Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Executive Board
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Chairman of the Board Gene Melchers, Melchers Construction Co.
Chair Elect Tamara Stoebe, Prudential Troth Realtors
Monica Grado - Treasurer George's Cleaners
Ann Hill - Past Chairman of the Board Business Mastermind Queen
Paul Kinison - Vice Chair Aerotech News
Josh Mann - Vice-Chair Mojave Partners
Dr. Douglas Weber - Secretary Douglas B. Weber, DDS
Sandy Smith - Ex-Officio Chief Operating Officer
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Chris Chapleau - American Business Machines
Sgt. Theresa Dawson - Lancaster Sheriff's Dept.
Rosemary Mann - Camille's Sidewalk Cafe
Paul Porteus - Prospect Mortage, LLC
Nelson Rasse - High Desert Broadcasting
Bridget Razo - Antelope Valley College
Gina Rossall - Westside Union School District
Lynn Roth - SOL Graphix, Inc.
Dave Saltman - Passantino-Andersen
Chris Spicher - Antelope Valley Florist
Stan Turner - Edwards Federal Credit Union
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Business After Hours Mixer |
Business After Hours Mixers Will Now Be Hosted Quarterly
Beginning in 2014, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce will transition from Monthly Mixers to Quarterly Mega-Mixers! Based on feedback from many of our members, we have made the decision to plan large-scale business mixers that will draw 100 or more members. With Mega-Mixers, your opportunity to network with others is greatly increased as these mixers are large-scale and are FREE to our members!
If you are interested in hosting a mixer at your place of business, please contact Sandy at the Lancaster Chamber office for more information:
(661) 948-4518
Click here for Chamber Events Calendar
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We Would Like To Thank Our First Mega-Mixer
Host of 2014
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The University of Antelope Valley
A huge thanks to all of the nearly 100 people who attended our first quarterly Mega-Mixer at the University of
Antelope Valley!
As we continue to find ways to bring more value to our members, we feel that this event clearly showed that we are on the right track! Thank you so very much to Marco and Sandra Johnson and the wonderful UAV staff for the beautiful venue, the wonderful food, and the incredible service! We appreciate you very much!
We Would Also Like To Thank Our Mega-Mixer
Raffle Prize Sponsors
Eli Colvin
ADT Security
Tamara Stoebe
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Daniel Seny
LegalShield
Dale & Mary Majors
Care Pest Solutions
Chris Spicher
Antelope Valley Florist
John Shaff
AV Chem-Dry
Douglas Cain
Antelope Ambulance Service
Lynn Roth
SOL Graphix
Terr Roth
Dignity Eastside
Robert Wolf
Robert Wolf Insurance & Financial Services
Frank & Chris Cole
Cartridge Hut
Javanna Palm
It Works! Global
Gia Motti
The Inspective Detective
Bengamin Bahrami
AAMCO Lancaster Auto Repair Group
Shirley Griffiths Panache Salon
Susie Quinland
Mayflower Gardens
Jennifer Murad
AV Fairgrounds
Gary & Karen Bell
Miller Bell Media
Nelson Rasse
High Desert Broadcasting
Chuck Simons
Chuck Simons Realty
Yalana Aielo
Cabi Designer Clothing
John
AV Biz Pro
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A Special Thank You
to Our Fantastic
Ambassadors
We appreciate all of your efforts!
For more information on becoming an Ambassador please call the Chamber: (661) 948-4518
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Law Offices of
THOMPSON VON TUNGELN
A Professional Corporation
*CERTIFIED SPECIALIST PROBATE, ESTATE PLANNING & TRUST LAW
Mark E. Thompson
Kevin L. Von Tungeln Leonard A. Cosgrove
Visit our Learning Center
www.tvttrustlaw.com
(661) 945-5868
The State Bar of California - Board of Legal Specialization
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ChamberSTORE
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Helping Support Your Local Chamber is a
WIN-WIN!!
Take advantage of these special rates for chamber members!!
Newsletter Ads
Color or Black & White
Business Card - B&W: $50.00
Business Card - Color: $100.00
3 x 5 Blank & White: $100.00
3 x 5 Color: $200.00
Web Page Banner Ads
Please go to www.lancasterchamber.org
and look under Services/Internet Ads for description and pricing.
