Paramount Chamber Hosts 2016 Job Fair
The Paramount Chamber of Commerce recently hosted their 16th annual Job Fair, the event which was sponsored by Paramount Petroleum / AltAir Paramount was a success with more than 400 job seekers and 35 vendors in attendance.
In addition to applying for job openings visitors had the opportunity to create a resume or have an existing resume critiqued by Human Resources professionals. Paramount SASSFA offered workshops for creating a winning resume and how to interview and land a job.
The Job Fair is a cooperative effort between the Paramount Chamber of Commerce, the City of Paramount, and Paramount SASSFA, as well as Honorary Co-Chairs Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, LA County Supervisor Don Knabe, Senator Ricardo Lara, and Assemblyman Anthony Rendon.
City of Paramount employees Danny Elizarraras (Management Analyst) and Janene Ottaiano (HR Manager).
Recipient of Senator Ricardo Lara 2015 Excellence in Business Award
Nominate A Home For Paramount Pride
The nomination period for Paramount Pride, the City’s annual program that recognizes property owners in town who maintain their homes in a pleasing, attractive way, is here once again. The deadline for nominations is April 14th and the winners will be recognized at the May 3rd City Council meeting.
To make a nomination, please call (562) 220-2027 or visit the City’s website homepage at www.paramountcity.com.
Traditional Artists Guild Salutes Local Student Artists
The Paramount Traditional Artists Guild held its 18th annual contest for Paramount’s kindergarten through high school students this year. The winners are to be honored, and receive their cash prizes from the Guild, at the City Council meeting on April 5th.
There were 1,190 entries from 11 Paramount K-8 schools, four middle schools, Paramount High, Paramount High West Campus, Buena Vista High, the Alternative Education Center, the Community Day School, the Paramount Adult School, and Our Lady of the Rosary.
Congratulations are due to all of the following:
First Place Winners
Kindergarten – Diego Ochoa (Hollydale)
1st grade – Valeria cervantes (Keppel)
2nd grade – Janell covarrubias (Hollydale)
3rd grade – isaac Picazo (Hollydale)
4th grade – Daphne Garcia (lincoln)
5th grade – Jade ceja (los cerritos)
6th grade – aylin Mendoza (Hollydale)
7th grade – annette angulo (Zamboni)
8th grade – noemi Hernandez (Zamboni)
9th grade – Bianca Gaspar (PHs West)
10th grade – alexis aguirre (PHs)
11th grade – christina Huerta (PHs)
12th grade – Daisy nava (PHs)
sPecial aWarD Winners
Best Use of color – Heidi azpeitia (11th – PHs)
Best composition – Melanie Ortiz (12th – PHs)
chamber of commerce award – Jennifer Martinez (8th – Zamboni)
superintendent’s award – nataly campos (10th – PHs)
chairman’s award – Miriam torres (12th – PHs)
commissioner’s award – stephanie casteneda (10th – PHs)
Mayor’s award – alexis aguirre (10th – PHs)
Boulevard of Heroes to Honor
Paramount Military Members
Heroes” with streetlight banners along a section of Paramount Blvd.
In order to qualify as an honoree, the individual must be a current member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserve, and National Guard) and a resident of Paramount. Or they must have lived in Paramount prior to joining the military and currently have an immediate family member here in town.
Applications for the recognition will be available in April and May only, with the banners going up in June. You can get an application at City Hall, the City Yard, and the Sheriff’s Station. There is no fee to apply. You will need to provide proof of Paramount residency and a copy of the service member’s military identification card.
The banners will be displayed for one year. Each subsequent year, new and current honorees must re-apply. Current honorees will be contacted about the new application period.
Relay For Life – Join the Run Against Cancer
The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life offers an opportunity to honor cancer survivors, promote ways for individuals to reduce their cancer risk, and raise money to help end the disease. This year’s Paramount Relay for Life is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, starting at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until Sunday, May 3rd when it will end at 9:00 a.m. It takes place in Paramount Park.
For information on how to participate, visit www.relayforlife.org/ParamountCA, email Bridget.valadez@cancer.org, or call Bridget Valadez at (323) 452-3898 or Regina Ledesma at (562) 481-2164.
