regional chamber of commerce
BUSINESS INSIDER P r o m o t i n g a n d e n h a n c in g b u s i n e s s w i t h i n t h e C e r r i t o s a re a November 2015
Volume XIV, Issue V
Why Local Elections Matter A year from now we will be casting votes for a new president of our country. With all of the attention on the Office of the President it is easy to miss the fact that local elections tend to have more of an impact on our daily lives that those we elect to send to Washington, D.C. or Sacramento. Local government provides the services that most of us use each and every day. From sewage to water and trash disposal to public safety, government at the city and county levels are actively involved in your daily lives. Even school districts are run at the local level by a group of concerned citizens elected to ensure the local community’s schools are performing well.
Mixin’ in the Mornin’ Speed Networking Breakfast at Vintage Cerritos
Chamber members connect during the Chamber’s speed networking breakfast - Mixin’ in the Mornin’ More on Page 9
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Turkey Bowl
13 Annual Bowling Tournament Thursday, November 19, 2015 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm AMF Cerritos Lanes - Cerritos
Holiday Luncheon Making Spirits Bright Thursday, December 10, 2015 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Sheraton Cerritos Hotel 12725 Center Court Drive - Cerritos
Holiday Networking Mixer Sheraton Cerritos Hotel Thursday, December 17, 2015 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 12725 Center Court Drive - Cerritos
The state and federal government have more of an impact on the “bigger picture” items that can affect the national or state economy by imposing laws or regulations. These might include raising income taxes, which may lead to consumers spending less, or imposing new environmental regulations, which might impact the cost of goods and services provided by impacted businesses. Then again, those decisions at the state and federal levels might not compare to how a local government can impact your life through creating safe neighborhoods, offering services, and keeping streets in great shape as these can impact your property value, physical condition of your neighborhood from streets to parks, and even the cost of maintaining your car. With the importance of local elections, one might think that every registered voter would visit the polls to vote for the candidate they think could have the most significant impact on the community. However, this is just not the case. A University of Wisconsin study found a decline in voter turnout in odd-numbered years (mostly associated with local elections), going from 26.6 percent in 2001 to 20.9 percent in 2011. Another study suggested that moving local elections to even years, to coincide with national elections, could boost turnout by more than 18 percent. Here in the region there have been several competitive elections for local office. Earlier this year, ten candidates for the Cerritos City Council competed for three open seats. In the end, the third seat was won by less than 30 votes. Certainly every vote mattered in that election. On November 3rd, voters in Hawaiian Gardens will choose from four candidates to fill two City Council seats, and voters from across the ABC Unified School District will select new Board of Education members from newly formed Trustee Areas. President Thomas Jefferson is credited with saying “the government you elect is the government you deserve” and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Tip O’Neil coined the phrase “all politics is local.” If combined, these quotes could best describe local elections. Your local government is the government that matters most and is the one you deserve. Vote on November 3, 2016.
Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce · 13259 E. South Street · Cerritos, CA 90703 phone: (562) 467-0800 · fax: (562) 467-0840 · chamber@cerritos.org · www.cerritos.org
Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
Just recently, the Cerritos Chamber hosted a Meet and Greet Orientation Workshop. The gathering of Chamber members and non-members took place at the chamber office. The goal of the event was to make our chamber members aware of the benefits that are offered to them as well as the relationships that can be formed as a result from participating in chamber events. Our “Let’s Do Lunch” at Lazy Dog Restaurant was another wonderful event. Meeting new friends and embracing old friends while enjoying a delicious lunch was great. I encourage you to attend the next “Let’s Do Lunch” event in January. The food and friends will give you pleasant memories. Ronald Johnson As I was greeting our chamber members and guests at the 2015-2016 Mixin’ in the Mornin’ Speed Networking & Breakfast Mixer, I Chamber President felt refreshed and revived because we were networking with one another in the early morning. What a way to start the day. Euphoria is the word that can be best used to describe the upcoming Turkey Bowl to be held on Nov. 19th. If you desire to laugh, have fun, and enjoy others, take a break from your rigorous day at work and bring a team to have a wonderful bowling afternoon. During the month of November, it is a time to give thanks. To be living in the land of the free is a blessing. As you come together during this holiday season of thanksgiving, please take time to realize that despite your cultural differences, your religious beliefs, or your demographic location, we can all come together in this country and give thanks for the rights and privileges that we possess and practice daily.
