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Business Connection

 

April 2015

lancasterchamber.org

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

 Executive Board

                    
Chairwoman of the Board
Tamara Stoebe, Stoebe Services
 
Chair-Elect
Josh Mann, Mojave Partners

Treasurer
Mark Troth, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Troth REALTORS
 
Vice-Chair Secretary
Gina Rossall, Superintendent, Westside Union School District

Vice-Chair
Monica Grado, George's Cleaners

Vice-Chair
Stan Turner, Edwards Federal Credit Union
 
Past Chairman of the Board
Gene Melchers, Melchers Construction Co.
 
Ex-Officio
Sandy Smith - Chief Executive Officer, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce   
  
Board of Directors
                 
Luis Garibay - City of Lancaster

 

Sgt. Theresa Dawson - Lancaster Sheriff's Dept.

 

Rosemary Mann - Camille's Sidewalk Cafe

 

Terry Roth - Joshua Memorial Park

 

Bridget Razo - Antelope Valley College

 

Katie Nelson - Hunter Dodge

 

Lynn Roth - SOL Graphix, Inc.

 

Dave Saltman - Antelope Valley Press

 

Chris Spicher - Antelope Valley Florist

 

Bernie Longjohn - Choices in Learning National Foundation

 

Interested in Becoming an Ambassador?

   

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

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
 Upcoming Events
April 2015


Membership Luncheon
04-08-15
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Hellenic Center
43404 30th St West
Lancaster, CA 93536

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Finance & Executive Committee Meeting
04-10-15
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534

Ribbon Cutting/Linda's Pawn Shop Botonica
04-11-15
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Linda's Pawn Shop Botonica
1446 West Avenue L
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber New Member Orientation
04-16-15
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting
04-22-15
7:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
Edward Jones Investments
Rocio Montagner
04-23-15
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Edward Jones Investments  
41301 12th St. West Suite E
Palmdale, CA 935551

Business-4-Breakfast
04-23-15
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Domingo's Restaurant
1324 W. Ave I
Lancaster, CA 93534

49th Semi-Annual Flea Market and Shop Local Showcase 
05-03-15
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A.V. Fairgrounds
2551 West Ave H
Lancaster, CA 93536


 

Stay Tuned For The Location Of Our Next Quarterly Mega-Mixer  

  
 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 

chamber_logo

ChamberSTORE

 

Helping Support Your Local Chamber is a

WIN-WIN!!

Take advantage of these special rates for chamber members!!

  

 

"A LA CARTE" OPPORTUNITIES:

  •  Digital Display Ad on Chamber Wall - $250 / year (2050x1400 dpi).
  • Static Display Framed Poster* on chamber/visitor's center wall - $1000 / year (24x20 inches -12  AVAILABLE) -includes a free digital display for one year.
  • Chamber newsletter ad (600x600 dpi, includes link to your website) - $75 each or $750 for one year.
  • Website home page banner ad (along top of page) - $2500 per year (NO LONGER AVAILABLE).
  • Website home page ad $500 / year (600x600 dpi - TWO AVAILABLE).

PACKAGES:

  •  Package 1 - $500 - Includes one digital display ad and four newsletter ads.           
  • Package 2 - $1000 -  Includes one digital display ad, four newsletter ads, and one website home page ad (TWO AVAILABLE).
  • Package 3 - $1000 - includes one  24"x20" framed Chamber Wall poster* (12 AVAILABLE) and one digital display ad.

           *price includes poster production costs.

 

 

ADDITIONAL MARKETING/ADVERTISING

OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Community Calendar member event posting.
  • Annual area map and directories with advertising opportunities.
  • Referrals - Hundreds of request directed to members "ONLY".
  • Mailing Labels and Membership Lists available to members "ONLY".
  • Chamber Radio Talk Show and Chamber YouTube Free to members "ONLY".
  • Your business listed in the printed and online Membership Directory (Link to your website or social media!).

 

Chamber Membership Lists

 

Labels by Alpha: $50.00

Email Data: $50.00


 

 

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

March

   

 Introducing Our Newest Members!

 

 

Advanced Spine Institute
 K. Rad Payman, M.D.