Red Cross and Local Volunteers Making Paramount Homes Safer
Thank you to all the volunteers in town who came out to work with the Red Cross on March 19 to help with the organization’s Home Fire campaign to install smoke detectors for Paramount residents, all for free.
Teams were provided training by the Red Cross the day before, then went to the focus area of the Americana Mobile Home Park. There were 38 volunteers who installed 183 smoke alarms in 64 residences.
There will be two more outreach efforts with the program, one at the Rio Puente Mobile Home Park on April 16 and another at other targeted neighborhoods on May 6. For information about taking part as a volunteer or receiving an installation, please call (562) 490-4027.
Water Conservation Update
The City of Paramount will be honoring our brave men and women who are serving in the military by creating a “Boulevard of “The
As you probably recall, Sacramento has imposed water restrictions on all cities in the state to reduce usage by certain percentages compared to 2013. Paramount’s mandated reduction is 12%.
The City has been doing well at meeting this goal. Cumulatively, since the decree was put in place, we have cut back by 13.25%.
Our biggest months for conservation, however, were last year, and recent figures have not been as impressive. In February, for instance, Paramount’s water use actually increased by 3% over what it was in the same month in 2013. It didn’t help matters that it was the hottest February in many years.
This is happening in cities across California, due in part to winter being a more difficult time to achieve significant water savings.
But we do need to keep at the conservation efforts, so please do what you can to keep saving water. (A side note: Outdoor watering goes back to two days a week starting in April, on Mondays and Thursdays.)
Mayor, Daryl Hofmeyer
Talking or Texting on Cell Phones
Con men and women always seem to be around preying on the innocent. Here is a recent example of a scam going
There are plenty of facts, figures, and details about distracted driving, but the California Office of Traffic Safety wants you to know the plain and simple ones:
• 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention.
Individuals are calling people or coming to homes and falsely claiming to be utility workers. They may threaten to shut off electric, gas, or water service unless payment is made with cash, pre-paid cash cards, or credit cards.
landlords or management personnel. And always get a receipt for your payment and keep it. If possible make a photo copy of your “moneygram” or check, too.
• If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.
New Tool for Patrolling Our Parks
Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders
Remember that employees of electric and gas companies carry ID badges with their photos. Ask to see them. And cash payments are never accepted.
• Up to 6,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.
• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
To learn about other such scams, google “utility rep scams.”
Be Careful With Rent Checks
• Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, long enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph. Most crashes happen with less than three seconds reaction time.
Some apartments have drop boxes for rent deposits. The Paramount Public Safety Team has noticed an uptick of police reports noting thieves accessing these boxes and stealing the checks or “moneygrams.”
There are certain areas in the City like parks that Sheriff’s patrol cars are easily spotted from a distance by individuals who may be indulging in illegal activity. To make law enforcement more effective in these places, Paramount bought a side-by-side all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) for deputies to use. The results have been positive.
Paramount has its own dedicated District Attorney – Kelly Tatman – who works out of the Sheriff’s Station. Her duties include making sure that criminal investigations and prosecutions in town receive full attention and don’t fall through the cracks at the larger County D.A.’s Office.
Recently, the Special Assignment Officer team utilized the side-by-side to target specific enforcement in the early afternoon hours at Dills Park, along the L.A. River bike path, at Spane Park, Garfield Park, and Village Park.
Not only does this leave the tenant open to financial losses and possible ID theft, but they are still liable for their rent.
Renters should try and pay directly to
• The act of talking on a cell phone, even hands free, can give you “inattention blindness,” where your brain isn’t seeing what’s right in front of you. You aren’t even aware that you are driving impaired. If you think you can handle both driving and talking on a cell phone or texting, you are kidding yourself and putting us all at risk.
Community News
Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel – especially texting and cell phone use, whether hands-free or handheld. Who’s doing it? Most of us. It has been estimated that, at any one time, more than 10 percent of drivers are using a mobile device.
