December 2010 Vol. 46, No. 12 The Brentwood Voice of Business Page 2: Awards Dinner & Board of Directors and Staff Page 3: Chamber Events, Ambassadors & Ambassadors Corner Page 4: Groundbreaking Page 5: Membership Renewals Page 11: New Brentwood City Map Page 12: November Mixer at Shepherd’s Gate Page 13: Holiday Mixer Page 14: New Members Page 15: American Cancer Society- Relay for Life Benefit Concert Page 6: Holiday Parade Page 7: Holiday Parade Page 8: “Six Tips for Rewarding Employees When Cash is Tight” Page 9 Page10: New Brentwood City Map Sign-Up Form Shayn Cuno - 2010 Chamber President As your outgoing Chamber President, I want to extend my sincerest appreciaon to the membership for your support and dedicaon and to all that you give to the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. We have an astonishing membership that is truly concerned with and acvely supports our ever expanding community as well as our community's needs. Brentwood is fortunate to have such a comfortable mix of agriculture, retail business, banking, healthcare, food service, and educaon along with talented entrepreneurial diversity thrown in for good measure – all working together for the benefit of the community. The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce understands that in order to have a strong economic environment, you must have a strong community that supports and encourages growth and innovave thinking. We are truly blessed in Brentwood to have leaders, business owners, educators, and a wealth of private cizens who recognize that we all share in the responsibility of creang economic success and stability as well as a healthy community environment for our children and grandchildren. As a community, we all share the vision. We work, we volunteer, we support and serve as we build on the successes of those who came before us and develop new and innovave strategies that will make Brentwood even beer. I would also like to extend at this me my hearelt thank you to the Chamber staff. In addion I would l like to thank the Chamber Board of Directors. This diverse and unselfish group of individuals represents the best of our community leadership. These caring people volunteer their me and experse to guide the Chamber's efforts to make our community a beer place to live, conduct business, and raise our families. Every New Year brings new challenges but also new opportunies. My hope is that the Brentwood Chamber connues to be a viable resource for members to address their challenges, and take advantage of the numerous opportunies. The Chamber offers a wide array of benefits to its members. These include Email Blasts, Educaonal Opportunies, Business Referral Services, Directory Lisngs and Grand Opening/Ribbon Cungs, among others. I believe the success of the Chamber is best measured by the success of its members. I assure you the Chamber Staff and Board will connue to work diligently so that we may all succeed. I wish you all a safe, happy and prosperous New Year! Respecully, Shayn Cuno
Transcript
December 2010 Vol. 46, No. 12
The Brentwood Voice of Business
Page 2: Awards Dinner & Board of Directors and Staff
Page 11: New Brentwood City Map Page 12: November Mixer at Shepherd’s Gate Page 13: Holiday Mixer Page 14: New Members Page 15: American Cancer Society-Relay for Life Benefit Concert
Page 6: Holiday Parade Page 7: Holiday Parade Page 8: “Six Tips for Rewarding Employees When Cash is Tight” Page 9 Page10: New Brentwood City Map Sign-Up Form
Shayn Cutino - 2010 Chamber President
As your outgoing Chamber President, I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to the membership for your support and dedication and to all that you give to the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. We have an astonishing membership that is truly concerned with and actively supports our ever expanding community as well as our community's needs. Brentwood is fortunate to have such a comfortable mix of agriculture, retail business, banking, healthcare, food service, and education along with talented entrepreneurial diversity thrown in for good measure – all working together for the benefit of the community. The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce understands that in order to have a strong economic
environment, you must have a strong community that supports and encourages growth and innovative thinking. We are truly blessed in Brentwood to have leaders, business owners, educators, and a wealth of private citizens who recognize that we all share in the responsibility of creating economic success and stability as well as a healthy community environment for our children and grandchildren. As a community, we all share the vision. We work, we volunteer, we support and serve as we build on the successes of those who came before us and develop new and innovative strategies that will make Brentwood even better. I would also like to extend at this time my heartfelt thank you to the Chamber staff. In addition I would l like to thank the Chamber Board of Directors. This diverse and unselfish group of individuals represents the best of our community leadership. These caring people volunteer their time and expertise to guide the Chamber's efforts to make our community a better place to live, conduct business, and raise our families. Every New Year brings new challenges but also new opportunities. My hope is that the Brentwood Chamber continues to be a viable resource for members to address their challenges, and take advantage of the numerous opportunities. The Chamber offers a wide array of benefits to its members. These include Email Blasts, Educational Opportunities, Business Referral Services, Directory Listings and Grand Opening/Ribbon Cuttings, among others. I believe the success of the Chamber is best measured by the success of its members. I assure you the Chamber Staff and Board will continue to work diligently so that we may all succeed. I wish you all a safe, happy and prosperous New Year! Respectfully, Shayn Cutino
The Brentwood Clarion Page 2
BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shayn Cutino, President Anja Wellness
Karen Spann, Past President The Monthly Grapevine
Joe Trebino, President-Elect Delta Pure Water, Etc.
