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Business Connection

 

June 2014

lancasterchamber.org

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

 Executive Board

                    
Chairman of the Board
Gene Melchers, Melchers Construction Co.

Chair Elect
Tamara Stoebe, Stoebe Services

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  
  
Board of Directors
                 
Chris Chapleau - American Business Machines

 

Sgt. Theresa Dawson - Lancaster Sheriff's Dept.

 

Rosemary Mann - Camille's Sidewalk Cafe

 

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

  
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 

Please click on the link below to visit our events calendar

Lancaster Chamber Events Calendar 

Interested in Becoming an Ambassador?

   

The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce is in the process of forming an "Ambassador University" for members who wish to become ambassadors. Ambassadors have a unique opportunity to represent the Lancaster

Chamber at many events, including breakfasts, luncheons, mixers, ribbon cuttings/grand openings and more!  Through this involvement, ambassadors are able to represent the chamber while also representing and marketing their own businesses--it's truly a "win/win" relationship!

 

 

 If you or someone at your place of business is interested in

 participating in our comprehensive training series and ultimately

 becoming an ambassador, please contact the Chamber: (661) 948-4518

 

 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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Please go to www.lancasterchamber.org

and look under Services/Internet Ads for description and pricing.

 

Chamber Membership Lists

 

Labels by Alpha: $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 

 

 

 

 

What can the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce do to help grow YOUR business???

 

Membership Benefits 

  • Chamber Website
  • Monthly Business Connection E-Newsletter
  • Membership Directory
  • Membership City Map
  • Radio Talk Show - Free
  • Super AV Expo
  • Quarterly Mega Mixers

 

Monthly Events 
  • Membership Luncheon
  • Members Lunch & Learn
  • 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

 

 

New and Renewing Members

 

May

   

 Introducing Our Newest Members!

 

 

After Hours Lock and Key

Robert Webb

Phone: (310) 930-2556

Email: ibdrloc@yahoo.com

 

 

G-Com Services

Lemuel Galvao

38215 Sierra Grande Ave.

Palmdale, CA 93551

Phone: (661) 435-8248

Email: gcomservices@outlook.com

www.gcomservices.org

 

 

J Salon Studios & Spa

Jodale Edwards

44140 20th Street West #111

Lancaster, CA 93536

Phone: (661) 406-3515

Email: jsalonstudiosspa@gmail.com

 

 

Just Go Green Incorporated

Katherine Dirden

42601 8th st west

Lancaster, CA 93534

Phone: (661) 524-5235

Email: justgogreener@yahoo.com

www.justgogreeninc.com

 

 

KinderCare

Christina Luedtke

44400 Foxton Av

Lancaster, CA 93534

Phone: (661) 948-1767

Email: 301227@klcorp.com

  

 

KinderCare Learning Center

Brandi Henderson

43536 22nd St. West

Lancaster, CA 93536

Phone: (661) 948-3570

Email: bhenderson@klcorp.com

 

 

 Lancaster Optometry

Karine Shaghoyan

516 W. Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster, CA 93534

Phone: (661) 949-1511

Email: lancasteroptometry@gmail.com

www.lancasteroptometry.com

 

 

Sears Outlet

Gerald Collins

320 W Rancho Vista Blvd

Palmdale, CA 93551

Phone: (661) 267-1264

Email: gerald.collins@shos.com

 

 

The Law Offices of Guenther A. Richter

Guenther Richter

963 West Avenue J

Lancaster, CA 93534

Phone: (661) 341-3957

Email: richterlawfirm@gmail.com

 

 

VIP House Of Hair, Inc.

Rosalin Coleman

45074 10th Street West, Suite 103

Palmdale, CA 93551

Phone: (661) 941-3438

Email: viphouseofhair@gmail.com

www.viphouseofhair.com

 

 

Nielsen's Fire Protection

Kim Nielsen

4241 W. Ave N-3

Palmdale, CA 93551

Phone: (661) 943-4777

www.285fire.com

 

 

Westside Body & Paint, Inc.