42051 10th Street West, Suite 109

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 264-2100

thespineMD.com

[email protected]

 

 

Aflac

 Berta Medina

(818) 720-1643

http://www.aflac.com

[email protected]

 

 

All Business Matters 

Chris Chapleau   

22924 Lyons Ave #208

Santa Clarita, 91321

(661) 219-5160

www.allbizmatters.com

[email protected]

 

 

Antelope Valley Ballet
 Kathleen Burnett
42831 Lemonwood Drive

Lancaster, CA 93536

(661) 802-9189

 antelopevalleyballet.org

[email protected]

 

 

  Chase Bank - Lancaster BLVD Branch

Rick Bryant  

805 W. Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 940-1680

[email protected]

 

 

CR Roadhouse Mexican Restaurant 
 Nylah Edgeman

320 West Avenue J-2

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 945-5357

thespineMD.com

[email protected]

 

 

DT's Variety of Things

Denise Hoffstetter

(323) 228-2131

dtsvarietyofthings.com
[email protected]

 

 

Get Into Racing Today
Deborah Maas
(661) 945-2102

[email protected]

 

 

JOOIDroids of the Antelope Valley

 Adriane L. Holmes 
(661) 466-3794

jooidriodsoftheantelopevalley.com

[email protected]

 

 

LOL Photo Booth Fun
Gina Cresse 
(661) 878-2286

[email protected] 


 

 Southwest Custom Painting & Construction

Tiphani Smith 

(661) 492-1345

 [email protected]

 


We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members

 

Lamar Advertising Company

104 Enterprise Parkway

Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-0721

Member Since: 1953


 

Currado Insurance Agency, Inc/Allstate

43713 20th Street West, Suite 2

Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 945-2696

Member Since: 1983

 

 

Mayflower Gardens

6570 West Avenue L-12

Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 943-3228

Member Since: 1987


 

Fourr, Alden, and Associates LLP

44288 Lowtree Avenue

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 945-8602

Member Since: 1989


 

Desert Christian Schools

44662 15th street West

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 948-5071

Member Since: 1990 


 

Kwik Oil
45333 1/2 Trevor Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-3335

Member Since: 1992


 

A Digitech Inc/ADT Security Systems
4506 West Avenue M
Quartz Hill, Ca 93536
(661) 722-3344
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 Reality
42402 10th Street West, Suite E
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-2644

Member Since: 1993

 

 

City of Lancaster

44933 Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534-2483
(661) 723-6000

Member Since: 1993

 

 

Donnell Printing
44154 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534-4299
(661) 942-1449

Member Since: 1993

 

 

Farley Brothers of Lancaster, Inc

334 East Avenue K-4
Lancaster, CA 93535

(661) 948-4544

Member Since: 1993

 


JB Wholesale Roofing/Bldg Spls
45515 23rd Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536-7218
(661) 948-4537

Member Since: 1993

 

 

 Lancaster Flooring, Inc

44910 Yucca Avenue

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 942-2813

Member Since: 1993


 

 Sierra Towing

45813 Division Street
Lancaster, CA 93535

(661) 948-4521

Member Since: 1993


 

Mental Health America 

506 West Jackman Street

Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 726-2850
Member Since: 1993


NAMI - Antelope Valley

45111 Fern Avenue, Suite 21

Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 341-8041

Member Since: 1993


 

United Rentals, Inc

43631 Sierra Hwy
Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 948-2654

Member Since: 1993


 

 Sierra Towing

45813 Division Street
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 948-4521

Member Since: 1993 



All American Financial Services

530 Commerce Ave Suite B
Palmdale, CA 93551

(661) 949-6681

Member Since: 1994

 

 

Antelope Valley Christian School

3700 West Avenue L
Lancaster, CA 93536-4137

(661) 943-0044

Member Since: 1994


 

 Antelope Valley Plumbing, Inc

Palmdale, CA 93552

(661) 533-1234

Member Since: 1994


 

 Earth Systems Southern California

1024 West Avenue M4
Palmdale, CA 93551-1436

(661) 948-7538

Member Since: 1994


 

 Fletchers Fire Protection

3318 West Avenue L-4
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 943-0643

Member Since: 1994

 

 

Michael P Giovannini DDS
1051 West Avenue M-14, Suite C
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 265-8884

Member Since: 1994

 

 

AV Boys & Girls Club
PO Box 10047
Lancaster, CA 93584
(661) 267-2750

Member Since: 1995

 

 

Children's Center of A V
45111 Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-1206

Member Since: 1998


 

Antelope Valley Care Center

44567 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-5524

Member Since: 2000

 

 

Storage Express

2103 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 729-1313

Member Since: 2001

 

 

Assistance League of Antelope Valley Pre-School

808 West Newgrove
Lancaster, CA 93534
(505) 228-2226
Member Since: 2001


Walmart Lancaster East
1731 East Avenue J
Lancaster, Ca 93535
(661) 945-7848
Member Since: 2002


Arnold N. Applebaum
PO Box 1510
La Mirada, CA 90637
(562) 404-4474

Member Since: 2003


 
 