Chamber Membership Lists
Alpha & Category on Paper: $30.00
Labels by Alpha or Zip: $50.00
Email Data: $50.00
2014 California Packets Are Here!!!
Employer Poster Set: $25.00
UI & SDI Pamphlets (10): $17.00
Sexual Harassment
Pamphlets (10): $17.00
Paid Family Leave
Pamphlets (10): $13.00
Workers' Compensation
Pamphlets (25): $14.00
*Employer Poster Set Available in Spanish & English - Laminated Upon Request w/Additional Fee
Please call the Chamber for more information:
(661) 948-4518
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What can the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce do to help grow YOUR business??? |
Membership Benefits
- Chamber Website
- Business Connection Newsletter
- Membership Directory
- Membership City Map
- Radio Talk Show - Free
- Super AV Expo
Monthly Events
- Membership Luncheon
- Business After Hours Mixer
- Business-4-Breakfast
Discount Advertisement
- AV Press - Chamber Page
- Video Commercials
- Web Video - Business Showcase
Please call the Chamber for more information:
(661) 948-4518
Mission Statement
To Serve the Community by Promoting, Protecting, Encouraging and Developing Local Business
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SHOP LOCAL SHOWCASE TO COMBINE WITH MAY FLEA MARKET!
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Most of our members are familiar with both our semi-annual Flea Market and our Super AV Expo--this year, we are bringing the best of both events to you in one exciting production! While our May 4th flea market will continue to feature your favorite vendors, second-hand "treasures", antiques, and great food, you will now have the opportunity to shop our local retailers and service providers in the Van Dam Pavilion! We are proud to roll out the "Shop Local Showcase", featuring upgraded booth space, a "retail" feel, and a venue to get to know the businesses that make the Antelope Valley a great place to live and shop!
Click here to download Flea Market application
*Shop Local Showcase
application coming soon!
For more details and information on how your local business can be a part of this exciting opportunity, please contact:
Events Coordinator, Anna Zarley, (661) 948-4518!
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February
Introducing Our Newest Members!
Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt
Darla Robinson
44758 Valley Central Way
Lancaster, CA 93536
(301) 643-7593
Kelly Financial Group
Michael Kelly
190 Sierra Court, Suite B-3
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 273-9005
info@kfgwealth.com
Visual Instrumentation Corporation
Robert Lewis
1110 W. Avenue L-12, Suite 2
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661)945-7999
http://www.visinst.com
$uper Bargain
Lily Luc
44201 10th St West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-2603
Vose Properties
James Vose
PO Box 8743
Lancaster, CA 93539
jdvose@qnet.com
TownePlace Suites
Randy Rasmussen
2024 West Avenue J-8
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 723-6709
randyr@intermountainhotels.com
Bakker's Pane In The Glass Window Cleaning
Antonie Bakker
(661) 943-1902
Home Helpers
Jessica DeMumbrum
20361 90th St
California City, CA 93505
(760) 574-3630
www.homehelpers.cc
Kids Charities of Antelope Valley
Yvette Emard
742 W. Ave L
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)942-4111
www.kids-charities.org
Ladies Choice of Antelope Valley
Melanie Gaines
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 341-5053
Patti Holt-Pulsifer
Individual Membership
We Are Pleased to present our Renewing Members
Lamar Advertising Company
Todd Porter
104 Enterprise Parkway
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)948-0721
Member Since 1953
Century 21 Doug Anderson & Assoc
1727 West Avenue K, Suite 102
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)945-4521
Member Since 1963
Currado Insurance Agency, Inc/Allstate Insurance
John A. Currado, LUTCF
43713 20th Street West, Suite 2
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661)945-2696
Member Since 1983
James O. Fourr CPA
44288 Lowtree Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)945-8602
Member Since 1989
BLVD Association
Monica Grado
44759 Beech Ave
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 940-3668
Member Since 1990
Desert Haven Enterprises, Inc
Jenni Moran
43437 Copeland Circle
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661)948-8402
Member Since 1991
Robertson's Palmdale Honda
Rick Carr
455 Auto Vista Drive
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661)265-6000
Member Since 1992
City of Lancaster
44933 Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)723-6000
Member Since 1993
Century 21, Al & Midori Yarrow & Associates
44143 20th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)942-3703
Member Since 1993
Coldwell Banker Commercial Valley Realty
Harvey Holloway
42402 10th Street West, Suite E
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)948-2644
Member Since 1993
Farley Brothers of Lancaster, Inc
Roy Richards
334 East Avenue K 4
