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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

 

July 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







Terry Roth, JAG Insurance

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

 Office Staff 

Mark Hemstreet, Chief Executive Officer
Sharon Molnar, Office Coordinator
Anna Zarley, Event 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
July 2017


Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Office Closed
07/04/2017
Normal Business Resumes 7/5

Ribbon Cutting 
Massage Envy Lancaster West
07/08/2017
10:30 am
Massage Envy Lancaster West
2010 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Finance and Executive Committee Meeting
07/11/2017
7:30 am - 9:00 am
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Membership Luncheon
07/12/2017
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lancaster Chamber
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
Board of Director's Meeting
07/19/2017
7:30-9:00 am
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
Business-4-Breakfast  
07/27/2017
7:00 am- 8:30 am
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

New and Renewing Members

June 

  Introducing Our Newest Members!

Bobby Wayne's RV
Chris Wielgorskic
45230 23rd Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 945-9155

Century Express Drycleaners
Baljit Malhi
2849 West Avenue L-4
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 722-4995

D.E. Rehab Properties 
Dean Erskine
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 965-3701

Lancaster Alloys Company 
Anatoly Neyman
42328 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-1397

Sharky's Family Billiards 
Ray Cruz
808 West Avenue L
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-9445

Social Vocational Services, Inc
846 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 274-4847

Tropikal Calle 8
Josue Lopez
660 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 422-6282

We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members


ISU Stephen B Marvin Insurance 
43700 17th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-1101
Member Since: 1937

Southern California Gas Company
3701 Pegasus Drive, Ste 114
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 399-0359
Member Since: 1952

Michelizzi, Schwabacher
Ward & Collins
767 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-5021
Member Since: 1966

Brunswick Sands Bowl
43233 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-2651
Member Since: 1971

American Medical Response
1055 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-9310
Member Since: 1976

WA Thompson 
Distributing Company
45545 Trevor Avenue 
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-0479
Member Since: 1976

Bohn's Printing
656 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-8081
Member Since: 1981

Oxford Inn & Suites
1651 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-0896
Member Since: 1986

America's Best Value Inn
44131 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-8771
Member Since: 1987

AV Trophy & Uniform 
44805 Beech Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-3284
Member Since: 1987

Waste Management
1200 West City Ranch Road
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 947-7197
Member Since: 1987

Theurer Orthodontics
1629 West Avenue J, Ste 108
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-2290
Member Since: 1988

TV Land 
PO Box 1467
Rosamond, CA 93560
(661) 256-8141
Member Since: 1990

Dewey Pest Control
45440 23rd Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 722-9351
Member Since: 1991

Antelope Valley Transit Authority
42210 6th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-9445
Member Since: 1992

Ramon's Restaurant
1431 Rosamond Blvd, Ste 10
Rosamond, CA 93560
(661) 256-4602
Member Since: 1992

Rite Aid Southwest
Customer Support Center
2801 West Avenue H
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 951-7500
Member Since: 1999

Gordon D Elder, DC
44901 10th Street West, Ste A
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 726-9333
Member Since: 2000

Rancho Vista Golf Course/
Cascades Restaurant
3905 Club Rancho Drive
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 272-9830
Member Since: 2000

Melchers Construction
 PO Box 1468
Rosamond, CA 93560
(661) 810-0327
Member Since: 2001

Nu Science Corporation
43102 Business Center Parkway
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 948-8898
Member Since: 2001

Walmart 
1731 East Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 945-7848
Member Since: 2002

Farmers Insurance 
David Owens
44309 Lowtree Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 946-4224
Member Since: 2006

Fleming & Barnes
Diamondale Adolescent Care
23860 Hawthorne Blvd, Ste 200
Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 791-3064
Member Since: 2007

American Plumbing Services, Inc
42217 12th Street West, Ste B
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 266-0123
Member Since: 2008

Academy for Advancement of 
Children with Autism
6742 East Avenue H
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 946-1234
Member Since: 2012

Schooners Patio Grille
2797 West Avenue L
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 943-0800
Member Since: 2012

Clark Pest Control
42831 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-7518
Member Since: 2013

Boba Cove Cafe
44445 Valley Central Way
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 945-2929
Member Since: 2014

City of Hope
44151 15th Street West, Ste 101
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 902-5600
Member Since: 2014

Double "D" Cupcakes
706 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 510-0480
Member Since: 2015

