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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

 

December 2016

In this Month's Issue

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

 Executive Committee

                    
Chairwoman of the Board
Gina Rossall, Westside Union School District
 
Chair-Elect
Monica Grado, George's Cleaners

Past Chairman of the Board
Josh Mann, Waste Management

Vice-Chair
Luis Garibay, City of Lancaster

Vice-Chair
Katy Nelson, Hunter Dodge

Treasurer
Austin Rice, Alden & Associates, LLP

Secretary
Terry Roth, JAG Insurance Agency, Inc. 

Ex-Officio 
Mark Hemstreet - Chief Executive Officer, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce   
  
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Theresa Dawson, Lancaster Sheriff's Station

Rosemary Mann, Camille's Sidewalk Cafe

Charles Hoey, Charles Hoey & Associates

Chris Spicher, Antelope Valley Florist

Gene Melchers, Melchers Construction

Elizabeth Diachun, Antelope Valley
 College 

Shandra Goben, TownePlace Suites

Bernie Longjohn, Learn 4 Life

Barry White, Carpeteria

Heather Massari, VINSA Insurance Associates

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 

New and Renewing Members

November

  Introducing Our Newest Members!

All Valley RV Center
Troy Padgett
42207 3rd Street East
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 949-0555

Calico Saloon & Grill
Brenda Marsh
42525 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 492-6518

Flight Test Historical Foundation
Danny Bazell
PO Box 57
Edwards, CA 93523
(661) 916-3309

Off-The-Grid-Training, Inc
Luis Lopez
1061 East Avenue J, Ste 107
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 524-6841

Wizard Plumbing & Rooter Service 
Tarkus Piper
Lake Hughes, CA 93539
(661) 917-7877

Yeager Law
Michael Yeager
44905 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 471-2177

We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members  

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

Benz Construction Services
1731 North Sierra Highway
Rosamond, CA 93560
(661) 256-6669
Member Since: 1987

Granite Construction Company
213 East Avenue M
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 726-4447
Member Since: 1987

United Way of Greater LA, AV Region
44907 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 874-4288
Member Since: 1991

Carolyn Brailer
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 723-0560
Member Since: 1993

City of Lancaster
44933 Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-6000
Member Since: 1993

United Rentals, Inc
43631 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-2654
Member Since: 1993
 
Clock Tower Plaza
2063 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 726-4300
Member Since: 1995

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

AV Eye Care Medical Group, Inc
42543 8th Street West, Ste 101
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-4373
Member Since: 2000

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

Hampton Inn & Suites-Lancaster
2300 West Double Play Way
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 940-9194
Member Since: 2008

The Tire Store
43923 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-1833
Member Since: 2009

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

WalMart Super Center
40130 10th Street West
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 267-6496
Member Since: 2010

Century 21-Agent Bob Stickney
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

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

Lancaster Cemetery
111 East Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-6110
Member Since: 2007

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

Passantino Andersen 
Communications, LLC
42305 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 538-1100
Member Since: 2008

Valleywide Dental, Inc
1021 West Avenue M-14
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 267-4000
Member Since: 2009

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

  Antelope Valley Schools 
Transportation Agency 
670 West Avenue L-8
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-3621
Member Since: 2011

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
730 West Lancaster Blvd, Ste 103
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 802-0763
Member Since: 2012

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

Xerox Image Source
17072 Silica Road, Suite 102
Victorville, CA 92395
(760) 241-8044 x 600
Member Since: 2013

Steven D Heffelfinger, DC Inc
44130 N Division Street
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 948-5988
Member Since: 2014

Jersey Mikes Subs-Lancaster
1006-A Commerce Center Drive
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-8855
Member Since: 2015
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 ambassador, please contact the Chamber: 
(661) 948-4518
 
 

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
 Upcoming Events
December 2016

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Presents
"A Hollywood Christmas" Parade
12/03/2016
10:00 am
Lancaster Blvd

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Finance and Executive Committee Meeting
12/13/2016
7:30 am - 9:00 am
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Holiday Open House 
12/14/2016
4:30 - 7:30 pm
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
Board of Director's Meeting
12/21/2016
7:30-9:00 am
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Business-4-Breakfast
The Wright Family Holiday Story
Bring a Wrapped Gift 
11/17/2016
7:00 am- 8:30 am
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Membership Committee Meeting
12/19/2016
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador Corp Meeting
12/28/2016
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

To view Job Openings please click on the links below.






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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 - TWO AVAILABLE).

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/ADVERTISING

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

Email Data: $50.00


 

Please call the Chamber for more information:

 (661) 948-4518

Chairwoman's Message 


Greetings Members,
 
For me the holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year.   The sights and sounds of the holiday always hold a special place in my heart and in my memories, and somehow seem to create a time of joy, celebration, and anticipation.  It is a time to reflect on the past year while simultaneously planning for the year ahead. 

As I reflect on the past year, I am especially proud of the work of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce.  We will have sponsored two fabulous parades, held community forums for our members and others to learn about important matters in our community, we have helped member businesses obtain and retain clients/customers, we have been active in making Lancaster a great place to own a business, work, and to live.  I thank each of you for your contributions to our Chamber.  It is each of you who make a difference to our success. 

During the coming month, we'd like to feature pictures of our member businesses celebrating the holidays on our website.  If you have pictures to share, please send them to Mark at the Chamber Office.  This might be a time to share some community project in which your business participates, your staff working with your customers, or anything that you feel might be appropriate for the sharing. 

Again, thank you for the blessing of allowing me to serve the Chamber this year.  I have enjoyed the many new acquaintances I have made, the work that together we are completing, the engagement of our members in so many terrific activities, and the absolute dedication of our staff.  Thanks so much for caring about our community and making it can be.  

