clovis insider 1.3.13

8
January 2013 V OLUME 3, NUMBER 1 From the Chairman of the Board I am honored to be the 2013 Chairman of the Board for the Clovis Chamber and am looking forward to working with its members, directors and staff. Over the past 5 years, our country has been challenged like never before. We have slid into an economic quagmire that we just can’t seem to get out of. Add the political noise of blame and diametrically opposed solutions and we’re at a standstill. However, one bright light for me has been the perseverance of the Chamber’s members and staff who have stepped up to the plate to face our problems head on. That’s why my focus for the coming year will be the Chamber’s most valuable asset, our members. I call it “Back to Basics”. The Clovis Chamber has always had a large, strong membership. Yes, our numbers have slipped although much less than many other chambers. Some of our members are doing quite well and some aren’t. But each and every one has stayed passionate towards their employees and customers. We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the number of businesses who have chosen to join the chamber for the first time. They all recognize the importance of the valuable networking programs that we offer. Now it’s time for me to do my part. As the board chairman, I will work with the board directors to encourage them to play a more active part in our membership commitments. Our directors are chosen not only for their business knowledge and support of the chamber, but also because they are influential members of the community. They also have a broad base of contacts that can be a source of new members. Our directors are doing a terrific job representing and supporting the Chamber. They are active in our programs, events and committees and have done much to enhance the reputation of the Chamber. Their hard work is appreciated and I know that in 2013 they’ll be essential in bringing the Chamber to new heights. If you are currently a Clovis Chamber member, I promise that your association with us will be advantageous and profitable. If you’re not yet a member, I invite you to join our dynamic organization. We are waiting for you to call. Here’s to a great 2013. Ken May 2013 Chairman of the Board Mark Blackney CEO/President Clovis Chamber of Commerce Getting a Grip It’s hard to believe that I’ve been the CEO of the Clovis Chamber for over four years. And what a ride it has been. During this time, we’ve had to carry on through one of the worst recessions in our nation’s history while maintaining the Chamber’s programs and successful events. Needless to say, at times it has been a struggle, but we are still a force supporting our local businesses and the Clovis community. One of the constants during my tenure has been one of my favorite groups of people – the Chamber Board of Directors. Even though names may change, its purpose and dedication to the Chamber mission stays the same. Each year, several members term out and new ones are nominated to join. We don’t look for just anyone to become a director. We seek the special people who have the skills, talent and passion to enhance the Chamber purpose. We make sure our directors represent the many facets of our economy and businesses. On our board you’ll find small business owners, upper management, employees, and retired individuals. We believe in the importance of our educational institutions by having representatives from the Clovis Unified School District and Willow International Community College Center. We recognize that many of our members are from the younger generation so we are adding that age group to our board. Their innovative ideas are the perfect mix with us “older” folks’ wisdom and experience. Board discussions get quite interesting as points of view from different generations mix and sometimes conflict. But we always end up with a decision that makes the Chamber stronger. The directors play an important role in our events. Several assist in their planning while others are here at 5 am to direct vendors and help do the set up. Several board members can be found manning the beer garden and the Chamber booth. We are always open to their suggestions. In 2011, under the guidance of Chairman Rod Geist, the directors decided to expand our outreach to the community beyond our economic endeavors. The Chamber Gives Back program was started with its first project, Hooked on Books. Through the tireless work of the directors, donations were accepted from local businesses and the public at BIG Hat Days and ClovisFest. Those revenues funded the purchase of hundreds of books that have been distributed to three CUSD elementary schools so far. The goal is to put a book in the hands of every school child in the district. An important role the directors play is to retain and add to our membership base. That is another criteria we use when considering their membership to the board – how can they influence people to join the Chamber? I’m excited that incoming Chairman Ken May has chosen Membership Development as his goal during 2013. He has the passion to make the Chamber grow and I know we will have many new members join us. One charge of our new board is to determine what changes we need to make to continue our success in the new era of business that is based on the needs I NSIDER Chamber Thank You to our Sponsors Clovis Chamber of Commerce 325 Pollasky Avenue Clovis CA, 93612 A PUBLICATION OF THE CLOVIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Message from CEO/President Grip, continued on page 2 Outgoing Chairman Rick Snow, Incoming Chairman Ken May Chamber Directors distribute books at Temperance-Kutner Elementary School.

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Clovis Insider 1.3.13

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Page 1: Clovis Insider 1.3.13

January 2013

Volume 3, Number 1

From the Chairman of the Board

I am honored to be the 2013 Chairman of the Board for the Clovis Chamber and am looking forward to working with its members, directors and staff.

Over the past 5 years, our country has been challenged like never before. We have slid into an economic quagmire that we just can’t seem to get out of. Add the political noise of blame and diametrically opposed solutions and we’re at a standstill.

However, one bright light for me has

been the perseverance of the Chamber’s members and staff who have stepped up to the plate to face our problems head on.

That’s why my focus for the coming year will be the Chamber’s most valuable asset, our members. I call it “Back to Basics”.

