December 2015 Business Voice

By the end of the class, students own and operate fully-formed and functioning businesses, which they can carry on after their graduation from the program.

“Being an Oxnard Chamber member is so much more than writing a check. It’s about getting involved. The Manpower Team in Oxnard is extremely grateful to have the opportunity to partner with the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and the many members the Chamber represents. Through Chamber relationships, committees and various events, we are able to fulfill many personal & business needs that are important for growth and stability. From community involvement, business training, and advocacy, the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce puts business and community first, and our team is happy to be involved on a level that helps elevate the Oxnard community.”

Stacie Marotta Manpower

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December 2015

Find out what the County has planned for Oxnard Ventura County CEO Michael Powers to give State of the County Update As you drive down the roads of Oxnard, you may be wondering…

What’s happening here?

The County of Ventura has many projects planned for Michael Powers County of Ventura the area. Learn what new developments are scheduled for Oxnard and the County during December’s Good Morning Oxnard Breakfast.

Michael Powers became the County Executive Officer for Ventura County in April of 2011. In this role he oversees a budget of over $2 billion, and nearly 9,000 employees in 27 agencies and departments. Along with his strong leadership team, he is responsible for overseeing and supporting all major county functions and services including; budget, finance, legislation, human resources, labor relations, economic development and information

Volume 44, Issue 12

Official Publication of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce

CalChamber Steers Helpful Bills into Law, Stops Costly Mandates, Secures Changes The 2015 legislative year was very active in the labor and employment policy arena. Overall, the California Chamber of Commerce was very successful with bills that they supported, bills that they negotiated amendments to avoid opposing, as well as bills that they strongly opposed.

Below is a summary of what happened on some of the most significant bills.

Reducing Litigation Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed two CalChamber supported bills this year that will reduce employment litigation: • AB 1506 (R. Hernández; D-West Covina), designated as a job creator, provides employers with a 33-day right to cure technical violations on an itemized wage statement before civil litigation under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) can be pursued. AB 1506 is a great step toward PAGA reform and included an urgency clause, therefore going into effect immediately upon being signed on October 2.

• SB 358 (Jackson; D- Santa Barbara) will reduce employment litigation by clarifying ambiguous terms regarding gender equity pay, making the existing standards consistent with federal and state gender discrimination laws.

Continued to Page 3

Inside this Issue Business News

Page 4

New Members

Page 6

Calendar

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SB 358 reinforces the illegality of basing compensation on gender, yet still provides employers the ability to determine appropriate wages for employees for nongender-related business reasons, such as training, experience, education, and geographic location.

Wage and Hour Mandates

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OXNARD, CA PERMIT NO. 47

Several bills introduced this year would have significantly increased the cost of doing business in California for employers: • SB 3 (Leno; D-San Francisco) proposed to increase the minimum wage to $13 an hour by 2017 and then automatically adjust it according to inflation thereafter. CalChamber identified SB 3 as a job killer, and it was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

• AB 67 (Gonzalez; D-San Diego) proposed to mandate double pay for almost all employees who worked on Thanksgiving. Although the author used retail establishments that open on the evening of Thanksgiving as the need for the bill, it would have had an impact on a much broader group of employers, including hotels and lodging, which cannot realistically close on holidays. AB 67 failed passage in an Assembly Floor vote.

Continued to Page 4

Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Installation of Directors luncheon is January 29

Oxnard Chamber of Commerce 400 E. Esplanade Drive, Suite 302 Oxnard, CA 93036

The Annual Meeting for the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard on Friday, January 29, 2016 from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

During the meeting, the outgoing Chair of the Board will have an opportunity to highlight the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2015 and Richard Favor will bestow some well-deserved awards on the people who helped achieve those successes.

The Chamber is currently seeking sponsors for the event. Options are a Platinum level at $1,750, Gold level at $1,200, or Silver level at $850. Please contact the Chamber office for details on the benefit package for each of the sponsor levels, or see the back page of this publication.

The Chamber will be installing the 2016 Board, which will be chaired by Fred Favor of NAI Capital Commercial Real Estate.

The Board of Directors is responsible for setting policy for the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce, as well as direction for the organization. Officers of the corporation will be elected by the Board at their December 3 meeting.

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Leadership

www.OxnardChamber.org

The Holiday Season Offers a Time to Reflect

The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce represents business interests and advocates public policies that promote a healthy economy.

