Vallejo Chamber BusinessWire
Issue: 02

February 3, 2016
In This Issue...
VallejoFerryVallejo Ferry Extended Service
January 30 - February 7 During Super Bowl 50 Celebrations
To better accommodate the Super Bowl 50 activities and events throughout the Bay Area, SF Bay Link Ferry will be extending its service hours. The Vallejo/San Francisco route will have 1 additional weekday and 4 additional weekend day departures. There will be no changes to Route 200 bus schedules or San Francisco Embarcadero pick-up point.
 
On February 6, there will be additional direct service to AT&T Park from Vallejo for the "Night Before" Super Bowl 50 Concert featuring Metallica.
 
For services to and from other terminals, additional transit resources, and information on Super Bowl Week activities, click here.
 
For the "Night Before" Super Bowl 50 Concert Ferry schedule and ticket purchases, click here.
SolanoLibraryTaxHelpFree Tax Help at Solano County Libraries
Workers may get a larger tax refund this year because of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). But to get it, you must file a tax return and claim it.
 
Solano County Library's Super Saturday tax preparation events make it easy to file the paperwork.
 
Super Saturdays take place on Feb. 6 at the Fairfield-Civic Center Library, Feb. 13 at the Vacaville Cultural Center Library, Feb, 20 at the John F. Kennedy Library in Vallejo, and Feb. 27 at the Suisun City Library. 
 
IRS-certified volunteers will prepare returns from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at each session.
 
The library partners with United Way Bay Area, the Internal Revenue Service and other local agencies to provide those making less than $54,000 a year with the free service. 
 
For more information about Super Saturdays, call the library at 866-572-7587.
YouthAgDayYouth Ag Day 2016
March 15, 2016
The annual Youth Ag Day is a collaborative effort of the Solano County Fair and agricultural related businesses, organizations, farmers, ranchers and other individuals to encourage Solano County third graders to experience agriculture first-hand.

This fun and educational event is free to all third grade classes in Solano County and features a wide variety of rotational learning stations and displays.

Activities are designed to give children the opportunity to learn about food and fiber production from new perspectives, with a particular emphasis on the agricultural wealth of Solano County. Children participate in hands-on displays and educational presentations as well as an optional pre-event classroom project to enhance the field trip learning experience.

2016 marks the 14th annual Youth Ag Day, an event that would not be possible without a dedicated core of volunteers, presenters from all facets of agriculture, and many generous individual and group sponsors who provide needed funds to subsidize bus transportation for students.
Click here to download a copy of the Youth Ag Day activities

For further information, please contact:
Solano County Fairgrounds (707) 551-2002
WETADraft WETA Strategic Plan and Draft SRTP Available for Comment
Water Emergency Transportation Authority
At its January 2016 meeting, the WETA Board of Directors authorized release of a draft WETA Strategic Plan for public comment. The Strategic Plan presents a vision for the next 20 years of ferry service in the San Francisco Bay Area. To learn more, visit WETA's Strategic Plan page at sanfranciscobayferry.com/weta/strategic-plan

The Board also authorized release of a draft SRTP which provides an overview of WETA's public transit ferry services and recent system performance as well as a ten-year projection of transit capital and operating expenses and revenues for FY 2015-16 to FY 2024-25.  To learn more, visit the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) page at sanfranciscobayferry.com/weta/srtp
YolanoPlazaUpdateYolano Plaza Retail Center Construction Update
Article from the City of Vallejo
A new development known as Yolano Plaza is currently undergoing construction to complete phase 1 of the development.
 
Located at the site of the former Bill Lang Cadillac/Pontiac auto dealership on Sonoma Boulevard, the 5.6 acre site was approved in 2009 for the development of an ARCO Gas Station & Car Wash with an AM PM convenience store, along with both retail and office space.

The former car dealership location had been vacant for two years prior to the project's approval. Developers placed construction on hold due to the recession but have since made progress on the site. Phase 1 consists of a 3,192 square foot gas station, car wash, and mini-mart accessible from both Sonoma Boulevard and Yolano Drive.
 
A future phase 2 is anticipated, and the developer is actively seeking a casual dining restaurant to complete the plaza. The goal for the project is to revitalize the area with a mixed use plaza, and serve as a stepping stone towards the improvement of the Sonoma Boulevard Corridor.
SolanoBusinessConnections4th Annual Solano Business Connections Expo & Seminar
Solano Community College
We are about 100 days away from the 4th Annual Solano Business Connections on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. As you may be aware, this is the largest business event in Solano County. In the first three years with you help we've double attendance each year. 
 
For 2016, we're moving indoors; yes we've grown out of the tent! The floor area will now be 48,000 sq. ft. and we're planning on attendance of about 1,000 or more. The fun factors that make this a great event are still in place; lots of people, outstanding food, micro beers, and fine wine. This year we'll also have an after-party following the expo with a Mariachi band, Mexican food, and an open bar to take care of our vendors, chamber staff, and volunteers.
 
To encourage your participation we've developed a new partnership program as follows:
  •   Your Chamber will receive $50 for each businesses in your chamber that purchases a booth*
  •   Each chamber will receive a free booth (a $295 value)
  •   Any Ambassadors with a logo shirt will get in free, as well as all Chamber staff of course
All we ask is that you help us market the event by sending out the flyer to your members, and please ask your Ambassadors to participate on our planning committee and/or on the day of the event. The pdf flyer together with the vendor and sponsor signup sheets and a floor plan is attached.  I've attached the flyer as a jpg file as well so it can be easily incorporated into emails.
 
