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554 West Lancaster Boulevard Lancaster, CA 93534 (661) 948-4518
Serving the community by Promoting, Protecting, Encouraging and Developing Business since 1902

Business Connection

 

November 2017

In this Month's Issue

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

 Executive Committee

                    
Chairwoman of the Board
 

Vice-Chair

Past Chairwoman of the Board

Ex-Officio 
Mark Hemstreet - Chief Executive Officer
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce   
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors






Ron Hier, The Hier Advantage


Terry Roth, JAG Insurance


Donna Hill, MomsHouse

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

 Office Staff 

Mark Hemstreet, Chief Executive Officer
Anna Zarley, Event Coordinator
Sharon Molnar, Office Coordinator
What can the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce do to help grow YOUR business???

What is Your Chamber?

 

Since 1902, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce has existed as a private, voluntary, nonprofit (501(C)(3) and (C)(6) business organization dedicated to improving the economic environment of business growth and prosperity. The business community now serves a greater Antelope Valley Region, with a population of more than 480,000 people


 

As the Antelope Valley continues to develop and thrive, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce continues to evolve to meet the needs of its members and our growing community. The Lancaster Chamber offers a variety of benefits to help businesses, large and small, to network and grow. 

 

Membership Benefits 

  • Personal Page on Chamber Website
  • Chamber Mobile App
  • Monthly E-Newsletter
  • Community Calendar
  • Membership Directory Listing
  • Membership City Map Listing
  • Radio Talk Show - Free
  • Chamber Classes / E-Learning Portal
  • Conference room for Members
  • Quarterly Mega Mixers
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Endless Networking Opportunites
  • Grand Openings/Ribbon Cuttings
Monthly Events  
  • Membership Luncheon
  • Business-4-Breakfast

Discount Advertisement 

  • AV Press - Chamber Page
  • Video Commercials
  • Web Video - Business Showcase

Please call the Chamber for more information: (661) 948-4518 


Member Benefits
Maximizing you're Membership
 
We all talk about how to bring more awareness to our business or organization. Social Media is nothing new, but are you on top of your game?  Are you part of the Lancaster Chambers Facebook page?  Add a quick post on our member to member page. Having an event? Weekend sale? End of Season Sell-off?  or other promotional opportunity you would like to publicize?  Give it a try, it's all part of being a Member of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce!

To join our Facebook page please log in and request to join the Lancaster Chamber Member-Member group and you will be added. 
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
 Upcoming Events
November 2017

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Membership Luncheon
11/08/2017
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
J.P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center 
43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

Thanksgiving Mega-Mixer
Hosted by Castle & Cooke Mortgage
11/09/2017
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 
1206 West Avenue J, Ste 220
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Finance and Executive Committee Meeting
11/14/2017
7:30 am - 9:00 am
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Ribbon Cutting / Grand Re-Opening
AV Hospital Wound Care Center
11/14/2017
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
44105 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
Board of Director's Meeting
11/15/2017
7:30-9:00 am
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
Business-4-Breakfast  
11/16/2017
7:00 am- 8:30 am
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

Chamber Office Closed
November 23rd and 24th, 2017
In observance of Thanksgiving
Normal business resumes 11/27/17 @ 9:00 am

New and Renewing Members

October

  Introducing Our Newest Members!

Candipix Photography
Jennifer Delgado
44915 Elm Avenue
Lancaster, CA  93534
(661) 794-3337

Gideonfly Entertainment, LLC
Johnnie C Jenkins, Jr.
44248 42nd Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 941-2297

Omega Protection Services
Julio Torres
43535 17th Street West, Ste 301
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661)  206-8342

Pink N Sparkle
Karla Brizuela
540 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 874-6203

SMS Bookkeeping 
& Financial Services
Alex Gonzalez
Lancaster, CA 93534
(760) 793-2039

The Elm Cuisine
Simone Delgado
44844 Elm Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 941-4069

Wine Resources, LLC
Thief & Barrel Tasting Room
Barbara Moran
42257 6th Street West, Ste 302
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-9463

We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members


Gilbert Snow, DDS, Orthodontist
868 Auto Center Drive, Ste C
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 273-1750
Member Since: 1971

