| Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee |
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Chairwoman of the Board
Vice-Chair
Past Chairwoman of the Board
Ex-Officio
Mark Hemstreet - Chief Executive Officer
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
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Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
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Ron Hier, The Hier Advantage
Terry Roth, JAG Insurance
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| Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Office Staff |
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Mark Hemstreet, Chief Executive Officer
Sharon Molnar, Office Coordinator
Anna Zarley, Event Coordinator
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What can the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce do to help grow YOUR business???
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| 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
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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.
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Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming Events
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August 2017
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
The Palmdale Aerospace Academy
08/04/2017
11/30 am - 1:00 pm
The Palmdale Aerospace Academy
3300 East Palmdale Blvd
Palmdale, CA 93550
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Membership Luncheon
08/09/2017
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lancaster Chamber
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Finance and Executive Committee Meeting
08/11/2017
7:30 am - 9:00 am
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Board of Director's Meeting
08/16/2017
7:30-9:00 am
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Membership Orientation
08/17/2017
Noon - 1:00 pm
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
Antelope Valley Fair Parade
Hosted by the Lancaster Chamber
08/19/2017
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ribbon Cutting / Open House
Waddell & Reed
08/23/2017
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
540 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Business-4-Breakfast
08/24/2017
7:00 am- 8:30 am
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
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July
Introducing Our
Newest
Members!
ASAP Mattress & Furniture
Alice Hinsley
1812 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-7778
Cedar Performing Arts
Mitra Licciardi
2330 Mall Loop Rd, Ste 108
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 917-9135
Chimera Body Art
Rudy Baltier
750 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 209-4299
Christian Nurses
Association International
Doreen Erhahon
2010 West Ave K, #574
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 273-1813
Edward Jones Investments
Rocio Montagner
41301 12th Street West, Ste E
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 224-1365
Love Never Fails Foundation
Angela Johnson
2010 West Avenue K, # 376
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 718-6169
Nightingale Care Services
Lesley Gaspar
47385 172nd Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
(818) 259-2312
Pattys Beauty Academy
Patricia Coyt
38733 9th Street East, Ste S
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 441-4615
Waddell & Reed
Larry Cotlin
540 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 802-7130
Westworks Live
David West
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 492-9578
We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members
Antelope Valley College
3041 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 722-6300
Member Since: 1960
Artistic Carpet One Floor & Home
1061 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-7567
Member Since: 1987
Atkinson & Associates
233 East Avenue K-6
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 723-5141
Member Since: 1989
High Desert Broadcasting
570 East Avenue Q-9
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 947-3107
Member Since: 1990
Zonta Club of Antelope Valley
PO Box 1322
Lancaster, CA 93584
(661) 406-4322
Member Since: 1991
All Glass & Plastics
42320 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-5838
Member Since: 1996
Cobb Doerfler & Associates, CPA
1039 West Avenue J, Ste B
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-2661
Member Since: 1996
OPSEC Specialized Protection
44262 Division Street, Ste A
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 942-3999
Member Since: 1999
Prestige Assisted Living
43454 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 949-2177
Member Since: 1999
Five Star Auto Body
HW Hunter Inc
44733 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 951-9110
Member Since: 2000
PathPoint
348 East Avenue K-4, Unit B
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 723-7484
Member Since: 2005
Legalshield, Daniel Seny
Palmdale, CA 93551
(310) 335-0115
Member Since: 2009
Boulevard Flooring Emporium, Inc
820 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-9500
Member Since: 2012
Desert Oasis RV Park & Storage
4968 Rosamond Blvd
Rosamond, CA 93560
(661) 547-6161
Member Since: 2012
Budget Self Storage
41843 10th Street West
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 942-2098
Member Since: 2013
Choices in Learning
National Foundation
43141 Business Center Parkway, Ste 106
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 265-0096
Member Since: 2013
Aven's Fine Home Furnishings
44805 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-1103
Member Since: 2014
Caliber Collision
146 East Avenue K-4
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 945-6551
Member Since: 2015
JNR Home Improvements, Inc
39450 3rd Street East, Ste 127
Palmdale, CA 93550
(855) 376-3330
Member Since: 2015
Lancaster Modern Dentistry
43531 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 839-7630
Member Since: 2015
Beth Knesset Bamidbar
1611 East Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 942-4415
Member Since: 2016
DS Heating & Air
42215 12th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 310-3747
Member Since: 2016
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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
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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
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Greetings Members,
Wow-can you believe we are coming to the end of summer? We've had another amazing month, and have had some great events over the last 30 days. Thank you to all who were able to attend the meeting where Kevin Mitchell from Northrop Grumman spoke about the exciting times our valley faces in the near future. We will no doubt see even more growth as a community because of defense contracts awarded our local aerospace plants.
