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2012 OfficersArt Clark

Chair of the BoardKohler & Clark Screw

Products, Inc

Philip SmithChair Elect

Citizens Business Bank

Crystal CotaVice Chair of Finance

M. Green & Co.

Marie PintoImmediate Past ChairTulare Adult School

Geoff HindsVice Chair of Membership

CEO of the Tulare Fair

Patrick IsherwoodVice Chair of

Governmental Affairs

2012 BoardTerry Brazil

Tulare Historical Museum

Kerissa Postma-ChapmanInternational Agri-Center

Crystal CotaM. Green & Co.

Simone FrazierLand O’Lakes

Dennis MederosLegal Counsel

Horswill, Mederos, & Soares

John BarbadianTulare Regional Medical

Center

Geoff HindsTulare County Fair

Jerry BreckinridgeChief of Police

Ronald SmithSterling & Smith Funeral

Homes

John ThomasBank of Sierra

Sue Ann HillmanJD Heiskell

Linda NoguesBacome Insurance

Melissa FreitasValley Business Bank

Lonnie TiesieraWill Tiesiera

Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Dennis MederosLegal Counsel

Horswill, Mederos, & Soares

Traci MyersEx-Officio

City of Tulare

Professional StaffNina Akin

President / CEO Sherry Carson

Office ManagerVickie Kuntz

Information Specialist

Andi CabreraDirector of Membership

and Sales

Linda HowarthInformation Coordinator

the update

is the official monthly publication of the

Tulare Chamber of Commerce 220 E. Tulare Ave.

P.O. Box 1435 Tulare, CA 93275-1435

686-1547email: info@tularechamber.orgweb: www.tularechamber.org

For advertising information call:Jennifer Guinn — (559) 735-3235

the update is published in partnership with the Tulare Advance-Register

www.TulareChamber.org thetheUpdateUpdateJuly 2012

July 9th GAC 12PM at Apple Annie’sJuly 17th 6PM Slideshow of Bali tripJuly 26th Fairfield Inn Mixer 5:30-7:30PMTulare Tuesdays Every Tuesday night from 5 - 8PMCome downtown for a Farmers Market, Traders Market, Tulare Taste and TunesEnjoy Live music and have your dinner brought to you!Every Tuesday night, K and Tulare

Save the Date:

Like us on Facebook and FoLLow us on TwiTTer aT “TuLareTweeTs”

Published date: June 30, 2012

AB 2346 (Betsy Butler, D-Los Angeles) (818) 516-4697 and AB 1313 (Michael Allen, D-Santa Rosa) (707) 546-4500

AB 2346 makes huge changes to the Heat Illness Standard. Take Action on AB 2346!

• Imposes new, impossible requirements like shade for all workers at all times, no more than 200 feet from any work-er at any time, and water no more than 10 feet from any worker at any time.

• Imposes a new “bounty hunter” provi-sion encouraging workers to sue farm-ers for heat illness standard violations.

• Makes farmers liable for violations committed by a Farm Labor Contractor.

• Allows farm workers to seek up to $1 million in restitution for a heat-related death.

The agricultural industry is committed to providing safe workplaces for farm employ-ees and continues to place a high priority on preventing heat illness. Instead of leav-ing decisions about how workers should be protected to experts like Cal/OSHA, AB 2346 strips the agency of its ability to modify the rule in the future should it be necessary.

AB 1313 takes away agriculture’s tradi-tional 10 hour workday. Take Action on AB 1313!

· Requires agricultural employers to pay overtime after 8 hours in a workday.

The legislature is ignoring the reality that California is one of the few states that imposes any overtime requirement at all on agriculture. Farmers can’t control nature and the weather or market conditions, and policymakers recognized this reality when they created the 10 hour workday for agri-culture.

Please act today to stop the Senate Labor & Industrial Relations Committee from pass-ing these two onerous bills by utilizing the following links:

Take Action today to urge the Committee to stop AB 2346!

Take Action today to urge the Committee to stop AB 1313!

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you and your company to participate in the Tulare Leadership’s 2012-2013 Class. This program is one of the most educational and rewarding expe-riences Tulare has to offer our leaders of tomorrow.

As a sponsor we ask you to encourage and support one or more employees to join the class by investing $600 tuition and allowing them the time requested to take the class. In addition to our monthly ses-sions this upcoming year we have incorpo-rated evening classes and mentors to guide

each class member through the leadership process.

The Leadership committee will conduct interviews the first two days of August. Once the class has been selected we will kick off the class with a reception invit-ing all sponsors, Chamber Board and Leadership Alumni to welcome and high-light the numerous opportunities the class will endure throughout the year.

If you do not have an employee at this time that would like to participate in the Tulare Leadership Program we highly encourage you to inform a fellow colleague

or friend to join this won-derful program.

Please review the Leadership application included. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Tulare Chamber of Commerce and I look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely,Nina AkinPresident/CEO

Nina Akin-President/CEO

Senate Committee Considering Burdensome Labor Bills

Dear Community Leaders

Let’s Talk BUSINESS! …with Curtimade Dairy, Inc.