Ken Seamann, Chief Financial Officer Discovery Professional Services
Olga Vidriales, V.P. Community Programs, Travis Credit Union
Brent Aasen Equus Group
Amy Alvis Alvis Frantz and Associates
Greg Benner Les Schwab Tires
Paul Kelly Home One Mortgage
Lori Knudsen California Payroll
Shelly McMahon Shelly’s Garden
Richard Perez-Pacheco Black Sheep Design
Donna Spencer Cortona Park
Dirk Zeigler Zeigler Insurance Group
********************************
Staff Members
Harry York, CEO
Lisa Hurt, Support Services Dir.
Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator
Bill Putman, Volunteer
INVITES YOU TO
THE 2011 ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER
HONORING
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
JEFF SCHULTS
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
KENDALL AUTOMOTIVE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 2011
6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Trilogy at the vineyards Club Los Meganos Event Center
1700 Trilogy Parkway
Brentwood, CA 94513
$40.00 per person if paid by Thursday, December 23, 2010.
$50.00 Per Person after December 23, 2010. All reservations must be in the Chamber office no later than
January 21, 2011 Pre-paid reservations only. Open seating!
No Tickets will be sold at the door.
Price Includes Dinner & Dessert
Baked Chicken, veggie, pasta bolognese, salad, rolls and dessert. Name:_________________________________________________________
The 28th Annual Holiday Parade Saturday, November 20, 2010 At The Streets of Brentwood
Melody’s Dance Studio Citizen of the Year Rick Lemyre
Girl Scouts from East Contra Costa Belly dancers from the Red Door Dance Studio
Miniature horses, Vicky and Snickers Edna Hill Middle School Cheerleaders
Mr. Bill and Grand Marshall, Bonnie Lucchese
The Brentwood Clarion Page 7
Despite the wet weather, the Holiday Parade went on as
planned. This year’s annual event was moved to The
Streets of Brentwood as the downtown Brentwood area
is undergoing streetscape improvements.
The Brentwood Chamber thanks all the parade
participants for braving the rain and making the parade a
success. A big Thank You also goes to our sponsors
John Muir Health, Sutter Delta Medical Center, and
PG&E; The Streets of Brentwood for hosting the parade,
and all the volunteers who helped with registration,
staging, parking, judging, announcing and whatever else
needed to be done.
Parade winners will be announced at the Chamber’s
Holiday Mixer on December 16th at Travis Credit
Union.
Knightsen Fire Truck
Event sponsor, Sutter Delta Medical Center
City Councilman, Erick Stonebarger and
his trusty tractor.
Volunteer Fred Ehler directing traffic while Mayor
Bob Taylor and Councilman Stonebarger supervise.
