PULSE BEAT
LA Kings, AEG & ASEC acquire historic Iceland
The LA Kings, AEG, and American Sports Entertainment Company (ASEC) have purchased the historic Iceland skating arena in Paramount, which was built by brothers Frank and Lawrence Zamboni.
Iceland opened on January 3, 1940 (see page 4 for more about the history of Iceland).
Located at 8041 Jackson St., the facility has been renamed LA Kings Iceland at Paramount.
In addition to being a mainstay in Paramount and serving the community in the greater surrounding area for 82 years, Iceland is home to the world-famous Zamboni ice-surfacing machine invented by Frank Zamboni in 1949.
Zamboni Museum
Part of the purchase agreement between the new owners and Richard Zamboni, the previous owner, includes a new Zamboni Museum to be established in honor of Frank Zamboni. The museum will include the original Zamboni iceresurfacing machine (the Model A), as well as other significant historical items and memorabilia.
The Iceland facility was closed on May 1 when a major million-dollar alteration and improvement project began, which will include installing an upgraded green energy heat-transfer system for ice rink chilling; removing the existing ice rink floor and perma-frost; installing a new sub-floor heat system and pipes, new cold floor pipes and insulation, a new dasher-board system and new rubber flooring; upgrading the sound system; and remodeling and rebranding the facility as LA Kings Iceland at Paramount. The facility is expected to re-open in September and be operated by ASEC in coordination and support of the LA Kings professional ice hockey team and AEG. The date of the official grand re-opening will be announced soon. Watch the Paramount Chamber of Commerce website (paramountchamber.org) for details.
“We believe LA Kings Iceland at Paramount will be a long-term, sustainable ice and entertainment center for our community, and we are thrilled to make this announcement,” said ASEC President Brad Berman. “We recognize and appreciate
the history of the Zamboni family and are not only committed to restoring the facility, but also enhancing the facility for future generations of athletes and visitors.”
LA Kings President and Hockey Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille expressed his appreciation for the fact that the Paramount community has supported Iceland for more than eight decades. “We are honored to expand upon the mission set forth by Frank and Richard Zamboni. ASEC and the Kings are committed to playing a key role in the next chapter of ice sport in Paramount, the neighboring cities and beyond, and growing the game of hockey throughout Southern California.”
PULSE BEAT
The reopened facility will continue to feature its famous red Wurlitzer pipe organ (photo below, left), first installed in 1941 and the only organ currently played regularly in any ice arena in the country. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Iceland facility had only been open in recent years for private ice events.
The Iceland acquisition is the latest in a series of Kings/ASEC joint ventures in Southern California ice sports management. In recent years, the Kings and ASEC announced a new multi-year lease agreement with Promenade on the Peninsula in which ASEC and the Kings would re-open and operate the ice skating facility in Rolling Hills Estates. The City of Santa Clarita awarded a contract to the Kings and ASEC for operation of the cityowned ice rink located in Valencia. ASEC and the Kings also renovated Pickwick Ice in Burbank at a cost of approximately $1 million and rebranded the facility as LA Kings Pickwick Ice Center.
Zamboni Company continues to operate its ice-surfacer equipment manufacturing facilities in Paramount, California; Brantford, Ontario, Canada; and Österfärnebo, Sweden. Various models of Zamboni machines are in wide use in ice sports arenas all around the world.
The entrance to Iceland Paramount with a restored vintage Model FH Zamboni parked in front. The world-famous ice-surfacing machine was invented at Iceland in 1949 by Frank Zamboni, who, along with his brother Lawrence, built the skating rink, which opened on January 3, 1940.
Artist’s rendering of the proposed new sign.
Frank J. Zamboni, Jr. (1901-1988)
The classic Wurlitzer pipe organ will still be played.
Vicky Uisprapassorn
Mayor’s Desk
MAYOR VILMA CUELLAR STALLINGS
Shop Paramount — many gift cards will be given away by local businesses!
Residents and visitors are encouraged to “Explore Paramount” during Shop Paramount Week August 15 to 21. The City has purchased more than $40,000 in gift cards from participating businesses to be given away to shoppers. This investment in Paramount businesses uses funds the City received from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).
Cards will be raffled at various City events. Giveaways will be publicized on Instagram@ExploreParamount, @Paramount_Posts, and Facebook. com/cityofparamount.
The City will also offer Receipts for Rewards, where anybody who spends $50 or more at a Paramount business can submit receipts at ExploreParamount.com for a chance to win rewards.
When you shop in Paramount, your money stays in town and supports local businesses and jobs. Shopping in Paramount helps pays for services like law enforcement, parks, street maintenance, and more. Visit ExploreParamount.com for more information.
