January 2019
5 Signs Your Company is in Trouble Page 4
Chairman’s Message
-2
January Luncheon
-3
Champions Corner
-6
Tech Talk
-7
Apple Bites
-8
W2 Forms
Chris Ackerman’s
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MARKETING
PUBLIC SPEAKING
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Glenda Bayless
- 10
CPA
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE Happy 2019!
from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the Apple
The New Year is
Valley Golf Course. If you are unable
always
time
to get away during the middle of the
where resolutions
day, join us for a “Quick Connect”
are
So
on the first Thursday evening of every
this year let your
month from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the
hometown chamber help you with one
Apple Valley Chamber building. The
of those resolutions. Resolve to get the
chamber office is located at 16010
most out of your membership this year
Apple Valley Road. We would love to
by attending one of the chamber’s
see you and have an opportunity to
First Vice Chairman Tom Hoegerman
many networking opportunities. For
connect. See you there!
Treasurer Carol Thomas Keefer
for the monthly General Membership
Staff
Janice Moore President/CEO Joy Adkins Membership Services Representative
Committees
Ambassadors • Executive Government Relations
Executive Committee Chairman Virginia Watterson
Secretary Janice Moore Past-Chairman of the Board Victoria Martin
Members of the Board Chris Ackerman Richard Bounce Amber Brendel Arlene Pence Bruinsma Isaac Cisneros Thomas Hallin Dana Hernandez Arsalee Morales Richard Richter Terry Saenz Sabrina Schneider Tessa Schutz Mike Thrapp Bob Tinsley
Source Magazine
Managing Editor T. Faye Griffin - Words by T. Faye Design and Layout Chris Ackerman - Signify Designs Printed at Mojave Printing Solutions The AV Business Source Magazine is published monthly by The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce Spirit River Center 16010 Apple Valley Rd. Apple Valley, CA 92307 Tel. 760.242.2753 Fax. 760.242.0303 Email. info@avchamber.org Web. www.AVChamber.org
a
made.
instance, make your reservation now luncheon held on the third Wednesday
Calendar January 2019 January 10th Executive Committee Meeting Chamber Conference Room, Spirit River Center 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Chairman: Virginia Watterson, Massey Insurance January 11th Ambassador Committee Meeting Chamber Conference Room, Spirit River Center 16010 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Chairman: Wendy Ramey, Agio Real Estate
Gini Watterson January 30th 2018 General Membership Luncheon Apple Valley Golf Course Check-in begins at 11:15 a.m. Luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 5200 Rancherias Rd., Apple Valley, CA 92307
February 2019 February 1st Government Relations Committee Meeting Chamber Conference Room, Spirit River Center 16010 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley Noon – 1:00 pm Chairman: Pat Orr, Little Caesars
January 15th Board of Directors Meeting Chamber Conference Room, Spirit River Center 16010 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Chairman: Virginia Watterson, Massey Insurance
The AV Business Source newsletter is seeking writers to provide impactful, original content relative to Apple Valley business community. Superior writing skill, reliability, and comfort with deadlines is important to us. Prior experience is not. Local writers preferred, but not mandatory. Email us at info@avchamber.org.
Member Stats Cemex California Cement, LLC
30 years
General Membership Luncheon
Midway Home Solutions
24 years
January 30, 2018
American Medical Response
19 years
Steven E. Hodgkin, MD
18 years
Renewing Members
Apple Valley Golf Course 15200 Rancherias Rd. Apple Valley, CA 92307 Check-in begins at 11:15 a.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.
Program
Greiner Buick Pontiac GMC
14 years
HiApple Valley Little League
9 years
Valley Insured Property Management
9 years
Hilton Garden Inn
4 years
Table Sponsor Daily Press/ High Desert Media Group
Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary
1 year
Drawing
Affordable Cremations of the High Desert
1 year
Ensen Mason San Bernardino County Auditor Controller/Treasurer/ Tax Collector 1 year
Jaime Garza,
CA Media Relations, Department of Motor Vehicles
Wendy Ramey, Agio Realty
Ambassador Chair Wendy Ramey
Ambassadors Richard Bounce, Bounce Realty Jackie Bounce, Bounce Realty Joan Phelps, Hi Desert Center for Spiritual Living Linda Martin, Linda’s Tailor Shop Anita Holmes, California Writers Club
The AV Business Source [aka “The Source”] newsletter is known as “the voice of the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce,” meaning— The Source is YOUR voice! So let your voice be heard. Feedback
Barbara Smith, Mohahve Historical Society Dana Hernandez, Simply Rockn’ it Events Eva D’Antonio, Entercom Radio Wendy Ramey, Agio Real Estate
from the membership is vital to this publication. Tell us what you
Tiffani Calvert, Oggi’s Pizza & Brewery
like (or dislike) about the newsletter. Let us know the topics you’re
Jacqueline Eldredge, Massey Insurance Services
interested reading about. Share the latest news about your company’s milestones, achievements, and anniversaries with your fellow Chamber members. Email us at info@avchamber.org.
