Imperial Chamber of Commerce

E-News From the Imperial Chamber
February 26, 2013


297 South Imperial Avenue
Imperial, CA 92251
Phone: (760) 355-1609
Fax: (760) 355-3920
www.imperialchamber.org

We Are Here To Serve You!

Sharon Ryan
Chief Executive Officer
ceo@imperialchamber.org

Alexis Brown
Director of Marketing & Special Events
alexis@imperialchamber.org
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Quick Links
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Join Our Mailing List!
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Executive Chamber Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSORS








 SILVER SPONSORS







  SEA WORLD SAN DIEGO DISCOUNT TICKETS!

The Imperial Chamber of Commerce and Sea World Parks & Entertainment bring you, our members, discount park tickets.  Please click the link below to reserve your tickets today!


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City of Imperial
2013 Market Day's Schedule   


March 23, 2013
11 PM to 3 PM
  Eager Park, Imperial, CA
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Congratulations to the Tri-Tip Cook Off Winners!

2013 Tri-Tip Champion:
Vicious Smoke

Reserve Champion:
Imperial FFA AG
Boosters

3rd Place:
The Utter Team

Supreme Showmanship
Republic Services/Allied Waste
Congrats to our Silver Sponsor!
Reserve Showmanship
Kill It & Grill It

3rd Place: 2-Way Tie
Chato-N-His Tri Tip Crew
Imperial FFA AG Boosters

People's Choice:
Kill It & Grill It

Side Dish Winner:
That's What She Said
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Upcoming Community Events


March 2013

California Mid-Winter Fair
March 1-10, 2013
Schedule of Events

March 1st
Grandstands-Nathan Owen's Motown Legends
Rabobank Stage- Tyzen the Hypnotist & Grupo Firme

March 2nd
Grandstands-Paperbank Writer, a tribute to the Beatles.
Rabobank Stage- Tyzen the Hypnotist & Los Kodigos
*Livestock: Sheep, Swine, Rabbit, Holstein Feeder Calves & Dairy Cattle Market & Showmanship @ 12 PM, Livestock Barns

March 3rd
Grandstands-Dia de la Familia
Rabobank Stage-The Next Wave Worship Band, Tyzen the Hypnotist & Capitol 64
*Livestock: Beef, Swine, Dairy Goats, Pygmy Goats & Breeding Beef Market & Showmanship @ 12 PM, Livestock Barns

March 4th
Grandstands- High School Madness
Rabobank Stage-Tyzen the Hypnotist & Capitol 64

March 5th
Grandstands-Tim McGraw Tribute
Rabobank Stage- Tyzen the Hypnotist & Nick Wells & the Big Bad Wolf Band

March 6th
Grandstands- Guns & Hoses Competition
Rabobank Stage- Tyzen the Hypnotist & Pure Magik
*Livestock: FFA Round Robin @ 6PM, Livestock Barns

March 7th
Grandstands- Led Zeppelin Tribute
Rabobank Stage- Tyzen the Hypnotist & Nick Wells with the Big Bad Wolf Band
*Livestock: 4H Round Robin @ 6PM, Livestock Barns

March 8th
Grandstands- Bon Jovi Tribute
Rabobank Stage-Tyzen the Hypnotist & Pure Magik
*Livestock: Small Animal Auction @ 6:30 PM, Livestock Barns

March 9th
Grandstands- Rolling Stones Tribute
Rabobank Stage- Tyzen the Hypnotist, Persuader and Songs of Life, Indigenous People & Nick Wells & the Big Bad Wolf Band
*Livestock: Large Animal Auction @ 12 PM, Livestock Barns

March 10th
Rabobank Stage- Tyzen the Hypnotist

March 14-16, 2013
IVEDC Renewable Energy Summit & Expo
Barbara Worth Country Club, Holtville, CA

March 14, 2013
Imperial Chamber "Business After Hours" Mixer
Hosted By: El Centro Regional Medical Center Outpatient Clinic
385 W. Main Street
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

March 15, 2013
NAF El Centro Food & Music Festival
5:30 PM to 7 PM
Free Admission

March 16, 2013
NAF El Centro Blue Angles Air Show
10 AM

March 16, 2013
D.O.V.E.S. Monte Carlo "Disco Nights"
Stockmen's Club
Brawley, CA 92227
For tickets, please call 760-344-8648.


