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Business Connection

 

August 2015

lancasterchamber.org

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

 Executive Board

                    
Chairman of the Board
Josh Mann, Mojave Partners
 
Chair-Elect
Gina Rossall, Westside Union School District

Treasurer
Mark Troth, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Troth REALTORS
 
Vice-Chair
Luis Garibay, City of Lancaster

Vice-Chair
Katie Nelson, Hunter Dodge

Secretary
Terry Roth, Joshua Memorial 

Past Chairwoman of the Board
Tamara Stoebe, Stoebe Services 

Board of Directors
Theresa Dawson, Lancaster Sheriff's Station

Elizabeth Diachun, Antelope Valley College

Stan Turner, Edwards Federal Credit Union 

Rosemary Mann, Camille's Sidewalk Cafe

Gene Melchers, Melchers Construction

Chris Spicher, Antelope Valley Florist

Monica Grado, George's Cleaners

Mike Hirsch, Lancaster Jethawks

Bernie Longjohn, Learn 4 Life

Calli Jaqua, Jaqua & Sons    

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
August 2015

Ribbon Cutting/American Travel Bureau
08/01/2015
12:00 PM-1:00 PM
2330 Mall Loop Road, Ste 119
Lancaster, CA 93535

Mega Mixer-AV Fair/Turf Club
08/04/2015
5:30 pm -7:30 pm
AV Fair / Turf Club 
2551 West Avenue H
Lancaster, CA  93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Finance & Executive Committee Meeting
08/11/2015
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop
08/12/2015
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
43530 10th Street West, Suite 105
Lancaster, CA 93534

Monthly Chamber Luncheon
08/12/2015
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Hellenic Center
43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting
08/19/2015  
7:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534

Antelope Valley Fair Parade
08/22/2015
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Business-4-Breakfast
08/27/2015
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Domingo's Restaurant
1324 W. Ave I
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber Member Orientation
08/27/2015
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
Please RSVP For This Event

 
Join us for our Quarterly Mega-Mixer hosted by the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds

Come enjoy food and a no-host bar provided by the friends of the AV Fair while getting to know our staff and fellow Chamber members. With Mega-Mixers, your opportunity to network is greatly increased as these mixers are large-scale and are FREE to our members! If you want to bring a guest who is a non-member, admission is only $20. Be sure to bring a raffle prize with your business card attached!

Hope to see you there!


RSVP'S are strongly suggested for this event.

Event Information:

Date: August 4, 2015

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: AV Fairgrounds / Turf Club
2551 West Avenue H
Lancaster, CA 93534
 
 
Lancaster Chamber Events Calendar 

The Antelope Valley Hospital Foundation Presents the Presidential Gala 

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
  • Shop Local Showcase
  • 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

July

 

 Introducing Our Newest Members!

 

 

Caliber Collision
Juan Diaz
146 East Avenue K-4
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 945-6551

Desert Poppy Inn
Best Western Plus
Newly Opened!
Kundan Patel
2038 West Avenue I
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 418-0550
bwplus.lancaster@gmail.com

United Healthcare
Gary Irwin
11491 Broadview Drive
Moorpark, CA 93021
(661) 733-1013
gistock@hotmail.com


We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members 


 

Monte Vista Building Sites

4220 10th Street West, Suite 101

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 942-0435

Member Since: 1940

 

Antelope Valley College

3041 West Avenue K

Lancaster, CA 93536

(661) 722-6300

Member Since: 1960

 

Michelizzi, Schwabacher, Ward & Collins

767 West Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 948-5395

Member Since: 1966

 

American Medical Response

1055 West Avenue J

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 945-9310

Member Since: 1976

 

Coldwell Banker/Hartwig Realty

Burl Patterson

43912 20th Street West

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 948-8424

Member Since: 1976

 

Antelope Valley Fair Association

2551 West Avenue H, Suite 102

Lancaster, CA 93536

(661) 942-2135

Member Since: 1987

 

Greater AV Association of Realtors

1112 West Avenue M-4

Palmdale, CA 93551

(661) 726-9175

Member Since: 1987

 

Metro Floors, Inc.

44109 Yucca Avenue

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 942-1185

Member Since: 1987

 

Antelope Valley Board of Trade

41319 12th Street West, Suite 104

Palmdale, CA 93551

(661) 947-9033

Member Since: 1988

 

West Park Villas Apartments

1800 West Avenue J-12

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 949-1562

Member Since: 1990

 

Dewey Pest Control

45440 23rd Street West

Lancaster, CA 93536-7215

(661) 948-4503

Member Since: 1991

 

Antelope Valley Family YMCA

43001 10th Street West

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 729-4540

Member Since: 1993

 

Rothman Business Interiors

121 Carriage Lane, Suite 107

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 618-6734

Member Since: 1993

 

Bethel Christian School

3100 West Avenue K

Lancaster, CA 93536-5403

(661) 943-2224

Member Since: 1996

 

Frye Chiropractic, Inc.