Mayor’s Award to Pat and Ken Winieki
At the July 12 Paramount City Council meeting, it was my pleasure to present the latest Mayor’s Award of Excellence to Pat and Ken Winieki. Paramount residents since 1980, the couple has long been devoted to physical fitness and healthy living. In their retirement years, they have made it their mission to help local senior citizens get in shape and stay in shape.
They have trained with the best coaching organizations and use their talents for the benefit of Paramount residents. Their biggest project is leading the Road Runners Walking Club in Paramount Park for seniors. The group, which meets every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., started with two members, has grown to 60, and keeps expanding.
July was Park & Recreation Month, a perfect time to recognize the Winiekis.
They operate the walking club for free, providing an important place for older residents to meet, bond, have fun, and feel good. Pat also serves on the Senior Services Commission, where she offers ideas on how to improve life for these members of the community.
Pat and Ken have a great affection for Paramount. They feel that it’s a privilege and a blessing to live in such a wonderful city filled with loving people—and we feel blessed to have folks like them calling Paramount home.
Veterans Wall of Honor at Paramount Park Community Center
The City is honoring its older veterans with a display in the Paramount Park Community Center.
To be a part of the Wall of Honor, an individual must have served in a U.S. military branch, be deceased or 90 years or older, have resided in the City, or have a current family member here.
Please submit applications by November 1. They will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until the 44 spaces are filled. Applicants must supply a 5x7-inch photo of their family member in uniform (photos will not be returned).
Visit paramountcity.com/community/events and scroll to the bottom to find the application.
Lower your electric bill
Paramount residents might be eligible for a 20% reduction on their electric bills.
To find out if you qualify, visit cleanpoweralliance.org online and look for “Power Share,” contact customerservice@ cleanpoweralliance.org, or call 888-585-3788.
Let’s meet for coffee
“Coffee with the Mayor”
From left: Vice Mayor Isabel Aguayo, Councilmember Annette Delgadillo, Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Pat and Ken Winieki, Councilmember Brenda Olmos, and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.
Iceland and the Zamboni: a brief history
Frank J. Zamboni, Jr. really understood ice—it was the main focus of his highly successful career as an inventor and entrepreneur.
In 1920, Frank and his brother Lawrence moved from their native Utah to Southern California to join their older brother George in his auto repair business. Two years later, the two younger brothers opened an electrical service business that installed refrigeration equipment for the large local dairy industry around Hynes and nearby Clearwater (which were merged to form Paramount in 1948).
The brothers soon learned that there was also a growing market for large quantities of ice to keep California produce cool during rail transport to other parts of the country. So they built a plant that produced large blocks of ice. But as electric refrigeration technology improved, demand for block ice began to diminish, so Frank and Lawrence started looking for other business opportunities related to ice.
Ice skating was a growing sport, thanks in part to the great popularity of Sonja Henie, the beautiful, 10-time world-champion Norwegian figure skater and three-time Olympic gold medalist who went on to become one of the highest-paid Hollywood stars in a series of successful movies involving ice skating.
So in 1939, the enterprising Zamboni brothers (along with their cousin Pete) designed and built a 20,000 square-foot ice-skating rink in Hynes. One of the largest ice arenas in the United States, it could accommodate up to 800 skaters at a time. They named it Iceland.
Iceland opened on January 3, 1940, and it was an instant success. The original rink was an openair facility, complete with lights for night skating. It didn’t take long for the Zamboni brothers to realize, however, that the relentless California sun and dry winds from the desert were compromising the quality of their ice sheet. So they covered the arena with a domed roof, which helped greatly.
But Frank still wasn’t satisfied. He didn’t like the fact that pipes under the ice caused surface rippling, so he started devising a method to eliminate it. His innovative approach received a patent in 1946, and Iceland had arguably the best ice in the USA.
Something else Frank didn’t like was how much time and labor it took to resurface the rink’s ice after hundreds of people had been skating on it. A gang of five or more workers had to walk behind a tractor that pulled a scraper; they sprayed fresh water on the ice and smoothed it with squeegees. It took well over an hour to do the job properly. So, starting in 1942, Frank set out to create a faster, more efficient way.
After years of designing and experimenting, Frank build his self-propelled “Model A” ice resurfacer in 1949 using mostly war-surplus parts—including an engine from a Jeep and a hydraulic chamber from a Douglas A-20 bomber.
One person could drive the machine slowly over the ice while a sharp, heavy blade scraped the surface and a pulley mechanism carried the resulting “snow” shavings to a large wooden collection bin atop the strange-looking vehicle. Simultaneously, the machine washed and squeegeed the ice, and a wide, heavy towel smoothed fresh water spraying from a tank. The water quickly froze into beautiful, smooth ice. The machine worked great, and when it was resurfacing the Iceland ice sheet, people loved watching it.
In 1950, Sonja Henie herself came to Iceland to rehearse her Hollywood Ice Revue skating show. She took one look at Frank Zamboni’s invention and said: “I want two! How fast can you build them?”