August is always buzzing with excitement as we approach the Antelope Valley Fair! The Chamber is once again hosting the Fair Parade on Lancaster Boulevard. I trust that you and your family will enjoy yourselves as you attend the parade and have fun watching all of our parade sights. We will be celebrating the 79th Annual AV Fair this year. The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce is proud to annually celebrate the AV Fair on Lancaster BLVD. We are honored to recognize our Grand Marshall, Ms. Debbie Smith, for her dedication to ensuring year after year that the AV Fair is a memorable event for all that attend.
This year's Fair theme of Cele"Grape"tion reminds us of the rich agricultural history we enjoy in the Antelope Valley. This history continues on the BLVD through weekly events such as the Farmer's Market and the many culinary delights provided by its amazing restaurants. While the parade originally ended when it entered the "old" Fairgrounds, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce continues to host it on the BLVD because of the rich experiences it offers.
I hope you will attend our Fair Parade and please take a moment to flip program and take note of the member businesses that support the event. The Parade is a great way to gear up to experience the Fair with your family and friends. Also, take note of upcoming Chamber events such as the Flea Market in October, the Holiday Parade in December, and the Young Entrepreneur Academy for high school and middle school students. Please have another great month, and we look forward to seeing you at the Fair!
Monica Grado
Chairwoman of the Board
2017-18
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This Month's Speaker:
United States Department of Labor
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
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Insights on Making a Great Presentation
by Richard Branson, August 7, 2017
It goes without saying: preparation prevents poor performance - but I've also learned that nobody likes a stiff conversation or presentation.
You'll never see me give a PowerPoint presentation, and it's rare that you'll see me give a rehearsed speech. Instead, I prefer to speak from the heart. You'll be better received if you put a bit of yourself into what you're doing, and adapt to your surroundings.
And keeping it short is the secret to success. One of my all-time favorite
orators, Winston Churchill, very cheekily once said: "A good speech should be like a woman's skirt: long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest."
Throughout my career, I've learned that audiences lose interest after 25 minutes or so, if not earlier. Which is why if I've always been a fan of the elevator pitch - or better still, the business plan on the back of an envelope approach.
Of course, facts and figures are important, but remember not to drown people in numbers. My eyes tend to glaze over as soon as too many stats are rolled out during a pitch. Keep it simple and think about how you can best sell people on your vision and dream in just a few minutes.
An aspiring entrepreneur needs to be able to quickly articulate their big idea to grab attention, captivate their fleeting audience and provoke enough curiosity so anyone would want to stick around and find out more.
So, be concise and speak on what you know. Let your passion shine through by being yourself and allowing your points to come across naturally. If the subject calls for it, use humor to connect with your audience and demonstrate your creativity. And if you're nervous, it helps to imagine that you are in your living room having a chat with a friend - it will also come across more genuine that way.
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BUSINESS-4-BREAKFAST
Join us for business, stay for breakfast!
Thursday, August 24, 2017
7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M
This Months Breakfast is Sponsored by:
The Tech Gods
Christopher Perosi, (661) 524-5140
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
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Identity Theft: What to Watch out for and What to do
Cobb, Doerfler & Associates, August 2017
Tax-related identity theft typically occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. Anyone can fall victim to identity theft. Here is an important reminder of how to protect yourself from identity theft, what to watch out for, and what do if your identity has been compromised:
1. Protect your Records. Do not carry your Social Security card with you, or any other documents with your Social Security Number (SSN) on them. Only provide your SSN if it is completely necessary and you know the person requesting it. Routinely change passwords for all of your Internet accounts and protect your personal information at home and protect your computers with anti-spam and anti-virus software.
2. Don't Fall for Scams. Criminals often try to impersonate your bank, credit card company, and even the IRS in order to steal your personal data. Learn to recognize and avoid those fake emails and texts.
3. Beware of Threatening Phone Calls. The IRS will never call you threatening a lawsuit or arrest, or to demand an immediate tax payment using a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer. Generally, if you owe taxes, the IRS will first mail a bill to the taxpayer. Furthermore, The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. While there are certain circumstances when the IRS will visit your home or business, taxpayers will generally first receive several letters (called "notices ") from the IRS in the mail beforehand. The IRS will also not:
- Demand that you pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. You should also be advised of your rights as a taxpayer.
- Threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying. The IRS also cannot revoke your driver's license, business licenses, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims into buying into their schemes.
4. Report ID Theft to Law Enforcement. If you discover that you cannot e-file your return because a tax return already was filed using your SSN, please call the office immediately for assistance. Next, you will generally need to take the following steps:
- File your taxes by paper and pay any taxes owed.
- File an IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
- Contact one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian), to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your account.
5. Complete an IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit. File IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. Print out the form and mail or fax it according to the instructions. Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by filing on paper.
6. IRS Notices and Letters. If the IRS identifies a suspicious tax return with your social security number on it, they may send you a letter asking you to verify your identity and will provide instructions on how to do so. You may need to call a special phone number or visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center. This is to protect you from tax-related identity theft.