Maureen Neis

5054 W. Avenue M-2

Quartz Hill, CA 93536

Phone: (661) 943-3639

www.westsidebody.com

 

 

Steven D. Heffelfinger, DC, Inc.

Dr. Julianne Thake

44130 N. Division St.

Lancaster, CA 93535

Phone: (661) 948-6562

www.drsteveav.com  

 

 

Light House Studios

Buddhika Ekanayake

1116 W. Ave K

Lancaster, CA 93534

Phone: (661) 998-4200

Email: ebuddhika@sbcglobal.net

 

 

The Massage Center 

Brittni Wyatt

42335 50th Street West, Suite 105 

Quartz Hill, CA 93536

Phone: (661) 400-1533

Email: ohmassagecenter@gmail.com

 

  

 

We Are Pleased to present our Renewing Members

 

  

Brunswick Sands Bowl

43233 Sierra Hwy

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)948-2651

Member Since: 1971

 

Burkey, Cox, Evans, Bradford & Alden

1058 West Avenue M 14, Suite B

Palmdale, CA93551

(661)948-0808

Member Since: 1985

 

Sierra Medical Group

39115 Trade Center Drive, Suite 130

Palmdale, CA93551

(661)273-7346

Member Since: 1987

 

Lancaster Baptist Church

4020 East Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster, CA93535

(661)946-4663

Member Since: 1988

  

Robert S. Wolf Insurance & Financial Services

44421 10th Street West, Suite F

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661)945-8003

Member Since 1989

 

Day Star Foundation

646 West Lancaster Blvd, Suite 109

Lancaster, CA93535

(661)945-7290

Member Since: 1991

 

A Digitech Inc/ADT Security Systems

4506 West Avenue M

Quartz Hill, CA93536

(661)722-3344

Member Since: 1993

 

 

Hometown Directory, Inc

4145 Manly Road

Rosamond, CA93560

(661)823-9111

Member Since: 1993

 

 

United Rentals, Inc

43631 Sierra Hwy

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)948-2654

Member Since: 1993

 

 

Forris Ed Crow

Lancaster, CA

(661)948-2983

Member Since: 1996

 

 

Western Pacific Roofing Corp

2229 East Avenue Q

Palmdale, CA93550

(661)273-1336

Member Since: 1998

 

 

University of Antelope Valley

44055 N. Sierra Hwy

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)726-1911

Member Since: 2000

 

 

Gordon D Elder, DC

44901 10th Street West, Suite A

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)726-9333

Member Since: 2000

 

 

Chapman Communications

41765 12th Street West, Suite A

Palmdale, CA93551-1422

(661)951-1717

Member Since: 2001

 

 

Carpeteria

42212 10th Street West, Suite 2A

Lancaster, CA93534-7020

(661)951-2200

Member Since: 2002

 

 

Veterans Community Based Outpatient Clinic

547 West Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661)729-8655

Member Since: 2002

 

 

Antelope Valley Adventist School

45002 Fern Avenue

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)942-6552

Member Since: 2003

 

 

Advantage DJ.com

38004 53rd Street East

Palmdale, CA93552

(661)674-7151

Member Since: 2004

 

 

Allied Physical Medicine

1314 West Avenue J

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)945-4441

Member Since: 2005

 

 

Steve Fox

42156 10th Street West, Suite 103

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)726-5151

Member Since: 2007

 

 

Merritt Tae Kwon Do Academy, LLC

1945 West Avenue L

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)945-5293

Member Since: 2007

 

 

Extra Space Storage

1722 West Avenue J 8

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)951-9788

Member Since: 2008

 

 

Lancaster United Methodist Church

918 West Avenue J

Lancaster, CA93536

(661)942-0419

Member Since: 2009

 

 

Walmart Supercenter/Palmdale West

40130 10th Street West

Palmdale, CA93551

(661)267-6496

Member Since: 2010

 

 

Charlton Weeks LLP. Attorneys at law

1031 West Avenue M14, Suite A

Palmdale, CA93551

(661)265-0969

Member Since: 2010

 

