The annual Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner at the Paramount Park Gym on November 20 featured dancing, dining, and door prizes.
The City of Paramount held its 34th Annual Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 20th to honor the elders of our community.
The Paramount Park gym was decked out in the warm colors of autumn, seasonal decorations, and balloons filled the room while healthy portions of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pie were plated by Paramount Rotary Club members and City staff and delivered by the great kids of the Paramount High School Corsairs service club.
Entertainment included the jazzy sounds of the Little Big Band, as well as Bill Pellegrino of the Rotary Club leading the room in a nostalgic sing-a-long.
A special thank you goes out to all of the local businesses who contributed to this year’s event. Their cash support (over $5,000) and raffle prize donations (nearly $2,000 worth) helped make it a memorable success. The City appreciates their generosity. Here is the list:
$500
Caremore Health Plan
Clinica Medical Hispana
Communication Worker of
American Local 9400
Gamberg Metals Co., Inc.
Total-Western, Inc.
Weber Metals An Otto Fuchs Co.
$300
CalMet Services
Knights of Columbus
Born 1920 in Germany,
Tips for a long life: Having God in your life.
resident since 1974. Favorite thing about being in your 90s: I can still get around. Tips for a long life: Don’t quote me, but I live a clean life.
On Paramount: This city is a great place to live. I’ve been very happy here for 40 years.
$250
Alondra Hot Wings
Paramount Petroleum
$200
Amapola Market
FENICO Precision Castings/Don Tomeo
Mariscos El Perihuete
Standard Catering, Inc.
Under $200
Demaria Electric Motor Svcs., Inc.
Fobi Pharmacy
Paramount Iceland
Taqueria 2 Amigos
Vicky Professional Service, Inc.
Ju
Born 1923 in North Korea, moved soon thereafter to South Korea, Paramount resident since 2012.
Tips for a long life: Enjoying sports.
Al HAtwAn
Born 1924 in South Dakota, Paramount resident since 1958. Member of the Paramount Planning Commission for 18 years in the 1980s-1990s, appointed by Councilmember Chuck Weldon.
Favorite thing about being in your 90s: I can still do whatever I want to do.
Tips for a long life: I’m in pretty good physical shape for 90, that’s the key to this whole thing
Raffle Prize Donations:
ACE Clearwater Enterprises, Inc.; Big Ben Car Wash; Café Camellia; Casa Adelita Mexican Restaurant; Casa Gamino Restaurant; Community Popular Bank; El Compa Restaurant; El Pollo Loco; Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant; Gus’s Deli, BBQ & Grill; Northgate Market; Rosewood Restaurant; Shakey’s Pizza; The Home Depot; The Water Store.
Part of the luncheon’s tradition is acknowledging those in the crowd who are 90 years old and above. A few of them spoke this year with the Pulse Beat.
EtHEl HillyArd
Paramount
Hong
PAulinA ortiz Born 1920 in Carson, Paramount resident since 2004.
The City will present “Smarts, Arts & Healthy Hearts” this summer, a celebration of academic achievers, local artists, and the City’s focus on fitness.
“Smarts, Arts & Healthy Hearts” will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Paramount Park.
The Paramount Christmas Train has been bringing the holiday spirit to kids in every neighborhood of our City since 1969, when the “Express” was a modified Jeep. This season the train, sleigh, and caboose will be running from Monday, December 8th through Thursday, December 11th. Santa and his elves will give out 25,000 apples and candy canes, not to mention plenty of good cheer.
If you are an artist living or going to school in Paramount and would like to show your work at the event, please contact the Paramount Recreation Department at (562) 220-2121.
You can find a schedule of stops in the recent issue of the Around Town newsletter that was mailed to every home and business in Paramount or you can go to the City’s website homepage at www. paramountcity.com. In each neighborhood there is a painted white star marking the
Art can be in a variety of media – painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, multi-media, and more. It can simply be exhibited or offered for sale.
We will provide a booth, a table, and chairs. Artists are responsible for arranging and displaying their artwork and need to be present during the length of the event. They are also responsible for the breakdown of the display.
Walk With Me at Relay For Life
The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life offers an opportunity to honor cancer survivors, promote how individuals can reduce their cancer risk, and raise money to help end cancer. This year’s Paramount Relay for Life is scheduled for Saturday morning, May 3, at 9:00 a.m. at Paramount Park and goes for 24 hours.
spot on the street where the train will visit.
Martinez Marchers. Come out and join us. It only takes an hour and a minimum donation of $10. For more information, please call (562) 743-3555.
Resident Rates and Season Passes for Summer Swimming
This year, for the first time, you can see where the Christmas Train is in real time by viewing a map on the homepage from Dec. 8th through 11th. You can also download a free app called Glympse on your smart phone. Then, on those same dates, go to Glympse and enter ParamountTrain in the “View a Glimpse” field to see where Santa is traveling.
You can also call (562) 220-2121 to learn more.
Come Have Breakfast With Santa
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 13th when Paramount Park will once again become a winter wonderland as Santa Claus returns to town for a breakfast and snow day from 8 a.m. till noon.
With summer just around the corner, swim season is near for our City pools. Paramount residents and PUSD families can receive special rates for recreational swimming at the Paramount Park pool – $1 per entry for youth (ages 17 and under) and $2 per entry for adults. In order to qualify for these resident rates you will need an identification band, which can be purchased for $1 and is good for the entire summer. Be sure and bring it with you every time you visit the pool this year. (Per-visit rates for non-residents or those without an ID band are $3 for youth and $4 for adults.)
Breakfast with Santa will feature a pancake and scrambled egg meal, holiday craft-making, giveaways, and entertainment. There will be plenty of snow for sledding and you can take photos with Santa (a professional photographer will also have packages available for purchase).
You can buy the ID bands beginning on May 19 at the Community Services and Recreation Office at 15300 Downey Ave. They can also be purchased at Paramount Park Pool beginning June 14. Proof of residency (photo ID and current utility bill) or proof of PUSD enrollment (current-year school ID) are required to obtain an ID band.
Also available to residents and PUSD families this summer are season passes for use at both Paramount Park and Orange pools.
The event itself is free, but you need to buy a ticket for the meal. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase until December 12th. Presale breakfast tickets are $5 per person and give you access to the fast-pass lane. You can also purchase tickets at the door on the day of the event for $5 per person, first come, first served, with no fast-pass access.
“Show me a person who doesn’t make mistakes and I’ll show you a person who doesn’t do anything.”
– Leonard Rubino
These passes ($20 Youth/$30 Adult) will provide you with admission to the pools all summer without having to pay the entrance fee each time you go. In addition, they will give you priority entry during recreational swim hours. If you buy a pass, you do not need to purchase or wear the aforementioned ID bands. But you do need to show the same proof of residency or
families. A special registration event will be held at Progress Plaza East (15500 Downey Ave.) on May 19 only from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Remember to bring proof of residency (photo ID and current utility bill) or proof of PUSD enrollment (current-year school ID), with you, along with proof of age.
Please note that breakfast will not be served after 11:00 a.m., so get there early.
You can buy tickets at: STAR After School sites (between 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. each day); the Recreation office (15300 Downey Ave. from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.); the Paramount Park Community Center (14400 Paramount Blvd., 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.); and the Paramount Petroleum Community Learning Center at Spane Park (Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
For more, please call (562) 220-2121.
Starting on May 20, you can register in person at the Community Services and Recreation Offi ce (15300 Downey Ave., Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and Paramount Park Community Center (14400 Paramount Blvd., Monday - Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.).
Holiday Harp Concert
The Paramount Library will be featuring a holiday musical trip around the world with Joanna Mell and her harp on Saturday, December 13, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
You can register online (www.paramountcity.com on the Parks & Recreation page) starting May 20. If you don’t have an online account already, you will need to create one at the Recreation Department office at 15300 Downey Ave. Again, bring proof of residency or PUSD enrollment and proof of age.
Ms. Mell has delighted audiences with her Celtic and concert harps and vocal music performed in a unique and entertaining way for 22 years. Don’t miss this lyrical experience. All ages are welcome.
All registration for non-residents begins June 2.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
The Library is located at 16254 Colorado Ave. For more information, please call (562) 630-3171.
Sign Up for Summer Day Camp
Recycle Your Christmas Tree
Also on May 19, residents can register either online or at the Recreation Office (15300 Downey Ave.) for the City’s Summer Day Camp.