The Clovis Chamber has always had a large, strong membership. Yes, our numbers have slipped although much

less than many other chambers. Some of our members are doing quite well and some aren’t. But each and every one has stayed passionate towards their employees and customers.

We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the number of businesses who have chosen to join the chamber for the first time. They all recognize the importance of the valuable networking programs that we offer.

Now it’s time for me to do my part.

As the board chairman, I will work with the board directors to encourage them to play a more active part in our membership commitments. Our directors are chosen not only for their business knowledge and support of the chamber, but also because they are influential members of the community. They also have a broad base of contacts that can be a source of new members.

Our directors are doing a terrific job representing and supporting the Chamber. They are active in our programs, events and committees and have done much to enhance the reputation of the Chamber. Their hard work is appreciated and I know that in 2013 they’ll be essential in bringing the Chamber to new heights.

If you are currently a Clovis Chamber member, I promise that your association with us will be advantageous and profitable. If you’re not yet a member, I invite you to join our dynamic organization. We are waiting for you to call.

Here’s to a great 2013.

Ken May2013 Chairman of the Board

Mark BlackneyCEO/PresidentClovis Chamberof Commerce

Getting a Grip

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been the CEO of the Clovis Chamber for over four years. And what a ride it has been. During this time, we’ve had to carry on through one of the worst recessions in our nation’s history while maintaining the Chamber’s programs and successful events. Needless to say, at times it has been a struggle, but we are still a force supporting our local businesses and the Clovis community.

One of the constants during my tenure has been one of my favorite groups of people – the Chamber Board of Directors. Even though names may change, its purpose and dedication to the Chamber mission stays the same.

Each year, several members term out and new ones are nominated to join. We don’t look for just anyone to become a director. We seek the special people who have the skills, talent and passion to enhance the Chamber purpose.

We make sure our directors represent the many facets of our economy and businesses. On our board you’ll find small

business owners, upper management, employees, and retired individuals. We believe in the importance of our educational institutions by having representatives from the Clovis Unified School District and Willow International Community College Center.

We recognize that many of our members are from the younger generation so we are adding that age group to our board. Their innovative ideas are the perfect mix with us “older” folks’ wisdom and experience. Board discussions get quite interesting as points of view from different generations mix and sometimes conflict. But we always end up with a decision that makes the Chamber stronger.

The directors play an important role in our events. Several assist in their planning while others are here at 5 am to direct vendors and help do the set up. Several board members can be found manning the beer garden and the Chamber booth. We are always open to their suggestions.

In 2011, under the guidance of Chairman Rod Geist, the directors decided to expand our outreach to the community beyond our economic endeavors. The Chamber Gives Back program was started with its first project, Hooked on Books. Through the tireless work of the directors, donations were accepted from local businesses and the public

at BIG Hat Days and ClovisFest. Those revenues funded the purchase of hundreds of books that have been distributed to three CUSD elementary schools so far. The goal is to put a book in the hands of every school child in the district.

An important role the directors play is to retain and add to our membership base. That is another criteria we use when considering their membership to the board – how can they influence people to join the Chamber? I’m excited that incoming Chairman Ken May has chosen Membership Development as his goal during 2013. He has the passion to make the Chamber grow and I know we will have many new members join us.

One charge of our new board is to determine what changes we need to make to continue our success in the new era of business that is based on the needs

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Message fromCEO/President

Grip, continued on page 2

Outgoing Chairman Rick Snow, Incoming Chairman Ken May

Chamber Directors distribute books at Temperance-Kutner Elementary School.

Page 2: Clovis Insider 1.3.13

Clovis Chamber of Commerce325 Pollasky

Clovis, CA 93612299-7363 · Fax 299-2969www.clovischamber.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEKen May - Board ChairRick Snow - Past Chair

Snowflake DesignsShelly D’Arcy - Chair Elect

Kaiser PermanenteKarena Dillon - Vice Chair,

Chamber Gives BackBaker Dillon Group

Nick Maxwell - Vice Chair, FinanceLPL Financial

Gary Honeycutt - Vice Chair, Advocacy

B.J. Kountry KitchenEllie Huston - Vice Chair,

MarketingGina Estrada - Vice Chair,

NominatingAXA Equitable

BOARD OF DIRECTORSRandy Baer

Schneider ElectricRon Barsamian

Barsamian & Moody Professional Corp

Alex ContrerasDonaghy Sales

Rod GeistCentral Valley Community Bank

Bob HallHalran Consulting & Marketing

Nykole HibbsDinner MyWayDeborah Ikeda

Willow International Community College Center

Claudia MoorefieldSee’s Candies, Inc.

Greg NewmanLand Value/Sierra Vista Mall

Thom RichardsonSunrise DisplaysPaul Spraetz, Sr

Farmers Insurance GroupCheryl Storer

Cheryl Storer, CPASteve Ward

Clovis Unified School DistrictMary WilliamsDumont Printing

2 - www.clovischamber.com

About this publication...Chamber Insider is the official

monthly publication of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, 325 Pollasky, Clovis, CA 93612, (559) 299-7363. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents or any portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited.