Third-generation dairyman Ben Curti stopped his truck twice to get out and pick up stray materials as we drove around the dairy a few weeks ago. One chunk of con-crete and one piece of steel wound up in the payload of the pickup for later disposal. As we discussed his strategy for optimiz-ing the performance of the dairy it became clear that the attention displayed in securing the debris is simply part of Ben’s overall approach to management; details matter.

My initial intent in requesting this inter-view had been to focus on the operational impact of the new solar power generation system installed in December 2011. The solar facility is an important part of the dairy. Operating at a 719 kilowatt capacity, it generates enough electricity to power the equivalent of 130 average American homes. The plant produces approximately 85% of the dairy’s electrical needs and is estimated to save $145,000 a year. Truly, an excellent example of technological application, but just a snapshot compared to the larger pic-ture. The management philosophy utilized in making the decision to implement the solar plant is used consistently throughout the organization.

Philip: As continuing pressure on the dairy industry narrows profit margins, pro-ducers are driven to look for innovative ways to improve performance. How do you approach these challenges? What process do you go through in making your strategic decisions.

Ben: It’s all a matter of deciding where to invest. You look at the entire dairy and identify ways in which you can improve performance. For example, it doesn’t make sense for me to buy additional land right now in order to grow more of my own feed. As much as I would like to insulate myself from fluctuating feed costs, the price of

local farmland has been driven up by the development of pistachios and other higher yielding crops. It is currently not an eco-nomically viable option, so we set that aside for the time being.

I can make other choices that will posi-tively benefit the dairy. I can estimate the cost of a nutrition strategy (or other tech-nological advance which may be available) and compare it to the potential improve-ment in production. I can review the return on a purchase of additional quota from the state. Or, I can take an underutilized piece of ground on the dairy (formerly a manure drying area for bedding) and install a solar plant. The solar facility reduces my dependence on P. G. & E. and, based on our calculations, yields a positive return on our investment.

Philip: Your plan to expand the dairy was approved earlier this year by the Tulare County Planning Commission. How is that project going? What is your primary objec-tive in expanding the operation?

Ben: Basically the objective is similar to that of the solar plant. It is intended to be a more effective use of currently underutilized acreage. However, given the depressed milk prices we’ve been experiencing in recent years, the expansion doesn’t make makes sense from a financial standpoint right now; it has been put on “hold”. One of the most important details to consider in implement-ing any capital improvement program is the timing. Knowing when; and when not, to execute a plan. Right now we’re staying on top of the paperwork and ensuring that we have everything necessary to move forward when the timing is right.

Philip: We hear a lot about “sustainabili-ty” in many industries these days. Balancing profitability with an effective use of land, air and water resources must be a real chal-

lenge on a dairy operation. There is also the question of sustainability from an organizational perspec-tive. What are you doing to prepare for the next gen-eration of dairy farmers at Curtimade?

Ben: If you want your business to survive in the future you have to plan for that survival. For example, a number of years ago my brother, cousin and I determined that it would benefit our organization as a whole to divide the assets and operate as distinct entities. It took quite a while to accomplish this and required a mutual dedication of resources to the process. The end result is that all of our operations are better positioned for the future. Being “big” doesn’t necessarily mean “effective” or “profitable”; the goal is to identify those key elements necessary to ensure continuous positive performance.

The same principle applies to our use of the land. We have initiated a minimal till program on the acreage we use to grow feed. The intent is to retain moisture, nutri-ents and other organic matter in the soil which may be lost through tillage. This approach significantly reduces the dust generated during soil preparation which improves our local air quality. Minimal till also reduces our expenditure on equipment and fuel; we let the worms do the work for us. I’ve spoken with growers who are cur-rently using minimal or no-till approaches and they have been very encouraged by the performance of their acreage under produc-tion. It is really a consistent analysis of the best possible use of all available resources and attention to detail that brings everything together.

Philip SmithVice President,

Citizens Business Bank

The California Farm Bureau’s Rural Health and Safety Department pro-vides guidance on health and safety issues affecting California’s agricultural businesses, producers, fami-lies and employees.

Heat illness preventionThe well-being of our workforce is a pri-

ority for all California farmers. Heat illness is a health and safety issue that farmers and ranchers have been concerned about for many years. Farmers recognize the potential

risks of heat exposure, just as employers do in construction, manufacturing and other industries where heat is an issue. We take the necessary steps to protect our employ-ees, not only from heat illness but from other potential health and safety hazards as well.

Here are some basic tips for heat illness prevention:* Drink small amounts of water frequently* Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink * Take advantage of shade-and-rest breaks

* Start work earlier in the day, to avoid the afternoon heat* Know how to recognize the symptoms of

heat illness, such as poor concen-tration, cramping, fatigue, blurry vision, headache, dizziness, nau-sea, etc.* If you notice heat illness symp-toms in yourself or a co-worker, have the victim stop working,

find shade, loosen clothing, get fluids, and fan the body with any item available

See Farm Bureau/3

Tulare County Farm Bureau E-News

page 2 — July 2012 tulare chamber — the updateJune 30, 2012 Tulare Advance-RegisterPROVIDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

It’s a common misconception to think of bonds as “plain-vanilla” investments that are appropriate only for certain types of people, such as financially conservative retirees. But in reality, bond investments may have the potential to add stability to a portfolio and help reduce overall invest-ment risk — regardless of your age or financial outlook.