Composing my final article for the Oxnard Chamber newsletter gives me a time to reflect on the year that has passed so quickly and has been filled with many business and personal blessings.

Executive Committee Chair: Richard Favor, County Commerce Bank

My year as Chair of the Oxnard Chamber has been extremely rewarding. With the exception of writing these articles, I have enjoyed every moment.

Chair-Elect: Fred Ferro, NAI Capital Vice Chair/Treasurer: Amy Fonzo, California Resources Corporation Vice Chair: Dean Maulhardt, Quality Packaging & Supplies Inc. Vice Chair: Michael Wynn Song, Glovis America Inc.

Chairman of the Board Richard Favor

Board of Directors Steven Buenger, Buenger Commercial Real Estate, Inc.

I want to thank the exceptional staff (especially Sharen and Jackie) for keeping me advised of all the meetings and events that the Chamber has held over the past year and the gentle prodding that was necessary to keep me on track. The staff does a fantastic job with planning, organizing and executing all events. This has been a successful year for the Chamber. The success is not possible without excellent management and

a dedicated staff.

Keith Busby, Procter & Gamble Paper Products Tom Cady, TKC Enterprises Paul Fode, Walmart Neighborhood Market Nancy Kierstyn Schreiner, Law Offices of Nancy Kierstyn

I also want to thank the entire Board of Directors for their commitment to the success of the Chamber. I have had the privilege to work with a very dedicated group of volunteers. My Chamber experience has also made it possible to develop new and lasting relationships with the highest quality individuals in our community.

Schreiner Shane Morger, The Tower Club Laura Mullen, DCH Auto Group Mark Spellman, Lazer Broadcasting Corporation Tom Waddell, State Farm Insurance William Winfield, Schneiders & Associates, L.L.P. Celina Zacarias, CSU Channel Islands Arturo Zaragoza, Ventura County Credit Union Lifetime Directors Marc L. Charney, Law Office of Marc L. Charney Florence LaManno, LaManno Insurance Services Kathy Leahy, Goodwill Industries Richard Mountan, Haas Automation Patty Paumier, St. John’s Hospitals Liaisons to the Board Elizabeth Callahan, EDCO Capt. Christopher Kurgan, NBVC Commander Andrew Salinas, Oxnard Police Department

The mentoring of Anthony Taormina (Immediate Past Chair) along with the guidance of the entire Executive Committee (Fred Ferro, Amy Fonzo, Michael Wynn Song and Dean Maulhardt) was vital to achieving many of the goals and objectives that were necessary for the Chamber to adjust its business model in 2015.

It has been my privilege to work closely with Nancy Lindholm. Nancy is dedicated to the betterment of the Oxnard business community and there is no better advocate for business when dealing with city, county or state governmental entities. Nancy’s leadership and management of the Chamber staff has resulted in a productive, cohesive and dedicated group committed to the mission of the Chamber. The Chamber is fortunate to have Nancy as its leader.

Finally, I want to thank Fred Ferro, Chair Elect, for stepping up to this role for 2016. Fred has been very active throughout the community for many years and the Chamber is honored by his acceptance of this position. I assure you that the Chamber is in good hands with Fred as its volunteer leader.

Please take a moment to review the Chamber website and if you have the opportunity thank the volunteer Board of Directors and the Chamber staff for their ongoing commitment to the Oxnard business community.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year!

Scott Whitney, City of Oxnard

Channel Islands Harbor to get 50th Anniversary makeovers

Chamber Staff

The Great Recession took a toll on Channel Islands Harbor. Prior to 2008 there were projects planned to rebuild the Casa Sirena Hotel and Lobster Trap, as well as an overhaul of Fisherman’s Wharf. Both projects went by the wayside when our economy plunged and real estate values tanked.

Nancy Lindholm, President/CEO Jackie Snider, Director of Operations & Administration Sharen Strong, Director of Member Services Janet Pozos, Director of Communications Nicole Chavez, Executive Assistant

Business Voice is the official monthly publication of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce. Circulation 1500.

Distributed free to all Chamber members. Subscriptions for non-members available for $50 per year. To advertise, subscribe or submit articles contact: Oxnard Chamber of Commerce 400 E. Esplanade Drive, Suite 302 Oxnard, CA 93036 (805) 983-6118 l Fax: (805) 604-7331 info@OxnardChamber.org

President/ CEO Nancy Lindholm

As the Harbor celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2015, there is good news for both sites.