The appearance of any advertisements in this publication does not constitute support or endorsement for any product, person, cause, business or organization named therein, unless specifically noted otherwise in the advertisement.

GripContinued from page 1

and characteristics of this generation of business owners who are younger and very tech savvy. We have already made good strides with our emphasis on the use of and training on social media.

But we have to do more. We are looking at our popular networking events including our mixers and the traditional trade shows. They have been very successful but we must make sure we’re making the necessary adjustments to attract that younger age group. Should we change the format, the location, the timing? All these aspects will be considered with the assistance of our

younger board members.

We have to put our advocacy program under the microscope. These are scary and uncertain times for our businesses. Are we doing the most to help our members tread through the maze of treacherous regulations and new taxes? For some, major decisions will have to be made regarding their workforce, location and even the future of their businesses. We have to be there to offer whatever support and resources we can.

We’re hoping this uncertainty won’t stop the entrepreneurial spirit of people

who want to start a new business. We have to make sure the Chamber is able to assist them through our membership programs that can help them succeed. The Board acknowledges the economy will make it more difficult, but it knows how important the Chamber’s role continues to be in the business community.

As we start another year, I’m confident the Chamber is up to the challenge of representing and supporting our most valuable asset, our members. With our dynamic new board, I know that only great things will happen in 2013.

Congressman Devin Nunes – Keynote Speaker at Chamber Annual Meeting

The date is set, the menu chosen and the keynote speaker lined up for the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting and Salute to Business Awards Dinner.

Join us as we say farewell to outgoing Chairman Rick Snow, welcome incoming Chairman Ken May, install the new Board of Directors, and recognize outstanding business people who have excelled with the Chamber and in the

community.

End the evening with a discussion by Congressman Nunes (R-Clovis) who has been outstanding in the heat of battle for the past years. He will fill us in on foreign and domestic issues and let us know the state our country is in,

We will be serving wine. You’ll probably need it.

The Dinner will be held on Monday, February 11th at the Classic Catering Banquet Hall in Old Town from 6 to 9 pm.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets are available at the Chamber and must be purchased in advance.

Contact the Chamber at 299—7363 for more information.

New Benefits Program for 2013 Will Save Members Thousands of Dollars on Advertising

Last month we announced a new membership benefits program called the Marketing Deal of the Month. We called on our members who provide advertising, business development, marketing, public relations, design and social media to agree to give YOU, the members of the Clovis Chamber, a great deal on anything that will help you promote your business. The response was tremendous. We have nearly two dozen offers already and more coming in every day.

Here’s how it will work: At the beginning of each month, you’ll get an email titled “Marketing Deals of the Month for January” (or February, March, April, etc.). There will be at least two deals for you to look at. You must claim the deal by the end of the month, but you can use it after the end of the month if you’ve made arrangement with the member who is offering the deal. You must be a member in good standing. This means that your dues are completely up-to-date. Each business that is offering a deal will have an up-to-date list of members

If you used every one of the Marketing Deals we are going to offer over the next six months, you would save over $5,260. Watch for an article in this newsletter each month titled “Marketing Deals of the Month,” check your email inbox, watch our Facebook page, or simply call the Chamber office to get the latest deal. Some restrictions will apply so be sure and ask the member who is providing the deal for the details. Don’t wait! Each deal can only be claimed in that month.

2013 Chamber Directories and City Guide are HereOnce again, the Clovis Chamber

and Village Profile Publishing have produced a beautiful directory and city guide for the people of Clovis. It is filled with photos of the local scene, many taken by Chamber CEO Mark Blackney, and text that describes the area’s history, recreation, businesses and special events.

More importantly, the Chamber’s greatest asset, our members, are listed. Our thanks to those who invested in enhanced advertisements.

We received 15,000 copies that will be fully distributed throughout Fresno and Clovis to hotels, professional offices and

other businesses. Thousands will be handed out at BIG Hat Days and ClovisFest as our commitment to our members to support their businesses.

Copies of the directory are available at the Chamber Hall in Old Town for your convenience. Call 299-7363 for more information.

Clovis Area Brokers contribute to Boys and Girls ClubAt the Annual Clovis Area Brokers

Christmas Breakfast, the members came through for the community by collecting over $800 for the Clovis Boys and Girls Club. Attendees donated centerpieces that were raffled off.

Clovis Area Brokers, the real estate committee of the Clovis Chamber, have been active for over 10 years through real

estate highs and lows. Speakers discuss industry issues at their monthly meetings at Yosemite Falls Café with the Christmas Breakfast as the year’s highlight.

The Clovis Boys and Girls Club has been the beneficiary of their generosity for many years and has put the money to good use.

First Mixer of the Year Set for January 16thWe’re still waiting to confirm the

location, but it will be a great time with the best networkers in the Valley. Mark your calendar now for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16th and then watch your email inbox or check

the Chamber Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ClovisChamber for the location.

Are you interested in being promoted for a month and having 100+ people come

to your business? Host a Clovis Chamber mixer! Dates are still open for 2013. Call Beth Bridges at 299-7363 or email [email protected] to see if you qualify.

Page 3: Clovis Insider 1.3.13

Chamber Addresses Member’s ConcernBy Fran BlackneyBusiness Advocate

One of the valuable services the Clovis Chamber gives its members is to be the resource for business concerns. With extensive contacts, the Chamber can find the answer to most questions.

Recently, a merchant asked about the laws and regulations regarding accommodating service animals that assist disabled people. The owner had had several instances of customers entering her shop with their “pets” that at times were unruly. She wanted to know about the rules for accommodating them to make sure she was in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

She told of one small dog that roamed her shop, sniffing the merchandise and even relieving himself in the corner. Another customer brought in his iguana that crawled along her counters. Both claimed their pets as service animals with the assumption they had carte blanche in her business.

Granted, these were the exception as most service animal owners are very responsible and have well behaved animal assistants.

Piqued with interest about a situation I had never considered, I immediately jumped on the web to research. I found the Department of Justice site with the ADA regulations but couldn’t find if there were any differences here in California.

By contacting the California Chamber of Commerce and John Holt of the city of Clovis, I soon found the answers.

According to the ADA, service animals are dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents him from using these devices. In that case, the individual must use such devices that maintain control over the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.

Businesses may exclude service animals only if 1) the dog is out of control and the handler cannot or does not regain control, or 2) the dog is not housebroken.

Here is the most important factor. If it is apparent the animal is not a service animal, the business owner can ask only 2 questions 1) Is the animal required because of a disability and 2) what work or task has the animal been trained to perform? No other questions may be asked especially about the person’s disability or the dog are permitted. Additionally, businesses may not ask for proof of certification or medical documentation of any kind as a condition of entrance.

A business is not required to provide care or food for a service animal or provide a special location for it to relieve itself.

There is now another category of animal – the emotional support animals that are often self-prescribed for the owner. The ADA rules regarding these animals are different than service animals. Housing

providers must accommodate them but may require

documentation of their need. Other

public entities are not required to accommodate e m o t i o n a l s u p p o r t animals.

There are a few differences

between the federal ADA laws

and California’s. The federal law does

not require tagging or registration of a service

or therapy dog, California does. California Penal Code section 30850 says that any therapy, service, assistance or guide dog must have an ID tag verifying that the dog has been trained to behave properly in public situations.

The California Board of Guide Dogs provides the training and certification for those animals. Training, certification and licensing information for an assistance or therapy dog is handled through the Sacramento SPCA.

However, the law still stipulates that a business cannot inquire about the certification or require paperwork to be shown. He can only ask if the dog is a service animal and has to take the owner’s word.

If you notice, I only refer to dogs as service animals. In California only one other animal can be considered a service animal – a miniature horse. Once again, it must be house broken and well behaved. No other animals qualify. There are two individuals who are trying to get exemptions to that rule. One young lady carries a rat on her shoulder and a man has a snake wrapped around his neck. Both claim that the animals are able to alert them when they are about to have a seizure. As of today, no ruling has been made on their request.

The best advice for a business owner is to accommodate people who bring their dogs, or miniature horses, into your establishment. It’s always best to err on the side of your customers. But remember, you do have the right to ask them to leave if the animal becomes out of control or destructive. Just keep in mind to stay compliant with the law.

As the Clovis Chamber has said before, it is virtually impossible to follow the myriad laws and regulations created by our legislators and the courts. If you as a Clovis Chamber member have questions or want clarification about certain laws, remember that we are your resource. Be sure to call.

Chamber Sponsor Clear Channel Media

Launches PowerTalk 96.7 FM

The Clovis Chamber is excited to announce that long time sponsor, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Fresno, is launching PowerTalk on 96.7 FM and 1400 AM in the Fresno and Visalia areas starting January 1st. The line up of on-air personalities guarantees great success.

Starting at 6 am, you will be able to hear Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Andy Dean and Jerry Doyle. Bill Manders will be returning to the local airwaves and Coast to Coast AM with Georgy Noory will keep you company over night.

On the weekends, you’ll hear KMPH’s Rich Rodriguea with a 2 hour agriculture show followed by Gary Sullivan, Bill Handel, Leo Laporte, Bill Cunningham and the Jesus Christ Show.

Vice President and Regional Market Manager, Jeff Negrete commented, “We are excited to offer a contemporary and entertaining presentation of News Talk that

will transform the Fresno radio landscape. Power Talk will be a game changer for Fresno.”

The Clovis Chamber especially appreciates this news because Clear Channel has been the main media sponsor for our events. Its support has played a major part in our success. By reaching over 640,000 people each week, its reach is larger than any other media in the area.

“Our partnership with the Clovis Chamber was in our thoughts and discussions while working on this monumental business decision. Our relationship with the Chamber and the people of Clovis is very important to us,” said Negrete.

You can find Clear Channel at BIG Hat Days and Clovis Fest on the corner of Fourth Street, in front of the carnival and on 7th Street. Stop by and thank them for supporting the Chamber and bringing great entertainment to the Valley.

www.clovischamber.com - 3

Page 4: Clovis Insider 1.3.13

Good News from Clovis Chamber MembersAs we start the new year, here is some

Good News from our members from last year.

