CORONA BUSINESS NEWS
Made In Corona: advanced FLOW engineering By Eugene Montanez, Allegra Marketing Print Mail/Image 360
C
JIM DORSEY PHOTOGRAPHY
orona is well known for auto racing, having hosted some of the earliest auto races in the US, with major races in 1913, 1914,
and 1916. Grand Boulevard was considered the Indianapolis of the West since it served as the actual racetrack.
Fast forward to modern day Corona. One of the largest industries in town is the aftermarket automotive industry. Corona serves as the home to Saleen Automotive, Eibach Springs, Currie Enterprises, Troy Lee Designs, advanced Flow engineering (aFe Power), and many others. aFe Power began with four friends in 1999, sinking their life savings and pooling their credit cards ... Continued on page 9
VOL 7 | #6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Prioritize Small Business This November—And All Year-Round! W ith the holiday season fast approaching and a major shopping weekend at the end of the month, November is a critical time for small businesses everywhere. While we urge you to shop with our small businesses throughout the year, we’re asking the local community to get behind two particular
Business is Booming— Highlighting the Successes of But it’s Not as Simple as it Sounds aFe exhibiting at the 2021 Golf Classic
Corona’s Homeless Strategic Plan By Karen Roper, Homeless Solutions Manager, City of Corona
T
he Corona Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocate for businesses in the City of Corona. In our leadership role to support businesses, we act as a catalyst, convener and champion for business needs and issues. Because many Corona businesses are impacted by the homeless issue, the Chamber actively participates in the development of partnerships that support the City’s Homeless
Strategic Plan. In support of our ongoing partnership with the City of Corona, we wanted to provide you with a few updates and achievements related to the City’s Homeless Strategic Plan.
HOMELESS SERVICES 2ND STATE GRANT AWARD In July of 2020, the City of Corona submitted a fiveyear homeless services
plan and grant request to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). As a result, the City of Corona was awarded $582,003 for Year 1 of the 5 Year Grant in 2020. On September 21, 2021, the City of Corona received confirmation that State HCD will be awarding $904,613 for the Year 2 grant allocation for the City of Corona! These grant funds will ... Continued on page 12
A
sk any Corona manufacturer how business is going, and you’re likely to get a few different answers, but in the industry overall, business is booming. So, what’s the problem? Though orders are up, a serious lack of inventory, increased pricing, dependence on foreign products (with a deep backup at the ports), and a severe labor shortage means jobs are sometimes delayed for months or with no visible timeframe in sight. To begin tackling these deficits, the Corona Chamber
Speakers Empower Attendees of 10th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference T “A CATCHER here is something so magical that happens when you put a large group of women together
LAVAY’S PHOTOGRAPHY
events this month: National Veterans Small Business Week from November 1st – 5th and Small Business Saturday, which lands on November 27th. National Veterans Small Business Week, established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), celebrates the ... Continued on page 11
in one room. The air is electrifying, and the 10th annual Riverside County Women’s Leadership
Conference left the women and men who attended the event stronger, more empowered, and excited to tackle challenges head on. In a first ever hybrid showing, over 400 people poured into Crossroads Church and over 75 logged onto their computers to hear from 11 dynamic women from all walks of life and a passionate panel of physicians who answered healthcare questions submitted by attendees.
DOESN’T TRY TO BE A PITCHER.” – JAN STEINER
convened a sample group of local manufacturers for a luncheon with Congressman Ken Calvert this September. Former Assemblymember and Mayor Jeff Miller, Chair of the Corona Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee, opened the forum by sharing his insights ... Continued on page 10
In This Issue Legislative Update – page 2 New Members – page 4 Meet the ELR Class of 2022 - page 7 Giving Back this Holiday Season – page 8 Corona Remembers
The morning started early with breakfast, 30 exhibitors, and lots of networking and photo ops, then kicked off with event chairs Mary Barnett and Angie Byars ascending the stage to Carrie ... Continued on page 15
9/11 - page12 Monuments to Honor Gold Star Families – page 13 Marketplace – page 14
www.My MyChamber.org
CORONA CHAMBER 2 CORONA Business News
November/December 2021
Corona Chamber Saves You Over $50,000 Per Employee by Defeating Bad Bills! By Jeff Miller, Legislative Action Committee Chair
W CORONA Chamber of Commerce 904 E. 6th Street, CORONA, CA 92879 (951) CHAMBER | My MyChamber.org CORONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2021 OFFICERS Board Chair Kim Mabon Creative By Design
Vice Chair of Finance Patrick Akes Grimes-Akes Family Funeral Home
Chair-Elect Palbinder Badesha Express Employment Professionals
Immediate Past Chairman Don Williamson Corona History Association
Vice Chair Angie Byars 3M Corona
President/CEO/Corporate Secretary Bobby Spiegel CORONA Chamber of Commerce
Chairman of Finance Dr. Anthony Pirritano Integrated Medical Center of Corona CompAccess
#CORONACHAMBER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sam Buenrostro, Ed.D. Corona-Norco Unified School District Marta Cortez Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant
Barry E Knight BEK Impact Co.
Lily Quiroa Waste Management
Crystal Lopez Carter Bradley Insurance Solutions
Mike Quraishi Aladdin Cleaning Services, Inc.
Chad Miller American National Manufacturing, Inc.
Casey Currie Currie Enterprises Anthony Edwards ACM Commercial Services Jim Gore Vulcan Materials Company
Eugene Montanez Allegra Marketing-Print-Mail/ Image 360 Signs & Displays
Monica Green, Ed.D. Norco College Ruth Jaffe Kaiser Permanente
Linda Pearson Corona Regional Medical Center Lea Petersen Southern California Gas Company
Mike Ryan Ryan & Associates Financial Services Dean Seif CARSTAR Allstar Collision Anne StGermain Level Advisors Janet Steiner MakeDust John Weyhgandt Western States Financial
Liaison for NAVSEA Corona Division: Jennifer Stewart Naval Weapons Surface Warfare Center
CHAMBER STAFF
hile Governor Newsom is sorting through the flurry of legislation that remains to be signed, the Corona Chamber’s effort to keep your costs down were a success in several key ways.
TAXES Despite hundreds of billions in tax increases being introduced this year during the 10-month legislative session in Sacramento no major tax increases passed. Just this issue alone saved you over $10,000 per employee.
HEALTHCARE Very regularly, healthcare is listed by employers like you as the chief driver of per employee costs and the first full legislative year following the pandemic emergency shutdowns
started out to ‘reset’ employer responsibilities as never before. Despite major efforts to implement single payer healthcare and changes to employer health benefit requirements that would have required employers to cover healthcare insurance for nearly any person an employee claims is family, the Legislature this year did not make any significant changes to requirements on employers. As a result, the Chamber helped eliminate over $40,000 in annual per employee costs and expenses for employers like you! Join us in the coming weeks on our Wednesday morning Zoom updates for more information on bills that are under consideration for the Governor’s signature and how you can have your voice heard! Sign up at linktr.ee/coronachamber.