42283 10th Street West

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 949-9655

Member Since: 1996

 

Kuzyk Law

1700 West Avenue K, Suite 101

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 945-6969

Member Since: 1996

 

Joshua Memorial Park

808 East Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster, CA 93535-8164

(661) 942-8125

Member Since: 1998

 

Rite Aid Southwest Customer Support Center

2801 West Avenue H

Lancaster, CA 93536-8342

(661) 951-7500

Member Since: 1999

 

McDonald's

2511 Rosamond Blvd

Rosamond, CA 93560

(661) 256-4530

Member Since: 2001

 

Mission Bank

43830 20th Street West

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 949-9038

Member Since:2007

 

The Pacifica Company

42231 6th Street West, Unit 208

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 294-8700

Member Since: 2008

 

LegalShield/Daniel Seny 
38713 Tierra Subida Avenue, Suite 200-210

Palmdale, CA 93551

(310) 335-0115

Member Since: 2009 

 

Antelope Valley Showcase Chorus

2101 East Palmdale Blvd

Palmdale, CA 93551

(661) 878-2872

Member Since: 2011

 

iLead Lancaster Charter School

254 East Avenue K-4

Lancaster, CA 93535

(661) 609-1489

Member Since: 2012

 

DGM Corporate Safety

38434 9th Street East

Palmdale, CA 93550

(310) 930-6518

Member Since: 2014

 

Light House Studios

1116 West Avenue K

Lancaster, CA 93534

(661) 998-4200

Member Since: 2014

The Month In Pictures

June

 

Monthly Luncheon 

Lancaster Choice Energy 

Jason Caudle with Chairman Josh Mann  

 

Business-4-Breakfast Table Sponsor

Citizens Business Bank 

 

Antelope Valley Partners for Health

Ribbon Cutting 

 

Faire Belle Salon   

Ribbon Cutting 

In This Issue
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce August Luncheon 
  

Please join us for our monthly luncheon on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 where the Antelope Valley Partners for Health will be presenting the six components of a Workplace Wellness Program. The program highlights the following:


 

* Healthy Eating
* Physical Activity
* Emotional Health & Wellness
* Prevention
* Financial Wellness
* Healthy Community

 

Hope to see you there!


 

RSVPs are strongly suggested for this event.

                         
                    EVENT INFORMATION

 

Date: August 12, 2015

 

Time: 11:30am - 1pm


 

Location: Hellenic Center

      43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
Chairman's Message
  


 

Greetings!

It's nearly time for one of my favorite parts of the year, FAIR TIME! Yes, the 77th Annual Antelope Valley Fair & Alfalfa Festival, "Barn Appetit", will officially open on Friday, August 21 and run through August 30.

The Antelope Valley Fair & Alfalfa Festival is a tradition that brings friends and families together to enjoy ten days of great entertainment, attractions and, of course, food. Whether it's an Emblem Club Taco, ear of corn or deep fried oreo, there is a meal, snack or dessert for every fair-goer, making "Barn Appetite" an apropos theme for this year's event.

In celebration of this year's event and theme, we have several opportunities for you and your business to get in on the fun: 


* Visit the Chamber's website and sign your business up for the Antelope Valley Fair "Dress and Decorate" Contest to win fabulous fair prizes!
* Join the Chamber for our Mega-Mixer at the Antelope Valley Fair's Turf Club on August 4.
* Stop by the Chamber office and purchase your fair tickets.
* Enter your business in the Chamber's annual Antelope Valley Fair Parade down Lancaster Boulevard on August 22!

Lastly, while you are at the fair, be sure to stop by the entrance to Grand Oasis and say thank you to those Chamber members who are volunteering.

See you at the Fair. Barn Appetit!

Josh Mann
Chairman of the Board
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
 

$7 Antelope Valley Fair Admission Tickets  Available at the 

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 

   
FREE Fair Coupon Book ($120+ Food! Rides! Games!) with purchase. One per person, while supplies last!
Dress and Decorate Contest 
 

LANCASTER, CA July 3, 2015- The Antelope Valley Fair is partnering with the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and is once again asking businesses to decorate their business in honor of the Fair's 2015, 77th anniversary theme, "Barn Appétit!" for the annual Business Dress & Decorate Contest. Participating businesses report that decorating their offices, store windows and personnel is exciting and fun for staff and customers. The deadline for entering the contest is August 7th at 3 p.m. 