Children's Way Foster Family
Adoption Agency 
38345 30th Street East, Ste D-2
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 265-1100
Member Since: 2016

JAG Insurance Agency
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 547-3144
Member Since: 2016

Morgan Stanley
1137 West Avenue M-14
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 575-9873
Member Since: 2016

ROGEE Startups Accelerator
Palmdale, CA 93551
(800) 360-0397
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

 

California Poppy Trivia
 

Our Poppy Reserve reported recent numbers for this past season:

Park attendance March - April was 162,000 visitors

Busiest weekend day - March 18th  -  8,294 visitors

Busiest week day - Friday March 31st.  - 4,757 visitors

After the Poppy Festival, visitors dropped from an average of 5,000 to 1,000 on weekends!

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected].

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

Chairwoman's Message 

Greetings Members, 

Summer has begun, and it's no surprise that temperatures are rising and we have beautiful summer nights to be enjoyed by all.  Please take a moment to ensure that you are updating your calendar with the upcoming summer events that continue to make our community our home.
 
Thank you to all who were able to attend the 115th Annual Installation banquet that recognized Ms. Regina Rossall for her exceptional leadership during her term as Chairwoman.  Our chamber saw great growth under her tenure, and we continue to see membership rise. Mark, Anna, and Sharon once again provided a "magical" evening that was full of surprises. 
 
One quick summer tip I'd like to share as the temperatures continue to rise is that it is common for customers to alter their daily routines in an effort to escape the heat.  Please remember to modify your staffing hours as needed in order to continue to ensure excellent customer service in your place of business. 

Monica Grado
Chairwoman of the Board 
2017-18
Membership Luncheon  




  EVENT INFORMATION

Guest Speaker and tax experts from the California Tax and Fee Administration (formerly BOE) will present us with

 "How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes When Applying Sales and/or Use Tax"
 
Date:  
July 12, 2017
 
Time:  
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

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

Joint Mixer Hosted by 
Brandman University
39115 Trade Center Drive #203, Palmdale 
(661) 267-2001

Thank you to those who donated a raffle prize!

JAG Insurance, Terry Roth
Brandman University, Kitty Calhoun
Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, Jeanna Huerta
Siempre Tax, Sandy
Rancho Vista Golf Course, Kelly Dollens
Bankers Life, Katherine Stone
OPSEC Specialized Protection, David Valenzuela

We look forward to seeing you all at our next Quarterly Mega-Mixer hosted by ISU-Stephen B Marvin Insurance Agency Inc. in August! 

The Chamber Pot will be at $500 once again!
(must be present to win)

BUSINESS-4-BREAKFAST

 
   
  Join us for business, stay for breakfast!
 
     Thursday, July 27, 2017

   7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M


This Months Breakfast is Sponsored by:

Sophia Garceau
(661) 723-0069
                       
 Event Location
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster,  CA 93534
RSVP: 948-4518 

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
Lancaster Chamber Membership Orientation


Some of our newest members came out to learn about all of the resources and benefits associated with being a member of the Lancaster Chamber. At the end, each new member was presented with a Certificate of Membership. 

A huge thank you to Chris Spicher of Antelope Valley Florist for being our presenter and to our Chamber Ambassador, Rick Chisham, and 2017 Miss Eastside, Sara Williams, for attending.  

Members In Attendance:

Transmedia Creatives, Dedoceo Habi (323) 645-0996
CDC Entertainment, Devin Birden, (310) 291-6905
Sharky's Family Billiards, Ray Cruz (661) 948-9445
 

Antelope Valley Fair Parade 

Click on the application below to download



Business Dress & Decorate Contest


The Antelope Valley Fair and Alf alf a Festival (August 18-27) is partnering with the Lancaster Chamber to encourage businesses to decorate their offices, store windows, and personnel in the 2017 fair's theme, Cele- Grape -tion. 

This is a fun competition where many participants go all out in decorating their offices. We encourage local businesses to get in to the fair spirit and participate in this unique community competition. Judging will be based on employees participation, creativity, and originality. "Cele- Grape-*tion" theme artwork to use for decoration can be acquired online at  www.avfair.com. Decorations must be up by August 14th to be judged and stay up through August 27th., the fair's last day. 

Businesses will compete for first, secon d, and third place awards against other businesses within the same size categories of 15 or fewer employees, 16 to 30 and more than 31 employees. Prizes are fair admission ticket packages. One grand prize winner will be chosen and will win a VIP position in the August 19th Fair Parade and program, and will be announced the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce section in the Antelope Valley Press onm September 5, 2017. The grand prize package will include fair admission tickets for up to 50 employees. 
Winners in all categories will be awarded ribbons.