Children ages 5 to 12 are eligible to participate in the camp, which runs from
After the holidays, residents of Paramount who have Christmas trees can place them out at curbside for pickup. The trees will then be recycled into mulch.
CalMet, the City’s refuse hauler, will pick up trees at no charge after Christmas from 12/26/14 through 1/16/15 for singlefamily residential accounts. Be sure to remove the stand and all the decorations, lights, and tinsel. Do not wrap the tree or enclose it in a plastic bag.
If the tree is four-feet-tall or less, you can put it in your green waste recycling barrel.
June 16 through August 8. The cost is $75 per week, per child, and the program operates from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for July 4.
For anything larger, set it curbside on your normal garbage collection day by 6:00 a.m. (Flocked trees will also be picked up.)
In addition to being a safe and fun place to spend the summer, the camp also provides a healthy breakfast and lunch, as well as swim lessons.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
Temporary Parking Permits For RVs
After 1/16/15, your tree can still be taken away by scheduling a bulky item pickup. For apartments or condominiums, trees placed on the curb by 6:00 a.m. through 1/16/15 will be taken away for free on regular pickup days. If it’s necessary to drive onto the property there will be a $5.00 charge per tree. In these latter cases, the service must be ordered 24 hours before the regular pickup day by the manager or owner who must have the account number for verification.
Also with summer in mind, and the possibility of friends or relatives coming for a visit, here’s a brief review of the City’s Recreational Vehicle (RV) parking ordinance.
Also, commercial customers must call CalMet before placing a tree out for collection so a green waste truck can visit their location.
If you have any questions, please call CalMet (562) 259-1239.
RVs registered to Paramount addresses cannot be parked on public streets within the City. But the City allows for the temporary on-street parking of RVs that are not registered to a Paramount address.
The permit must be obtained by a resident and the vehicle must be parked in front of their address.
Holiday Trash Pickup/Street Sweeping Schedules
For out of town visitors, permits may be issued for a maximum of 31 days per household per calendar year. Permits will be issued for a maximum of 14 consecutive days per permit with a 72-hour timeframe between permits.
Christmas and New Year’s Day will slightly alter garbage collection schedules this season. CalMet Services will have no trash pickup on those holidays.
Christmas will fall on Thursday, Dec. 25th, so regular Thursday routes will run on Friday, Dec. 26th.
The vehicle will be moved for street sweeping.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2002.
New Year’s Day will be on Thursday, Jan. 1st, 2015. Service will be one business day later through the rest of each week, just like during Christmas week. Thursday’s trash will be picked up on Friday, Jan. 2nd.
“Until we’re educating every kid in a fantastic way, until every inner city is cleaned up, there is no shortage of things to do.”
If you have any questions, please call CalMet at (562) 634-5420.
With street sweeping, there will be no service on the following days: Wednesday, December 24th; Thursday, December 25th; Thursday, January 1st. There will be no makeup for any of those days.
– Bill Gates
Talking or Texting on Cell Phones
If A Party Gets Too Loud
Part of the enjoyment of the holiday season is the chance to gather with friends and family for parties. Sometimes, however, gatherings such as these can get a little out of hand and bother our neighbors.
While Driving – Not Worth It
Paramount has a “loud party” patrol that responds to resident complaints about such nuisances.
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.
• Up to 6,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.
• If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.
Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders
If a call for disturbing the peace comes into the Sheriff’s Station, there will be a visit to the location and a first-warning notice will be issued. If a return visit is made, the responsible party (property owner, tenant, etc.) will be liable for fines. For instance, a second visit within 30 days will produce a fine of $250. The third, fourth, and fifth visits within 30 days of the first call will entail fines of $500, $750 and $1,000, respectively. In addition, the cost of extra resources involved (multiple deputies, helicopter, and so on) can be passed on. These fines, if not paid, can go to a collections agency.
• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
• 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.
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.
If such disturbances come from the same location over an extended period of time, deputies will focus on solving the problem with those who are causing it. If you’re planning a party, be sure to take your neighbors into consideration and refrain from playing loud music and making other intrusive noises into the early morning hours.
Keep in mind, also, that deputies do not divulge the identity of any residents making complaints, so you can call in anonymously.
Safe Shopping Tips For the Season
• 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.
For more information, call the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002.
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.