LEGISLATIVE SUCCESSES SAVE YOU TENS OF THOUSANDS PER EMPLOYEE • BUDGET: Increasing CA contribution to Federal Unemployment Insurance to avoid state insolvency. State contribution of roughly $1 billion was kept in the budget to stall CA systemic insolvency. INCLUDED IN BUDGET • ACA 8 Oppose. Tax increases on almost all prop. DIED DESPITE MULTIPLE AUTHORS • AB 1253 Oppose. Tax hikes on high net worth. HELD IN ASSEMBLY REV & TAX • AB71 Oppose. Tax hikes on corps for homeless funding. STALLED IN ASSEMBLY
Bobby Spiegel President/CEO Bobby@MyChamber.org
Tammy Harwick Marketing & Sponsorship Specialist Tammy@MyChamber.org
• AB 310 Oppose. Intl tax hike on all operations for any organization with CA. STALLED IN ASSEMBLY REV & TAX
Deserie Ramirez Vice President of Operations Deserie@MyChamber.org
Jenna Sanchez Member Engagement Representative Jenna@MyChamber.org
Stephanie Shapiro Vice President, Communications & Events Stephanie@MyChamber.org
Betty Sherin Member Services Representative Betty@MyChamber.org
• $6 trillion budget framework proposed by Biden Administration. Would have made permanent almost all emergency spending programs. DIED AND HAS BEEN REPLACED BY 2 $3.5 TRILLION PROPOSALS
Robert Yanez Membership Development Coordinator Robert@MyChamber.org
CORONA BUSINESS NEWS TEAM
Trisha Yontz Member Services Representative Assistant to the President/CEO Trisha@MyChamber.org Andrew Cream Communications Specialist Andrew@MyChamber.org Anthony Maldonado Programs Coordinator Anthony@MyChamber.org
Writers/Editors Andrew Cream, Stephanie Shapiro and Bobby Spiegel Graphic Design Kim Mabon Creative By Design www.creativebydesign.net Jim Dorsey Photography (951) 735-8668
For advertising information, contact the Chamber at (951) CHAMBER Since 1910, the Corona Chamber has been providing ‘resources for prosperity’ for the businesses and community of Corona, CA. This Chamber represents the interest of business in the greater Corona service area by providing its members networking opportunities, promoting the community, and engaging federal, state, and local officials in order to improve the economic prosperity of the Inland Southern California region. With a membership of over 750 businesses, representing over 55,000 jobs, the Corona Chamber is the voice of business. Learn more by visiting www.MyChamber.org.
• AB 650 Oppose. $6.5 billion in COVID bonuses to health workers. HELD IN ASSEMBLY • AB 1119 Oppose. Adds family responsibility to employer ins. HELD IN ASSEMBLY APPROPS • SB 467 Oppose. Ban on new petroleum development. HELD IN SENATE • AB 1400 Oppose. $400 billion single payer healthcare. HELD IN ASSEMBLY • SB 213 Oppose. Expands workers comp for all issues. HELD IN SENATE • AB 95 Oppose. Massive new bereavement leave program. HELD IN ASSEMBLY APPROPS • AB 995 Oppose. Massive new leave program. HELD IN ASSEMBLY INACTIVE • AB 1003 Oppose. Amended to remove liability for honest outcomes. PASSED AS AMMENDMENT
www.My MyChamber.org
CORONA CHAMBER CORONA Business News 3
November/December 2021
CEO’S CORNER Bobby Spiegel
W
hile our world is ever changing, in America, the greatest nation on earth, the entrepreneurial spirit continues to be alive and well. Regardless of the current inconsistencies of laws, rules, decisions, and endless mandates, from a large list of government agencies, departments and regulators (like them or not), our member small businesses are working hard knocking down each barrier on the road to success.
CORONA CHAMBER WILL SOON BE CELEBRATING 111-YEARS SINCE OUR FOUNDING ON DECEMBER 12, 1910. Our immediate past Board Chairman and local historian, Don Williamson, continually reminds us that our Chamber was founded to help local and regional business both current and future flow unimpeded. Our Chamber mission statement is clear, and our five (5) “Core Competencies” include Sustaining and Creating a Strong Local Economy. We have always
CORONA Chamber Continues to Fight For You at Every Level
and must continue to Advocate for Business through Promoting Political Action, Representing Business Interests (including working with Government), Providing Networking Opportunities and Business Referrals and Promoting the Community. Anything beyond these parameters is out of our scope and deters our appointed responsibilities, which would be a giant step backwards and a disservice to those (whomever they were) that built this organization. We invite our members to watch our CORONA Chamber Business Briefings every Wednesday at 10 am to find out the latest. For our members, everyday it’s “Heads Up!” The federal, state, and local governments continue to introduce different laws many with the goal of increasing their revenue at the expense of our business community. We are in the thick of the fight at each level. The slide below my article is a quick snapshot of our recent activities. Additionally, as of this writing, the City of Corona is considering offering “Street Vendor” permits. This diverts business from tax paying brick and mortar stores that have invested in the community as well as supporting our infrastructure as part of their overhead. KNOW, the CORONA Chamber is
researching the Street Vendor plans and will be forwarding input for the elected city council to consider in their decision-making. In 2022, the annual change of our volunteer Board of Directors leadership will take place and we will welcome five individuals to new positions in January. Our 2022 Executive Committee will be: Board Chair Palbinder Badesha (Express Employment Professionals); Chair Elect Angie Byars (3M Company); Vice Chair Dr. Anthony Pirritano (Integrated Medical Center of Corona); Treasurer Chad Miller (Industrus Manufacturing); Vice Treasurer Dr. Sam Buenrostro (CNUSD) and Immediate past Chair Kim Mabon (Creative by Design). New to our board will be Kathy Armstrong (Do It American Manufacturing); David Brambila (Creative Marketing); Tim Gramling (Dean of JABS School of Business at CBU); Dr. Prabh Grewal (DMD) and Mark Widder (Veg-Fresh). The chamber will bid adieu with our thanks to exiting Board members at the Installation and Awards Gala (January 20, 2022). They include Casey Currie (Currie Enterprises); Anthony Edwards (ACM Commercial Services); Mark Peabody (Peabody Engineering);
Mike Ryan (Ryan & Associates) and Don Williamson (Corona History Association). With Veterans Day approaching, I want to express to all branches of our military a huge thank you for protecting our nation and always standing at the ready to defend us! The recent tragedy (August 26) when 13 Military Service Men and Women were killed in Afghanistan, was heartbreaking, and our sympathies and prayers go out to all the families impacted. Three of the heroes are from our region, including Marine Lance Corporal Karem Nikoui, from Norco. The community of Norco and the Riverside National Cemetery are in the process of securing funds and building Gold Star Monuments. I encourage you to join us in supporting their efforts with your financial support: bit.ly/ NorcoGoldStar and bit.ly/Riverside GoldStar. Please see the article on page 13 for more information. In closing, thank you for believing in and supporting the CORONA Chamber as we continue to strive to serve in your best interests as the Voice of Business. Finally, the next few weeks will bring us many holidays and celebrations. We wish you all the very finest of the season!
www.My MyChamber.org
CORONA CHAMBER 4 CORONA Business News
November/December 2021
Help Us Welcome Our New Members
JetRoom Corona LLC (760) 694-1138 17499 Adelanto Rd. Adelanto, CA 92301 Since 2018, The Jet Room has proudly served the High Desert Communities and beyond in Southern California. The Jet Room is a place where the genuine care and comfort of our patients is our highest mission. We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our patients who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambience.
Blue Mist CBD
Accurate Fishing Products (951) 479-0909 807 E. Parkridge Ave. Corona, CA 92879 Our Basic Mission is small reels, big fish. This keeps us moving forward, looking for ways to make a powerful TwinDrag reel that offers the smoothest drag and will put out enough power to stop the biggest game fish in their tracks. ASHE Corona, LLC (916) 202-8424 206 Lewis Ct. Corona, CA 92882 ASHE offers a refreshing cannabis dispensary and delivery services that welcomes consumers to a uniquely tailored experience. Currently applying for a Cannabis retail location in the City of Corona. Blue Mist CBD (951) 429-2011 5651 Royal Hill Dr. #K19 Moreno Valley, CA 92504 At Blue Mist CBD, we know that pain and discomfort are hard to deal with. We’ve made it our mission to make relief easy. From gummies and tinctures to healing lotions and massage oils, we’ve created a full line of CBD-infused products to support your physical and mental wellbeing, the natural way. Cali-Wide Distribution Inc. (559) 718-6564 1651 W. Market St. Ste. A Corona, CA 92880 Cannabis non-retail microbusiness currently seeking license with City of Corona. Circle MSP (951) 733-0434 2910 Inland Empire Blvd. Ste. 102 Ontario, CA 91764
Leitner Designs (949) 395-3049 516 Malloy Ct. Corona, CA 92878 We design, engineer, and manufacture the world’s toughest modular truck bed rack cargo systems on the road today. Our products are handcrafted in Southern California since 2014.
We are all about you. How you can reduce downtime. How you can control costs. And how you can efficiently employ your office printing fleet through our managed print services. De Poca Madre Modern Mexican Kitchen (714) 553-2838 163 W. Ontario Ave. Ste. 101 Corona, CA 92882 De Poca Madre is a family-owned restaurant bringing you the best from our home and our roots.
L’s Grill (424) 233-7680 Corona, CA 92879 L’s Grill was created in September of 2020. Our passion for cooking goes beyond the grill. Good food brings everyone together, no matter what the occasion. Satisfaction guaranteed with every meal!
Divine Light Studios (951) 310-4785 Corona, CA 92879 Corona-based multi-media team proudly serving the surrounding areas for the past 10 years. Divine Light Studios offers photography, videography, and photo booth event and marketing services for local businesses.
M&J Pallet Recycling, Inc. (909) 591-0891 12152 East End Ave. Chino, CA 91710 M&J Pallet Recycling, Inc. is a top-quality pallet manufacturer. We do not only provide first-rate, high-quality, and brand new
For The People Taskforce (909) 289-9284 510 W. 6th St. Corona, CA 92882 Community food bank located in Corona that distributes fresh produce to the people that need it most. Intercommunity Money Management (951) 453-1686 4199 Flat Rock Dr. Building 100 Riverside, CA 92505 InterCommunity Money Management is a financial planning firm that prides itself on unparalleled service and performance. We are committed to providing unbiased advice and prudent strategies for investing. Our services are always tailored to your unique needs.
pallets but we can also repair and even sell much more affordable used pallets as well. When you need to move product quickly and easily, trust only on our pallets! Medcare Corona Inc. (951) 575-5353 29395 Hunco Way Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 For the past decade we have developed proprietary indoor cannabis cultivation techniques, which coupled with our strain development and vetting, allow us to produce craft connoisseurgrade cannabis while maintaining high yields and consistency. Our flowers are a cut above and provide a consistent experience upon which all can reply on. Merit Auto Spa, LLC (951) 270-3555 465 N. McKinley St. Corona, CA 92879 Merit Autospa is the hottest new marketplace and social destination in Corona. Discover the place where the science of professional auto detailing techniques meets the art of innovation and contemporary design. This is your destination for luxurious auto care, casual, high-quality dining, and modern marketplace amenities. Nav Marketplace (714) 423-0121 Corona, CA 92879 Your one-stop shop for all your family needs. We specialize in toys as well as collectibles. Shop online for a variety of items.
L’s Grill
GRANT ROMANCIA PHOTOGRAPHY
LAVAY’S PHOTOGRAPHY
Listed on these pages are our newest members. For a complete member listing, visit www.MyChamber.org. Our members invest in our organization for numerous reasons. Many find the resources provided, the advocacy efforts and the economic profiles as viable assets driven by our five Core Competencies: Sustaining and Creating a Strong Local Economy; Representing the Interest of Business with Government; Promoting the Community; Promoting Political Action; and Providing Networking Opportunities and Business Referrals for our member firms. If you are not currently a member, please contact the Corona Chamber at (951) CHAMBER (242-6237) or info@mychamber.org.
www.My MyChamber.org
CORONA CHAMBER CORONA Business News 5
November/December 2021
The Camp Transformation Center, Corona
2021 Executive & Business Partners
GRANT ROMANCIA PHOTOGRAPHY
These financial partners provide additional funding to the chamber to support & provide additional member services.
Porterville Care Inc. (951) 363-0243 900 S. Main St. Ste. 105 Corona, CA 92882 We are a medical facility incorporated in providing the highest level of care in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. We are committed to improve the skincare of our patients and people in the community. Shelter For Change (951) 833-5189 Norco, CA 92860 Shelter for Change is a family operated non-profit organization that was founded by Chris and Karen Raahauge—two very caring people who have firsthand experience with substance abuse and the devastation it inflicts on families. Smith Law Offices, LLP (951) 509-1355 4001 11th St. Riverside, CA 92501 The attorneys of Smith Law Offices, LLP have a reputation for representing public and private entities, businesses, and individuals with high-quality, aggressive litigation. We are prepared to take your case to the highest levels of state and federal courts to protect your rights. Suzana Duran, CPT “Fitness Coach” (951) 283-1404 265 E. Ontario Ave. Corona, CA 92879 Personal trainer at a boutique gym. Fitness at all levels! I want to motivate, inspire and encourage a healthier happier lifestyle! Weight loss, mobility, strength and endurance training. The Camp Transformation Center Corona (951) 768-2928 315 Magnolia Ave. Corona, CA 92879
Home of the free “6 Week Weight Loss Challenge,” The Camp’s program consists of group training with dynamic interval workouts, nutrition and supplement plans, highly qualified trainers, and a ton of positive emotional support. The Camp is a community of people who will treat you like family. The Haley Company (951) 751-3372 Corona, CA 92880 Business consultant and fundraiser for local non-profits. Traditional Corona (213) 459-3467 Corona, CA 92881 Because we’re there every step of the way, from our specially managed grow facilities to our welcoming dispensaries, we aim to create a more meaningful and inclusive quality cannabis experience for all. Currently applying for a Cannabis retail location in the City of Corona. West Coast Cannabis Club (760) 636-0824 42650 Melanie Pl. Palm Desert, CA 92211 We pride ourselves in providing our customers with premium cannabis products at prices that make sense. Retail cannabis applying for a license in the City of Corona. Youngevity (714) 264-6684 Corona, CA 92882 We’re here to do everything we can to make peoples’ lives— your life—better. We’ll do it by helping you wake up each day energized and brimming with purpose. Because when you feel better, you live better. And when you have a massive community to support and guide you, well, there’s nothing you can’t do.
To become an Executive or Business Partner for 2021, contact Bobby Spiegel at (951) 733-1836 or Bobby@MyChamber.org
www.My MyChamber.org
CORONA CHAMBER 6 CORONA Business News
Celebrate! Thank you to our members who recently renewed their membership with us. The businesses featured below are celebrating Chamber milestone anniversaries. Your partnership in our organization makes a difference in our community during uncertain times. When the going gets tough, the Chamber doesn’t sit on the sidelines. We are doing everything in our power to support members, and together, we will get through this! Join us in celebrating these members for their ongoing investment in our community. 5 years
Feeling Lucky Entertainment (951) 347-8213 Murrieta, CA 92563 Casino-themed party rental company that provides Blackjack, Craps and Poker tables. Great for any event such as private parties, holiday parties, and corporate events.
Pacific Capital (844) 777-8777 1881 California Ave. Ste. 101 Corona, CA 92881 As your family office, we treat you like family. No sales reps here. We are Certified Financial Fiduciaries®. Our advice is independent and transparent. We give you the straightforward truth, every time. Our team shares both the pros and cons of your different options before you make decisions. We also don’t charge commissions – instead, we work hard to earn your family’s trust and be valuable enough that you are more than happy to pay for our services. Our reputation speaks for itself.
Veg Fresh Farms (714) 446-8800 1400 W. Rincon St. Corona, CA 92880 For over 30 years we have invested in vertically aligned partnerships and sourcing in USA and Mexico, securing consistent supply when crops are short or gapping. Our longterm relationships with teaming partners provide strategic
November/December 2021
regional produce facilities located closest to the end user. VegFresh Farms has a proven track record in superior service, ontime deliveries, consistent highquality product, and unsurpassed customer service. 10 years
Roy O. Huffman Roof Company (951) 786-4101 888 Marlborough Ave. Riverside, CA 92507 We’ve been serving the Inland Region since 1921. Our estimators and crews have a wealth of experience in all types of roofing systems. From residential to commercial applications, you simply can’t find a better or more experienced crew. Their goal is to meet, or better yet, exceed your expectations – and they do it time and time again.
Animal Hospital of Eagle Glen (951) 340-9200 2279 Eagle Glen Pkwy. Ste. 108 Corona, CA 92883 Mark Farrar DVM in Corona, California, offers various veterinary services at competitive prices, including working with pocket pets. In practice for over 30 years, Dr. Farrar has achieved his dream of opening his own hospital. He practices medicine with care and compassion for your pets in a state-of-the-art hospital, with staff members who care for the animals as much as he does. Dr. Farrar invites you to share in the tranquility and optimum care of Animal Hospital Of Eagle Glen. Appointments are now available. The waiting is over!
John Garth Rasmussen, CPA (951) 340-2360 4175 Elderberry Circle Corona, CA 92882 John Garth Rasmussen, CPA provides personalized services to fit the needs of both businesses and individuals. They have many years of experience in tax preparation and compliance for all types of non-governmental entities. In addition, they provide financial accounting services and bookkeeping services tailored to meet each client’s specific requirements. John Garth Rasmussen, CPA was formed in 2018.
15 years
it will always be. CED’s policy of “Service, Integrity, Reliability” is the driving force in every community served. 25 years
Corona Fire Safety Foundation (951) 751-6494 735 Public Safety Way Corona, CA 92880 Established in 1998, the Corona Fire Safety Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit public benefit organization. The core work of the Foundation is to facilitate and sustain a partnership between the Corona Fire Department and the community it serves, to promote public safety and achieve our shared vision for a safe and prepared community. 20 YEARS
American Medical Response (951) 782-5240 879 Marlborough Ave. Riverside, CA 92507 AMR provides emergency and non-emergency medical transport service for northwest and southwest Riverside County, California, including the cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, Corona, Norco, Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Menifee, Temecula and all unincorporated county areas. The operation was founded in 1997. 55 YEARS
Consolidated Electrical Distributors (951) 734-5360 122 E. Harrison St. Corona, CA 92879 Since its inception, Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED) has focused on meeting its customers’ electrical requirements – one customer at a time. Even though CED has one of the nation’s largest electrical distribution networks with over 580 locations from coast to coast, CED still does business based on the needs of the individual. That’s the way it was when CED began in 1957; and that’s the way
Rentschler & Rhee Dentistry (951) 735-2608 260 E. Ontario Ave., Ste. 205 Corona, CA 92879 As healthcare professionals, they will always follow best practices and go beyond the guidelines in providing protection and precautions from viral and bacterial infections for their patients and staff. Your health and safety will be their top priority.
JOIN THE CORONA CHAMBER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9TH
Holiday MIXER & TOY DRIVE
TIME: 6pm – 9pm Corona Chamber Members Only
LOCATION: Tacos Al Fuego 486 N Main St, Corona, CA 92880
$20 ticket and/or toy donation (min. $20 value) Registration required- SPACE IS LIMITED! Sponsorships available contact deserie@mychamber.org Register at bit.ly/HolidayMixer2021 or call (951) 737-3350
www.My MyChamber.org
CORONA CHAMBER CORONA Business News 7
November/December 2021
Corona Business Minds Convene for 2022 Executive Leadership Roundtable W
ith a blink of the eye, we have gone from celebrating the ELR Class of 2021 at their graduation in August, to introducing the class of 2022. Annually, the Corona Chamber hosts the Executive Leadership Roundtable (ELR) program, which is compiled of leaders and decision makers in areas of business, services, government, and education throughout the area. Unlike any other general skills development program, ELR participants have already shown that they have the skills and positions of dedicated leaders. Through
ELR, they become equipped with the knowledge and awareness of the forces and issues that shape our community’s future. Upon graduation and beyond the ELR community project, each member is expected to utilize the skills and information gained in this program to work and advocate for the betterment of the region. Through facilitated sessions and conversations with policymakers, industry experts, and visionary leaders, each monthly roundtable will get a unique opportunity to dissect and distill the critical challenges facing our city
and region, while experiencing a civic leadership framework to enhance personal and professional development. This intensive series of meetings and workshops provides the breadth and depth of knowledge and the relationships to be effective as an advocate, policy influencer, and policymaker. This year’s nine-month program will empower these decision makers with the awareness and ability to address critical regional issues. Sessions include topics such as public safety, arts and culture, healthcare, economic development, manufacturing, and so much more.
Returning this year to Chair the 2021-2022 program is the amazing Kathleen Ray, Owner of Ur Agenda Social Marketing. We will also be joined by last year’s graduate, Dr. Alia Rodriguez, CEO of Corona-Norco United Way, who will be serving as Vice Chair. Featured below are the 25 individuals who will be participating in this year’s program. If you would like more information on the program or if you are interested in the 2022-2023 Executive leadership Roundtable, contact Anthony Maldonado at Anthony@mychamber.org or (951) CHAMBER (242-6237).
Yousuf “Joe” Bhaghani For The People Task Force
Grace S. Clark Grace S. Clark, CPA, APC
Rachele Duron American Electric Supply, Inc.
Melissa Elwood Corona-Norco Unified School District
Carlos Flores Corona-Norco Unified School District
Patricia Franks Anointed Vessel Productions
Tim Gramling, LPD, FACHE Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business at CBU
Darren Hagen Flower Hub
Malcohm Heron Orange Grove High School
Dr. Rosemarie Hickman Corona-Norco Unified School District
Judith Helper Peppermint Ridge
Sam Itani Corona Regional Medical Center
Kim Lay The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Amy Mason People’s – Corona
Jason Morris City of Corona, Police Department
Earl Walter Ochs Vulcan Materials Company
Phil Paule Office of Supervisor Spiegel
Erika Perez Blue Mist CBD
John Petersen DFI - DiGerolamo Family Insurance
Frank Re City of Corona, Fire Department
Stephanie Shapiro Corona Chamber of Commerce
Irma Vasquez Riverside Medical Clinic
John C. Vondriska Corona-Norco Unified School District
Scott Waddell The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Zeb Welborn Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce
www.My MyChamber.org
CORONA CHAMBER 8 CORONA Business News
November/December 2021
JIM DORSEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Great Opportunities to Give Back This Holiday Season
SLAC, Inc donating toys at the 2020 Cars & Coffee Toy Drive
T
he Holiday season is a time of giving, so we wanted to highlight some of the ways you can give back to the community over the coming months! Peppermint Ridge has a very exciting opportunity: a generous individual has pledged to match each donation given between now and December 31st, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. This means that every donation Peppermint Ridge receives during
that time will be doubled and its impact will be doubled, too! Help Peppermint Ridge “Meet the Match” by donating at www. peppermintridge.org. Another fantastic cause to get behind is Corona-Norco United Way’s Winter Wonderland, which is collecting items for families most in need this holiday season. They are looking for donations for babies, children and teens— from blankets and stuffed animals
to makeup brushes, speakers and STEM toys. Items are needed by December 17th. For more information, contact Alia Rodriguez at (951) 218-7328 or alia.rodriguez@ cnunitedway.org. Kids & Cops Holiday Magic is a great annual event organized by the Corona PD. The event provides donations to underprivileged children within our community. Every year, over 1,000 children are presented with gifts, made possible through generous donations from the community. Cars & Coffee Corona, a weekly car show held at IHOP in Corona, will also host a toy drive for this event. Registration for Kids & Cops Holiday Magic will take place from 6-9pm at the Circle City Center on November 12th, 13th, and 18th. For more information or to get involved, email Nilo.Ambriz@CoronaCA.gov or Alex.Plasencia@CoronaCA.gov. This year also marks the 29th year of the Spark of Love Toy Drive, which is the largest toy drive in the nation. The Corona Fire Department, along with many other fire departments in Southern California, have partnered with ABC7 for the Spark of Love.
The toy drive will run from November 15th – December 24th. New, unwrapped toys will be collected at all seven Corona Fire Stations as well as at Corona Fire Headquarters. All toys donated are given to the Settlement House, then distributed to deserving children within our community. Those wishing to donate can text “SPARK” to 24365. Corona’s Christian Arts and Theatre (CAT) has decided to make their Giving Day a Give BACK Day. This year CAT will be blessing underserved families in Corona with Christmas cheer. Details will be announced throughout performances of CAT’s upcoming production of “Shrek”, November 5th – 14th. If you or your business would like to get involved, or need more information, call the CAT office on (951) 279-2298 for more details after November 1st. This is just a selection of the events planned over the holiday period. Keep an eye on our social pages for more ways to give back this season!
How to Support Our Excellent American Legions in Corona
American Legion Post 742
T
he City of Corona Veterans are paving the way for all Veterans in Riverside County. We have two American Legions in Corona—both have been very active in Corona, supporting Veterans and youth, promoting Americanism, and supporting our national security. American Legion Joe Dominguez Post 742 was able to fully renovate their building with the help of the Corona Chamber’s Executive Leadership Roundtable (ELR) program. With their support they were able to renovate their kitchen and give a boost to our Veterans and a few individuals in the building committee that wanted to see this project all the way through.
Our local Veterans carried that torch and used that momentum for three more years. Over $250K was raised in these four years with the help of the community. They plan to expand their parking lot and build a multipurpose room for our Veterans and Community to use. Go to www.post742.org if you would like to help. Before
American Legion William H. Jameson Post 216 just celebrated their 100-year anniversary. They are now in the middle of a renovation and can use your support. Both Legions collaborate with each other, and some members of Post 216 have joined Post 742 Honor Guard team. They both go out to Riverside National Cemetery and give the final honor for our fallen. The goal of these to Posts is to service and help Veterans navigate through the VA and support our Corona Community. For more information visit www.coronaamericanlegion.org We also have a 30-year Corona Resident and local business owner David Brambila who is the District 21 Commander. Commander David oversees all 17 American Legions in Riverside The renovated kitchen at Post 742
District 21 Commander David Brambila
County including the two in Corona and one in Norco. David was the Commander last year at Post 742 in Corona and was elected by 17 Commanders to be their leader and represent all Riverside County Veterans. There are over 5,500 Veterans that are part of the American Legion helping and supporting the over 130,000 Veterans in the county. As the Post Commander of Post 742, David created a permanent flagpole program. He has taken this program through the county and state with his vision to promote old glory throughout the County, State and Nationwide. If you are a Veteran or community volunteer and want to get involved, please visit www.district21ca.org. District 21 is headquartered in our lovely city of Corona.
www.My MyChamber.org
CORONA CHAMBER CORONA Business News 9
November/December 2021
Preeti V. Adeshara, M.D. Family Medicine 2071 Compton Ave., Ste. 102 Corona, CA 92881 1-951-549-0900
Cornelia Holmes, M.D. Family Medicine 2071 Compton Ave., Ste. 102 Corona, CA 92881 1-951-549-0900
Martin T. Ahn, M.D. Family Medicine 1781 Third St. Norco, CA 92860 1-951-279-4900
Farah Almudhafar, M.D. Family Medicine 4244 Riverwalk Pkwy., Ste. 150 Riverside, CA 92505 1-951-781-6335
Ana Ivanova, M.D. Talat Khan, M.D. Family Medicine Internal Medicine 4244 Riverwalk Pkwy., Ste. 150 2071 Compton Ave., Ste. 102 Riverside, CA 92505 Corona, CA 92881 1-951-781-6335 1-951-549-0900
Sanjeev Puri, D.O. Family Medicine 1820 Fullerton Ave., Ste. 260 Corona, CA 92881 1-951-356-4009
Anuradha (Anu) Sathya, M.D. Family Medicine 2071 Compton Ave., Ste. 105 Corona, CA 92881 1-951-808-3000
Naser W. Azar, M.D. General Practice 2071 Compton Ave., Ste. 102 Corona, CA 92881 1-951-549-0900
Benjamin Mahdi, M.D. Family Medicine 4244 Riverwalk Pkwy., Ste. 150 Riverside, CA 92505 1-951-781-6335
Rupal Shah, M.D. Family Medicine 770 Magnolia Ave., Ste. 1K Corona, CA 92879 1-951-738-0303
EUGENE MONTANEZ
plastics company producing some components for the air flow products. To ensure better turnaround times, and control quality, the plastics company was purchased by aFe and moved to Corona, joining the other divisions. Through all of this aFe has been a great supporter of the Corona Chamber of Commerce and the Corona community. To view some exclusive videos showing aFe’s manufacturing process go to bit.ly/afeexhaust and bit.ly/ afefilters. For more information, visit afepower.com.
Eric C. Bekemeier, D.O. Family Medicine 12442 Limonite Ave., Ste. 205 Eastvale, CA 91752 1-909-429-2864
Tarek Mahdi, M.D. Family Medicine 4244 Riverwalk Pkwy., Ste. 150 Riverside, CA 92505 1-951-781-6335
Kyle Smart, D.O. Family Medicine 12442 Limonite Ave., Ste. 205 Eastvale, CA 91752 1-909-429-2864
JIM DORSEY PHOTOGRAPHY
EUGENE MONTANEZ
into the new venture. Over the years aFe has grown to be a leader in the performance accessory industry. Recently, one of the partners, CEO Nick Niakan, toured the Corona Chamber of Commerce’s ELR group through the factory, which spreads between three buildings now. The original products for aFe were reusable air filters for both cars and trucks, all engineered in Corona. These air filters allow more air to enter your vehicles intake system, boosting power and overall performance. In addition, they can be cleaned to last the lifetime of a vehicle. Never resting on past successes, aFe soon started the design and engineering of exhaust systems with components welded and built in-house for a wide variety of vehicles, from Porsche & BMW to large trucks & off-road vehicles. Suspension and electronics products soon followed. The electronics are programmed to interface with your car’s computer, getting more responsiveness out of your car or truck. All of aFe’s products are engineered to make your vehicle accelerate a little faster, perform better overall, and even sound louder! One of aFe’s suppliers was a
JIM DORSEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Made in Corona cont’d from page 1
Kimberly Bekemier, D.O. Family Medicine 12442 Limonite Ave., Ste. 205 Eastvale, CA 91752 1-909-429-2864
Vicky Mai, D.O. Family Medicine 4244 Riverwalk Pkwy., Ste. 150 Riverside, CA 92505 1-951-781-6335
George Soliman, M.D. Family Medicine 1820 Fullerton Ave., Ste. 260 Corona, CA 92881 1-951-356-4009
Stephanie Changchien, M.D. Family Medicine 770 Magnolia Ave., Ste. 1K Corona, CA 92879 1-951-738-0303
Jesse Dominguez, D.O. Family Medicine 12442 Limonite Ave., Ste. 205 Eastvale, CA 91752 1-909-429-2864
Mirelle Ann Marquez-Ignacio, M.D. Family Medicine 12442 Limonite Ave., Ste. 205 Eastvale, CA 91752 1-909-429-2864
Muhammad R. Mowjood, D.O. Family Medicine 12442 Limonite Ave., Ste. 205 Eastvale, CA 91752 1-909-429-2864
Brandon Tong, D.O. Family Medicine 12442 Limonite Ave., Ste. 205 Eastvale, CA 91752 1-909-429-2864
To learn more about our doctors visit primecare.com/findadoc PrimeCare is a network of contracted physicians and part of OptumCare®. OptumCare® helps keep you healthier and feeling your best by providing care that is built around you. Learn more at Optumcare.com. OptumCare® is a registered trademark of Optum, Inc. © 2021 Optum, Inc. All Rights reserved.
Muhammad Umer, M.D. Family Medicine 14252 Schleisman Rd. Eastvale, CA 92880 1-951-941-0900
Imran Hasnain, M.D. Internal Medicine 720 Ramona Ave., Ste. 105 Corona, CA 92879 1-951-737-3855
Hitesh Patel, M.D. 127 N. MicKinley St., Ste.101 Corona, CA 92879 1-951-278-2600
Jun Yuan, M.D. Internal Medicine 1810 Fullerton Ave., Ste. 102 Corona, CA 92881 1-951-808-8863
www.My MyChamber.org
CORONA CHAMBER 10 CORONA Business News
November/December 2021
M
aster NLP Trainer and friend of the Chamber Paul Webb is gearing up for his second—yes, his SECOND—cross-country charity bike ride, with a launch date of October 24th. While Paul only completed his last feat in the summer, traveling from California to New Jersey in time for his 50-year high school reunion (he ended up arriving with many days to spare!), he’s decided that there’s still work to be done and money to be raised! Paul will be leaving from San Diego and heading towards Tampa, Florida, his final destination, riding 2,604 miles—slightly less than the
2,899 miles he rode in the summer. “I had such a great time meeting the most wonderful people during the first ride...and I understand that’s no guarantee it will happen again, but when it does—great,” Paul said. He attributes part of his biking success to a vegan/plant-based diet: “That means no sore muscles, great sleep, happy attitude. Perhaps that’s how I attracted so many great people on the first ride—I’m always happy riding my bike!” Paul is again raising money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). He plans to cycle through CA, AZ, NM, TX, LA, MS, AL
KIM MABON
Manufacturing cont’d from page 1
as a former legislator and about how the Chamber works on these issues. Perhaps the most startling was his detailing of the gut and amend process, where a bill goes through the various processes of review and vote, and then at the end is essentially stripped of most or all its value and replaced with new text that (often) has absolutely nothing to do with its former purpose. An example of this is AB 455, which was introduced this year as a transit bill intended to regulate the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, then later amended to impose a statewide coronavirus vaccine mandate. This type of switcheroo is common and is done to fast-track legislation through the Assembly. Miller shared that it was routine to receive a 2,000-page document and told to vote on it within hours, a reason why members may choose not to vote on a bill, simply because there wasn’t time to properly review. Because things can change so rapidly in Sacramento, especially as the end of the session nears, it is crucial that the Chamber stay on top of political movements at every level. A business owner would never have the full amount of time needed to keep tabs on what’s happening, so the Chamber contracts with a legislative
professional, advocate Jeff Gibson, owner of Occidental Communications Group. His tenure in the political world and bipartisan relationships allow for the Chamber to be as effective as possible in the calls made or letters sent in support or opposition of whatever may be on the table at that moment. Calvert began by discussing the concerns he’s received from constituents, from supply chain and labor issues to inflation and foreign dependence. California presently has 1 million fewer workers than last year, 40,000 of which are in Riverside County. Calvert shared that the ending of the weekly $300 in unemployment benefits September 1st should have a large effect in the employment uptick we are expecting to see. He also prophesied inflation that won’t go away, and shared that it’s currently the highest since the ‘90s. With $3 trillion
and FL, although, “if a CAF-funded athlete wants to ride a section with me and he/she lives off the initial route, well that route is very “fluid” for the benefit of the athletes and CAF—so three-to-four-hundredmile swings are very likely.” “I rode with 17-year-old CAF-funded Athlete Tara Dunfee, New Jersey resident, the last two miles of the first ride. She was using her “bike leg” (she also has a surfing leg, a running blade leg, and skiing leg),” Paul added. “People are amazed with the story and connect with the CAF mission and the common interest in helping others.” “You want to meet a lot of great
spent already and another $6 trillion on the table, it is the price we will pay for keeping the economy afloat over the past 18 months. Another unintended consequence since the pandemic began is the 100% increase in home schooling, with the highest percentage change in minority communities. Prior to 2020, 5% of children were homeschooled, and now it is between 10-11%. This affects all levels of workforce, the principle of which is on working mothers, who are responsible for the bulk of childcare challenges. Susan Paasch of Corona Magnetics concurred that a lack of affordable care is affecting her business, to which Congressman Calvert explained the regulations on that industry have made it a larger problem in California versus other states. Autajon Packaging Thoro and aFe Power both lamented the labor shortage, with aFe concerned that the focus is imbalanced on low wage workers versus automation,
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PAUL WEBB
Chamber’s NLP Speaker Paul Webb Embarks on Second Cross-Country Charity Cycle
people? Ride your bike across this country.” To find out more about Paul’s ride and to donate, head to bit.ly/ GoPaulGo.
robotics, and cutting incentives on outsourcing for our largest industries. aFe owner Nick Niakan shared, “No other world power in history has said, ‘Take our best and let us depend on you,’” and gave an impassioned plea to Congressman Calvert about why it is we depend on Taiwan for 90% of the chips made or on China for parts or chemicals. With China being the fastest growing economy in the world, it won’t be long before their GDP surpasses the U.S. (and their military outnumbers us 5 to 1). Q&A ended with a better understanding on the challenges faced by manufacturers and in the political arena, and with the congressman taking homework back to D.C. to investigate specific bills cited by attendees. The Chamber plans to hold quarterly roundtable discussions for manufacturers and urges those interested in participating in the future to contact the Corona Chamber at (951) CHAMBER (242.6237).
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CORONA CHAMBER CORONA Business News 11
November/December 2021
Small Business cont’d from page 1
Small Business Spotlight
Veteran-owned Onsite Computing at 2019’s Legislative Gala
Give us a brief background into your company history. How was it formed, and why?
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I was looking for additional ways to help struggling businesses and looked for a way I could serve besides my job as a firefighter/paramedic. I learned of the Payments industry through research.
I took a course that was given by my now business partners and really loved that they ran the business with the same honesty and integrity that I hold myself to and decided that this is how I want to help my community and surrounding ones.
Going out and getting to know business owners either through visits or networking events like we have here through the Chamber of Commerce. I feel that building a relationship with all my merchants is the only way to do business the right way.
What business lessons have you learnt over the last year or so?
Be happy with who you are and love who you are. When you do that, the right people will be in your life.
What’s the best thing about working at your company?
What's working well for you right now?
I've learnt to always train and educate myself with on my industry and learn about the different struggles that various businesses have, and to keep it simple. My goal is to be the best in my industry because I believe that is what my business owners deserve from me.
