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August 2012

www.TulareChamber.org

Published date: July 28, 2012

Update the
year is one that shouldnt be missed; the price is so affordable because Indias Government defrays part of the cost; why? Because they want you to visit! Ask anyone who has taken a trip with the Tulare Chamber; it will never be Nina AkinPresident/CEO more affordable and you will have the memory for life. Going to a Chamber mixer is a highlight each and every month; but not without you, the active individual and the active business person. We will need your support to keep your chamber at the center of your communitys economy. We want and need applicants for our leadership academy. We want and need new board members for our board of directors. The leaders of this community come through these doors. The Chamber can be its best, but not without you. Thank you, and dont forget to check out our website. www.tularechamber.org or follow us on Facebook.

August 7th

Save the Date:

We are Rocking and Rolling!!

We are rocking and rolling!! Finally the hammer came down and we can move on with our lives and quit worrying about the citys budget impact. Well, they basically re-allocated the economic development funding for the chamber elsewhere. No sour grapes, just an opportunity to reach out to our community and tell you we need to band together. We are the private sector. This is where stuff gets done. I am sure, like everywhere else, we will be tightening our belts and continue to move forward. On Monday, December 10th, we are having a membership drive. Even though we have a solid chamber (600 strong), our goal is to get to 1000 members. The regular business membership is $250.00 per year. Thats just $20.83 a month to keep your chamber going strong. Now, if you are a concerned citizen and want to become an individual member, you can do so for $100 annually. (Thats less than 2 Starbucks Lattes a month!) Membership allows you many things. Free classes in business related topics, Free use of our Board room, Free promotion in our newsletter, mixers, discounts with your fellow chamber members and an opportunity to be a part of the best economy driving organization in the world. Your Chamber of Commerce is your welcome wagon to your community, your link to city government and your city council. Your chamber keeps you informed as to whats going on and if we dont know, we know someone who does. I cant imagine a city without a chamber of commerce. Who would visitors go to for information? Who puts together the annual event that recognizes our citizens and business partners that have worked for years to make this a better community? We have 5 big events every year. Annual Awards, honoring our man and woman of the year, Large and small business; Cars on K; State of the City; Salute to Dairy and last but not least, our New Teachers reception. Wait, theres more! Traveling with the Chamber is a fun way to go on guided trips and tours all over the world! We go to Italy for 10 days in November; a trip you will never forget; and there is still time to sign up. Our Trip to Bali in March of next

Final Taste and Tunes featuring Streetlamp Junkies 6-8PM at the Chamber

August 16th

4-6PM New Teachers Reception

August 23rd

Leadership Reception

Tulare Tuesdays

Every Tuesday night from 5 - 8PM Come downtown for a Farmers Market, Traders Market, Tulare Taste and Tunes Enjoy Live music and have your dinner brought to you! K and Tulare.

2012 Officers
Chair of the Board Kohler & Clark Screw Products, Inc

Art Clark

Immediate Past Chair Tulare Adult School Vice Chair of Membership CEO of the Tulare Fair

Marie Pinto

Chair Elect Citizens Business Bank Vice Chair of Finance M. Green & Co.