So please partner with the College in our mission to expand B2B business opportunities across Solano County and in Winters. While you're at it, make Solano Business Connections a fundraiser for your Chamber. Recruit 20 members and you'll earn $1,000. Also, don't miss the opportunity to be on stage for a professional photograph with other Chamber leaders from throughout the county.  
 
Please call or write with any questions you have. Thanks in advance for your support! 
 
*Note:  $50 paid once based on the Chamber affiliation identified by the business on the vendor application.

Click here to download the flyer

For further information, please contact:
Curt Johnston, Solano Community College
curt.johnston@solano.edu
(707) 249-1667
AmericanPickersAmerican Pickers to Film in California
Help Bring This TV Show to Vallejo!
Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to California! They plan to film episodes of the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout California with filming scheduled for March.
 
AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique 'picking' on History. The hit show follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America's most valuable antiques--from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles, to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia.
 
As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank continue their mission to recycle America by rescuing forgotten relics and giving them a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about American history along the way.
 
AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore your buried treasure. They are on the hunt for characters with interesting and unique items.  Some of what they look for: vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, pre-50's western gear, early firefighting equipment, vintage musical equipment, automotive items, and clothing. They are always excited to find things they've never seen before and learn the story behind it.
 
If you or someone you know has a large, private collection send us your: name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com
or call 855-old-rust.

Click here for more information 
CalMaritimeCal Maritime's 5th Annual Pearls of Power/Women on the Water Conference
Article Subheading
Cal Maritime, with unwavering support from Maritime Administration, is proud to announce the confluence of Women on the Water & Pearls of Power (POP) Conferences in Spring 2016. The two-day conference will be held at the Cal Maritime campus on March 18th and 19th, 2016, with pre-conference activities scheduled on March 17th. 
 
The conference will focus on supporting the success of women in maritime, transportation, and related industries. It is open to all interested parties, and will feature programming for current students, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals. It will offer excellent opportunities for career development, authentic leadership and productive networking for women and those who venture to support them.

Click here for more information 
TCUTravis Credit Union Provides Free Tax Preparation Services to Assist Solano County Residents at Multiple Sites
VACAVILLE, CA - Travis Credit Union today announced plans for this year's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns.

This year, individuals and families earning up to $54,000 are eligible for the free services. Area residents can now visit Travis Credit Union's Corporate Headquarters to get free tax preparation services by calling 707-469-4317 to make an appointment.

"From financial education to home ownership programs our goal is to put money back into the pockets of our working families and individuals," said Barry Nelson, president and CEO of Travis Credit Union. "As a socially responsible corporate citizen, the VITA Program is one of a number of ways Travis Credit Union can support the communities we serve," he added.

The credit union will initiate the free service by offering tax assistance by certified IRS volunteers, on Saturday, February 20, February 27, March 5, March 12, and March 19, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at One Travis Way in Vacaville.

Weekday appointments are also available at our Dixon (1470 Ary Lane) and Richmond (3300-A Klose Way) branches, for six weeks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from February 9 through March 18, 2016. These will also be by appointment from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

To make an appointment at the Dixon branch, please call 707-469-4317 or for the Richmond branch 707-469-4313. Appointments are made by telephone only.
 
Residents, who do not have an opportunity to file their tax returns on a Travis Credit Union sponsored date, may visit any VITA site from February 1 through April 15. All returns are filed electronically and taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within seven to 10 days.
  • When visiting a VITA site, taxpayers should bring the following items:
    • Valid driver's license or photo I.D.;
    • All W-2 forms; 1099 forms for 2015, if applicable;
    • Social Security cards for each family member; those who are filing jointly must bring their spouse;
    • Checking and savings account numbers (and routing numbers) for deposit of their refund directly to their account.
    • Tax Return from last year.
    • Household health coverage information 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Healthcare statements if purchased through Covered California
VITA volunteers will help taxpayers take full advantage of all tax credits for which they are eligible including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

For more information about VITA or to locate additional sites, call the 211 helpline or visit Travis Credit Union's website at www.traviscu.org.
Headquartered in Vacaville, California, Travis Credit Union is a not-for-profit cooperative financial institution serving those who live or work in Alameda, Colusa, Contra Costa, Merced Napa, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, and Yolo Counties.

Currently, Travis Credit Union is the 13th largest credit union in California with more than 177,000 members and more than $2.5 billion in assets. As one of the leading financial institutions in Solano, Contra Costa, Yolo, Napa and Merced Counties, Travis Credit Union's strength lies in its faithful commitment to its members and the community; its solid, secure history; and its long-standing track record of dedicated service. 
Chamber Events
February
Networking @ 5:30
Empress Theatre
330 Virginia Street
Thurs, Feb. 25
5:30 - 7:30pm
More Info

March
Networking @ 5:30
Napa River Realty
408 Georgia Street
Thurs, March 24
5:30 - 7:30pm
More Info 

 
Notice of Bid Opportunities

 

Links of Interest

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Providing Quality Networking Opportunities · Promoting and Connecting the Community 
Strengthening the Local Economy · Representing the Interests of Business to Government