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SJV Black Chamber of Commerce E-Newsletter
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September 2009 |
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 Greetings!
This summer, I had the opportunity to attend the California Black Chamber of Commerce's Ron Brown Summit in San Jose, CA. I went there to learn, absorb information and make connections for the benefit of SJVBCC members. On the first morning of the summit, Aubry Stone, President/CEO of the statewide organization representing over 300 black chambers, businesses and trade organizations introduced me to master networker, George Fraser. A little nervous and excited, I started up a conversation with Fraser sharing what I was doing and why I was there. He asked the question, "what is your Chamber doing?" I quickly responded that SJVBCC has a two-prong approach of facilitating connections between the mainstream and the African-American community and building the capacity of black-owned businesses. With a slow and assuring node, Fraser agreed that capacity building needs to be a prime focus of black chambers across the country (see the Chamber's Mid-Year Progress Report that speaks to how SJVBCC has worked to build capacity so far in 2009).
Fraser gave a powerful and inspiring talk about the importance of collaborative economics, capacity building,and networking, particularly in the African-American community. Here are a few nuggets I thought I would pass on:
- We are born to collaborate, network and connect (John 5:30)
- Equity in a democratic capitalist society can only be achieved through economic power
- We do not lack opportunity, we lack the capacity. We must build capacity in our communities through leadership, business development and career development.
- Very good is not good enough... you must be AMAZING!
- Don't spend major time with people doing minor things
- Make a sale, make a commission. Make a friend, make a fortune.
- Effective people spend 14% of time building relationships while success people spend 50% doing the same.
- Networking is two fold: sharing information and building relationships.
- It's not about ME, it's about WE.
- It takes teamwork to make the dream work!
To read more on George Fraser go to frasernet.com.
Tate Hill II
President/CEO
SJVBCC
twitter: tatehill
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Plan to Power Network!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
John Dugan, new Planning & Development Director
City of Fresno
The San Joaquin Valley Black Chamber of Commerce invites you to a special Power Networking Mixer this Wednesday starting 5:30 PM in the Holiday Inn- Downtown's Skyroom (9th Floor) with special guest John Dugan, the new planning director for the City of Fresno.
It is a great opportunity to connect with and welcome John Dugan to Fresno (read the in-depth Dugan Q&A by Fresno ArcHop). The program starts at 6 PM with an introduction of recently hired director of planning, land use, and development activities by Council President Cynthia Sterling (District 3) followed by a Q&A session.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Refreshments provided courteousy of the Holiday Inn. This a FREE event.
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SJVBCC at The CA Black Chamber's
Annual Ron Brown Summit
San Jose, CA- The 14th Annual Ron Brown Economic Summit presented by the California Black Chamber of Commerce was full of dynamic speakers, informative workshops and exciting networking opportunities.
 The Summit, themed "Plugging into technology for small business success", incorporated high profile speakers including Ken McNeely, president of California AT&T and the state Chief Technology Officer, Teri Takai. The summit started off with a powerful presentation by networking guru, George Fraser that invigorated the capacity crowd. Fraser spoke to the importance of collaborative economics in the African-American community and why building & sustaining professional relationships is vital to business success. George Fraser, creater of the power networking concept, shared that building the capacity of black businesses and professionals is paramount to the future of the black business community.
Thanks to a corporate sponsorship through Wells Fargo, Tate Hill of the SJVBCC had the opportunity to meet with several of the chamber presidents-- Kern County, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Stockton along with various corporate participants to share what's going on in the greater Fresno area.
Janice Bryant-Howroyd, Founder/CEO of Act-1 Personnel Services electrifies the crowd as Tate Hill and others listen
Aubrey Stone, President/CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce emphasized the need for chambers to engage their local, state and federal elected officials and make sure members are positioned to take advantage of ARRA (federal economic stimulus funding) and Caltrans contracting opportunities. In a consultation prior to the Summit, Stone encouraged Tate Hill beat the drum for the Black business community as he saw the Central Valley a place wide open with opportunities. |
California Advocate Newspaper Honored
SJVBCC receives Media Award on behave of the CA Advocate
SJVBCC President/CEO proudly accepts the award on behalf of the California Advocate Newspaper from CA Black Chamber President/ CEO, Aubry Stone.
San Jose- On August 21, 2009 California Advocate Newspaper was awarded the 2009 Media Award at the Ron Brown Scholarship Awards Banquet presented by the California Black Chamber of Commerce.
For 42 years, the Advocate has an been a resounding voice in the African-American community. Its founders, Les and Pauline Kimber of Fresno, have advertised thousands of events and activities in the Central Valley's Black community for countless churches, community groups and businesses.
The Advocate's annual Dream Major Award for Justice banquet has brought legendary African-Americans to Fresno including Dr. Joseph Lowery, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, and Angela Bassett.
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Your Chamber. . . . Our Progress
By the Numbers
Workshops/Seminars: 12
Emails: 10,000+
Service Calls: 1540
Service Referrals: 44
Youth Engaged: 495
Business advocacy meetings: 38
Volunteer Hours: 900
Media Hits: 19 hits from 9 mediums
Website Page Views: 5000+
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8 New Ways to Save Taxes from the IRS
There are several tax-related provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). To learn more go to the IRS ARRA Information Center website or contact your CPA.