Philip Smith

Geoff Hinds

Lets Talk BUSINESS! Mikey Vs

This column is not intended to be a restaurant review. It is intended to convey the success strategies of Tulare business owners in order to promote the strength and stability of our local economy. In the interest of full disclosure however, I must admit that I think Mikes New Mexico Style Enchiladas are pretty awesome. I tried them for the first time a few years back and Ive been hooked ever since. Sofia simply says something to the effect of New Mexico Enchiladas, right? when I sit down for lunch at their comfortable downtown Tulare location. In retrospect, Mike and Sofia Vejar acknowledge that their timing in opening the restaurant might have been off by just a little. When the doors of Mikey Vs were enthusiastically opened in June 2008 our country was already in a technical recession; we just hadnt really begun to feel the pain yet. For the last four years, Mike and Sofia (frequently with help from their children) have been working to make the dream a reality. The dream hasnt faded, but the reality has been a challenge. Discretionary income is down, unemployment remains high and with regard to consumer confidence, Mike feels that muy mal is an accurate description. For many business owners here in Tulare it is one tough day at a time. Philip: Mike you grew up in this industry, you know how tough it is. What motivated you to open up your own shop? How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors? Mike: After working for Mom and Dad in both local Vejars locations for 25 years and graduating from culinary school, I felt it was time to make a go of it on my own. Becoming Vejars #3 just did not seem to be a good fit. I had the knowledge and experience. It was time to bring it all together. Sofia and I wanted to create a unique environment where everyone is comfortable and the food is terrific. By offering a combination of Mexican and American favorites were doing our best to please the whole family. If child #2 simply wont eat a burrito, maybe a burger and fries will work. Our clients also appreciate our flexibility in opening the restaurant for special occasions. If youve got a large group and want to bring everyone together for a great meal, give us a call; well keep the kitchen open for you. Philip: What are the biggest challenges of owning a business in downtown Tulare? What would you like to see happen here? What are the benefits of running a downtown restaurant? Sofia: Parking is difficult for our customers. Weve had clients whove come in and said they wanted to stop by earlier, but after circling the block three times they decided to go somewhere else. Even opening up existing parking spaces that are not currently available to downtown businesses would help. Closed businesses and the subsequent lack of foot traffic downtown is also a challenge. What we hope to see eventually is a good mix of complimentary businesses that all benefit from their proximity to one another. Dont get me wrong, there are many positive things about being downtown too. Many of the downtown merchants refer business to us and we return the compliment. Weve been blessed to receive assistance from people who appreciate the fact that were making it work in downtown Tulare. Creditors and suppliers know how tough it is here and theyve provided flexibility when necessary. We even received an anonymous angel contribution that enabled us to purchase our on-sale beer and wine license. Many people in this community appreciate Philip Smith the downtown area and Vice President, want to see it become a Citizens Business Bank vibrant part of our local economy once again. Philip: I see the two of you down here, day in and day out. Youve got to be working an incredible number of hours to keep this place going. How do you keep up the pace? Why havent you thrown in the towel as so many other restaurants have done during the last few years. Mike: I stopped counting the hours a long time ago. That will drive you crazy. Whenever things get too tough, when the frustration and lack of sleep begin to get to us, we think about little Sofia Rose Muoz. Those are her pictures there behind the register. Sofia Rose was our daughters godchild who succumbed to leukemia just after her second birthday. When we think of everything she was going through, all the treatments and all the pain, it helps us get up and fight for one more day. We remember the good times at Disneyland and with her family, her smiles and laughter even when she wasnt feeling well, and the memory helps bring a smile to our face even during those really challenging moments. The dream isnt gone, it is just taking a little bit longer then we thought. One of these days youll need to have those New Mexico Enchiladas at Mikey Vs #2 in Pismo Beach.

Crystal Cota

Patrick Isherwood
Vice Chair of Governmental Affairs

Tulare Historical Museum International Agri-Center

Terry Brazil

2012 Board

Kerissa Postma-Chapman Crystal Cota

M. Green & Co. Land OLakes

Sterling & Smith Funeral Homes

Ronald Smith John Thomas

Bank of Sierra JD Heiskell

Sue Ann Hillman Linda Nogues

Valley Business Bank Bacome Insurance

Simone Frazier
Legal Counsel Horswill, Mederos, & Soares Tulare Regional Medical Center Tulare County Fair Chief of Police

Dennis Mederos

Melissa Freitas
Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc.

John Barbadian Geoff Hinds

Lonnie Tiesiera

Legal Counsel Horswill, Mederos, & Soares

Dennis Mederos Traci Myers

Ex-Officio City of Tulare

Jerry Breckinridge

Sherry Carson
Information Specialist

President / CEO Office Manager

Nina Akin

Professional Staff

Director of Membership and Sales Information Coordinator

Andi Cabrera

Vickie Kuntz

Linda Howarth

is the official monthly publication of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce 220 E. Tulare Ave. P.O. Box 1435 Tulare, CA 93275-1435 686-1547 email: info@tularechamber.org web: www.tularechamber.org For advertising information call: Jennifer Guinn (559) 735-3235 the update is published in partnership with the Tulare Advance-Register

the update

Its the Businesses, Stupid

The Labor Department recently released June employment figures, and they were even worse than expected; it was the worst quarter for job creation in nearly two years, with unemployment topping 8 percent for the 41st straight month. The Obama administration has valiantly tried to put a positive spin on the ailing economy. Were continually told that recovery is just around the corner, that things would be much worse if not for the presidents trillion-dollar stimulus and other policies, and that the entire mess is Bushs fault anyway this coming nearly four years into Obamas presidency. The source of our economic malaise is no mystery, and neither are the progrowth reforms that would improve the situation. But the Obama administration and its congressional allies are ideologically vested in the current policies. To change tact now would be to admit that their Keynesian pipedream of trying to spend our way into prosperity has failed. Since the current policy is inadequate and the obvious alternative is rejected out of hand, the administration is left with one option it believes every disappointing jobs report proves that the government needs to spend even more money it doesnt have and to intervene further in the economy. A major reason for our sluggish job growth is that people are afraid to start businesses, and existing businesses are afraid to expand. The government has created far too much uncertainty, pushing up the risk of investing money that instead sits on the sidelines. Why would small business owners risk their own assets when they dont know if Obama will succeed in driving up their income tax rates next year? What business wants to hire new employees when its still unclear how it will be affected by the galaxy of new taxes and mandates included in ObamaCare? Businesses arent asking for much just a clear and fair regulatory and tax environment. Id like them to get it. In an ideal world, this would mean repealing ObamaCare, overhauling and simplifying the entire tax code, restoring an adequate water supply to farmers, and removing bureaucratic and regulatory obstacles to building new nuclear power plants and to oil and gas drilling. In the long run, it would mean reforming entitlements, whose unfunded liabilities threaten the entire economy and every business in it. Many of these steps, of course, are not possible right now, considering the current political make-up of the Senate and the administration. But that doesnt mean theres nothing we can do. One proposal currently developing in Congress, known as the American Business Competitiveness Act, would kick-start the economy by reducing taxes on all businesses, no matter how theyre organized, to 25 percent, and by allowing 100 percent expensing, meaning firms will deduct their full investment costs from Congressman their current year income. Devin Nunes This kind of pro-growth reform would help businesses overcome their fear of investing and expanding by rewarding those activities with lower tax rates. The job market is terrible and the future outlook is grim extravagant highspeed rail boondoggles will not change that. Instead of insisting Washington knows best, the government needs to listen to the valid concerns voiced by men and women who actually create jobs. More than anything, it needs to learn that the government doesnt generate jobs businesses do. Please continue to follow my work in Congress by visiting my website at www. nunes.house.gov. I also encourage you to download my newest application for your mobile device so you can stay current on daily news and my work in Congress. You can download the application for free by visiting the Apple App Store or the Android Market.

PERMIT NO. 232 TULARE, CA

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page 2 August 2012

July 28, 2012

PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

Welcome Aboard New Members

Congratulations and thank you to the following new members that invested in the Chamber during the month of June.
Esau Torres 877-782-6962 www.funkymunk.biz Marketing & Advertising

Funky Munky

20% Tax Refund Penalty Falls to Business Pressure

Strong opposition from the California Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of job creators discouraged legislators from imposing a 20% penalty on tax overpayments as part of a budget trailer bill this week. The proposal would have authorized the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to impose the penalty. Outrageous Among the most outspoken opponents of the proposal was CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg, who said: It is outrageous that average taxpayers, including small business owners, would face penalties for overpaying their taxes. It is equally outrageous that, to my knowledge, this proposal would make California the only state to have both a large corporate underpayment penalty and a proposed overpayment penalty. Proposals like this are why California has one of the worst reputations for having a bad business climate. He added, Overpayment of taxes is like having an interest-free cash flow loan to the state. Every business in America would love to have that, but not the state of California. How stupid is that? Not only would average taxpayers have been affected by the proposal, but large employers in the state would have faced a whipsaw effect. Currently, certain taxpayers are subject to a 20% understatement penalty for understatements in excess of $1 million with no right to appeal. This penalty has caused many of these taxpayers to substantially overstate their taxes to avoid the penalty that may result from unexpected federal adjustments. Adding an erroneous refund penalty like the one proposed would have unfairly penalized taxpayers who overstated their liabilities to avoid the understatement penalty, and would have been subjected to penalties because they paid more taxes than were owed. Lost Revenues In opposition arguments, the coalition pointed out that the proposal would have: Resulted in revenue loss to the state and increased the budget deficit; Barred taxpayers from protesting the penalty; Created confusion and potential litigation for the state because terms in the proposal were undefined and unspecified, including references to reasonable basis; Established a penalty that would not have served a legitimate purpose and was disproportionate to the severity of noncompliance. Proponents of the proposal painted the issue as a fraudulent claim penalty or a penalty on unreasonable claims. However, the FTB already has an arsenal to combat both. According to the FTBs own documents, the agency has at its disposal 69 penalties that can be imposed on taxpayers for a variety of tax-related activities. If the FTB believes a refund claim to be without merit, opponents argued, the FTB has ample options under existing penalties.