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Executive Committee President RONALD JOHNSON Irvine University Vice-President TERI BAZEN Norwalk-La Mirada Plumbing Vice-President ANN GRIFFO ABC Unified School District Vice-President MELANIE BROAD LPL Financial Vice-President CONNIE TURNER Southern CA Edison Vice-President GINA COLE Legal Shield Past President JONATHAN MATSON Matson Architects, Inc.
Board Members JAE LEE Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary PAUL MOTENKO Stacked Restaurants JB D’SOUZA Calmet Services ALEXANDER KHANANASHVILI Obesity Solutions KEN KRAUS Los Cerritos Center MARK CHUNG Sleep & Lung MD BRIAN JONDLE Vicencia & Buckley, A Division of Hub Int’l MAHA RAYAN Union Bank
Staff SCOTT SMITH Executive Director JILL OVARD Operations Manager MAY PEITZSCH Member Benefits Coordinator CLARENCE FUQUA Bookkeeper
The Business Insider
is published monthly by the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce. 13259 E. South Street Cerritos, California 90703 562/467-0800 chamber@cerritos.org
Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
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Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
Upcoming Events NOVEMBER 11 19
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED Veteran’s Day TURKEY BOWL 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm AMF Cerritos Lanes
26-27 CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER 10
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
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HOLIDAY NETWORKING MIXER
11:30 am - 1:00 pm Sheraton Cerritos Hotel 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sheraton Cerritos Hotel
24-25 CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED Christmas Holiday 31-1 CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED New Year’s Holiday
JANUARY 12
LET’S DO LUNCH
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CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday NETWORKING MIXER
28
2016 LABOR LAW UPDATE
11:30 am -1:00 pm Stacked Restaurant - 18425 Gridley Road
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Lazy Dog Restaurant - 278 Los Cerritos Center 8:30 am - 10:30 am Cerritos Library - 18025 Bloomfield Ave.
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Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
New Chamber Members Please join us in welcoming these new Members to the Chamber of Commerce. Stop by their respective locations and welcome them to our business community! RED EYE FISH Joseph Om 18921 Norwalk Blvd. Artesia, CA 90701 562-202-9430
www.redeyefish.com
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX Jackie Shahzadi 6 Centerpointe Dr. Ste. 200 La Palma, CA 90623 800-888-1968 www.phoenix.edu MAUD ARCHITECTS Jae Chung 12611 Hiddencreek Way Ste. G Cerritos, CA 90703 562-926-8801 www.m-aud.com ROSEWOOD’S RESTAURANT Araceli Puentes 10769 South St. Cerritos, CA 90703 562-925-6120 24 HOUR FITNESS – Opening on Dec. 19th! Doug Levesque 17970 Studebaker Road Cerritos, CA 90703 888-243-5002 www.24hourfitness.com/Cerritos
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Member Anniversaries 30 Years or More
Browning Acura - Chrysler - Dodge - Jeep - Mazda
20 Years or More
Walmart ABC Adult School Ben Bridge Jewelers Broad Wealth Management Penske Buick GMC of Cerritos Civic Member - Bonnie Apodaca
10 Years or More
Barros & Barros DMD, Inc.
5 Years or More
Borba Investment Realty, Inc.
1 Year or More
RJL Pioneer Westport Escrow Stacked Restaurant Edible Arrangements Bloomfield Dental Center Civic Member - Naresh Solanki Trinity Worldwide Reprographics Which Wich Superior Sandwiches Forest Lawn Memorial Park & Mortuary
Thank you for your continued membership!
2015 Presidents Circle Members Diamond
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Crystal
George Ray
Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
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Let’s Do Lunch! Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar If you missed the Let’s Do Lunch at Lazy Dog Restaurant on October 13th, you really missed out on a great event! Special thanks to General Manger, David Sponheim, for hosting this fun luncheon. With a special menu prepared just for this event, attendees were able to choose from over 12 assorted beverages, 4 delicious entrees which included a Tex Mex Salad, a Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta, a Walnut Chicken Sandwich, or a Margherita & Wild Arugula Foldover Pizza. Then to make it even sweeter, David surprised everyone with samples of their award winning desserts for everyone to sample. New connections were made over a great meal.
Chamber members enjoy a delicious lunch while making new contacts.
