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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

 

October 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
October 2017

51st Semi-Annual Flea Market 
Hosted by the Lancaster Chamber 
10/01/2017
Early Bird (7:00 am-8:45 am) $8
General (9am - 4pm) $6
Kids under 9 years FREE
Parking $5
Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
2551 West Avenue H
Lancaster, CA 93534

Ribbon Cutting / Mixer 
Katz Zumba Studio
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
510 West Lancaster Blvd 
Lancaster, CA 93534

Ribbon Cutting / 30th Anniversary
Preferred Window Tinting
10/07/2017
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm (Ribbon Cutting @ 5:30)
Preferred Window Tinting
1101 West Avenue M, Ste A
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Finance and Executive Committee Meeting
10/10/2017
7:30 am - 9:00 am
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Membership Luncheon
10/11/2017
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
J.P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center 
43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
Board of Director's Meeting
10/18/2017
7:30-9:00 am
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Membership Orientation
10/19/2017
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Young Entrepreneurs Academy
Parent / Student Orientation
10/24/2017
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Antelope Valley College 
Student Services Building
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
Business-4-Breakfast  
10/26/2017
7:00 am- 8:30 am
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

New and Renewing Members

September

  Introducing Our Newest Members!

Fran Sereseres
Lancaster, CA 
(661) 723-7232

Gasoline & Coffee
Anthony Robinson
706 West Lancaster Blvd, Ste 101
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 723-7369

New Life Community Church
Trevia Marsh
43233 7th Street East 
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 949-0011

Reno Express
Ronald Faass
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 438-1145

Skyhunter Hobby
Philip Lucas
543 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-7400

US Bank
Lindsey Oien
2831 West Avenue L
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 943-2448

Valley Realty
Sarah Streeter
1550 20th Street West, # 101
Rosamond, CA 93560
(661) 347-3620

We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members

Stephen B Marvin 
Real Estate, Inc 
43700 17th Street West, Ste 102
Lancaster, CA 93534-4661
(661) 942-9583
Member Since: 1972

Law Offices of David M Wallin
43912 12th Street West, Ste 101
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 267-1313
Member Since: 1996

Grace Lutheran Church & School
856 West Newgrove Street
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-1018
Member Since: 1997

Lancaster Beauty School
44646 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-1672
Member Since: 1997

High Desert Medical Group
43839 15th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-5984
Member Since: 1998

AV Occupational Medicine
42220 10th Street West, Ste 109
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 951-9195
Member Since: 1999

Sixcess Inc 
Drug Testing Services 
43535 17th Street West, Ste 302
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 951-0444
Member Since: 1999

Aerotech News & Review 
456 East Avenue K-4, Ste 8
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 945-5634
Member Since: 2004

Allied Physical Medicine 
1314 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 945-4441
Member Since: 2005

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

Premier Events
39450 3rd Street East, # 106
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 224-1505
Member Since: 2010

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

DeVry University
39115 Trade Center Drive, Ste 100
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 224-2920
Member Since: 2013

Beltone Hearing Aid Center
753 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-4573
Member Since: 2015

Thie Hier Advantage
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 406-1562
Member Since: 2015

Amaysing Fishing 
Bait & Tackle
45074 10th Street West, Ste 107
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 429-5824
Member Since: 2016

Flight Test 
Historical Foundation
PO Box 57
Edwards, CA 93523
(661) 916-3309
Member Since: 2016
  
Los Angeles County Office
of Education, Gain Division
1817 West Avenue K, Ste 309
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 729-1239
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 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

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!

Chairwoman's Message 

Greetings Members, 

Hope you had an opportunity to either visit, volunteer, or be a vendor at the Lancaster Chamber Flea Market on Sunday October 1st.  There are so many ways that members can be involved with this amazing event.  Thank you to each of our volunteers that assisted with ensuring that this event continues to thrive.  We all greatly appreciate each of our staff members Mark, Anna, and Sharon for their work on the flea market. 

Lancaster Chamber will be hosting our October luncheon on Wednesday 10/11/17 at the Hellenic Center.  Our speakers will include City of Lancaster, Grace Resources, and Assemblyman Tom Lackey.  This is an excellent opportunity to stay connected with our community, we hope to see you there. 

Business-4-Breakfast will be held on Thursday, October 26th at A.M. Café.  This event is a networking event to assist you with providing information on your business in addition to discovering new and established businesses within our community. 

If you know any young entrepreneurs, please encourage them to sign up and participate in the Young Entrepreneur Academy.  Students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate.  The YEA program provides students the opportunity to form their own real life business or social movement while learning form active members of our chamber what it takes to be the owner/operator of a real life business.  For more information and to apply please visit our website
 
A lso, if you are a potential sponsor or if you would like to be a guest speaker, business mentor, or Investor Panel judge, please contact Mark Hemstreet at the Chamber office.  


Sincerely,  

Monica Grado
Chairwoman of the Board 
2017-18
Membership Luncheon  


Lancaster Chamber Membership Luncheon 

The following speakers will give a short but informative presentation at our October Luncheon:

Assemblyman Tom Lackey will give an update on new laws passed this year in Sacramento, his work on the Antelope Valley Aerospace Institute, and opportunities he sees for the local economy.
 
