chamber_logo
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 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

August

  Introducing Our Newest Members!

Alanwood Marketing & Advertising
Greg Wood
38713 Tierra Subida Avenue, #200-248
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 347-2427

DS Heating & Air
Dylan Rucker
42215 12th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 310-3747

Exit Diamond Realty 
John Ward
44231 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 860-9810

Nolasco Bookkeeping
Patricia Nolasco
1008 West Avenue M-14, Ste A-D120
Palmdale, CA 93551
(800) 659-4988

Principal Financial Group
Tate Williamson
4900 California Avenue, Ste 120B
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 327-7711, Ext 22

Rio Brazilian Grill
Andres Kabrera
628 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 860-4127


We Are Pleased to Present Our Renewing Members  

Antelope Valley College
3041 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 722-6300
Member Since: 1960

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

Oxford Inn Suites
1651 West Avenue K
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 949-3423
Member Since: 1986

Atkinson & Associates
233 East Avenue K-6
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 723-5141
Member Since: 1989

Zonta Club of Antelope Valley Area
PO Box 1322
Lancaster, CA 93589
(661) 406-4322
Member Since: 1991

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

Progressive Physical Therapy
450 West Palmdale Blvd
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 273-5333
Member Since: 1993

Antelecom, Inc
104 East Avenue K-4, Ste K
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 726-3516
Member Since: 1995

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

Hanford Property Management
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-1153
Member Since: 1996

OPCEC Specialized Protection
44262 Division Street, Ste A
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 942-6331
Member Since: 1999

Rite Aid Southwest 
Customer  Support Center
2801 West Avenue H
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 951-7500
Member Since: 1999

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

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

DCS Satellite & Security
42263 50th Street West, Ste 207
Quartz Hill, CA 93536
(661) 722-5131
Member Since: 2000

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

PathPoint
348 East Avenue K-4, Unit B
Lancaster, CA  93535
(661) 723-7484
Member Since: 2005

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

Sol Print Solutions
42257 6th Street West, Ste 306
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 273-7313
Member Since: 2006

 Bounce Animation, Inc
44241 15th Street West, Ste 101
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 400-3066
Member Since: 2009

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

Aven's Fine Home Furnishings
44805 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 942-1103
Member Since: 2007

Choices in Learning National Foundation
42225 10th Street West, Ste D
Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 265-0096
Member Since: 2013

America's Tarp Company 
1747 East Avenue Q, Unit D-4
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 916-0184
Member Since: 2015

Ameriprise Financial 
Chandler Retirement & Wealth Advisors
624 Commerce Avenue, Ste B
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 225-9848
Member Since: 2015

Lancaster Modern Dentistry 
43531 10th Street West
Palmdale, CA 93534
(805) 760-1983
Member Since: 2015

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


A message from  Chief Ambassador, Kira Wagner:

The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are pleased to be serving you during the meetings, ribbon cuttings and grand openings! We hope you will let us know any questions you might have as well as any interest you may have in serving as an ambassador! The additional visibility and connections with other business owners create an opportunity to build business relationships beyond the scope of normal business membership. Starting next month you'll notice a spotlight on one of our Ambassadors with the inception of the Ambassador of the Month program. Call the Lancaster Chamber office at 661-945-4518 to find out more.
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
 Upcoming Events
August 2016

Chamber Office Closed
Labor Day 
9/5/2016 
Normal business to resume 9/6/16

Celebrate America on the BLVD
9/10/2016
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Lancaster Blvd between Genoa and Beech

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Finance and Executive Committee Meeting
9/13/16
7:30 am - 9:00 am
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Membership Luncheon
9/14/2016
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
J.P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center
43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 
Membership Orientation
9/15/2016
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lancaster Chamber
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534
RSVP/More Info: 948-4518

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

Business-4-Breakfast
9/22/2016
7:00 am- 8:30 am
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador Corp Meeting
9/28/2016
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
554 West Lancaster Blvd
Lancaster, CA 93534

To view Job Openings please click on the links below.

Point Broadcasting, LLC Account Executive 






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: Workplace Safety.