Tatman has been visiting a class of 36 students at Jefferson School as part of Project LEAD. The program, which goes into the classroom once a week for 20 weeks during the school year, uses volunteers like Tatman from the D.A.’s Office to teach fifth-graders about the law and help them recognize the social and legal consequences of criminal behavior.
The operation has resulted in a number of arrests and citations for a variety of offenses. During these outings the deputies have been getting positive feedback from many of the law-abiding folks enjoying our parks.
Sadly, too many young people first become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. Project LEAD is designed to avoid that scenario.
Traveling With Pets Be Sure They are Safe!
A ticket for $159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.
What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:
• Never text and drive.
• Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel.
The class from Jefferson recently went on a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance. (They will also go to a local courthouse). In addition, Project LEAD’s curriculum includes speakers connected to the criminal justice system and a mock trial involving either drug selling or gun possession on campus. Students are assigned roles and argue a criminal case to a jury consisting of other students. Teachers and parents attend, too.
• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving.
• Make a pact with your family, spouse, and caregivers never to use the phone with kids in the car.
• No eating or drinking while driving.
• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player, or other devices while driving.
• Pull over and stop to read maps.
• No grooming.
• No reading.
• No watching videos.
• Try not to get too involved with passengers.
The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) stresses that there are many components of Responsible Pet Ownership. Traveling safely with your pet is an essential consideration all year long. Distracted driving puts not only your vehicle in danger but anyone around you on the road in danger too. A free roaming pet in a vehicle can be a recipe for disaster. Keeping your pet secure in one spot can also protect them from being injured or from coming in contact with rapidly deploying air bags.
Once you have made the wise decision to protect your pet in the vehicle the next item on the agenda would be to figure which method would be the best. If your dog is good at sitting and watching the world go by though the window, a harness seatbelt combination may be the perfect fit. Some pet seat-belts are designed to attach to the seat belt, click into the car buckle and others attach to the car’s latch system. If a crate or carrier is the best fit for your pet,
At the end of the program, the kids will participate in a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate of completion from the D.A.’s Office at a meeting of the Paramount Public Safety Commission.
Summer Vacation Home Checks
ensure it is secure and not obstructing the driver’s view. For those pets that are more petite, booster seats are available to keep your pet at a level where you can see them and they can see the road.
With summertime approaching, remember that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule a home check.
The following are additional tips to keep you and all family members including your pet safe while traveling:
Paramount residents can contact the Sheriff’s Station about having Volunteers on Patrol keep an eye on your home or property while you’re gone.
• Offer water to your pet periodically during the trip.
Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.
• Stop to allow your pet to use the restroom and stretch.
• Keep a copy of your pet’s health record with you on your trip. Be sure to have your pet’s rabies certificate and current pet license information.
Simple Strategies for Better Event Marketing
• Ensure all tags and micro-chips are current and up to date.
Friday, May 16, 2014 - 10am to 12pm
Attend this presentation and learn how to use the power of event marketing to get potential and existing customers to take four key actions:
• If staying overnight, have a supply of their food, favorite blanket and toy available.
• Sign up • Speak up • Show up • Follow up Good marketing is about eliciting a physical and measurable response. In this practical and engaging seminar, you will learn how to find, convert, and keep new and existing customers through effective event marketing. You will also learn best practices related to the who, when, where, and what that makes an event a memorable experience. Learn how events can engage customers. Take your events to the next level using e-mail, social, traditional, and internet marketing tools. Fee: $20
• Take treats to reward good travel behavior.
With planning, a family trip including your pet can be safe and enjoyable!
(Make checks payable to LBCC SBDC)
• FREE- Listing on the Paramount Chamber Website
• FREE- Two Listings in the
• FREE- Member Discount Program
Paramount Preparing for El Nino
Adriana Lopez, City of Paramount Public Safety Director, recently visited the Paramount Rotary Club to share information about the City’s plans for El Nino, although El Nino hasn’t arrived in Southern California many experts predict it will produce tropical weather, heavy rain and wind.
Because Paramount is basically a flat land considerable attention is being given to gutters to ensure good water runoff. Public works is well organized and has at their disposal equipment such as an emergency response trailer and a mobile command vehicle. Paramount residents can also pick up ten sand bags at the City Maintenance Yard free of charge.