Back in September Brighton Management, a privately-held real estate company that focuses on the development and management of hotel properties, made a presentation to the Oxnard Chamber membership about their plans to rebuild the Casa Sirena on Peninsula Road. Their proposal is to demolish the existing 3-story hotel building and replace it with a 4-story structure that contains about the same square footage.

The new building would be set back from the marina and docks to accommodate a promenade or boardwalk. The plans call for 205 guest rooms and five marina suites.

The Lobster Trap restaurant would be replaced with a new structure. The site would be slightly modified from the original configuration to allow for harbor views from Peninsula Road. A deck lounge is also planned.

We could see this project come to fruition in a couple of years. Since the use or size of the project is not changing much, the permitting process should take a fraction of what would be required for a totally new development.

On the other side of Channel Islands Harbor, Fisherman’s Wharf has been waiting for the right developer to come along and replace the aging center. The County of Ventura (which owns and operates the harbor) recently approved an option agreement with Channel Islands Harbor Properties, a partnership formed to rebuild Fisherman’s Wharf.

While specifics of the project have not been laid out yet, the parameters set by the County include 25,000 square feet of commercial space, 375 waterfront apartments, and a park. The County is also asking for a promenade set back on this project as well.

While the developers will be moving quickly on the conceptual architectural work, this project will need to go through the full approval process at the County level and with the California Coastal Commission.

There is opposition to this project from a number of residents who live in the Channel Islands Harbor area. The majority is opposed to the apartments, and has voiced their preference of having a visitor-serving use at that location. Since the Chamber has not seen the project details, we have not taken a position on the project. However, it would only make sense to not replace a failed shopping center with another shopping center.

As the details of the project are developed and unveiled, our Land Use Committee will take a look at it and potentially make a recommendation to the Chamber Board of Directors for a position.

Channel Islands Harbor is a truly special asset of the great community of Oxnard. It contributes to the diversity of our city and attracts visitors all year long. When I have family or friends visiting from out of town, I like to rent an electric boat for a couple of hours to tour the harbor. There are many great restaurants to frequent as well.

There’s nothing like the Parade of Lights to get one into the holiday spirit! This year the 50th annual boat parade will be held on December 12, so get out there and enjoy your harbor!!

Oxnard and California Chamber Boards Votes to Oppose “No Blank Checks” Initiative

www.OxnardChamber.org

Thank You to Our Top Supporters!

The Following members have reinvested in the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce at the Business Builder Package level or higher. We sincerely appreciate their support!

The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce along with the California Chamber of Commerce announced that its Board of Directors has voted to oppose the “No Blank Checks” initiative.

“This measure is dangerous for our economy and the safety of our citizens,” said Allan Zaremberg, President of CalChamber. “The ‘No Blank Checks’ initiative would stop or delay vital public works construction projects in California, including those involving water security and highway improvements. The gap between our current capacity and our infrastructure needs is large and growing. This measure would make it much harder to close that gap.”

New-Indy, Oxnard LLC (50 Years) Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of LA (3 Years)

Congrats to our other members renewing their commitment to the local economy and business climate Paychex, Inc. (31 Years) Oxnard Public Library (20 Years) Sunbelt Enterprises, LLC (19 Years) Well-Pict Berries (16 Years) pkg (13 Years) Vintage Marina Partners L.P. (11 Years) Richard Maggio (8 Years) SBBCollege (8 Years) Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP (4 Years) Channel Islands Ice Center (4 Years) AFLAC (3 Years) Channel Islands Maritime Museum (3 Years) Fresco II on the Marina (3 Years) Kabuki Restaurants, Inc. (3 Years) Massage Envy Spa - Oxnard (3 Years) McManigal Media (3 Years) Patty’s 805 Treats (3 Years) Law Office of Marc L. Charney (2 Years) Oxnard PAL (2 Years) U.S. Healthworks (2 Years) The Final Code (1 Year) Integrated Fire & Safety (1 Year) Missy’s Cupcake Creations (1 Year) New York Life Insurance Company (1 Year) Soroptimist International of Oxnard (1 Year) Valley Care IPA (1 Year)

The proposed measure would require a statewide election each and every time the state or a state-local partnership seeks to issue revenue bonds exceeding $2 billion to pay for infrastructure projects. General obligation bonds appropriately require a vote of the people, because the risk of default is on the taxpayers. But the risk for default of revenue bonds is on the bondholders, which makes a statewide vote entirely unsuitable, the Chamber argues.

