(*Ex Officio Director)
Chamber Staff
Tammy Cortez, Executive Assistant/Office Manager
Shiloh Alexis Elias, Communications and Event Director
Photography/Videography
Worldwide Communications
Berkeley Community Media
Website
Malaga Corp.
Chairman's Circle Sponsors
Platinum
The Daily Californian
Malaga Corp.
Gold
Bayer Healthcare
Berkeley Lab
Pacific Gas & Electric
UC Berkeley
Silver
Synectic Technologies
Statement of Editorial Policy
It is the policy of Berkeley Business Advocate to present in a fair and objective manner information of interest to the business community in general, and to the membership of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce specifically. Editorial opinions published are signed and reflect the opinions of the author and are not necessarily those of the Board of Directors or the members of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce. Those of differing opinions are encouraged to offer those opinions in a Letter to the Editor. Letters must
be signed to be considered for publication. Names may be withheld at the request of the writer. |
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October 28 5:30-7:00PM
Evening Mixer at OPTIONS RECOVERY CENTER
This Event (and most Evening Mixers) is FREE of charge for both members and potential members. There is no need to register for this event.
November
November 3 :: Ambassador Meeting
8:30 am-9:30 am - Rose Garden Inn
November 4 :: Chamber Day at The Races - 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Golden Gate Fields
November 7 :: CRUSH Festival
2:00 pm-6:00 pm - Hotel Shattuck Plaza
November 16 :: Networking Breakfast
8:00 am-9:00 am - Saul's Delicatessen
November 18 :: Evening Mixer
5:30 pm-7:00 pm - Albany Bowl
December
December 1 :: Ambassador Meeting
8:30 am-9:30 am - Rose Garden Inn
December 6 :: Holiday Mixer/Member Appreciation Event 5:30 pm-7:00 pm
Skates on the Bay
December 8 :: Networking Breakfast
8:00 am-9:00 am - Saul's Delicatessen
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 NEW CHAMBER DIRECTORY -- IS YOUR LISTING CORRECT?
Make sure that your contact information is correct! The Chamber will soon produce the 2011 Membership Directory, and we want to publish the most up-to-date information on your company. The deadline to finalize this information is October 29th.Have you moved or changed your contact information, website or email address in the past year? Do you have a new Chamber contact or representative? There are two ways to update your information: You can go to www.chamberlogin.com and use your login and password to update the information on our website yourself, (If you need us to send it to you again, just let us know!) Or, email or call us for assistance: info@berkeleychamber.com. We want to make absolutely certain that your business information is correct-and we can't do it without you!
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CHAMBER DAY AT THE RACES!!!
Thursday
November 4th
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
1100 Eastshore Highway
Berkeley
Gates open (and we'll be there!)
- 11:00 am
Prime Rib Buffet - 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
First Race - 12:45 pm
Last race - 4:15 pm
Our friends at Golden Gate Fields have arranged a special discounted TURF CLUB PACKAGE and group rate of only $32.00 per person! -AND 10% of all ticket sales will go to Charity!This is a fantastic opportunity to come out and support the Berkeley Chamber, and to network with members of Chambers from ALL OVER the San Francisco Bay Area!This special TURF CLUB PACKAGE includes:
-Valet Parking
-Turf Club admission and reserved seating
-Daily Racing Program
-PRIME RIB BUFFET (All you can eat!)
-Gratuity
-And a special race named in honor of the Berkeley Chamber! Mark your calendars and sign up today!
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 ACCELERATION SQUARED By Roland Peterson, Member Ex Officio, Board of Directors
Financial pundits have frequently noted lately that the seemingly most minor economic news causes huge gains or drops in the stock markets. As I write this column, the Bank of Japan made a drop in its interest rates and the American stock markets are taking off to the moon. The price of gold has recently seen an appreciation rarely seen before. Conversely, a few months ago the markets experienced a "flash crash" when the Dow lost nearly 1000 points in just a few minutes, and then bounced back just as fast as it dropped. For some, wealth is created or decimated with lightning speed.
The challenge then for all businesses is to be able to adapt. Of course, among Berkeley Chamber members, there are a number who buy and sell stock plus those who buy and sell gold-- jewelry or otherwise. All of us have seen seemingly rapid rises and declines of gasoline prices, and we all know that impact on our businesses and our wallets. How then can we adapt to these challenges?