The Creative Eye

Lynda Walters 221 E Tulare Ave 559-688-0482 Gift Shops

Direct Media, Inc.

Karent Tellalian 801 W Main St, Visalia 559-739-1747 www.dmiagency.com Advertising Agencies

Details Party Rentals

Todd & Karen Westbrook 3809 N Mooney Blvd, Tulare 559-685-8810 Party Rentals

Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who renewed their membership during the month of June.
Personnel Solutions Unlimited, LLC Altria Client Services, Inc. Vinod K Gupta, MD Mark Hoffman General Engineering Tulare First Baptist Church Soroptomist International of Tulare Jack & Susan Sowash American Cancer Society Garton Tractor, Inc. Southern California Edison Company Tulare Chiropractic Accident & Injury Center Hampton Inn & Suites Tri-Star Car Wash & Coffee Villa Within I, A Store for All People Hoffman Dairies Franzen Hill Corporation US Farm Systems, Inc. Keller Williams Realty- Manuel Ortiz The Gas Company Big Kahuna Yogurt Classic Charter, Inc. The Carpet Shoppe John & Minerva Zapalac

Members Renew Chamber Investment

Ruling on Health Care Law Shifts Focus to Cost Control

In a highly anticipated decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the main elements of the Affordable Care Act in a 5-4 ruling issued on June 28. The Supreme Courts decision means we need to redouble our efforts to contain the costs of health care. The new law is going to put more pressure on employers to pick up the cost of providing coverage to individuals who have not previously had health insurance, and may shift even more costs to private payers from underfunded government programs, said Allan Zaremberg, California Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. The act aims to provide health insurance coverage to previously uninsured individuals through the creation of new entities like state health insurance exchanges, dedicated funding for subsidies, and expansion of public programs like Medi-Cal. People who dont have health care today cant afford it because it is not affordable or because they have an expensive pre-existing condition, Zaremberg noted. Therefore, someone else will have to subsidize insurance for these individuals, either through higher taxes or higher premiums due to cost shifts. Thus, the Supreme Courts decision emphasizes the need to control health costs, or premiums and taxes will spiral out of control. In the current economic climate, the enormous pressure of additional costs could drive employers, particularly smaller firms, to reduce coverage or make employees buy their own insurance through the health exchanges. Health care experts have pointed out that the requirement for guaranteed issuance of a health insurance policy to any applicant must be coupled with an effective mandate that individuals purchase coverage. Without that link, people will move into the system only when they are sickthe equivalent of being able to buy fire insurance after ones house has burned down. Private sector initiatives to promote quality while making health care more affordable include greater transparency and reforms to streamline payments. A key for keeping employer costs in line is reducing the private sector subsidy for government underpaying the cost of services provided to individuals covered by federal and state government health care programs. The CalChamber will continue to support public policy to ensure affordable access to health care in a market-driven environment. This includes supporting policies in the California Exchange that encourage competition, choice and value, allowing all federally qualified plans to participate.

Elder Care: How to Help Your Parents Manage

Circles of Excellence
A program of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce

Presidents Circle
J.D. Heiskell & Company Lagomarsino Group Res-Com Pest Control Saputo Cheese USA, Inc Southern California Gas Company Tulare Advance Register Tulare Outlet Center Tulare Regional Medical Center

