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Volume 12, Issue 4 Published by the Martinez Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau Winter 2014
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
--Support Our Local Businesses--
The holidays are here and no doubt many have yet to finish
shopping and many may not have started their holiday
shopping. This is the biggest season for our retail
businesses and we encourage you to shop local.
Please go the Martinez Chamber of Commerce web site
and look for Chamber members before you shop this
season.
http://www.martinezchamber.com/html/members.html
Fabulous Christmas Festivities!
Saturday, December 13 Saturday Shopping
Martinez City Hall Leisure Services will be at Nancy Boyd Park 9:00am–3:00pm providing Christmas crafts and activities, playground supervision and so much more. Drop off your children, ages 4 – 11 to enjoy the festivities while you do some shopping or just enjoy some quiet time! $20 per child and you must pre-register either on-line at www.cityofmartinez.org or call (925) 372-3510.
Saturday, December 13 Santa Crawl (MUST BE 21)
Main Street Martinez, Creek Monkey Tap House and the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival present the downtown Santa Crawl from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sample hand crafted beers from the Bay Area. For further information, contact: h t t p : / / w w w . s a n t a b e e r c r a w l . c o m /santacrawldetails.html
Sunday, December 14 Breakfast with Santa(8:00am – 11:00 am)
Join Santa for pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee at the Martinez Senior Community Center at 818 Green Street. Adults $3.50, Children under 10 $2.00
Page 2 Martinez Living Winter 2014
Martinez Chamber of Commerce
2014 Board of Directors & Officers
Adam Hoffert Chairman of the Board
AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah
Dwayne Glemser Past Chairperson
Les Schwab Tire Center
Janet Kennedy Chairperson Elect
Government Affairs Chair JHK Consulting
Will Frisbie Treasurer & Finance Chair
Lemonade Accounting
Paula Kinder Secretary
Kinder’s Meats & Deli
Richard Munoz Vice President
Connolly & Taylor
Laura Philpot Economic Development Chair
Heald College
Suzanne Looker Education Chair
Pacific Union International
Marie Knutson Liaison-Martinez Chamber Community
Development Corp. The UPS Store/Republic Services
Board Members
Erin Hallissy Shell Oil Products US Martinez Refinery
Darrel M. Hodge Solvay
Tuong Truong Boys & Girls Club of Diablo Valley
Rami Muth Martinez Unified School District
Gary Hernandez Martinez Auto Body
Greg Pope Behind the Plate Clubhouse Grill
Mayor Rob Schroder ExOfficio
Martinez City Council
Martinez Area Chamber of Commerce
603 Marina Vista, Martinez, CA 94553
925-228-2345 Fax 925-228-2356
John Stevens, CEO Rachel Unpingco, Sales & Marketing Manager Joyce Deaver, Administrative Assistant
CHAMBER EVENTS 2015
The Chamber of Commerce hosts several events each
year including State of the City, Citizen of the Year,
King of the County BBQ, Martinis on the Plaza and
more. We are well into the planning phase for an
additional event this year, “Studios on the Streets”.
“Studios on the Streets” came about as a result of the
Martinez Arts Association (MAA) approaching the Chamber about doing
an event that is focused on the arts. Several events in our city, including
the King of the County, encompass the arts. However, the MAA
expressed the need for creating a stronger arts culture in Martinez, and
we agree.
The event is planned for May 9th. Additional details will be announced
soon.
Among our traditional events we also have the following dates planned:
• State of the City Breakfast -- February 17, 8:00 am
• Citizen of the Year -- TBA
• King of the County BBQ – Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21
• Martinis on the Plaza Gala – Saturday, September 26
Please put these on your schedule and plan to attend.
CEO’s Message
John Stevens, CEO - Martinez Chamber of Commerce
Page 3 Volume 12, Issue 4
Every two years our community endures a period some of us like to call the “silly season” otherwise known as election season. The craziness starts around early August but does not get into full swing until after Labor Day.
Campaign signs litter the roadways and front yards are dotted with expressions of the residents chosen candidates. Social media starts heating up and after a while it seems that the entire community is commenting in on every single step and misstep, that candidates make. Our mailboxes are stuffed with glossy four color brochures with photos of candidate’s families, pets, and supporters.