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661)948-4541
Member Since 1993
Lancaster Flooring, Inc
Harry Bederian
44910 Yucca Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)942-2813
Member Since 1993
Judy Cooperberg
506 West Jackman Street
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)726-2850
Member Since 1993
JB Wholesale Roofing/Bldg Spls
Chuck Trimmel
45515 23rd Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536-7218
(661)948-4537
Member Since 1993
McDonald's
Fran Marroquin
44846 Valley Central Way
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)942-6300
Member Since 1993
Antelope Valley Plumbing, Inc
Cathy Bevington
Palmdale, CA 93552
(661)533-1234
Member Since 1994
All American Financial Services
Slade Lohman
530 Commerce Ave Suite B
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661)949-6681
Member Since 1994
Earth Systems Southern California
Julie Lang
1024 West Avenue M 4
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661)948-7538
Member Since 1994
Hi-Grade Materials Co/Ascon Recy Co
Jon Hove
17671 Bear Valley Road
Hesperia, CA 92345
(661)533-3100
Member Since 1994
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
Theresa Garcia
1011 Lockheed Way, MZ 0819
Palmdale, CA 93599
(661)572-4077
Member Since 1994
Schools First Federal Credit Union
Tracy Thurber
43816 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(714)258-4000 x8029
Member Since 1994
A V Boys & Girls Club
Jay Duke
PO Box 10047
Lancaster, CA 93584
(661)267-2582
Member Since 1995
Prospect Mortgage, LLC
Paul Porteus
1805 West Avenue K, Suite 105
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)942-0206
Member Since 1999
Antelope Valley Care Center
Richard Terrell
44567 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)949-5524
Member Since 2000
ProCare Hospice
Starlene Freebairn
42442 10th Street West, Suite E
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)951-1146
Member Since 2002
Arnold N. Applebaum
Individual Membership
(562)404-4474
Member Since 2003
Royal Family Kids
Rick Chisham
44514 20th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)948-5677
Member Since 2003
Joseph A. Meekins Lodge #103
Glen Campbell
PO Box 2654
Lancaster, CA 93539
(661)274-7536
Member Since 2004
Partcraft, Inc
Angela Kohan
414 East Avenue K 4
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661)945-8731
Member Since 2004
Brit O. Smith MD
44847 10th Street West, Suite B
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)948-4523
Member Since 2006
Southern Kern Unified School District
Jeffrey Weinstein
3082 Glendower
Rosamond, CA 93560
(661)256-5000
Member Since 2006
All American Bail Bonds
Inessa Chavez
PO Box 901239
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661)267-6777
Member Since 2009
Kestler/Derryberry, LLP
Steven R. DerryBerry
641 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)945-6115
Member Since 2009
Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts
Mike Josten
23502 Lyons Avenue, Suite 105
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
(661)222-7910
Member Since 2009
Rid X Pest Disposal
Charles Bloodworth
42913 Capital Way #111
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661)341-3866
Member Since 2012
Century 21/Agent Bob Stickney
(661)945-4521
Member Since 2013
Circatek
Ryan Rierson
(661)435-8078
Member Since 2013
Cruise Planners
Annette Wick
420 East Rancho Vista Blvd
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661)771-9425
Member Since 2013
John's Lawn Care
John Sullivan
(661)916-3172
Member Since 2013
Lancaster School District
Dr. Michele Bowers
44711 Cedar Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)948-4661
Member Since 2013
Mental Health America
NAMI - Antelope Valley
Jean Harris
45111 Fern Avenue, Suite 21
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)341-8041
Member Since 2013
Pampered Nails & Spa
Loann Nguyen
42051 10th Street West, Suite 101
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)945-2628
Member Since 2013
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OUR NEW WEBSITE OFFERS INCREDIBLE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR MEMBERS! |
For those of you who have utilized all the wonderful features of our new website, we are confident that you have seen interest in your business grow! We are seeing triple the traffic on our site since we rolled out the new product in late October! It's easy for our members to use and navigate and the free marketing tools that are included are state-of-the-art! If you have not yet had the opportunity to request optimization of your member page, upload coupons, classified ads, and member-to-member discounts, or submit your events and meetings to our community calendar, please log in to your account and take full advantage of these exciting ways to market your business on both our website and our mobile app! If you need us to re-send your log-in information, please contact us at
(661) 948-4518
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A NEW VISITOR'S CENTER IS ON THE WAY!