What Is a Bond?

Bonds are investment securities issued by corporations or governments to raise money for a particular purpose. Basically, bonds are the “IOUs” of the business world. There are different types of bond funds, each with varying levels of risk and return potential. Generally speaking, the higher the risk, the better the return potential. For example:

Government Bond Funds are mutual funds that invest in bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury. For that reason, they tend to be among the safest types of bond investments. However, they typically offer lower returns than other bonds.

Corporate Bond Funds invest in bonds issued by private companies. They can range from “investment grade” (safer, lower return potential) to “below invest-ment grade” (riskier, higher return poten-tial).

Know the RisksBond funds are subject to several types

of investment risk, including:

• Market risk — Like stock prices, bond prices move up and down. However, such fluctuations tend to be less severe in the bond market.

• Interest rate risk — when interest rates rise, bond prices may fall, and vice versa.

• Inflation risk — if the return on a bond fund does not outpace the rising cost of living, the purchas-ing power of your investment could decline over time.

Managing RiskDespite these risks, investors may

want to consider the potential benefits from putting some money in bond funds. Because bond funds tend to respond to market influences differently than stock funds, they may help balance out the risks associated with stock investing.

In addition, lower-risk bond funds, such as government and investment-grade corporate bond funds, may help protect some of your money from losses during turbulent times.

Government bonds and Treasury Bills are guaranteed by the US government and corporate bonds are guaranteed by their

corporate issuers as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to matu-rity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value.

The market value of bonds will fluctuate and are subject to availability. If the bond is sold prior to maturity, the investor’s yield may differ from the advertised yield.

Mutual funds are offered with a prospec-tus. Investors should consider the invest-ment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the investment company carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the investment company. You can obtain a prospectus from your financial representative. Read the pro-spectus carefully before investing.

Paladin Investment Group 559-625-4005 www.paladininvestmentgroup.com

Understanding Bond Investing: It’s a Matter of Balance

Kimberly Lindley, Jerry Hayton , Trish Arnold

Members Renew Chamber Investment

Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who renewed their membership

during the month of May.

Action Equipment RentalsIHOP

Valley Agricultural SoftwareHappy Cookers Catering

La Piazza Ristorante ItalianoTulare Pediatric GroupValley Yellow Pages

Kraft Foods Global Inc. Tulare CA FacilityTerry Sayre CFLC

Tulare Regional Medical CenterMichael Lampe Attorney at Law

Loving Care Assisted LivingPalm Occupational Medicine & Walk In

ClinicSozinho Realty

Daley EnterprisesDomino’s Pizza

Ruth Ann HulbertDrive In Liquor Mart

Bank of the WestKiwanis Club of Tulare (Noon)

Roche Oil, Inc.Bret P. Stuber, CPA

Employment Connection/CSETCurtimade Dairy, Inc

Van Beek Brothers’s DairyHouston Insurance Service

Costa’s CateringLagomarsino Group

Motor Cars, IncPhilips Law Firm

Structures Plus, IncTulare Rotary Club

Tulare Sales Yard, Inc.Gowin Green Landscape Maintenance

Welcome Aboard New MemberCongratulations and thank you to the following new members that invested

in the Chamber during the month of May.

Rosa Brothers Milk Company Nicole Schott

10090 2nd Ave, Hanford582-8825

We are anxiously awaiting the opening of their new location on K St in Tulare!

Bling 4 You Michelle Ortiz

1585 E Tulare Ave686-2564

Ribbon Cutting photo on the back page!

Sunset Pool Service Rob Morales

688-6405 or 936-7121Free Filter Cleaning when you sign up for

Service!

Vintage Map Art Co. Brian Helms

714-401-0161

The Ranch Subdivision Stephen Carter

Realtor, Lindsay CA702-368-0291

Assembly Passes New Leave MandateA California Chamber of Commerce-

opposed “job killer” bill that burdens employers with a California mandated benefit different from federal law passed the Assembly yesterday.

AB 2039 (Swanson; D-Alameda) significantly expands the type of indi-viduals or circumstances under which employees can take a 12-week, protect-ed leave of absence under California’s Family Rights Act (CFRA), as well as creates an even further disconnect with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

During the debate on the Assembly Floor, several legislators spoke in oppo-sition to the AB 2039 explaining that California already has an extensive list of protected leaves of absences available to employees for a wide range of personal needs. Legislators cited a recent survey which found yet again that California is widely known and/or perceived as an unfriendly business state due, in part, to its onerous labor and employment regu-lations.

Members also stressed that although such leaves do not address every poten-tial personal situation that may arise, this does not mean that additional, statutory protected leaves of absences are neces-sary in California.

Current LawCurrently, CFRA requires an employer

with 50 or more employees to allow an employee who has worked at least 1,250 hours to take up to 12 weeks of leave in a 12-month period for his/her own serious medical condition, for the birth

or placement of a child, or to care for the serious medical condition of a child, (under 18 years of age or adult depen-dent), spouse, or parent.

The current definition of “parent” includes step-parents as well as individuals who stand in place of a par-ent, “in loco parentis,” to the child.

