1. education
2. graduate school
3. college

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NOVEMBER 2014
From Your Board Chair
Committed to Making a Difference
Page 2
From Your CEO
LP Graduates Class of 2014
Page 3
Order the Mandatory 2015
California and Federal
Employment Poster from the
Porterville Chamber and
Avoid Potential Fines and
Penalties
The Porterville Chamber of Commerce is
making it easy for your business to comply
with California’s labor laws. No matter how
many employees you have in California, your
business is required by law to post a current
California and Federal Employment Poster in a
central location. As part of a special partnership
with the CalChamber, the Porterville Chamber is
currently taking pre-orders for the updated 2015
California and Federal Employment Poster.
The CalChamber’s all-in-one poster contains
the 16 required state and federal employment
Government Affairs
The Perfect Storm
Page 4
notices every California employer must post.
CalChamber is a trusted source for California
and federal compliance products, with more
than 120 years of experience helping California
business do business.
There are changes to the 2015 poster, and all
employers will need to have the 2015 poster
effective January 1. Failure to comply and have
a current poster posted in a central location at
your workplace could result in significant fines
and penalties. Posters must be displayed in a
conspicuous place where all employees can
easily read it, such as a break room, common
hallway, payroll office or other common location.
Employers must also display posters in each
company location.
The Porterville Chamber wants to make
sure your business is in compliance and
urges you to place your 2015 poster order
Featured Member
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New Members
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Renewing Members
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Business & Community Briefs
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Chamber Events
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Calendar
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Follow Us on
Facebook
Article 4
Finding Our Strength
Page 2
today to ensure delivery by January 1.
Posters will be shipped in mid-December.
Please call the Porterville Chamber at (559)
784-7502 or see the flyer insert, and order
your poster today. These posters are sold at an
amount well below other entities, and a discount
is offered to our members.
NEED THIS PHOTO
AS A SEPARATE JPEG
OR GIVE ME THE
WEBSITE LINK
ORDER NOW! (559) 784-7502
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Committed to Making
A Difference!
Kevin Elliott
Board Chair
Your Chamber is a voluntary partnership of
business and professional people working
together to build a healthy economy and to
improve the quality of life in our community.
We share a commitment with you to advance
the economic and educational health of our
communities.
Chamber members are businesses, organizations and individuals like you
concerned with the socioeconomic climate of our community. We have
joined together because we know we stand a better chance of getting
things done when they speak as one voice. We share common interests
focused on promoting our businesses and community. This is where we
live, work, and play.
Your Chamber staff stands ready to assist. I encourage you to stop in
the Chamber office and visit with the Chamber staff. They demonstrate
professionalism and a service first attitude that makes you feel welcome
and that you are the focus of their attention.
As we prepare for the upcoming Awards Banquet, I am reminded of the
many people who give tirelessly of their time and energy not to promote
themselves but make a difference in the community. Yes indeed, there is
plenty to challenge us, and yet we remain strong supporting each other.
We have so much to be thankful for. Your dedication, commitment, and
resilience is what makes us strong.
JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL
Awards &
Installation
Banquet
Saturday, November 15th
5:30 PM
“Celebrating Business & Community”
Veteran’s Memorial Building · $45 per person
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FEATURED MEMBER
Home Realty & Land Company
Geane Lohse, GRI, CRS, CRB, CCRM has been in the real
estate business since 1976 as a Realtor/Broker. He has lived in
the same home here in Porterville since that time as well. He and
Jack Letsinger opened Home Realty & Appraising in 1985. Geane
purchased the business in 1987 and changed the name to Home
Realty & Land Company. Geane, along with his friend, partner and
broker, Catie Puett began Full House Property Management in
1986 where they professionally manage real estate investments.
Home Realty & Land Company service Porterville, Lindsay,
Strathmore, Terra Bella, Ducor, and Springville. They offer expertise
and familiarity with all aspects of real estate: traditional residential
listings/sales; REO and short sale listings/sales; commercial and
retail properties; residential income units; farms and ranches;
probate and bankruptcy representations, as well as various types
of property management. They are members of the National
Association of Realtors, the California Association of Realtors,
both the Tulare County and Orange Belt Board of Realtors, The
California Apartment
They have a nationwide referral network and affiliation, and can
offer legal, appraisal, accounting, contractor & engineer referrals
as needed. Please check them out and see their satisfied clients’
testimonials on their webpage www.home-realty.com.
Home Realty & Land Company’s mission is to provide honest well
informed real estate guidance, using today’s technologies to serve
their customers’ best interest in a courteous and timely fashion, in
order to earn continued real estate patronage and trust.
Business Showcase &
Taste of Porterville
Sponsors and Vendors
Because of you, we had another
successful event. Please check your email for
an upcoming survey regarding our Showcase.
All feedback would be appreciated.
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Leadership Porterville Graduates
2014 Class
We recently graduated the LP Class of 2014. While
each and every class is talented and accomplished,
this 2014 group certainly ‘wowed’ our steering
committee and community. They have shown themselves to be an
extraordinary team of leaders through their participation, and especially
their projects. To say they have gone beyond the norm, would be an
understatement. It’s exciting to see the team immediately re-investing
their skills and enthusiasm by creating the Bed in a bag community project.
Many of your attended the “Celebrity Dinner” fundraiser and raised over
$10,000. These funds go towards next years program for Leadership
Porterville.
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journey. For now though, I would like to again
congratulate the 2014 Class, and say Thank
You for the memories of a most productive,
and invigorating year.
CLASS OF 2014
Stephanie Cortez
Interim President/CEO
There community project they launched was ‘Bedtime in a Bag’ this project
was created to help shine a positive light for a child in crisis. The idea
behind the concept is that when children are removed from the home
and placed in foster care, they are provided with a bag of items to include
essentials like a tooth brush and paste, along with comforting items such
as stuffed animals and blankets.
The Leadership Porterville program has graduated approximately 285
people in its 23 class years. That is a lot of alumni out there impacting civic
government, non-profit organizations, churches, schools, and workplaces.
The footprint of these graduates is certainly far-reaching.
Currently LP is recruiting for the 2015 Class, and I can’t wait to meet this
new group of emerging leaders who will embark on their LP leadership
The members of the graduating LP Class of 2014, as pictured, are:
Alex Larson - Porterville Recorder, Jeff Surowiec - Sierra View Medical
Center, Maria Gonzalez - Burton School District, Jenni Byer - City of
Porterville, William (Bill) Nebeker - New York Life Insurance Co, Matthew
Lusk - Family Health Care Network
MONTHLY
NETWORKING
MIXER
NOVEMBER 20th · 5:30 PM
900 W. Pioneer Avenue
Home of The Porterville Adult School,
Butterfield Charter High School, and
the future Porterville Military Institute
Breakfast . Networking . Information
CONNECT | EAT | WIN
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The Perfect Storm
What do the Proposition 46, the rising stock
market, Obama Care regulations, the increased
number of people with health insurance,
boutique medical practices, and trial lawyers
have in common?
Government Affairs
Bill McKinley
They are all contributing to the coming doctor
shortage crisis. Depending on what article you
are reading the shortage of doctors will rise to be between 45,000 and
90,000 in the next six years.
The average age of Doctors in the United States is 50 years old, and 60%
of all doctors surveyed said they would retire now if they could. A few years
ago, as Obama Care came on, it looked like there would be a massive
retirement of doctors, but because the stock market took such a hit their
investments wouldn’t support them and they had to continue working. Now
their investments have gained back their value and retirement is again
possible.
Proposition 46 will dramatically raise the cost of mal-practice insurance.
Two doctors I talked to said they had been told to expect mal-practice
insurance costs to triple if the proposition 46 passes. Under this
proposition allowable non-economic damage claims can be raised 400%.
The ambulance chasing lawyers are probably licking their chops right now.
These doctors believe that recruiting doctors for rural areas will become
even more difficult.
One rarely mentioned topic is the quality of life for doctors. Most doctors
love their work and the relationship they have with patients. But if you
increase their costs, they have no choice but to protect themselves by either
raising their fees or seeing more patients. If regulations, and litigation and
defensive medicine reduces the time doctors have to see patients, they
will spend less time with each patient. That means more assembly line
type care. Every professional knows that many times the most important
information from a client or patient comes out in conversation. For doctors
assembly line type care is not rewarding work, and there is less incentive
to stay in practice. “Boutique” medical practices (doctors charge a limited
number of patients an annual or monthly fee and bypass all the draconian
paper work from the insurance companies or government) have grown
49% in the last three years and the number is expected to keep growing.
Proposition 46 is part of the “perfect storm” that is going to cut down the
quality of care in California. If the number of doctors goes down, the
newly insured will have insurance but nothing to spend it on. One author
suggested the gap will be filled with physician assistants, but my life was
saved by a team of great and competent doctors here in Porterville. I don’t
want my family’s future health decisions dependent on under educated
helpers.