- First, accurate, up-to-the-minute information will become more valuable. Know how you will access that information, what sources are reliable, and what questions you need answered. Nothing can impact your business positively or negatively more than starting with good or bad information, respectively.
- Second, recognize that we are in a world business community. What happens on the other side of the planet does affect us and our business. Recent history has also shown us that what happens on the other side of the planet also can lead us into war and all of the tragic implications that has.
- Third, businesses must be grounded in their core identity and values more than ever before. Much of the change is at the periphery of the business. For example, car dealers are now selling cars off of their web sites, but they are still car dealers first and foremost. Businesses that provide services must elucidate those services better than ever because the competition among those service providers will only increase. Businesses must be able to say who they are, what they do, what they offer, and why prospective customers should use them over their competitors better than they ever have in the past.
- Fourth, businesses must recognize that they are first and foremost in relationships with other people. For all the chatter about the internet and social networking, it is still one human being (or group of humans) who decide to buy your product, not the computer. Even in those instances when a computer automatically triggers a purchase, it is still the result of initial input from a person. Just a few days ago, I heard a business owner say that the most effective marketing piece he has is a "snail-mailed" handwritten note-and he is one of the most technologically savvy people I know.
- Fifth, business districts themselves must adapt. Berkeley is its own worst enemy with its dedication to quotas, outdated zoning, and mindless fees. Updating the zoning codes is not enough. What the world economy tells us is that entire zoning codes need to be written so that the rapid changes of the local and world economies can adapt at the speed that they change.
- Sixth, civic leadership that can recognize these changes, not be overwhelmed by them, adapt to them, and then lead will prove invaluable. To be sure, most people prefer the comfort of stability, but that is becoming increasingly a luxury few can afford. True stability will be found among those who are both grounded and adaptable.
One of the key implications that this has for all businesses is how fundamentally vital the Chamber is for any business. Where else can a business owner refine his/her marketing pitches, build cordial business relations, or garner good information than through their Chamber? The Chamber also provides leadership training through its leadership classes each year, and the content of that training helps provide some of that grounding. I believe the balance of that grounding comes from one's world view, whether that is based in their religious faith, ethical convictions, or other core beliefs.
Councilmember Kriss Worthington was recently quoted in The Daily Californian that the moderates have taken over the Council. What he didn't say was that some of those who he described as moderates were not elected with that label. They adapted to the changes in the world and the city. We have to do likewise.
I believe the lesson of the last few years is that change will only accelerate. Some businesses will adapt and prosper; others will fail to adapt and perish. The world we see today will likely look a lot different in a couple of years. We will still be a world of billions of human beings with the same needs as always-food, shelter, clothing, companionship, and faith -- but once we move past those basic needs, all will be in rapid change. Old industries will give way to new. Old centers of innovation will give way to new. Old sources of capital and prosperity will give way to new. The challenge for our Chamber and all of our businesses is to make sure we are among the new.
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COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
by Mark McLeod, Sustainable Business Alliance
The Committee on Government Affairs (GA) has conducted Public Forums over the most recent three months on Propositions 19, 21, 23, 24, and 25 -- all of which will appear on the November statewide ballot. Each of these propositions is important, but Prop 23 stands out as the one which has tremendous and long-term national as well as statewide importance.
If Proposition 23, funded largely by large Texas oil companies, wins, any significant implementation of climate change legislation (as embodied in AB 32) will come to a grinding halt. California will cease to be the model for the rest of the country of how a state can pro-actively engage with climate change challenges. If, on the other hand, Proposition 23 is defeated, the state will legally be free to vigorously pursue implementation of public policy which could significantly reduce the state's carbon footprint over the next ten years. If the other states see California moving forward with this and achieving some success, other states are likely to adopt some or all of the California vision and practice. In addition, GA conducted Public Forums which gave candidates for Berkeley City Council the opportunity to present themselves. The winner of this election will have a major impact on economic development in Berkeley over the next decade. Learn more about GA and upcoming events
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 AMBASSADORS' CORNER
SEEING BERKELEY IN A NEW LIGHT
The prosperity of Berkeley's business community benefits from strong partnerships between organizations, businesses, and individuals. The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce is here to help facilitate those connections and functions to encourage and support Chamber members as they build professional relationships.