The judging by A.V. Fair Community Queens will take place between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday, August 18th and winners and a list of all entries will be announced on the opening day of Fair, August 21st on the homepage of avfair.com and at lancasterchamber.org. 

Judging is based on employee participation, creativity and originality in executing the Fair theme and on office décor. Individual businesses that enter (multiple businesses cannot be entered as one entry) are encouraged to decorate the interior and exterior of their establishments. "Barn Appétit!" theme artwork to use for decorations can be acquired online at www.avfair.com.

 Decorations must be up by August 18th to be judged and stay up thru the end of the Fair on August 30th.

Businesses will compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place against other businesses within the same size category (1-20 employees, 21-75 employees and 76+ employees) and will be awarded  admission ticket packages. One Grand Prize winner will be chosen and will win a VIP position in the Fair Parade/Program on August 22nd, as well as announced in the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce section in the AntelopeValley Press newspaper on September 1st. The Grand Prize package also includes Fair admission tickets for employees (up to 50).

 Winners in all categories will be awarded placement ribbons. Entry forms can be acquired at www.avfair.com and www.lancasterchamber.org, or at Lancaster Chamber of Commerce office: M-F, 8-4pm. Entries need to be returned to the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce office in advance of the August 7th deadline. 

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
554 North Lancaster Blvd. 
Lancaster, CA 93534. 
Attention: Anna Zarley 
(661) 948-4518 or 
Fax: (661) 949-1212

 The 77th annual Fair, August 21st - 30th, is a time of celebration, competitions and entertainment in everything from baking contests to livestock auctions to concerts and Monster Trucks shows. The 'Business Dress and Decorate' contest brings the lively spirit of camaraderie and competition to the business community. "This is a fun competition where many participants go all out decorating their offices. With this year's "Barn Appétit" theme, we're hoping to see a lot of food oriented entries. Together with the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, we encourage local businesses get into the Fair spirit and participate in this unique community competition" said Wendy Bozigian, A.V Fair Marketing Manager. For all Fair 2015 information, to buy Palmdale Auto Mall Concert, Rally Kia Arena Event Series tickets and $7 Pre-Fair admission tickets (sold until August 20th) go to: www.avfair.com. 
Business-4-Breakfast

 

 

      Join us for business, stay for breakfast!

 

                7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M. Thursday, August 27, 2015

                                      

Event Location

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

 

 Sponsored by:

 

The Tech Gods

Christopher Perosi, (661) 524-5140

 

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

  
   


 

City of Lancaster Calling All Sponsors and Racing Enthusiasts for Seventh Annual Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix

Sierra Toyota ● Scion Takes the Lead as Premier Sponsor, Lancaster Honda Deeply Appreciated for Years of Incredible Support

Lancaster, CA. July 16, 2015 -Speed... Spills... Thrills... The seventh annual Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix is sure to have them all. Each fall, the City of Lancaster hosts one of the west coast's largest, most prestigious professional go-kart street races. This annual event draws hundreds of the world's elite, all vying for the title of fastest street racer.This year's fun-filled, three-day racing extravaganza will be held Friday through Sunday, September 25-27. For the entire weekend, karts will be unleashed on the streets of Downtown Lancaster, which will be closed to regular traffic exclusively for the event.

This event is funded in large part by sponsorships from local businesses and organizations, many of whom see a net return on investment as a result of the increased tourism in the City. In previous years, the Grand Prix's premier sponsor has been Lancaster Honda, a key City partner and successful local dealership. This year, the sponsor driver's seat will be filled by Sierra Toyota ● Scion, another booming local business in the Lancaster Auto Mall. Due to the support of incredible sponsors such as these, the Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix has drawn tens of thousands of attendees in the past and these numbers are expected to continue this year.

"The Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix is definitely a great Antelope Valley event," said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. "The competitive community races combined with electrifying high-speed professional races make this event truly entertaining on multiple levels. However, nothing compares to the feeling of seeing thousands of families, friends and neighbors from all over our Valley gather here in Downtown Lancaster. This is what community is all about."

Those choosing to sponsor the event reap the benefits of increased business exposure, as the City is already in high gear with its multi-pronged promotional efforts for this year -- including ongoing updates to the official Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix website, www.streetsoflancaster.com. Sponsors may also choose to enter the competition with a driver in the VIP challenge.