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NEW MEMBERS
A warm welcome
to our newest
Chamber members!
Golden Gate Media Group
Media · David Orozco
1729 Averill Park Drive · San Pedro, CA 90732 · (310) 872-7395
MiCamp Merchant Services
Financial · Melissa Abella
6930 E. Chauncey Lane, Suite 210 · Phoenix, AZ 85054
(480) 336-2829 · www.micamp.com
The Anvil BBQ
BBQ Restaurant · Brandon & Samantha Cook
1302 W. Olive Ave · Porterville, CA 93257 · (559) 784-2991
Valley Oak Contractors
Landscaping & Concrete · Frank Lujan
PO Box 8733 · Porterville, CA 93258 · (559) 784-4963
RENEWING MEMBERS
1+ Years
CVBF.COM · EQ’s Beauty Salon · Social Vocational Services
Porterville Art Association, Inc. · Subway Sandwiches-West Henderson
US Marines Reserve Toys for Tots
5+ Years
Porterville Physical Therapy · RPC Packaging
Whitehurst, Peters, Loyd Funeral & Cremation
10+ Years
Culligan Water Conditioning · Premier Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Weisenberger’s Ace Hardware
15+ Years
Golden State Paint & Body · Porterville Mini Storage
Sierra Hills Independent Retirement Living
20+ Years
First Congregational Church · Transmission Service Center
Walmart Store
25+ Years
Gregory Nichols, DDS · Home Realty & Land Company
Porterville College · Research for Hire Inc.
50+ Years
Jack Griggs Inc. · Porterville Monument Works & Swimming Pool
Please vote “No” on 46. Maybe we can calm the storm for a while.
CONSTANT CONTACT WORKSHOP - Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Secrets to Successful E-Marketing
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Chamber Conference Room · 10:30 AM · Call to Register: 784-7502
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Porterville Christmas Parade Entry
Forms Available The Annual Children’s Christmas parade will be held in downtown
Porterville on Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. This year’s parade
theme is ‘.’ Registration forms for parade participants and non-profit food
vendors are now available at the Chamber office. The Annual Children’s
Christmas parade is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Porterville, the City of
Porterville, and the Porterville Chamber of Commerce. The entry divisions
include; marching band, baton/dance group, religious or non-religious float,
decorated automobile, and commercial. There is a $40 fee for commercial
entries. Awards are presented in many divisions, some of which include
monetary prizes. The food vendor booth registration fee is $20, plus the
Tulare County Health Department fee. Vendor participation is offered
exclusively to local non-profit organizations, clubs, and school groups. The deadline for parade entry and vendor registration is November 8th,
no exceptions.
“Food for Fines” Runs October 20th
to December 20th
The City of Porterville Library will conduct its annual “Food For Fines”
campaign October 20th through December 20th. The program allows
cardholders to exchange nonperishable food items for library fines.
One food item equals $1 in fines, and fines of up to $10 per card can be
excused. The food must not be damaged or expired; all items must have
an expiration date. Patrons who have library accounts that have been sent
to collection cannot participate. The objective is to collect enough food to
contribute to the needs of the community. This year the library will partner
with the Porterville Kiwanis Club, a nonprofit organization that coordinates
an annual food basket giveaway for families. Patrons without fines are
also encouraged to donate. For more information on library services and
programs, go to the library at 41 W. Thurman Avenue, call 784-0177 or visit
www.portervillelibrary.org.
1st Annual Home Depot Classic Car Show
We here at The Home Depot are pleased to announce that on November
22, 2014 from 10am until 2pm we will be holding the 1st annual Home
Depot Classic Car Show. We are very excited about this event not only for
the fun that it will be for all ages, but also for the positive impact we are
hoping to have on the community as a whole.
The event will be FREE for the whole family. There will be the Class
Cars, Music, Food, Raffles/Giveaways, and a Kid Zone. We are asking
that everyone please come and join this awesome event. We are looking
forward to this with great excitement.
In addition, we gladly invite any classic car owners that want to bring
their car out to show to the public for this great cause. For any additional
information in regards to this event please contact Crystal Shroyer or Kim
Wallace at 559-782-4611 ext. 077.
Saving Lives by Donating Blood
Valley law enforcement and rescue personnel put their lives on the line to
save lives every day. This month, these live saving brothers and sisters
will face-off in a friendly competition to save lives by giving of themselves
by donating blood. Firefighters, Police, Sheriff, CHP, Corrections, Forestry
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and other emergency personnel, will compete to bring in the most donations
at the Annual South Valley Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The public
is encouraged to donate on behalf of any participating law enforcement,
fire, or emergency organization. The drive begins Monday, November 3rd
and the big drive day in Porterville is Tuesday, November 4th 9am to 6pm,
though donations are accepted during their operating hours that full week.