The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce Ambassador program has provided an opportunity for personal and professional growth above and beyond anything that I could have imagined. One of my goals working at Berkeley Community Media has been to surround myself with creative people who are doing what they love and following their passion in life. By becoming an Ambassador to the Berkeley Chamber, my exposure to that high caliber of people has increased exponentially. Participation in the professional mixers, luncheons, and special events like the Team Trivia Challenge, The Ambassador's Rally, The Hornblower Cruise, and the Annual Chamber Dinner has illustrated that positive energy put into developing professional relationships can be the key to success in business. Networking in this way builds not only professional business relationships, but interpersonal friendships as well.
As an Ambassador and a native to Berkeley, I am proud to be able to help promote healthy business relationships and cooperation between artisans, vendors and individuals within the community. This is my town and I find it fascinating to get to know it in this new capacity. In this challenging economic climate, being a member of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce may be the best way to gain the vital tools, resources and exposure necessary to build and maintain a thriving business. I look forward to connecting with you at the next Chamber Mixer! By Melanie Mentzel, Chamber Ambassador,
Berkeley Community Media"Don't just watch TV, BeTV"
Want to get more involved? Join the Berkeley Chamber Ambassadors! The most fun you'll ever have - while networking for your business! Call Shiloh Elias for more information. (510) 549-7000
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IT HAPPENED IN BERKELEY
by Winston Burton, Community Advocate
THE JOY OF TIPPING
For me random tipping started many years ago after an act of kindness at the Bay Bridge toll plaza. As I pulled to the booth to pay, the toll taker said, "The person in front of you already paid for you." "What! I don't know them", I replied. "It happens now and then. It's like a tip for being you. So have a nice day", the toll man said. I was perplexed, I was shocked and I smiled for the rest of the day. Of course that was way before the bridge toll reached six dollars!
Since that day I occasionally indulge in random tipping, especially to those who are unaccustomed to receiving any compensation for their service. Like Ace Hardware, Walgreens and fast food restaurants. It doesn't have to be much. A few dollars can bring a smile to some ones face as well as the comment, "You don't have to do that." "I know", I respond, with a smile of my own.
Trust me - random tipping isn't all about smiles and have a nice day. It's also about getting great service and a better deal. One example was a Chinese deli in downtown Berkeley where no one ever tipped. After a few visits were I tipped several dollars each trip the amount of food they stuffed in my take out carton increased tremendously. The joy of tipping is not so much about obligation as it is appreciation and getting better service!
Why should we do this? Because that's who we are! Living in Berkeley with its fine weather, diversity, and mellow people is like starting off each day with a tip. Also it's my personal Stimulus Program to the local economy.
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ABOUT YOUR VALUABLE MEMBER BENEFIT -- SCORE
What Kind of Counseling does SCORE provide?
SCORE provides free, personalized, confidential, one-on-one business counseling in their Oakland office and 18 Chambers of Commerce in the East Bay.
Who are SCORE'S counselors?
SCORE'S 40 experienced volunteer business counselors are active and retired business executives and small business owners. They are willing to apply their knowledge and experience to help you solve your business problems. They have many years of general business experience in various industries and managing business growth, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, finance, accounting, human resources, e-commerce, business planning, export-import and other areas.
 To make an appointment with a Score Counselor at the Berkeley Chamber Office, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, please call:
Tammy Cortez at (510) 549-7000 E-mail: tammy@berkeleychamber.com
web site: www.score.org
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2010 ANNUAL DINNER RECAP...
...A lively and colorful "Moulin Rouge" theme, Can-Can Dancers, Scholarship Recipients, flowing wine & feathers galore...
On June 24th, at the beautiful and historic Berkeley City Club, 250 Chamber members, friends and supporters gathered to celebrate with us as we welcomed our new Chairman of the Board and incoming Board Members, and said a fond farewell to the outgoing Chairman and Board Members.
Many came in themed costume or black-tie, and the black and red ostrich plumes on the tables swayed gently in the warm evening air as guests danced, talked and laughed the night away. View photos
Ending his term as Chairman was Jonathan DeYoe of DeYoe Wealth Management, as we welcomed incoming Chairman Rod Howard of Synectic.
Ending their Board of Directors terms were: John Abrate of Union Bank, Shirley Fogarino of Berkeley City College, and Miriam Ng of Korman & Ng Real Estate. Beginning their terms were Steven Donaldson of Radiant Brands, Dr. Betty Inclan of Berkeley City College, and Pastor Kevin Knox of Mosaic Church.
