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It’s super easy to do and only takes about 5 minutes!
You can improve Broadband coverage in the Mother Lode.
This form will help to correct the inaccurate information being used by decision makers in Sacramento and Washington D.C. We need to get accurate information into the hands of those who fund the projects that can increase our broadband service. To do that, we need to know about the Internet service you receive at your home and busi-ness addresses.
Follow the simple directions then hit the "Submit" button so your data comes directly to us! We will collect the infor-mation and forward it to the California Public Utilities Commission, so they can correct the errors that cur-
rently exist on the "official map" for the Mother Lode region.
To learn more, please read THE FACTS about why every citizen in our region should do this on Page 7.
If you have questions regarding this project, please call or text Darrell Slocum at
209-770-5777. A Project of Central Sierra Connect, a program of the
Amador-Tuolumne County Action Agency.
What are you waiting for? Just go to this link to access the Internet
Service Reporting Form:http://bit.ly/
cscmapping.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to Railtown 1897 State
Historic Park! The popular train ride, based on the book and movie – The Polar
Express – has made its way to Tuolumne County. Now children of all ages will
be able to relive the magical journey of THE POLAR EXPRESS on an hour-long
train ride to the North Pole. Guests enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as they ride
along with some of the story’s characters such as the Conductor and Hobo. Upon
arriving at the “North Pole,” the jolly old elf, Santa himself, will come on board
to give each passenger a silver sleigh bell, the “first gift of Christmas”.
Continued on Page 11
MISSION - To provide leadership for a healthy and vibrant business environment and encourage responsible
economic growth that respects Tuolumne County’s quality of life.
IN THIS ISSUE
Chamber Dates & Notices Page 3
Spotlights & Business Briefs Page 4
More Jobs Without Prop 30 Page 5
Wildfire Threat Preparation Page 6
Olsen—Strong Leadership is Key Page 8
Mixer Photos Page 9
Secrets of Growing Your Business Page 10
Website Security Page 11
Chamber News Newsletter August 2014
Grassroots action by affected individuals
making their views known to members of
the Legislature and other policymakers is
extremely effective. We encourage letters,
emails, personal calls and visits to your
legislators. Influencing legislation may also
require influencing respected associates
or other constitutional officers.
Contact from a constituent heightens
interest in a bill like no other
communication. Your letters do make a
difference on proposed laws.
Look for the CalChamber logo on the bottom left
corner of the Chamber Website’s Homepage.
California's Bipartisan
Business Voice
LARGEST BUSINESS ORGANIZATION IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY
Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce OFFICERS
Wendy Gast---------------------------------------------------President of the Board
Amelia Harrison-------------------------------------------------------President Elect
Jeff Redoutey------------------------------------------------------------Vice President
Jim Costello-----------------------------------------------------------------GAC Chair
Margaret Davis------------------------------------------------Past Chair/Treasurer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dana Mayo (JS West Propane)----------------------------------------Rep. Sonora
Mark Truppner (KVML Radio)---------------------------------------Rep. Sonora
Peggy Mosley (Groveland Hotel)----------------------------------Rep. Groveland
Justin Myers (Caldwell Insurance)-----------------------------Rep. East Sonora
Dayna Davis (Sierra Pacific Industries)------------------------Rep. Soulsbyville
Jamie Lloyd (Chicken Ranch Casino)---------------------------Rep. Jamestown
Sherri Langley (Black Oak Casino)-------------------------Rep. Tuolumne City
Jeff Redoutey (Blue Mountain Minerals)-------------------------Rep. Columbia
Amelia Harrison (Umpqua Bank)-----------------------------------Rep. At Large
Margaret Davis (Junction Shopping Center)-------------------- Rep. At Large
Wendy Gast (Union Democrat)--------------------------------------Rep. At Large
Jim Costello (Mt. Brow Winery)------------------------------------Rep. At Large
Vacant-------------------------------------------------------------------Rep. E. Sonora
Brad Menary (Business First)---------------------------------- Rep. Twain Harte
Teri Brockmire (Basket Diva)------------------------------- Chair, Ambassadors
Nanci Sikes (Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau)--------Ex-Officio & TCVB
Ron Kopf (Tuolumne County Business Council)---------------------Ex-Officio
Shirley Sarno (Sonora Chamber of Commerce)----------------------Ex-Officio
Steffanie Reed (Twain Harte Chamber of Commerce)--------------Ex-Officio
James Nagle (Yosemite Chamber of Commerce)---------------------Ex-Officio
Gary Neubert (Columbia Chamber of Commerce)------------------ Ex-Officio
Constance O’Connor (Central Sierra Arts Council)---------------- Ex-Officio
Joe Silva (Superintendent of County Schools)-------------------------Ex-Officio
Steve Farrell (SCORE)-----------------------------------------------------Ex-Officio
Thyra Lawrence (Leadership Tuolumne County)--------------------Ex-Officio
Larry Cope (Economic Development Authority)---------------------Ex-Officio
CHAMBER STAFF
Michael Ayala----------------------------------------------CEO/Executive Director
Monique Robertson-----------------Office Manager/Administrative Assistant
Candice Kendall----------------Administrative Assistant & LTC Coordinator
CHAMBER AFFILIATE
SCORE----------------------------------------Service Corps of Retired Executives
LEADERSHIP TUOLUMNE COUNTY
Thyra Lawrence-------------------------------------------------------------------Chair
YOUTH LEADERSHIP TUOLUMNE COUNTY
Vix DeMattei-----------------------------------------------------------------------Chair
Chamber News is published monthly by
Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce
222 South Shepherd Street • Sonora, California 95370
(209) 532-4212 • Fax: (209) 532-8068
Email: [email protected] • Web: http://www.tcchamber.com
Publisher & Editor-----------------------------------------------------Michael Ayala
Design & Layout Editor--------------------------------------------Candice Kendall
Newsletter Printing------------------------------------------------Sonora Press Inc.
Editorial copy and advertising deadline is 25th of month for following month.
Please note: Editorial opinions are not necessarily those of the Board of Directors or
members of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce.
Visit the Chamber Website
August 2014 2
SEPTEMBER 2014
3 Executive Board of Directors: Noon – Chamber
4 Ambassadors Committee: Noon – Chamber
8 SCORE: 9 a.m. – Chamber
9 Twain Harte Chamber Mixer: 5:30-7 p.m.
10 Transportation Committee: 9:30 a.m. – Chamber
10 Board of Directors: 11 a.m. – Chamber
15 Governmental Affairs Council: 11 a.m. – Chamber
16 Sonora Chamber Mixer: 5:30-7 p.m.
18 Marketing/Website Committee: Noon – Chamber
18 T. C. Chamber Mixer! 5-7 p.m.
Mother Lode Internet
23 A Taste of Food, A Sip of Wine:
Seven Sisters 6 – 8pm
25 LTC: Noon – Chamber
25 Yosemite Highway 120 Chamber
Network Night: 5:30-7 p.m.
AUGUST 2014
4 Governmental Affairs Council: 11 a.m. – Chamber
6 Executive Board of Directors: Noon – Chamber
7 Ambassadors Committee: Noon – Chamber
12 Twain Harte Chamber Mixer: 5:30-7 p.m.
13 Transportation Committee: 9:30 a.m. – Chamber
13 Board of Directors: 11 a.m. – Chamber
18 Governmental Affairs Council: 11 a.m. – Chamber
19 Sonora Chamber Mixer: 5:30-7 p.m.
21 Marketing/Website Committee: Noon – Chamber
21 T. C. Chamber Mixer! 5-7 p.m.
Resolutions Skin Care & Laser Spa
28 LTC/YLTC: Noon – Chamber
28 Yosemite Highway 120 Chamber
Network Night: 5:30-7 p.m.
Notices
Download the
App Today!