Donors will receive a commemorative t-shirt and a variety of donor reward
coupons, and a BBQ meal is served on November 4th.
City Veterans Day Run
On your mark…get set…go! Registration for the 2014 Veterans Day Run is
now open. The City of Porterville, Parks and Leisure Services is proud to
host this year’s annual competition taking place on Monday, November 11.
Runners of all ages from around the valley join in this fantastic scenic
route to compete for top honors. The race begins at 7 AM in front of City
Hall prior to the annual Veterans Day Parade. The event features a 10K
run, 5K run, 5K walk and a free Kid’s Fun Run. Awards are given to the
top three finishers in every division and each pre-registered participant is
guaranteed a long sleeved commemorative t-shirt.
The low cost entry fees are only $18 for runners/ $13 for walkers preregistered and $23 for runners/ $18 for walkers on the day of the race.
Registration forms and more information are available online through the
City’s website or at City Hall and the Porterville Heritage Center. For more
details, call 559-782-7521.
Leadership Porterville Recruiting for
Class of 2015
Have you ever wondered if there was a program available for your
outstanding employees that would educate them about the city they live in
and their surrounding communities? Well look no further, the Leadership
Porterville program allows potential and promising community leaders to
optimistically impact Porterville and its surrounding area. The program
works to inspire active and effective involvement through the confidence,
skills and knowledge gained by program participation. LP will give your
employees the edge to become more involved in public activities and confer
with Porterville’s reputable leaders, while building a network of people to
connect with in the future.
Anyone who has ever considered becoming a leader - this includes you
and/or your employees who are seeking an opportunity for personal
growth - will find the LP program to be both challenging and rewarding. This 9-month program is composed of area residents representing many of
the occupational, ethnic and geographical elements of our community. The
curriculum focuses on many topics ranging from community history
and demographics, to the present and future issues. Training includes
an analysis of complex and controversial issues, civic and legislative
organizations, participation in problem solving and decision making
activities, and training in leadership skills, group dynamics, and public
speaking. The Leadership Porterville Class of 2015 will also choose a
fundraising event and community service project, of the class’ choice, to
carry-out during their class year. Graduates report that they have gained respect among employers and coworkers and have experienced positive personal growth. Some have held
seats on the City Council and City committees.
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CHAMBER CALENDAR
Ribbon Cutting - Allstate Insurance Agency
Ken French and Aaron Kuhnel, new owners of Allstate Insurance Agency
located at 177 West Henderson, Suite 2 recently held a Ribbon Cutting
announcing their new business adventure. Ken and Aaron took over the
business from longtime owners and Chamber supporters Bob & Donna
Raymond on September 1st.
Mixer Hosted by Suncrest Bank
Dustin Della and his wonderful staff at Suncrest Bank played host to our
Chamber membership and friends on September 25th at our Monthly
networking Mixer. We were treated to delicious food prepared by local
businesses as this is something Dustin feels very passionate about. (keeping
business local) Those present were also given the opportunity to participate
in opportunity drawings, where we had a wonderful variety of gifts to be won
which were donated by our very generous members.