"The Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix is a tremendous partnership opportunity for any product or service; offering the ability to align your brand with one of the west coast's premier go-kart racing events," said Parks, Recreation and Arts Director Ronda Perez. "Imagine yourself racing the streets of Downtown Lancaster in a kart covered in your company's custom brand and image, all while supporting one of the Antelope Valley's most anticipated fall events."

The Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix will be held in conjunction with a street fair and festival on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's lineup will also include a cruise-in car show. For more information regarding becoming a sponsor, contact the Parks, Recreation and Arts Department at (661) 723-6077.  
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. 

The Home-Based Business: Basics to Consider 

Companyoffive

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More than 52 percent of businesses today are home-based. Every day, people are striking out and achieving economic and creative independence by turning their skills into dollars. Garages, basements, and attics are being transformed into the corporate headquarters of the newest entrepreneurs-home-based businesspeople. And, with technological advances in smartphones, tablets, and iPads as well as a rising demand for "service-oriented" businesses, the opportunities seem to be endless.

Is a Home-Based Business Right for You?

 Choosing a home business is like choosing a spouse or partner: Think carefully before starting the business. Instead of plunging right in, take the time to learn as much about the market for any product or service as you can. Before you invest any time, effort, or money take a few moments to answer the following questions:

* Can you describe in detail the business you plan on establishing?
* What will be your product or service?
* Is there a demand for your product or service?
* Can you identify the target market for your product or service?
* Do you have the talent and expertise needed to compete successfully?

Before you dive head first into a home-based business, it's essential that you know why you are doing it and how you will do it. To succeed, your business must be based on something greater than a desire to be your own boss, and involves an honest assessment of your own personality, an understanding of what's involved, and a lot of hard work. You have to be willing to plan ahead and make improvements and adjustments along the way. 

While there are no "best" or "right" reasons for starting a home-based business, it is vital to have a very clear idea of what you are getting into and why. Ask yourself these questions:

* Are you a self-starter?
* Can you stick to business if you're working at home?
* Do you have the necessary self-discipline to maintain schedules?
* Can you deal with the isolation of working from home?

Working under the same roof that your family lives under may not prove to be as easy as it seems. It is important that you work in a professional environment. If at all possible, you should set up a separate office in your home. You must consider whether your home has space for a business and whether you can successfully run the business from your home.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

 A home-based business is subject to many of the same laws and regulations affecting other businesses and you will be responsible for complying with them. There are some general areas to watch out for, but be sure to consult an attorney and your state department of labor to find out which laws and regulations will affect your business.

Zoning

Be aware of your city's zoning regulations. If your business operates in violation of them, you could be fined or closed down.

Restrictions on Certain Goods

Certain products may not be produced in the home. Most states outlaw home production of fireworks, drugs, poisons, sanitary or medical products, and toys. Some states also prohibit home-based businesses from making food, drink, or clothing.

Registration and Accounting Requirements

You may need the following:

* Work certificate or a license from the state (your business's name may also need to be registered with the state)
* Sales tax number
* Separate business telephone
* Separate business bank account

If your business has employees, you are responsible for withholding income, social security, and Medicare taxes, as well as complying with minimum wage and employee health and safety laws.

Planning Techniques

 Money fuels all businesses. With a little planning, you'll find that you can avoid most financial difficulties. When drawing up a financial plan, don't worry about using estimates. The process of thinking through these questions helps develop your business skills and leads to solid financial planning.

Estimating Start-Up Costs

To estimate your start-up costs include all initial expenses such as fees, licenses, permits, telephone deposit, tools, office equipment and promotional expenses. In addition, business experts say you should not expect a profit for the first eight to ten months, so be sure to give yourself enough of a cushion if you need it.

Projecting Operating Expenses

Include salaries, utilities, office supplies, loan payments, taxes, legal services and insurance premiums, and don't forget to include your normal living expenses. Your business must not only meet its own needs, but make sure it meets yours as well.

Projecting Income

It is essential that you know how to estimate your sales on a daily and monthly basis. From the sales estimates, you can develop projected income statements, break-even points, and cash-flow statements. Use your marketing research to estimate initial sales volume.

Determining Cash Flow

Working capital-not profits-pays your bills. Even though your assets may look great on the balance sheet, if your cash is tied up in receivables or equipment, your business is technically insolvent. In other words, you're broke.

Make a list of all anticipated expenses and projected income for each week and month. If you see a cash-flow crisis developing, cut back on everything but the necessities.

If a home-based business is in your future, then a tax professional can help. Don't hesitate to call the office if you need assistance setting up your business or making sure you have the proper documentation in place to satisfy the IRS.

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