Paramount has two emergency centers; the Sheriff’s Station and the Maintenance Yard. There is backup power for City offices and public safety personnel as well as emergency supplies that allow employees to stay at work for up to three days. During a disaster a shelter will be set up at Paramount Park and maintained by City Staff until operations are turned over to the Red Cross.
It’s important to know when a disaster happens responsibility for public safety falls first on the City, then the County, State, and finally the Federal Government; everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for at least three days following a disaster.
Central Basin to Provide Free Water Use Audits and Retrofits
Partnership with Department of Water Resources will aid local communities to increase conservation during drought
During one of the driest periods in our state’s history, the Central Basin Municipal Water District (District) is moving forward on a $809,000 grant program that will help public facilities and non-profit organizations reduce their water consumption by providing water use audits and retrofits at no cost.
The Water Conservation Management and Education Program, funded by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), is an extension of successful grant partnership between the United States Department of Energy, DWR and the District.
“The District is proud of our continued partnership with the Department of Water Resources on programs that help out our communities” said Central Basin Board President Robert Apodaca. “The Water Conservation Management and Education Program is the latest example of Central Basin’s continued commitment towards increasing awareness about water use efficiency and enacting real water savings in Southeast Los Angeles County.”
The free program is available to public facilities, such as schools, cities and non-profits, that are located in the Central Basin service area. The in-depth water use audits will provide valuable insight into the appropriate water-use efficient retrofits to be made. Examples of retrofits include high-efficient toilets and urinals, faucet aerators, sprinkler nozzles and weather based irrigation controllers.
“The communities in Southeast Los Angeles should be recognized for their leadership in water conservation during a very trying time for our state,” said Central Basin General Manager Kevin Hunt. “We look forward to working with our communities to increase our region’s water use efficiency.”
The Water Conservation Management and Education Program will run until December 31, 2016 and is available on a first come, first serve basis. For more information on the grant and to apply, contact Central Basin Conservation Manager Sandi LinaresPlimpton by phone at (323) 201 – 5511 or email at sandilp@centralbasin.org.
Duane Mahan and Adriana Lopez.
Community News
P aramount C ity C oun C il r eorganization
Mayor Tom Hansen ended his one-year mayoral term on March 1 and was recognized and celebrated by local elected officials and others.
Genesis Coronado, representing Congresswoman lucille roybal-Allard.
los Angeles County Supervisor Don knabe.
Julia Juarez, representing State Senator ricardo lara.
ronald lawrence, representing Assemblymember Anthony rendon.
lt. David Auner and Paramount deputies, representing the l.A. County Sheriff’s Department.
PuSD School Board and Superintendent Dr. ruth Perez
leonard Crespo, representing the Paramount Chamber of Commerce.
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Dean Douty, representing the l.A. County Fire Department.
The Paramount City Council, presenting a scrapbook commemorating Mayor Hansen’s past year.
Casa Gamino & Pathways Team Up for the Community
During the month of February, Pathways Volunteer Hospice partnered with Casa Gamino Restaurant as part of their Have A Heart Campaign. Their goal was to spread the word about Pathways’ programs and services which are offered free of charge to the community, and to encourage donations to support their good work … all while enjoying great food!
All those donating on-line to Pathways were entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to Casa Gamino. Lilia Russell was the big winner!
“We love this opportunity every February to draw attention to some serious subjects that affect everyone of us, and hopefully make some new friends and donors in the process,” stated Cindy Skovgard, Pathways Executive Director. Casa Gamino owner, Gloria Gamino,
also believes in the work of Pathways. This is her second time being part of this exciting campaign.
Pathways’ provides hospice care, caregiving for the frail-elderly, grief support, and counseling for children, young adults, and families. They extend a helping hand to local schools by providing crisis response when traumatic incidents arise. And, they offer case management and volunteer companions at no cost to their clients.
To learn more about Pathways Volunteer Hospice please call 562-5313031, or visit www.pathwayshospice. org for more information on their programs and volunteer opportunities.