March 23, 2013
City of Imperial Market Days
Eager Park, Imperial, CA
11 AM to 3 PM

March 24, 2013
Ever After Bridal & Quinceanera Expo
Imperial Valley Expo, Fair Grounds
10 AM to 4 PM

 

Greetings!  

The Imperial Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize our Renewing Sponsors & Members and welcome our new members to the Imperial Business Community. 
Thank You Renewing Executive Silver Sponsor: Rogers & Rogers Auto Group
The family-owned and operated Rogers & Rogers Nissan/Toyota has an outstanding record of servicing our clientele and serving the community over 40 years. Our "can-do" spirit, along with a world-class line of vehicles, has converted passers-by and shoppers into believers and lifelong customers. Your buying and ownership experience should be exceptional! As one of the leading Nissan dealers in Southern California, our primary concern is the satisfaction of our customers. Our sales and service personnel are highly trained and competent, with many years of Nissan experience. Our friendly, professional staff will exceed your expectations for personal service. Rogers & Rogers Nissan made up of a team of friendly, knowledgeable automotive professionals, who believe in the Nissan product line and are committed to providing the customer service we've become known for. We're proud to offer the full line of Nissan vehicles, along with a wide selection of top-quality pre-owned vehicles, including Certified Pre-owned Nissan models. We invite you to stop in and learn why we are a leading Nissan dealership in the Imperial County area. Visit our beautiful facility, customer-friendly showroom and service area, among other great features. We look forward to meeting you and helping you find and enjoy your next vehicle!  Stop by our lot located at 2361 US HWY 86 in Imperial, CA, call 882-332-1270 or visit our website at www.rogersandrogersnissan.com.

 

Welcome Our New Members! 

Rock Petroleum, Inc.

Rock Petroleum, Inc. is new to the City of Imperial Business Community.  Recently Rock Petroleum, Inc. has taken over the Shell Station located at the corner of Barioni Blvd and US HWY 86 in Imperial, CA.  The new management is under the direction of President Greg Sullivan.  As gas prices sore, be sure to check out their unbeatable  pricing before you fill up your tank elsewhere.  For more information about this member, stop by their location in Imperial, CA 

 

Meissner Jacqu�t Investment Management Services, Inc.

Meissner Jacqu�t Investment Management Services is a full service commercial real estate management firm offering commercial property management and financial reporting. The firm has been in operation for 20 years and is ranked as the largest privately owned third party management company in San Diego, and the 2nd overall in square footage as compared to national companies with San Diego offices. Our firm manages approximately 8.5 million square feet of retail, office, industrial, multi-family, and commercial owner association properties throughout California including San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Imperial Counties, as well as select areas in Arizona. For more information please visit our website at www.meissnerjacquet.com.

Meissner Jacqu�t Investment Management Services is currently managing the Valley Center Point Property in El Centro, CA.  For more information about this property, please CLICK HERE.  

 

  

Thank You To Our Renewing Members

AG Southwest Co., LLC

AG Southwest Co, LLC has been a member of the Imperial Chamber of Commerce since 2010.  We appreciate their continued support throughout the years.  For more information about this member, please contact Wes Blakely at 760-996-3333 or email wesb33@sbcglobal.net.  

 

Brawley Inn Hotel & Conference Center

Brawley Inn Hotel & Conference Center has been a member of the Imperial Chamber since 1999. An affordable hotel and conference center in Southern California's Imperial Valley. Business travelers, family vacationers and groups of all types will appreciate all that our Brawley, CA hotel provides - from well-appointed guest rooms and suites to plentiful amenities to our incomparable Southern California hospitality. What's more, our convenient location puts the best of the Imperial Valley's outdoor activities within easy recreational reach. For more information, or to inquire about their reservation packages, please call 760-344-1199 or visit their website at www.brawleyinn.com.   

 

Burgers & Beer

Burgers & Beer has been a member of the Imperial Chamber since 2006.  Not only has Burgers & Beer come to be known for it's delicious food and wonderful environment, but it has also garnered much acclaim for its involvement with the community, including event, sport and a variety of other youth activity sponsorships. Throughout its history, Burgers & Beer has been owned and operated by family and prides itself on its family friendly appeal. Several Burgers & Beer employees have been with the company since day one, with no plans of going elsewhere, and why would they? Nobody can beat the BEST BURGERS IN TOWN! Choose from one of their two locations in the City of El Centro: 260 North Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA or 3451 S. Dogwood Road, El Centro, CA (Inside the Imperial Valley Mall).  For more information, or to review their menu, please visit their website at www.burgersandbeer.com.    