AB 2039 seeks to expand CFRA by allowing an employ-ee a protected leave to care for adult children, parents-in-law, grandparents and siblings. The ini-tial intent of CFRA was to provide a bal-ance between an individual’s work life and personal life. This proposed change, however, would disrupt that balance and have a negative impact on California employers.

Substantial Burden on Employers Expanding the types of individuals or

circumstances under which an employee can take a leave of absence under CFRA, through AB 2039, would only further increase the cost of doing business for employers in California.

Given that the individuals proposed by AB 2039 are not covered by the FMLA, an employee could use his/her 12 weeks of CFRA to care for the seri-ous medical condition of a parent-in-law, then take another 12-week leave under FMLA to care for the medical condition for his/her spouse, child or parent.

This significant expansion of leave for employees would create such a substantial burden on employers that

it would discourage employers from growing to more than 50 employees in order to avoid triggering CFRA/FMLA or

from locating to this state. California cannot afford to impede growth and overbur-den employers with such a requirement.

Leave Already ProtectedThe new burden that AB

2039 creates is unnecessary. The proposed category of individuals that AB 2039 seeks to include under

the protections of CFRA are generally already protected. A grandparent or step-parent who stands in loco parentis to a child, can already take a protected leave of absence under CFRA to care for that child, and vice versa. There is no need to create another exception for the parent-in-law, daughter in-law, or son-in law to also be able to take leave.

Key VoteAB 2039 passed the Assembly on May

30 on a vote of 52-26.Ayes: Alejo (D-Watsonville), Allen

(D-Santa Rosa), Ammiano (D-San Francisco), Atkins (D-South Park/Golden Hill), Beall (D-San Jose), Block (D-San Diego), Blumenfield (D-San Fernando Valley), Bonilla (D-Concord), Bradford (D-Gardena), Brownley (D-Santa Monica), Buchanan (D-Alamo), Butler (D-Los Angeles), C. Calderon (D-Montebello), Campos (D-San Jose), Carter (D-Rialto), Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), Chesbro (D-North Coast), Davis (D-Los Angeles), Dickinson (D-Sacramento), Eng (D-Monterey Park), Feuer (D-Los Angeles), Fong

(D-Cupertino), Fuentes (D-Sylmar), Furutani ( D-South Los Angeles County), Galgiani (D-Livingston), Gatto (D-Los Angeles), Gordon (D-Menlo Park), Hall (D-Los Angeles), Hayashi (D-Hayward), R. Hernández (D-West Covina), Hill (D-San Mateo), Huber (D-El Dorado Hils), Hueso (D-San Diego), Huffman (D-San Rafael), Lara (D-Los Angeles), B. Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), Ma (D-San Francisco), Mendoza (D-Artesia), Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), Monning (D-Carmel), Pan (D-Sacramento), Perea (D-Fresno), John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) M. Pérez (D-Coachella), Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), Skinner (D-Berkeley), Solorio (D-Anaheim), Swanson (D-Concord), Torres (D-Pomona) ,Wieckowski (D-Fremont), Williams (D-Santa Barbara), Yamada (D-Davis).

Noes: Noes: Achadjian (R-San Luis Obispo), B. Berryhill (R-Ceres), Conway (R-Tulare), Cook (R-Yucca Valley), Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks), B. Gaines (R-Roseville), Garrick (R-Carlsbad), Gorell (R-Camarillo), Grove (R-Bakersfield), Hagman (R-Chino Hills), Halderman (R-Fresno), Harkey (R-Dana Point), Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore), Jones (R-Santee), Knight (R-Antelope Valley), Logue (R-Linda), Mansoor (R-Costa Mesa), Miller (R-Corona), Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), Nestande (R-Palm Desert), Nielsen (R-Gerber), Norby (R-Fullerton), Olsen (R-Modesto), Silva (R-Huntington Beach), Smyth (R-Santa Clarita), Wagner (R-Irvine).

Absent, Abstaining, Not Voting: Fletcher (I-San Diego), Valadao (R-Hanford).

Cartmill Overpass – “ A Bridge to Economic Growth” - Wayne Ross

Patrick Isherwood the New Chair of Government Affairs for the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Meets every sec-ond Monday at Apple Annie’s at 12:00pm

Born and raised in Tulare, Patrick is a 9th Generation Tulare County native. Family pioneers came to Tulare County back in 1857. Patrick is married and lives in Tulare with his two children. Best known with many locals while working with Albertsons Grocery store, Patrick is currently a Fiscal Analyst employed with Self-Help Enterprises. His experi-ence in government and political activities is diverse. It started right out of high school with an internship with then State Senator Phil Wyman and later with Congressman George Radanovich while attend-ing Fresno State. He has served the community of Tulare being appointed by City Council to the Redevelopment Agency, the Building Appeals Board and currently the Tulare Planning Commission. Additional

past activities include being appointed to the California Electoral College and Tulare County Association of Governments. His favorite service to the community is involvement with youth organizations such as supporting Tulare Youth Football, Cub Scouts and also being part of Sunrise Rotary. Patrick has been a community member to the Chamber of Commerce for many years and participates with vari-ous activities within the Governmental

Affairs. He has a passion for local issues such as economic development, public safety, vitality for our downtown along with housing and water issues. He looks forward to accentuating Federal, State and local issues into the Governmental Affairs committee.