Despite a very demanding schedule, Frank saw this as an opportunity to improve his design. Instead of using a hand-built chassis, he decided to mount his apparatus directly onto an Army surplus Jeep modified to allow a driver to steer from the rear of the vehicle. He loaded all the components of his resurfacer into a U-Haul trailer and towed it behind the Jeep, which he drove to Chicago, the location of Sonja Henie’s next show. He then installed the resurfacing apparatus on the Jeep. It worked perfectly. (However, the owner of the stadium where the show took place wasn’t happy that instead of spending money at concession stands, people stayed in their seats to watch Frank’s unique machine in action!)
The owner of the Chicago Blackhawks professional hockey team saw the ice resurfacer at work and immediately ordered one. Orders from other teams soon followed.
Initially Frank wanted to call his machine “the Paramount” after the recently renamed location of Iceland, but trademark issues arose, so he decided to just call it the Zamboni—figuring that no one could sue him for using his own name. It turned out to be an outstanding marketing decision; the registered Zamboni brand name is now a worldwide icon.
Frank filed for a patent in 1949 and received it in 1953—and he kept on improving his machine. A major publicity boost occurred in 1960 when his growing company supplied six Zambonis for the Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California.
Until 1964, Frank continued building his successive models on modified Jeeps. After that, he significantly redesigned his invention. Today a variety of both fueldriven and electric resurfacers are available.
Frank came up with other successful inventions, including machines that remove water from artificial turf and quickly lay down and roll up turf in stadiums.
But the invention for which Frank Zamboni is best remembered is his namesake ice resurfacer, which has been made into a popular children’s toy by Playmobil and which inspired famed cartoonist Charles M. Shultz to have his own iconic creation, Charlie Brown, say: “There are three things in life that people like to stare at: a flowing stream, a crackling fire, and a Zamboni clearing the ice.” (See below.)
Frank Zamboni passed away in 1988. His legacy will be on full display in the new Zamboni Museum to be built at his famous Paramount skating rink by the new owners of LA Kings Iceland (see page 1).
The Grand Opening of Iceland on Wednesday night, January 3, 1940. Admission was 20 cents. The lady on the sign was reputedly based on an image of Ice Capades figure skater Betty Brown Lee.
The aerial photo below was taken in the early 1940s before a domed roof was added.
Frank in 1946
The Model A in action at Iceland (circa 1949).
The Model E (circa 1954) with a “Jeep underneath.”
Frank continued using Jeeps as a platform until 1964, when he completely redesigned his ice resurfacer.
A modern Zamboni can go about 9 mph, but experienced drivers usually go slower to create the best possible ice surface.
In
Charles M. Schulz’s first reference to Zamboni
CHAMBERS NIGHT @ ANGEL STADIUM
MONDAY, AUGUST 29TH
PRE-GAME MIXER AT 5:00 PM WITH GAME AT 6:38 PM
Tickets: $50.00 Includes
Tickets: $50, which includes:
• Pre-game mixer in Rose Garden at 5:00 pm (enter at Gate 1).
• Game ticket (seating in field section 106).
Pre -game Mixer in the Rose Garden at 5:00 pm. (Enter at Gate 1) and game Ticket (Seating in Field section 106). Networking and Raffles from Angels.
• Networking and raffles from the Angels.
Look for Chamber family and friends from these Chambers. Come for the Networking, an stay for the game!
Look for family and friends from the Chambers of Commerce shown below. Come for the networking and stay for the game!
Bell Chamber, Bell Gardens Chamber, Cerritos Regional Chamber, Commerce Industrial Council, Downey Chamber, La Habra Chamber, Lakewood Chamber, Montebello Chamber, Norwalk Chamber, Paramount Chamber, Pico Rivera Chamber, Rosemead Chamber, Santa Fe Springs Chamber, South Gate Chamber, Whittier Chamber.
Bell Chamber, Bell Gardens Chamber, Cerritos Regional Chamber, Commerce Industrial Council, Downey Chamber, La Habra Chamber, Lakewood Chamber, Montebello Chamber, Norwalk Chamber, Paramount Chamber, Pico Rivera Chamber, Rosemead Chamber, Santa Fe Springs Chamber, South Gate Chamber and Whittier Chamber.
Stay in touch with the City!
To make your reservation and pay for tickets contact:
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
To make your reservation and pay for tickets, please call Barbara Crowson at the Paramount Chamber of Commerce: 562-634-3980
Call Barbara Crowson (562) 634-3980
Nixle, the City of Paramount’s notification system, sends important alerts via cellphone, landline, email, text and social media. To sign up, text 90723 to 888-777 or visit nixle.com. Your information will never be shared with any businesses or outside agencies, and you can cancel or delete your information at any time.