According to the Board, the “No Blank Checks” initiative would harm major infrastructure projects by adding an unnecessary level of cost, bureaucracy and delay to a process already bogged down with delays and bureaucracy. If passed, the measure will take a widely-used and fiscally-responsible financing mechanism off the table.

In addition, the measure would encourage litigation and increase the ability of special interests to leverage major infrastructure projects for their own purposes.

While this measure has been linked to water infrastructure, it could also impact transportation, local school construction, UC and CSU projects and impede the ability for emergency repairs to be made in the wake of a natural disaster.

23 Oxnard area students accepted to Young Entrepreneurs Academy The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and Oxnard College STEM has kicked off the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) on November 3 with 23 of the best and brightest middle and high school students with a keen drive to launch and run their own, real businesses.

A competitive application process required students to complete an essay, write responses to short answer questions, submit their school transcripts and a reference, and participate in an in-person interview prior to acceptance into the program.

As a non-profit organization, YEA! relies on the generosity of the community and of sponsors; people who identify with entrepreneurship and want to help pave the way for future entrepreneurs. Some help the student businesses get off the ground while others provide in-kind support or volunteer their time and services.

During the course of the 30-week program, more than 30 of local businesses become involved with YEA! at various levels. From helping teach the basics of business to inviting students to tour their companies, volunteers participate in a variety of capacities. Students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, community leaders and educators who use their personal experiences to demonstrate how to develop ideas and objectives, pitch potential investors, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, establish e-commerce and a web presence, and more. By the end of the class, students own and operate fully-formed and functioning businesses, which they can carry on after their graduation from the program.

If you would like to become a business mentor, please contact YEA! Program Manager Susan Lefevre at (805) 402-1274 or email yea@oxnardchamber.org.

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Planned for Oxnard Continued from Page 1

technology.

As CEO, Powers is focused on providing quality public service, ensuring fiscal discipline, protecting the environment while supporting responsible land use and infrastructure development, investing in critical facilities and information technology projects as well as our community and County workforce, and working to keep the county’s communities safe and healthy.

Prior to being named as the CEO, Powers was the Director of the Health Care Agency where he was responsible for the operation and management of the County’s health departments, including the Ventura County Medical Center, Santa Paula Hospital, the County’s system of clinics, and its Public Health and Behavioral Health departments. His duties also included the oversight of the Medical Examiner’s Office and the County-run health plan.

He left a private legal practice to become Assistant County Counsel in 1992 and then held several positions within the Health Care Agency prior to becoming its director.

During Powers’ tenure, with the support of the Board of Supervisors and a talented team of County leaders and workforce, the County’s achievements include the following: • • • • • •

Lowering County overhead expenses by over $19 million per year Increasing the County’s reserves to more than 13 percent Achieving Standard and Poor’s highest possible long-term bond rating of AAA Reopening Santa Paula Hospital The development of a pediatric oncology program and the countywide trauma system Investments in IT, infrastructure and employee development, training and retention

Powers has a degree in Economics and Business from UCLA, and received his law degree from Loyola Law School. He serves on a number of boards, including the Ventura County Chapter of the American Red Cross; Dignity Health St. John’s Hospitals Ventura County Community Board; the ARC Foundation of Ventura County; and the Ventura County Leadership Academy Advisory Council. Most recently, he was appointed by Governor Brown to the California In-Home Supportive Services Authority.

Powers feels it is a privilege to work alongside the talented, passionate and highcaliber people who form the County Family. He was born and raised in Ventura, where he resides with his wife Erin, and two sons Charlie and Zackary.

The Good Morning Oxnard breakfast will be Thursday, December 10. Advanced reservations are requested and are discounted if made by December 3. Simply log onto OxnardChamber.org or call the Chamber office at (805) 983-6118.

The breakfast is held at the Tower Club, 300 E. Esplanade Drive, 22nd Floor. Checkin starts at 7:15, followed by a buffet breakfast and the program.