But as the days and weeks drag on into November, Election Day finally arrives and a peace seems to settle over the city. The people have spoken and now it is time to drop the rhetoric and get back to work. The new City Council will be choosing two of the most important positions in city government, a new permanent City Manager and Chief of Police.
With the economy continuing to improve we will be working very hard on economic development to retain and attract businesses to Martinez. It is important that we diversify the business tax base of Martinez to secure the funding that provides for police, parks, open space, recreation, roads, and a healthy reserve for emergencies and tough economic times in the future.
It is exciting to see new entrepreneurs coming to town and opening new businesses. The Martinez Chamber of Commerce is an important partner with the city in providing a healthy climate for businesses to establish and thrive.
A Word from the Mayor by Mayor Rob Schroder
Pakmail Center of Martinez
Bright Now Dental – Martinez
H & R Block – Alhambra Ave.
Light Speed Systems
Crystal Willett
Coppertan
Big Dave’s Bikes
Good Stuff Guitar Shop
Emerald City Gardens
SP Automotive Supply
Rumain’s Jewelers
Fresh Start Café
Denise’s Family Law & Divorce Document Assistance
Pacifica Pizza
Subtronic Corporation
Marina Market & Deli
All-Flow Muffler & Auto Repair
Hein Lighting & Electric
Stepping Stones Learning Center
Rodan & Fields
IBEW Local Union 302
The Quarthouse
W & S Tires
Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa
Diablo V-Twin
Chateau Pleasant Hill I, II, III
Hotsy Totsy Tanning Salon
EcoMulch
Antiques & Things
State Farm Agent – Sam Limones
Renaissance Club Sport
Idax Data Solutions
Solar City
In a Pikle
LC Galleries/Lipary Collectibles
McGuire Harley-Davidson
Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County
Estates Liquidators
Wendy’s – Alhambra Avenue
Smooth Season
Buchanan Fields Golf Course
Mobile Living Truck Tops & Accessories
Northern California Family Center
Walnut Creek Heating & Air
Alta Vista Cremation & Funeral Services
Elite Limo, Inc.
Guy’s Smog, Inc.
Good Times Then & Now
Nu-Rays Lounge
Excel Roofing Service
Valley Ridge Apartments
KinderCare – Morello Avenue
Avitus, Inc.
Barrelista Coffee House
California Fitness 24/7
Beaver Creek Smokehouse
Alhambra MAIN
Regency Plaza Apartments
Big Dog Computing, Inc.
For Main Street
Martinez Events,
please visit
http://mainstreetmartinez.org/events
Page 4 Martinez Living Winter 2014
Viano Vineyards a.k.a.
Conrad Viano Winery 150 Morello Ave. | Martinez, CA | 94553
925.228.6465
www.vianovineyards.com
Our century-old vineyard is nestled on hillsides surrounding a fertile little valley where cooling breezes from the Carquinez Straits provide the necessary balance of heat and coolness. Here in our valley, we have a proven combination of ideal soil and climatic conditions favorable for growing premium wine grapes. Included are Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, French Columbard, Muscat Canelli, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese and Zinfandel.
This Family Estate, now with its 3rd and 4th generations, was founded by the Viano family in 1920. They purchased the already planted vineyard which was established in 1888. It reminded them of their vineyards in Piedmont, Italy. This area, once so rich in grapes, was named Vine Hill and home to more than 15 wineries.
Some of the original vines still remain while the balance of the vineyard has been expanded and replanted to keep up with new world tastes and desires. Using the most natural, cultural practices possible, combined with traditional wine-making techniques, which includes natural yeast and aging in small oak cooperage, we bring you these fine handcrafted wines.
Viano wines are produced, bottled, and marketed directly. Because of this, Viano wines offer exceptional quality and value. For additional savings on our great wines check our specials section on our price list frequently.
Come Back To The Country
Visit our tasting room and picnic area conveniently located midway between the Livermore Valley and the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
Creekside Church Creekside Church would love to hear from you.
Our office hours are Tuesday-Friday 8:30-5:00.