With the holiday season here, and people doing their shopping, keep these easy safety-related tips in mind when out and about.
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• If possible, shop in pairs. Robbers often focus on, and target, solo shoppers.
• Always park in a well-lighted area.
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.
Sadly, too many young people first become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. Project LEAD is designed to avoid that scenario.
• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Never leave packages, bags, cell phones, purses, or other valuable items in plain sight in your vehicle. Place these items in your trunk, where they cannot be seen from outside your car.
A ticket for $159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:
• Carry small amounts of cash. Your front pocket is ideal for carrying cash.
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.
• Never text and drive.
• Be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, bus stops, and on buses and other rapid transit.
• Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel.
• Never leave children in the car unattended.
• Never buy items from someone who approaches you in a parking lot. These are often stolen goods.
• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving.
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
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “conartists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
• 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.
• If your credit card is lost, stolen, or misused, notify the card issuer immediately.
• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player, or other devices while driving.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
With summertime approaching, remember that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule a home check.
Vacation Home Checks
• Pull over and stop to read maps.
• No grooming.
• No reading.
• No watching videos.
• Try not to get too involved with passengers.
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.
Here’s reminder that if you are a Paramount resident and have plans to be out of town during any part of the holidays, you can contact the Sheriff’s Station for a vacation home check. The City’s Public Safety Officers will periodically take a look around your home or property while you’re gone. (This free service is available throughout the year, not just during the holidays.) Call (562) 220-2002 for more information.
No Street Racing
Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.
Simple Strategies for Better Event Marketing
The Paramount Public Safety Department wants to remind everyone that street racing is illegal and dangerous. An automobile is a lethal weapon.
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 you have the urge to speed or to race other vehicles on our public streets, think twice about it. If you know people who like to speed or take part in street racing, tell them to stop.
People can die. Including the driver.
Don’t take part in street racing, in Paramount or elsewhere.
• 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
(Make checks payable to LBCC SBDC)
Prohibidas las Carreras de Calle
El Departamento de Seguridad Pública de la ciudad de Paramount quiere recordar a todos que las carreras de calle son ilegales y peligrosas.
Un automóvil es un arma letal.
Workshops will be held at:
Si siente la urgencia de correr a alta velocidad ó de correr contra otros vehículos en nuestras calles públicas, piénselo dos veces. Si conoce personas a las que les gusta correr a alta velocidad ó participar en las carreras de calle, díganles que dejen de hacerlo.
Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723
*Free Business Counseling Also Available
Puede causar la muerte de personas. Incluso la del chofer del auto. No participe en las carreras de calle, ni en Paramount ni en ningún otro lugar.
*$25.00 refundable deposit required Call the Chamber for more information
‘Tis the Season to Start Volunteering!
As the holidays draw near, families come together, and people with generous hearts give to those less fortunate. Every holiday season, Pathways rings in the seasons festivities by embracing the talents and generous hearts of their volunteers.
One great way to spread holiday cheer is Pathways Christmas Caroling and Cookie Exchange on December 17th. Each year, groups of volunteers visit, and sing holiday songs to Pathway’s clients at their homes and to patients at local hospitals. After visiting patients and clients, volunteers return to the Pathways office for a traditional cookie exchange, in which
volunteers are encouraged to bring their favorite cookies, or desserts to share…. the more the merrier!
But it is not only the holidays that allow special and unique occasions to volunteer; being a Pathways volunteer is year- round opportunity for anyone to give back in their own way. Volunteers can be shining light for those in need of a helping hand. Find out how you can use your talents and compassion to make a difference this season; a new volunteer training session begins December 1, 2014. For more information and volunteer opportunities please the Pathways office (562) 531-3031.
paramount Chamber of Commerce
Invites you to attend a Open House / Ribbon Cutting e. Baby mart
Wednesday, December 17th
15731 Downey Ave., Paramount
Beginning at 11:30 am
Lunch Served
College Scholarships Applications Available January 5
Grants Awarded to Local Students of $1,000 and $3,000
The Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) awards scholarships each year with the goal of making education beyond high school financially accessible.
The latest applications will be available as of January 5, 2015.
Hard copies can be picked up at Paramount City Hall, the Paramount City Yard, Paramount Chamber of Commerce and locations throughout the School District. Copies can also be downloaded on the City of Paramount website at www.paramountcity. com and on the Paramount Unified School District website at www.paramount.k12. ca.us/.
Scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to students attending a community college and $3,000 to students attending an accredited four-year institution within the U.S, including vocational/ trade/ technical schools. Scholarship monies may only be used to pay tuition, fees, books and supplies for the 2014-2015 school year.
Applicants will be reviewed based on their completed application, academic record, financial need, extracurricular activities, work or volunteer experience and future goals. Plagiarism or false information will permanently disqualify an applicant. Please be aware that first-time applicants will receive priority over past recipients.
The following are the mandatory requirements:
• You must be a City of Paramount resi-
dent or Paramount Unified School District student.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be enrolled in an accredited program to obtain an Associates of Arts or Bachelor’s degree and/or vocational certification. (Students must be able to provide proof of enrollment in an institution to be eligible.)
• Provide one letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor (who cannot be a relative).
• Possess a cumulative high school GPA of 2.0 or better.
• Submit forms that demonstrate financial need as determined by FAFSA (and include a copy of Student Aid Report).
For information regarding the PEP Scholarship Program, please contact Suleyma Rosales at (562) 220-2132.
Job Skills Class at Spane Park
The Cerritos College Adult Education and Diversity Programs will be offering an Occupational Preparation Basic Skills course at the Paramount Petroleum Community Learning Center at Spane Park. It will run January 17 to May 16 on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.
This class is designed to evaluate potential vocational abilities and help students acquire readiness skills that will allow them to be competitive in the job market for either part-time or full-time employment. It strives to prepare students to enter a new job position and/or advance in their current work. The goal is to build a broad range of knowledge in basic job competencies.
For more information, please call the Learning Center at (563) 220-2250.
CALIFORNIA OUTREACH ORGANIzATION
ALExANDER HAST (310) 926-7699, 15929 GARFIELD AVE, PARAMOUNT WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US WITH HANDLING AND GIVING OUT THE FOOD & FOR DONORS WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP US WITH FOOD OR MONEY CONTRIBUTIONS THAT ARE TAx DEDUCTIBLE. PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION (310) 909-9019.
Now hiring, AUTO MECHANIC, BODY AND PAINT TECH., AND OUTSIDE SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Email Heraldsgarage@gmail.com or visit Herald’s Garage 8124 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount.
BILINGUAL SALES in English & Spanish with basic computer skills. Also looking for WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEE with inventory, order-picking, and/or UPS experience. Please call 562-408-1984 and ask for Ivette or send an email to mimi.kim@ptminconline.com for Mimi.
Seven Strategies For Saving
By maria f. Galli State Farm Insurance 562-817-5620
Are you doing your best to save for your future? It can be very challenging to begin a savings program. After necessities such as food, clothing and housing, there can be little left to put aside for future goals.
Unfortunately, failing to save could mean the difference between enjoying a comfortable retirement and giving up some basic needs. Often it is a matter of making the decision to begin saving now in order to buy a new home or car later. Making changes to prepare for those goals can make a difference.
For that reason, let’s look at various ways to get a person’s savings plan on track and come up with seven strategies that you can use today.
1. Don’t splurge with your tax refund. Instead of spending your refund, use it wisely by paying down debt, funding an individual retirement account, or saving it for future financial goals.
2. Take full advantage of your employer’s retirement contributions. Your employer may match a percentage of the contributions you make to your retirement savings plan.
3. Start small and stay steady. The first word is the most important – start. You should begin as early as possible to get the most out of your savings plan.
4. Pay yourself first. Think of your savings or investments as a bill you must pay on a regular basis, much the same as a car or mortgage payment. Be disciplined and make the payments according to a set schedule.
5. Create separate pots of savings for upcoming life stages. Retirement may be an important goal for which to begin saving, but other goals or events need as much or more preparation.
6. If you have children, find the right education plan. You have a number of choices when it comes to saving for a child’s education. Finding the one that makes sense for your situation takes planning and information.
7. Work with someone you know and trust. Everyone’s needs and goals are unique. Just as you go through many changes during your lifetime, your financial goals may change.
In the end, it all boils down to making a plan, getting started and staying the course. When you make the decision to finally start, contact your local insurance and financial professional who knows you and understands your needs.
S ervi C e S
10 Tips for a Successful Small Business Saturday and Beyond
Small Business Saturday is November 29th this year, how are you prepping? Remember it’s not just about the day or the holidays, but also about spreading the word about your business. Use the ten tips below to complement your #SmallBizSaturday strategy.
1. Create a Strategy: Take a look at your overall goals and then narrow down your goals for small business Saturday. Your plan can be as simple as, “I want to achieve a higher rate of foot traffic. I set a goal of 2x the amount of my normal daily sales amount of ($ x ) from foot traffic alone. I plan to offer convenience and personalized shopping to incoming customers. I will provide free coffee outside my business, a ready shopper staff member for customers that want holiday suggestions, bundled gift options and free gift wrap with purchase. I will use my email contacts, website, and social media to get the word out.”
Positively
Paramount Civic Center
You then cover what you want to achieve, how you will measure, what your message is, what channels you will use to communicate, and how you will execute your message.
2. Invite: Before thinking about new customers, focus on your existing customers. Get your email invite out to your current subscribers engaging them to shop local at your business on 11/29, if you haven’t already. Remember to format the message for your homepage and corresponding social channels. Remind your neighbors about your business. You might find a potential partnership opportunity for a sidewalk sale or in-store event. If you’re feeling ambitious you can help rally support for a street or block wide event! Don’t forget to mention the big day and any special offers to your customers shopping now to create anticipation.
3. Create an Offer or Incentive: If appropriate for you, pull together
paramount places!
Paramount’s Civic Center Plaza is a beautiful botanical oasis, a one-acre garden-like public space with walking paths, benches and dynamic fountains. It links City Hall, Suburban Medical Center and the County Library as a cohesive whole while opening up a larger downtown corridor tying the Pond and the Iceland skating rink together. A special feature is a small park area around the historic “Hay Tree,” which dates back to Paramount’s days as the leading dairy producer in the state. City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave. Bianchi Paramount Theatres
Eleven state-of-the-art luxury theatres. Featuring stadium seating, digital sound system, and a meeting/ banquet/party room 7770 Rosecrans Avenue at Paramount Blvd.
Paramount Iceland
Home of the world famous zamboni Ice Machine. Featuring one of the largest indoor ice skating arenas in existence. An historical landmark, with a rich tradition as an Olympic training facility 8041 Jackson St. Paramount Pond
A decorative, restful public plaza, featuring a bronze sculpture garden with nearby coffee house and eateries Corner of Paramount Blvd. & Jackson St.
Paramount’s Outdoor Art Museum
9 By 9 By 9 .................................................................................................Spane Park, 14400 Gundry Ave.
Boxes ...............................................................................................Corner of Downey Ave. & Jefferson St.
Come on Dad .............................................. Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
Crack the Whip ........................................... Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
Defiance .............................................................Southwest corner of Paramount Blvd. and Rosecrans Ave.
Delineation ................................................................................................. City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave.
family ..........................................................................Century Place Apartments, 13810 Paramount Blvd.
fluid ............................................................................... Paramount County Library, 16254 Colorado Ave.
Going for the Goal ...................................... Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
hole In one ...............................................................................Lyons Industrial Park, 14528 Garfield Ave.
Kai Koo VII ..............................................................................................Alondra Blvd./West of Hunsaker
Modified Box ........................................................Paramount Community Center, 14400 Paramount Blvd.
Origami Pony ...................................................................................... Progress Park, 15500 Downey Ave.
Passage ........................................................................Trammel Crow Industrial Park, 14350 Garfield Ave.
poetry in motion ..........................................................................................................14429 Downey Ave.
Polished Performance ................................. Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd. save the Whales .......................................................................Paramount Petroleum, 14700 Downey Ave. solar sails .........................................................................................................Alondra Blvd. & L.A. River
Speedskater ................................................. Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd. stand by me ..................................................................Progress Community Center, 15500 Downey Ave. suffer the little Children .............................................Northwest corner of Paramount Blvd./Jackson St.
Sustenance ....................................................................................................................15125 Garfield Ave. the Die is Cast ..........................................................................Lyons Industrial Park, 14528 Garfield Ave. tribute to henry moore .........................................................Paramount Petroleum, 14700 Downey Ave.
Unfolding Star ........................................................................... Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Ave. untitled .......................................................................................................City Yard, 15300 Downey Ave. Upholding .................................................................................................. City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave. Vestige ..................................................Garfield Park, Northwest corner of Garfield Avenue and Petrol St. Zamboni Machine Replica ......................... Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
a special offer or incentive for customers to buy from you on Small Business Saturday. Most importantly, make sure your business can deliver on the offer. A great article on creating a last minute strategy from Constant Contact suggests being very specific for example, offering 15% off all new items, free coffee and cookies for guests while they shop, free gift over a purchase of $50, or free wrapping. If it’s a finite number of a giveaway item, be sure to say for example “for the first 100 shoppers” or “while supplies last.” If it’s a special contest, make sure to have customers fill out an entry form so you can keep in touch in your follow up marketing. Last minute strategy guide: http:// conta.cc/1uJTu0x
4. Promote: Three tools to help promote: 1) Constant Contact toolkit contains worksheets for creating a campaign. http://conta.cc/1yGkxcv 2) The American Express Shop Small site has free tools including signage and postcard templates for your business as well as a banner for your website (terms apply). http:// amex.co/1p0v2Yv 3) Visit your local SBDC. We can help you create a promotion plan 1:1 for your business. 1-866-588-SBDC. Make sure to snap pictures throughout the big day and post to social channels.
5. Gather your Resources: Now that you have your offer and/or message, the Shop Small partners also offer many useful and often free resources to help you save on spreading the word. Don’t forget to review the terms of the offers. Great resources from free poster printing with FedEx to free online ads on Yelp as well as Bing (terms apply). Review the offers that are best suited for your goals and business. More here: http://amex. co/1uJTKNw
6. Reach out to Local Media: Some small business owners not only decide to start or run their business in the same area they live, but also have incredible stories to share – all of which appeal to local media. Try sending a press release to local media with a grabbing tagline for example, “Local Santa Monica Resident Opens Small Shop, But Thinks Big on Small Business Saturday.” Send the story behind how you started your business, how long you’ve lived in the area, any special offers for the day and invite media to interview your customers on the big day. Press release template and guide: http://bit.ly/1yTjVjA
7. Bundle: As @RhondaAbrams shares in her #holidaysuccess guide; bundles often solve holiday dilemmas and lend to higher transaction amounts when the right gifts are wrapped together. Consider prewrapping products by theme for “him” or “her,” display bundles to-
gether, bundle a service and product, pre-wrap gift cards with your catalog or restaurant menu, or consider gift baskets at different price points. More tips from Rhonda’s guide: http://bit. ly/1yffxv1
8. Upsell: In two ways: 1) Increase the present transaction size by asking, “Would you like to add x to your purchase?” or “Did you get a chance to see x? It goes well with Y.” 2) Make it easier for your customers to spend more often by keeping them in the know about your business. It’s as easy as asking at the end of a transaction, “Would you like to be added to our special offers email list? It is sent out x a mo/week/.”If you’re using a tablet in store, make it easy for customers to check a box to be added to your email list or consider offering a small discount on a future purchase if they sign up. Tips on upselling from @ infusionsoft http://bit.ly/1xq03xk
9. Staff: First and foremost, review your projected sales for the holidays and assess whether you can hire seasonal staff. If so, remind your staff that they are part of the shopping small experience, to say “thank you” to customers, and to upsell. If you’re thinking about offering free wrapping or beverages make sure you assign your employees duties on the onset of the big weekend to assure “stations” are always staffed or stocked. Lastly, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, you may want to consider having “on-call” staff members or advising family or friends you may need their help.
10. Review and Follow Up: After the day is over, make a note of some aspects you would improve in the future and ask your staff or customers their thoughts too. This will help not only replicate actions that worked for next year, but also help your ongoing marketing efforts. Did you reach your goal of 2x your normal sales from foot traffic alone? Did your customers enjoy shopping with you and receive value from your offers? Lastly, follow up with a simple “Thank you” email or note showing appreciation for visiting and anticipation for seeing the customer again soon. Consider including shots from the day and/or including one or two upcoming offers in your email or note.
The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their business through low-cost workshops and free one-on-one consulting in business planning, finance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment call: (562) 938-5100, or email: sbdcinfo@ lbcc.edu