Casa Gamino is located at 8330 Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723 or visit www.casagamino.us for more information.
From left; Brenda Olmos (Chairman of the Board of Pathways), Erlinda Ramstead (Grief Counselor), Gloria Gamino (Owner, Casa Gamino) and Cindy Skovgard (Executive Director of Pathways).
P aramount C hamber 2016 J
Lupe’s Got the Solution
Select Staffing
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Weber Metals
Office of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard - 40th District
Home Depot
Jiffy Lube
Primerica (Francisco Ventura)
Paramount SASSFA
Your Business
While Supporting Education
Remember to support education in Paramount this year while promoting your business by sponsoring or making a donation to the Paramount Education Partnership’s 13th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser.
It will be held on Friday, April 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Avenue.
All donations are made to the PEP 501c3 non-profit entity, and are tax deductible.
The generosity of the Paramount business community has helped make dreams of college become a reality for many local students. Over the years, 226 scholarships worth $641,000 have gone to Paramount kids attending a university, community college, or trade school.
For some of these students, it has made
the difference in whether or not they could continue their education. For all recipients, it has been important assistance.
This April will provide a fresh opportunity to boost another group of individuals who are working to improve their education and forge a bright future.
Donor businesses will receive publicity in a variety of venues for taking part.
The fundraiser features great food and fun casino-type games, all for a very good cause.
Your donation is an important investment in our community.
If interested in sponsorships or other contributions, please contact Suleyma Rosales at (562) 220-2121 or srosales@ paramountcity.com.
Workshops That Help Businesses Grow
city can Always
“count” on the “pep moms” to Help
The “PEP Moms” from Spane Park helped the City out, once more, by volunteering their time throughout March to count all of coins that were donated by each school in Paramount unified during the annual “Pennies for PEP” fundraiser. They sorted and counted thousands of dollars in change; the final tally will be announced in next month’s Pulse Beat and on the City’s social media outlets, as will the classrooms and schools that gave the most cash. The City and the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) stand in awe, again, of these great folks and the wonderful work they do throughout the year.
P aramount C ity C oun C il r eorganization m eeting
Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, who has represented Paramount on the Board of Supervisors since 1996 and is nearing the end of his term, attended the Paramount City Council meeting on March 1. On behalf of the City, the Council presented him with a donation to the Don Knabe Safe Surrender Scholarship Fund. The Safe Surrender Program was established by the Supervisor and allows unwanted babies to be dropped off at hospitals or fire stations, no questions asked. From left: Councilmember Gene Daniels, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Vice Mayor Peggy Lemons, Supervisor Knabe, and Councilmember Tom Hansen.
The Paramount City Council recognized March as American Red Cross Awareness Month during its March 1 meeting, pointing out that the City and the Greater Long Beach Chapter have collaborated over the years to provide services and training for Paramount residents. The Council urged everyone to give their support to the organization. Accepting the proclamation was Red Cross volunteer and Paramount resident Dr. Linda Timmons. From left: Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Dr. Timmons, Vice Mayor Peggy Lemons, Councilmember Tom Hansen, and Councilmember Gene Daniels.
The Paramount Lions Club presented a donation of $2,500 to the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) scholarship fund at the March 1 City Council meeting. The money is earmarked specifically to help students who are enrolled in vocational training programs. Joining the Council were club members and members of the PEP Foundation Board of Directors.
The Paramount City Council proclaimed March as National Women’s History Month – which celebrates the many ways in which women have helped create, build, and maintain the United States – at its March 1 meeting. Accepting the proclamation were members of the Paramount Women’s Club, which has served the community for 90 years by volunteering, delivering holiday gift baskets, promoting education and health, and more. For information about joining the club, please call (562) 220-2221.
The Paramount/Tepic Sister Cities Association has been an asset to the City for more than 50 years. Members of organization were joined by members of the PUSD PTA District Council at the March 1 Paramount City Council meeting to note their Children’s Day/Dia del Niño event in Paramount Park on Saturday, March 26. For information about the Sister Cities group, call Frank Barraza at (562) 884-8377.