Butler Web and Design completed its free website winner’s site! You can check it out at www.JackMOberti.com. Congratulations to Dr. Oberti, DDS. Also, Kathy Sisk Enterprises is Growing and in the process of looking for a larger office. I you have a place in Clovis, they’re looking. Call them at 323-1472.

A-C Electric Company tells us it has installed a solar electric generation system at the Memorial Unified Methodist Church on Pollasky Avenue in Clovis. It will reduce their electricity costs, protect them against future rate hikes and reduce their environmental impact by using renewable energy from the sun. Details: 284-6204

Jerry Lowe of the Law Offices of Jerry R Lowe reports that his practice is growing and is moving to a new office at the Maubridge Building, 2344 Tulare Street, Suite 301 in Fresno. He can be contacted at 495-1529

The Perfect Vacation is expanding – to a larger location on Pollasky Avenue in Old Town across from Quilters’ Paradise and the Clovis Chamber. It plans to open on February 1st while keeping their present location on Fourth Street for group meetings and events. Details: 549 324-8150

Baker Dillon Group, the Clovis-based brand marketing firm, has announced it has been selected to design a new corporate and product website for Bio Springer, a worldwide leader in yeast products.

Details: 325-7191

The Clovis Roundup, publisher of the Chamber Insider, has upgraded their website thanks to the great expertise of Butler Web Design, another Chamber member. It now features both the Clovis RoundUp and the Chamber Insider in a turn page format. Back issues of both are also available online. We also have Facebook feed on their home page. This allows them to share their Facebook posts with their website audience. “Like” them on Facebook and share your posts (no ads please) with them and it will also be on their website Facebook feed.

ARTCO Web Development is pleased to announce the completion of a new web site for Peter Singh, Attorney at Law. Take a look at www.petersingh.com and let them know what you think. If you like to run, visit www.datahorsetrot.com and check out the site they developed for the Kingsburg Rotary Club’s May 10k and Fun Run. Details: 322-0999

Birdy’s Kids in Motion will now be offering dance and gymnastics classes at New Life Discovery Schools. Starting in January, the three locations will hold weekly classes for the children. Details: 765-0299

January marks the 7th anniversary that Tim & Janet Ory purchased Paul’s Certified Appliance. They had been an active part of Paul’s Certified Appliance for 15 years prior to purchasing the business and continue to offer great service to their customers. Details: 439-8450

Digital Attic just launched the newly

designed web stie for Limon Peruvian Cuisine, www.limonfresno.com. It provided stunning photograpny and a content management system that allows for easy updating of web site content. Details: 324-9341

The “Winter Wonderland” at The Pines Resort on beautiful Bass Lake welcomes back Chef Johnathan Frabotta. He will bring his signature creativity and passion for fresh ingredients to enchance their restaurant and banquet menus. Details: 642-3121

The Valley Animal Center announces they have been awarded a substantial grant from the Pedigree Foundation in the amount of $25,000 to fund an adoption campaign. The campaign will kick off in early 2013 and run for a 6 month period and will encompass different forms of advertising, events and publicity to boost adoption rates at the local shelter. Many thanks to the Pedigree Foundation for providing this wonderful opportunity. Details: 233-8690

The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens donated $455 to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of Central California on December 17th. The senior living community donated $5 for each person who attended an open house event for the community’s brand-new memory support center called The Grove. Nearly 100 guests toured the community. The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens is the only memory care service in the area based around person-centered care. Details: 913 491-0600

Central Valley Community Bank is expanding as it merges with Visalia Community Bank that has four branches in Visalia and one in Exeter. This merger will add to the 17 existing offices in the northern Valley counties of Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, Sacramento and San Joaquin.

Social Network withthe Clovis Chamber!

Follow us on: Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn www.facebook.com/ClovisChamber

twitter.com/clovischamberwww.linkedin.com/in/bethbridges

4 - www.clovischamber.com

Page 5: Clovis Insider 1.3.13

Year-End Tax Planning Moves for Businesses

As the end of the year approaches, many are looking for ways to reduce their business profits before year’s end. Here are some possible moves that might apply to your situation.

Self-employed Retirement Plans – If you are self-employed and haven’t done so yet, you may wish to establish a self-employed retirement plan. Certain types of plans must be established before the end of the year to make you eligible to deduct contributions made to the plan for 2012, even if the contributions aren’t made until 2013. You may also qualify for the pension start-up credit.

Increase Basis – If you own an interest in a partnership or S corporation that is going to show a loss in 2012, you may need to increase your basis in the entity so you can deduct the loss, which is limited to your basis in the entity.

Hire Veterans – If you are considering hiring some new employees between now and the end of the year, you might consider hiring a qualifying veteran so that you can qualify for the work opportunity tax credit (WOTC). The WOTC for hiring veterans in 2012 ranges from $2,400 to $9,600, depending on a variety of factors (such as

the veteran’s period of unemployment and whether he or she has a service-connected disability).

