The Brentwood Voice of Business

Page 1: Farewell to Harry York Page 2: April Director’s Message, Board of Directors and Staff

Page 3: Chamber Events, and Ambassadors Page 4: March Mixer

Page 9: Farewell Event for Harry Page 10: Casino Night Page 11: “Where’s Harry?” Photo Contest, New Chamber Director Page 12: General Information

Page 5: New Members Page 6: Renewing Members, CornFest Page 7: Taste of Brentwood Page 8: Cal Chamber Business Climate Study

After three years as your Brentwood Chamber Executive, it is time to say

“Goodbye.” I have met and worked with many great and wonderful people here in

Brentwood and the East County area. I have made many friends. Having grown up

in Concord, coming to Brentwood has very much been like coming home. For over

forty years of my life, Mt Diablo has been in my view every day, serving almost like

my center point. Leaving will not be easy and while I often show little emotion, I

will be sad to leave.

Every morning when I get up and go off to work, I ask myself will I make a difference in someone’s life or

business today. Did I learn something new today that will help me help someone else? Will the Chamber

make a difference in someone’s business? Has the Chamber helped improved the community? To me that is

what Chamber work is all about, making a community a better place to live, raise your children, do business,

and make a living. It is my belief that the Brentwood Chamber has made Brentwood a better community;

and with the support of all the membership, the great volunteer leadership, and excellent Chamber staff, it

will continue to make a difference. The Chamber and the community have had many great accomplishments

in the past three years. It will need to continue to build on those successes.

Those who know me know that I can speak forever, but write very little. So, let me thank you for the oppor-

tunity to have served as your Chamber Executive, Brentwood is a terrific community, I will miss you all!

Harry York

Time to Say Goodbye

See Page 9 for details

Harry’s Farewell Event

BRENTWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Trebino, President Delta Pure Water

Shayn Cutino, Past President Anja Wellness

Paul Kelly, President-Elect Home One Mortgage

Dirk Zeigler, Chief Financial Officer Zeigler Insurance Group

Olga Vidriales, V.P. Community Programs, Travis Credit Union

Brent Aasen Equus Group

Amy Alvis Alvis Frantz and Associates

Greg Benner Les Schwab Tires

Kathy Blanton Sutter Delta Medical Center

Jacqueline Hanel John Muir Health

Lori Knudsen California Payroll

Madelyn Krebs Speedee Oil Change & Tuneup

Shelly McMahon Shelly’s Garden

Robin Schiavone

Raley’s

Ken Seamann Discovery Professional Services

********************************

Chamber Staff

Harry York, CEO

Lisa Hurt, Support Services Director

Jilda Fairhurst, Event Coordinator

Pat Trombino, Event Coordinator

Bill Putman, Volunteer

Several years ago, Sutter Health began to use the words transformational change which started Sutter Delta Medical Center on the path to extraordinary transformation in health care for our patients. Our team began the search for new avenues that achieve the highest levels of quality, access, efficiency, affordability, and transparency in East Contra Costa County. This quote by Albert Einstein comes to mind and I think it is one that every business owner occasionally take time to reflect upon: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Transformation of the “old way” of do-ing business is a MUST in all industries. Health care reform – enacted into law just over one year ago – advances this transformational vision for those of us in the healthcare industry. While many of the Affordable Care Act’s provisions remain unde-fined, the core components of this historic legislation, such as increased access and coverage and ac-countability for high quality and affordable care, emphasize the basic idea that the patient must be at the center of all we do. I believe Sutter Delta Medical Center is on that path and last year we realized several national recogni-tions. Our hospitals achieved the top decile performance on all Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) measures. This means Sutter Delta delivered best practice care to our pneumonia, heart failure, heart attack, and Surgical Care patients, better than 99% of hospitals in our nation. Sutter Delta recently received a gold seal of accreditation as a “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence” by the American College of Radiology which represents the highest level in national standards for image quality and patient safe-ty. We were also the recipient of the 2010 HealthGrades Emergency Medicine Excellence Award which ranked Sutter Delta among the Top 5% of hospitals in the nation to provide such high quality care. I have been employed at Sutter Delta for almost seven years, and I am very proud to be a part of such a diverse, dynamic and motivated team. In January of this year, I became a member of the Brentwood Chamber Board and I am equally enthused about this new endeavor and working with a new team. The relationships I have built within the Chamber in such a short time have been invaluable! And getting involved is my suggestion as to what transformation needs to take place here for local business owners. It is time to get out of your comfort zone, and get involved. I strongly believe that moving outside your comfort zone and getting involved in your community is the key to transformational success for all busi-ness owners, because community is really people who have something in common. Community is you and your neighbor and your neighbor’s neighbor. Connecting with people allows greater understanding of your customer expectations and values. It affords you networking opportunities that give you not only contacts for potential customers and a venue to explain why you stand out, but also builds relationships that encourage loyalty and gives you knowledge of what the culture is in your own community – very powerful information. I highly encourage you to LIKE our Sutter Delta Medical Center Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter at @SutterDelta, and should the need arise, please know that our highly-trained and nationally recognized staff are here and are ready to take care of you or your loved ones. I also highly encourage you to join the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce at www.brentwoodchamber.com and consider getting involved! You may find yourself experiencing transformational success in meeting your customer’s expectations!