Paramount Education Partnership
PEP Talk
Top-performing local students recognized at Heritage Festival
At the Paramount Heritage Festival, the top students from the last school year at Paramount High School and PHS West Campus, Odyssey STEM Academy, and Buena Vista High School were recognized. Congratulations to them all!
Members of the City Council and the Board of Education were on hand to recognize the scholars. Here is the list of these amazing students who reflect the excellence of the Paramount school system, the community, and their families:
Paramount High School – 9th Grade
Matthew A. Conrad 4.67 grade point average
Samantha Machado 4.67 grade point average
Briza Diaz 4.50 grade point average
Benjamin Lozada 4.50 grade point average
Karla Percastegui 4.50 grade point average
Ethan M. Sary 4.50 grade point average
Giovanni J. Velasco 4.50 grade point average
Isabella P. Velasco 4.50 grade point average
Abril M. Guzman 4.43 grade point average
Tyler Ham 4.43 grade point average
Paramount High School – 10th Grade
Evelyn Osorio Martin 4.75 grade point average
Valerie Osorio Martin 4.72 grade point average
Alexis S. Hay 4.69 grade point average
Aliyah L. Costello 4.66 grade point average
Francisco A. Sahagun 4.66 grade point average
Myka Juliana O. Biala 4.64 grade point average
Jessica Osorio Martin 4.64 grade point average
Jacqueline A. Gonzalez 4.59 grade point average
Julio D. Hernandez 4.58 grade point average
Gwendolyn T. Leon 4.58 grade point average
Paramount High School – 11th Grade
Marlen Hernandez 4.82 grade point average
Angel Munoz 4.65 grade point average
Edwin A. Bautista 4.64 grade point average
Christopher D. Kaing 4.60 grade point average
Jose C. Berdeja 4.55 grade point average
Darian A. Valencia 4.55 grade point average
Michelle Mendivil Cabral 4.51 grade point average
Nathalia S. Soriano 4.51 grade point average
Kenyea X. Coleman 4.51 grade point average
Imara Zepeda 4.48 grade point average
Odyssey STEM Academy – 9th Grade (10 tied)
Mindy Astudillo 4.0 grade point average
Valeria Baldovines 4.0 grade point average
Malaysia Davis 4.0 grade point average
Ivan Galaviz 4.0 grade point average
Andrew Herrera 4.0 grade point average
Isaac Leon 4.0 grade point average
Bryan Medrano Villela 4.0 grade point average
Isabella Mendez 4.0 grade point average
Emily Ramirez 4.0 grade point average
Matthew Rosales 4.0 grade point average
Odyssey STEM Academy – 10th Grade
Jackelyn Monroy 4.33 grade point average
Odyssey STEM Academy – 11th Grade
Pamela Perez 4.22 grade point average
Buena Vista High School
Hailey Corona, 11th Grade 4.05 grade point average
Home security rebates for Paramount residents
To help Paramount residents make their homes more secure, the City of Paramount has relaunched the Home Security Rebate Program for those purchasing a security product or service designed to deter property crimes.
Paramount residents can receive a rebate of up to $200 for certain security device purchases of their choice. To be eligible, you must have bought a new security product or become a new subscriber to a security service. These products and services include the following:
• Home alarm system
• Security camera system
• Doorbell camera
• Exterior floodlights with camera
• Motion-sensor lights with camera
An online application must be submitted within 60 days of the purchase date. The program is limited to one rebate per household and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds are limited, so residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To apply, please visit paramountcity.com/government/home-security-rebate-program.
Keeping parking lots free from litter
In response to litter issues in commercial parking lots throughout the City, Paramount passed the “Good Housekeeping” Ordinance a few years ago. This involves City staff surveying shopping center lots before the businesses open.
A staff member takes photos of properties with excessive litter then inspects them again in the afternoon to see if clean ups have occurred. If a property fails to be maintained litter-free, the City responds by contacting the owner of the shopping center to gain compliance by code enforcement.
When implementation of the Ordinance began, there were approximately 11 parking lots in the City that were excessively full of trash each week. But since then, those have become some of the cleanest commercial locations.
The Good Housekeeping Ordinance has been a success at making Paramount sparkle.
City Council
PHIT leads Pledge of Allegiance
In light of Park and Recreation Month, the Pledge of Allegiance at the July 12 Paramount City Council meeting was led by Marc Razzouk, instructor of Paramount High Intensity Training (PHIT), and Maria Duran, an active program participant. PHIT, a free workout course for residents 16 and over, takes place twice a week, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Paramount Park. From left: Vice Mayor Isabel Aguayo, Councilmember Annette C. Delgadillo, Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Duran, Razzouk, Councilmember Brenda Olmos, and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.