Expanded Net Operating Loss -
Small businesses with deductions exceeding their income in 2008 can use
a new net operating loss tax provision in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to get a refund of taxes paid over the past
five years instead of the usual two. Eligible calendar-year
corporations have until Sept. 15 to choose this expanded carryback
option, and eligible individuals have until Oct. 15.
Continued Expensing Deduction - The
cost of certain business property can be deducted in the year it is
placed in service instead of depreciating it over several years. This
property is frequently referred to as section 179 property.
Under ARRA, qualifying businesses can continue to expense up to
$250,000 of certain business property for tax years beginning in 2009.
Without ARRA, the 2009 expensing limit for section 179 property would
have been $133,000.
Extension of Bonus Depreciation Deductions Through 2009 -
Bonus depreciation of business property is extended through 2009,
allowing businesses to take a larger tax deduction in the year of a
property's purchase.
For individuals:
First-Time Homebuyer Credit. Taxpayers who haven't owned a principal residence during the past three
years prior to the purchase date of a home before Dec. 1 of this year
may be eligible to receive a credit of up to $8,000 on an original or
amended 2008 tax return. They can also wait and claim the credit on
their 2009 return. Time is running out.
Tax Credit for First Four Years of College.
The American Opportunity Credit can help parents and students pay part
of the cost of the first four years of college. The new credit modifies
the existing Hope Credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making it
available to a broader range of taxpayers. Eligible taxpayers may
qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student.
Computers Allowed for 529 Plans.
ARRA adds computer technology to the list of college expenses that can
be paid for by a qualified tuition program, commonly referred to as a
529 plan. For 2009 and 2010, the law expands the definition of
qualified higher education expenses to include expenses for computer
technology and equipment or Internet access and related services.
Energy-Efficient Home Improvements.
The tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements is increased for
homeowners who make qualified improvements to existing homes.
Qualifying improvements include the addition of insulation,
energy-efficient exterior windows and energy-efficient heating and air
conditioning systems.
New Vehicle Purchase Incentive.
Qualifying taxpayers can deduct the state and local sales and excise
taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light trucks, motor homes and
motorcycles. The deduction per vehicle is limited to the tax on up to
$49,500 of the purchase price of each qualifying vehicle and phases out
for taxpayers at higher income levels.
The Chamber and its partners can point out potential tax saving benefits for your business that you can explore with your account or CPA. Contact us to set-up an appointment.
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Groundbreaking of Chandler
Airport Expansion
On September 14, 2009 the City of Fresno broke ground on the expansion of the Chandler Executive Airport in southwest Fresno. Speakers included Mayor Ashley Swearegin, Council President Cynthia Sterling, Aviation Director Russell Widmar and SJVCBCC President/CEO Tate Hill. Others in attendance included SJVBCC members--Fresno City/County Visitors Bureau and Hill's Document Assistant.
The taxi run way project is in accordance with the FCH master plan and Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Airport Layout Plan (ALP). For more on the airport, recent improvements and planned development go to Chandler Executive Airport website.
Click here for Airport Bid/RFP Opportunities.
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New & Renewed Members
RHA
CSU Fresno
Saint Rest Baptist Church
City of Refuge New Beginnings Church
Gaston Cignetti
New York Life
Say Yes!
Clovis Chamber of Commerce
North Fork Rancheria
Thank You for Your Support! |
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Are you a Member? 
WestCare representative receieves membership plaque
Join the leading voice for Fresno's African-American business & economic development community.
From networking, workshops, business technical assistance and access to service region wide, SJVBCC is there for you.
If you would like to meet with the President/CEO about how the Chamber can help you as a member, contact us @ 559.441-7929 or by email
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Strategic Partners
Fresno Economic Development Corp.
(Fresno EDC)
SCORE
Valley Black Talk Radio
(KFCF-88.1 FM)
Central CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development
BlackXChange
Greater Fresno Chamber of Commerce
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| $50 |
SJVBCC Economic Relief
Times are tough. The Chamber has resources to help you through this challenging economy.
Want to join the Chamber and take advantage of all it has to offer but your business is trying to stretch every dollar? Skeptical that you will benefit from your membership?
Try out the Chamber for only $50. New to SJVBCC? Download your application
Secure Online Payment (PayPal)
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Membership Expires: January 30, 2010.
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| Upcoming Events |
Power Networking
September 23, 2009
5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Holiday Inn- Downtown
SkyRoom, 9th Floor
1055 Van Ness Ave.
Fresno, California 93721
FREE
Special Guest
Council President Cynthia Sterling, City of Fresno
John Dugan, new Planning Director- City of Fresno
For more events, go to the Chamber's Event Calendar
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Support the California Advocate Newspaper with your subscription |
In order to survive in these tough economic times, the California Advocate Newspaper needs the entire community's help in order to continue printing and being the only newspaper in the Valley's Black community.
As of JULY 1st 2009, the California Advocate must change from free distribution to paid subscriptions only and is asking everyone to pitch in and pay $40.00 for an annual subscription (that's less than a dollar an issue!).
For 41 years, the California Advocate has advised us on how to vote, stood up for our leaders, printed news about our families, and brought us national celebrities through the Drum Major for Justice Banquet. The Advocate has informed and educated our people and we need to support this institution.
Join the Chamber and get order your subscription online at www.caladvocate.com
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| Upcoming Partner & Member Events |
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| Contact Information |
Tate Hill
President/CEO
559.441.7929
info@sjvbcc.com
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