4

Business news www.OxnardChamber.org

CalChamber Steers Helpful Bills Continued from Page 1

• AB 357 (Chiu; D-San Francisco) would have mandated large employers to provide employees with 14 days notice of their schedule, and then imposed statutory penalties for changes made to the schedule thereafter. This mandate removed an employer’s flexibility to accommodate employee last-minute requests for changes or time off, without the threat of financial penalties or litigation. AB 357 was identified as a job killer. Given the lack of support for this measure, AB 357 was moved to the inactive file on the Assembly floor and therefore never taken up for a vote.

• AB 970 (Nazarian; D-Sherman Oaks) expanded the Labor Commissioner’s authority to enforce local minimum wage ordinances. CalChamber opposed the bill based on concerns it would incentivize local jurisdictions to adopt minimum wage ordinances and also increase annual assessments on all employers to fund the Labor Commissioner’s expanded authority. AB 970 was signed by the Governor.

Expanding Protected Leaves

The CalChamber opposed the bill given the risk of litigation and liability it creates for grocery employers and because the bill essentially mandates the recognition of an incumbent union representative of the successor employer. AB 359 was signed into law.

Wage Theft •SB 588 (de León; D-Los Angeles) was introduced as an alternative to the pre-judgment wage lien bill that CalChamber and the business community have strongly opposed for the past several years. Compared to the prior prejudgment wage lien bills, SB 588 primarily targets employers in the underground economy that fail to pay final judgments issued by the Labor Commissioner for unpaid wages.

The CalChamber worked throughout the session with the author and sponsor to obtain amendments to portions of the bill that could have had significant impacts on employers trying to comply with the law. Through these efforts, the bill was substantively amended, and CalChamber ultimately had no position on the bill. The Governor signed SB 588.

Several proposals involved employee leaves of absence.

• AB 304 (Gonzalez; D-San Diego) was the clean-up bill for paid sick leave, and included several important provisions, such as: grandfathering in paid time off policies that were in effect before the paid sick leave law; options for different sick leave accrual methods; and options for calculating the appropriate rate of pay for paid sick leave.

CalChamber worked extensively with the author and administration on AB 304, moving from opposition to no position on the bill upon obtaining employer-friendly amendments. AB 304 was signed by the Governor on July 13 and had an urgency clause that made it effective immediately.

•When introduced, SB 579 (Jackson; D-Santa Barbara) sought to expand the circumstances under which an employee could take paid sick leave to include nonmedical reasons. CalChamber initially opposed the bill due to this expansion, but continued working with the author to negotiate amendments to remove our opposition.

Once amended, SB 579 clarified the basis for an employee to take leave under the existing school activities leave. SB 579 was signed into law.

•SB 406 (Jackson; D-Santa Barbara) proposed to add five new family members to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), which would have created a significant lack of conformity with the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and potentially require employers to provide employees with up to 24 weeks of protected leave.

Given this expansion and the increased burden on California employers, CalChamber aggressively opposed SB 406 as a job killer. SB 406 was vetoed by the Governor.

Litigation Costs/Class Actions •AB 465 (R. Hernández; D-West Covina) was sponsored by the California Labor Federation and identified by CalChamber as a job killer. AB 465 sought to ban all mandatory employment arbitration agreements signed as a condition of employment.

The CalChamber strongly opposed AB 465, pointing out that: arbitration is a cost-effective forum to resolve employee disputes that is beneficial to the employer and employee; California courts already have mandated extensive protections for mandatory employment arbitration agreements that benefit the employee; and interfering with the right to arbitration has repeatedly been struck down by the courts as pre-empted under the Federal Arbitration Act. AB 465 would have had an impact on almost all employers in California and exposed them to a risk of litigation, including financially devastating class actions. Governor Brown vetoed AB 465.

• AB 359 (Gonzalez; D-San Diego) also was a job killer that mandated grocery employers to retain all employees of a successor employer for at least 90 days following the transition of ownership, and offer them continued employment thereafter.

Gender Equity One of the main themes this year in the Capitol was gender equity in the workplace. This legislative agenda included AB 357, SB 358 and SB 406, referenced above. In addition, it included the following: • AB 1017 (Campos; D-San Jose) sought to preclude employers from asking applicants about their prior compensation, based upon the concern that a future employer would solely base any offer of employment on the prior compensation provided, and perpetuate lower pay for women in the workplace.

The CalChamber opposed the bill due to the exposure of frivolous litigation to employers for seeking relevant information concerning an applicant that is not based upon gender. The Governor vetoed the bill.

•AB 1354 (Dodd; D-Napa) proposed to expand California’s current nondiscrimination program for state contractors to include additional information regarding the gender of employees in job positions, as well as annual wages.