Brittany Depezynski, High Desert Shuttle John Wales, John-Wales Farmer Insurance Brandin Wilson Dillon, Shear Realty
RSVP Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce (760) 242-2753 or info@avchamber.org
We appreciate the overwhelming response in attendance at the General Membership Luncheon and wish to accommodate all members in attendance. In our efforts to fulfill the reservations at the Apple Valley Golf Course for the monthly luncheon we ask that members R.S.V.P. no later than the Thursday before the luncheon. Should a member reserve and not attend, the lunch fee of $25.00 will be billed to the member. Notice of cancellation of reservations for the luncheon must be made 24 hours in advance in order to avoid the lunch fee. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities upon request.
Cost $21.00 per person with reservation $26.00 per person at the door without reservation $31.00 for non-members
5 Signs Your Company is in Trouble
By T. Faye Griffin, Managing Editor
Another iconic store will fade into retail history when Kmart on Bear Valley shutters its doors in March. The big boxes aren’t the only business struggling to stay afloat. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 95% of small businesses fail within the first five years. Sadly, it’s the sign of the times. But don’t despair. Whether your company is a large chain, mid-sized franchise outlet, or a small home-based business, you can lower the risk of a similar fate by simply raising your awareness. It pays to pay attention. Here are five telltale signs that your company might be headed for trouble: #1 - SLUGGISH CASH FLOW • Expenses greater than income? Unable to meet monthly obligations? Insufficient capital is a serial business killer. #2 - REVOLVING DOOR SYNDROME • Had more than one employee ghost you? High employee turnover rate signals that trouble may be afoot. #3 - STANDING OUT IN A CROWD • Got a string of bad reviews online? Crowd-sourced review forums such as Yelp can make or break you. #4 - TUNNEL VISION • Catering to one type of customer or only offering one product/ service? You are possibly headed for a downfall. #5 - RICKETY RECORDS • Recordkeeping is paramount. If your records are not up-to-date, it is impossible to accurately forecast cash flow.
TIPS TO GET YOUR BUSINESS BACK ON TRACK
CONSERVATION A NEW WAY OF LIFE
• Increase cash flow by collecting outstanding debts, selling off excess stock, or discontinuing profit-eating discounts. • Establish/reinforce open and honest communication with your staff. Consider a roundtable to discuss issues or installing a suggestion box for anonymous feedback.
AT HOME
• Respond immediately (and diplomatically) to bad reviews online. Offer to make amends—even if your company was not in error.
BATHROOM TIPS
• Cultivate new customers and diversify goods and/or services. Variety is not only the spice of life; it can bring life to your business. • Engage a accountant.
good
bookkeeper
or
Certainly there are many more factors than can contribute to the failure of a business. But in every case, the sooner the risk is identified and addressed, the better chance a business has to buck the trend.
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CHAMPIONS CORNER FIVE REASONS AMBASSADORS VOLUNTEER Anita Holmes (California Writer’s Club) “I love it because it gives me a chance to brag on the community and to learn about the fascinating people who live and work here. I love it.” Ambassador
co-Chairperson
Brittany
Depezynski (High Desert Shuttle) sees volunteering as being equal parts professional and personal. “It is a gateway into the community. It plugs you into the chamber and the community at large. We spend a lot of time together. We refer business to one another. It’s like having a group of friends who are concerned about you and your business.” “When I started my jewelry business I wanted to keep my finger on the pulse of the community,” says Irene Gaulke (Daily Press). “Also, I had been looking for a place to give back to the community. Being an ambassador let’s me do both.” More than 10 years after being recruited to be an ambassador, Jackie Bounce (Bounce Realty) still loves the friendly atmosphere and the flexibility it affords her schedule. “You can choose what you want to do--help out at meetings, ribbon cuttings, events. For Richard Bounce (Bounce Realty), serving on the Ambassador committee is a family affair. Inspired by his wife’s longtime involvement he jumped in with both feet hasn’t looked back. “Not only is a good way to promote your business, it’s a way to invest in the community and help people in need with fundraisers like the golf tournament.” Interested in volunteering? Attend the next Ambassador committee meeting on January 11th at 12 noon in the Chamber conference room, 16010 Apple Valley Road.