Purchase Equipment – If you are in the market for new business equipment and machinery and you place them in service before year-end, you will qualify for the 50% bonus first-year depreciation allowance. Or, you can elect to expense up to $139,000 of the newly acquired items using the Sec 179 expensing allowance. The $139,000 expense limit is reduced by one dollar for every dollar in excess of the $560,000 annual investment limit.

Purchase an SUV for Business – If you are in the market for a business car, and your taste runs to large, heavy SUVs (those built on a truck chassis and rated at more than 6,000 pounds gross [loaded] vehicle weight), consider buying in 2012. Due to a combination of favorable depreciation and expensing rules, and depending on the percentage of business use, you may be able to write off most of the cost of the heavy SUV this year.

These are just some of the year-end steps that can be taken to save taxes. Please contact this office so we can tailor a plan to your particular needs.

The Number One Networking Skill That Will Make You

Successful in 2013By Beth Bridges

Do you avoid networking because you think it’s a waste of time and that nothing good will happen? Or do you network with anticipation that you don’t know what might happen, but it will be good or at least fun? Are you a pessimist when it comes to investing your time in networking or are you an optimist? The way you answer this question could determine how successful you are at networking.

If you think the glass is only half-full and the people you meet are likely to bore you with detailed stories of their last audit, then making one simple shift in the way you think about networking could change everything. Become an optimist when it comes to thinking about the potential benefits of networking.

Optimists tend to feel that they are more in control of their lives and destiny than pessimists who think that bad things will happen. And people who believe they control their own destinies and who believe that they will find the people, resources and information they need are more successful than those who don’t.

Is it possible to be too optimistic about networking? Of course it is. If you believe in and are counting on things that are completely out of your control. Just like the odds of winning the lottery are astronomical and therefore is not a good retirement plan, hoping that the right people will magically find you and want to be part of a joint venture is not a good networking plan. Research has shown that overly optimistic people tend to just “hope for the best” and not do enough long-term planning.

Having an optimistic outlook, but realistic understanding of what it takes to build a powerful network is the most important “skill” you can build. While the chemical makeup of your brain somewhat influences the way you think, your own experience impacts whether or not you’re going to anticipate good results from networking.

If you’ve had acceptable results from networking, think optimistically and work to improve your other skills such as your ability to communicate and your follow-up system. If you’ve had negative results from networking and now you feel pessimistic about it, seriously look over the groups you’ve been part of and your approach to networking. You might not be a pessimist; you just haven’t been looking in the most helpful places with people who understand networking.

The active members of the Clovis Chamber whom you’ll meet at our mixers, Speed Networking and Leads Club meetings are exactly the kind of people who will bolster your optimism about the value of networking. Visit www.ClovisChamber.com to see your next opportunity to network with upbeat and encouraging people.

As Membership Director and Chief Networking Officer of the Clovis Chamber, Beth Bridges has attended over 2,300 networking events in the last 9 years. She provides free daily networking tips and tricks on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheNetworkingMotivator

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Thank You to these renewing members - January 201335+ Years

DiCicco’s Restaurant..............................................1/23/75Renewal Body Works, Inc......................................7/24/78

20 - 34 Years

Warner Financial Services..........................................1/5/85Allied Waste..............................................................3/6/86America’s Best Value Inn & Suites Clovis..............1/20/87Ano-Tech Metal Finishing......................................11/5/87Whitcomm Electronics..........................................12/26/89Cen Cal Business Finance Group..............................1/3/91Bruce Williams Auto Body.....................................1/14/91 11 - 19 Years

Simonian Farms.......................................................11/1/93Mister Sprayman Pest Control................................5/21/96Merit Manor Apartments.........................................11/1/96American Heart Association...................................10/8/97McPheeters & Associates........................................2/10/98Clovis Regional Library........................................10/29/99

On The Edge...........................................................1/22/01BD Marketing...........................................................2/5/01Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Cen Valley Affl....12/12/02 5 - 9 Years

Imprint Solutions.......................................................4/1/03GoSmallBiz, Legal Shield, ID Theft Shield............9/18/03Sierra HR Partners.................................................12/12/03Wattleweb Global Solutions....................................1/16/04Allergy One..............................................................8/5/04Milan Institute.......................................................10/13/04Optimal Hospice Foundation..................................12/1/04Garcia 2 Property Inspections...............................12/21/04ZJ’s Auto Body.....................................................12/29/05Kellner Properties - Paul Hinkle.............................5/23/06Chiropractor - Sabrina Chronister, D.C..................8/10/06Mano Y Mano Consulting LLC..............................9/27/06Colonial Van & Storage........................................11/10/06A-1 Expert Tree Service Inc...................................5/16/07Liberty Tax Service-Ashlan/Golden State...............5/24/07Human Resources Consortium, The.......................6/20/07

2 - 4 Years

Big Kids Toys Auto Center......................................3/19/09The Perfect Vacation...............................................7/25/09Birdy’s Kids in Motion...........................................8/10/09Payroll People Inc...................................................8/17/09Cyber Moog, Inc...................................................11/17/09The Advance Group..............................................11/18/09Treva D. Lee DDS, MAGD....................................3/30/10Knights Pumping & Portable Services, Inc............12/2/10Jurkovich Doak Development..............................12/29/10 1 Year