The CalChamber initially opposed the bill given the new reporting requirements it created for state contractors. After obtaining several amendments to minimize the reporting burden, however, the CalChamber removed opposition. The Governor ultimately vetoed AB 1354.

Agricultural Labor Relations Two bills dealing with the authority and procedures for disputes before the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) were introduced this year, one supported

by CalChamber and one opposed.

•AB 1389 (Patterson; R-Fresno) sought to make common-sense changes to the ALRB in an effort to protect employees by: requiring employees to ratify the terms of a contract imposed by a state mediator; including employees as parties for purposes of state mediation hearings; and decertifying an election if the certified labor organization abandoned the employees for three years.

The CalChamber supported AB 1389. Unfortunately, it failed to pass by a legislative deadline in the Assembly.

• AB 561 (Campos; D-San Jose), opposed by CalChamber, would have required an employer seeking a writ of review of any ALRB decision to first post a bond in the amount of the entire economic value of the order as determined by the board.

This requirement could have deterred many employers from seeking their right to appeal given that the entire economic value of the order would be unknown or in dispute, thereby limiting the possibility of obtaining a bond. Governor Brown vetoed AB 561.

Unemployment Insurance No efforts were undertaken in 2015 to resolve the $8.7 billion debt owed to the federal unemployment insurance trust fund—a debt that is costing employers an Continued on Page 5

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Business news www.OxnardChamber.org

CalChamber Steers Helpful Bills Continued from Page 4

additional $21 per employee per year in federal taxes. For tax year 2015, employers will be paying an additional $105 per employee. Employers will continue to see their federal tax liability increase each year until the debt is paid off, which is anticipated for 2019.

• The CalChamber led a large coalition in support of one unemployment insurance-related bill in 2015. AB 944 (Obernolte; R-Big Bear Lake) would have increased the opportunity for participation by all parties in unemployment insurance claims appeals hearings by holding hearings by telephone, instead of in person. The bill failed to get a hearing in its first Assembly policy committee.

Chamber Opens Advertising Sales for 2016 Guide One of the Chamber’s signature publications is its annual Business and Community Guide. Advertising sales are now open for the 2016 edition.

Advertising opportunities are only available to Oxnard Chamber members in good standing.

As with past editions, the 2016 Guide will be distributed all over town. Most of the hotels in Oxnard make it available to their guests. With its eye-catching cover and beautiful photography, the Guide is something people hold onto and use as a buying reference.

• AB 1245 (Cooley; D-Rancho Cordova), signed by the Governor, requires all employers to file unemployment insurance tax returns and to transmit taxes electronically.

Although the CalChamber did not take a position on the bill, we worked with the author and sponsor to create a path to compliance for employers that is less onerous than the bill originally proposed.

The Business and Community Guide is completely compiled and produced by the Chamber, so in addition to promoting members’ goods and services, it’s a great way to support the organization as well.

Even

Ad sales will be open until January 30. Prime advertising locations will go fast, so don’t delay. Contact the Chamber today to reserve your space. There are options to fit every budget.

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Shouldn’t You Be Banking With the Best Five Star “Superior” rating* for 40 consecutive quarters (10 years straight!)

some of last year’s auction items

The Five-Star “Superior” rating is Bauer’s highest rating and indicates that the institution is one of the safest in the United States. County Commerce Bank is locally owned and locally managed, with the resources to serve our business community with fast turnaround and no red tape.

You deserve to bank with Ventura County’s premier community bank!

Ventura Oxnard Camarillo Westlake Village

3260 Telegraph Road (805) 477-7600 2400 East Gonzales Road (805) 485-7600 2357-B Pickwick Drive (805) 482-7600 2663 Townsgate Road Opening September 2015

www.countycommercebank.com *BauerFinancial, Inc. is an independent bank research firm located in Coral Gables, Florida. Website: bauerfinancial.com. Ratings are based on quarterly financial reports submitted to the FDIC. In addition to capital ratio requirements, other criteria used to determine ratings include but are not limited to: profitability/loss trend, evaluating the level of delinquent loans, charge-offs and repossessed assets, the market versus book value of the investment portfolio, regulatory supervisory agreements, the community reinvestment rating (CRA), historical data and liquidity.