Cerritos City Councilmember Jim Edwards, Ken Kraus - Los Cerritos Center, Hector Castillo - El Aviso, and Brian Robles AMF Cerritos Lanes enjoy lunch.
Chamber Executive Director Scott Smith presents Lazy Dog General Manager David Sponheim with a Chamber membership plaque.
New connections were made at Let’s Do Lunch!
Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
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The Cerritos Regional of Chamber is partnering with ABC Unified School District Teen Parent Program and Tracy Infant Center this Holiday Season for our 4th Annual Holiday Drive The Teen Parent Program provides services and specialized classes for school age expectant or parenting students while they complete their education and the Tracy Infant Center provides low income child care. What is needed? Baby Clothes sizes 6 mos - 5T Baby Wipes
Baby Diapers sizes 2 - 6 Toys ages 6 mos -3 yrs
Hardback Books ages 6 mos -3 yrs Walmart & Target Gift Cards
Donations can be dropped off at the Chamber Office or bring your donation to the Holiday Luncheon on December 10th and receive a free raffle ticket.
Contact the Chamber: 562/467-0800 or chamber@cerritos.org
How can you help more? Your business can be a Holiday Drive Collection site. Please contact the Chamber and we will provide a donation collection box for your office.
Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
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Meet & Greet Orientation Workshop The Chamber held its first Meet & Greet Orientation Workshop on October 22nd at the Chamber Office. New, current, and prospective members were invited to learn about the benefits and opportunities of Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce membership. Attendees received a Membership Packet and Handbook, enjoyed a comprehensive power point presentation, and met Board Members, Ambassadors, and Chamber staff at this informative event. The meeting concluded with the presentation of membership plaques, a business card drawing and an opportunity for networking
New, prospective and current Chamber members enjoyed the Meet & Greet Orientation Workshop
Trinity Worldwide Reprographics
American Cancer Society
Farmers & Merchants Bank
El Aviso Magazine
University of Phoenix
Advertising Space is Available! 1/8 page color ad (3.5" x 2"): $25/month 1/4 page color ad (3.75" x 4.5"): $50/month 1/2 page color ad (7.5" x 4.5"): $100/month
Contact the Chamber: 562/467-0800 or chamber@cerritos.org
Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
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Mixin’ in the Mormin’ The Cerritos Regional Chamber held its Mixin’ in the Mornin’ Speed Networking and Breakfast Mixer at Vintage Cerritos on October 28 th. During the first part of the Mixer, participants had a chance to leisurely mix with one another over a delicious breakfast buffet catered by the chefs at Vintage Cerritos. Next it was time to “speed things up”, and two groups were formed, sitting across from one another, and the real fun and “mixin’ ” began. The goal of speed networking is to meet as many people as possible, exchange business cards, and share a quick 1-minute speech about you and your business. Thank you Laura Trujillo and Kris Schero from Vintage Cerritos for hosting a great event.
Joe Derthick - AFLAC and Harold Bazarian get to networking!
Dr. Jose Fiero - President of Cerritos College with Steve Richardson - Executive Director of the Cerritos College Foundation
Michelle Soto and Angelique Gomez from Sheraton Cerritos Hotel with Harold Bazarian - Civic Member, and Amanda Blanton - Farmers & Merchants Bank.
Laura Trujillo and Kris Schero from Vintage Cerritos with Vernon Atwood - Right at Home
Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
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LA PALMA INTERCOMMUNITY HOSPITAL
MEMBERS IN
THE
NEWS
ADIDAS Miss the hustle and bustle of Black Friday by taking advantage of the Adidas Pre-Black Friday promotions starting on Wednesday, November 4th. Here are some of the great deals: 30% off Tracksuits 30% off Outerwear 30% off Fleece 30% off Accessories 2 for $30 Graphic Tees 2 for $30 Ultimate & Graphic Tees Adidas is located in the Los Cerritos Center. TRINITY WORLDWIDE REPROGRAPHICS Trinity Worldwide Reprographics invites the community for a morning of great live music and a message from Bob & Pat Mecado of Mecado Ministries on Friday, November 20th. Enjoy fun time with new friends! A delicious light breakfast will be served. Neighbors, business people, and community are all welcome! ARTESIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Join the Artesia Historical Society for their "Home for the Holidays" 12th Annual Dinner Fundraiser. Help celebrate the joy of the Holiday Season. Enjoy the festivities including a traditional holiday feast. Shop their boutique for unique holiday gifts. Your support is what keeps History alive in Artesia. The event will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Albert O. Little Community Center, 18750 Clarkdale Avenue in Artesia. Call (562) 865-3107 for more information. LOS CERRITOS CENTER The Los Cerritos Center is pleased to offer no fees on Mall Visa Gift Card purchases. No Purchase Fees on Mall Visa® Gift Card Purchases of $1,000 or More.* Valid from October 16 - 22, 2015. Visit the Mall Guest Services or Management Office To Order!