The Paramount City Council proclaimed March as Safe Communities Month at its March 1 meeting, emphasizing that public safety is City’s top priority and that everyone has a role to play in public safety. The Council also noted the City’s strong, productive partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. On hand to accept the proclamation were members of the Sheriff’s team who work in the City.
Spring Into Effective Communication
Hope for Healing Counseling, Inc.
Alma San Miguel, LMFT (562) 445-8177
Spring is officially here and it’s a beautiful time of year when we enjoy good weather, beautiful flowers and fresh air. Sometimes we even do a little spring cleaning; as the season begins challenge yourself to a different kind of spring cleaning; communication cleaning. Human beings often become careless with communication, especially with those closest to us. Unclear communication often results in misunderstandings, hurt feeling, and conflict. Here are some simple guidelines for “cleaning up” communication.
LISTENING:
- Listen attentively to accurately receive messages. (Ex: I will silence my phone to listen to you.) We will be more accurate listeners as we limit our focus of attention and minimize distractions.
- Check to confirm your understanding of the speaker’s message. (Ex: I am hearing that you would like to invite friends over for dinner next Saturday.) Confirming what we hear gives the speaker the opportunity to correct any misunderstood information.
- Work to understand the speaker’s perspective, point of view and related
emotion. (Ex: I can see that this is upsetting to you and you seem to be feeling discouraged.) Our focus as listeners needs to be on understanding the speaker-what they are communicating and how they are feeling.
SPEAKING:
- Speak with a calm/neutral voice and tone. Your tone, volume or nonverbal communication could come across much louder and clearer than your actual message and the message could be lost.
- Make I statements that provide information about YOU. (Ex: I felt hurt and angry when you ignored me.) We are better able to engage the listener in understanding us when we express how “We” are feeling or what we’re thinking. We want to avoid using “You” statements as these may result in the listener feeling attacked or blamed. When we feel blamed or attacked, we often respond in a defensive manner.
- Consider how the listener will receive your message. Taking this step prior to saying something can save you from unnecessary conflict and grief.
- Monitor your communication balance between positive and negative or confrontational. Frequently communicating in a positive, supportive manner results in others being receptive to what we have to say.
Are you looking for Industrial Property in Southern California?
GM Properties, Inc.
Matt Wagner (562) 696-0200
So you own a business or you are looking to invest in the local commercial real estate markets. Commercial real estate is predominantly subdivided into 3 major categories, Industrial, Office & Retail. Let’s say you are looking to open or invest in a retail salon. If you are go out into the market and search for retail opportunities in today’s market, there will be several options for you to choose from. You would just need to determine location along with image and pricing and what fits your business plan the best. If you had an office requirement for your mortgage lending business, you would pretty much be looking at the same options for your business where you will have many options to choose from and would narrow things down by eliminating options that do not meet your requirement. You should not have an issue finding office space or retail space in this current commercial real estate market.
Now, if you recall, I mentioned 3 prime categories for commercial real estate and I have yet to discuss the state of the Industrial market today. Industrial property is where things are currently different than the other two categories in today’s market. Let’s say you have a metal grinding business, and there are several in Paramount, and you need to find a new location for your business operation. Let’s say you are looking for Industrial space of
The following businesses renewed their membership in the Paramount Chamber of Commerce last month, they are celebrating another year
as members. Chamber and Business Resource Center services are made possible by their support.
less than 5,000 square feet for this type business. If you go in to the Industrial market to find something in Paramount that meets this requirement, you will find one or zero options in today’s market. We are in the middle of a serious low inventory Industrial real estate market. If there is a building that hits the market within this requirement range, and they periodically do, it will get leased or sold almost immediately, leaving anyone else looking out in the cold.