 

Imperial Radiology

At Imperial Radiology we're committed to enhancing the health of our patients by providing state-of-the-art imaging services in a comfortable private office setting.  We offer MRI 1.5 Tesla, bright-speed Elite Select 50 slice speed CT, Dental CT, ultrasound, as well as routine and special x-ray procedures.  We offer a comprehensive array of diagnostic as well as screening services.  When your doctor orders a test, or you would like a second opinion, make Imperial Radiology your first choice.  For more information, please stop by their office at 2407 Marshall Road Imperial, Ca or call 760-545-0340.


Imperial Do it center  

Imperial Do it center has been a member of the Imperial Chamber since 2009.  Still family owned, Imperial Do it center is celebrating their 100 year legacy of service.  They began their store in Holtville, CA in 1908.  Since then, this company has expanded to three locations in the Imperial Valley; Brawley, El Centro and Holtville. Stop in and check out their full service Tool Rental Center.  For more information, please visit their website at www.imperialstores.com.   

     

 

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Upcoming Chamber Events

Imperial Chamber "Business After Hours" Mixer
Hosted By: El Centro Regional Medical Center Outpatient Clinic 
385 W. Main Street 
El Centro, CA 92243 
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
 
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Chamber News
Thank you to Becerril Air Solutions for hosting the February 2013 "Business After Hours" Mixer. 
Becerril Air Solutions celebrated the opening of their new location with the Imperial Chamber of Commerce on February 13, 2013. 
Becerril Air Conditioning is a California licensed
Owner Louis Fuentes, Becerril Air Staff & Imperial Chamber Board of Directors cut the Ribbon on their new location. 
HVAC Contractor specializing in providing customers solutions to improve the comfort of their home or office, reduce energy consumption and enhance the air quality for people that want to breath cleaner better air inside.We install package air conditioning or heat pumps, split system gas furnaces, ductless wall mount mini split air conditioners and air purification systems. We also design, install and manufacture air ducts.  We have installed thousands of systems for homes, offices and commercial buildings. A third generation
Imperial Chamber President Richard Morales & Becerril Air Owner Louis Fuentes 
international company since 1951. Ask about our Promos. We have systems that qualify for all of Imperial IrrigationI District (IID) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE) rebate programs.  For more information, or to make an appointment, please visit their website at www.becerrilair.com.   




Last Chance For Board Nominations 
The Imperial Chamber is holding elections for our upcoming 2013-2014 Fiscal Year Board of Directors.  We are currently seeking Chamber members who would like to participate in the decision-making process as a Chamber Director. The responsibility of a Chamber Director includes: making decisions for the betterment of Chamber Membership, City of Imperial and the Community. Currently, three seats are up for election.  
Please CLICK HERE to download your Board Nomination Form.  All forms must be returned to the Imperial Chamber of Commerce by February 28, 2013 by 4 PM.  Forms may be submitted by fax to (760) 355-1609 or emailed to alexis@imperialchamber.org. 
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Community News
*ATTENTION* New Small Business Health Care Tax Credit -
An Announcement from the Employment Development Department
As a service to California employers, the Employment Development Department (EDD) has partnered with The California Endowment to inform California's small business employers about a federal tax credit available related to employer-provided health insurance for employees.  This federal tax credit is administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  The EDD does not have a role in its administration.
Your business may be eligible for a federal tax credit that will reimburse the cost of providing insurance to your employees, and increase your business' bottom line.  More than 500,000 California businesses may be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
In an effort to make health care coverage more affordable for small employers, lawmakers included a small business health care tax credit in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).  For the 2012 filing season, the IRS is allowing a tax credit equaling up to 35 percent of the health insurance premium costs that a small business incurred for insuring its employees.
"What are the requirements to qualify?"
Small and tax-exempt employers that provide health care coverage to their employees are eligible for the health care tax credit if they have:
  • Fewer than 25 full-time employees;
  • Average wages less than $50K per year; and
  • Pay at least 50 percent or more of employees' premium cost for health insurance coverage.

