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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

 

September 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

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
September 2017

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening 
Spadefox Gaming Arena 
09/01/2017
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Ribbon Cutting @ 4:30 pm
Spadefox Gaming Arena
547 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Finance and Executive Committee Meeting
09/12/2017
7:30 am - 9:00 am
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Membership Luncheon
09/13/2017
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
J.P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center 
43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Mega-Mixer /105th Anniversary / 
Classic Car Show 
ISU Stephen B Marvin Insurance
09/14/2017
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
ISU Stephen B Marvin Insurance
43700 17th Street West, Ste 101 & 102
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
Board of Director's Meeting
09/20/2017
7:30-9:00 am
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Ribbon Cutting / 
New Admin Offices Open House
Learn 4 Life Charter Concepts
09/20/2017
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Learn 4 Life Charter Concepts
177 Holston Drive
Lancaster, CA 93535

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
Business-4-Breakfast  
09/28/2017
7:00 am- 8:30 am
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

New and Renewing Members

August

  Introducing Our Newest Members!

AV Restaurant Supply
Patsy Nasser
825 West Avenue L-8, Unit B
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 202-3070

AV Saving Grace
Jeannie Herron
PO Box 9173
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 200-4362

Brookdale Senior Living
Christine Ellis
43051 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-1176

Cali Cafe
Rosemary Mann
44140 20th Street West, Ste 101
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 940-5878

Little Stars Day Care
Kumu Silva
45742 17th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 916-7812

Quipus PC Support
Juan Contreras
816 East Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 618-4274

TFC Title Loans
Daniel Joelson
43943 N Sierra Hwy, Ste G
Lancaster, CA 93534
(310) 989-1989

Twisted Exit
Sarah Griffith
44920 Valley Central Way, Ste 106
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 547-8602

We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members

Antelope Valley Press
PO Box 4050
Palmdale, CA 93590
(661) 273-2700
Member Since: 1915

Wells Fargo Bank
802 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-3200
Member Since: 1952

AECOM
41235 11th Street West, Ste B
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 325-7253
Member Since: 1985

Antelecom, Inc
44931 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 726-3516
Member Since: 1995

Wellsprings Post Acute Center
44445 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-7501
Member Since: 1987 

Mission Linen & 
Uniform Services
619 West Avenue I
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-5051
Member Since: 1992

Velvet Touch Upholstery Shop, Inc
1234 West Avenue I
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-3233
Member Since: 1992

Berkshire Hathaway 
HomeServices
Troth REALTORS
1801 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-4646
Member Since: 1996

Frye Chiropractic, Inc
42283 10th Street West, Ste 107
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-9655
Member Since: 1996

Comfort Inn & Suites
1825 West Avenue J-12
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-2001
Member Since: 1999

DOUBLZ
901 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 940-3644
Member Since: 1999

Stater Brothers Markets
1850 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 948-1885
Member Since: 1999

Stater Brothers Markets
2845 West Avenue L
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 943-2545
Member Since: 1999

Life Storage
2103 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 729-1313
Member Since: 2001

McDonald's
2511 Rosamond Blvd
Rosamond,. CA 93560
(661) 256-4530
Member Since: 2001
  
American Business Machines
190 Sierra Court, Ste A-7
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 324-4741
Member Since: 2000

AV Chem-Dry
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 722-9342
Member Since: 2002

American Travel Bureau
2330 Mall Loop Rd, Ste 119
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 940-1165
Member Since: 2001

Holiday Inn Express
43719 17th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 951-8848
Member Since: 2004

Design For Change Recovery
1066 East Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 942-1026
Member Since: 2006

Healing Touch Rehab, Inc
42220 10th Street West, Ste 109
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 729-4231
Member Since: 2006

Minuteman Press
331 East Avenue K-4
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 945-5916
Member Since: 2006

Clearview Eyecare Optometry
43767 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-9883
Member Since: 2008

Springhill Suites
Lancaster Palmdale
1811 West Avenue J-12
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 729-2390
Member Since: 2007

High Desrert
Health System Auxiliary
335 East Avenue I
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 471-4138
Member Since: 2009

High Desert Legacy
Education Medical Center
701 West Avenue K, Ste 123
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 940-9300
Member Since: 2010

Eastside Union School District
45006 30th Street East
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 952-1200
Member Since: 2011

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
730 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 802- 0763
Member Since: 2012

San Joaquin Valley College
42135 10th Street West, Ste 147
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 974-8282
Member Since: 2012

Olives Mediterranean Cafe
518 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-4500
Member Since: 2013

Antelope Valley Dream Center
44939 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 418-6818
Member Since: 2014

DTs Variety of Things
(323) 228-2131
Member Since: 2015

The Palmdale Aerospace Academy
38060 20th Street East
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 273-3680
Member Since: 2015

Alanwood Marketing & Advertising
38713 Tierra Subida Avenue, #200-248
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 347-2427
Member Since: 2016

Digi-Vue Advertising
1007 West Avenue M-14, Ste D
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 285-1071
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 [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

 

chamber_logo

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, 

We had an amazing participation for our annual AV Fair Parade.  We want to thank all of our directors, fair entries, and members for being part of fun morning to celebrate our local fair.  A special thank you for our Lancaster Chamber staff of Mark Hemstreet, Anna Zarley, and Sharon Molnar for all of the dedication that you place with these annual events each year.