Equestrian group, Charros Los Costenos de
Brentwood and their dancing horses.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 8
SIX TIPS FOR REWARDING EMPLOYEES WHEN CASH IS TIGHT
Reprinted from Business.GOV
As small businesses have struggled to survive during the recession, it has been difficult to reward
employees with raises and/or bonuses. In fact, many small firms found it necessary to cut employee sal-
aries, perks and benefits in order to survive financially. As we approach the end of 2010, the picture
doesn’t appear to be appear to be getting any better. Only a small percentage of small businesses say
they’ll be offering salary increases this year. And those who do, plan for the increases to be very small.
So how can you reward employees for outstanding performance without breaking the bank? Here are
some ideas that can help you reward and motivate your team without breaking the bank.
Cash vs. Recognition: Research has confirmed that many employees are motivated as much, if not more,
by recognition as they are by cash. Personally, I know people who make a good salary and regularly
qualify for bonuses, but they are miserable in their jobs. On the other hand, I also know talented
individuals who work for less money than they might earn somewhere else because they enjoy their work
environment and feel as though they are recognized for their contributions. As a result, they are loyal and
committed to the companies with which they work.
Reward Throughout the Year: A lot of companies fall into the pattern of rewarding employees once a
year -- usually in conjunction with a performance review. A better approach is to reward your team
sincerely, and freely throughout the year. That helps motivate your team and keep them energized.
Make it Public. Don’t recognize employees behind closed doors. Do it publicly. Everyone
enjoys being acknowledged for their efforts in front of their peers.
Give the Gift of Time. As the mother of four step-grandchildren, I can tell you the gift of time is as
appreciated as expensive presents. The same is true with employees. Give a high-performing employee
an extra day off or allow him or her to work a flexible schedule. You may want to consider offering the
employee an opportunity to tele-commute for all or part of the work week.
Be Spontaneous: Rewards and recognitions don’t have to be doled out at specific times. Be spontaneous
and fun. And don’t do the same thing all the time. Shake things up. For example, bring a massage ther-
apist into the office as a special reward or have an outstanding employee’s car washed on site.
A Small Thank You. Small gifts bring big smiles as a thank you for a job well done. A gift card to a
favorite restaurant or spa could be a nice treat. Tickets to a sporting event or theatre performance are also
a nice way to say thank you. Remember, you can get discounted certificates on many websites so you
don’t have to pay full price.
Most employees understand the current economic climate and will appreciate your creative efforts to
recognize their contributions.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 9
Advertise your Business here!!
For more information call the Brentwood Chamber
of Commerce
(925) 634-3344
NEW MEMBERS Century Publishing David Carrillo (909) 224-8167 Email: [email protected] Sprint by Wireless Lifestyle Jamie Burks 5819 Lone Tree Way, Suite E Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 978-0610 Email: [email protected] Supervisor Mary Piepho 181 Sand Creek Road, Suite L Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 240-7260 Email: [email protected]
It's coming soon! A new Map of Brentwood with its unique features and attractions will be published as soon as possible. This new image piece will aid newcomers and visitors in deciding where to go, what to do, and how to find what they need throughout our community. For visitors and new business people, Maps are always the most requested publication from the Chamber. Since the Chamber Map supply is exhausted, these new four-color image pieces will be published as quickly as possible. This Chamber benefit is a marketing tool that reaches new people we normally can't reach ourselves as the Map brings new business through our doors. With the Chamber distributing thousands of Maps each year, it means a vast new marketing exposure for every business featured on the new Brentwood Map. People love Maps! Because there is not enough room for all our members to be on this popular marketing tool, only the earliest members who request spaces can be accommodated. Member firm, Century Publishing's Map Masters division will create an accurate Map with an attractive design within this new showpiece for member businesses. Space reservations will be accepted according to the earliest fliers returned to the Chamber. David Carrillo will contact as many members as space allows to help members achieve their marketing objectives, but it is expected to sell out quickly. To secure the space you want to help your business reach visitors, new residents, and all of our member businesses, send the flier on the previous page back to the chamber immediately. See you on the exciting new Brentwood Map!