"How much is the tax credit?"

To help offset the costs of covering employees, there is a sliding-scale tax credit of up to 35 percent of the employer's eligible premium expenses for tax years 2010-2013.
  • Employers with 10 or fewer full-time employees, paying annual average wages of $25,000 or less, qualify for the maximum credit of 35 percent.
    • For tax-exempt employers, the maximum tax credit is 25 percent of eligible premium expenses for tax years 2010-2013.
  • Beginning in 2014, the maximum tax credit increases to 50 percent (35 percent if tax-exempt) of premium expenses if coverage is purchased from California's Health Benefit Exchange, Covered California.

How to claim the tax credit.

Small emplyers can claim the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit as part of the general business credit starting with the 2010 income tax return.  Small businesses can calculate the credit with the new IRS Form 8941 and tax-exempt employers can calcualte the refund with Form 990-T.  Forms, information and answers to questions concerning this tax credit are available at www.irs.gov/sbhtc.   

Small employers that have already filed a tax return and later determine they are eligible for the credit can also file an amended tax return.  

 

Imperial County Film Commission: Call For Entries!

Announcing the 3rd Annual Imperial Valley Film Festival and Artist Showcase Call for Entries

The Imperial County Film Commission would like to announce dates for the 3rd Annual Imperial Valley Film Festival and Artist Showcase. The film festival and showcase will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 2-3, 2013. The Film Festival will be a juried exhibition of works by student and independent filmmakers'. The artist showcase will display a wide range of artistic works created by student and amateur artists.

The Film Commission is now accepting entries for both the film festival and artist showcase. Film entries will be accepted in the following categories: 1) General Short (30 minutes or less) 2) Documentary/Historical 3) Music Videos 4) Animation 5) Short Shorts (60 sec or less). Entries must be submitted in DVD, MOV, Blu-Ray or QuickTime formats.

Submission to the Artist Showcase will be accepted in the following categories: 1) Ceramics 2) Drawing/Pastels 3) Sculpture 4) Oil/Acrylic 5) Watercolor 6) Mixed Media 7) Wood 8) Graphics/Printmaking 9) Textiles 10) Wearable Art 11) Photography/Digital. All art must be dropped off to the Film Commission by Wednesday, July 24, 2013.

Submission deadline for ALL ENTRIES, INCLUDING ART, is Monday, July 1, 2013 at 4:00 pm.

Film Festival submission fee is $20 per entry.

Artist Showcase submission fee is $10 per piece submitted.

To obtain a copy of entry applications, rules and guidelines, contact the Film Commission at 760.337.4155 or download them at www.FilmImperialCounty.com. You must be at least 16 years of age to participate.

 

"Experience the Magic" 2013 California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta

It is that time of year again the Imperial County Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta.  This year come "Experience the Magic with your family and friends during March 1-10, 2013 at the Imperial Valley Expo Fair Grounds located at 200 East 2nd Street in Imperial, CA.    

Pre-Sale Tickets are available now.  Please see the image below to find a location closest you.

  

   

Pre-Sale Ticket Pricing
Adult: $6
Children 6-12 yrs old: $5
Seniors 60yrs +: $4
Additionally, Individual pre-sale tickets ($6 adult, $4 child 6-12 and $5 senior 60+) as well as $18 carnival WOW coupons redeemable for carnival wristbands are currently on sale. All pre-sales, which are savings of up to 25 percent off regular ticket purchase prices and up to 40 percent off carnival coupons, will end February 28.
Family Value Pack
This Family Value package consists of two adult and two children's California Mid-Winter Fair tickets, Two adult and two children's tickets to the 2013 San Diego County Fair as well as food coupons and 2 carnival WOW wristband coupons, are on sale at the Imperial Valley Mall and fair box office. The actual value of the package is $167 value.
Doc's Farm
Don't Miss the newest attraction this year Doc's Farm, a tribute to Doctor James Thompson. 

Just look for the large, bright yellow, structure at the edge of the barn area with an adjacent smaller - and just as yellow - out-building, featuring several colorful hand washing stations.

Doc's Farm, the newest interactive education attraction at the fair, will showcase baby animals and their moms. Inside, there will be baby pigs, a newborn calf, goats, ducks and more. The animals inside also will include those that are pregnant with due dates during the fair.