Paraclete High School
42145 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 943-3255
Member Since: 1976

America's Job Center of California
1420 West Avenue I
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-5037
Member Since: 1979

Metro Floors, Inc
44109 Yucca Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-1185
                  Member Since: 1987                

Carolyn Brailer
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-0560
Member Since: 1993

McDonald's 
44846 Valley Central Way
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-6300
Member Since: 1993

Progressive Physical Therapy
450 West Palmdale Boulevard
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 273-5333
Member Since: 1993

Sunset Ridge Apartments
43436 16th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-5646
Member Since: 1994

John E Peakes
Insurance Agency, Inc
902 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-6868
Member Since: 1996

Whole Wheatery
44264 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-9852
Member Since: 1999

Care Pest Solutions 
PO Box 2887
Lancaster, CA 93539
(661) 951-1843
Member Since: 2001

Park West Village 
Apartment Homes
43032 30th Street Wesr
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 943-2438
Member Since: 2002

Gene Wheeler Farms, Inc
220 West Avenue H-6
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 951-2100
Member Since: 2007

Antelope Valley Chevrolet
1160 Motor Lane
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 952-2300
Member Since: 2010

Learn4Life Concept 
Charter Schools
177 Holston Drive
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 272-1225
Member Since: 2011

Sam's Club 
39940 10th Street West
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 575-0182
Member Since: 2012

Greenhouse Cafe
1169 Commerce Center Drive
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-3522
Member Since: 2015

Jersey Mikes Subs-Lancaster
1006-A Commerce Center Drive
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-8855
Member Since: 2015

All Valley RV Center
42207 3rd Street East
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 949-0055
Member Since: 2016

NorKare Consulting, LLC
PO Box 4125
Lancaster, CA 93539
(661) 350-4990
Member Since: 2016

Yeager Law
44905 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 471-2177
Member Since: 2016
Interested in Becoming an Ambassador?  
   

Ambassadors have a unique opportunity to represent the Lancaster
Chamber at many events, including breakfasts, luncheons, mixers, ribbon cuttings/grand openings and more! 

 Through this involvement, ambassadors are able to represent the chamber while also representing and marketing their own businesses--it's truly a "win/win" relationship!
 

 If you or someone at your place of business is interested in
 participating in our comprehensive training series and ultimately
 becoming an amba ssador, please contact the Chamber: 
(661) 948 -451 8

 



For Job Seekers:

Use the resources below to connect with area resources that can help you with job placement.   Also, use the  Chamber's membership directory  to target specific industries.

For Employers:

Tell us about your job openings! 
Chamber members are encouraged to share their job postings with Chamber staff - email a job description to sharon@lancasterchamber.org

Internships:

The Chamber is always accepting resumes for interns. Projects may vary based on skill set. If you are seeking an internship for experience or college credit, contact us to see if we may be the right fit for you.  Email your resume to sharon@lancasterchamber.org.

Member Job Openings




 Contact  Liz Montano 661-492-4234

 

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ChamberSTORE

Helping Support Your Local Chamber is a

WIN-WIN!!

 

Take advantage of these special rates for chamber members!!

  

"A LA CARTE" OPPORTUNITIES:

  •  Digital Display Ad on Chamber Wall - $250 / year (2050x1400 dpi).
  • Static Display Framed Poster* on chamber/visitor's center wall - $1000 / year (24x20 inches -8  AVAILABLE) -includes a free digital display for one year.
  • Chamber newsletter ad (600x600 dpi, includes link to your website) - $75 each or $750 for one year.
  • Website home page banner ad (along top of page) - $2500 per year 
  • Website home page ad $500 / year (600x600 dpi).

PACKAGES:

  •  Package 1 - $500 - Includes one digital display ad and four newsletter ads.           
  • Package 2 - $1000 -  Includes one digital display ad, four newsletter ads, and one website home page ad (TWO AVAILABLE).
  • Package 3 - $1000 - includes one  24"x20" framed Chamber Wall poster* (12 AVAILABLE) and one digital display ad.

           *price includes poster production costs.