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In the coming months, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with
Destination Lancaster, will be opening the official Lancaster Visitor's Center! This center will be housed in the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce lobby and will feature information on local businesses, lodging, dining, and events for our out-of-town visitors! We plan to offer small souvenirs and local postcards as well--stay tuned for more information on this exciting new venture!
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Membership Luncheon Program
Lancaster City Council
Candidate Forum
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Please join us on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, for the Lancaster City Council Candidate Forum. There are nine contenders campaigning for two open seats on the Lancaster City Council and this is your opportunity to hear what they have to say about their platforms and how they answer moderated questions related to supporting business in the Antelope Valley.
We look forward to getting to know these nine candidates better prior to the April election and hope that you can join us for one of the largest and most well-attended candidate forums each election season...the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce candidate forum! Joining us will be:
City Council Candidates List
General Municipal Election
Vice Mayor, Marvin Crist
Councilman/Retired Deputy, Ron Smith
Sheldon Carter
David Paul
Liza Rodriguez
Michael Rives
Oscar Mejia
Johnathon Ervin
Jordan Campbell
RSVPs are strongly suggested for this extremely well-attended event.
Lancaster Chamber members: $20 (pay online) or $25 at the door
Non-Members: $30 (pay online) or $35 at the door
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: March 12th
Time: 11:30am - 1pm
Location: J.P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center 43404 30th Street West, Lancaster 93536
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Springtime is just around the corner! As with this season full of growth, new beginnings, and a renewed sense of hope, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce continues to blossom as well!
In our efforts to continue to bring you, the member, the most value for your investment, we have seen great success in our monthly Lunch and Learn educational series and increased attendance at our luncheons, breakfasts, and mixers. In addition, the Work Ethic Scholarships that we award each year are going to be nearly double the amount of last year thanks to your generosity!
As you may be aware, we are taking a very close look at our resources and are finding opportunities to bring our chamber members and our community more "bang for their buck" when sponsoring events. On May 4th, we will introduce the Shop Local Showcase that will be held in conjunction with our semi-annual Flea Market. The Shop Local Showcase will take place in the Van Dam building at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds and will provide our local businesses an upscale, professional area in which to market their services and products while guaranteeing an audience of thousands. If you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please contact event coordinator, Anna Zarley, at (661)948-4518.
Our membership continues to grow by leaps and bounds and we are so pleased to have earned the trust and confidence from so many of our businesses that are choosing us as their "chamber of choice" . We have had so much positive feedback about the direction we are heading, the new ideas we are implementing, and , most importantly, the steps we have taken to make sure that our members always come first-the chamber is all about business marketing, exposure, referrals, and education-your success is our mission.
Gene Melchers
Chairman of the Board
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Updated Withholding Tables Released for 2014 |

Courtesy of Cobb Doerfler & Associates, CPA Accountants and Tax Preparers
Updated income-tax withholding tables for 2014 have been released by the IRS and supersede withholding tables issued in December 2013.
The newly revised version contains percentage method income-tax withholding tables and related information that employers need to implement these changes.
In addition, employers should continue withholding Social Security tax at the rate of 6.2 percent of wages paid. The Social Security wage base limit increases to $117,000. The Medicare tax rate remains at 1.45 percent each for the employee and employer.
The additional Medicare tax of .09 percent for employees (not employers) remains in effect and should be withheld from employee wages that exceed $200,000 in a calendar year, at the beginning in the pay period in which the employee's wages exceed $200,000.