Doors, Floors and More..........................................3/24/11The Discovery Center..............................................5/12/11Murphy Law Firm...................................................6/24/11Central Payment......................................................8/10/11TekPro PC...............................................................8/10/11City Wide Maintenance Company, Inc.................10/12/11California Baptist University...................................12/8/11

Pinnacle Auto Brokers323 W Cromwell Ave, Suite # 120

Fresno, CA. 93711(559) 431-5841

Divine Body Works Studio5150 N 6th Street #100

Fresno, CA. 93710(559) 222-5362

SEO BuiltPO Box 261

Clovis, CA. 93613(559) 840-9416

Kuppa Joy Coffee House518 Clovis Ave.

Clovis, CA. 93612(559) 298-7234

Cheryl Storer, CPA, APAClovis, CA. 93611

(559) 325-1525

Loyalty Networks Solutions, Inc.1175 Shaw Ave. #104

Clovis, CA 93612(888) 713-4399 ext 101

RoseMarie’s Services (Notary)Fresno, CA. 93703

(559) 960-8974

Tee Shirts and Hats Dot ComClovis, CA. 93611

(559) 289-9158

Welcome our Newest Members!

Website Basics: What Every Business Should Know About Successful Websites

By Sean TambagahanOperations Manager, Butler Web and Design

What is a successful website?Before answering the question, “what is

a successful website”, you need to ask the question, “by what standard will I measure my website’s success?”

Most people think that a successful website is simply a website that looks nice (good graphics, the right colors, the right layout, etc.). Though a nice look and feel is important, it’s not crucial. There are several websites that millions of people use, that aren’t extremely impressive in their design. For example: Facebook, Google, and Craigslist don’t have mind blowing graphics in their design, but they are successful because they accomplish specific results.

What is its purpose?Even though a nice eye-catching design

is important, what’s even more important is that your website is bringing you results. In order for you to know if your website is bringing you results, you need to ask what results it should be bringing you.

Questions you need to consider beforeyou create a website:

1) What do I want my website to do?(What purpose should it serve?)

2) What do I want my website’s visitors to do? (What actions should they perform)

3) My website will be successful when ______________________ (fill in the blank)

It’s important to ask these questions because it reminds you that your website serves a purpose. A website is supposed to accomplish something for you. Maybe your website’s purpose is to get people to call your office. Maybe its purpose is to get people to buy something online. Maybe its purpose is to get people to subscribe to something. Answers to the above questions will look different for every company, but every company’s

website SHOULD serve a purpose.

Once you know your website’s purpose, build from there...

When you have the answers to these questions, you are ready to start brainstorming about how your website should be built, because EVERY PAGE will be designed around these answers.

For example:If your website’s purpose is to sell

products, and the success of your website will be gauged on the basis of how many products are sold, then every page of your website should be strategically built to get people to buy products online. You won’t need to focus on a lot of flashy animation, or a ton of text… you will need to focus on “what will help my visitors buy something online?”

If your website’s purpose is to inform people about a specific topic, and the success of your website will be gauged on the basis of how many people are properly informed, then your website should be strategically built to make sure people read the content that you want them to. In this case, your site will more than likely have a lot of content; therefore it’s important to think about how your website should be laid out so that viewers can easily find the right content they are looking for… (continued online)

(… Visit our free resource center online to read the entire article)

This article answer questions such as:

• What are the standard pages for every website?

• How many pages should I have on my website?

• How do I create a site map?

• What content should go on each page?

You can view the entire article, along with other free resources and tips at www.ButlerWebAndDesign.com/resources.

If you would like a free consultation on website standard practices, or if you have any questions or are in need of assistance contact:

Sean Tambagahan, Operations Managerp. 559.797.3414f. 559.323.9151c. 559.930.5991 [email protected]

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Are You Kidding Me?By Fran BlackneyBusiness Advocate

Another year has gone by. That means another twelve of these columns. I have to say, they are my favorite to write because there is so much material available.

I want to start with the continuing saga of the Affordable Care Act, aka:Obamacare, small business health premium tax credit. We submitted the form on March 30th then received a letter on June 3rd telling us to send in more information – W-2’s, cancelled checks, blood type, etc. We received the same letter on September 22nd. I called the IRS and was told it may take until March of NEXT year to obtain the credit since they were behind.

On a whim I called again in late November and left a message. The next day, we received the check, exactly 8 months to the day after submitting the tax form. 2 days later I received a phone call from the IRS telling me they were still looking into our claim and would let us know when we’d receive the refund. I called them back and said, “Never mind. You sent us the refund last week.” What can I say?

Good old California. They sure are a financial mess, no news there. Today we were notified that our Federal Unemployment Tax would be doubled retroactive to January 1, 2012. Why? Because *&%^*( California failed to repay its outstanding federal loan for all the unemployment benefits paid to its residents. The injustice of this tax is that businesses that are still open have to foot the bill for laid off employees of failed companies. And who knows what

Washington will do with their “grand deal” and spending? More benefits?