How do I determine what tech is best for my small business? Start with the end in mind. What is it that you want to accomplish? Once you have identified your need, determine whether the main priority is to: a) CREATE operational efficiency b) SAVE money c) GENERATE income This will greatly assist when establishing a budget and help in deciding whether to go with a free basic solution, low-mid range “templated” solution, or invest in something more robust and customizable that can be adapted as your business grows. Other things to consider: • How user-friendly is the tool? • How easy it is to reach and receive good customer support? • Will you have to purchase and install a program on dedicated device? Or will the tool be accessible from anywhere via secure login?
What’s YOUR Question?
By Thomas Hallin
I’d love to answer your tech questions. Email them to: techtalk@avchamber.org
Thomas Hallin is an intrapreneur turned entrepreneur with over 20 years of international sales, marketing and business development expertise. His work includes Fortune 100 companies, small businesses, and start-ups, as well the serving on boards of various nonprofits. Have a tech question for Thomas? Please email it to: techtalk@avchamber.org
Apple Bites
Chairman Virginia Watterson does the honors of introducing the artist behind the new stained glass mural in our chamber conference room, “Bell Mountain in Apple Valley, a convoy of CA Quails, CA Poppies, Hummingbirds, Choa and Yucca Cactus” by Ursula Beeson.
Orlando Acevedo stands in total observance during the luncheon program.
Lin Ahmed elatedly accepts new member plaque on behalf of Encore Education Corporation.
The bonus feature to this lunch meeting was Encore’s string ensemble serenading us with the beautiful sounds of “A Christmas Medley” in open-air
Photos By Chris Ackerman
Members and friends came home for Christmas to a lovely layout of great food catered by the Siam Thai Cuisine.
It was a cozy, intimate and home-like atmospheres for our guests to interconnect with each other out by the crackling fireplace.
These folks came to hear the good news and are completely captivated.
The guys giving their undivided attention to the lead speaker of the event.
What better way to spread holiday cheer than with these fun and festively dressed ladies?
Virginia Watterson & Chris Ackerman hit the scene dressed for the holiday occasion.
Mayor Larry Cusack disclose details with Mayor’s Minute.
Cheerful ambassador Wendy Ramey of Agio Real Estate superintends the raffle portion of the luncheon.
Shop Local. Source Local.
State of The City Presentations creates marketing materials, including promotional videos, for local Apple Valley businesses like Out of This World BBQ.
rl d B B Q ti o n s T h is Wo re s e n ta Out of s, e v E e C it y P d h T d f To o : te Le ft tt e, S ta am Tha R ig h t: S
Is your business sourcing local? Share your story at shoplocal@applevalley.org for an opportunity to be featured in an upcoming Shop Local ad.
www.ShopAppleValley.org
Employers: W-2s Due January 31 Reprint with permission of CalChamber
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminds employers and other businesses of the January 31 filing deadline that now applies to filing Form W-2 wage statements and independent contractor forms. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 started a requirement for employers to file their copies of Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, with the Social Security Administration by January 31. Certain Forms 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, filed with the IRS to report non-employee compensation to independent contractors are also due at this time. Such payments are reported in box 7 of this form. The IRS can more efficiently verify income that individuals report on their tax returns because of the January 31 deadline; this helps prevent fraud. File these forms correctly and timely to avoid penalties. IRS e-file is the quickest, most accurate and convenient way to file these forms. Pointers to help filers prepare As always, employers are also required to distribute copies of the Form W-2 to their employees on January 31.
Act now to get ready for the filing season by making sure that: • Your company’s account information is current and active with the Social Security Administration. •You have correct employee information. •You have enough copies of the forms you will need, if you use paper forms. Consider the advantages of filing your forms electronically (accuracy, speed, convenience). Automatic extensions of time to file Forms W-2 are not available. The IRS will grant extensions only for very specific reasons. Details can be found on the instructions for Form 8809, Application for Time to File Information Returns. For more information, read the instructions for Forms W-2 & W-3 and the Information Return Penalties page at IRS.gov.
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SUBMISSIONS Nyesha Loyd, editor, accepts articles for possible newsletter publication. Articles are subject to editing and will be published on a space available basis.The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce assumes no responsibility for the care or return of submitted materials. DISCLAIMER All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in THE BUSINESS SOURCE. The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce accepts no responsibility for damages arising directly
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or as a consequence of the use or publication of inaccurate information.The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and are not necessarily shared by THE BUSINESS SOURCE, its staff, the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce or its advertisers. Editorial content is intended as general information and not seen as specific legal or financial advice. For such, readers are advised to consult professionals in the appropriate field. The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce assumes no liability resulting from advertising contained in this publication.
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