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Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Executive Board
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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
Terry Roth, Joshua Memorial
Vice-Chair Secretary
Terry Roth, Joshua Memorial
Past Chairwoman of the Board
Tamara Stoebe, Stoebe Services
Ex-Officio
Sandy Smith - Chief Executive Officer, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
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Theresa Dawson, Lancaster Sheriff's Station
Rosemary Mann, Camille's Sidewalk Cafe
Chris Spicher, Antelope Valley Florist
Stan Turner, Edwards Federal Credit Union
Bernie Longjohn, Learn 4 Life
Gene Melchers, Melchers Construction
Monica Grado, George's Cleaners
Calli Jaqua, Jaqua & Sons
Elizabeth Diachun, Antelope Valley College |
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September
Introducing Our Newest Members!
Beltone Hearing Aid Center
Craig Culver
753 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-4573
Greenhouse Cafe
Patricia Sandoval
1169 Commerce Center Drive
Lancaster, CA 9354
(661) 726-4962
JNR Home Improvements
Jeromie Roberts
39450 3rd Street East, Ste 127
Palmdale, CA 93550
(855) 376-3330
www.jnrhomeimprovements.com
Krystal Glass Writing Boards
Samuel Mitaro
PO Box 1443
Lancaster, CA 93534
(925) 818-5708
Lancaster Modern Dentistry
Rebecca Strodgen
43531 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(805) 760-1983
www.lancastermoderndentistry.com
Nantiquez Vintage Flair
Nanette Rushing
664 West Lancaster Boulevard
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 234-1893
www.nantiquezvintageflair.com
So-Cal Solar
Ximara Roman
410 Grand Cypress Ave
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 266-8600
www.socalsolarinc.com
Sterile Pros
Matt Montague
515 East Avenue K-8, Suite 111
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 526-0100
Tail Waggers
Marcie Noland
43761 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-8792
University of Phoenix
Mikal Powers
1202 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
(714) 338-1710
www.phoenix.edu
We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members
The Gas Company
3701 Pegasus Drive, Suite 114
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Member Since: 1952
Zonta Club of Antelope Valley Area
P.O. Box 1322
Lancaster, CA 93584
(661) 878-3231
Member Since: 1991
Velvet Touch
Upholstery Shop, Inc
1234 West Avenue I
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-3233
Member Since: 1992
Antelecom, Inc
104 East Avenue K-4, Suite K
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 726-4217
Member Since: 1995
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Troth REALTORS
1801 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-4646
Member Since: 1996
Jaqua & Sons
1050 West Avenue M
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-1183
Member Since: 1997
Lancaster Beauty School
44646 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-1672
Member Since: 1997
Sixcess Inc
Drug Testing Services
43535 17th Street West, Ste 302
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 951-0444
Member Since: 1999
Aerotech News & Review, Inc
456 East Avenue K-4, Suite 8
Lancaster, CA 93535-4642
Member Since: 2004
PathPoint
348 East Avenue K-4, Unit B
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 723-7484
Member Since: 2005
1066 East Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 942-1026
Member Since: 2006
Farmers Insurance
David Owens
44309 Lowtree Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 946-4224
Member Since: 2006
Springhill Suites Lancaster
1811 West Avenue J-12
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 729-2390
Member Since: 2007
Clearview Eyecare Optometry
43767 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
)661) 945-9883
Member Since: 2008
Bounce Animation, Inc 44241 15th Street West, Suite 101 Lancaster, CA 93534 (661) 400-3066 Member Since: 2009
High Desert
Health System Auxiliary
335 East Avenue I
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 471-4138
Valleywide Dental, Inc
1021 West Avenue M-14
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 267-4000
Member Since: 2009
AAMCO
Lancaster Auto Repair Group
44135 Division Street
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 945-0800
Member Since: 2012
39940 10th Street West
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 575-9200
Farmers/Jack Gilliam
Insurance Agency
44504 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-0241
Member Since: 2013
Olives Mediterranean Cafe
518 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-4500
Member Since: 2013
Antelope Valley Dream Center
2851 West Avenue L, Suite 330
(661) 418-6818
Member Since: 2014
Heaven's Best
Carpet & Upholstery
38980 Palm Tree Way
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 435-9051
Member Since: 2014
Westside Body & Paint, Inc
5054 West Avenue M-2
Quartz Hill, CA 93536
(661) 943-3639
Member Since: 2014
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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
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Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming Events
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October 2015
49th Semi-Annual Flea Market
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
2551 West Avenue H
Ribbon Cutting/New Location
Brandman University
10/07/2015
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
39115 Trade Center Drive
Palmdale, CA 93550
Unveiling of Public Art Statue Larry Chimbole
10/08/2015
10:00 am
Poncitlan Square
Palmdale, CA 93551
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Finance & Executive Committee Meeting
10/13/2015
7:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, CA 93534
Ribbon Cutting/Re-Grand Opening-University of Phoenix
10/20/15
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
1202 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting
10/21/2015
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
Business-4-Breakfast
10/22/2015
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Domingo's Restaurant
1324 W. Ave I
Lancaster, CA 93534
The BOOLVD Halloween and Harvest Festival
10/24/2015
5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Lancaster Blvd
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening Planet Fitness
10/28/2015
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
44600 Valley Central Way
Lancaster, ca 93534
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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 Anna at the Lancaster Chamber office for more information:
(661) 948-4518
Please click on the link below to visit our events calendar
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ChamberSTORE
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Helping Support Your Local Chamber is a
WIN-WIN!!