My wish is for you and yours to have a fabulous holiday season, and a prosperous 2017. 
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year,
 
Sincerely, 
Regina Rossall, Chairwoman of the Board
2016-2017



Lancaster Chamber Presents: 
"A Hollywood Christmas"

Don't miss out on the 2016 Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade which is taking place on Saturday, December 3rd on Lancaster Blvd between 10th St West & Sierra Highway. With over 130 entries, including 14 marching bands playing all of your holiday favorites, this year's event promises to be the biggest and most entertaining holiday parade in the Antelope Valley!

Make sure to bundle up, bring your lawn chairs and arrive early. The parade starts promptly at 10 am!
Lancaster Chamber 
Holiday Open House


Join the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Hanford Property Management for our annual Holiday Open House! 

There will be plenty of food, fun, and give-aways. 

Be sure to bring an un-wrapped toy for CHiPS For Kids.
 
Each person who RSVPs before the event will be entered to win a flat screen TV!

MUST RSVP to be entered into the drawing and 
must be present to win


  EVENT INFORMATION
 
Date:  
December 14, 2016
 
Time:  
4:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: 
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534


The Chamber board of directors and staff look forward to seeing you there!

 

California Legalizes Marijuana Use, 
But Employers Can Still Keep 
Workplaces Drug Free

On Tuesday, November 6, 2016 California joined several other states in legalizing recreational use of marijuana by adults. Proposition 64, also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 years old and over. The provisions related to the legalization of marijuana and workplace protections took effect November 9 - the day after the election.

Legalizing marijuana for recreational use is a significant change to current law. However, despite the passage of Proposition 64, several things will not change. For example, smoking or ingesting marijuana in public will remain unlawful, as well as smoking or ingesting marijuana in places where smoking tobacco is already prohibited. Similarly, driving under the influence of marijuana will remain illegal.

But what about smoking weed at work? When it comes to the workplace, California employers can take a deep breath of fresh air, because Proposition 64 maintains the status quo for employers seeking to maintain a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. In other words, employer policies related to drug possession, use and impairment as well as testing are not compromised with the legalization of marijuana use under Proposition 64.

Proposition 64 explicitly states that it is intended to "allow public and private employers to enact and enforce workplace policies pertaining to marijuana." The initiative also provides that it will not be construed or interpreted to amend, repeal, affect, restrict or pre-empt:

"The rights and obligations of public and private employers to maintain a drug and alcohol free workplace or require an employer to permit or accommodate the use, consumption, possession, transfer, display, transportation, sale or growth of marijuana in the workplace, or affect the ability of employers to have policies prohibiting the use of marijuana by employees and prospective employees, or prevent employers from complying with state or federal law (Section 11362.45 (f))."

Therefore, even with the passage of Proposition 64, employers may continue to prohibit use, possession and impairment at work and may continue to test for use when appropriate. Proposition 64 is not intended to interfere with these workplace policies or practices.
Employers should use this time to review existing policies and remind employees not only about the company's drug-free workplace policy and practices but also to specify that marijuana is also prohibited.
Promote YOUR business 
FREE of Charge  
  
     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 


Year-End Tax Planning for Businesses
Cobb Doerfler, CPA 2016 Newsletter

There are a number of end of year tax planning strategies that businesses can use to reduce their tax burden for 2016. Here are a few of them:

 

Deferring Income


 

Businesses using the cash method of accounting can defer income into 2017 by delaying end-of-year invoices so payment is not received until 2017. Businesses using the accrual method can defer income by postponing delivery of goods or services until January 2017.

Purchase New Business Equipment


 

Section 179 Expensing:

Business should take advantage of Section 179 expensing this year for a couple of reasons. First, is that in 2016 businesses can elect to expense (deduct immediately) the entire cost of most new equipment up to a maximum of $500,000 for the first $2,010,000 million of property placed in service by December 31, 2016. Keep in mind that the Section 179 deduction cannot exceed net taxable business income. The deduction is phased out dollar for dollar on amounts exceeding the $2.01 million threshold and eliminated above amounts exceeding $2.5 million.


 

Bonus Depreciation


 

 Businesses are able to depreciate 50 percent of the cost of equipment acquired and placed in service during 2015, 2016 and 2017. However, the bonus depreciation is reduced to 40 percent in 2018 and 30 percent in 2019. Qualified property is defined as property that you placed in service during the tax year and used predominantly (more than 50 percent) in your trade or business. Property that is placed in service and then disposed of in that same tax year does not qualify, nor does property converted to personal use in the same tax year it is acquired.

Note:

Many states have not matched these amounts and, therefore, state tax may not allow for the maximum federal deduction.....READ MORE


BUSINESS-4-BREAKFAST

   
   Join us for business, stay for breakfast!
 
     Thursday, December 22, 2016

   7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M

This Months Breakfast Sponsor:

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
The Wright Family Holiday Story

Bring a wrapped uni-sex gift! 
                       
 Event Location
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
RSVP: 948-4518 

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards

*Please note - If you RSVP and do not attend you will be invoiced for $12.00.

The Month In Pictures

November

Business-4-Breakfast 

"Table Sponsor"

First City Credit Union, Kim Perkins

(661) 816-0089

Business-4-Breakfast 

"Best Commercial Winner"

Miss Eastside, Haley Elizabeth Manchan

November Membership Luncheon 

"Medical Main Street" Presented by 

City Council Member, Raj Malhi

Meece Car Audio, 169 West Ave J-5, Unit F
Ribbon Cutting & Mixer
 
M1 Express Car Wash, 44846 Valley Central Way 
Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting 
 


On the Labor Scene....

With so many laws continually being thrust upon businesses, we wanted to start a little update employer's might find useful.  

This month we highlight: Confined Space Safety 

Use this link to find out more from the Department of Industrial Relations: