chamber_logo

Business Connection

 

May 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
May 2015


Ribbon Cutting/ Grand Opening Hot Dog Rodz
05-01-15
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hot Rod Dogz
44835 Beech Avenue
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

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Finance & Executive Committee Meeting
05-08-15
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534

Membership Luncheon
05-13-15
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Hellenic Center
43404 30th St West
Lancaster, CA 93536

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening Dickinson Graham Capital Management 
05-14-15
11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Dickinson Graham Capital Management
42053 10th St West
Lancaster, CA 93534


Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting
05-20-15
7:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber New Member Orientation
05-21-15
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534

Business-4-Breakfast
05-28-15
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Domingo's Restaurant
1324 W. Ave I
Lancaster, CA 93534

Mega Mixer
05-28-15
5:30 AM - 7:30 PM
TownPlace Suites Marriott
2024 W Avenue J-8
Lancaster, CA 93536



 

We would like to thank our May Mega Mixer sponsor  

We invite you to join us for food, refreshments, cake, and raffle giveaways at this unique networking

opportunity on May 28th from 5:30p-7:30p

  

 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

April

   

 Introducing Our Newest Members!

 

 

Caire Solutions
Andrea Caire

(310) 862-4946

[email protected]

 


Clean Smile Dental

Rachael Sota

1669 West Avenue J, Suite 305

Lancaster. CA 93534

[email protected]
 

 

Damsel In Defense

Debbie Cardenas

(818) 718-1002

mydamselpro.net/PRO7710

[email protected]

 


Go! DJ
Sunil McCray
(805) 338-2519

[email protected]


 

 Hot  Rod Dogz

Duane Winn 
44835 Beech Ave
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-3649

www.HotRodDogz.com

[email protected]



Jaks

Peter Thompson

1776 Balckberry Ct

Palmdale, CA 93551

(661) 917-6042

www.jaksinc.com

[email protected]

 


Paintball USA 
Mike Schwartz, April Schwartz 
15112 Sierra Hwy
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
(661) 255-5332

[email protected] 



Robert Munden Insurance
Bob Munden
190 Sierra Court, Suite A-8

Palmdale, Ca 93550

 bobmundenisurance.com

[email protected]

 

 

Senior Resource Alliance
John Currado

44831 Cedar Avenue

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 945-7883

sraav.org

[email protected]

 


 

We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members

 

 

Richard Spann

Lancaster, CA 93536

Member Since: 1975


 

Hunter Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram & Fiat

1130 Auto Mall Drive

Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-8411

Member Since: 1978


 

Costco Wholesale

1141 West Avenue L

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 802-4500

Member Since: 1988


 

Walmart Lancaster West,

 Store 1563

44665 Valley Central Way

Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 940-8744

Member Since: 1990


 

Grace Resource Center

45134 Sierra Highway 

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 940-5272

Member Since: 1993


 

A V Air Conditioning Heating & Plumbing Inc

132 East Avenue I

Lancaster, CA 93535

(661) 948-6118

Member Since: 1993


 
 
McDonald's

44846 Valley Central Way
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-6300

Member Since: 1993


 

America's United Bank
539 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-6955
Member Since: 1993 


Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

1011 Lockheed Way, MZ 0819
Palmdale, CA 93599-0001
(661) 572-4077

Member Since: 1994



Kaiser Permanente
615 West Ave L
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-2817
Member Since: 1995

 
Koso/Pacific Seismic Products, Inc
233 East Avenue H8
Lancaster, CA 93535-1821
(661) 942-4499

Member Since: 1997

 

 

DCS Satellite & Security

42263 50th St West, Suite 207
Quartz Hill, CA 93536-3500
(661) 722-5131

Member Since: 2000

 

 

Aurora Village

43862 15th Street West
LAncaster, CA 93534

(661) 945-1921

Member Since: 2001

 

 

Sierra View Gardens

37850 20th Street East
Palmdale, CA 93550

(661) 266-2731

Member Since: 2001


 

ProCare Hospice

42442 10th Street West, Suite E

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 951-1146

Member Since: 2002

  


Royal Family Kids

44514 20th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-5677

Member Since: 2003

 

 

John P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center

43404 30th Street West

Lancaster, CA 93536

(661) 948-1413

Member Since: 2007

 

 

Black Angus

44690 Valley Central Way
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 942-5225

Member Since: 2008


 

The Tire Store

43923 Sierra Hwy

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 945-1833
Member Since: 2009


All American Bail Bonds
PO Box 901239

Palmdale, CA 93550

(661) 267-6777

Member Since: 2009


 

SA Recycling

45565 N. Division Street
Lancaster, CA 93535

(661) 945-4426

Member Since: 2010

 

 

A V Heritage Builders, Inc

4652 Sweetser Road
Rosamond, CA 93560

(661) 256-1700

Member Since: 2010


 
 

Sausage King

(661) 219-1812

Member Since: 2011



Love & Grace Christian Fellowship Church
2052 West Avenue L
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 722-2584

Member Since:2012

 

 

Century 21/Agent Bob Stickney

1727 West Avenue K

Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-4521
Member Since: 2013


 
 

Force Five Training Center

44460 20th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 579-0612

Member Since: 2013 


 

Sienna Heights Apartment Homes

43519 Kirkland Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-7191

Member Since: 2013



Law Offices of David Edward Ambill

44480 20th St West

Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-8733

Member Since: 2014


 

Hunter Fiat

1130 Auto Mall Drive
Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 948-8411

Member Since: 2014

 


Arrow Transit Mix Inc.

507 East Avenue L12
Lancaster, CA 93535

(661) 945-7600

Member Since: 2014

 

 

Adorable Babies Jump Start
3152 Lennox Court
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 272-9416

Member Since: 2015

 

OUR 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 May Luncheon 
 

Member Luncheon and Work Ethics Scholarship

 Awards Presentation


 


 

This year our career education committee has selected twelve exceptional students to receive our work ethics scholarship. Through their academic dedication and exemplary work ethics these young people have demonstrated that they truly are deserving of this award. We hope that you will join us in honoring their achievements and acknowledging their gracious sponsors who continue to make this scholarship program possible year after year.  


 

The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

2014 Work Ethics Scholarship Recipients

 

Mr. Mark Tristan Curaming

Mr. Heriberto Aguilera

Mr. Alberto Aguilera

Ms. Ariana Romero

Ms. Anne-Marie Grimes

Mr. Christian Gerado Dillon

Ms. Nathalie Quintero

Mr. Chase Lee Stanley

Mr. Christopher Lombardi

Mr. Julian Dakwa

Mr. Mathew Hewitt

Ms. Brianna Thrasher


RSVPs are strongly suggested for this event.

                         
                    EVENT INFORMATION

 

Date: May 13th, 2015

 

Time: 11:30am - 1pm

 

Location: Hellenic Center

      43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536

 
Chairwoman's Message
  

 


 
MOTHER MAY I?

 

It's that time of year, the time

 to remember those we love, 

especially our mothers. What is 

your fondest memory of your mother? 

My mother taught me a lot of 

things including the importance 

of being true to myself.

 

She taught me that I am able to be whatever I want to be with a little hard work and faith in myself.   I did not know that it was possible to achieve certain opportunities, but I've done my best to be true to myself and have faith.   Thank you MOM for your example.

 

This month also is time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, and graduations but, best of all,  our Flea Market and Shop Local Showcase! We really hope to see you at the AV Fairgrounds on May 3rd!

 

Our chamber continues to evolve; for example,  the Young Entrepreneurs Academy has been a huge success, thanks to our sponsors, guest speakers, mentors, and students.   Did you get an opportunity to participate?  Have you seen what our YEA students have created?  If not, come out to the Shop Local Showcase and see their Trade Show presentations.  We're excited to share with you.

 

There's just two more months of my time here as Chairwoman of the Board, it's been a great 10 months, we are getting more fiscally responsible, our membership is growing and our opportunities for education and growth are expanding.  We are getting new leadership in our Board of Directors--thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and congratulations to Josh Mann our 2015-16 Chairman of the Board.   He will bring new excitement and opportunity to the chamber and it's a pleasure to work with him.  

 Come out and join us on Friday June 19th,
 for our Roaring 20's theme party.  We'll do some dancing - maybe a waltz or the Charleston-so,  get our your Zoot Suit and your tommy guns as well as your flapper dresses and beads, and let's make it a wildly fun evening.

 

Thank you all and I'll see you at the next event.

 

 

NETWORKING TIP for May - clean up your database.   All those people in your database, how often do you reach out to say hello, or to send a referral?   Are they still in business?  Do they still live or work locally?   Take some time and spring clean your database, call someone up and take them to coffee or to share a 2 fer at McDonald's between 2 pm and 5 pm Mon-Fri.   No matter how you do it, start going through your referral database and make sure you have up to date info, and that those you share referrals with are still doing business.

 
Chairwoman of the Board
Tamara Stoebe  
2014-2015
 Click here for additional info

Lost your Job? There Could Be Tax Consequences
 
  
 
Courtesy of Cobb Doerfler & Associates, CPA Accountants and 
Tax Preparers    
  

 

Given current economic conditions, you may be faced with tax questions surrounding a job loss and unemployment issues. Here are some answers:


 

Q: What if I received unemployment compensation in 2014? 

A: Unemployment compensation you received under the unemployment compensation laws of the United States or of a state are considered taxable income and must be reported on your federal tax return. If you received unemployment compensation, you should receive Form 1099-G showing the amount you were paid and any federal income tax you elected to have withheld.

Types of unemployment benefits include:

  • Benefits paid by a state or the District of Columbia from the Federal Unemployment Trust Fund
  • Railroad unemployment compensation benefits
  • Disability payments from a government program paid as a substitute for unemployment compensation
  • Trade readjustment allowances under the Trade Act of 1974
  • Unemployment assistance under the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act

You must also include benefits from regular union dues paid to you as an unemployed member of a union in your income. However, other rules apply if you contribute to a special union fund and your contributions are not deductible. If this applies to you, only include in income the amount you received from the fund that is more than your contributions.


 

Q: Can I have federal income tax withheld?

A: Yes, you can choose to have federal income tax withheld from your unemployment benefits by filling out Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request. If you complete the form and give it to the paying office, they will withhold tax at 10 percent of your payments. If you choose not to have tax withheld, you may have to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.


 

Q: What if I lost my job?

A: The loss of a job may create new tax issues. Severance pay and unemployment compensation are taxable. Payments for any accumulated vacation or sick time are also taxable. You should ensure that enough taxes are withheld from these payments or make estimated tax payments to avoid a big bill at tax time. Public assistance and food stamps are not taxable.


 

Q: What if I searched for a job?

A: You may be able to deduct certain expenses you incurred while looking for a new job, even if you did not get a new job. Expenses include travel, resume preparation, and outplacement agency fees. Moving costs for a new job at least 50 miles away from your home may also be deductible.


 

Q: What if my employer went out of business or into bankruptcy?

A: Your employer must provide you with a 2014 W-2 Form showing your wages and withholdings by February 2, 2015. You should keep up-to-date records or pay stubs until you receive your Form W-2. If your employer or its representatives fail to provide you with a Form W-2, contact the IRS. They can help by providing you with a substitute Form W-2. If your employer liquidated your 401(k) plan, you have 60 days to roll it over into another qualified retirement plan or IRA.

If you have experienced a job loss and have questions, please call. You need to be prepared for the tax consequences.

 

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

 

 

      Join us for business, stay for breakfast!

 

                7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M. Thursday, May 28th, 2015

                                      

Event Location

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

 

 Sponsored by:

Reiki Healing, Kira Wagner

(661) 450-8460

 

 

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

  

  
  

Vacant Lancaster City Council Seat Filled by Angela Underwood-Jacobs


 

 The Lancaster City Council voted unanimously to fill the recently vacated City Council seat with Angela Underwood-Jacobs, who has been serving on the City's Criminal Justice Commission for the past year. Mayor R. Rex Parris had announced his nomination of Underwood-Jacobs last week, after careful contemplation regarding who would best represent key community interests following the resignation of former Councilmember Sandra Johnson.

"I knew Angela would be ideal for this position, given her steadfast dedication to the betterment of our community, as well as her extensive business acumen as a highly visible professional; and I am pleased that the rest of the Council agrees," said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. "Angela understands, quite thoroughly, the significance of economic growth, public safety and social wellness in our City; and we are excited to gain even greater engagement with her on addressing these issues, among others."

Angela Underwood-Jacobs currently serves as Senior Vice President of the Greater Southern California North Region at California Bank and Trust.

She has also established herself as an active leader throughout the Antelope Valley region by championing significant local causes through her personal commitment to multiple organizations and programs. These roles include serving as: a Director for the Antelope Valley Board of Trade; an Honorary Director at the Children's Center of the Antelope Valley; Vice Chair of the Antelope Valley Hospital Advisory Subcommittee on Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Prevention for Minors; as well as, a member of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce.

With a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business, paired with her passion for community service, Jacobs has achieved a notable balance of professional and social achievement. She notes that her experience with local stakeholders has been a positive one, which she looks forward to continuing and growing within her new role.

"I've been very fortunate to work with some incredibly dedicated leaders in the Antelope Valley," said Underwood-Jacobs. "I embrace this opportunity to continue to contribute in the ongoing development and prosperity of the great City of Lancaster."

Jacobs will hold her Council seat until municipal elections take place next April, at which time the position will be up for public vote.

 

 

     
         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. 

7 Secrets to Making Successful Outbound Calls 

Companyoffive

 
1.Align your cold call campaigns with other marketing activities

If you're running ads on the radio, sending out a series of email blasts, or a combination of tactics, make sure your sales calls are timed accordingly and that the message and calls to action are integrated across all your marketing channels. This way, you can harness the additional visibility the other activities are bringing to your brand when you make your call. Hopefully the person at the end of the line has seen your ads and is already primed.

If your calls aren't aligned with other marketing activities, look out for timely events or market imperatives that might drive a consumer to be more interested in what you have to offer. Get to know your buyers' challenges before you make the call and fine-tune your message accordingly.

2.Make sure your contact info is accurate
Once you're ready to make your calls, perfect your opening greeting. Unless you are 100 percent sure that you know Mr X is going to be at the end of the line, be prepared to lead with an open greeting.  For example, instead of leading with, "
Hello Mr X, this is John with ABC Company,
" start your greeting with "

Good morning/afternoon, I was wondering if I could speak to Mr X."

3.Have your elevator pitch on hand

Once you've established contact with the right person, get straight to the point - explain who you are and what you represent - this will mean polishing up you elevator brief (20 words max - what you do, who you do it for and what benefit you bring).

"My name is John Doe with ABC Company. We help homeowners like you uncover opportunities to reduce your monthly energy costs."

Notice how vague this is? This is good because it doesn't leave the door open for the consumer to say "

No thanks, we already have that covered.

" You're teasing them a little, piquing their interest.

4.Thank them for their time
Next, be courteous once more, genuinely thank them for their time in speaking with you and show that you recognize that their time is precious. "

Thank you for taking my call. I appreciate that you're busy; this should only take a moment".

5.Now get to the point (well almost)!
Once more, instead of diving straight into describing your product or service, look for ways to gauge interest. "

If we could show you how we can help you cut your energy bills by up to 40% per month, would you be interested to know more?" By focusing on the end result, and not how your product helps the customer get there, there's a good chance they'll be intrigued to know more. This is your opportunity to request a meeting or send more information and lock down next steps.

6.Schedule a Follow-Up

Offer some options for follow-up. Whether it's inviting them to a webinar or scheduling a meeting with your or a more experienced consultant. Take the lead on this. If you're proposing a meeting, don't just ask when are they available to meet, show that you mean business by offering up a few times and seeing what works from there.

7.Close out the call

Once the meeting is scheduled, reconfirm the time, date and place and if you can, get an email address to which you can send a confirmation.

The Month In Pictures

April

 

Edward Jones

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening

Linda's Pawn Shop Botanica

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening

Luncheon

Monthly Membership Luncheon Speaker Robert Yegehiaian, pictured with Tamara Stoebe and Sandy Smith

Business 4 Breakfast

Business-4-Breakfast Sponsor 

"Sam's Club" 

Business 4 Breakfast

Business-4-Breakfast Best Commercial Winner  Lisa Harris  Pictured with Robert Wolf and Miss Lancaster Ashlyn