Our next membership luncheon will be held on September 13th at the Hellenic Center. We are looking forward to having the Department of Labor come and speak with us. This is a great opportunity for all business members to continue their education of labor issues. 
We also excited for our Mega Mixer on September 14th with the host of Stephen B. Marvin Insurance.  They are planning a car show and food truck and music to keep everyone entertained.  We would love to see all of our members come out and enjoy an evening with Stephen B. Marvin Insurance Agency. 

We hope that everyone has a safe and memory filled Labor Day holiday.

Sincerely,  

Monica Grado
Chairwoman of the Board 
2017-18
Membership Luncheon  


This Month's Speaker:

United States Department of Labor

"Healthcare Laws and Fiduciary Responsibilities"

Topics Covered:
  • Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is an agency in U.S. DOL that administers the federal law Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
  • Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) - allows an individual to continue using an employer's group health plan for up to 18 months.
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - special enrollment rights, Mental Health Parity Provisions, Newborns and Mothers' Health Protection Act, Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act.
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA) - preventative services, essential services, disclosure requirements, exempted provisions for grand fathered plans.
  • Fiduciary responsibilities. 

  EVENT INFORMATION
 
Date:  
September 13, 2017
 
Time:  
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

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

Lancaster  Chamber is starting the fourth year of YEA!
where our youth "start as a student and graduate as a CEO"!

This fun, hands-on program meets weekly for 21 weeks and helps go-getters  in grades 6-12 identify their passions, transform those ideas into fully formed
businesses or social movements, and develop lifelong leadership skills. Students will c onnect with local, legendary entrepreneurs, pitch to investors for real
startup funding, and compete for college scholarships. 

If you know of a Youth in grade 6-12 who has the desire and drive to be an Entrepreneur,  share this link http://lancasterchamber.org/young-entrepreneur-academy.htm

For more information you can call the Lancaster Chamber at  661-948-4518.

BUSINESS-4-BREAKFAST

 
   
  Join us for business, stay for breakfast!
 
     Thursday, September 28, 2017
7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M


This Months Breakfast is Sponsored by:

State Farm Insurance, Agent Todd Main
661-949-1500
                       
 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
Antelope Valley Fair Parade
"Cele-Grape-Tion" 


The AV Fair Parade would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: 


Congratulations to the following winning entries from the 2017 Antelope Valley Fair Parade, themed Cele-Grape-tion!

Sweepstakes: # 17- Miss AV Community Queens 
Presidents: # 33- Filipino American Association of AV
Queens: # 44 -Jr. Miss Antelope Valley Queens 
Theme: # 34- Young Antelope Valley Queens
Judges: # 16 - Desert Christian Schools

Automobiles
Single: First Place # 39 - Olives Mediterranean 
Group: First Place # 48 - Four Wheeling Friends 
2nd # 51 - Antelope Valley Ford
Club: First Place # 52 - Antelope Valley Mopar Club
2nd # 40A - Rusty Relic's Branch 30

Cheerleaders/Dance Group 
1st # 30 - City of Lancaster Ballet Folklorico
2nd # 55 - Renaissance

Marching/Drill Team
1st # 38 - Royalty High Steppers Drill Team
2nd # 42 - EVO Tae Kwon Do Academy

Community Queens
1st # 43 - Leona Valley Gymkhana Queens
2nd # 47 - Central Kern County Queens

Float (under 30ft)
1st # 41 - Palmdale Water District

Float (over 31ft)
1st # 25 - Lancaster Interact Club

Miscellaneous
1st # 58 - Soar High School Key Club
2nd #53 - Yins Tae Kwon Do Academy
 

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 
  
   J oin us for family entertainement, food and fun!  Sunday, October 1st at the AV Fairgrounds! 

Shoppers:
Early Bird Shoppers- 7am - 8:45am
Gates Open 9am - 4pm

Vendors: 
Outdoor spaces in the yard sale area starting at $40
Indoor booths starting at $100

Please contact Anna at the Lancaster Chamber for reservations 
661-948-4518

 


Supporting Our Community
 
It's well established that employees want to work for companies that care. Last year's Cone Communications Employee Engagement Study found almost 75% of respondents said their jobs were more fulfilling when they were given opportunities to enact positive change.   