Take advantage of these special rates for chamber members!!
"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
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What can the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce do to help grow YOUR business???
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What is Your Chamber?
Since 1902 the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce has existed as a private, voluntary, nonprofit (501(C)(3) and (C)(6) business organization dedicated to improving the economic environment of business growth and prosperity. The business community now serves a greater Antelope Valley Region, with a population of more than 480,000 people. As the Antelope Valley continues to develop and thrive, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce continues to evolve to meet the needs of its members and our growing community. The Lancaster Chamber offers a variety of benefits to help businesses, large and small, to network and grow.
Membership Benefits
- Chamber Website
- Monthly Business Connection E-Newsletter
- Membership Directory
- Membership City Map
- Radio Talk Show - Free
- Super AV Expo
- Quarterly Mega Mixers
- Social Media Marketing
- Endless Networking
- Grand Openings/Ribbon Cuttings
Monthly Events
- Membership Luncheon
- 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
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Greetings!
October is upon the Antelope Valley once again. And, while the temperature is cooling down, things are really heating up at the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. Here are just a few items of note:
New Leadership - I hope you will all join me in welcoming our new CEO, Mark Hemstreet. Mark is a familiar face to many longtime members, having served as President of the Chamber during 1996-97. He brings a passion for the community and over thirty years of management experience in the hospitality industry, both huge plusses in serving the needs of our growing chamber membership. Stop by or call the chamber office after October 5 to wish him well.
Big Events - The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Semi-Annual Flea Market is this Sunday, October 4. With thousands of shoppers expected, you do not want to miss this prime sales and volunteer opportunity (Contact Anna at the Chamber today!). Other great October events include the Lancaster Museum & Public Art Foundation's Incognito Gala and Auction on October 17 and The BooLVD on October 24. For even more events, visit www.lancasterchamber.org!
Great Promotional Opportunities - October is shaping up to be one of our best months this year for networking. In addition to our monthly luncheon and Business-4-Breakfast events, we have a super-sized member orientation to go along with our upcoming grand opening/ribbon cutting events. Best wishes to members Brandman University, Nantiquez Vintage Flair, University of Phoenix and Planet Fitness on your future success!
In closing, I would like to thank the many volunteers who supported the Chamber's partnership with Bex Bar & Grill at the Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix beer garden. Your contributions made both events highly successful and reinforces my chairmanship's unofficial theme: "do well by doing good."
Thank you all for being a part of the continued success of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce!
Josh Mann
Chairman of the Board
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
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Please join us for our monthly luncheon on Wednesday, October 14, 2015.
Speaker TBA
The Lancaster Chamber Board of Directors and staff look forward to seeing you there!
RSVPs are strongly suggested for this event.
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: October 14, 2015
Time: 11:30am - 1pm
Location: Hellenic Center
43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
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Lancaster Chamber of Commerce New CEO
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The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Mark Hemstreet has been tapped to serve as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
effective October 5, 2015.
Hemstreet brings with him a 30-year career in hospitality management and most recently served as the local District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America.
In addition, he has been active with many local community and business groups, including the Lancaster West Rotary Club, Antelope Valley Board of Trade and the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, serving previously as president of each organization.
We are excited to have Mark at the helm of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and hope that you will join us in welcoming him back!
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Join us for business, stay for breakfast!
7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M. Thursday, October 22, 2015
Event Location
Domingo's Restaurant
1324 W. Ave I
Lancaster, CA 93534
Sponsored by:
Home Instead, Joel Green
(661) 254-8701
Be sure to bring plenty of business cards. You may also want to bring an opportunity prize with your card attached for our drawing!