444 Fig Tree Lane | Martinez, CA | 94553
Phone - 925.228.8156 www.creekside.org
Welcome! Whether you have visited us before, or
are thinking about checking us out for the first time, we’re glad you're here! We want to give you a little
bit of an overview of what a Sunday gathering looks like...
After pulling up on our campus and parking, you will be greeted by friendly faces at our entrance
welcoming you to our open courtyard where dozens
of people will be milling around; drinking coffee, eating food and chatting about life in general. As you
walk around you will also notice a station with computers. This is where you can register your
children (Newborn - 5th grade) for our Creekside KidZ program that occurs during both our main
services.
As you make your way through our main doors you
will be greeted again by some Creeksiders joyfully
handing you one of our programs. These programs are filled with information about upcoming Creekside
events as well as well as updates.
January Chamber Mixer
The Chamber’s first Mixer of the new year will be at Newell
Auto Group located at 3925 Alhambra Avenue. The Kinders’
store in Martinez will provide food for the event.
Thank You Suzanne Looker
Our warm thanks to Suzanne Looker as she
departs the Chamber Board after nine years of
service. Suzanne was a great leader and was
one of the founders of what we now know as
the King of the County BBQ that is held each
year on Father’s Day Weekend.
Volume 12, Issue 4 Page 5
New Chamber Members
Avitus, Inc.
Barrelista Coffee House
California Fitness 24/7
Beaver Creek Smokehouse
Alhambra MAIN
Regency Plaza Apartments
Big Dog Computing, Inc.
Renewal Memberships Ashby Lumber
Western Federal Credit Union
Cole Real Estate
OneStage Theatre Receives Gift
from Martinez Chamber
The City of Martinez
became the owners of
costumes and other items
when the Campbell Theater
was vacated. They allowed
the Martinez Chamber to
look through the clothing to
see if anything could be
used for their annual
Martinis on the Plaza event
that has a 1940’s-50’s style.
Board Advisor, Marie
Knutson, who is a vintage
clothing fan, was asked if she wanted to take on the task.
“It was a huge room full of clothing, and a bit hot and dusty,
but I considered it an adventure and a labor of love,” she
said.
Some interesting clothing, hats, purses, and mink stoles
were rescued. Knutson cleaned and repaired the pieces,
added period-appropriate flowers and netting to the hats,
and featured them available for donation at the pre-Martini
Gala event at ArtU4iA and the photo booth at the gala.
Four hundred dollars was raised and the Chamber was
proud to donate the funds to OneStage Theatre during the
November mixer. OneStage currently schedules productions
and is the “anchor” at the Campbell Theater. Mark Hinds,
who runs the production company, and Helen Means,
artistic director, were there to receive the check.
“Every bit helps…We love being a part of the Martinez
community and hope people will shop and dine here before
the show. If they buy a ticket they are sure to be
entertained,” said Hinds.
“The Chamber supports the arts in Martinez and we were
happy to provide the donation,” said John Stevens, CEO.
For more information visit: www.facebook.com/ONSTAGETHEATRE or to get information on events, email: live@campbelltheater.com .
What if...
What if there were no trash services?
What if your only option was to landfill
your trash in your own back yard?
Recently the United Nations expert panel on climate science
finished a report on global warming that offered conclusive
evidence that humans are altering the Earth’s climate system.
Some impacts may be irreversible, meaning we all must make
drastic changes to stop the advance of global warming.
-Bay Area News Group 11/2/14
We can reduce greenhouse gases and eliminate a large
portion of our personal waste by thinking differently. If there
were no trash services, only recycling, would you use single-
use plastic shopping bags or reusable ones? Would you
look at a product’s packaging differently if the Styrofoam
stayed in your yard? Would you spend more to buy products
that lasted longer or do your best to repair items rather than
buy low cost ones only to bury them in your landfill sooner?
Would you compost your food scraps? Would you buy a
single-cup coffee machine or products that require
batteries? Do you really need that item at all?
We are grateful for modern technologies for trash
disposal that are environmentally conscious and keep our
city clean and safe, but next week before you roll that cart
out to the curb, look at it again and consider how you could
have produced less trash...especially if you had to keep it in
your own yard.