www.OxnardChamber.org

New Members Dr. Michelina Timenovich, O.D. 2850 N. Oxnard Blvd Oxnard, CA 93036 (805) 981-8580 http://oxnardtargetoptome.wix.com/drtod Dr. Michelina Timenovich, OD an independent Optometrist located inside the Oxnard Target Store

The Container Store Robin Montgomery 450 Town Center Drive Oxnard, CA 93036 (805) 919-3110 www.containerstore.com The Container Store offers an eclectic mix of products to help organize and simplify your life

Carl’s Jr Mark Perry 2301 N. Oxnard Boulevard Oxnard, CA 93036 (805) 485-0202 www.carlsjr.com Carl’s Jr. is constantly working on product innovation and how to satisfy the tastes of hungry consumers

Nothing Bundt Cakes Terre Downey 1794 South Victoria Avenue, Suite A Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 918-4560 www.nothingbundtcakes.com Nothing Bundt Cakes are made from the hand-crafted recipes of their founders, with the warmth and nostalgia of their home-kitchen roots

Turning Point Foundation Suki Sir 505 Poli Street, Ste. 401 Ventura, CA 93001 (805) 652-0000 www.turningpointfoundation.org Turning Point Foundation addresses the critical community support needs of mentally ill adults

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Club!

Breakfast Club Pay for 10 Breakfasts and get 11 www.OxnardChamber.org

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Nothing Bundt Cakes Now Open on Victoria Avenue, Ventura Nothing Bundt Cakes has opened a new location in Ventura. Nothing Bundt Cakes, is a family owned and operated franchise that specializes in four different sizes of Bundt Cakes! They offer 9 standard flavors and always a 10th flavor which changes monthly. They also offer over 40 different decorations for their Bundt Cakes. There are many ways to use Nothing Bundt Cakes during the Holiday Season or for any occasion.

• EMPLOYEE GIFTS – Gift a delicious treat that your employees can take home to share with their families. Their home- spun goodness will let your employees and their families know that you care. They also have gift cards that can be loaded in any denomination.

• CLIENT GIFT – Giving the gift of Nothing Bundt Cakes will make a lasting impression that will keep you top of mind not only during the holidays but all year round.

• EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY PARTY/ CLIENT OPEN HOUSE – Bundtinis or one of their sample platters, (40 bites/single flavor) would make a scrumptious addition to your party or open house.

• DELIVERY – They can deliver to your clients or employees just to give your gift that extra dash of flair.

• SHIPPING – They offer shipping of their standard 8” cakes, and ship via Fed Ex 2 day to ensure that every moist crumb of your gift arrives fresh and delicious.

• VOLUME DISCOUNTING is available - call for details 805-928-4560.

Nothing Bundt Cakes uses only the finest fresh ingredients available and bake daily at their bakery. Tom, Terre and Justin also own the NBC bakery located in Thousand Oaks. Their new location is 1794 S. Victoria Ave #A, in the Montalvo Square Shopping Center. They are open Monday thru Saturday from 9 am - 7 pm and Sundays from 10 am - 5 pm.

Call them at 805-918-4560 with any questions or visit their website at www.NothingBundtCakes.com

Glasses, Contacts, Red Eyes, Dry Eyes – schedule an appointment today!

Dr. MichelinaTimenovich is an Independent Optometrist inside of the Target store at the Collection. Optometry is a healthcare profession concerned with the eyes and related structures, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information processing in humans. Optometrists are trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision, and diagnose and treat various eye diseases. Dr. T offers comprehensive eye exams for glasses and all types of contact lenses. She works with complex contacts including orthokeratology, scleral lenses, keratoconic lenses and hybrid lenses. In addition, she provides medical eye visits including red eyes, dry eyes, infections, foreign bodies, and glaucoma.

Dr. Timenovich graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton. She has worked for various employers in private practice, military, a surgery center and retail. Dr. T loves working with patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Her hobbies include hiking, board games, beach activities, and reading anything supernatural.

To schedule an appointment call 805.981.8580, and visit her website at http://oxnardtargetoptome.wix.com/drtod

This space available

FREE to New Members!

Just submit your new member article by the 10th of the month and we will place it here. For more information contact Sharen Strong, Director of Member Services at 805-983-6118.

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Calendar Member News Express Employment Professionals Sweeps Regional Conference Awards The Ventura County Express Employment Professionals office earned top honors at the international staffing firm’s regional conference meeting held on Sept. 27 in San Francisco, CA, according to Neil McMillan, Ventura County Express franchisee.