Grace Resources  "The State of Grace"and will cover what is available for the Homeless, the near-homeless, and the working poor in the Antelope Valley...And how you can help.

City of Lancaster will be introducing their new emergency notification system, Nixle, which is an alert system for residents and business owners alike. This opt in system will notify of nearby emergencies, accidents, and traffic information. 

  EVENT INFORMATION
 
Date:  

October 11, 2017
 
Time:  
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

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


BUSINESS-4-BREAKFAST

 
   
  Join us for business, stay for breakfast!
 
     Thursday,October 26, 2017
7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M


This Months Breakfast is Sponsored by:

Home Instead Senior Care, Joel Green

661-254-8701
                       
 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
 

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 
  
  
SPECS FOR LANCASTER CHRISTMAS PARADE
"Celebrating the Decades of Christmas"
December 2, 2017
     
 
Full Page                8 h X 5 w                      $200.00________
 
Half Page               3.75 h X 5 w                 $125.00_________
 
Business Card        1.625 h X 5 w               $  50.00________
 
 
Name____________________________
 
Company Name: ____________________
 
Mailing Address: ___________________ Zip: ________
 
Telephone: _____________________Fax___________
 
E-Mail: _____________________________________
 
 
Please make checks payable to Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
For credit card orders call Anna Zarley at 661 948-4518
554 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster, Ca. 93534-2534
661 948-4518 ~ 661 949-1212 Fax
 
Artwork and Payment Deadline November 17, 2017
 


Deadline Near: Don't Forget to Use New Form I-9
 Sep 14 2017 -   Form I-9 -  Gail Cecchettini Whaley

By September 18, 2017,  employers must only use the new Form I-9 with the revision date of 07/7/17 N.

This past July, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a revised Form I-9. Employers were given a grace period before they were required to use the new form, but that grace period expires soon!

By September 18, employers must only use the new Form I-9 with the revision date of 07/7/17 N. Prior versions of the form, including the version dated 11/14/16, will be unacceptable.

Employers should familiarize themselves with the changes to the new form. The Instructions for Form I-9 and the  Form I-9 Supplement have also been updated.

According to the USCIS, revisions also include:
  • A change relating to the timing of when the Form I-9 must be completed. Previously, the form and instructions stated that the employee must complete Section 1 "by the end of the first day of employment (emphasis added)." Now, the USCIS has removed "the end" from the phrase, and the employee must complete Section 1 "by the first day of employment."
  • A change to the name of the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices to its new name, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section.
  • Revisions related to the list of acceptable documents on Form I-9:
    • Added the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) to List C.
    • Combined all the certifications of report of birth issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545, Form DS-1350 and Form FS-240) into selection C #2 in List C.
    • Renumbered all List C documents except the Social Security card. For example, the employment authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security on List C changed from List C #8 to List C #7.
The USCIS also included these changes in the revised  Handbook for Employers: Guidance for Completing Form I-9 (M-274), which was also improved for ease of navigation.

  

Tips for Managing Workplace Fatigue 
Safety Focus Monthly Newsletter, VINSA Insurance Associates, September 2017

Hectic schedules, stress and lack of sleep can all contribute to fatigue, which is a common and dangerous workplace hazard. Symptoms of fatigue include moodiness, drowsiness, loss of energy, and lack of motivation and concentration. These are not ideal qualities to display at your job. Not only does fatigue make you less productive and personable, it can also cause a serious safety risk if you work with hazardous equipment or materials. 

To help manage workplace fatigue, consider doing the following: 
  • Eat a snack that includes complex carbohydrates and protein (like an energy bar or half a peanut butter sandwich on whole-wheat bread)
  •  Avoid sugar, which will make you crash later. 
  • Go for a short walk to re-energize yourself. 
  • Drink a glass of water
  • Manage your stress, and get more sleep. 
  • Exercise regularly
  • Limit your caffeine intake to one or two drinks per day. Fatigue can also be linked to an underlying medical problem, psychological condition or sleep disorder. Talk to your doctor if you experience chronic or debilitating fatigue

Quarterly Mega-Mixer 

The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce would like to thank ISU Stephen B Marvin Insurance for hosting our quarterly Mega-Mixer on Setpember 14th! A great time was had by all! Thank you!

 

 

 

We would also like to thank the following people for the donation raffle prizes. All proceeds were applied towards the Lancaster Chamber Work Ethics Scholarship Fund :

 

Terry Roth, JAG Insurance Agency

Deborah Frazier, Cal State University Bakersfield

Stephen B Marvin Real Estate

ISU Stephen B Marvin Insurance

 

THANK YOU!

 

 

  
     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 / Grand Opening
Spadefox Gaming Arena
547 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster 93534
(916) 317-2665
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
Gasoline & Coffee
706 West Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster
(661) 723-7369
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
Cali Cafe
44140 20th Street West, Suite 101, Lancaster
(661) 940-5878
Ribbon Cutting/ New Admin Offices
Learn4Life 
177 Holston Drive, Lancaster, 93534
(661) 272-1225
Membership Luncheon Speaker, Thuy Phan
United States Department of Labor 
Business-4-Breakfast 
"Best Commercial Winner"
Laura, Driscoll & Driscoll Insurance Agency