August 2014 3
A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit
Habitat for Humanity Tuolumne County
September 23, 2014
6pm-8pm
Seven Sisters
Black Oak Casino Resort
A Taste of Food, A Sip of Wine
& A Touch of Business
For more information on any of the above notices, please contact us
Phone: 209-532-4212 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tcchamber.com
Tickets Only $30
My name is Donna Ledwick. I am a Life & Health Insurance Agent at Sonora
Insurance Agency. I started in this field in 1995 and have been with Sonora Insurance
Agency since 2001. I have been an Ambassador with the Tuolumne County Chamber of
Commerce since approximately 1995. I have enjoyed being in this industry. I get to help a lot of
people make a very tough decision and help seniors with very confusing information.
I have been married to Kevin Ledwick for 17 years. We have a 3 year old son, Carson.
I love being in Tuolumne County and am happy to raise my son here.
Being an Ambassador to the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce has been a great experience. I
have met many great people and have learned many things from the luncheons and classes. I have had
to step back for the last couple of years but I am looking forward to getting more involved once again
It’s an opportunity to expand your business and your contacts by networking with other business owners and representatives
at our monthly Chamber Mixers and other functions.
The Chamber receives numerous inquiries monthly, asking about business and community information. When you are a
member, we put your business name out there when responding to these inquiries.
We are a strong voice in local, state, and national affairs focusing on business and jobs through the efforts of our Govern-
mental Affairs Council (GAC). The GAC is your advocate with the strength and influence of over 300 Chamber Business
Members and through our association with the California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber).
Your business gets a free listing on the Chamber website, with your link directing customers to your website.
You will receive news and information helpful to your business through the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, because we want
to help you succeed.
We are partners with the Economic Development Authority, Alliance Small Business Development Center, and SCORE that
forms an effective and active pro-business information and training co-op.
Chamber membership is members helping members, supporting a productive and continuously growing business community.
Why Become a Chamber Member?
August 2014 4
Ambassador Spotlight DONNA LEDWICK
Sonora Insurance Agency Inc.
Business Briefs We’ve Moved!
Mother Lode Internet
LLC has moved to
197A Mono Way, So-
nora. It’s the old brick
building perched on
the hill just above
Grocery Outlet. It has
more parking, more
space, and is more
energy efficient and
easy to find. We look forward to serving you from
the NEW Mother Lode Internet. Now celebrating 20 years,
we are grateful and we’re growing, thanks to you, our loyal
customers!
197A Mono Way, Sonora, CA 95370
www.motherlodeinternet.com
209-536-5800
InnovationLab
Opening in
Tuolumne County
A place where people with common interests in science, tech-
nology, digital or electronic skills can meet, socialize and col-
laborate. Such innovation and maker spaces, part of the DIY
or "maker" culture, are community-operated physical places,
where people can meet and work on their projects.
Located at 101 Hospital Road in Sonora, on the 3rd floor of the
former Tuolumne General Hospital. It will be open seven days
a week and twenty four hours a day.
Membership to the InnovationLab typically costs between $59
to $99 per month depending on membership level, but from
the grand opening on August 5, 2014 until November 5, 2014
the InnovationLab is offering six months free with a one year
membership. Read more here
August 2014 5
In his recent piece for The Sacramento Bee, "State's job
growth defies predictions after tax increases," David Cay
Johnston argues that California's recent job creation numbers
prove recent tax increases embodied in Proposition 30 aren't
killing jobs or slowing economic growth.
Yet the evidence Johnston presents is less than convincing-
surprising for an academic and former investigative journalist.
He points to recent positive job growth numbers but neglects
to mention that California's "unemployment rate" remains tied
for fifth worst in the nation.
Thirteen counties in California still have double-digit unem-
ployment rates, the highest of which is 22%.
Due in part to California’s oppressive tax and regulatory cli-
mate, the recession was markedly worse in our state. As a
consequence, we ended up with a bigger jobs hole, and we
now need more jobs than other states to fill that hole.
Yet in the past year, states with lower unemployment rates
like North Dakota, Utah, Texas, Delaware, Colorado, Florida,
Oregon, Indiana and Washington have all out-performed Cali-
fornia in per capita job creation.
At best, California's job creation record is middle of the road.
Given our climate, natural and human talent, and need for
jobs, we should be leading the nation in employment gains.
Instead we lead in taxes. California has the highest top in-
come tax rate, the highest statewide sales tax rate and the sec-
ond highest gas tax. High taxes and fees, combined with an
oppressive regulatory environment, contribute to the high cost
of living that undermines our state's competitiveness and im-
poverishes many of our citizens.
In his op-ed, Johnston fails to answer, let alone ask, key ques-
tions like: How many more jobs would California have creat-
ed if Proposition 30 hadn't passed? How many job creators
have left our state? Were the high taxes embodied in Proposi-
tion 30 even necessary?
Continued on Page 7
California Would Create More Jobs Without Prop 30
By George Runner Member of the Board of Equalization District 2
Location: Mt. Brow Winery
10850 Mt. Brow Rd., Sonora, CA
Friday Evenings 7:00—9:00 (3rd Friday of each month)
A series of fun (and free) “ladies nights out” to
mingle, share, learn and grow, and sample some great wine!
We all have our own unique strengths and
talents. The purpose of this series is to give you the opportunity to discover something
about yourself and share your unique talents with other women.
August 15th—Saving, Budgeting and Financial Peace of Mind
Does your budget (or lack thereof) control you? Do you know where your
money goes each month? Do you have a financial plan? Do you feel confident about your current plan? Do you find planning for retirement too exhausting and complicated? If you answered yes to any of these statements come and learn some simple, uncomplicated ideas to find
harmony with your money.
September 19th—Personal Strengths & Self Appeal
Susan Bremer O’Neill, Author of “From Sex Appeal to Self Appeal”, will be here to help you coax your inner diva out, so you can love your body and speak your truth to improve relationships. You will also learn how to
uncover your top 5 strengths with the Gallup Strengths Finder.
Hostess: Michelle Dean (209) 743-2223
August 2014 6
Wildfires can strike in any state, particularly during the summer
months. Fires are currently burning in Washington, Oregon, Cali-
fornia and Utah and more states are under high watch for wildfires.
Whether you or a loved one live in a region at risk for wildfires,
simple preparedness steps can help save lives.
You can take the first step toward wildfire preparedness right now
and download the free Red Cross Wildfire App.
The Wildfire App gives you important information in the palm of
your hand:
Preloaded content gives users instant access to information on
what to do before, during and after wildfires – even without
mobile connectivity.
The latest updates from local, state and federal fire agencies in
the “Wildfire News” section.
Red Cross emergency shelter locator for when you need help.
One-touch “I’m Safe” button that instantly posts a message to
your social networks, notifying friends and family that you’re
out of harm’s way, and more.
No smart phone? No problem. You can find helpful wildfire pre-
paredness tips by visiting our website at redcross.org/
prepare. Wildfires often begin unnoticed but can spread quickly,
and every second counts. Keep informed about threats in your
neighborhood and have an evacuation plan in place for you and
your loved ones. By taking a few simple steps today, you can en-
sure you’re prepared for wildfires.
The Red Cross responds to approximately 70,000 disasters in the
United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a sin-
gle family to storms that affect tens of thousands. Please consider
making a donation to Disaster Relief today. Your support will
help people affected by disasters big and small.
When disasters strike, the Red Cross is on the scene to support fam-
ilies and first responders by providing for their immediate needs
such as shelter, food and emotional support.
Thank you for being a part of the American Red Cross. And thank
you for taking our mission to heart – to relieve suffering wherever
and whenever it happens.
Stay safe,
Richard Reed
Senior Vice President
Disaster Cycle Services
American Red Cross
To download the free Red Cross Wildfire App: visit redcross.org/
apps or search ‘Red Cross’ in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
August 2014 7
Prop 30 Continued from Page 5
Proponents of Proposition 30
warned of dire consequences in-
cluding devastating cuts to schools
should the measure fail.
Yet since its passage the state has
received a surge in new revenue
unrelated to Proposition 30-
leading Sacramento Bee columnist
Dan Walters to question whether
Proposition 30 was truly needed.
The Governor and legislators are
using billions in new revenue to
grow government programs. What
if those dollars were instead given
back to taxpayers to invest in their
families and local communities?
Even the Legislature seems to rec-
ognize that California can't com-
pete under its current tax scheme
and has recently voted for a num-
ber of boutique tax incentives to
keep businesses from leaving our
state. How then can anyone argue
that California taxes and regula-
tions aren't driving jobs away?
As California's economy continues
to recover, we should not be satis-
fied with middle-of-the-road job
creation numbers, high taxes and
high poverty rates. We can and
must do better.
For more information, visit
boe.ca.gov/Runner.
The official 2014 California yard Go water-wise because
Last month, I was elected by my peers to serve as the next As-
sembly Republican Leader. I am truly honored by my col-
league’s confidence in my ability to unite our party and help
put California back on the right path – a path that will energize
California and help make our state Golden again.
Despite overall economic recovery, California’s onerous regu-
latory environment is still suffocating small businesses and
families across the state. Businesses continue to flee – taking
good paying jobs with them – because they are at a competi-
tive disadvantage in our state. Meanwhile, the rising cost of
living and job scarcity make it difficult for families to stay
afloat.
There is no doubt that regulations have spun out of control in
California. Vexatious litigation is at an all-time high, as some
laws have simply become tools for organizations to put a stop
to projects that stand in the way of their own personal agendas.
Families in the San Joaquin Valley (and Mother Lode) find
themselves hit the hardest when small businesses are targeted
as prey to the high fines of big government. With unemploy-
ment still in the double digits here, and roughly one in four
people living in poverty, we can’t afford to lose jobs by treat-
ing employers unfairly.
Sacramento has to get serious about making government ac-
countable, transparent, efficient, and business-friendly so that
we can make California worthy of investment once again. We
need leaders who will focus on getting results by building
bridges, setting priorities and getting back to basics. At the
same time, we cannot be effective unless we express a healthy
willingness to work toward negotiated agreement with other
leaders.
I am looking forward to taking on this role as Leader so that I
can unify the Assembly Republican Caucus toward our com-
mon, core principles of low taxes, job growth, educational ex-
cellence and government efficiency. In order for us to be suc-
cessful moving forward, we must refine and articulate our
message in a way that makes all Californians feel valued, em-
powered, and respected. We must show people that we care
about their daily struggles and that we are just like them -
moms, dads, grandparents, workers, small business owners…
who want to be able to prosper in this state.
Pulling the reins on regulation and reducing the tax burden will
help foster a vibrant marketplace and send a message to indus-
try that our state is ready to help them expand and flourish. At
the same time, we must continue to substantively reform our
educational system to better prepare our kids for the jobs of the
future. And as always, we must continue to strive to make
government work for people in an efficient manner.
You can help us accomplish these goals by sharing your stories
of success and struggle. I will use them to continue advocating
for our district from my new statewide platform. As always,
do not hesitate to contact my office at (209) 576-6425, if you
have any questions or concerns.
August 2014 8
Congratulations to all the Raffle prize winners at our July Mixer—
Massage Rehabilitation
Raffle Prize Donated By Winner
HOST-$150 Gift Certificate
$40 Gift Certificate + $25 Slot Play
Giants Ball Cap
Duffle Bag
La Bella Rosa Merlot
Bottle of Zinfandel
Half of Evening’s Raffle Proceeds
Massage Rehabilitation
Black Oak Casino
AAA-NCNU
AAA-NCNU
Paula Cheatham/Glenn S. Caldwell Insurance
Eagle Castle Winery/The Hanvelts
T.C. Chamber and our guests
Dana Mayo
Donna Ledwick
Mike Dambacher
Kim Morgan
Kim Morgan
Dianne Nowack
Ron Patel
Thank You To All Who Attended
Website Member Business Spotlight J.S. West Propane
Strong Leadership is Key to Real Economic Recovery
August 2014 9
Ron Patel & Amelia Harrison
The Chamber’s July Mixer
at Massage Rehabilitation
Dick & Carol Southern
Birthday Lady Paula Cheatham & Kaenan Whitman
Gina Norstrom
Monique Robertson Amelia & Charlie
Mike Dambacher Raffle drawing action & “The Chair”
Laura Lopez gave free massages to Mixer guests, here’s Dana Mayo.
Donna Ledwick hard at work
Donnie Morris working his magic on Teri Brockmire
Introductions
Dianne Nowack
August 2014 10
Ever notice how some small businesses seem to
thrive under just about any economic condi-
tions, while others constantly struggle
and miss opportunities that come
their way? In part, it might
be the type of business,
the location, or finan-
cial backing. But the
most successful business owners display
some clear patterns and habits.
And on the flip side of that, other business
owners make many of the same mistakes
that are often avoidable, especially when it
comes to growing a business. Part of the
problem is short-term thinking – chasing
the latest shiny advertising object that hap-
pens to pass by, for example. Or spending
too much time seeking new customers and
not enough taking care of the ones you
have.
Solid, long-term growth starts with what I
call “inside-out” thinking – doing the
things inside your business that you can
control, and paying less attention to the
outside things you can’t control.
1. Change how you think about growth
Consider growth a constant – not something you switch on or off
depending on conditions. For example, many business owners re-
duce offerings at the first sign of an economic storm, or overspend
when the outlook seems rosy. But a steady-as-she-goes approach
makes for long term success.
2. Check your ego; seek out sound advice
You know your business inside and out, but that doesn’t make you
an expert at running every part of it. Smart business owners know
what they don’t know. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and then
take it.
3. Remember your first fans
Many entrepreneurs seem to forget who helped them get started. If
you have investors, keep them apprised of what’s going on. Good
communication is critical. A good investor group can provide
mentoring and other resources, so keep them involved.
4. Share your knowledge
In today’s social media driven world, success and influence are in
the hands of those who share ideas and information. So when
you’ve found a great tool or solution, or gained insight, tweet it,
blog about it, author an article, post it to Facebook.
5. Hire help to watch your money
Lack of strong accounting and finance
can be the only thing keeping you
from reaching your financial
goals. Find well qualified
people who share your
vision and then step back
and take their advice.
6. Know when to persevere
Stick to your mission. Many would-be suc-
cess stories end prematurely because they
give up when challenges mount. Don’t let
hurdles stop you. Arm yourself with market
knowledge and an expert team and push
through.
7. But recognize when to change direc-
tion
Still, there are times you may need to change
direction or call it day, and having the cour-
age to do so can be liberating. You may end
up with a clearer picture of what will or
won’t work.
8. Keep cash on hand
One of the biggest mistakes growing busi-
nesses make is to run out of cash. While the sun is still shining on
your business or before your financial picture has a chance to turn
sour, meet with lenders and/or landlords proactively to see if there
are opportunities to restructure debt, payment terms, etc. Having
cash on hand is critical for staying afloat and continuing to grow.
9. Get more when you have more
Don’t wait until cash balances get low to secure more funding. The
best time to get more is when you don’t need it. Securing a line of
credit while you still have money in the bank gives you the ability
to negotiate a larger line and better terms. It also gives you the abil-
ity to make payroll during slow times and to have access to cash as
needed. In addition, it gives you an opportunity to develop a busi-
ness relationship with a bank.
10. Sell when you get the chance
Many business owners miss, or worse – pass up – incredible chanc-
es to sell their company because they are not prepared to adequate-
ly evaluate the opportunity. Know where you stand in the market-
place at all times. That includes what your potential is, and what it
will take to reach your potential. That way, when opportunity
knocks, you’ll know what to do.
By Daniel Kehrer, Founder & Managing Director of BizBest Media Corp
Inside-Out Secrets of Growing Your Business
Copyright © 2000-2014 BizBest® Media Corp. All Rights Reserved
August 2014 11
Building Tuolumne County… One Business at a Time
Upcoming Business Training Workshops
Class Date Location Online Security 6-August Sonora Fire Department
5:00pm—7:00pm 201 S Shepherd St, Sonora
SCORE’s Checklist & Planning 7-August Chamber of Commerce
for Going Into Business 9:00am—11:00am 222 S Shepherd St, Sonora
Maximize Profits and 19-August Sonora Fire Department
Minimize Taxes 1:00pm—4:00pm 201 S Shepherd St, Sonora Register Now at
www.allianceSBDC.com/tuolumne-county-trainings or
call 209-567-4910
The Business Alliance of Tuolumne County
THE POLAR EXPRESS™
Continued from front page
Traditionally, tickets for this exciting
family holiday event sell out very
quickly. Members of Railtown 1897
will have the opportunity to purchase
a limited number of tickets in advance
of the general public. There are sev-
eral categories of membership to suit
every household – from $35 -
$250. New members must join by
September 5 to participate, and cur-
rent members must be active through
October 31, 2014 in order to partici-
pate in the Member Advance Ticket
Sales. Trains departing Railtown
1897 are scheduled for 4:00 pm, 6:00
pm and 8:00 pm; Fridays through
Sundays December 5-7; 12-14; 19-21.
Tickets are: Coach - $40/person; First
Class - $55/person. Children under 2
years of age are free and must be seat-
ed on an adult’s lap during the
ride. Tickets will go on sale to the
general public on October 9, 2014 and
will be available for purchase online
only at www.railtown1897.org. Prior
to the general public sales date mem-
bers of Railtown 1897 State Historic
Park will be eligible to participate in Member Advance Ticket Sales. For
more information about tickets or
membership, please visit
www.railtown1897.org.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train
Ride is a fundraiser for the
California State Railroad Museum
Foundation, which supports
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.
Website Security:
PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS
When you go to an ATM machine to withdraw
cash, you need two pieces of information: your
debit card and your PIN. Can you imagine how
at risk you would feel if you didn’t need to enter
your PIN to use your card? Anyone who got ac-
cess to your card would have access to your bank
account.
Why wouldn’t you also want that extra layer of
security for your small business website?
Enter two-factor (aka two-step) authentication —
a security process that can help you protect the
valuable information on your website.
How does two-factor authentication work?
When you have two-factor authentication activat-
ed, you need two pieces of information to get
into your account:
1. Something you know — like a password
2. Something you have — like a smartphone
Why is two-factor so effective?
It’s pretty easy for bad guys to guess weak pass-
words — especially with all the personal infor-
mation available today via social media. But
hackers will have a heck of a time obtaining
that something you have— such as the hardware
or software security token or mobile phone
you’ve authorized for verification texts. You
need to have that mobile phone or token in hand
to get the information you need to access your
account.
Many businesses offer that additional layer of
security for U.S. customers who’ve requested
Two-Step Authentication by texting them a vali-
dation code that they must enter whenever they
log in to their account or make important account
changes.
Check out this awesome guide to enabling two-
factor authentication on 50 top websites, courtesy
of our very own Chris Carfi.
Your customers trust you. They need to know
their personal information — including sensitive
account information — is safe on your website.
And you’ll appreciate the peace of mind that
comes from knowing you’re doing all you can to
protect your site.
Article by Chief Information Security Officer
at GoDaddy, Todd Redfoot
Most passwords are CaSe SensiTiVe, so use that
to your advantage
Don’t use the same password across multiple
platforms
Longer passwords are ALWAYS better
Bring on the $ym?o!s, don’t use a password with
only letters or numbers
Try spelling sdrawkcaB
Change your passwords often
SAFEGUARD your passwords (no post-its on the
monitor!)
Ima
ge co
urtesy n
ativein
telligen
ce.com
California Student Housing
Cave & Mine Adventures/Sierra Nevada Recreation
Cedar Ridge Apple Ranch/Indigeny Reserve*
Coldwell Banker-Mother Lode Real Estate
El Dorado Savings Bank
Frank D. Hodges
Gianelli & Polley, Professional Law Corp.*
Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County*
Leland High Sierra Snow Play*
Mono Village Apartments*
Pinecrest Lake Resort*
Sandvik Thermal Process, Inc.
Scrubs ‘n Such
Sierra Senior Providers/Tuo. Co. Meals on Wheels*
Sonora Ford*
Sonora Insurance Agency, Inc.*
Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home
Tuolumne Utilities District*
Turlock Irrigation District*
Tweedy Tire Service Inc.
Umpqua Bank*
W.H. Breshears, Inc.
Yosemite Title Company*
*Contributor to Chamber programs and activities
Michael D. Scherer, DMD, MS, APC