Park and Recreation Month
July was proclaimed Park and Recreation Month at the Paramount City Council’s July 12 meeting. The observance recognized the many benefits provided by parks and recreation as well as the professionals in City departments who make these happen. Accepting the proclamation were Alex Maldonado, Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and Nelson Guevara, who has lost 40 pounds while attending PHIT classes over the last few months. From left: Vice Mayor Isabel Aguayo, Councilmember Annette C. Delgadillo, Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Maldonado, Guevara, Councilmember Brenda Olmos, and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.
City retiree Ben Svensson congratulated
The City Council said farewell to a longtime City employee at its July 12 meeting. Ben Svensson, hired as a Computer Specialist in 2006, promoted to IT Supervisor in 2014, and named IT Manager in 2019, was recognized upon his retirement. It was noted that his computer skills and ability to gather a great staff helped bring the City into the modern tech era. From left: Vice Mayor Isabel Aguayo, Councilmember Annette C. Delgadillo, Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Svensson, Councilmember Brenda Olmos, and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.
Paramount City Council and YMCA will hold annual Back-to-School Healthcare & School Gear Giveaway on August 13
The 2nd Annual Back-to-School Healthcare & School Gear Giveaway will be held on Saturday, August 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Paramount Park, 14400 Paramount Blvd.
Hosted by the Paramount City Council and YMCA, the free event will feature giveaways of backpacks and school supplies, as well as food, free haircuts , health screenings, youth activities and more.
It will be a great way to get ready for the new school year, so save the date and plan to participate!
Executive Director: Barbara Crowson
Ribbon-cutting Ceremonies Paramount Chamber of Commerce
Janette and Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings.
We gathered on July 30 at 7333 Walnut Avenue for a gala Grand Opening and Ribboncutting Ceremony for the JAYFIT exercise studio, presided over by owner Janette Preciado Garcia. Janette received congratulatory certificates from the City and State of California.
The Grand Opening and Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for Colibri Homes was held on Saturday, July 23, at 6500 Alondra Blvd. in Paramount. Shown below: Paramount native Mike Ferraro of Gold Key Development (which developed the new Colibri Homes) cuts the ribbon held by Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings (to Mike’s right), members of the Paramount City Council and well-wishers, including representatives of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce.
Janette leading an exercise class.
Alondras celebrates 20th anniversary with ribbon-cutting
Alondras celebrated their 20th anniversary on June 22 with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony and party at their location at 8411 Alondra Blvd. Family, friends, members of the Paramount City Council and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce staff participated.
Founded in 2002 in Paramount by brothers Joey, Danny and Garo Kazarian, the restaurant was originally called Alondra Hot Wings. The business started as a small restaurant and then moved to their current larger location, which features an expanded menu, including pizza and burgers in addition to their popular hot wings.
Along the way, the company has changed its name and logo (see above) and grown to include five locations.
The Kazarian brothers immediately joined the Paramount Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and started building valuable connections throughout the community. Garo served on the Chamber board of directors from 2011 through 2016.
Over the past 20 successful years, the restaurant has generously supported Chamber events and fundraising for nonprofit organizations and for the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP).
In the photo at the right, Chamber President Chris Rich of WaveFront Technology (left) congratulates the Kazarian brothers on their 20 outstanding years in Paramount.
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RECEIPTS FOR REWARDS
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Max
562-634-5000 • 800-634-5000 fenicocastings.com • stran@fenicoinc.com 7805 Madison St., Paramount, CA 90723-4220
Effectively managing a hybrid work environment
By Belle Wong (linkedin.com/in/bellewong)
The hybrid work environment has become a new reality, with many people seeking some combination of on-location and remote work. What’s the key to success for small business owners? Be flexible and willing to adapt, and keep your focus on employee wellbeing.
The hybrid work environment is here to stay
Whether you embrace the idea of a hybrid workplace or feel some ambivalence, it’s a workplace model that’s here to stay.
According to The Remote Work & Compensation Pulse Survey conducted by Salary. com in 2021, 44% of workers want a hybrid work option, while 48% prefer to be fully remote—meaning 92% of employees surveyed want to have some form of remote work as an option.
Meanwhile, Microsoft’s 2022 Work Trends Index reports that 52% of those surveyed say they’re likely to consider switching to either hybrid or remote work.
These numbers point to another new reality: many of today’s workers are willing to make sacrifices or give up their current jobs to fulfill their desire for more flexible work. For example, OwLLabs reported that 46% of employees in 2021 were willing to take a 5% cut in pay to have a hybrid work option. And the 2022 Work Trends Index reports that the lack of flexible work options was one of the top five reasons employees quit last year.
What does this mean for the small business owner? Offering a hybrid work option can help you retain valued employees and attract new talent. But managing such a workplace presents a host of other challenges. Check out the following five tips to help you more effectively manage your hybrid work team.