A HUGE thank you to the following businesses who brought raffle prizes to our September breakfast:
Starbucks
Cruise Planners
Farmers Insurance
The Face & Body Place
AV Employment Services
Melcher's Construsction
Palmdale Chamber of Commerce
*Please note - If you RSVP and do not attend you will be invoiced for $12.00
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Promote YOUR business
FREE of Charge
FREE Chamber Radio
Talk Show
"Minding Your Business"
Saturday, 12-1 pm
Call Chris Spicher: (661) 948-6006
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Record Keeping for
Charitable Contributions
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You must keep records to prove the amount of any cash and non-cash contributions you make during the year. Which records you must keep depends on the amount you contribute and whether they are cash or property contributions. New recordkeeping requirements were established for all contributions made after January 1, 2007. You cannot deduct a cash contribution, regardless of the amount, unless you keep as a record of the contribution, bank records (such as a cancelled check or bank statement containing the name of the charity, date and the amount) or a written communication from the charity. This article discusses which records you must keep.
Cash Contributions
Cash contributions include those paid by cash, check, electronic funds transfer, debit card, credit card, or payroll deduction. You cannot deduct a cash contribution, regardless of the amount, unless it is substantiated by one of the following:
A bank record that shows the name of the qualified organization, the date of the contribution, and the amount of the contribution. Bank records may include: a canceled check, a bank or credit union statement or a credit card statement.
A receipt (or letter or other written communication) from the qualified organization showing the name of the organization, the date of the contribution, and the amount of the contribution.
Payroll deduction records. The payroll records must include a pay stub, Form W-2 or other document furnished by the employer that shows the date and the amount of the contribution, and a pledge card or other document prepared by or for the qualified organization that shows the name of the organization.
Cash Contributions of $250 or More
You can claim a deduction for a contribution of $250 or more only if you have an acknowledgement of your contribution from the qualified organization or certain payroll deduction records. If you made more than one contribution of $250 or more, you must have either a separate acknowledgment for each or one acknowledgment that lists each contribution and the date of each contribution and shows your total contributions. To determine whether a contribution is $250 or more, do not combine separate contributions. For example, if you gave to the church $25 each week, your weekly payments do not need to be combined. Each payment is a separate contribution. The acknowledgment must be written and state whether you received any goods or services in return. If something was received in return, a description and good faith estimate of the value of the goods or services must be included. For payroll deductions, the payroll records must include a pay stub, Form W-2 or other document furnished by the employer that shows the date and the amount of the contribution, and a pledge card or other document prepared by or for the qualified organization that shows the name of the organization. If the pay stub, Form W-2, pledge card, or other document does not show the date of the contribution, you must also have another document that does show the date of the contribution.
Non-cash Contributions
The records you must keep depends on whether your deduction for the contribution is:
Less Than $250
At least $250 but not more than $500,
Over $500 but not more than $5,000, or
Over $5,000.
Amount of contribution. In figuring whether your contribution is $500 or more, combine separate contributions of similar items during the year. If you received goods or services in return, reduce your contribution by the value of those goods or services. If you figure your deduction by reducing the fair market value of the donated property by its appreciation, your contribution is the reduced amount.
Deductions of Less Than $250
If you make any noncash contribution, you must get and keep a receipt from the charitable organization showing:
The name of the charitable organization,
The date and location of the charitable contribution, and a reasonably detailed description of the property.
A letter or other written communication from the charitable organization acknowledging receipt of the contribution and containing the information in (1), (2), and (3) will serve as a receipt. You are not required to have a receipt where it is impractical to get one (for example if you leave property at a charity's unattended drop site). You must also keep reliable written records for each item of donated property. Your written records must include the following information:
The name and address of the organization to which you contributed. The date and location of the contribution.
A description of the property in detail reasonable under the circumstances. For a security, keep the name of the issuer, the type of security, and whether it is regularly traded on a stock exchange or in an over-the-counter market. The fair market value of the property at the time of the contribution and how you figured the fair market value. If it was determined by appraisal, you should also keep a signed copy of the appraisal.
The cost or other basis of the property if you must reduce its fair market value by appreciation.
The amount you claim as a deduction for the tax year as a result of the contribution, if you contribute less than your entire interest in the property during the tax year. Your records must include the amount you claimed as a deduction in any earlier years for contributions of other interests in this property. They must also include the name and address of each organization to which you contributed the other interests, the place where any such tangible property is located or kept, and the name of any person in possession of the property, other than the organization to which you contributed. Any conditions attached to the gift of property.