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

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 - 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

OUR WEBSITE OFFERS INCREDIBLE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR MEMBERS!
For those of you who have utilized all the wonderful features of our new website, we are confident that you have seen interest in your business grow!  

We are seeing  triple  the traffic on our site since we rolled out the new product in late October!  It's easy for our members to use and navigate and the free marketing tools that are included are state-of-the-art!  If you have not yet had the opportunity to request optimization of your member page, upload coupons, classified ads, and member-to-member discounts, or submit your events and meetings to our community calendar, please log in to your account and take full advantage of these exciting ways to market your business on both our website and our mobile app!  If you need us to re-send your log-in information, please contact us at:

 (661) 948-4518


 

 Like us on Facebook

 

 

Follow us on Twitter 

 

Chairwoman's Message 


Greetings Members, 

Thank you to all of our members and sponsors for your help and participation at our AV Fair Parade and Festival. A special thanks to Luis Garibay, Parade Committee Chairman, Anna  Zarley, Events Coordinator, Mark Hemstreet, CEO, and Sharon Molnar, Office Coordinator. Your attendance, assistance, advertising, and general support made this another wonderful community event. The hats were a special treat for visitors of all ages, so thank you to S-Power for helping us add them to our event.

Our next Membership Luncheon will be on Wednesday, September 14th at the Hellenic Center.  Lunch service begins at 11:30 a.m. and a great program is on tap for everyone as well.  Please be sure to RSVP and join us.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is beginning to recruit young people interested in the program as well as volunteers to mentor them.  Monica Grado is our Foundation Chair this year, and no doubt would appreciate you volunteering your expertise to help our up-and-coming would be business owners.  This is a unique program in the AV, so let's all get behind it to make it an even bigger success.

Did I mention that one of our main events is on the horizon? That's right, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 50th Semi-Annual Flea Market will be held at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds on Sunday, October 2, 2016.  There are hundreds of vendors selling everything you can think of....Antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts, designer fashions and clothing for the entire family, jewelry, shoes, toys plus odds and ends....this Semi Annual Flea Market just keeps getting better and better! If you would like a vendor space or know of someone looking to sell, give us a call at 661-948-4518 or visit our website for an application. Volunteer Shifts begin at 3:30 a.m. and run throughout the day. Our volunteers are what make this event successful! This is a unique opportunity for all of us to serve our Chamber, and it only happens twice a year.  Please contact the Chamber office and sign up to help.

Your Executive Board has determined that part of our focus for this year must be on the recruitment and retention of membership. If there are programs, workshops or services that can be offered that would make your Chamber membership more valuable to your business, please let myself, another member of the board, or the Chamber staff know of your suggestions. Together we will all benefit from the great suggestions you have. 

If you haven't attended a Business-4-Breakfast meeting this year, please take advantage of another networking opportunity that comes with your Chamber membership. If you are interested in attending our upcoming breakfast, our new location at the AM CafĂ© in Lancaster offers breakfast with deliciously different pancakes at every meeting.  Breakfast will be on September 22nd at 7 a.m.  Please join us, but don't forget to RSVP.

Thank you again for the opportunity you have given me and the other Board members to serve this year.  Enjoy your Labor Day weekend.  

Sincerely, 
Regina Rossall, Chairwoman of the Board
2016-2017
Lancaster Chamber 
Membership Luncheon 


Please join us for our monthly luncheon on 
September 14, 2016! 

This month's speaker, Raiome Roberts from the Small Business Development Center, will present us with:

Innovation & Relationship Marketing

According to Entrepreneur Magazine "relationship marketing" is increasing in importance as more consumers turn to the internet and their smartphones for shopping reviews and advice.
 
Focusing on short term wins won't be sustainable as customers are seeking relationships with businesses and are looking to their peers for advice on the best buying experience.
 
Raimone Roberts, Advisor at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be discussing how businesses can innovate themselves through a "strategy designed to foster customer loyalty, interaction and long-term engagement."
 
He will discuss ways to ensure your customers feel valued, impressed, or "wowed" to inspire them to make your brand a habit. And ways to nurture the relationship for years to come. 
 
Are you ready to unlock hidden potential in your business? Come and be challenged and inspired. 
 