Join La Palma Intercommunity Hospital on Friday, November 13th, 4 pm - 6 pm for complimentary health screenings. The event is FREE and open to the public. The following will be provided on first come first serve basis: Flu Vaccinations, Blood Pressure, Height & Weight, Blood Sugar, and Blood Flow in Lower Extremities. The Hospital is located at 7901 Walker Street in the City of La Palma. CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS & SELACO WIB L.A. County in conjunction with the City of Hawaiian Gardens and SELACO WIB Youth Jobs Program is offering a yearround "Earn & Learn" program designed to provide work-based learning to LA County's youth ages 14-21. The goal of the program is to introduce young people to the workplace, gain valuable employment skills, and earn an income. Youth work an average of 100 hours of paid work experience. The Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board provides funding to pay wages through a county funded grant. For more information about how your business can participate in this program, contact Melissa Valdez, City of Hawaiian Gardens at 562/420-2641 x201. KABUKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Kabuki Japanese Restaurant was chosen for the City’s Business Recognition Program, which showcases local businesses that foster pride in the City’s thriving community and economy. Since 1991, the family-friendly Kabuki Japanese Restaurant has served quality Japanese cuisine and exceptional service to diners. Offering traditional Japanese dishes, creative cocktails, vegetarian and gluten-free options, a popular Happy Hour menu and an award-winning Kids’ Menu, the restaurant chain has 17 locations in California, Arizona and Nevada. The Cerritos location is located at 11431 South Street
Andrew Chung from Kabuki Japanese Restaurant receives a proclamation from Mayor Chen and the Cerritos City Council
Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
Members in the News
cont’d
ORECK CLEAN HOME CENTER Please join the Cerritos Regional Chamber as it celebrates the relocation & grand re-opening of Oreck Clean Home Center in Cerritos with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 4th from 4 pm - 7 pm. The celebration will include door prizes & refreshments plus 20% off their entire inventory. The store is located at 13237 South Street in the Cerritos Plaza shopping center. PIH HEALTH Join PIH Health on Saturday, October 24th at Embassy Suites Downey from 9 am - 12 pm. PIH Health is here to help you select the best Medicare Advantage plan that fits your needs. This event will include a lecture about the benefit changes in 2016, as well as the chance to speak with representatives from the Medicare Advantage health plans accepted by PIH Health. For more information please call 1-888-365-4450 or visit PIHHEALTH.org/seniors A’ROMA RISTORANTE Ferrari’s A’Roma Ristorante is welcoming in the holiday season with their pumpkin cheesecake. Be sure to visit A’Roma before the holidays are over and this favorite dessert is no longer available. Looking to plan your holiday party? Contact A’Roma Ristorante today at (714) 523-3729.
Candidates Forum The Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the Candidates Forum for both ABC Unified School District - Trustee Area 7 and Hawaiian Gardens City Council candidates on October 28, 2015 in the Hawaiian Gardens Council Chambers. Participating in the forum for the ABC Unified School District - Trustee Area 7 was Christopher T. Apodaca. Candidate Silvestre Vasquez was unable to be at the event due to prior obligation. Participants in City Council forum were Myra Maravilla and Hank Trimble. Candidates Teresa Macias and Victor Farfan were unable to attend due to prior obligations. Chamber Past President Julia Emerson facilitated the forum as moderator and current Chamber Member Jason Amnesec served as the event timer. Candidates were given an opportunity to respond to several pre-prepared questions regarding their vision and plans for the position they are seeking. The candidates also answered many questions from the audience about specific community issues. According to the Chamber’s bylaws, the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce is prohibited from supporting candidates and we hold this event to benefit the community.
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Promoting and enhancing business within the Cerritos area
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www.saveatofficedepot.com/cerritoschamber Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce · 13259 E. South Street · Cerritos, CA 90703 phone: (562) 467-0800 · fax: (562) 467-0840 · chamber@cerritos.org · www.cerritos.org