New Chair of Government Affairs on Tulare Chamber Board

Patrick Isherwood

tulare chamber — the update July 2012 — page 3Tulare Advance-Register June 30, 2012MEMBER NEWS

Member NewsLa Piazza Ristorante Italiano to Reopen After Fire

By Melissa Kaminski of ServiceMaster by Benevento

I’m sure many of you have noticed the empty parking lot on Tulare Avenue just East of Highway 99 in front of La Piazza Ristorante Italiano. But don’t worry; you’ll be back to enjoying fresh baked bread and well selected California and Italian wines very soon!

Unfortunately, La Piazza Ristorante Italiano, located at 1600 East Tulare Avenue, Tulare, had to temporarily close its doors suddenly due to a roof fire just weeks after the restaurant celebrated its Seventh Anniversary. Thankfully no one was hurt and the loss wasn’t too severe. They were able to call on ServiceMaster by Benevento to help clean up the damage, rebuild and get ready to reopen.

Do you know what you would do in case of a fire at your business? Here are a few tips to help with cleaning up after a fire or smoke damage… First, blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, carpet and drapes. Next, cover carpeted traffic areas with towels to prevent further soiling. Most importantly, don’t wait to call professional help! The sooner you call in professional help, the sooner your business will be up and running again. For these and more helpful tips on what to do in case of a disaster like fire, flood or mold, please visit the ServiceMaster by Benevento website www.servicemasterbybeneven-to.com or give us a call at 559-686-4164.

And if you’re looking for a great Italian meal in Tulare, please visit the wonderful staff at La Piazza Ristorante Italiano. Check out one of their Wine Flight Nights, let them host your next banquet or just stop in and let them know how much you’ve missed them! For reservations please call 559-687-9833.

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A study released today by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) highlights the dairy industry’s impact on California’s economy, including the number of jobs and revenue generated from a typical dairy farm in one year. In 2008, the latest year for which figures are available, California’s largest agriculture commodity was responsible for creating a total of 443,574 jobs and $63 billion in economic activity for the state.

The typical California dairy cow and farm stimulates a positive ripple effect throughout the state, according to the research conducted by J/D/G Consulting Inc., an independent dairy industry research firm based in Florida. Specifically, a typical dairy farm in California generates $33.1 million in economic activity and 232 jobs in the state, including ‘on-the-farm’ and ‘beyond-the-farm’ jobs like milk tanker drivers, grocery store clerks, feed farmers and employees at milk processing and cheese plants, among others.

When compared to the impact of other notable California industries, the dairy industry provides more economic stimulus and jobs to the state yearly than either the iconic motion picture/television or wine

industries. The most recent statistics available for these industries show that the motion picture/television indus-try contributes $35 billion and 208,230 jobs (2007) and the wine industry provides $59 billion and 330,000 jobs (2008).1

“This research offers a perspective on how vital the dairy industry is to California with every dollar from production and sales of California milk contributing to the economy,” said Stan G. Andre, Chief Executive Officer of the CMAB. “In addition to providing one of the four food groups that feeds our local communities, a typical dairy cow generates more than $34,000 in eco-nomic activity and a herd of 100 cows creates 25 jobs for California residents each year.”

California is Nation’s Dairy Leader

California’s dairy families were responsible for pro-ducing more than 41 billion pounds of milk in 2008, a figure that is expected to exceed 46 billion* pounds by 2020.

According to the study, in 2008 California had 1,905 dairies with 1.8 million dairy cows that supplied milk to 117 dairy processing plants, which produced cheese, fluid milk, ice cream, butter and other dairy products that carry the Real California Milk and Real California Cheese seals. These seals help consumers identify dairy products made with milk from California dairy farms. Since the introduction of the Real California Milk seal in 2007, awareness of and purchase intent for California dairy products has increased significantly.

California’s dairy industry is comprised of dairy families, many who have been in the business for gen-erations. To give consumers a better understanding of the people behind Real California dairy products, the CMAB developed 15 mini-documentaries profiling California dairy families that are available online at RealCaliforniaMilk.com/people.

California Dairy Production Highlights

Following highlights from the study show California’s continued leadership in dairy production:

The California dairy industry created 443,574 jobs in 2008 accounting for approximately three percent of the jobs in the state. This is more than either the iconic California wine or motion picture/television industries.

California’s dairy industry generated $63 billion in economic impact in 2008 as compared to $61.4 billion in 2007, a 2.6 percent increase overall.

The typical California dairy farm in 2008 gener-ated $33.1 million in economic activity and produced 21,869,370 pounds of milk, an increase of more than nine million pounds since 1998.

The typical California cow in 2008 generated $34,165 of economic activity, and produced 22,344 pounds of milk.

California’s total milk production has grown from 27.6 billion pounds in ‘98 to 41.2 billion pounds in ‘08.

