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532-4212
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Becky & Bonnie
743-6825
NEW MEMBERS

Kiwanis Club of Sonora
Royce Construction Design

RENEWING MEMBERS
Academy Mortgage*
American Cancer Society
Avalon Care Center-Sonora*
Best Western PLUS Sonora Oaks Hotel & Conference Center
Blue Mountain Minerals*
Campora Propane
Chef Dave Cooks!*
Columbia College
Conifer Communications Inc.*
Cost-U-Less*
Country Inn Sonora
Cutler-Segerstrom Insurance Agency*
Flavin & Associates, Inc.*
The Groveland Hotel*
Indian Rock Center*
Jeanne Shenefelt*
Mathiesen Memorial Health 
Maximum Living, Inc.*
Maynords CDRC
Mercer Caverns
Michael D. Scherer, DMD 
Mike Ayala*
Morelia Restaurant
Pacific Gas & Electric
Pinecrest Lake Resort*
Quail Hollow One
Railtown 1897*
Runway Xchange*
Sandvik Thermal Process
Sierra Resource Management 
Sierra Waldorf School*
Sonora Aladdin Motor Inn
Sonora Dentist
Sonora Subaru*
Storer Coachways*
Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home
The Union Democrat
Turlock Irrigation District*
Verizon*
Wheeler and Egger CPA's
Yosemite Pines RV Park*
Yosemite Title Company*
 
*Contributor to Chamber programs and activities
 
 Tuolumne County
Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors 
SEPTEMBER 2015 - ISSUE 17
Fire Fee Lawsuit Gets "Class Status"    
Courtesy Senator George Runner (Ret.)

On August 7, the Sacramento County Superior Court issued a ruling granting "class status" to the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association's lawsuit against the California Fire Prevention Fee. This decision is welcome news to taxpayers.
If the court hadn't granted class status, taxpayers might have been required to take legal action individually--an unfair, expensive and burdensome prospect.

When might the court strike down this illegal tax and force the state to issue refunds?
No one knows for certain, but here's what's likely to happen next:
Once the discovery process concludes--hopefully later this year--HJTA will file a motion asking the court to rule in favor of fee payers.
Should the judge grant the motion, there would be no need for a trial. Trials are usually reserved for cases where factual findings are necessary.
Assuming taxpayers prevail, it remains likely the state will appeal the ruling, perhaps all the way to the Supreme Court.
Still, any step forward is good news for rural property owners who continue to be subject to an illegal tax that has done nothing to provide greater fire protection.
CREATING A STRATEGIC "WHY" VISION AND A FUTURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS   
barney
With Barney Kramer

A Free Seminar
September 16, 2015 
 9:00 am to 10:30 am 
The Chamber Conference Room

REGISTER NOW

UC plan to increase minimum wage will impact college affordability    
Courtesy Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen

University of California President Janet Napolitano announced last week that UC will be increasing the minimum wage it pays employees beginning on October 1.  Starting at $13 per hour, it will grow to $15 per hour over the next three years.  They will also be requiring this of all private contractors it works with.  Days later, UC also announced pay increases for several of its highest-paid chancellors and administrators - many of whom already make over $500,000 annually.
 
It is very concerning that UC would impose these higher costs on itself, just after spending an entire year arguing it doesn't have sufficient funds to keep tuition flat and to enroll more California students.  After threatening to increase tuition and freeze in-state enrollment, this minimum wage plan and executive pay increase will only further exacerbate the affordability challenge of higher education.  UC must get its act together and start focusing on its core mission to educate California's students. CONTINUE READING 
Ambassador Spotlight 
Becky & Bonnie - 3B's Event Planning
Becky
 
   We are Bonnie Bettencourt and Becky Selbee, two of the three partners in 3 B's Event Planning Company. We love to plan events. If you want to celebrate it, we can plan it.
   We are a team of two daughters and a Mom who have been working together for years. We each have our own area of expertise and can cover all your party needs. Call us for a free consultation today (209) 743-6825.
Bonnie
   We are very excited to be Ambassadors for TC Chamber. We are also on the Special Events Committee, who planned the awesome Taste of the Islands Luau we had in June. If you missed it, you should plan to be there next year. The Ambassadors are a vital part of the Chamber and we are privileged to be part of helping Tuolumne County grow and prosper and become a destination for people from all over the state.  
   Being part of the Chamber really helps businesses get to know each other and helps make all of us more successful. If you are not a member, you should consider it. We look forward to working with Tuolumne County businesses and supporting all things local.