The Ventura County Express offices received three first place awards in administrative staffing and most clients serviced. This was the most first place awards won by a single location. In addition, four other awards were won in the temporary and contract staffing category.

The conference also allowed Express franchisees and their office staff to participate in learning sessions that focused on sales and leadership, understanding local markets, building internal teams, providing world-class customer service and improving communication with customers. “It was incredible to be recognized for our achievements this past year, and we can’t wait to use the information and ideas we received to better serve the Ventura County market,” Neil, said.

“This conference has inspired our office with innovative ways to improve service to our clients and associates. We are excited about what the next year holds for Express.”

The Ventura County Express Employment Professionals office first began operation in 2006 and serves the region with temporary help and direct hire employees in a variety of fields, including professional, administrative, commercial, technical, sales, marketing and more. The Thousand Oaks and Oxnard Express offices are ranked in the top 15 out of 750 Express offices. In 2014, the corporation generated over 3 billion in sales and employed more than 456,000 people. Express ranks as the largest franchised staffing company in the United States. For more information, visit https:// www.expresspros.com/thousandoaksca/ or http://www.expresspros. com/oxnardca For More Information: Neil McMillan, Owner Express Employment Professionals 600 Hampshire Rd, STE 201 Thousand Oaks, CA 91361 Thousand Oaks (805) 418-11111 Oxnard (805) 973-1870 Neil.McMillan@expresspros.com Media Related Inquires Contact: Danielle Courtney (805) 418-1111 Danielle.deveau@expresspros.com

what’s happening PLACES TO BE. PEOPLE TO MEET. THINGS TO KNOW. IN DECEMBER

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Board of Directors Meeting 12:00 Noon - 1:30 PM Chamber Offices

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Executive Committee 3:00 PM Chamber Offices

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Holidays at the Hacienda 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

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Professional Business Alliance Meeting 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Chamber Offices

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Christmas Eve Chamber Offices Closed at Noon

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Christmas Day Chamber Closed

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New Years Eve Chamber Offices Closed at Noon

Casa Lopez Mexican Restaurant & Banquet 325 South A Street, OX

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Land Use Committee 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM Chamber Offices Good Morning Oxnard Breakfast 7:15 AM - 9:00 AM 300 Esplanade Drive, 22nd Floor

December 2015

Member News Dignity Health’s St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center Receive 50 Awards from Healthgrades Healthgrades Study Finds Patients Treated at Hospitals with Five Star Ratings are Less Likely to Experience Major Complications Dignity Health Central Coast’s, St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital (SJPVH) and St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) have collectively received 50 awards from Healthgrades. Healthgrades is the leading online resource helping consumers make informed decisions in order to find the right doctor, the right hospital, and the right care.

SJPVH and SJRMC’s achievements are part of new findings and data released on Healthgrades. com and in the Healthgrades 2016 Report to the Nation. For its analysis, Healthgrades evaluated approximately 40 million Medicare-patient records for nearly 4,500 short-term acute care hospitals nationwide, assessing hospital performance relative to each of 33 common conditions and procedures.

Among the 50 honors from Healthgrades, SJRMC and SJPVH received five-star awards for clinical outcomes and service excellence. A five-star rating indicates that a hospital’s clinical outcomes are better than expected when treating the condition or conducting the procedure being evaluated.

“It is an honor to be ranked among America’s top hospitals, said Darren Lee, president and CEO, SJRMC and SJPVH. “These recognitions are more than just awards; they are a testament of our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest level of safe, quality health care to every patient, every day, every time.”

Healthgrades independently measures hospitals based on data that hospitals submit to the federal government. No hospital can opt in or out of the analysis, and no hospitaln pays to be measured.

Healthgrades risk adjusts for patient demographic characteristics and clinical risk factors, thereby taking into account how sick patients are upon admission.

Healthgrades recognizes a hospital’s quality achievements for cohort-specific performance, specialty area performance, and overall clinical quality. Individual procedure or condition cohorts are designated as 5-star (statistically better than expected), 3-star (statistically as expected) and 1-star (statistically worse than expected) categories. Detailed performance information, such as cohort-specific outcomes data and quality achievements, as well as more information on the Healthgrades 2016 Report to the Nation, including the complete methodology, can be found at www.healthgrades.com/quality.