So often you hear that the answer to obesity is to raise the tax on certain food. Well, just ask Denmark about that tactic. Their “fat tax” was placed on foods containing saturated fats like dairy, produce, meat and processed foods. As usual with these do-gooders, they thought that people would quit buying the food to save money and they’d be healthy. As usual, they were wrong. Like raising taxes on the rich, people don’t just pay the higher prices. They do all they can to avoid them. The smart Danes then just crossed the border to Germany to buy their fatty foods for less. The results were lost jobs and revenue in the Danish stores. Surprise! The tax is being abolished as we speak. Maybe our legislators will learn a lesson. Nah. Won’t happen.

As you know, many legislators are on a power trip and enjoy lording it over us. That’s what Brad Jones of Buckingham Slate, a Virginia business, discovered. He committed the unforgivable sin of not having a lid on his trash can. Wham. A $4,000 fine. That was after he was hit with a $70,000 fine for having an inoperable horn on one of his trucks. Five of his 45 employees spend 20 percent of their time filling out paperwork for regulations. It has gotten worse over the past three years where over 100 economically significant regulations have been added that have cost over $100 million to small businesses. Think it’s going to get better? Don’t hold your breath.

Payback time. The EPA has charged the Upper Green Valley in Wisconsin with the unpardonable sin of unattainment of federal ozone standards. The state must devise a plan to address air quality concerns. Part of that plan must include quantifying emissions for all activities in the area. Well, it seems that there are thousands of cattle grazing on 900,000 acres of land and, you guessed it, agents have to account for all their “emissions” that are huge. Wyoming’s state air resources coordinator complained, “We would have to identify the acreage of these leasing parcels, the number of cattle occupying those parcels and calculate and develop an estimate of the emissions. It’d just be more of an additional workload for us here.” Ever heard of karma?

Dr. Verenice Gutierrez, principal of an elementary school in Oregon, sees things that don’t exist. She is concerned that talking about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because it shows “white privilege”. Why? Kids of other cultures may not know what they are. Never mind that not one child or parent has complained. Gutierrez sees it as racially offensive. Oh, and she’s glad her school was recently identified as a “focus school” – in the bottom 15% in the state. She’s excited that the school will get $5,000 and a “coach” to help the school improve. I thought school pride meant something else.

In another school in North Carolina, staff made a first grader remove a line from a poem she wrote to honor her grandfather on Veterans Day. Here’s the offensive line. You can clearly see the offensive word. “He prayed to God for peace, he prayed to God for strength.” What was the child thinking?

Many people look at European countries as being of a higher culture and intelligence. Sweden is often held up as the model of perfection. It’s also a model of Gender Neutrality. There are no boys or girls, just “friends” at a new state-sponsored preschool. Classic fairy tales like Cinderella and Snow White have been replaced by the story of two male giraffes that parent abandoned crocodile eggs. The Swedish Green Party wants gender watchdogs in all of the nation’s preschools. One preschool got rid of toy cars because boys “gender-coded” them and gave them higher “status” than other toys. Free play is disallowed because there is hierarchy, exclusion and “the seed to bully” (like in the real world). Instead, every detail of the children’s activity is micromanaged by a concerned adult. Psychologists have great,

big smiles as they anticipate all the new patients they’re going to have in the future.

Here’s a sad story. In Appalachian hill country, parents are pulling their children out of literacy classes because they would lose their supplemental income for intellectually disabled children. They currently receive $698 per child each month. For many, that is their only form of income. To make matters worse, that S.S.I. check is larger for a single mother than for a married couple. Once again, a government program with good intentions has created havoc. Education and marriage are ways to get out of poverty. Instead, generations of people are doomed to stay poor. Unfortunately, there is no turning back our entitlement culture.

An Ohio community college crew has had to remove its “Men Working” sign. You know why. A female employee complained it was sexist even though no women were on the crew. Next up – “Children at Play” will be offensive to adults. Sigh.

An Oregon inmate is insisting that the state’s prison system pay for reconstructive surgery after he shot off part of his own face in a suicide attempt. He has had some surgery already, covered by his private insurance plan, but wants more. The prison system has ruled that his request is for purely cosmetic purposes and denied it so of course, he sued. The poor baby can’t eat right and won’t be able to find a job when released because of his appearance. The court battle has cost the state $10,000 so far. What’s the problem? When Obamacare is implemented, he’ll get covered with his “pre-existing” condition.

The SEIU at work. A judge in Connecticut has ordered five nursing homes to rehire striking employees after they went out on strike in JULY. Not only did they leave, but several changed the ID tags on the elderly patients, most that have dementia. Needless to say, this caused major havoc in the patients’ treatment. Furthermore, in surveys of resident satisfaction, improvement in five of six categories showed up with the replacement workers. Doesn’t matter to the judge. He would rather pander to the unions than care about the patient’s health.

On a final note – a man in New York, is suing the Hustler Club for his $28,000 bar tab because he was too drunk to say “No”. At least a little common sense prevailed – the judge tossed his suit and told him to pay up. Maybe there’s hope for us yet.

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