 

Antelope Valley Showcase Chorus

2101 E Palmdale Blvd

Palmdale, CA93551

(661)878-2872

Member Since: 2011

 

 

Academy for Advancement of Children with Autism

6742 East Avenue H

Lancaster, CA93535

(661)946-1234

Member Since: 2012

 

 

Just 1 Natural Health & Fitness

824 West Avenue L 6, Suite D

Lancaster, CA93534

(888)618-1174

Member Since: 2012

 

 

Melchers Properties

PO Box 1468

Rosamond, CA93560

(661)810-0782

Member Since: 2012

 

 

Mojave Partners, Inc

PO Box 542

Lancaster, CA93584-0542

Member Since: 2012

 

 

DH Team

PO Box 8907

Lancaster, CA93539

(661)802-9178

Member Since: 2012

 

 

Budget Self Storage

42722 10th Street West

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)948-2098

Member Since: 2013

 

 

Ladies First Fitness & Spa

42015 10th Street West

Lancaster, CA93534

(661)942-6496

Member Since: 2013

 

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

  

A NEW VISITOR'S CENTER IS ON THE WAY!

 

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!

  

In This Issue
Interested in Becoming an Ambassador?
New and Renewing Members
Turn Your Vacation into a Tax Deduction
City of Lancaster News and Events
Tips for Small Businesses
The Month In Pictures
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce June Luncheon  
  
Learn How to Protect Your Business Against Cyber Crime
  
  
Presenter: Lt. Mark Stevens of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Commercial Crimes Bureau   
  

The Commercial Crimes Bureau is responsible for investigating a wide range of financial crimes, including fraud, identity theft and high-tech computer crimes occurring in Los Angeles County. 

 

In recent years, authorities have noticed exponential, worldwide growth in cybercrime and hacking activity, and as the technology outpaces security, government and law enforcement agencies find it increasingly difficult to keep up with the crooks. Because everything is computerized now, cybercrime affects all facets of social and economic life. Hacking intrusions into company and home computers are a constant threat. Thieves use malware to steal client lists and intellectual property and to commit identity theft.

Please join us as Lt. Stevens provides important tips for keeping your business and home safe from cyber criminals.

  

RSVPs are strongly suggested for this event.

 

Lancaster Chamber members:       $20 (pay online) or

                                                                   $25 at the door

 

Non-Members:                                 $25 (pay online) or

                                                                   $30 at the door

  
                         
                    EVENT INFORMATION

 

Date: June 11th

 

Time: 11:30am - 1pm

 

Location: J.P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center 43404 30th Street West, Lancaster 93536 

 

Chairman's Message

                       

  
  

 

Here I am in the last month in my position as Chairman of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. How time has flown!

First I would like to say what a privilege and honor it has been to serve in this position. This year, we have seen a great many changes in our Chamber. Under the leadership of Sandy Smith, our new COO, we have implemented many new programs and have greatly improved our offerings to our members including new education programs, a new website and mobile app, a larger scholarship program, the planning of a new Young Entrepreneur Academy, and increased membership. These changes will positively impact the Lancaster Chamber for years to come.

In closing, the opportunity to lead my fellow board members has been a true pleasure. I have done my best to live up to the high standards you deserve and value the time I have spent as your chair. I will be leaving my post in the very capable hands of our new Chairwoman, Tamara Stoebe, who will pick up the torch and will take the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce to greater heights.

 

With appreciation, I say goodbye as your 2013-2014 chairman.

 

Gene Melchers

Chairman of the Board

 Turn Your Vacation into a Tax  Deduction


 

 

 

Courtesy of Cobb Doerfler & Associates, CPA    Accountants and      Tax Preparers    

 

 

  

Tim, who owns his own business, decided he wanted to take a two-week trip around the US. So he did--and was able to legally deduct every dime that he spent on his vacation. Here's how he did it.

1. Make all your business appointments before you leave for your trip.
Most people believe that they can go on vacation and simply hand out their business cards in order to make the trip deductible.