Kathy Blanton, RN, BSN, CPHQ, CPHRM

Director of Quality and Risk Services

Sutter Delta Medical Center

3901 Lone Tree Way

Antioch, CA 94509

Transformational Change in Meeting Cus-tomer Expectations

Chamber Ambassadors

Vicki Sexton, Chair, First Bank

Amy Alvis, Alvis-Frantz and Associates

Kathy Blanton, Sutter Delta Medical Center

Maurice Daroy, Farmers Insurance

Fred Ehler, Terracare Associates

Kerri Fritsch, Monogramming by Fritchy

Sarah Jamar, Paychex

Lori Knudsen, California Payroll

Michele Lane, ReMax/Accord

Kathi Regan, Maxx Worms/Maxx Imprints

Paul Roman, Window Innovations, Inc.

Patti Schneider, The Right Choice

Kurt Tomicich, KRT Services

Joe Trebino, Delta Pure Water, Etc.

Pat Trombino, First Bank

Olga Vidriales, Travis Credit Union

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Chamber Mixers

Thursday, April 21st Brentwood Surgery Center

Thursday, May 19th Brentwood Veterinary Hospital

Ribbon Cuttings City Center Pharmacy

50 Eagle Rock Way, Suite C Friday, April 22nd, 11 a.m.

Barbeques Galore 5421 Lone Tree Way, Suite 100 Saturday, April 30th, 11:30 a.m.

Taste of Brentwood

Saturday, May 14th, 1 to 5 p.m. See Page 7 for details

Ambassador's Corner

In lieu of an article this month, here is some information about what Chamber Ambassadors do. We encourage you to consider becoming an Ambas-sador. It is a great way to get involved, meet new people and promote your own business at the same time! For more information call the Chamber at 634-3344 or speak to any of our Ambassadors at the next Chamber mixer.

DESCRIPTION OF AN AMBASSADOR

A person who willingly volunteers their time by representing the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce at various functions and through various efforts. These individuals believe in and support the efforts of the Chamber. They are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people.

AMBASSADORS MISSION STATEMENT

To promote general membership services and enhance goodwill for the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce in the community; assist in the recruitment of new members through personal contacts, member-ship involvement, and to encourage involvement, awareness and maximum retention.

March Mixer The Chamber’s March mixer was hosted by the Brentwood Bike Co. on Brentwood Blvd. It was a lively event held on St.

Patrick’s Day and featured great food, Irish beer, live music and a BMX bike demonstration by a local group. Also, the rest of

the tenants at Sunset Plaza joined in on the fun and each contributed a prize to a raffle basket. A drawing was held for the basket

from bingo cards attendees completed by visiting each shop in the plaza. Thank you to Bobbi and Chris Michalski for hosting a

great mixer. Our thanks also to those who contributed raffle prizes: TLCakes, CompUSA, Grooming Lounge, Loards Ice

Cream, Anytime Fitness, Tangles, Delta Valley Athletic Club, Wineshop at Home, Monogramming by Frichy, Raley’s and

Kimberly Victor of Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Join Us on Facebook! Click the Facebook picture to the left to be directed to our page. Also Look for our CornFest Page.