If you are in this market and know that you will be needing Industrial space in the near future, my suggestion would be to begin your search immediately and make sure that you plan enough time accordingly to account for the current market conditions. I would start my search about 6 months from when I would be needing the space and would plan to utilize any and all options to secure the best available option for your business. My recommendation would be to contact an Industrial agent and have them help you look for opportunities as they are out in the market walking and talking with other owners and businesses. This way you are utilizing local professionals for your business needs and things are tough in the Industrial market currently. They will be able to open up some doors for you that would otherwise not be an option. Reviewing your requirement with a local professional will help you focus on your operation while the real estate professional is focusing on his operation! Good
hoW to
KIll a BusIness
In ten easy steps
Organizational Behavior Series: Up Your Hiring Game
How to Hire and Keep an Effective Team
Hiring the right people for your business is one of the single most important pieces of building a path toward success. This can be challenging when you’re just starting and have limited resources, so maximizing what you can offer is crucial.
This article explores ways to up your hiring game. The best part is, these changes can be implemented relatively quickly and without draining resources.
BE FLEXIBLE
Understanding your employees work styles can greatly enhance the quality of work you receive. By showing that, as an employer, you care about your team’s daily well-being, you’re more likely to foster desires to please and be productive. This is in contrast to employees who feel like their needs are largely ignored which can breed resentment and lead to poor performance and higher turnover. Over the years, workplace flexibility has evolved to meet the needs of both employees and employers. As people are working more, raising families and trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance, employers are finding ways to accommodate their team, without sacrificing quality. Here are a few examples of common flexible work arrangements:
• Flex Schedules, this could include time in and time out or working longer days Monday through Thursday to get Friday off.
• Job Sharing
• Phased Retirement
• Telecommuting
Of course, any arrangement can work as long as both parties understand each other’s expectations and strive to meet them. At the end of the day, that’s really what flexibility is all about: listening to each other’s needs and finding ways to satisfy them, so that everybody wins.
Expert Advice
Malcolm Geffen, entrepreneur, CEO and University of La Verne SBDC business consultant named flexibility as one of the chief ways to improve organizational behavior. He warns against trying to fit square pegs in round holes, saying that ultimately it’s a waste of energy and resources.
Citing his own experience, Geffen explained how he chose to work with employees rather than against them, which ultimately led to better results. He cited an example where he noted challenges by some employees to be productive in the morning, including getting to work on time. Geffen’s solution was to offer flexible hours, communicate expectations clearly, and measure performance to see if that helped the situation. In fact, it did.
Real Results
According to a recent survey by WorkplaceTrends.com published in February 2016, organizations saw impressive yields from their work flex programs, including: improved employee satisfaction (87%), increased productivity (71%), current talent retention (65%). 69% use their programs as a recruiting tool and 54% said that their programs positively impacted their recruiting.
For more information on free consulting through the SBDC, visit: http://lasbdcnet.ecenterdirect.com/signup
PROMOTE FROM WITHIN, WHENEVER POSSIBLE
When hiring, do you try to find talent within your company or expand your search beyond the corporate walls? Human Resource experts call this the “build it or buy it” million-dollar question.
According to SBDC’s consultant Geffen, promoting from within is always a desirable option, WHEN it makes sense.
“If you promote from within then your employees know there’s the potential for growth, which makes the job more appealing. That’s not always practical, of course. But, if all things are equal, choose the person already working for you,” he advised.
Relationships within a corporate culture are also valuable assets that hiring managers often overlook. For example, an existing employee will have an advantage over an outsider in knowing who to engage for certain tasks or projects, this social capital necessary to get things done is not present with a newcomer – that’s something that takes time to develop.
Geffen recommends looking at the talent you have currently in place. Using an organizational chart, like the one below, is a helpful visual aid in assessing the talent available to you now and identifying any skill gaps in your company. It can also help identify where various employees can ascend to from their position.
Groom Employees for the Next Level with Succession Planning
One way to ensure the talent within your company is ready for that promotion is to create succession plans. By grooming employees for the next level, you’re creating a positive culture that’s ready to react quickly to upper-level management turn around.
According to a report by Central Washington University (CWU), succession planning should be built into a company’s strategic planning process. By thinking ahead, you may be able to avoid unexpected interruptions in your regular workflow. For example, if you have a senior graphic designer who’s an integral part of your business and he or she quits, you’re left scrambling to fill that vacancy. But what CWU and other experts propose is to groom a junior member of the team to fill that spot when the time comes, either because of promotion, termination or resignation.