NEW BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CITY MAP
The Brentwood Clarion Page 12
November Chamber Mixer at Shepherd’s Gate
The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce thanks Shepherd’s Gate for hosting November’s
mixer. Attendees brought canned food for the local shelter and enjoyed a wonderful dinner
of soup and chili as well as a boutique and a tour of Shepherd’s Gate beautiful facility.
We would also like to thank The Monthly Grapevine, Postmaster Diane Torres, The
Brentwood Press, Gursky Ranch, Kimberly Victor and Shepherd’s Gate for donating raffle
prizes.
We look forward to seeing everyone at December’s Holiday Mixer on December 16th at
Travis Credit Union on Balfour Road.
The Brentwood Clarion Page 13
The Brentwood Clarion Page 14
61 Business Owners Are Determined to Accomplish Something This Month! Reprinted from Barry J. Moltz, Your Business Unstuck
It is easy to get caught up in all the holiday hoopla and cheer. December is an important month to finish strong
and get off to a good 2011. Sixty one small business owners tell us what they will accomplish this month.
(We are mentioning only a handful of them here.)
It’s Always Thanksgiving Write client new year's cards. Before we were so busy I sent quarterly thank you letters,
which clients loved; it showed them how much we appreciate them. As we all know, repeat and referral business is the best
kind, and it's nice to be nice, so the letters were win-win! I want my clients to know how thankful we are for them, and
wish them a great 2011. (It's a good non-religious, non-birthday way to say hello, so it helps you stand out too!)
Contact Sport in December December is the easiest month to contact my database. Holiday cards to everyone on the
database, and anything I bring in person to my favorite people is appreciated. This year I'm handing out candy canes I
found at Office Depot. 45 for $10. At 22 cents each I get to make people's day and of course thank them for keeping me
in mind for referrals. This has made my new year's business begin on January 2nd for five years in a row.
Good To Great Our company will celebrate our one-year anniversary in January, and we want to charge toward greatness.
It starts with upgrading our resources, honing in on a singular vision, and pushing forward. December is a perfect month to
set a plan in motion. My recommendation is to outline your goals for 2011 - financial, personnel, personal, etc. - and spend
one weekend crafting your strategy. When January comes, you and your team will have a clear picture of what the company
Thinking Outside Of The Gift Box One of the most inspiring and productive actions I will do before the end of the year
is get out of the office and go somewhere. Being away allows the thought process to open up and not be as influenced by
'business as usual' thinking. For me, getting away from the usual environments is critical to this process. It encourages think-
ing about new ways of conducting business that are good for the company, our existing and potential new customers. Its
become a required exercise in this economy.
Set The Course For The Coming Year Before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, I want to make sure I
have my clear set of goals ready for 2011. There is nothing worse than starting the new year with your ideas and mindset
scrambled all over the place. Make a list of your top goals for 2011. Write them on a piece of paper, send them to yourself
in an email or whatever is necessary for you to have a list that is easy to access and take action. Print it out and stick it on
your wall as a daily reminder and to stay motivated.
Have My 2011 Planning Done Before 2011! My goal in the next month is to have all of my planning done for next
year before January 1. I want to have my marketing plan, my client and revenue expectations, and my budget all in place.
Included within that is also some daydreaming time - so I can envision what I want my business to look like by the end of
2011. Then, when the new year comes around, all I have to do is execute.
The Secret To A Positive Ending One of the mottos I have embraced as a business owner is "if it is uncomfortable,
then I ought to be doing it." My outlook has changed significantly due to this quote. I have realized 90% of success is due
to mindset. That quote has opened doors, creating opportunities I previously would have walked away from. Now, I look
forward to stepping out of my comfort zone. My commitment to the end of 2010 is to reach out to as many people as
possible by doing the things which make me the most uncomfortable. So I am dedicating the remainder of this month to
direct mail campaigns, cold calls and public speaking. My goal is to do these activities in a manner which feels genuine,
authentic and service oriented. I am looking forward to the people I will meet along the way. You never know where your