RSVPs are suggested for this event

  EVENT INFORMATION
 
Date:  
September 14, 2016
 
Time:  
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Location: 
JP Eliopulos Hellenic Center
43404 30th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93536

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

 
Your Board of Directors recently took a stand on a couple of upcoming legislation.
 
A vote of support for two of Congressman Steve Knight's energy bills:

H.R.5349 Energy Contracting Opportunities Act
  • Allows for a broader pool of energy providers to compete for government contracts to reduce the cost of taxpayer-funded energy consumption.
  • Ensure the Federal Government is working with the latest information when evaluating the merits of utility-scale energy project proposals.
H.R.5638 Solar Fuels Innovation Act
  • Establishes a basic research initiative at the Department of Energy to foster scientific discovery and increase knowledge about advanced chemistry needed in order to convert sunlight into storable fuels.  The process of converting fuels from solar, could revolutionize solar energy, to allow storing sunlight in the form of chemical fuels.
 
On a more local issue, the Board of Directors voted to support :

 City of Lancaster Measure A  - (parcel tax)
  • Measure A will provide needed support and services to the Valley's homeless population.  The Chamber believes that the revenue provided by the parcel tax will be wisely invested in establishing a combination shelter/one-stop destination for housing, aid, and services for veterans, unemployed, and mentally ill. In addition, Measure A will support additional Sheriffs specifically trained to remove those who choose to panhandle at our places of businesses. 
Measure AV -  Antelope Valley College Bond
  •  The College bond will upgrade the AVC Campus bringing labs, libraries, technology and classrooms into the 21st century.  Qualifies AVC for State & Federal matching funds that may otherwise go to other communities.  Establishes an endowment fund to permanently support the repairs and maintenance to the college, which cannot be counted on from State funding.       




Lancaster Chamber of Commerce 50th Semi-Annual Flea Market 

The 50th Semi-Annual Flea Market is just around the corner. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 2, 2016!  This event plays host to over 300 vendors selling everything from clothing, antiques, collectibles, and more. You never know what you'll find at the Flea Market!

Come on out and join the fun! 

Sunday, October 2, 2016
Early Bird entry from 7:00 am - 8:45 am
Gates Open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 West Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93534

Vendors:

Outdoor spaces are 25 x 25 feet and start at only $40.00. 

Indoor premium spaces get you out of the elements, are 15 x 15 feet, and start at only $100.00.

We still have spaces available. Act now! Spaces are selling daily. For an application you can visit our website at www.lancasterchamber.org and look under news/events/applications. 

To reserve a space over the phone, please call the Chamber office at
661-948-4518. We are available Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm.
     
         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 


 

BUSINESS-4-BREAKFAST

   
   Join us for business, stay for breakfast!
 
     Thursday, August 25, 2016

   7:00 A.M.- 8:30 A.M

This Months Breakfast Sponsor:

California State University, Bakersfield    
                       
NEW! Event Location
A.M. Cafe
44205 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
RSVP: 948-4518 

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and a raffle prize to promote your business!

*Please note - If you RSVP and do not attend you will be invoiced for $12.00.
 2016 Dress and Decorate Contest Winners

Grand Prize Winner, AV  Pediatrics & Allergy
First Place 1-20, California Bank & Trust


Second Place, 1-20, Citizens Business Bank 


3rd Place, 1-20 Girls Scouts Los Angeles 

 

The Month In Pictures

August 

Ribbon Cutting / Grand Opening Celebration

Mosman's Country Steakhouse & Bar

Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Rio Brazilian Grill

Business-4-Breakfast 

"Table Sponsor"

The Tech Gods

 

Business-4-Breakfast

"Best Commercial Winner"

Donna Hill, Moms House  

 

 

Office Depot National Chamber Program Deals  undefined


Have you heard about the newest member benefit, ChamberClasses online learning portal?

ChamberClasses is a customied learning portal containing the best courses for Business owners and their employees. The portal provides targeted training and certifications which are designed to be inexpensive but highly beneficial in improving employee productivity. There are hundreds of topics to choose from that can be taken anytime, anywhere. To view a list of courses click on the link below.