Employers should start using the revised withholding tables and correct the amount of Social Security tax withheld as soon as possible in 2014, but not later than February 15, 2014. For any Social Security tax under-withheld before that date, employers should make the appropriate adjustment in workers' pay as soon as possible, but not later than March 31, 2014.
Employers and payroll companies will handle the withholding changes, so workers typically won't need to take any additional action, such as filling out a new W-4 withholding form. Individuals and couples with multiple jobs, people who are having children, getting married, getting divorced or buying a home, and those who typically wind up with a balance due or large refund at the end of the year may want to consider submitting revised W-4 forms.
As always, it's prudent for workers to review their withholding every year and, if necessary, fill out a new W-4 and give it to their employer. For example, individuals and couples with multiple jobs, people who are having children, getting married, getting divorced or buying a home, and those who typically wind up with a balance due or large refund at the end of the year may want to consider submitting revised W-4 forms.
We Can Help
If you'd like to better understand the ins and outs of your business and create sound guidance for internal decision making, you might consider cost accounting.
And we can help. Allow us to evaluate your business from top to bottom and determine the real cost of each component. With that as a foundation, we can help you draft budgets, adjust pricing, keep an appropriate level of inventory, and much more. Give us a call today.
(661)948-2661
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Join us for business, stay for breakfast!
7:00 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2014
Event Location
Schooners Patio Grille
2797 W. Ave L, Lancaster 93536 (30th St. West) Table Sponsor
Lancaster JetHawks William Thornhill (661) 726-5400
To RSVP please contact the Chamber Office
Phone: (661) 948-4518
Fax: (661) 949-1212
Email: Anna@lancasterchamber.org
(2) Family 4 Pack Of Tickets To Attend A
Lancaster JetHawks Game
Sponsored by: Lancaster JetHawks
*Please note - If you RSVP and do not attend you will be invoiced for $10.00
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Mayor Parris Recaps a Year of Progress, Assures a Future with Hope
Lancaster, CA. February 13, 2014 - Yesterday, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris delivered the City's annual State of the City Address to the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce at the Hellenic Center in Lancaster. During the presentation, Mayor Parris shared that the City of Lancaster has made fantastic strides over the past year in a number of areas. By targeting basic societal needs first, then elevating efforts to more grandiose advancements, the City has been able to effectively address issues ranging from crime, health and education to infrastructure, entertainment and economic development.
"I couldn't possibly be any prouder than I am of this great City," said Parris. "We are consistently improving on all fronts, while doing more with less as a community. At times, this has been an uphill battle, but we've never given up on the possibilities; we've taken on every challenge with hope and vigor; and we've moved every step of the way with the resolute purpose of adding increased value to our community."
Despite overwhelming odds, the City of Lancaster has succeeded in both civic and economic improvements. Since 2008, Lancaster's Part 1 Crimes have decreased nearly 40%, and continue to trend downward in spite of recent problems introduced by California's prison realignment policy. City officials refuse to waver on their fight against crime, and employ all resources to ensure the overall crime rate continues to go down. With the innovative use of technology; the ongoing application of community-driven commissions; and the enthusiastic engagement of community Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch groups, the combined efforts of law enforcement, City staff and local citizens have proven to be a formidable force against criminals.
Regardless of the crippling statewide elimination of redevelopment agencies in 2012, the City of Lancaster has continued to grow its economy by attracting such businesses as Build Your Dreams (BYD), Morton Manufacturing, Marriott, and Best Western, to name a few. These developments have contributed to job growth in Lancaster, while additional economic development opportunities are being courted.
In regards to community wellness, the City can now boast of two new major facilities which have recently been completed: the Multi-Service Ambulatory Care Center and the new City of Hope medical and education center. These facilities complement and expand the healthcare information and services available to Valley residents. Later this year, Lancaster will also welcome a new state-of-the-art Kaiser Permanente facility, which will be the first of its kind to utilize solar water heating and reclaimed water.
Along the education front, Lancaster's SOAR High School continues to be the crown jewel of the educational system, performing in the top 1% of high schools in the nation with an API score of 945 at the end of the 2011-2012 school year. In addition, a partnership with the Lancaster University Center and California State University Long Beach has yielded a program in which one can earn a Bachelor's degree in engineering right here in the Antelope Valley in just 2.5 years. The Lancaster University Center has also teamed up with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles to provide much needed Spanish GED courses in Lancaster.
The economic climate of the past six years has not held the City back from its aggressive Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which continues to enhance the quality of life for Lancaster residents. In all, 89 CIP projects are fully funded through sources such as Measure R grants and specialty funds. Mayor Parris proudly pointed out that these projects do not touch the General Fund in any way. By utilizing City crews to do the rehabilitation projects, the City is producing 40% more output than if the work was outsourced. In fact, many of these projects are currently six weeks ahead of schedule, and being completed for 60% less in costs.
Mayor Parris concluded his address by recapping the many accomplishments Lancaster has achieved in the alternative energy arena. Expecting to realize 50% of peak load by June of this year, the City is well on its way to Net-Zero status.
Parris credited careful planning and thoughtful risk taking for both the business successes and worldwide media attention generated from "green" industry interests. Partners such as KB Home and SunPower, who are responsible for the new Zero House 2.0, are helping Lancaster's goals come to fruition with their bold innovations.
"The City is literally paving the way to a sustainable future," said Mayor R. Rex Parris. "Our once small desert town is now a thriving metropolis, standing on the cusp of unfathomable stardom."
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Promote YOUR business FREE of Charge
FREE Chamber Radio
Talk Show
"Minding Your Business"
Saturday, 12-1pm
Call Anna Zarley: (661) 948-4518
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6 Uncomplicated Social SEO Tips for Small Businesses
Let's start with what is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. And the phrase improve your SEO strategy encompasses the actions taken to ensure your website can be found in a search engine's results page (SERP) when searching for words or phrases relevant to the content on your website.
What does Social SEO mean?
Social SEO refers to the idea that social media links and interaction play a considerable part in a website's search rankings. It sounds complicated (and, in reality it is) but basically SEO is all about optimizing content-whether it's on your website or on a social media platform-in order to appear higher in search rankings.
Here are six uncomplicated Social SEO tips you can easily start implementing today:
1. Optimize your social media profiles
The key to an SEO friendly social media profile is to be descriptive as possible. Always fill out the 'About' or 'Information' sections of any social media platform. Use words or phrases that describe your business and are also terms individuals would use to search for your business.
For example, to optimize your Facebook Page for local searches, it is very important to include your address, city, state, and zip. Always include links from your social channels back to your business's website (and links from your website to your social channels).
Insider Tip: The "Category" field is often over looked on Facebook Pages but is important for Facebook mobile searches. Check to make sure your business is listed as the correct category while editing your basic information.
2. Optimize your social media content/updates
To optimize your social content, always include some of the relevant search keywords you determined for your business in your Facebook updates, tweets, pin descriptions, etc. It's important to remember to share content from your website or blog socially to give it an SEO boost too. Sharing new content on Twitter is especially important because it helps Google index it faster (indexing means Google adds this URL to their database).
Insider Tip: Use your business's name in your social posts. This helps Google associate the keywords you use to describe your business with your business's name.
3. Build links by making your content shareable
A key factor in SEO is link building. Simply put, this means having good website to website relationships through links. When you have more quality sites linking to your website (inbound) and you are linking to other quality websites (outbound) the more authoritative Google determines your website to be. More authority equals a higher SERP rank.
Likes, comments, +1s, repins, retweets, etc., all play into the weight given to your links. If you create content people want to share, you can create more inbound links. "Content" doesn't always have to be as elaborate as a blog post or whitepaper, content can also refer to tweets or Facebook posts as well. By posting engaging social content, you're improving your SEO value. To review: Quality content equals more shares equals more links equals better SEO value. Simple right?
Insider Tip: A more advanced way to increase shares is to add social share buttons to individual pieces of content on your website or blog.