Directors Circle
International Agri Center Land O Lakes

Ambassadors Circle
Acclaim Auto & Truck Accessories Adair & Evans, An Accountancy Corporation Bank of the Sierra Citizens Business Bank College of the Sequoias Horswill, Mederos & Soares Ruan Transportation Corporation Sturgeon & Beck, Inc. Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino TF Tire & Service Valley Business Bank Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Its a decision most adults dread: having to take over the financial and day-today living decisions for parents who can no longer manage on their own. When caring for your parents, you may need to plan on three levels: managing finances, making health care decisions, and making sure their daily household needs are met. Finding qualified experts who can advise you in these areas may make it easier to manage the situation. Managing Finances If your parents currently are able to communicate, try to initiate a conversation about how they would like their money to be managed. Rather than telling them what to do, be clear that you would like to help and to make sure that their wishes are met. Access to bank and brokerage statements, insurance policies, and other financial documents may help you to safeguard your parents assets. If your parents work with a financial advisor, try to arrange a joint meeting where all parties can review the situation. If you pay your parents bills and manage their checkbook, arranging for direct deposit of Social Security or pension benefits, as well as electronic delivery of recur-

ring bills, could expedite the process. Arranging for Health Care If your parents are mentally competent, ask them about consulting a lawyer who can draft a health care proxy, a legal document designating you (or another person) to make decisions about medical care when they are no longer able to do so. If your parents have opinions about end-of-life care, their wishes can be incorporated into a living will, another legal document. Even without these documents, the medical establishment is likely to look to you or other siblings to make decisions about health care, which could include arranging for long-term care or making end-of-life decisions. As part of this process, determine the type of medical insurance that your parents have and what it covers. Overseeing Daily Living Activities If your parents are able to remain in their home, you may need to consider helping them to manage medication, to conduct daily tasks such as bathing or meal preparation, and to make arrangements for assistance with household chores. A visiting nurse and home care

Kimberly Lindley, Jerry Hayton, Trish Arnold

agency may provide assistance in these areas. You may want to consider consulting a Professional Geriatric Care Manager, a professional who may help arrange for home care, provide crisis intervention, and help you identify solutions to potential problems. You can learn more at www.caremanager.org. Managing a parents affairs can be complicated, but arranging for support from qualified people may help you care for parents in a way that meets their needs and does not create too much stress on you. Paladin Investment Group 559-625-4005 www.paladininvestmentgroup.com

Tulares Farmers Market

Every Tuesday Night, 5-8 pm K St. in Downtown Tulare Join us August 7 for our final Taste and Tunes, featuring the Streetlamp Junkies

Sequoia Energy Services

Providing every business & homeowner with: - Air Conditioning - Solar - Windows - Heating - Ducts - Insulation and more! ** FREE CONSULTATIONS! **
100% of net proceeds circulate directly back into your community. For projects big and small, its just one more reason to feel good about choosing Sequoia Energy Services!

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize these members who have gone above and beyond membership investment in 2011. Their support is instrumental in the growth of the Chamber.

Last Chance to Book for Tuscany!

Call 559-686-1547 and Travel to Tuscany this November!