About the California Milk Advisory Board

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s 1,700 dairy families. With headquarters in South San Francisco and Modesto, the CMAB is one of the largest commodity boards in the United States. The CMAB executes adver-tising, public relations, research and retail and food-service promotional programs on behalf of California dairy products, including Real California Milk and Real California Cheese. For more information on California dairy products, visit www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

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TULARE COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

All donors will receive a “Buy One, Get One Free” voucher for admission to the 2012 Big Fresno Fair!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Senior Citizens Center, 201 North “F” Street, Tulare (near Laspina St)

The Community of Tulare invites you to help save lives by participating in a blood drive on Tuesday, July 10. A Bloodmobile will be located at the Senior Citizens Center between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to take your blood donation. Donors will receive a “Buy One, Get One Free” voucher for admission to the 2012 Big Fresno Fair, plus a variety of discounts from Valley businesses for dining, recreation, entertainment, and services.

“As we settle into summer, regular donors, under-standably, relax their donation schedules as they enjoy outdoor activities, area attractions and extended travel,” says Chris Sorensen, Director of Community Relations and Development for the Central California Blood Center. “However, this is when the demand for blood is often at its highest. With that in mind, we are asking the community to please take just an hour to ensure the blood supply is adequate for everyone in need, before enjoying this wonderful time of year.”

Blood donation takes less than one hour to com-plete. Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 years old with written parental consent). Senior citizens are encouraged to donate, as there is no upper age limit. Donors should eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within 4 hours prior to their donation. Donors can give blood every eight weeks. Photo ID and Social Security Number are required at donor registration.

The Central California Blood Center is the sole pro-vider of blood and blood products for the 31 hospitals in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings and Mariposa Counties and must collect between 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood a month to meet the needs of our Valley community.

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Renew California - The national recession officially ended in June 2009, but California remains stuck in the economic doldrums: unemployment has been above 11% for more than two years. The state lost 1.3 million jobs since the recession started, and over the past year, since the state hit rock bottom, only regained about 320,000, or an average of about 23,000 a month.

Pillars of Economic Recovery

The California Chamber of Commerce has devel-oped a detailed policy agenda for carrying out these pil-lars of economic recovery. These proposals can serve as a foundation for the Legislature and Governor in 2012 to position California for an economic recovery.

1. Reduce the regulatory and litigation costs of hir-ing new employees and keeping them on the job, and provide more flexibility in the law for both employers and workers.

2. Ensure certainty and stability of private invest-ments in plants, equipment and technology by stream-lining permitting, rationalizing regulations and reducing unnecessary litigation.

3. Enact a fair, predictable and nondiscriminatory tax structure.

4. Invest in public and private works that provide the backbone for economic growth.

5. Provide a world class education to prepare high school students for work or college, and support public colleges and universities in their student preparation and technology innovation missions.

[

Medical Tower Construction Update

Tulare Hospital Foundation continues to host “Behind the White Curtain” tours of the Medical Tower. The common response from more than 60 tour partici-pants is surprise at how large the new facility is. They are impressed with some of the more unique features

of the construction and leave the tour with a sense of pride and comfort knowing work is steadily progressing on the project.

In the past month, the two emergency generators were placed in their equipment yard. Two large chillers have been craned into their permanent home on the northwest corner of the roof. Two large boiler concrete pads and ten smaller pads have been poured on the roof.

Further work is being completed on the first floor Imaging Department. Crews are installing supports, electrical and plumbing for the MRI, CT Scanner, X-Ray, Ultra Sound and the Nuclear Camera rooms. The MRI is located in the South West corner of the Medical Tower. The west wall of the MRI room has a framed area allow-ing for easy exterior access. With ongoing advancements in imaging technology, the location and design were chosen to allow for the removal and replacement of equipment with limited disruption.

You may have noticed the pedestrian tunnel on the South side of the building has been removed. During the summer a new sidewalk and site fencing will be installed in preparation for the start of the new school year in August.

Second Floor framing of the pre-operating rooms, Physician and Surgeon’s Lounge and Staff Locker areas is continuing to progress at a very steady pace.

Tours of the Medical Tower can be scheduled by contacting us at www.TulareRegional.org.

[

Tulare Century 21 Jordan-Link & Company

Tulare Office:

Top Agents for the Month of May

Top Sales Volume…. Tammy Johnston

Top Sales Units…. Julie Beltran

Top Listing Volume…. Darrel Lemon

[

Tulare, California May, 23, 2012 – Tulare Regional Medical Center announces another construction mile-stone for our Medical Tower expansion; installation of emergency generators.

Permanent power is currently available in the Medical Tower transformer and service section. On Thursday, May 24, 2012 and Friday, May 25, 2012, two, 1.5 mega watt back-up generators will be placed in their permanent home. These vital machines provide power to the Medical Tower when the Southern California Edison grid becomes unavailable.

“The generators absolutely have to be up to full power within 10 seconds of power loss from Southern California Edison,” said Carolos Segura, Inspector of Record for the Medical Tower Construction. After con-nection and testing of the emergency generators, the Medical Tower’s electrical system will be complete.

The generators have been stored on the southwest section of the hospital campus for many months and will relocate to the Terrace Street side of the Medical Tower. Relocation, accomplished with a 225 ton hydrau-lic crane and crew of 11, is expected to begin at 8:00 a.m. with rigging and placement on the transport vehicle. The first generator is estimated to be placed near 1:00 p.m.

Media will have access to the construction site for filming the move by contacting Sherrie Bakke, 559.685.3448 or sbakke@TulareRegional.org.