 

ADDITIONAL MARKETING

OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Community Calendar member event posting.
  • Annual area map and directories with advertising opportunities.
  • Referrals - Hundreds of request directed to members "ONLY".
  • Mailing Labels and Membership Lists available to members "ONLY".
  • Chamber Radio Talk Show and Chamber YouTube Free to members "ONLY".
  • Your business listed in the printed and online Membership Directory (Link to your website or social media!).

Chamber Membership Lists

 

 Labels by Alpha: $50.00

Office Depot 
National Chamber Program

Join thousands of others who benefit from perks, discounts and business solutions through the National Chamber Program. We've championed the office products space to give you the best in group purchasing and world class customer service. Help your business grow- it's more than just a discount!

Chairwoman's Message 

Greetings Members, 

Fall is here and this is a great time to enjoy the exceptional weather in the Antelope Valley.  As the holidays are approaching, I would suggest taking a moment to sit down with your team to discuss the various methods of promoting your business during the holiday season.  Customers enjoy feeling appreciated with a special or promotion to encourage them to continue to visit. 

Lancaster Chamber will be hosting the November luncheon on Wednesday, 11/08 at the Hellenic Center.  Our speakers will be Martin Wilson from CalChamber.  This is an excellent opportunity to stay connected with our California Chamber of Commerce, we hope to see you there. 

Mega Mixer will be hosted by Castle & Cooke on Thursday, 11/09 starting at 5:30PM.  This is a great time to network and learn about the new and established business members.  Please remember to bring a raffle prize with your business card attached. 

Business for Breakfast will be held at 7:00 AM at the AM Café.  Our table sponsor will be SOL Plaza Boutique Mall.  This is a great time to meet fellow business professionals and grab breakfast before you go into your office.

If you know any young entrepreneurs, please encourage them to sign up and participate in the Young Entrepreneur Academy.  Students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate.  The YEA program provides students the opportunity to form their own real life business or social movement while learning form active members of our chamber what it takes to be the owner/operator of a real life business. Also, if you are a potential sponsor or if you would like to be a guest speaker, business mentor, or Investor Panel judge, please contact Mark Hemstreet at the Chamber office.  

Monica Grado
Chairwoman of the Board 
2017-18
Membership Luncheon  


Lancaster Chamber Membership Luncheon 

Please join us for an informative presentation given by Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for California Chamber of Commerce, Martin R Wilson. 

Martin R. Wilson has almost 40 years of experience in California politics, playing leadership roles in the election and re-election of two governors and a U.S. senator. He also has orchestrated numerous successful ballot measure and public affair campaigns. Before joining the CalChamber, Wilson spent seven years as managing partner of Wilson-Miller Communications, where he also advised Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as head of the Governor's political and initiative committee, the California Recovery Team.

Mr. Wilson will give us a brief update on CalChamber Job Killers and how legislation influences the political landscape. He will have statewide polling information, insight in the top statewide campaigns, what it means to move the California primary to March 6th as well as what's happening in your districts as the election season heats up. 


  EVENT INFORMATION
 
Date:  

November 8, 2017
 
Time:  
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Location: 
J.P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center
43404 30th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536


BUSINESS-4-BREAKFAST

 
   
  Join us for business, stay for breakfast!
 
     Thursday,  November 16, 2017
7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M


This Months Breakfast is Sponsored by:

Sol Plaza Boutique Mall
Pauline Espinoza, (661) 729-4900
                     
 Event Location
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster,  CA 93534


Please RSVP by Noon the day before the breakfast if you would like your business name to be included in the list that gets handed out to all attendees.

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards!

Please note:
 If you RSVP and do not attend you will be invoiced for $12.00
 

Your generous support will directly transform local students into real business owners and real entrepreneurial success stories, strengthen our business and educational communities, and secure the next generation of leaders in our region.  Your Company will also be highlighted throughout the year giving high exposure to the community you do business in.
 
YEA! Sponsor Levels and Benefits
 
CEO Premier Partner , $5,000
  • Exclusive Judging Seat & Featured Speaker opportunity at YEA! Investor Panel
  • Exposure & Logo on local YEA! materials and Lancaster Chamber's web site
  • Media Impressions from Thank You! story and recognition YEA! Press Releases
  • Enhanced reputation and significant recognition in your region as a leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
Investor Panel Partner , $2,500
  • Exclusive Judging Seat at YEA! Investor Panel
  • Exposure & Logo on local YEA! materials and Lancaster Chamber's web site
  • Multiple Media impressions.
  • Public Recognition of your Partnership at all YEA! events.
 