Deductions of At Least $250 But Not More Than $500
If you claim a deduction of at least $250 but not more than $500 for a noncash charitable contribution, you must get and keep an acknowledgement of your contribution from the qualified organization. If you made more than one contribution of $250 or more, you can have either a separate acknowledgement for each or one acknowledgement that shows your total contributions. The acknowledgement must contain the information in items (1) through (3) listed under Deductions of Less Than $250, earlier, and your written records must include the information listed in that discussion under Additional Records.
1. It must be written
2. It must include:
A description (but not necessarily the value) of any property you contributed, Whether the qualified organization gave you any goods or services as a result of your contribution (other than certain token items and membership benefits), and a description and good faith estimate of the value of any goods or services described above. If the only benefit you received was an intangible religious benefit (such as admission to a religious ceremony) that generally is not sold in a commercial transaction outside the donative context, the acknowledgement must say so and does not need to describe or estimate the value of the benefit.
3. You must get the acknowledgement on or before the earlier of: The date you file your return for the year you make the contribution, or The due date, including extensions, for filing the return.
Deductions over $500 but Not Over $5,000:
If you claim a deduction over $500 but not over $5,000 for a noncash charitable contribution, you must have the acknowledgement and written records described under Deductions of At Least $250 But Not More Than $500. Your records must also include:
How you got the property, for example, by purchase, gift, bequest, inheritance, or exchange.
The approximate date you got the property or, if created, produced, or manufactured by or for you, the approximate date the property was substantially completed. The cost or other basis, and any adjustments to the basis, of property held less than 12 months and, if available, the cost or other basis of property held 12 months or more. This requirement, however, does not apply to publicly traded securities.
If you are not able to provide information on either the date you got the property or the cost basis of the property and you have a reasonable cause for not being able to provide this information, attach a statement of explanation to your return.
Deductions Over $5,000
If you claim a deduction of over $5,000 for a charitable contribution of one property item or a group of similar property items, you must have the acknowledgement and the written records described under Deductions Over $500 But Not Over $5,000. In figuring whether your deduction is over $5,000, combine your claimed deductions for all similar items donated to any charitable organization during the year. Generally, you must also obtain a qualified written appraisal of the donated property from a qualified appraiser. Qualified conservation contribution. If the gift was a "qualified conservation contribution," your records must also include the fair market value of the underlying property before and after the gift and the conservation purpose furthered by the gift.
Out of Pocket Expenses
If you render services to a qualified organization and have unreimbursed out of pocket expenses related to those services, the following three rules apply.
You must have adequate records to prove the amount of the expenses.You must get an acknowledgment from the qualified organization that contains a description of the services you provided and a statement of whether or not the organization provided you any goods and services to reimburse you for the expenses incurred. If so, the statement must include a description and good faith estimate of the value of any goods or services (other than intangible religious benefits). If the only benefit you received was an intangible religious benefit, you must receive a statement stating this; however, the acknowledgment does not need to describe or estimate the value of an intangible religious benefit.You must get the acknowledgment on or before the earlier of: (a) The date you file your return for the year you make the contribution, or the due date, including extensions, for filing your return.
Car Expenses
If you claim expenses directly related to use of your car in giving services to a qualified organization, you must keep reliable written records of your expenses. Whether your records are considered reliable depends on all the facts and circumstances. Generally, they are reliable if you made them regularly and at the time you incurred the expense.Your records must show the name of the organization you were serving and the date each time you used your car for a charitable purpose. If you use the standard mileage rate of 14 cents a mile for 2015, your records must show the miles you drove. If you use actual expenses to complete the deduction, your records must show the costs of operating the car for charitable purposes only.
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The Month In Pictures
September
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Membership Luncheon Speaker Small Business Development Center, Raimone Roberts with Chair Elect Gina Rossall
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Business-4-Breakfast Table Sponsor
Commercial Services Unlimited
Tracy Hill
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Business-4-Breakfast
Best Commercial Winner
Farmers Insurance, Don Ryan
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OUR WEBSITE OFFERS INCREDIBLE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR MEMBERS!
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For those of you who have utilized all the wonderful features of our new website, we are confident that you have seen interest in your business grow! We are seeing
triple the traffic on our site since we rolled out the new product in late October! It's easy for our members to use and navigate and the free marketing tools that are included are state-of-the-art! If you have not yet had the opportunity to request optimization of your member page, upload coupons, classified ads, and member-to-member discounts, or submit your events and meetings to our community calendar, please log in to your account and take full advantage of these exciting ways to market your business on both our website and our mobile app! If you need us to re-send your log-in information, please contact us at
(661) 948-4518
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