JIM DORSEY PHOTOGRAPHY
with: Mannie Ortega, President/CEO, Merchant Medic Payment Solutions
strength and resilience of the #VetBiz community by hosting events across the country and sharing information about the resources available to veteran entrepreneurs. This year, the SBA is hosting a variety of online events aimed at Veteran business owners— head to sba.gov/national-veterans-small-business-week to find out more. If you want to help our member Veteran-owned businesses, visit our online directory at bit.ly/ ccbizlist and search for “Veteran-Owned Business”. If you are a Veteran business owner and Chamber member and you do not appear on this list, go to your member profile to add this category, or call us on (951) CHAMBER (242-6237) and we can help! Small Business Saturday—two days after Thanksgiving—is the perfect chance to ramp up your
gift buying for the Holidays! Here in CORONA, we have countless amazing, small businesses that would benefit from your support after another difficult year. Whether it’s home goods, a gift card from one of our excellent local eateries, or even dance lessons, the small businesses in this city have you covered. Small Business Saturday was started in 2010 by American Express to encourage people to shop small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. After the success of the first year, the Senate unanimously passes a resolution in support of the day, and in 2019 the 10th Annual Small Business Saturday hit a record high with an estimated $19.6 billion in reported spending. Keep your eye on our socials for more information on how you can get involved with this year’s Small Business Saturday!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I can scale it to the level I want and work on it from anywhere. This allows me the flexibility to not have to carry a lot with me other than a phone and business cards. I also really enjoy getting to interact with people and find out how their business got started.
Find out more at merchantmedicpaymentsolutions.com
Advertise Now! Call the Chamber at (951) CHAMBER (242-6237) or info@MyChamber.org
Register by December 31st for Early Bird Pricing! mychamber.org
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CORONA CHAMBER 12 CORONA Business News
November/December 2021
BOBBY SPIEGEL
I
t was an honor and a blessing to be part of the volunteer team helping the Corona Chamber of Commerce with their memorial event marking the 20-year anniversary of September 11th, 2001, organized in partnership with the City of Corona. The day before the event, we had to prepare the American flags for the 2,977 who lost their lives in that attack. It seemed like a large
task, since our group was fairly small, but we were determined to get it done. As we attached a paper to each flag with the victim’s name, age and where they were killed, (the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, or one of the four planes that crashed), we couldn’t help but be moved and saddened by the enormous loss. It was humbling knowing that each one of these people were
just like us, going about their lives, not knowing they would never see their families or loved ones again. Much more than just a name on a piece of paper. Most of us didn’t know each other before that day, but being there putting the flags together created a sense of pride knowing that we were doing something important. With the exception of one young boy, who came with his mom to help, we all remembered what happened and where we were that fateful day. A lot of us shared those memories. Looking at the young boy, I couldn’t help but wonder what 9/11 meant to him. Is it even taught in school? Does our youth even realize what happened that day and how it has changed our way of life? How precious and fragile our freedom is, and the cost to maintain it? The morning of the event, we arrived at dawn to place all the flags in the ground on a grid that had been laid out. There were many more volunteers to help with this, and they were all needed. Each
LAVAY’S PHOTOGRAPHY
Corona Remembers 9/11 with 20th Anniversary Memorial
flag was placed with the name facing forward, so that family members could search for relatives and/or loved ones who were lost that day. When all the flags were laid out, it was a spectacular site. There were mixed emotions of sadness for the loss, but also pride in the fact that they were being honored and remembered. It was a great event, with speakers (some who had visited the site immediately after), young girls who sang and read a poem, and one community member who ... Continued on page 15
Homelessness cont’d from page 1 services, the shelter will be pet friendly and have extra-large storage lockers for shelter guests.
BOBBY SPIEGEL
CORONA POLICE DEPARTMENT AFTER HOURS CRISIS FUND
be used to support the operation of the emergency shelter and navigation center on Harrison Street. Partnering with State HCD supports the City’s Homeless Strategic Plan Goal #6: Develop Public/ Private Partnerships to support plan initiatives and leverage limited City resources.
HARRISON EMERGENCY SHELTER/NAVIGATION CENTER The City of Corona is pleased to announce a partnership that will enhance the provision of services that will be provided at the
Harrison Emergency Shelter/Navigation Center. Centro Medico Community Clinic (CMCC) has agreed to provide onsite dental, medical and behavioral health services to homeless shelter guests that will be staying at this facility. To accommodate this partnership, the City is in the process of finalizing construction plans to reconfigure some of the building space for medical offices. The renovation should be completed in Spring 2022. Once the renovation is completed, the shelter will open for services. In addition to provision of a wide variety of onsite
On June 21, 2021, a Corona Police Officer was trying to find shelter resources for a homeless family with a two-year old child. The Path of Life Family Shelter and the City of Corona Motel Emergency Shelter Program were both at full capacity, and it was after hours. This compassionate Police Officer (who wishes to remain anonymous) paid for a hotel room for the homeless family with his own personal money. This selfless act of compassion started a partnership discussion between the Corona Police Chief Robert Newman; the Corona Homeless Solutions Manager, Karen Roper; 100 Women Who Care Members, Karen Alexander, Karen Spiegel, and Lois Tomlinson; Corona Chamber of Commerce CEO/President, Bobby Spiegel; and Sandy Klein, President of the Corona Police Community Partnership. The partnership discussions resulted in the creation of an enhanced after-hours crisis fund for the Corona Police Department. The afterhours crisis fund will provide
funding for motel vouchers so Corona Police Officers can assist families with small children, victims of domestic violence, frail older adults, or other persons that would otherwise be medically compromised by sleeping on the streets. This new partnership builds upon a framework that the Corona Police Department already had in place for victims of domestic violence; therefore, the hotel agreement, policies and procedures for Watch Commander approval of Officer requests are already in place! To date, a total of $10,200 has been donated to the Corona Police Community Partnership to support the Corona Police Department afterhours crisis fund. Also, a special acknowledgement goes to Calvary Chapel Corona who provided a $100 donation to reimburse the Corona Police Officer for his act of compassion.
PARTNERING WITH NORTHPOINT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH The City of Corona actively partners with many different faithbased organizations in support of the Homeless Strategic Plan. One of our generous partners is Northpoint Evangelical Free Church. So far during 2021, this church has
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CORONA CHAMBER CORONA Business News 13
November/December 2021
Monuments to Honor and Ease Pain for Grieving Families By Bobby Spiegel with Kevin Bash and Jim Gore
W
hat I’ve always appreciated and respected is the commitment made from the young men and women who serve our nation in uniform, specifically the Armed Forces. These brave young folks sign a note, up to and including the sacrifice of their life. This happens too often. Most recently, our region experienced 13 young service men and women who were murdered in Afghanistan in August 2021. Their families are now part of a group (which we hope doesn’t grow) called Gold Star Families. Gold Star Families are those families who have lost a family member who was serving in armed forces. They are the American families who have endured the loss of a loved one who died in military service, or from other military-related causes. These families have lost fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, brothers, and sisters, so that we could live FREE. Fortunately, there are two monuments that will soon be erected to
H donated 50 housing move-in kits, 100 hygiene kits, and 15 pet kits. The 50 move-in kits support homeless clients who graduate from the City of Corona’s Motel Shelter into permanent housing. The move in kits include pillows, towels, sheets, laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, toiletries and more! The 100 hygiene kits support the City of Corona’s homeless street outreach efforts and are used to open doors to conversations with Corona’s homeless neighbors about shelter and housing resources. Each hygiene kit includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, deodorant, bar of soap, shaving cream, razor, undergarments, socks, hand sanitizer, masks, and notes of encouragement. The 15 pet kits support the City of Corona’s pet-friendly Harrison Emergency Shelter that will open in the Spring of 2022. The pet kits include collapsible dog crates, dog beds & pads for inside of the crates, a box full of dog toys, dog bowl sets with dog food & bags full of hypo-allergenic shampoos, conditioners, chew toys, and dog treats, as well as a variety of different sized dog collars and leashes. The ongoing partnership with Northpoint Church exemplifies the spirit of public/private partnerships that strategically address homelessness in the City of Corona!
honor these fallen, and allow the families a place for grieving, reflection and hopefully easing their loss and pain. Riverside National Cemetery and City of Norco will house these permanent structures. Each monument is uniquely designed. How do we honor a family who has sacrificed everything for the American Dream? The history of the Gold Star dates as far back as WWI. Families across America would hang a flag with a blue star in honor of a family member fighting in the war. If that family member died, a gold star would be placed over the blue star. To date, America has lost nearly 1.4 million service members to war and other military related causes. It is said that the Gold Star is “An Honor that no one wants”. Perhaps the greatest grief of a Gold Star Family is the fear that the sacrifice made by both service member and family lay forgotten, buried with the fallen.