Tuesday, November 4th
Rotary Career Day
City Council Meeting, 6:30pm
Wednesday, November 5th
Ambassador Luncheon, 12:00pm
Friday, November 7th
First Friday Coffee at Galaxy 9 Theatre, 7:00 am
Sponsored by US Marines Toys for Tots & Porterville Recorder
Saturday, November 8th
3rd Annual Toys for Tots Car Show at Pizza Factory, 12:00pm
Tuesday, November 11th
Veteran’s Parade, “Porterville Veteran’s Pride”, Main Street, 10:00am
Veteran’s Day Observance (Chamber Office Closed)
Wednesday, November 12th
Business & Education Committee Meeting
Chamber Conference Room, 3:30pm
Saturday, November 15th
Chamber Awards and Installation Banquet
“Celebrating Business & Community”
Veteran’s Memorial Building, 5:30pm
Tuesday, November18th
Government Affairs Committee Meeting,
Chamber Conference Room, 7:30am
City Council Meeting, 6:30pm
Wednesday, November 19th
Constant Contact Workshop - “Secrets to Successful E-Marketing”,
Chamber Conference Room, 10:30am
Thursday, November 20th
Chamber Board of Directors, Chamber Conference Room, 7:30am
Saturday, November 22nd
Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament, River Island, Tee Off at 10:00am
Chamber Networking Mixer, 5:30pm
Hosted by the Porterville Unified School District,
Porterville Adult School/ Butterfield Charter High School
Thursday, November 27th- 28th
Happy Thanksgiving (Chamber Office Closed)
Christmas on the Danube
November 29 – December 7, 2014
Vienna, Vienna Opera House, Hofburg Palace,
Wachau Valley, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg,
Christmas Markets, Rothenburg Wurzburg
CALL FOR DETAILS
784-2240
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KNOW YOUR CHAMBER
Chamber Circle of Excellence
Platinum Eagle Mountain Casino, Tule River Tribal Council
Silver Galaxy 9 Theatre, Golden Touch Limousine Service,
Sierra View Medical Center
Bronze
KTIP Radio, The Porterville Recorder,
Family Healthcare Network
2014-2015 Board of Directors
Officers/Executive Committee
Board Chair - Kevin Elliott
Vice Chair, Member Services - Cheryl Haugen
Vice Chair & Finance - Bill McKinley
Vice Chair, Government Affairs - Calvin Rossi
Vice Chair, Community Outreach - Jason Hodges
Vice Chair, Special Events - Ramona Chiapa
Past Chair - Veronica Garcia
Board of Directors - Term Ending 2015
Rosa Flores Carlson - Porterville College
Veronica Garcia - Galaxy 9 Theatre
Kevin Elliott - Sequoia National Forest
Calvin Rossi - Southern California Edison
Bill McKinley - McKinley Scearcy Associate
Ribbon Cutting - Mena Party Rentals
Friends, family and Chamber Ambassadors recently gathered for a ribbon
cutting at Mena Party Rentals in honor of their Grand Opening. Pierre and
Bonita Mena, owners along with their parents, Pat and Maria welcomed us all
to their business at 618 North Main Street. Please contact them for all of your
party rental needs at 789-3929.
Board of Directors - Term Ending 2016
Jason Hodges - DPI Global
Jay Kelley - Family HealthCare Network
Richard Tree - Sierra Management
Chris Wiloth - Randy’s Bistro
Board of Directors - Term Ending 2017
Ramona Chiapa - Sierra View Medical Center
Cheryl Haugen - Porterville Sheltered Workshop
Jenna Salazar - Rethought Reborn
Rob Taylor - Stafford’s Famous Chocolates
Chamber Staff
Stephanie Cortez - Interim CEO/President
Cindy Camarena - Director of Membership and Special Events
Xochitl Tapia - Office Manager
Raquel Perez - Office Assistant
Mary Alba - AARP Office Intern
CONNECT is a publication of the Porterville Chamber of Commerce
93 North Main Street, Porterville, CA 93257
Phone: (559) 784-7502 Fax: (559) 784-0770
Website: www.portervillechamber.org Email: [email protected]
First Friday Coffee Hosted by the
City of Porterville
Our members gathered on October 3rd at Galaxy 9 Theatre for First Friday
Coffee. Our monthly event was hosted by The City of Porterville where we
were presented a brief overview of their Five Year Consolidated Plan which is
required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in order
to receive Block Grant funds. Anna Green and Krystle Contreras also made
a special presentation on behalf of the Central California Family Crisis Center
in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness month.
Articles to be considered for insertion need to be submitted to the Chamber
Office by the 10th of the month. For more information, contact the Chamber at
(559)784-7502 or Email [email protected]. The Chamber reserves
the right to edit any information.
Advertising & Publication: Porterville Chamber of Commerce
Printing: Central Valley Business Forms
Graphic Design: Amy Benton, Who’s That Girl?
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Comprehensive heaLth Care
for EvEry StagE of a
We pass along wisdom, recipes, and life lessons
to our daughters and granddaughters. Perhaps the
most important thing we all share is the extraordinary
Woman's Life
health care we receive from Sierra View Medical
Center’s Women’s Health Services. Sierra View has
health care available for every generation of women,
from soon-to-be-moms to active grandmothers.
Maternal Child Health and Family Birth Center
helps provide you with everything needed throughout
the miracle of giving birth. For more information,
visit www.sierra-view.com/mchd
Women’s Imaging Services offered at Sierra View
are on par with nationally-recognized hospitals such
as UCLA and Stanford. For more information, visit
www.sierra-view.com/imaging
465 W. Putnam Ave. | Porterville, CA
(559) 784-1110 | www.sierra-view.com
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