Entries need to be returned to the Lancaster Chamber office no later than August 10th. For more information: 948-4518

  

July 1 Brings Changes to Local Ordinances
 

Throughout California, local cities and counties are passing ordinances relating to minimum wage, paid sick leave, criminal background checks, employee scheduling and more.

Minimum Wage Increases

Although the state minimum wage doesn't increase until 2018, a number of local minimum wage hikes will take effect on July 1, 2017. The following cities and county will increase their minimum wage on July 1:
  • Emeryville: $15.20/hour for businesses with 56 or more employees; $14/hour for businesses with 55 or fewer employees.
  • City of Los Angeles: $12/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $10.50 an hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.
  • Los Angeles County (unincorporated areas only): $12/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $10.50 an hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.
  • Malibu: $12/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $10.50 an hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.
  • Pasadena: $12/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $10.50 an hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.
  • San Francisco: $14 an hour.
  • San Jose: $12 an hour.
  • Santa Monica: $12/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $10.50 an hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.
In addition, both San Leandro and Milpitas enacted new minimum wage ordinances that go into effect on July 1, 2017.
Eligibility rules may vary between these different locations.

Local Leave Laws

The City of Los Angeles paid sick leave ordinance applies to employers with 25 or fewer employees beginning July 1, 2017 (smaller employers were given a one-year deferral when the ordinance went into effect in July 2016).

San Francisco's Paid Parental Leave Ordinance was passed with a phased-in implementation. Employers with 35 or more employees must begin complying as of July 1, 2017.
Emeryville's Fair Workweek Ordinance is effective July 1, 2017, and sets scheduling requirements for certain retail and fast-food employers.

Many of these local ordinances contain notice requirements. California Chamber of Commerce members can use the  Local Ordinance Wizard  on HRCalifornia to determine which requirements apply. Non-members can sign up for a free 15-day trial of  HRCalifornia.


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!
115th Annual Installation Banquet


Thank you to all who attended the Lancaster Chamber 115th Annual Installation Banquet on June 16th


A Huge thank you to this years sponsors :

Lamar Advertising
Sierrra Medical Group
Sol Print Solutions
Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Lancaster Jethawks

As well as all who donated raffle baskets:

TownePlace Suites, Michelle & Melissa
Famous Dave's, Danielle Sayeg
Hanford Home Loans, Aida O'Connor
Schooners Patio Grill, Teri Ledesma
George's Cleaners, Monica Grado
AV Harley Davidson, Ron Emard
JAG Insurance, Terry Roth
iLead Schools, Kristan VanHouten
Farmer Insurance, Don & Vicki Ryan
Sam's Club, Rosie Escalante
Embassy Suites, Merlin Wand
Learn 4 Life, Bernie Longjohn
Lucky Luke Brewing
Fresco II, Lenny 
Carpeteria, Barry & Jack
J Salon, Jodale Edwards

  
     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 12 noon on High Desert Radio 1380am. Hosted by Chris Spicher of AV Florist and Aaron Goldstein of GoldsteinDigital. Music is by Lions Named Leo of Bakersfield, CA.
                       
     Saturdays, 12-1 pm
 Call Chris Spicher: (661) 948-6006



  View our videos on YouTube 

The Month In Pictures

May

 Ribbon Cutting / Grand Opening
State Farm Insurance, Agent Todd Main
44744 10th Street West, Lancaster
(661) 949-0330
Bella Bridal Ribbon Cutting 
New Ownership
42055 50th Street West, Quartz Hill
(661) 722-3900
Ribbon Cutting / Grand Opening
Purse'onal Touch Boutique
44275 Division St, #103, Lancaster
(661) 206-5928

Business-4-Breakfast "Table Sponsor"

Halley-Olsen-Murphy

 Funerals & Cremations 

(661) 942-1139

Business-4-Breakfast 
"Best Commercial Winner"
Valley's Best Hospice/AV
Patti Holt-Pulsipher
CDC Entertainment 
Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting
540 West Lancaster Blvd
(310) 291-6905
Tropikal Calle 8
Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting
660 West Lancaster Blvd
(661) 422-6282
Incoming 2017 - 18 Board of Directors 
(some members are not pictured here)