"Cause marketing" is moving more than ever into the norm of doing business, and customers who visit your website and see your advertising want to know that you share their desire to make the world a better place by supporting an important cause.

A College Explorer study from Alloy Media, stated that 95% of students say they are less likely to ignore an ad that promotes a brand's partnership with a cause.  Be careful, though, simply joining forces with the first nonprofit you find may not do you much good. Millennials will see through surface-level philanthropy,  a positive partnership that's aligned with your company's values has the power to strengthen your mission, connect spirit among staff, and strengthen your business.

The struggle is to make your partnership a winning arrangement for the nonprofit you support, our community and your business. Listed are a few steps to help you get started:
 
1. Make sure the Partnership is Real

When considering a social partnership, align your company's vision, mission, and goals with those of the charitable organization. A long term relationship works best when you and your employees feel great about the support you're providing.
 
2.  Have something in Common 

To really own your new partnership, there needs to be a connection between you (your company) and the charitable organization.  Last year in the Chambers YEA! academy, one of the businesses set out to donate their profits to the National Suicide Prevention Foundation.  Their inspiration came from a relationship with a fellow student who had contemplated suicide.  Consider a cause that relates to your company or its products. For example,Olay's brand skin-care line partnered with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a win-win for better sales and promoting protection from the sun.
 
3. More than Dollars

This is where you, your employees AND your customers can participate.  Donating a portion of sales is wonderful and your non-profit will be delighted, but there is more that you can do. Your employees might want to volunteer hours to the organization, helping in a soup kitchen or handing out groceries to those in need. Plus many large companies pay their employees to volunteer - not to the employee but to the organization.  Think outside the box, maybe you could take the lead, host or join with your employees and customers in working a fundraising event.  Just think of the advertising and relationship building opportunities that you can capitalize on.
 
4. Formalize your Affiliation

To make your partnership successful for all, work with the nonprofit you choose to define how it will help increase your visibility. Not only should you be promoting your new social movement in your marketing, discuss how the non-profit will promote you.  Make sure you are in their newsletter or other communications, do joint promotions, have your name and logo in their marketing campaigns, press releases, and website.
 
Step 5. Design a Marketing Campaign

Triumph often means motivating people to take action, such as making a donation or participating in an event. Design your marketing campaign to persuade your customers to do business with you while benefiting a worthwhile social responsibility that builds a better community.

  

September Webinar on Avoiding 
Meal and Rest Break Violations
 Aug 22 2017 -   Meal And Rest Break -  HRWatchdog

California sets its own strict rules when it comes to meal and rest breaks. But it's up to employers to inform employees that they're entitled to both a meal break and paid rest breaks. Timing is everything because California employers must let employees take their meal break at the proper time.

"It is important for employers to remember that meal breaks have nothing to do with eating lunch. They are about providing employees 30 minutes of off-the-clock, duty-free time within 4 hours and 59 minutes from the start of their shift," says Erika Frank, webinar co-presenter and CalChamber executive vice president, legal affairs. "Misunderstandings about California's meal and rest break rules may expose employers to liability."

Take a break from your busy workday and learn what you can do to prevent violations and stay in compliance with the law. CalChamber's California employment law experts will delve into specifics, including:
  • Employer obligations for meal and rest breaks;
  • No on-call rest breaks (December 2016 ruling);
  • Premium pay for meal and/or rest break violations;
  • Timekeeping and recordkeeping guidelines; and
  • Best practices to avoid compliance trouble.
Live Webinar: The Rest Is Up to You: Meal and Rest Break Rules
Date: Thursday, September 21, 2017
Time: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. PT
Cost: $199.00 ($159.20 for CalChamber Preferred and Executive members)
Register  online or call Customer Service at
 (800) 331-8877.

This webinar is optimized for viewing on mobile devices, and it is approved for 1.5 HRCI recertification, SHRM professional development and MCLE credit hours. Your webinar purchase includes a recorded version that's available after the live event.

Quarterly Mega-Mixer 

  
     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

August 

 Ribbon Cutting / New Location
The Palmdale Aerospace Academy
 3300 E Palmdale Blvd, Palmdale, 93550
(661) 273-3680
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors
540 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster
(661) 802-7130
Membership Luncheon Speaker, Kevin Mitchell
Northrop Grumman Corporation

Business-4-Breakfast "Table Sponsor"

The Tech Gods, Christopher Perosi

(661) 524-5140

Business-4-Breakfast 
"Best Commercial Winner"
Rosie Escalante, Sam's Club
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!