DC Solar
Hermelin Law Firm
Muir Parkway Offices/Cranbrook Group
Chef’s Touch
Engineering Remediation Resources Group
Shell Oil – Martinez
University of San Francisco – San Ramon
Lemonade Accounting
PDQ Printing
R.E. Serrano, Inc.
Togo’s Eatery – Arnold Drive
Servpro of Benicia/Martinez/SE Vallejo
Diablo Trophy
Martinez Masonic Lodge
Martinez Animal Hospital
Paddock Bowl, Inc.
In Motion Dance Center
Round Up Saloon
Best Western Heritage Inn
Village Oaks Shopping Center
M Service, Inc.
Best Western John Muir Inn
Kaiser Permanente
Lippow Development Co.
Bray & Bray – Attorneys at Law
Saint Catherine of Siena School
Shred Defense
Page 6 Martinez Living Winter 2014
Don’t Forget Your Reusable Bag! The Plastic Bag Ban Begins January 1, 2015
In June of 2014, the Martinez City Council adopted an ordinance to prohibit the distribution of single-use plastic carryout bags.
As a result, these bags will no longer be provided at checkout starting January 1st. This includes all retail and eating
establishments. Dry cleaning bags and individual produce bags are allowed. Retailers are able to charge ten cents at the
register to provide a paper bag.
About 1 million plastic bags are used every minute. Plastic bags are the second-most common type of ocean refuse, after
cigarette butts (2008) and remain toxic even after they break down. A single plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to
degrade. – www.reusit.com
The City of Martinez also adopted a ban on polystyrene CFC-processed take-out food packaging (Styrofoam) in 1995. The
City has revisited this ordinance and expects full compliance by January as well.
For more information, visit www.cityofmartinez.org .
Hispanic Chamber and Martinez Chamber
Well Mixed
Martinez Chamber members were guests of the Hispanic Chamber’s November mixer held at The UPS Store on Arnold Drive.
Republic Services co-sponsored the event that was catered by Englund’s Café and Catering and desserts by Saucie’s Bakery.
The event was well attended. One highlight of the evening was when the entire group formed a circle and had 30 seconds
each to promote their business.
“We always enjoy hosting the November mixer for the Hispanic Chamber. It has become somewhat of a tradition. It was a
great opportunity to learn about the attendee’s businesses and for them to learn about ours. Some didn’t know about all the
printing capabilities we have.” said Jerry Knutson.
The event was also a zero waste event. Marie Knutson, Recycling Coordinator for Republic Services and co-owner of The
UPS Store used real dishes and utensils from Chairs for Affairs, chose a menu with no waste and requested recyclable cups
for drinks.
“The Martinez Chamber let me borrow their water carafe so there
were no water bottles. The water cups were not wax coated so
compostable. When I audited the recycling container and sorted
what little bit people thought was trash, I was pleased to find there
really was no trash,” Knutson said.
In 2014, Marie Knutson was the Hispanic Chamber’s Corporate
Business Woman of the Year, and in 2013, Jerry was Member of
the Year. The UPS Store was also Small Business of the Year in
2010. The store has been Business of the Month multiple times with
the Martinez Chamber, including June 2013.
“We are happy to be members of both Chambers,” Marie added.
“Each one has unique benefits. It was great to bring the two
chambers together.”
Above, left to right, are Jerry Knutson, Martinez Chamber
CEO, John Stevens, Hispanic Chamber President, Johnny
Huang and Marie Knutson from Republic Services.
Page 7 Volume 12, Issue 4
...CHAMBER HAPPENINGS...
At left John Viano of Conrad Viano Winery is presented the November Business of the Month award by
Chamber Ambassador Barb Lofton and Chamber CEO John Stevens.
Below are Good Times Now and Then owners Roy and Phil at the Chamber
Business Mixer they hosted.
Below left and right. The Martinez
Chamber of Commerce hosted a
candidates forum for Martinez city council
and mayoral candidates.
The forum was moderated by the
League of Women Voters.
Martinez Chamber of Commerce
603 Marina Vista
Martinez, CA 94553
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
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CONCORD CA
94520
Permit 346
Martinez Refinery
Season’s Greetings
from the
Martinez
Chamber
of
Commerce