Doug Proctor

This year's theme for the Chamber is "Ignite Enthusiasm for Business". In keeping with that mission, the Chamber will focus its efforts to support businesses by scheduling events at venues more representative of the varied commercial locations. The Chamber Ambassadors, led by Rand Jacobs, will be out in their respective communities. This approach will help to decentralize Chamber activities by increasing awareness of all the commercial centers in Fair Oaks on an equitable basis. Please contact the Chamber office or visit the web site for more information about your specific area of interest.

We have started a monthly themed email flyer emphasizing goods and services offered by our members. Last month's theme was Valentine's Day and this month will be a St. Patrick's Day. We have received many glowing comments on the quality of the flyers and encourage you to forward it when you get it to other folks on your list be they chamber members or not. It's good for business!

The Chamber office and the Board appreciate our Associate Members very much. We are moving ahead with plans to increase participation of our Associate members at mixers, events, and other functions. We also consider our Associate Members as a resource to other Chamber members that may wish to tap into their valuable experience.

Dates and locations of forthcoming events may be found elsewhere in this newsletter. I would like to add in this space an invitation to participate in Chamber activities. All members have an open invitation to be part of the action by serving on a committee.

Honorary Mayor - Honorary Mayor candidates and committee members are needed to help Dr. Betty Swan who is chair of this committee. Please contact the Chamber, 967-2903 or Betty at 916-966-6080 for details.

Golf  - The 2013 Golf Tournament Committee is in need of members too. Contract the office or call me at 967-8861.

As a closing note for this month, we are planning on arranging joint functions this year with other community organizations to develop greater and better relationships. Look for more on this in the weeks ahead. Enjoy March and may it be prosperous for your businesses.

• American River Bank - Harnessing the Power of Financial Ratios Tuesday, March 19, 2013 from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM at the KFBK Conference Room
  

  1545 River Park Dr, Suite 500, Sacramento Tips & Tricks for Analyzing Your Business' Balance Sheet the Easy Way. Join us for a hands-on workshop that will teach you how to transform the numbers in your financial statements into ratios that will give you greater control and insight into the financial success of your business. Complimentary continental breakfast provided. Cost: $25 donation to the American River Bank Foundation, which helps support vulnerable women and children in our community. Complimentary for American River Bank clients!  Use promo code "REACH"when registering! Click here to register. 

 
• The Sacramento Choral Society Sound and Spirit performance is Sunday, March 10th at the magnificently restored Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. For the past four seasons, our Stained Glass concerts at the Cathedral in Sacramento have enjoyed huge audiences. We are once again offering a matinee performance with reserved seating. Program - Spirituals, Chant, Folksongs from the Global Village. Enjoy a musical preview of the SCSO's (self-funded) June 2013 Italy Tour to Rome, Florence, Lucca & Venice. Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 3 PM Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament,1017 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 Tickets: $35 Reserved  - $25 General Students with ID: 50% discount.  Tickets & Information: (916) 536-9065. You can purchase tickets online at here.
• Senator Ted Gaines is having a town hall meeting Thursday, March 21 from 6 pm - 8 pm at the Fair Oaks Water District(American River Room), 10326 Fair Oaks Blvd. 
• Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District will be hosting its 30th annual Easter Eggstravaganza  Saturday, March 30th from 9am-1pm. The event will include free egg hunts for children 0- 13yrs, adult egg hunt, carnival games, bouncers, choo choo train, face painters, pictures with the bunny, pancake breakfast and more!!! In order to put on this fun filled family event we need lots of help! We are looking for volunteers for two shifts: 8am-11am and 10:30am- 1:30pm. Assistance is needed in the carnival area, egg hunts, booths, and more! Please contact Sabrina Bernadro at (916) 966-1039 ext. 15 if you are interested in this volunteer opportunity. Please apply by March 22nd with name, email address, shift time desired (8am-11am or 10:30am- 1:30pm), club or organization person is representing and any limitations. 
• B.A.D. Divorce - Discover and prevent mistakes made before, after and during divorce. This seminar will provide strategies that help you legally, financially and relationally. Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 9 am - 1 pm, 4200 Temescal Street (Old Library Bldg. Fair Oaks). Register by March 18 - $90.00, after March 18, $100.00 and tickets at the door at $120.00. Space is limited. Register at:  www.annebrowning.com or by phone,  (916) 903-7313.

We are happy to announce that a fundraising campaign for the "Senator Dave Cox Memorial Interchange" project has been launched.

   
During the 2011-2012 Legislative session, Senator Ted Gaines (R-Rocklin) received unanimous, bi-partisan support for Senate Concurrent Resolution 97 honoring Senator Dave Cox and naming the Highway 50 Interchange at Hazel Avenue in Sacramento County as the "Senator Dave Cox Memorial Interchange."

The next step in the process of completing this project is to raise the appropriate funds to create and erect the signs marking this special designation. All funding will come from private donations and other non-state sources. No state monies or resources will be used.

The Chamber is honored to be playing a part in celebrating the memory of Senator Cox through these fundraising efforts. This memorial is just a small way we can recognize the legacy of good work Senator Cox conducted on behalf of the Fair Oaks community and the state of California.

Senator Cox represented the First Senate District for six years prior to his untimely death in July of 2010.  Senator Cox was an instrumental member of the California State Legislature who served as Assembly Republican Leader from 2001-2004. A pillar of the Sacramento community, he also previously served on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and was an elected Board Member of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.

If you are interested in donating to the "Senator Dave Cox Memorial Interchange" signage, please contact the Chamber at (916) 967-2903 for more information. Checks can be made payable  to: FOCC/Dave Cox Memorial Sign and mailed to the Fair Oaks Chamber, P.O. Box 352, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

A dedication ceremony will be held to unveil the new signage once the appropriate funds have been raised and the signage erected.