 

Joseph A. Meekins Lodge #103
P.O. Box 2654
Lancaster, CA 93539
(661) 274-7536
Member Since: 2004


Partcraft, Inc

414 East Avenue k4
Lancaster, CA 93535

(661) 945-8731
 
 
Member Since: 2004

 

 

 Lancaster High School Jr ROTC

44701 Eagle Way

Lancaster, CA 93536

(661) 726-7649

Member Since: 2005


Anthony Boxer Consulting

(661) 729-1445 

Member Since: 2005


 

 Southern Kern Unified School District

3082 Glendower
Rosamond, CA 93560

(661) 256-1247

Member Since: 2006


 
 

Laurel Crest Apartments

531 West Jackman Bldg. East

Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-3422

Member Since: 2007


 

Barber Shop 

1221 West Avenue I
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)942-2581

Member Since: 2008


 

Extra Space Storage
1722 West Ave J-8

 Lancaster, CA 93534  

(661) 945-3601

Member Since: 2008

 

 

Kestler/Derryberry, LLP

641 West Lancaster Blvd

 Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 945-6115

Member Since: 2009


 

 Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts

23502 Lyons Avenue, Suite 105
Santa Clarita, CA 91321

(661) 222-7910

Member Since: 2009


 

Sim Sanitation, Inc
(661) 823-8442 
Member Since: 2010


Budget Self Storage

42722 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 948-3022

Member Since: 2013

 

 

CASA of Los Angeles
1040 West Avenue J room 1153
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-2272

Member Since: 2013

 


Palmdale Auto Mall Group c/o Gus Camacho
412 Auto Center Drive

 Palmdale, CA 93551

(661) 449-8600 

Member Since: 2013

   

 

Lancaster School District

44711 Cedar Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-4661

Member Since: 2013



City of Hope
1500 E Duarte Rd
Duarte, CA 91010
(818) 406-7492

Member Since: 2014

 

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

  

In This Issue
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce April Luncheon 
 
At our monthly luncheon on April 8th, Robert Yegehiaian from SourceOne Payroll will be presenting our program and discussing the upcoming new employment laws that will be taking effect this summer.

 


 

Robert has been in the Payroll/HR industry for over 25 years and has been serving the small business community here in the Antelope Valley well over 30 years. Robert has been involved with chambers for several years and maintains a great relationship with the community, lending his HR expertise when needed.  

 

Robert will be sharing information about the new California Paid Sick Leave requirements and will also be discussing other compliance deadlines regarding the current Labor Laws. In addition, he will be answering any HR questions you may have regarding your business. We look forward to seeing you at the April luncheon!


 

RSVPs are strongly suggested for this event.

                         
                    EVENT INFORMATION

 

Date: April 8th, 2015

 

Time: 11:30am - 1pm

 

Location: Hellenic Center

      43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536

 
Chairwoman's Message
  

 


 

It's April, the weather is beautiful and there are a lot of fun activities in the AV this month.   Are you headed out to see the poppies, or maybe taking in the Lancaster Poppy Festival?   I think that this past crop of poppies is the best I've seen in my 17 years in the Antelope Valley.  They are a sight to behold. 

 

I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU TO Sandy Smith our Chamber CEO, and to her team that brought off an amazing Young Entrepreneurs  Academy Investor Panel in March.  Congratulations to Cheyenne Adams, the creator of Forget-Me-Not Baby, who will be advancing to the YEA! regional semi-finals  in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 15th.   I think we will see her product on the market in the near future.   It is amazing what happens when you put together a group of 12-14 year olds and you tell them that the sky's the limit!   The presentations were phenomenal and the experience for the kids,  parents,  and business leaders alike was one of a kind.  I am grateful to the Lancaster Chamber Board of Directors for greenlighting this opportunity almost 2 years ago, and for the successful events they have turned out this past year.   There is still more to come, so please keep watching our chamber Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/LancChamber for more info and updates.

 

It's election time for our chamber board and also Work Ethics scholarship time.   Watch your mailbox for election ballots-- we have 7 openings on our board of directors, 6 three-year positions and 1 two- year position.  We have a great slate of potential board members,--thank you to our Nominating Committee Chair, Gina Rossall, and members Kira Wagner, Dave Owens, Rosemary Mann and Annette Wick.


Kimberly Perkins has been hard at work with her committee trying to identify Work Ethic scholarship recipients. Please put our May 2015 luncheon on your calendar as this is where the scholarship recipients will be announced and recognized. Please mark your calendar for the luncheon May 13th, you won't want to miss this.It's hard to believe that my time as chair is going to be coming to an end on June 30, but I am honored and blessed to work with such amazing people and I hope that you will join us soon at an upcoming event.  Get involved, share your story, and be a part of the adventure. 

