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

PAID

CONCORD CA

94520

Permit 346

Martinez Refinery

Season’s Greetings

from the

Martinez

Chamber

of

Commerce