Wrong.

You must have at least one business appointment before you leave in order to establish the "prior set business purpose" required by the IRS. Keeping this in mind, before he left for his trip, Tim set up appointments with business colleagues in the various cities that he planned to visit.

Let's say Tim is a manufacturer of green office products and is looking to expand his business and distribute more of his products. One possible way to establish business contacts--if he doesn't already have them--is to place advertisements looking for distributors in newspapers in each location he plans to visit. He could then interview those who respond when he gets to the business destination.

Example: Tim wants to vacation in Hawaii. If he places several advertisements for distributors, or contacts some of his downline distributors to perform a presentation, then the IRS would accept his trip for business.

Tip: It would be vital for Tim to document this business purpose by keeping a copy of the advertisement and all correspondence along with noting what appointments he will have in his diary.

2. Make Sure your Trip is All "Business Travel."
In order to deduct all of your on-the-road business expenses, you must be traveling on business. The IRS states that travel expenses are 100 percent deductible as long as your trip is business related and you are traveling away from your regular place of business longer than an ordinary day's work and you need to sleep or rest to meet the demands of your work while away from home.

Example: Tim wanted to go to a regional meeting in Boston, which is only a one-hour drive from his home. If he were to sleep in the hotel where the meeting will be held (in order to avoid possible automobile and traffic problems), his overnight stay qualifies as business travel in the eyes of the IRS.

Tip: Remember: You don't need to live far away to be on business travel. If you have a good reason for sleeping at your destination, you could live a couple of miles away and still be on travel status.

3. Be sure to deduct all of your on-the-road-expenses for each day you're away.
For every day you are on business travel, you can deduct 100 percent of lodging, tips, car rentals, and 50 percent of your food. Tim spends three days meeting with potential distributors. If he spends $50 a day for food, he can deduct 50 percent of this amount, or $25.

Tip: The IRS doesn't require receipts for travel expense under $75 per expense--except for lodging.

Example: If Tim pays $6 for drinks on the plane, $6.95 for breakfast, $12 for lunch, $50 for dinner, he does not need receipts for anything since each item was under $75.

Tip: He would, however, need to document these items in your diary. A good tax diary is essential in order to audit-proof your records. Adequate documentation includes amount, date, place of meeting, and business reason for the expense.

Example: If, however, Tim stays in the Bates Motel and spends $22 on lodging, will he need a receipt? The answer is yes. You need receipts for all paid lodging.

Tip: Not only are your on-the-road expenses deductible from your trip, but also all laundry, shoe shines, manicures, and dry-cleaning costs for clothes worn on the trip. Thus, your first dry cleaning bill that you incur when you get home will be fully deductible. Make sure that you keep the dry cleaning receipt and have your clothing dry cleaned within a day or two of getting home.

4. Sandwich weekends between business days.
If you have a business day on Friday and another one on Monday, you can deduct all on-the-road expenses during the weekend.

Example: Tim makes business appointments in Florida on Friday and one on the following Monday. Even though he has no business on Saturday and Sunday, he may deduct on-the-road business expenses incurred during the weekend.

5. Make the majority of your trip days count as business days.
The IRS says that you can deduct transportation expenses if business is the primary purpose of the trip. A majority of days in the trip must be for business activities; otherwise, you cannot make any transportation deductions.

Example: Tim spends six days in San Diego. He leaves early on Thursday morning. He had a seminar on Friday and meets with distributors on Monday and flies home on Tuesday, taking the last flight of the day home after playing a complete round of golf. How many days are considered business days?

All of them. Thursday is a business day, since it includes traveling - even if the rest of the day is spent at the beach. Friday is a business day because he had a seminar. Monday is a business day because he met with prospects and distributors in pre-arranged appointments. Saturday and Sunday are sandwiched between business days, so they count, and Tuesday is a travel day.