Also Join us on our Linked in page by clicking the link above.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME TO THE BRENTWOOD CHAMBER!

Barbeques Galore Dave McCuen, Store Manager 5421 Lone Tree Way, Suite 100 Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 513-1985 Email: 10217sd@bbqgalore.com www.bbqgalore.com Orale Orale Mexican Restaurant Danny Aguilar & Guillermo Gomez, Owners 5601 Lone Tree Way, Suite 150 Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 240-1963 Email: OraleOraleBrentwood@live.com City Center Pharmacy Brentwood Saifi Raniwala, Owner 50 Eagle Rock Way, Suite C Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 240-9777 Email: ccpbrentwood@comcast.net Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, DMD 5201 Deer Valley Road, Suite 1A Antioch, CA 94531 (925) 757-5900 Email: amgortho@aol.com www.clubbraces.com

MEMBERSHIP

RENEWALS

Thank you to the following members

who renewed their membership in

March. The Chamber appreciates

your continued support.

Black Sheep Design

Brentwood Taxes

Cap’s Oak Street Bar & Grill

Comfort Suites

Discovery Pest Control

Discovery Professional Services

EcoWater/Servisoft

El Gallito Restaurant

Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed

Get Fit Pilates

H & R Block

His & Hers Formal Wear

I.R.S. Cleaners

Jean Bates & Associates

Kelly Grace Salon

Kids n Cribs

Liberty Adult Education

Patelco Credit Union

Shepherd’s Gate

TLCakes

Travis Credit Union-Balfour

Window Innovations, Inc.

Yogurt Pizazz

Now Accepting Applications for

Vendors, Sponsors,

Info Alley, Car Show

And Volunteers! Don’t Delay,

Call the Chamber today! 925-634-3344 or visit www.brentwoodchamber.com

& The Brentwood Kiwanis Club

Present:

ONLY

300

TICKETS

WILL BE

SOLD

Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Address;_____________________________________ City: ____________ Zip:_________

Phone:___________________How many Tickets:_____ Total amount due $________

Payment: Check#___________ Cash:____________

Name as it appears on card:___________________________________Exp.date:_______

Credit Card#_______________________________________ Billing Zip Code __________ Mail this form along with payment to the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce

8440 Brentwood Blvd. Suite C. Brentwood, CA. 94513. Checks made payable to the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.

925 634-3344 or Fax 925 634-3731

1 Diggers Diner 2261 Balfour Rd., Brentwood

2 Vic Stewart's Steakhouse 2270 Balfour Rd., Brentwood

3 Extreme Pizza 3120 Balfour Rd., Brentwood

4 Bagel Street Café 3181 Balfour Rd., Brentwood

5 Brentwood Spice & Olive Oil 70 Eagle Rock Way Suite A. Brentwood

6 McCauley Brothers Olive Groves 9225 Deer Valley Rd., Brentwood

7 Sticky Chicken & Ribs- Winco Shopping Ctr. 6640 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood

8 Oodles of Noodles -Winco Shopping Ctr 6670 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood

9 Orale Orale Mexican Restaurant 5601 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood

10 Strings Italian Café 2500 Sand Creek Rd,, Brentwood

You must visit all the Participating Restaurants to be eligible for the

$200.00 Cash Drawing

Deposit your ticket at the last location!

“A Spring Taste of Brentwood Restaurant Tour” Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011

Time: 1:00– 5:00 p.m.

Cost: $20.00 per person or two for $30.00

CalChamber Releases Business Climate Study The California Foundation for Commerce and Education has released its 2011 survey of business executives detailing current attitudes about the state’s economy, business climate, and budget. The study was sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce.

“This assessment of California’s business climate shows that the economy, burdensome regulations and the state budg-et crisis continue to weigh heavily on the minds of business owners,” said Allan Zaremberg, CalChamber president and CEO. “Policy makers and elected officials must commit to the hard choices needed to create certainty for job creators so that California can turn things around,” he said. The California Business Executives Attitudes survey was conducted between February 22 and March 9. A total of 874 California business executives were polled for the survey.

Attitudes on the Economy Overall, the survey revealed that widespread pessimism remains about the state’s economy:

15 percent said that the state was headed in the right direction;

85 percent said the state is on the wrong track, an increase of 8 percent from 2008.