Scholarship Partner , $500
  • Named Student scholarship, support for up to 2 students annually
  • Featured Speaker Opportunity at local YEA! Scholarship Award Reception
  •  Public Recognition of your support as a Scholarship Partner at the local YEA! Scholarship Award Reception 
  
  
SPECS FOR LANCASTER CHRISTMAS PARADE PROGRAM AD
"Celebrating the Decades of Christmas"
December 2, 2017
     
 
Full Page                8 h X 5 w                      $200.00________
 
Half Page               3.75 h X 5 w                 $125.00_________
 
Business Card        1.625 h X 5 w               $  50.00________
 
 
Name____________________________
 
Company Name: ____________________
 
Mailing Address: ___________________ Zip: ________
 
Telephone: _____________________Fax___________
 
E-Mail: _____________________________________
 
 
Please make checks payable to Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
For credit card orders call Anna Zarley at 661 948-4518
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, Ca. 93534-2534
661 948-4518 ~ 661 949-1212 Fax
 
Artwork and Payment Deadline November 17, 2017
 


Small Businesses: 6 Digital Marketing Strategies to a Successful Holiday Season
By Dan Pratt, COO AdHawk, www.allbusiness.com

Sigh. It's that time of year again. The abundance of Christmas items starting to line store shelves can only mean one thing: The holidays are sneaking up on us.  For many businesses, the holiday season represents an insanely busy time of year. So busy, in fact, that the National Retail Federation (NRF)  reports  the holiday season can represent as much as 30% of annual sales . . . 30 percent!

The NRF also  reports that consumers begin researching their holiday purchases earlier and earlier every year. More than half of consumers start researching in October or earlier with 33% of purchases starting in November.  With so much at stake, it's imperative that small and medium sized business owners begin planning a marketing strategy to capitalize on the onslaught of holiday interest as soon as possible. Continued delays or missteps in planning could result in the business equivalent of a lump of coal in your stocking.

Let's dive into 6 tips to ensure a successful digital marketing effort this holiday season.

1. Pick a goal you can measure

It's important for every business owner to think about what they want (and hope) the holiday season will bring. That means starting with goal setting is an important part of the strategic planning process. What are you hoping to accomplish this year? Is it higher sales, an increase in awareness, expansion of your existing product line, the opening of new sales channels? Understanding what you hope to see and accomplish by December 31st will help point you in the right direction.  Once you've selected your goals for the holiday season it's important to understand the best ways to measure your success. For most businesses, the best first step is properly setting up Google Analytics for tracking all website related metrics. If you're spending money advertising on Google AdWords or Facebook Ads, the most important thing you can do is make sure each conversion pixel is set up correctly and accurately reporting on your goals.  You can't improve what you can't measure.

2. Develop a strategy for mobile

It's more important than ever to be where your customers are, and more often than not those customers are on their mobile phones.  Comscore's 2017 mobile phone usage report details that U.S. consumers spend 71% of their minutes online via a mobile device.  More shockingly, 2016 marked the first time  mobile search outpaced desktop search as the defacto way consumers search for things online. A whopping 56% of retail related searches begin on mobile devices.  If your website is already optimized for a mobile e-commerce experience, congrats! That's one less thing you'll need to add to your holiday checklist. If it's not, you should seriously consider upgrading before it's too late.  There are a number of fantastic platforms out there that make it easy to set up a mobile e-commerce experience. Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento are three of the more well-known services, but a simple Google search for "mobile e-commerce platforms" will uncover many more for you to explore.

3. Socialize and recreate the offline shopping experience online

If you haven't created an online presence via Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram, it's high time to get your social house in order. Each of these platforms should be looked at as tools in your creative toolbox that can help bring the unique and fun qualities of your business online. With the right lighting, a smartphone tripod, and background images of your most popular products, you can turn any space into your creative studio.