Since Tim accrued six business days, he could spend another five days having fun and still deduct all his transportation to San Diego. The reason is that the majority of the days were business days (six out of eleven). However, he can only deduct six days' worth of lodging, dry cleaning, shoe shines, and tips. The important point is that Tim would be spending money on lodging, airfare, and food, but now most of his expenses will become deductible.

Consult us before you plan your next trip. We'll show you the right way to legally deduct your vacation when you combine it with business. Bon Voyage!

 

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

 


 

 

Business-4-Breakfast
  
  

      Join us for business, stay for breakfast!

             

               7:00 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2014

                                      

Event Location

 

Schooners Patio Grille

2797 W. Ave L, Lancaster 93536 (30th St. West)
           
Table Sponsor

 

 The Tech Gods - Chris Perosi (661) 524-5140


                        

To RSVP please contact the Chamber Office

Phone: (661) 948-4518

Fax: (661) 949-1212

Email: Anna@lancasterchamber.org

 

 

Cash Prize $50.00 - 1 Winner will be chosen at every breakfast

 

 Sponsored by: Marriott TownePlace Suites 

Shandra Golan (661) 723-6709

 

 

*Please note - If you RSVP and do not attend you will be invoiced for $10.00

  

  
   

 

  

City of Lancaster Adopts Ordinance to Pursue Community Choice Aggregation, Giving Lancaster Residents "The Power to Choose"

Lancaster, CA. May 14, 2014 - During last night's Lancaster City Council meeting, the City Council approved an ordinance declaring the City's intent to explore establishment of a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA). The program named Lancaster Choice Energy will procure and sell power to Lancaster businesses and residents at competitive rates, while also delivering a consumer-driven mix of energy choices featuring clean energy and local generation. Rates will be set by the City Council, providing for local control and greater accountability.

"We are eager to get this program underway because it empowers our citizens with the ability to choose their energy providers," said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. "Price competitive choices will be available, offering a tremendous benefit to residents and business owners who can select which options best meet their needs. Choice Energy will open up the market and be consumer-driven, setting the path for an even brighter energy future for Lancaster residents."

Southern California Edison (SCE) will continue to provide transmission, distribution, and billing services, as well as hold ownership of all physical power transmission assets. Additionally, power outages and line repairs will continue to be handled by SCE.

One of the most attractive features for residents will be 'You-tility', which will provide two energy generating options from which to choose; a renewable energy source for a slightly higher cost and an economy package that maximizes cost-savings. The City will also have the ability to establish specialized economic development rates to aid in business attraction and job creation through the 'Clear Choice' program.

The Lancaster City Council will require staff to return before them for final approval as the process progresses and implementation nears. City staff will continue to work with industry experts to further explore and develop the CCA effort. If all goes well and the effort remains favorable; municipal City accounts will transfer to CCA service in May 2015. Commercial availability will be next, followed by residential transfers to CCA service later in 2015.

"The City will be the test case for this program because we want to make sure any potential issues are addressed and dealt with prior to public enrollment," added Mayor Parris. "We will ensure business owners and residents experience a smooth and successful transition to Choice Energy."

During the enrollment period, customers will receive a minimum of four notices via mail informing them of their enrollment date and providing details about the Choice Energy program. Customers who wish to remain with SCE can follow a simple opt-out procedure.

     
         Promote YOUR business FREE of Charge
 
  
    
  FREE Chamber Radio 
Talk Show
  
 "Minding Your Business"
                       
    Saturday, 12-1pm
 Call Anna Zarley: (661) 948-4518
  

 

 

What You Must Know About Business Valuation

 

 

 

That's a potentially important question for many reasons, not just selling. But most owners have only a vague idea of what their business would really be worth. And most of those who think they know are probably wrong.

  

Professional appraisers who regularly conduct business valuations say that owners err on both ends of the spectrum. Some fail to include intangible assets in their estimate and tend to undervalue what they've built over time. Others think their businesses are worth much more than the market would dictate. And of course, sentiment often interferes with good business judgment.

 

In many cases, owners don't consider this a top priority. But there are many reasons why you should have at least an idea of what it's worth (I list four of these below).