Call 559.636.6453
Visit www.MyEnergyUpgrades.com

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

MEMBER NEWS
to 30 years participants will be asked to fill out follow-up surveys every few years that will be sent to their home. Many individuals diagnosed with cancer struggle to answer the question, What caused my cancer? In many cases, we dont know the answer, said Alpa V. Patel, Ph.D., principal investigator of CPS-3. CPS-3 will help us better understand what factors cause cancer, and once we know that, we can be better equipped to prevent cancer. Dr. Patel added, Our previous cancer prevention studies have been instrumental in helping us identify some of the major factors that can affect cancer risk. CPS-3 holds the best hope of identifying new and emerging cancer risks, and we can only do this if members of the community are willing to become involved. Researchers will use the data from CPS-3 to build on evidence from a series of American Cancer Society studies that began in the 1950s that collectively have involved millions of volunteer participants. The Hammond-Horn Study and previous Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS-I, and CPS-II) have played a major role in understanding cancer prevention and risk, and have contributed significantly to the scientific basis and development of public health guidelines and recommendations. Those studies confirmed the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, demonstrated the link between larger waist size and increased death rates from cancer and other causes, and showed the considerable impact of air pollution on heart and lung conditions. The current study, CPS-II, began in 1982 and is still ongoing. But changes in lifestyle and in the understanding of cancer in the more than two decades since its launch make it important to begin a new study. The initial enrollment process takes about 30 minutes at the local event and an additional 45 to 60 minutes at home to fill out the more comprehensive baseline survey. Periodic follow-up surveys of various lengths are expected to be sent every few years to individuals. The voluntary, long-term commitment by participants is what will produce benefits for decades to come. Taking an hour or so every few years to fill out a survey and potentially save someone from being diagnosed with cancer in the future - is a commitment that thousands of volunteer participants have already made. Were looking for more likeminded individuals in Tulare to join this effort that we know will save lives and improve the outlook for future generations, said Dr. Patel. For more information or to learn how to become involved with CPS-3, visit cancer.org/cps3, email cps3@cancer org, or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888. [ The Tulare County Council on Child & Youth Development wants to recognize Tulare County businesses that have child-friendly employment practices. The Council is currently seeking nominations for the Business and Children Award. The award recognizes a Tulare County business with progressive programs such as flextime or job-sharing options, company-provided child care benefits, or an on-site child care center. The award program also highlights benefits of a child-friendly workplace benefits that include increased employee motivation and loyalty, and enhanced company reputation. Previous award recipients include: UPS Corporate Credit Visalia, TPG Consulting, Inc., Visalia Ceramic Tile, Inc., Adair & Evans, An Accountancy Corporation and M. Green & Company LLP Certified Public Accountants. It is important that the community recognize businesses for their efforts to meet the needs of employees with children, said Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak. During difficult financial times, affordable child care is a major concern for working families, Supervisor Steve Worthley said. Nomination forms are available online at www.tularecountykids. org. For more information contact Tina Shirley, Planning Council Coordinator at (559) 651-1723. Nominations must be received by September 13, 2012. The winner will be announced at the fourth annual Tulare County Child Care Planning Council Legislative Breakfast on October 4, 2012. [ Century 21 Jordan-Link & Company Tulare Office Top Agents for the Month of June: Top Sales VolumeVeronica Pena Top Sales UnitsJanel Young Top Listing Volume. Darrel Lemon Top Listing Units Mitch Choboian [ Rotarians reflect on a very successful fiscal year. During the past twelve months, the Tulare Rotary Club contribWe are taking Blood and uted almost Volunteers for the 9-11 $70,000 to sup- Blood Drive, Sept 11, 2012 port many local at the Veterans Memorial Building worthwhile causes, and has earmarked another $50,000 for the Tulare Athletic Boxing Club to help support a new building. The new structure will be primary used as a gym. This will allow the club to expand their current boxing program as well as other athletic programs for Tulares youth. Also, $10,000 has been earmarked to help purchase a van for the Tulare PAL (Police Activities League) program. The program facilitates interaction with local police and youth usually through athletics. We are very thankful to community members for supporting our local fundraising events. Our Crab Feed alone netted over $74,000, said Scott Daley Rotary President. With the communities help, this year, we did amazing things! Daley added. A partial list of charities and programs supported for the 2011/2012 fiscal year includes: Scholarships to graduating seniors, $11,000; Tulare Library Foundation, $10,000; Salvation Army Bus, $10,000; Tulare Athletic Club Soccer Field, $6,000; Ag Warriors Program, $5,000; Tulare Emergency Aid, $2,000; Tulare Hospital Foundation $2,000; Tulare Historical Museum $1,000; and the Tulare County Symphony League, $1,000. If you are interested in learning more about the Tulare Noon Rotary Club, or how to become an active member, please call 358-7453. [ The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution

August 2012 page 3

July 28, 2012

Member News
Internationally known author, speaker and visionary, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, will speak at Tulare-Kings Right to Lifes 17th Annual Making a Difference for Life Banquet on Dr. Bruce Thursday, September Wilkinson 6th, 2012, 6:30pm, at the Visalia Convention Center. We are so excited to have Dr. Wilkinson bring this event to Visalia. It will be radically different from anything weve ever had before ... shared TKRLs Executive Director, April Kesterson Dr. Bruce Wilkinson is known to millions of people throughout the world as a dynamic and inspiring speaker. He has given keynote addresses at major national and international events with stadium audiences of 80,000 or more. Wilkinson is well-known for working to help the worlds destitute and suffering. Wilkinson brings an impressive background to whatever he does. He has written more than 60 books that have been translated into 30 languages, including several books that reached the number one spot on the bestseller lists of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. Wilkinsons breakout book, The Prayer of Jabez, remains the fastest-selling book in history, with worldwide sales exceeding 20 million. It was also the first book to win the Christian Book of the Year award two years in a row. In addition to being in demand as a speaker and writer, Wilkinson is a gifted, visionary leader. He built the largest religious seminar organization in the world, Walk Thru the Bible, and has launched and led international and global initiatives such as WorldTeach, Beat the Drum, CoMission, and Heart for Africa. He has also led major tribal and racial and religious reconciliation conferences in Uganda, Namibia, and South Africa. In recent years, Wilkinson has turned his efforts to help those who toil to save unborn babies and assist their parents. The heart of that effort is The Great Turnaround Event, with a goal to raise $1,000,000 to save 100,000 babies. The event has been wildly successful where it has been held. Bruce Wilkinson says of these events, Its time for The Great Turnaround! Come join us. And lets turn it around ... together. Sponsorships for a Table of 8 are $495; individual tickets may be purchased for $65 each. For more information or to reserve your table, please call 732-5000 or visit www.tkrl.org. [ Residents of Tulare have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in a historic study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations. Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are needed to participate in the American Cancer Societys Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). CPS-3 will enroll a diverse population of up to half a million people across the United States and Puerto Rico. The opportunity for local residents to enroll in CPS-3 will take place at the Tulare Relay for Life at Bob Mathias Stadium on October 13, 2012 between the hours of 10:30AM-2:30PM. These volunteers will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. CPS-3 gives people in our community the opportunity to be a part of making history in fighting Cancer. The outcomes of this study effect our children, grandchildren, and every generation to come. Tulare Relay For Life is extremely honored that the American Cancer Society chose our Relay to be a part of this study, said Darcy Phillips, Tulare Relay For Life Event Chair. To enroll in the study, individuals complete two steps, one in person and one at home. As part of the in-person enrollment, individuals complete a brief written survey, have their waist measured, sign an informed consent, and give a small blood sample. The enrollment process is complete when individuals complete the more comprehensive baseline survey. Over the course of the study which is anticipated to last 20

Control District (District) has partnered with Valley CAN to continue the Tune In & Tune Up Program as part of the Districts Polluting Automobile Scrap and Salvage (PASS) Programs Repair Component. Current San Joaquin Valley residents who have owned their vehicle for more than six (6) months can receive a FREE car emissions test* and diagnostic inspection at Tune In & Tune Up events held on weekends throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Eligible vehicles will receive a $500.00 voucher to take to a scheduled appointment at a contracted Gold Shield Program repair station for further diagnosis and repairs. The first event will be Saturday, July 14, 2012 in Kern County. Please visit the Districts website to view the tentative schedule of dates and locations: www.valleyair.org/pass.htm. For more information please contact Valley CAN staff at (800) 806-2004 or District PASS staff at (559) 230-5800 or by email at weberip@valleyair.org.

Disclaimer: *The free car emissions test offered at Tune In & Tune Up events is not a Smog Check Inspection and cannot be used for DMV or vehicle registration purposes. [ Have you noticed that your tile in the bathroom doesnt have that same sparkle? Or the grout in your kitchen is discolored no matter how much you scrub? Maybe its time for professional tile and grout cleaning from ServiceMaster by Benevento! With our six-step system, we can clean and seal your tile and grout. Whether its porcelain or ceramic, kitchen or bath or anything in between! Theres no job too big or too small for us to handle. And, our proprietary cleaning product will leave your home beautiful while remaining odorless and having a minimal environmental impact. Give us a call today (559-686-4164) for a free estimate and see how a ServiceMaster Clean can improve the look and feel of your home or business! [ United Way of Tulare County is pleased to announce that the Stuff the Bus campaign will be COUNTY WIDE this year! On August 3rd, United Way of Tulare County has teamed up with Visalia Unified, Dinuba Unified, and Porterville Unified School Districts for a county wide stuff the bus event. Kicking off at different locations through-out these communities at 9am and running until 2 pm .Big Yellow School buses will be located at high traffic areas in each community, such as Wal-Mart , Target Stores and other regional shopping centers. Please take this opportunity to assist us in providing children of all ages with the basic needs for school. We will be accepting back packs, lunch boxes, paper, pencils, and any other school supplies. Your donation makes possible what each of us cannot do alone. And each donation stays right here in Tulare County. Darlene Mayfield, Director of Resource and Development 559-685-1766 office. [ The Toastmasters Speech Conductors group which meets at the Edison facility, 2425 S. Blackstone in Tulare has decided to move their meetings from Friday to Thursday, same time of 12 noon for one hour. [ The Tulare Elks Lodge presents its 2nd annual Hot August Night of Beer, Brts and Bites. Sampling of premium beers, a variety of delicious brts, an array of delightful food. All provided by our local breweries, restaurants, merchants and our Elk members. Plus a bonus of door prizes, silent auction, raffles items and the live musical talents of B.D.C.. Mark your calender for August 11th, from 5pm to 9pm, for this outstanding event. Tickets are on sale now, $25 per person for an evening of food, fun and entertainment. Advanced ticket purchase is advised. The Tulare Elks Lodge is located at 1535 E. Bardsley. For more information please call 686-3431 or 308-2033 or at www.elks.org keyword search 1424.