This year's Ambassador's Award went to Jack Reynolds of Candy Bouquet, The Chairman's Award went to Malaga Smith of Malaga Corp., and a special award, created just for her, a "Lifetime Achievement" Award, went to Joan Griffith, formerly of Cooperative Federal Credit Union, for her many years of dedication to the Chamber. We honor each of these winners for their tireless commitment, and thank them for all that they do for the Chamber and for Berkeley's business community.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
As a result of successful fund raisers throughout the year, and with the generous support of our members and contributions by members of the board, the Chamber Scholarship Program was able to provide scholarships for 7 deserving high school seniors at this year's Annual Dinner. We are extremely proud of these hardworking young people and their college goals, and wish them the very best in the pursuit of their dreams. It was an honor to meet and spend some time with them.
Learn more about our Scholarship Program
Karena Saucedo, Berkeley High School
Esperanza Cuautle-Velasquez, Berkeley High School
Nahom Fasil, Albany High School
Tenzin Yonten, Berkeley High School
Phuong Tiet, Berkeley High School
Elvia L. Hernendez, Berkeley High School
Stephanie Martinez, Berkeley High School
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BERKELEY FIREFIGHTERS BBQ RECAP... August 26th found us at the Berkeley Yacht Club for the Chamber's Annual Berkeley Firefighters BBQ. The mood was good and the weather was fantastic, allowing us to enjoy a rare, fog-free view of the picturesque Berkeley Marina and many of the stunning boats that are docked there.
As we do each year, we joined forces with the Berkeley Firefighters and generous donors to raise money for The Firefighter's "Random Acts" Program, which allows for unexpected and much needed gifts and assistance to those that the Firefighters come across in the line of duty. From wheelchairs, to school supplies, to winter coats, to putting dinner on the table, the Berkeley Firefighters use this program to help wherever and whenever they see a family in need. All of this, AND they grill up some of the most amazing barbecue that we've ever tasted! Be sure to join us next August when we do it all again! A great evening, for an extremely worthy cause!
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OCTOBER EVENING MIXER
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NOVEMBER EVENING MIXER
Join us for some great food and drinks, great networking, and maybe even a little BOWLING!at Thursday, November 18th5:30 pm to 7:00 pm540 San Pablo Avenue in AlbanyCome eat, drink, schmooze and enjoy some networking with our pals at Albany Bowl! This is one event that you don't want to miss!Stay late and bowl with friends and colleagues!A family friendly event!Our Evening Networking Events are FREE
for Members and Potential Members!No need to register, just come on down! | | |
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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER NETWORKING BREAKFASTS
Mark your calendars and join us for breakfast at
Saul's Restaurant &Delicatessen 
Tuesday, November 16th
&
Wednesday, December 8th
8:00 am to 9:00 am
1475 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley
Members: $15 (pre-registration)
Members: $20 (at door) Potential
Members: $25 (pre-registration)
Potential Members: $30 (at door)
Established in 1986, in honor of Saul Lichtenstein, who with his wife Ginny would feast with friends and family. People would gather to eat, talk with their mouths full, trade stories. We like all that.
So come. Eat deli.
REGISTER HERE for December Breakfast
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DECEMBER EVENING MIXER
Member Appreciation Holiday Mixer
at Skates on The Bay!
Monday, December 6th
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
100 Seawall Drive, Berkeley Marina
This special Holiday Evening, hosted by long-time Chamber member & supporter Skates On The Bay, is a joint mixer with our friends at
The Emeryville Chamber of Commerce.
As a way to thank all of our wonderful members and supporters, and to share a little holiday cheer, please join us for some festive refreshments and networking over the best bay view in Berkeley!
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. We will not be able to accept any walk-in's, as space is extremely limited. Reserve your spot early as this event WILL FILL UP very rapidly.
Due to SPACE LIMITATIONS and the SPECIAL NATURE of this event, PLEASE NOTE that SPECIAL RULES WILL APPLY.
Berkeley and Emeryville Chamber members are FREE, but limited to 2 GUESTS PER BUSINESS.
Cost for POTENTIAL MEMBERS is $25.00 each, and limited to 1 GUEST PER BUSINESS.
REGISTER HERE
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