 



Have a blessed Easter season, and a wonderful  Spring.  

 

Chairwoman of the Board
Tamara Stoebe  
2014-2015
What you Should know about the AMT
 
  
 
Courtesy of Cobb Doerfler & Associates, CPA Accountants and 
Tax Preparers    
  


Even if you've never paid Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), before, you should not ignore this tax. Why? Because your tax situation might have changed and this might be the year that you need to pay AMT. AMT attempts to ensure that taxpayers who claim certain tax benefits pay a minimum amount of tax. You may have to pay this tax if your income is above a certain amount.


 Here's what you should know about the AMT:


 1. When AMT applies. Your filing status and income determine the amount of your exemption. You may have to pay the AMT if your taxable income, plus certain adjustments, is more than your exemption amount. In most cases, if your income is below this amount, you will not owe AMT.


 2. Exemption amounts. The 2014 AMT exemption amounts are:

  • $52,800 if you are Single or Head of Household.
  • $82,100 if you are Married Filing Joint or Qualifying Widow(er).
  • $41,050 if you are Married Filing Separate.

Your AMT exemption is reduced if your income is more than certain limits.


 3. Use the right forms. If you owe AMT, you usually must file Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax--Individuals. Some taxpayers who owe AMT can file Form 1040A and use the AMT Worksheet in the instructions.


 4. AMT rules are complex. The easiest way to prepare and file your tax return is to use a qualified tax preparer who will figure out AMT for you if you owe the tax. 


 

We Can Help

Call today for more information or to set up a consultation.


 

Give us a call today.

(661)948-2661    

Business-4-Breakfast

 

 New Location!!!

      Join us for business, stay for breakfast!

 

                7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M. Thursday, April 23rd, 2015

                                      

Event Location

Domingo's Restaurant
1324 W. Ave I
Lancaster, CA 93534

 

 

Table Sponsor

Av Showcase Choir,

Kira Wagner: (661)278-2872

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

 

 Sponsored by:

Sam's Club, Julia Martinez

(661)-575-9200

 

 

*Please note - If you RSVP and do not attend you will be invoiced for $12.00

  

  
  

 

City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris Welcomes International Investors at "Welcome to LA: Gateway to USA" Conference


 
Lancaster, CA. March 20, 2015 -

This morning, City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris joined Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich for the "Welcome to LA: Gateway to USA" conference and reception. Hosted by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), as well as the LA County Business Federation and the Los Angeles Business Council, the event hosted a number of high-level international business delegations, including those from China, Japan, Korea and Mexico. A precursor to President Obama's "Select USA Summit," today's event demonstrated the vast resources and opportunities for international investment in Los Angeles County.

Mayor Parris extended a warm welcome to the delegations on behalf of local municipalities throughout LA County, introducing Lancaster as LAEDC's "Most Business-Friendly City."

"The City of Lancaster, with sights set squarely on becoming a Net-Zero City, openly embraces innovation, growth and new business," said Mayor Parris. "As such, we're proud to be the North American home of the BYD Coach & Bus manufacturing facility."

Mayor Parris also highlighted some of the important attributes which continue to attract investors to the area.

"As a region, Los Angeles County and the Antelope Valley have an unbeatable combination of technology, markets, intellectual capital and diversity," added Parris. "There is truly no other place in the United States which has the vast resources available right here."

The all-day event continued with panels featuring leaders in real estate, manufacturing, higher education, entertainment and technology. In addition to Mayor Parris, speakers included keynote speaker Mayor Garcetti, Supervisor Antonovich, Los Angeles City Councilman Curren D. Price Jr., U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary of Global Markets Arun Kumar, Director of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development Kish Rajan, and emcee Bill Allen, the CEO of LAEDC. A number of well-known business leaders participated in the panels, including the CEO of City National Bank, Russell Goldsmith; President & COO of Universal Studios Hollywood, Larry Kurzweil; CEO of Edison International, Ted Craver; Director of International Trade for the Port of Los Angeles, Stephen Cheung; and President of BYD Motors, Stella Li.

Tomorrow, the delegates will travel to Washington D.C. to attend the "Select USA Summit," to be hosted by President Obama next week. 

     
         Promote YOUR business FREE of Charge
 
  
    
  FREE Chamber Radio 
Talk Show
  
 "Minding Your Business"
                       
    Saturday, 12-1pm
 Call Chris Spicher: (661) 948-6006
  

Lunch & Learn

with the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

  

We invite our members to join us for our monthly Lunch and Learn sessions!  Held on the last Friday of each month at noon in the Lancaster Chamber boardroom, these informative sessions are FREE for members. 