 

The value of a business is normally defined as its fair market value, or the price at which a property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller who are both informed and under no compulsion to act. Minority valuations assess just a percentage of the value of the firm and apply discounts for the minority owner's lack of control and possible lack of marketability of the business.

 

Independent business appraisers value companies and business interests of all sizes. And a valuation includes intangible business assets such as patents, trademarks, employment agreements, copyrights and goodwill. 

Business owners often bring in an appraiser to prepare for a purchase, a merger or an employee stock ownership plan. Or a valuation might be needed for estate and gift tax returns, buy-sell agreements, litigation, tax challenges, divorce or many other purposes.

 

But even if there's nothing on the immediate horizon, every business owner should have a current valuation in his or her desk drawer as a tool for helping make informed decisions about the company's direction. An objective and independent valuation gives you a much clearer picture of where you're going.

Here are four more reasons to perform a business valuation:

  1. To understand where your business fits in the industry landscape. A business valuation will describe precisely where you fit in your industry or specialized market, including the market price or value of similar businesses recently sold or publicly traded.
  2. To gain more insight into your "real world" financial condition. As a business owner, you probably have P&L and other financial reports to give you a picture of your financial health. But a valuation that includes intangible assets can expand on, confirm or deny existing beliefs.
  3. Make fast decisions on expansion, financing, sale or merger opportunities.  When opportunities knock, you might not have time to conduct a business valuation. Having a current valuation in hand will let you pursue opportunities as they arise.
  4. Make smart choices to enhance the value of your business. A valuation will highlight the things that make a business valuable, and show you ways that you can increase what your business is worth.

Selecting a business valuation expert is not an easy affair. You'll see an alphabet soup of business valuation credentials such as ASA, ABV, CVA and CBA.

 

The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) can provide a breakdown of different business valuation credentials to help you find the right professional. The ASA website (www.appraisers.org) is a great place to gather information on business valuations and to find an accredited business valuator. Their new "Business Valuation" section has a "Find a BV Appraiser" tool that lets you search by name, location and area of specialization.

 

These other resources can help:

  • Lincoln Financial Group offers an online business valuation calculator. Visit www.lfg.com. Under "Planning Tools" look for Financial Calculators, and then "Other Calculations" to find Business Valuation.
  • The National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) offers a free service online to help you find a credentialed business valuation expert. Just click the "Need Your Business Valued?" button on the homepage at www.nacva.com
  • The Business Valuation Toolkit, from MoneySoft, is a collection of software, data and productivity tools that will help you determine what your company is worth. Visit www.moneysoft.com
  • ValueHound (www.valhound.com) is a low-cost valuation service that business owners use for self-directed 401(k) and IRA annual valuation requirements. They offer a basic do-it-yourself 5-page version for $199 that's delivered in 7 days.

 

 

The Month In Pictures

May

 

 Campano Building 

 Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

 

 Advanced Smile Dentistry 

 One Year Anniversary & Ribbon Cutting

 

 Gifted Hands Massage & Spa  

 Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

 

 Miss Lancaster, Haley Arntz  

 Sears Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

 

 Sears Outlet

  Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

 

 Cutting Edge Tile & Granite  

  Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

 

    Lancaster Chamber Quarterly Mega-Mixer Hosted by    

  American Plumbing Services Inc.

 Los Angeles County High Desert Regional Health Center  

  Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

 Los Angeles County High Desert Regional Health Center  

  Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Lancaster Chamber Luncheon

Doing Business with School Districts

Presenter 

Gina Rossall, Superintendent, Westside Union School

 

 
                 
 Business-4-Breakfast 

 Table Co-Sponsors

Sam's Club, Julie Martinez/

Therapuetic Time, Inc. Dr. Trisha Rich-Thurm 

 

Business-4-Breakfast 

 $50.00 Sponsor, Bernie Longjohn with Choices In Learning

Winner, Laura Motes with Edwards Federal Credit Union

 

 Business-4-Breakfast 

 Best Commercial Award to

Shanny Goben, TownePlace Suites by Marriott