1. Develop a hybrid workplace policy. Clear expectations are at the heart of a successful hybrid work environment. They help your remote workers understand their roles and responsibilities within this more non-traditional work arrangement. Start with your employees when developing your policy. Knowing their preferences and how they work will help inform your rules and procedures. Areas your hybrid workplace policy should address include:
• Core work hours — Establish the core hours during which remote employees are expected to be online. For example, you may want everyone to be available on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Hybrid work schedules — Outline the different hybrid schedules available within your workplace and what each type of schedule involves. Address issues like the ability to change to a fully remote option if an employee moves out of state.
• Remote locations — If a remote employee doesn’t want to work from home, are coworking spaces or local coffee shops acceptable? Will you offer a stipend for co-work space? Establishing guidelines in this area will make your policies clear and reduce potential misunderstandings.
• Cybersecurity — Set out security rules concerning access and the usage of the technology you’re providing. For example, what kind of security is required on company laptops? Will employees need to use a VPN to access your internal systems?
2. Include employee wellbeing in productivity goals. You may worry that offering a hybrid work option will negatively impact employee productivity. But it turns out that remote work may have the opposite effect: productivity increased during the pandemic when many businesses had to rely on a largely remote workforce. There’s a high cost to this increased productivity, though. Monster found that 69% of employees who worked from home during the pandemic experienced burnout.
Productivity goals are important for every business. The key is to establish how to reach those goals to avoid employee burnout. For example:
• Response time — One of the drawbacks of remote work is the “always-on mindset,” which can be a significant factor in employee burnout. Consider setting guidelines regarding what types of communications require immediate responses and which ones do not, to ease the pressure of feeling like an instant reply is always necessary.
• Reduce “Zoom fatigue” — A study by Virtira Consulting found that 49% of employees reported exhaustion stemming from the number of video calls they attended during the pandemic. One way to combat this potential for burnout is to ensure meetings are only called when necessary, and aim for shorter meetings rather than longer. And recent research from the Harvard Business Review found that being on camera during virtual meetings had a positive correlation to Zoom fatigue.
• Respect personal time — Monitor for the effect of the “triple peak day.” This term
This article originally appeared on sba.thehartford.com on May 27, 2022.
refers to a trend that finds remote staff consistently working outside of traditional work hours. While some employees consider this a perk of remote work, you need to ensure your remote team doesn’t feel like work is encroaching on their personal time.
3. Create a remote-inclusive community. While there are many benefits to working remotely from home, there are certain downsides, too. For example, not “being seen” around the office might mean an employee may not be top of mind when it comes to new opportunities. Here are some ways to create a more remote-inclusive community for your hybrid workforce:
• Events — Include remote staff in your company events. For example, if you’re holding a company-wide lunch, send gift cards for meal delivery services to remote employees so they can join in. And even if an event is on-location only, your remote team should be invited so they know they have the option to attend in person.
• Digital watercooler — Staying connected while still retaining the ability to work from home is one of the top reasons employees seek hybrid work options. Establishing different digital spaces that can serve as online watercoolers, such as special Slack channels, can provide that connection on the days employees are working remotely.
• More 1:1 connections — Foster individual connection through more frequent oneon-ones and mentorship opportunities. Your one-on-ones also allow you to stay on top of how your remote staff is handling the hybrid environment.
4. Make communication a priority. Communication has a significant impact on employee satisfaction. But here’s the challenge for the hybrid work environment: according to Gallup, most companies don’t communicate well even in the traditional onsite workspace. And this means communication becomes even more of a priority when managing a hybrid workplace. Some ways to focus on communication include:
• The huddle — Incorporate team “huddles” into your daily or weekly routine so everyone can stay up-to-date on the latest project happenings.
• Status updates — Establish a message or chat channel on Teams or Slack for daily status updates.
• Shorter 1:1s — Opt for more frequent and shorter one-on-ones over less frequent, longer ones. Hold these meetings on a regular schedule to provide consistent support.
• Asynchronicity — Increase opportunities for asynchronous communications (communications that don’t need an immediate response), where such communications make sense.
5. Establish hybrid meeting guidelines. Meetings that include inperson and remote participants can be particularly challenging. So what’s the best way to approach them? Develop and distribute hybrid meeting guidelines in advance so all participants know what to expect and how the meeting will be facilitated.
As you develop your guidelines, place yourself in the shoes of your remote participants: what will they see and hear, and how will they be seen and heard? You may also want to consider adding some of the following:
• In-room perspective — Ask in-person participants to log in individually so they’re on screen too, or set up additional webcams so remote attendees can see everyone in the room as well as any non-digital visuals such as whiteboards. You should also let remote participants know how they will be seen and heard by on-location attendees.
• Pre- and post-meeting — The first person to enter the physical meeting space should start the meeting online so remote participants can join in the pre-meeting chats. And when the meeting ends, allow time for everyone to talk and say their goodbyes.