4. Look back and stock up

Poor inventory management can be very, very costly. CNBC  reported in 2015 that out-of-stocks, overstocks, and returns are costing retailers a whopping $1.75 trillion per year.  So whether you are using a retail POS system and have been for more than a year, or track your monthly/weekly sales in a paper journal, it's important to look back at November and December holiday sales and stock up. Consumers want what they want when they want it and with so many other options out there lack of inventory will result in missed sales and a bad customer experiences.  eMarketer  reports  that for the 2017 holiday season, expect e-commerce to climb 15.8%, while total retail growth will slow to 2.0%. So be sure to adjust your inventory levels accordingly.

5. Automate and optimize

If you're planning a digital advertising campaign on Google AdWords or Facebook Ads, look to automate your account management to stay ahead of the curve.  According to  Nucleus Research , marketing automation drives a 14.5% increase in sales productivity and a 12.2% reduction in marketing overhead. More sales and less cost = kudos from the boardroom and accolades from the C-Suite-and as a small or medium sized business owner you likely sit in both of those seats.  Both the Google AdWords and Facebook Ads platforms, as well as third-party marketing automation tools, provide most of the features business owners need to get their digital ads up and running in time for the holiday rush. So automate your ad optimization and then pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

6. Measure (again) and start planning for next year

Once all the presents have been opened and the ball in Times Square has dropped, it's time to get back to work.  You want to make sure to measure how the goals you set today translated into success for your business. If you hit your goals, great! Make sure to write down the specific strategies that worked well so you can revisit them during the next holiday season. If you didn't hit your goals, there is always next year. Take note of the strategies that failed so you can incorporate those learnings into your goal setting for the following year.

Remember, the sooner you start the better off you'll be when the holiday season rolls around again.

  

5 Common Reasons for Injuries to New Employees 
Safety Focus Monthly Newsletter, VINSA Insurance Associates, October 2017

 Thirty percent of all work injuries involve employees who have been on the job for less than a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The following are the most common reasons for injuries to new employees, as well as ways to prevent them. 

1. Unfamiliarity with workplace hazards- Even if you will be doing the same job as you did elsewhere, don't assume you're aware of all potential job hazards and hazardous substances in your new environment. If you have questions, ask.

2. Fear of asking questions-New employees may be too intimidated to ask questions. Remember that there is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your safety. Also, be sure to use constructive criticism as a learning experience. 

3. Improper use of pers onal protective equipment (PPE)-Your past employer may have been lax with its PPE requirements. Don't bring any bad habits to your new role. Feel free to ask for proper PPE training. 

4. Employer's assumption of expertise- Some employers may be accustomed to dealing with employees who have been on the job for years and fail to realize the need to properly train new hires. Although your resume may be impressive, don't assume that you're qualified to do the job without proper training. 

5. Poor safety communication-A common cause of employee injuries is the inability to understand urgent safety messages. Make sure you're familiar with emergency safety protocols and that you understand not only what to do in an emergency, but also the method your employer will use to communicate the safety message.
  
     FREE 
      Chamber Radio 
     Talk Show

"Minding Your Business"

Minding Your Business (MYB) the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce weekly radio show, features Chamber members and Friends each Saturday at 10:00 am and 12:00 noon on High Desert Radio 1380am. 

Hosted by Chris Spicher of AV Florist and Aaron Goldstein of Goldstein Digital. Music by Lions Named Leo of Bakersfield, CA.
                       
 Call Chris Spicher: (661) 948-6006



  View our videos on YouTube 

The Month In Pictures

October

 Ribbon Cutting / Grand Opening
Katz Zumba Studio
510 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster 93534
(661) 974-5045
Ribbon Cutting/30th Anniversary 
Preferred Window Tinting
1101 West Avenue M, Unit A, Lancaster
(661) 949-1055
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
Pink N Sparkle
540 West Lancaster Blvd, Ste 111, Lancaster
(661) 874-6203
Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting
Wine Resources, LLC
Thief & Barrell Tasting Room
42257 6th Street West, Ste 302, Lancaster, 93534
(661) 723-9463
October Membership Luncheon 
Grace Resources, Assemblyman Lackey, City of Lancaster
Business-4-Breakfast 
"Table Sponsor"
Home Instead Senior Care, Joel Green  
Business-4-Breakfast 
"Best Commercial Winner"
Gideonfly Entertainment, LLC, Johnnie C Jenkins, Jr