4. Use Pinterest
An easy way to create shareable content is by using Pinterest. Pinterest is great for link building and improving your keyword strategy. Google indexes pages from websites with heavy traffic faster and higher in a SERP. You can increase your content's visibility in SERPs by adding keywords within the title of a Pinterest board, the board's description, and you even have up to 500 characters to describe an individual pin so you'll want to include keywords there as well.
Additionally, you can customize the pin's link and point people back to your website or blog-further increasing the opportunity for your content to rank higher in a SERP. From an SEO perspective, Pinterest allows you to do a few things that other networks don't, so take advantage of it.
Insider Tip: Google prefers high-resolution images, so use high-quality images on Pinterest whenever possible.
5. Sign up for Google+ and spend 10-minutes a day on it
No one loves Google+ more than Google. Sign up for a Google+ Business Page and complete as many fields as you can in the "About" section using keywords that describe your business. Google also allows you to add several customized links within your profile, you can use this as an opportunity to link back to your website, blog, and additional social channels. By spending 10-minutes a day sharing your content to your Google+ page, you'll be more likely to appear within Google's SERP.
6. Create a Google+ Local listing
According to Google, 97% of consumers search for local businesses online. In order to perform well in local search results it's critical that you optimize your Google+ Local listing (formally known as Google Places). A Local Google+ page is different from a Google+ Business Page because it allows customers to easily connect with that business's physical location. Update the details about your business-address, phone number, hours, etc.-and you're good to go!
Insider Tip: Be sure to keep your information up-to-date on Google+ Local and Facebook-it helps!
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Not making your business's social media sites public.
- Creating a Facebook Profile instead of a Facebook Page (learn how to fix this here).
- Not customizing your Facebook URL. (Here's how)
- Not using your business's name as your Facebook Page name or Twitter name.
- Uploading images to your social channels with file names such as: Photo1 or IMG1287-images with meaningful file names can help you rank better.
- Duplicating another website's content. Your time and resources are limited as a small business owner but Google doesn't like this.
- If something appears to be a fast and easy way to improve your SEO it's probably a black hat tactic (that means it's bad), Google frowns on these unethical techniques and penalizes those who implement them.
Keep this in mind regarding Social SEO
Improving your SEO takes time and SERP changes don't happen overnight. Always be as descriptive as you can and keep your info up to date. Ultimately, as a small business owner you shouldn't obsess over SEO. Instead, focus on providing a WOW! experience for your customers and your business will benefit through natural word-of-mouth.
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Law Office of Christine Nelson
Ribbon Cutting
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Vic's Bimmer Collision Center
Ribbon Cutting
Sandy Smith and Victor Vega
with Isaac Barcelona District Director, Senator Knights Office
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Vic's Bimmer Collision Center
Ribbon Cutting
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Law Office of Christine Nelson
Ribbon Cutting
Ambassador Kimberly Perkins
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February Chamber Luncheon
Chairman Gene Melchers
& COO Sandy Smith
Presenting Certificate Of Appreciation To Speaker
Mayor R. Rex Parris
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February Chamber Luncheon
Mayor R. Rex Parris
Delivering the
State of the City Address
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February Chamber Luncheon
Mixing & Mingling
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February Chamber Luncheon
Business Information Table
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February Chamber Luncheon
Drew Mercy & Steven Derryberry
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February Chamber Luncheon
Mixing & Mingling
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February Mega-Mixer Host
Marco Johnson with the University Of Antelope Valley &
COO Sandy Smith Presenting
Certificate of Appreciation
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February Mega-Mixer
Hosted by
University of Antelope Valley
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February Mega-Mixer
University of Antelope Valley
Lancaster Chamber Ambassadors Robert Wolf &
Mary Majors
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February Mega-Mixer
University of Antelope Valley
Thank you to all of our
Raffle Prize Sponsors
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February Mega-Mixer
University of Antelope Valley
Culinary Program
Event Catering Service
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February Business-4-Breakfast
COO Sandy Smith Presenting
Certificate of Appreciation to
Annette Wick with Cruise Planners
Table & $50.00 Prize Sponsor
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February Business-4-Breakfast
Schooner's Patio Grille
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February Business-4-Breakfast
Ambassador Kim Perkins and
Best Commercial Winner
Patricia Ponds with Storage Express
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