• Time zone differences — Make an effort to accommodate different time zones when scheduling meetings and calls, rather than expecting remote participants outside your time zone to block off personal time for meetings.
• Rules of conduct — Establish a meeting etiquette policy, such as the procedure for taking turns, what the moderator’s tasks include and what constitutes appropriate attire. Use the CHARMS framework (Chat, Hand raising, Agenda, Recording, Moderator, Support) as a starting point.
The hybrid work environment can be more challenging to manage for the small business owner, but a willingness to adapt and a focus on employee wellbeing and engagement are keys to success.
member-to-member discounts Paramount Chamber of Commerce
As a Paramount Chamber of Commerce member, these discounts are extended to you by your fellow members.
Attorney & Legal Services
Lerma Law Office (562-272-4353): 15% discount on initial retainer fee or flat-rate service.
Automotive
Herald’s Garage (562-633-2136): 15% discount on labor and a free engine light reset.
Communications
Transcom Telecommunications (562-630-1200, ext. 221): 10% off equipment (business phone services).
Contractors
Jones Scaffold Co. (800-266-3864): 10% off net rental of scaffold equipment.
Financial Services
SG Tax Services (562-630-4004): $25 off tax preparation for Chamber members and their employees.
Vicky Professional Services (562-634-1178): 20% off bookkeeping and accounting service.
Flowers
Diana’s Flowers (562-529-5045): Free local delivery and free balloons.
Funeral Services
Palacios Funeral Home (562-972-5429): 5% off services.
Hotels & Motels
Embassy Suites Hotel (562-861-1900): 15% off best available room rate (subject to availability). Ask for “Chamber rate.”
Insurance
2000 Insurance Service (562-602-0001): 25% off new business.
Medical
Clínica Médica Hispana (562-630-1991): 25% discount.
Plumbing & Heating
Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (562-861-1234): 10% off HydroJet service and/or 10% off material.
Production (Events)
YSL Production (323-490-6315):
20% any event services: Sound, lighting, stage, LED video, wall & truss equipment.
Printers
Source Graphics, Inc. (562-408-2734): 10% discount on all printing.
Real Estate
GM Properties (562-696-0200): 5% of gross commissions on closed deals will be sent to the charity of our choice in your name. Ask for Matt.
Penta Pacific Properties (562-699-1922): Free market value opinions on commercial and industrial properties.
Restaurants
Café Corleone (562-408-6100): 10% discount on all food purchases.
Casa Adelita (562-408-2360): 10% off (may not be combined with other specials).
Casa Gamino (562-634-6225): 10% discount on food purchases.
Tournament
Delfin Seafood & Market (562-630-1928): 10% off any order.
El Compa Restaurant (562-630-1068): 10% discount on all food purchases.
El Sinaloense Restaurant (562-363-3011): 10% off on food purchases.
El Peri Sushi Restaurant (562-408-0459): 10% off on food purchases over $10.
Gus’s Deli, BBQ & Grill (562-630-2802): 10% off all food purchases.
Mariscos Alas (562-633-1348): 10% Chamber member discount. 15% discount for law enforcement & City employees.
Mariscos El Perihuete (562-408-1661): 10% off on food purchases over $10.
Pika Tortas Ahogadas (562-529-5787): 10% discount on all regular-priced food items (excludes combo deals).
Smoke & Fire Social Eatery (562-363-3109): 10% discount on food items.
Roofing
One Coat Roof Seal LLC (833-232-8121): 20% off each can.
Wellness & Health
Enagic (562-833-3823): Free ionized alkaline water.
Wholesalers & Distributors
Rayvern Lighting Supply, Inc. (562-634-7020): 5% off fixtures and ballast orders (commercial distributor of lighting and fixtures).
To add your business to this section, please call the Paramount Chamber of Commerce for information: 562-634-3980
Membership RENEWALS
Anchor Pacifica .......................................37 years 7520 Alondra Blvd., Paramount CA 90723
Palacios Funeral Home, Inc........................9 years 5150 Candlewood St., Ste. D6., Lakewood CA 90712
Syncis (Tony Warfield).................................3 years
Contact syncispro.com/TonyWarfield
Mariscos Alas ...........................................3 years 15516 Paramount Blvd., Paramount CA 90723
Shiloh Community Outreach.........................2 years 7041 San Marcos St., Paramount CA 90723
Chemco Products Company.......................2 years 6401 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount CA 90723
As schools prepare to reopen, take these sensible steps to reduce risk
Throughout the pandemic, many children have been infected with COVID-19. Over the 30-day period ending August 6, 13,438 children ages 5 to 17 were confirmed cases in Los Angeles County, representing 9% of all reported cases during that time period.