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page 4 August 2012

July 28, 2012

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
The Chamber is always pleased to help our members celebrate new beginnings with ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremonies.

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

August Calendar
Tuesday, August 7th
6-8PM Streetlamp Junkies plays at Taste and Tunes

May Mixer

Saturday, August 11th

5-9PM Elks Lodge Beer, Brats and Bites more info on page 3

Tuesday, August 14th

Ambassador Meeting (time of day pending, contact Andi Cabrera for more information) New Teachers Reception at Cool Hand Lukes 4-6PM

Salles Caf Mixer

We were delighted that Salles Caf hosted our May Mixer. Salles, typically open for breakfast and dinner, opened its doors to Chamber Members for a business after hours event. The group was treated to Portuguese ribs, sandwiches, cake and more cake! Owner Michael Wasnick welcomed the guests and spoke about the buildings history and restorations over time. Salles Caf features many Portuguese dishes, everything in fabulous portions at a great price. There are side rooms available for meetings and the business can do cater outs, as well!

Thursday, August 16th Thursday, August 23rd

Leadership Reception in the Chamber Trade Room 5:307:30PM Summer Sally at Zumwalt Park
July 17th just a couple weeks after they opened their third location we joined Chinas Alley, pronounced Chee-nuh, Mexican Restaurant for a Ribbon Cutting. The Family owned restaurant started in the 1940s when the grandmother of the family served lunches to field workers from her home. Her physician later funded a building which she named Chinas Alley as China was her nickname. The family opened a second location in 2000 and now their third in Tulare. Make sure and stop by for lunch or breakfast for some reasonably priced and delicious food! Located at 212 South K St.

Saturday, August 25th

Please send your event dates to lhowarth@tularechamber.org.

June Mixer

Bella Notte Mixer

The Tulare Keller Williams branch celebrated a Ribbon Cutting in July after a little over a year of some great success at their 1967 Hillman location. Attendees nibbled KW custom made cookies while CEO Brian Icenhower, thanked the crowd and spoke to the success of the Tulare location. The office sits nestled in the newer buildings on Hillman. There for a show of support, Mayor Wayne Ross said a few kind words and the group gathered for the Ribbon Cutting. Be sure to visit their office where any of the more than 20 local agents can help you with a smile.
The fun and the food were in no shortage at our June mixer hosted by Bella Notte Italian Restaurant. Chef Larry VanNess took great care of the Chamber Members who attended, the group was treated to beautiful and delicious pizza, bruschetta, and mushrooms. The group met in the lounge of the restaurant which had ample seating and was separate from the restaurant but not secluded from it. Many of the attendees stayed to enjoy dinner in the main dining area. Bella Notte is located in downtown Tulare at 210 E Tulare Ave. Dont forget to stop by on Friday for a Fri-tini shake off the work week with a signature drink from Bella Notte.

Volunteers are the Rock of our Chamber

Life from the seat of a tractor. An old Farmers Words of Wisdom we could all live by. ...... The last quote fits everyone...

Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bullstrong. Keep skunks and bankers at a distance. Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor. Words that soak into your ears are whispered....not yelled. Meanness dont just happen overnight. Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads. Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you. It dont take a very big person to carry a grudge. You cannot unsay a cruel word. Every path has a few puddles. When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty. The best sermons are lived, not preached. Most of the stuff people worry about, aint never gonna happen anyway. Dont judge folks by their relatives. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Live a good and honorable life, then when you get older and think back, youll enjoy it a second time. Dont interfere with somethin that aint bothering you none. Timin has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance. If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin. Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got. The biggest troublemaker youll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin. Always drink upstream from the herd. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment. Lettin the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin it back in. If you get to thinkin youre a person of some influence, try orderin somebody elses dog around. Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God. Dont pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, hell just Kill you.

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