IT IS TIME WE DO MORE FOR OUR GOLD STAR FAMILIES.
A rendition of the RNC Gold Star Family Monument
The City of Norco’s Gold Star Monument
The RNC (Riverside National Cemetery) Gold Star Family Monument and City of Norco George A. Ingalls Veteran’s Memorial Committee (working with the Blue Star Mothers H.OM.E. [Hearts of Mothers Embraced] CA 30), each have placed their Gold Star Monuments as top priority. Designs and information about each are
Call for Corona’s Own Performing Arts Venue By Don Kindred, Executive Director, Corona Symphony Orchestra
O
ver the past 20 years, Corona has realized a growth in performing arts organizations. Our city has theater and dance companies, vocal and instrumental ensembles all vying for venues to perform. Our beautiful Historic Theater is booked year round and can only accommodate some but not all performing organizations. The Historic Theater only seats 372 patrons and has a small stage. Alternative venues such as churches and high school auditoriums are not always the best suited as a performance venue. The cultural arts in Corona is robust, thriving and has created a need. The need is a performing art center. A performing art center in Corona would be a modest venue, seating approximately
1,400 patrons. The priorities of the auditorium would be raked seating (sloped floor) to maximize viewing from every seat, a stage able to accommodate any type of performance ensemble including a dock to unload equipment, good acoustics, lighting and sound system. A Corona-based performing art center would not only be used
available by visiting our website at MyChamber.org. You will be able to see renderings, the progress, learn more about each of these monuments and areas where you can help – specifically in donating funds towards these efforts. Each monument will be “A Place to Remember, Reflect, Honor, and Heal.”
by local community performance ensembles, but it would also be used by touring theater companies, live stage acts and musical groups. Other uses of this venue are corporate events, lectures, conference meetings, graduation ceremonies and school events. The need for a performing art center continues to grow as are the cultural arts in our community. This venue would drive revenue to our city as every major event would make Corona a destination location. If you’re interested in continuing the conversation, please contact Don Kindred on (951) 642-0135.
An artist’s rendition of the prospective venue
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CORONA CHAMBER 14 CORONA Business News
November/December 2021
Chamber Marketplace JOIN THE CHAMBER OR REFER A MEMBER AND HAVE YOUR AD PLACED HERE! (951) CHAMBER | INFO@MYCHAMBER.ORG
Great Breakfasts / Lunches
710 E. 6th St. Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-5977 Curbside Takeout Dine-In
when available
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CORONA CHAMBER CORONA Business News 15
November/December 2021
What Our Members Are Saying! Wanted to thank you again for having me as your guest last Friday! It was so nice to get out and network again. We made some amazing connections and it’s all thanks to you for inviting me! We plan to start getting more involved with the Chamber and the events this year. So great to see things opening up, it’s time we get back to business! – Debbie George, Founder EASE T1D
The Corona Chamber is one of my favorite chambers! I use the Corona Chamber as an example often and encourage businesses to reach out to their local Chamber of Commerce to find vendors. I’ve always had such a great experience with the team there and appreciate all that they do for businesses. –Barry Cottle, Owner, C&C Development
9/11 cont’d from page 12 had lost a family member. The thing that I remember most is they stopped the speakers and rang a bell at the exact time that the two planes hit the World Trade Center. As was pointed out in the speeches, though the events of that day were sad and tragic, it
PHOTOS BY DIVINE LIGHT STUDIOS AND LAVAY’S PHOTOGRAPHY
WLC cont’d from page 1
“REMEMBER, WE ARE NOT IN COMPETITION, WE ARE IN COLLABORATION! SO WHO CAN YOU COLLABORATE WITH?” – ROBBIE MOTTER
brought us together as a nation. In the aftermath there were no separate races, religions, or political parties; only Americans coming together in pride and hope as one to deal with the aftermath. I felt that same sentiment in the crowd on that day and in all the volunteers. We were all so proud to have been
Underwood’s “The Champion.” The song chosen by each speaker as they entered and departed set the tone for what they’d be sharing and how diverse the personalities were. The Founder of the WLC, Riverside County Supervisor Board Chair Karen Spiegel, showed her patriotism with “God Bless the U.S.A.” then dove right into her topic, Grit. She emphasized the importance of positive self-talk and challenged the audience to find 10 positive comments to say to others each day. When you make others feel good, it comes full circle. Each speaker’s talk echoed another’s, and several repeating themes were heard. This half-day event was generously sponsored
Corona Chamber’s AMAZING Team! I feel so grateful and humbled to have been included in the special luncheon with the manufacturers yesterday. That was so well planned and organized. You made the guests feel very welcome. I was expecting a bigger crowd of 40-50 but pleasantly surprised by the size of the group and how intimate and comfortable it was. I am SO looking forward to the future meetings and contributing towards US manufacturing and specifically manufacturing in CA, having a voice and making a difference. Thank you for all the support. – Kathy Armstrong, Managing Member, Do It American Manufacturing
a part of helping the Chamber bring this to the community. As the event ended, I saw families with young children walking up and down the aisles of flags, looking at the names. The parents were educating them about what the flags meant and what they stood for. Driving by during the week I continued to
see people and families looking at the flags. I pray that we continue to educate our youth about what happened that day and may we never forget those that lost their lives. Written by proud Corona residents Steven Gulserian (retired) and Lavay Benson (Lavay’s Photography)
“WE TEND TO LIVE AS IF TIME IS OURS, BUT NO TIME IS OWED OR PROMISED TO YOU. YOU CANNOT WAIT TO BE INSPIRED BY SOMETHING ARBITRARY.” – EMILY FALAPPINO by 25 businesses who believe in uplifting women, for an empowered woman can conquer the world as boldly and lovingly as she can care for her family and community. Those who were unable to attend this event can still purchase access to the video replay by contacting the Corona Chamber at (951) CHAMBER (242-6237). To read the full recap, visit bit.ly/ WLC21recap (case sensitive).
WE’RE GIVING THANKS!
At Corona Regional, we are truly touched by the generosity of the organizations and individuals in our community, and are grateful for the donations that continually support our staff. Despite the pandemic, we have maintained our excellence for patient care and safety. We were named as a Best Maternity Hospital 2021 by Newsweek; received an “A” grade for safety from The Leapfrog Group in Spring 2021; named a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care by Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® for the 5th year in a row, and for the 2nd year in a row, listed on the Maternity Care Honor Roll by the California Hospital Compare. We also received the American Heart Association® / American Stroke Association® 2021 “Get with the Guidelines: Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.
Corona Regional is proud to serve you, now and always.
THANK YOU! Visit coronaregional.com
Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Corona Regional Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 2174222-226484 10/21