[

When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44 per-cent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the com-pany in the future

Farm Bureau(continued from page 1)

* Serious fluid loss can lead to heat stroke, which is an emergency - if this happens, seek medical help right awayDownload

Heat Stress Brochure (PDF, 1.8 MB) - Farmers can receive free copies of this wal-let card in English or Spanish, contact our office, 732-8301.Protect Employees From Heat Stress

1. Water: Provide a quart of pure, cool water per employee per hour. Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) decals can be placed on coolers reminding employ-ees to drink water, rest in the shade, know emergency procedures, wear proper cloth-ing, and watch for heat illness symptoms. Remember to provide single-use cups and to encourage employees to drink water fre-quently.

2. Shade: Provide enough shade for at least 25% of the employees in the field. If the temperature exceeds 85°F, be sure shade is deployed at all times. Otherwise, make

shade readily available to employees upon request. If you’re using artificial shade (pop-ups, tents) on an area other than a lawn, provide a ground cover or something to sit on.

Note: Shade and water must be as close as practicable to employees. In no event may shade be more than 1/4 mile from employees and ideally should be no more than 1/8 mile from employees. Water needs to be much closer so employees may access it frequently.

3. Training: Make sure supervisors and employees are trained to understand heat stress, how to prevent it, what to do if some-one becomes sick, and how to summon help.

4. Compliance Procedures: Be ready for Cal/OSHA enforcement by having your heat illness prevention plan available in the field for inspectors to examine.

5. Acclimatization: Closely monitor employees for alertness and signs or symp-toms of heat illness until they have become accustomed to the high heat, which might take several days.

Heat Safety Resources* Ag Alert: Employers aim for full compli-

ance with heat safety rules (April 6, 2011)* Ag Alert: More farmers use services of

Cal/OSHA Consultation (November 3, 2010 )* Ag Alert: Farmers take precautions to

protect workers from heat (August 20, 2008)* Ag Alert: Cal/OSHA chief clarifies

requirements of heat standard (August 20, 2008)

* Ag Alert: Farmers need extra protection in the sun (May 21, 2008)

* California Division of Occupational Safety and Health

* University of California, Agricultural and Resource Economics

* State Fund: Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

* State Fund: Safe Practices for Workers in Hot Environments

* Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration

* National Agricultural Safety Database: Outdoor Action Guide to Heat-Related

Illnesses & Fluid Balance* National Safety CouncilFarm Employers Labor Service (FELS)

subscribers have access to heat illness infor-mation and other safety sheets on line. For more information on a FELS subscription, go to www.fels.org or call (800) 753-9073.

For more information contact the Health and Safety Department at (916) 561-5590.

Join us on FacebookDon’t forget to join our Facebook net-

work, we are regularly posting updates and news to Facebook pages for Tulare County Farm Bureau, TCFB Young Farmers and Ranchers, and TCFB Youth Leaders. Please check out our pages and select “like” to receive regular updates on news and events. Click the Facebook logo below to visit Farm Bureau’s page.Tulare County Farm BureauPO Box 748Visalia, CA 93279-0748559-732-8301 office559-732-7029 faxtcfb@tulcofb.orgwww.tulcofb.org

The Chamber is Proud to add two New Board of Directors to its list of out-standing citizens of Tulare that have served on the Tulare Chamber Board, John C. Barbadian.

Mr. Barbadian is cur-rently a member of the Tulare Regional Medical Center Senior Staff. He has been serving as Vice President of Human Resources since 2008. John has had a successful track record prior to coming to TRMC, leading human resource programs for large, respected institutions. Expert in employee relations, strategic planning, labor negotiation and improving customer services to patients.

John is a first generation Armenian-American and has been married to his wife, Terrie for thirty-nine years. They have two adult children, one resides in Southern California and the youngest resides in Sonoma County. John comes to Tulare from a return assignment at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center as their Interim VP of Human Resources.

In 2005 he served as a interim Vice President of H.R. at a 568 bed “For-Profit hospital” in the intercity of Miami, Florida, Cedars Medical Center.

He served as Vice President of Human Resources at Stanford University Hospital and Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital which includes about 8,000 employees.

He previously served as Director of Operations at the University of Washington, where he directed HR func-tions for both Harbor View Medical Center and the University of Washington Medical Center for 13,500 staff and fac-ulty.

Prior to his time there, he worked for William M. Mercer Inc., a human resourc-es consulting firm in Los Angeles; served as National Director of Human Resources for the Screen Actors Guild in Hollywood; and spent three years as Senior Vice President of corporate human resources for Plaza Home Mortgage in Santa Ana, California.

John also has extensive experience in Southern California healthcare, hav-ing served at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian as Vice President of Human Resources and Support Services and at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital in a similar capacity.

He began his career with the County of Los Angeles in 1974 and worked in Department of Health Services Human Resources for three years, establishing his understanding of the complexities of the second largest county health depart-ment in the nation. Which included large Academic Medical Centers and Community Based Clinics.

John is a graduate of California State University at Los Angeles and has a B.S. Political Science and John has completed all his courses in his Masters in Public Administration.

Dr. Ronald E. Smith is the president of Sterling & Smith Funeral Home; a family owned and oper-ated funeral home that operates in Tulare and Fresno. Dr. Smith grew up in Fresno and returned home full time to expand the family business in 2010.