7. IP PINs. If a taxpayer reports that they are a victim of ID theft or the IRS identifies a taxpayer as being a victim, he or she will be issued an IP PIN. The IP PIN is a unique six-digit number that a victim of ID theft uses to file a tax return. Each year, you will receive an IRS letter with a new IP PIN.
8. Data Breaches. If you learn about a data breach that may have compromised your personal information, keep in mind that not every data breach results in identity theft. Furthermore, not every identity theft case involves taxes. Make sure you know what kind of information has been stolen so you can take the appropriate steps before contacting the IRS.
9. Report Suspicious Activity. If you suspect or know of an individual or business that is committing tax fraud, you can report it on the IRS.gov website.
10. IRS Website. Information about identity theft is available on the IRS website. There is also a special section devoted to identity theft with a phone number available for victims to obtain assistance.
If you have any questions about identity theft or have any reason to believe that you've been a victim of identity theft, please contact the office as soon as possible.
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7 Steps for Delivering a Better Elevator Speech
No matter what your business, manufacturing, retail, services, profit, non-profit, governmental, public sector, a strong elevator pitch is an important tool in your toolbox. It either sets you apart, or lets you side into no-man's land. Remember, the elevator speech is just the start, you're not trying to close the sale, you are setting the hook.
1. Start with an icebreaker.
Find something you can both relate to or something you have in common. Just don't let it capitalize your entire pitch.
2. State what you do in terms of a benefit.
Example: "We help salespeople really engage their buyers when they deliver a sales presentation or a written proposal."
3. Make sure the benefit has a "hook."
The hook causes listeners to say to themselves: "Oh, yeah? We have problems with that, I wonder how they do that?" People don't really care what you do - they care about what you may be able to do for THEM.
4. Add a credibility builder.
You may mention clients in their social/professional circle that value your services. Consider using accomplishments of those clients to the same effect. Bring that personal touch into the pitch. "I was thrilled to hear xyz company was able to improve sales closing by 20%"
5. Deliver your "speech" as if off the cuff.
Never sound purposeful or canned. Work in some conversational glitches. Give careful attention to your phrasing, speaking rate, tone, and demeanor. They all provide context to make the message sound as if you're talking peer to peer.
6. Be M
emorable
but brief-not more than 30 seconds. You want to make an impressions onthe other person can pass your name along to others interested in what you offer. Just remember that people have attention spans geared to short tweets, radio & TV commercials. Again, you're not trying to close the deal, this is your start to a great relation.
7. End with a next step..
Your goal is to engage the other person in a dialogue. Example: "How difficult do your employees find it to do "abc" around your office?" If you just end your "pitch," you'll typically get a pleasant nod. But with a question, the person can either respond briefly or change the subject if uninterested. Your goal is to continue the conversation about the challenges you can help solve. Now's your chance to make that follow-up appointment!
Don't forget to practice, practice, practice, trust me, it will show!
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Reminder:
Domestic Violence Notice Requirement Began July 1
Employers with 25 or more employees now must provide new employees with a written notice about the rights of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking to take protected time off for medical treatment or legal proceedings.
The new notice requirement went into effect July 1 as a result of legislation passed last year, AB 2337.
The notice also contains information on victims' rights to accommodation and protections against discrimination.
The Labor Commissioner developed the notice, which can be found in both English and Spanish.
Employers must provide this information to new workers when hired and current workers upon request.
California Protections
Under California law, all employers must provide victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking with the right to take time off from work to appear in legal proceedings, such as obtaining a restraining order or other court order.
All employers must provide reasonable accommodations for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking who request an accommodation for their safety while working.
Companies with 25 or more workers also must provide these victims with the right to take time off to seek medical treatment for injuries, services from domestic violence shelters, programs or crisis centers, psychological counseling or safety planning.
Furthermore, California's mandatory paid sick leave law allows employees to use their accrued paid sick leave when they need time off to appear in legal proceedings or for medical treatment.
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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!
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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
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| The Month In Pictures July |
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Ribbon Cutting / Grand Opening
Chimera Body Art
750 West Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster
(661) 209-4299
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Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
Massage Envy Lancaster West
1050 West Avenue K, Lancaster
(661) 874-4080
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Membership Luncheon Speaker, Angela Riley-Clayborne
Destination Lancaster, the BLVD Association
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Cedar Performing Arts
Ribbon Cutting / Grand Opening
2330 Mall Lopp Rd, Ste 108, Lancaster
(661) 917-9135
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ASAP Mattress & Furniture
Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting
1812 West Avenue J, Lancaster
(661) 723-7778
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American Travel Bureau & Jack Fry Travel
Grand Opening / Business Merger
2330 Mall Loop Rd, #119, Lancaster
(661) 940-1165
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| Business-4-Breakfast "Table Sponsor" Charlie Chan, TiteMax Title Loans (661) 723-0069 
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Business-4-Breakfast
"Best Commercial Winner"
Lancaster Sheriffs Department, Officer Nathan
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