According to Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, here are some important elements for an effective succession plan: Effective Succession Plan Checklist
• A shared vision of the future direction of the company
• A skills and experience profile for the next CEO
• A skills and experience profile for critical senior executive positions
• Identification of top internal talent and development of a growth plan for each
• Avoiding a “cloned culture” by identifying candidates with diverse backgrounds
• Identification of top external candidates as a benchmark
• Fostering a culture of executive development
• Providing opportunities for the board to meet with and mentor promising senior executives
*Stanford Graduate School of Business, 2014 Report on Senior Executive Succession Planning and Talent Development
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
DON’T WAIT TO REWARD GREAT WORK
Geffen advises not to wait on handing out bonuses or raises, instead he believes there’s no time like the present when an employee deserves recognition.
“One way to keep employees happy is to give them raises. I didn’t wait to give an outstanding employee a raise. If I saw someone going over and above their duties, I would reward them right then and there,” Geffen told SBDC.
A Harvard field study conducted by Duncan Gilchrist, Michael Luca, and Deepak Malhotra asked the question: “Do employees work harder when they are paid more?” The simple answer, according to their findings, was it depends on how the raise was framed. If the raise felt like a gift and something the company was not obligated to do, then workers were much more inclined to work harder than those who perceived the raise as an obligation or what other companies were also doing.
This goes back to Geffen’s point that tying a raise to certain behavior may signal appreciation and respect by the employee, something that will likely make them perform at their current level or even better.
To read the complete Harvard study, visit: http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2013/10/ when-31-is-more-than-4/
In short, attracting and keeping a great team depends on leveraging your assets in a way that makes people feel good to be working for you. To learn more about how the SBDC can help you create a strategy for success, visit http://smallbizla.org/
Members in the News
Stater Bros. Charities and Dave Stockton Heroes
Stater Bros. Markets Executive Chairman, Jack H. Brown and long-time friend and PGA and Champions Tour Pro Dave Stockton proudly hosted the 9th Annual Stater Bros. Charities Dave Stockton Heroes Challenge. The event was held in March at the Redlands Country Club Golf Course.
The event also brought together 6 “MEDAL OF HONOR” Recipients and 17 Golf Professionals including Marine Corps veteran and World Golf Hall of Fame Members Lee Trevino, Donna Caponi-Byrnes and Juli Inkster in addition to Champions Tour Professional and Golf Analyst Gary McCord, who also has local ties.
The six (6) “MEDAL OF HONOR” Recipients in attendance were from the Vietnam era and included Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum, Jr., Patrick H. Brady, Robert J. Modrzejewski, Robert M. Patterson, James A. Taylor and Jay R. Vargas.
The “MEDAL OF HONOR” is the highest award given by America for valor in action against an enemy force and is presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America.
Additionally the tournament honored first responders from the December 2, 2015 tragedy including San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan and the San Bernardino Police Department as well
as Sheriff - Coroner John McMahon and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Stater Bros. Charities donated funds to each department to expand their Community “Outreach Programs”. Stater Bros. Charities also made a major donation to the Congressional Medal of Honor Scholarship Foundation.
“Doing the right thing for the right reason is the Stater way,” stated Brown. “I’m a proud Navy veteran and Native Son of San Bernardino, my mother was the longest serving Reserve Officer for the San Bernardino Police Department dedicating 60 years, and my father served as Chief Deputy Sheriff for San Bernardino County for 27 years,” Brown continued. “Honoring the heroism of our local law enforcement and the courage of our ‘MEDAL OF HONOR’ Recipients while raising money for our brave veterans is simply the right thing to do,” Brown further added.
Both Brown and Stockton were born and raised in San Bernardino, California and have been proud residents of the Inland Empire and lifelong friends. Because of their close ties to the community, Brown and Stockton feel a great desire to give back to the Inland Empire. Stater Bros. Charities and the Stater Bros. Charities Dave Stockton “Heroes Challenge” Golf Tournament meets their commitment to their hometown.
Paramount Chamber Golf Classic
Sponsored by
2016
Make A Difference • Join A Service Club