While most children experience mild illness, there is no way to know in advance how children will be affected by COVID-19. Many children in LA County experienced serious illness and required hospitalization after becoming infected with COVID-19. To date, there have been 1,866 children ages 5 to 17 hospitalized with COVID-19.
Although very rare, COVID-19 cases among children can sometimes result a few weeks later in a very serious, post-infection illness known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a condition where different body parts become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. In total, over the course of the pandemic, Public Health has confirmed 314 cases of MIS-C.
Tragically, since the pandemic began in 2020, there have been 12 pediatric deaths—two younger than age 5, three children ages 5 to 11, and seven children ages 12 to 17.
Vaccines continue to provide the best protection against severe illness in children, as children who are unvaccinated are more likely to become seriously ill and require hospitalization. In fact, for the 90-day period ending July 21, unvaccinated children ages 12 to 17, were more than four times more likely to be hospitalized than vaccinated children in the same age group.
Since vaccinations provide the best protection against severe illness, parents are urged to make sure that they and their children are up-to-date on their vaccinations and boosters.
Currently, 35% of school-age children ages 5-11 are fully vaccinated, which is far less than the 79% of school-age children ages 12-17 who are fully vaccinated.
Getting vaccinated has never been easier, as across the county there are hundreds of locations for children to get vaccinated, including 163 mobile vaccination sites at schools. Parents can visit the Public Health website at VaccinateLACounty.com or VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) to learn about locations and schedules for clinics offering COVID-19 vaccines.
For those who have any questions about vaccine safety and effectiveness, please reach out to your pediatrician or clinician or speak with a Public Health staff member at the COVID-19 call center, 1-833-540-0473 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., seven days a week.
EPOXY COATING LABORER —Long-term, full-time (40+ hours per week). Will train. Install various flooring systems for commercial and industrial projects. Perform tasks involving physical labor; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods. Operate equipment (as instructed). Techcoat Contractors, 15720 Garfield Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. Contact: Brenda or Jessica at 562-529-5700. Apply Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
WAREHOUSE MAINTENANCE WORKER —Longterm, part-time (20 to 25 hours per week). Will train. Staging equipment and materials for daily projects. Receive and process warehouse stock products. Maintain inventory. Operate and maintain warehouse vehicles and equipment. Run errands (as needed). Techcoat Contractors, 15720 Garfield Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. Contact: Brenda or Jessica at 562-529-5700. Apply Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN —Full-time. Experience helpful, but willing to consider an excellent new graduate who can learn quickly. Call Martha at Fobi Pharmacy: 562-630-5700.
SKILLED LABOR OPPORTUNITIES —SkillsetGroup currently has these positions available for first, second and third shifts: Machine operator, sanitation, loading & unloading, forklift drivers, production line, and order pulling. Come in and apply today! SkillsetGroup actualmente tiene aperturas para puestos disponibles para Primer, Segundo y Tercer turno. ¡Ven y aplica hoy! Call us at 866-375-3094 or use Instagram (@ skillsetgroup) or Facebook for weekly updates. 7300 Alondra Blvd., Suite 202, Paramount, California 90723.
STATE FARM AGENT —State Farm Agents help their customers protect what’s important to them, all the while making time to give back to their neighborhoods. Improve your career! Call David Maciel: 562-305-2111.
FULL-TIME SEAMSTRESS —5-Star Interior Services, Inc., needs a full-time seamstress with drapery-making experience. Contact Leroy at 818-845-4518.
CREW WORKER —Specialty construction. Will train. Installation of epoxycoatings, including preparation of concrete floors and other structures using various equipment. Long-term, 30+ hours, including some weekends. Report in person to TECHCOAT, 15720 Garfield Ave., Paramount, California 90723; M-Th 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
CLEANING SERVICE JOB (Persona para limpiesa)— A&R Cleaning Multiservices. Please contact Yolanda Monday-Friday at 562-500-2284.
scape City
WIC is a nutrition program for women, infants and children. WIC es un programa de nutricion para mujeres, bebes y niños.
You may qualify if you:
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or just had a baby
• Have a child under age 5
• Have a low to medium income*
• Receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) or CalFresh (Food Stamps) benefits
• Live in California Usted puede calificar si:
• Está embarazada, está dando pecho o acaba de tener un bebe
• Tiene un niño menor de 5 años
• Tiene un ingreso bajo a mediano
• Recibe beneficios de Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) o CalFresh (Estampillas de Comida)
• Vive en California
WIC provides:
• Nutrition education and health information
• Breastfeeding support
• Food benefits
• Referrals to medical providers and community services
WIC proporciona:
• Educación sobre nutrición e información de salud
• Apoyo con la lactancia
• Beneficios de comida
• Referencias a proveedores de servicios medicos y servicios
*Income levels change annually. Niveles de ingreso cambian anualmente. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Está institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.
South Los Angeles Health Projects WIC Program