How to Build Fantastic Company Culture... 

Even When You're a 

Small Business of Five

Companyoffive

 
What is company culture?

Also referred to as organizational culture corporate culture is how people act within your small business and why. It's what makes up you and your teammates' core values and principles. Company culture is a system of shared meaning. It doesn't even have to be your actual culture, but how employees perceive your culture.


 

Why is organizational culture important?

Company culture is really the backbone of every major action you take or move your organization makes. It influences the behavior of your colleagues, it influences the message you are leaving the public with. It increases team collaboration and employee engagement, decreases turnover, and overall builds a sense of unity and participation. If it's the right organizational culture, it'll even influence employee behavior. Plus, it creates a sense of company identity that's infectious.

Plus, while you are still finding your sea legs as you set your small business sail, you may not want to (nor have the time to) over-dictate with company-wide formalization. Defining your organizational culture can help steer everyone in the right direction without so many bylaws and mission statements.

Why might you not want company culture?

First and foremost if your whole business objective is to sell your company soon. Someone will be less likely to make that purchase if they know your company cultures don't jive. Similarly, if you are looking for a new C-level member to join, like a CEO, CTO or CFO, it may limit who you can attract or who will be willing to join you. Also, if you establish too limiting of a company culture, you limit who you can get to join your team, potentially limiting diversity of thought and innovation.

However, while it does have these limitations, unless you fall into these buckets, there are far too many benefits not to consider discovering and nurturing your small business company culture. Now the question becomes, how can you do just that?

How can I build company culture?

It's best to start with the ultimate three-letter question: Why? Why do people choose to work together? What is the purpose, cause or belief do you hold to do what you do? Simon Sinek, author of Start with the Why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action has made a living off helping individuals and organizations discover the answer to these ultimate questions. He argues that all organizations know What they do, many know How they do it, but few know Why they do it, although the What, How and Why are inherently linked. And Sinek says that "putting customers first" is never an acceptable answer.

So now that you know the right question, how can you answer it? Management 3.0 guru Jurgen Appelo says you should start to answer that Why with storytelling. In his most recent leadership guide, #Workout: Games, Tools & Practices to Engage People, Improve Work, and Delight Clients, he offers some of the questions to ask to lead you there

- What happened in the past that made you do what you do now?

- What are the anecdotes - both good and bad - that you use to explain what you do?

- How can you visualize those stories? Images, videos, artifacts, drawings?

- Can these stories turn into metaphors?

When you can't find the right words, Appelo recommends creating a Work Expo. By putting up a visual exposition of emails, cartoons, photos, anything really, that can not only be seen by your team but by other teams and your clients, you are exposing your company culture to the world. From here, the words and purpose of your company will arise.

Make sure that you aren't just asking your employees. More often than not, for better or for worse, organizational culture comes from the top down. But you cannot inflict this culture onto your employees. Every activity toward defining your company culture needs to include every team member, from intern to CEO.

What do I do with organizational culture?

Now that you've more or less defined what your small business organizational culture is, you have the ability to enhance and influence behavior. It's best done by example. If team collaboration rose as an important value in your company, you better be doing workshops and joining more brainstorming meetings. Likewise, if autonomy is a strong value, help your team self-organize, determining what is delegated to whom.

Don't coerce people into following the culture but reward those that do. When a teammate does something that is a good example of your company culture or values, publicly acknowledge them, celebrate these accomplishments, and add that example to your Work Expo. And don't forget to put visual reminders up around your office or place of business so your customers and employees alike can't forget your small business's purpose.


 

The Month In Pictures

April

In-Shape Health Club 

(Lancaster)

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening

In-Shape Health Club 

(Lancaster)

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening

Clouds European Day Spa and Wellness Center

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening

Jethawks Stadium  

Fan Fest/Kabooms Birthday Party 

Congressman Steve Knight

Ribbon Cutting/Open House

Congressman Steve Knight

Ribbon Cutting/Open House

Assemblyman Tom Lackey

Ribbon Cutting/Open House

Assemblyman Tom Lackey

Ribbon Cutting/Open House

Luncheon

Young Entrepreneurs Academy 

Meeting the Students

Business 4 Breakfast

Business-4-Breakfast Sponsor Lynn Roth with SOL Graphix Pictured with: Tamara Stoebe and Ann Carlson 

Business 4 Breakfast

Best Commercial Winner 

Chuck Simons