With respect to the current economy:

98 percent responded that it was fair or poor;

2 percent said the economy was good. However, business leaders are relatively optimistic about an economic recovery compared to 2008:

20 percent believe that the economy will be better in one year, an increase of 10 percent from the 2008 survey;

49 percent believe it will be the same, compared to 46 percent in 2008;

31 percent say it will be worse, a decrease of 13 percent from 2008.

When asked about the state of their own businesses, respondents were more optimistic than in the 2008 survey:

37 percent of executives indicated that they believe their situation will be better in one year, an increase of 8 percent

from 2008;

48 percent said their situation will likely be the same, compared to 57 percent in 2008;

15 percent said things will likely be worse, compared to 14 percent in 2008.

Biggest Disadvantages of Doing Business in California The survey asked employers to assess the disadvantages of doing business in California:

By far, respondents believed too much government regulation was a primary factor in creating a disadvantage for

California companies (40 percent).

Others cited high state and local taxes (13 percent) and the state budget deficit (12 percent).

Top Issues Leaders Should Address Survey respondents believe the most important issues to be addressed by state leaders are:

Far and away, resolving the state budget deficit, improving the economy and job creation were critical to business

leaders. A combined total of 92 percent of respondents believe these items should be priorities for state leaders

Changing labor regulations governing overtime, wages, rest periods and benefits was also important with a com-

bined total of 21 percent of respondents ranking this as their first or second priority.

Continued from previous page:

Resolving State Budget Crisis The survey also asked respondents how California state government should deal with the budget deficit. Business lead-ers strongly supported tough budget medicine to address the state’s fiscal mess once and for all:

Net support of 94 percent for a balanced budget without gimmicks, no matter what the mix of spending cuts and tax

increases.

Net support of 89 percent for capping state spending growth to inflation plus population.

Net support of 89 percent for reforming public pensions to resemble private sector 401(k) plans.

Net support of 87 percent for ensuring that one-time revenues cannot finance ongoing programs.

Net support of 84 percent to conform state overtime rules to federal rules.

Net support of 78 percent for ensuring benefits of new regulations exceed the cost to the economy.

The entire survey can be found on CalChamber’s website at www.calchamber.com/businessclimate.

You Are Invited After several years of service, Harry York, Chamber CEO, is moving on. All Chamber mem-bers are invited to join us in wishing him a fond farewell. See flyer at right for details.

NEW CHAMBER CONTEST FOR OUR

CLARION READERS, “WHERE’S

HARRY?”

The Clarion will feature a photograph (or two) tak-

en by Harry York, our Chamber CEO, on his many

travels. The first 10 readers who call in with the

correct guess for the location of the picture will win

theatre tickets to Delta Cinema in Downtown

Brentwood.

At right, is the picture for this month. If you can

guess where either one was taken, call our office at

(925) 634-3344 or shoot an email to har-

ry@brentwoodchamber.com. Good luck!

New Chamber Director

The Brentwood Chamber of Commerce

welcomes Robin Schiavone, Manager of

Raley’s on Sand Creek Road, to the

Chamber Board of Directors.

Please introduce yourself next time you

see her at a Chamber mixer. Welcome,

Robin!

Clue: Picture was taken at an East Bay Regional Park within an

hour of Brentwood.

City of Brentwood (925) 516-5400

Parks & Recreation (924) 516-5444

Community Development (925) 516-5405

Brentwood Library (925) 516-5405

Police Non Emergency (925) 634-6911

Fire Department (925) 634-3400

Brentwood Aquatic Park (925) 516-5430

Newspapers

Brentwood Press (925) 634-1441

Contra Costa Times (925) 757-2525

Brentwood News (925) 779-7120

Transportation

Tri Delta Transit (925) 754-4040

Hotels

Hampton Inn (925) 513-1289

Holiday Inn Express (800) 345-8082

Hospital

Sutter Delta Medical Center (925) 779-7200

John Muir Medical Center (925) 308-8100

Theaters

Delta Cinema (925) 240-7370

Rave (925) 809-0030

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

SCORE Counselors, Counselors of Small Business Now at the Brentwood Chamber Office 1

st and 3

rd Monday’s: 1:30 and 2:30

pm----Call (925) 634-3344 for your appoint-ment today.