Dr. Smith has over 10 years experience in workforce development, management consulting and staff development training. Dr. Smith is the president of RES Business Education & Training Corporation (RESBEATCORP), a firm specializing in workforce development, nonprofit man-agement, community change, and human capacity development. RESBEATCORP is one of the premier workforce devel-opment training companies in the state of Florida. The company is successful at achieving program outcomes through preparing individuals to succeed in the workplace.

Prior to starting RESBEATCORP, Dr. Smith was Director of the WAGES wel-fare-to-work program for the Broward Workforce Development Board. Dr. Smith was responsible for an $8 million dollar budget and oversaw the implementation of welfare reform in Broward County. Dr. Smith also spent time working for the State of Florida’s Department of Labor overseeing workforce development train-ing operations at three one-stop centers

in Broward County.

Dr. Smith is active in the local and statewide community. He currently serves on the Isenberg School of Management Business Advisory Council at the University of Massachusetts. He is a past president of the Broward homebound Program, Inc. Dr. Smith has served on the boards of Leadership Broward, the National Conference for Community & Justice, and the Nan Knox Boys and Girls Club Unit Board. He also volunteered as the Director of Programs for the InternetCoast Digital Divide Committee. In 2006, Dr. Smith served as the founding co-chair of Connect Florida, a statewide organization for emerging leaders.

Dr. Smith was a Regional Finalist for the White House Fellows Program in 1999. Dr. Smith is certified by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship as a Certified Entrepreneurship Teacher and has held the certification of Career Development Facilitator Instructor. He has served as a presenter on workforce development and youth issues.

Dr. Smith received his Bachelors Degree in Operations Management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Cornell University. He received his Doctorate of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University.

New Board of Directors on the Tulare Chamber Board

Ronald E. SmithJohn C. Barbadian

page 4 — July 2012 tulare chamber — the updateJune 30, 2012 Tulare Advance-RegisterNETWORKING OPPORTuNITIES

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

Costa’s Catering has a new loca-t ion to be t te r serve your needs. June 13th Danny & Margarida Costa he ld an Open House and wel-comed Lifelong Customers and Chamber mem -bers. Their new l o c a t i o n , f o r -mer ly G io t to ’s Alarm Tech a t 144 S Canby has a full kitchen and office. Danny & Margarida Costa

are two of the kindest people you could ever meet urging everyone they meet to eat up, and eat up we did! The Open House was full of delightful treats and tastes a true testimony to what they do best! Feed people ! Contac t them at 559-688-4542

B l i n g 4 Yo u ! Michelle Ortiz has set up shop in Tulare at 1585 E Tulare Ave mak-ing ever y day sparkle with cus-tom designs in glitter and rhine-stones at Bling 4 You. With a cus-tomer sat is fac -tion guarantee of quick turn around time on custom designs as well as several ready made artwork to choose from. The designs at Bling 4 You include many of the local school mascots and colors perfect for pep rally’s and spirit day! Michelle also carries Affliction clothing for men and adorable pieces for baby! Be sure and visit her shop and glitz up your day!

July CalendarJuly CalendarMonday, July 2nd Monday Munchies at Subway in the Tulare Outlet Center.

Tuesday, July 3rd Tulare Noon Kiwanis 6PM gates open 4th of July Fire-works at dusk in the Fair-grounds

Saturday, July 7th Meet and Great with Spiderman 11-2PM at the Clock Tower in the Tulare Outlet Center

Monday, July 9th Governmental Affairs Com-mittee meets 12PM at Apple Annie’s

July 9th-July 12th IAC is hosting an AgVentures Summer Camp July 9th-July 12th from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. We are partnering with COS Kids College Camp Call COS for registration 687-3201or 737-4884

Tuesday, July 10th Ambassador Meeting 12PM at the Chamber Trade Room

Wednesday, July 11th 12:30PM Keller Williams Rib-bon Cutting 1967 Hillman Street

Monday, July 16th 11:30AM Monday Munchies at Pitchin Wedge

Tuesday, July 17th 6PM Join us for a Slideshow and information on the Bali trip set for 2013!

Thursday, July 26th Mixer at the Fairfield Inn 5:30-7:30PM

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

President’s CircleJ.D. Heiskell & Company

Lagomarsino GroupRes-Com Pest Control

Saputo Cheese USA, IncSouthern California Gas Company

Tulare Advance RegisterTulare Outlet Center

Tulare Regional Medical Center

Director’s CircleInternational Agri Center

Land O’ Lakes

Ambassador’s CircleAcclaim Auto & Truck Accessories

Adair & Evans, An Accountancy Corporation

Bank of the Sierra Citizens Business BankCollege of the Sequoias

Horswill, Mederos & SoaresRuan Transportation Corporation

Sturgeon & Beck, Inc.Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino

TF Tire & ServiceValley Business Bank

Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Circles of ExcellenceA program of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce

Come see the Presentation for

BALIMarch 18th - 26th

2013

7 beautiful daysin one of the most

beautiful islands in theworld ...

Eat, Pray, LOVE BALI !

Mark your Calendarsfor

July 17th at 5:00 pmat the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Experience a little bit

of the Indonesian Culture with a Slide presentation ofBeautiful Bali and special Native Food!!