Shop Local: Spend in Paramount!
Sales tax revenue is the single largest income source for virtually every city in California. It gives cities the most leeway in how they spend their money so it can be used to fund vital services like law enforcement, parks, street maintenance, recreation programs; the things that make Paramount a great place to live and work.
That is why it’s so important to shop locally in Paramount.
Part of what you pay, stays.
In light of this, the City has re-launched its outreach campaign to encourage shopping in the town’s retail sector, to express the need for residents and the workforce to support the local economy and the business community.
It’s called “Shop Local:
Paramount Chamber of Commerce pulse beat
15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723
Spend in Paramount.”
One way the City will get the word out is through a dedicated “Shop Local” Facebook page. If your business deals with consumers, you can be a part of it. Your specials, coupons, and videos will be featured, along with short features or profiles and other types of promotions.
There will also be bumper stickers, counter and window displays, and street banners seen throughout town.
Fact: Thriving businesses build a stable community.
Fact: Shopping in Paramount creates jobs and sustains the people who live and work here.
Fact: Shopping local is convenient and saves you gas since you don’t have to drive far to buy what you need.
Fact: Speaking of gas, the City benefits financially when you fill up you gas tank in town.
Fact: Local businesses are investing in the city’s future. Here’s a snapshot (based on business license information) of the nearly 900 commercial/retail businesses within the City’s 4.8 square miles that feature every consumer product you could ever need:
193 Retail Outlets (from WalMart and t he Home Depot to mom and pop stores selling everything)
99 Eating Establishments
65 p rofessional Medical Offices (doctors, dentists, optometrists)
74 p rofessional Services
Offices (insurance, taxes, real estate, financial, attorneys, home health care)
So, if you’re buying, buy at home, make it count. Always Shop Local, Spend in Paramount, support our businesses and invest in our future.
And more … businesses in
with all you need.
If you want to become a partner in this outreach, please email shoplocalparamount@paramountcity.com.
Get a Homeowner’s Exemption for Residential Property Taxes
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang encourages Los Angeles County homeowners to apply for the Homeowners Exemption that can save $70 on a residential property tax bill each year.
This is how it works: Once a homeowner submits an application and qualifies for the exemption, the property’s assessed value is reduced by $7,000, thereby lowering the property tax bill by approximately $70 each year. There is no deadline, homeowners can apply year round. There is no need to re-apply, which means the savings will continue until a change of ownership or reassessment occurs.
In Paramount, County records show that 37% of homeowners have not applied for this savings program. Out of the 88 cities in Los Angeles County, Paramount is ranked at #11 for highest number of unclaimed Homeowners Exemption.
The Homeowners Exemption is only for properties that are owned and serve as the primary residence of a homeowner; commercial property is not applicable. To qualify for the exemption, the home must
be the owner’s principal place of residence on January 1.
Visit www.assessor.lacounty.gov/homeowners-exemption/ for more information.
Bargain Pet Adoptions
SEAACA (the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority), which provides animal control services for Paramount, is holding its biggest discount adoption day of the year on February 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“Have a Heart,” just in time for Valentine’s Day, will feature a $14 adoption fee for dogs one year and older and cats eight weeks and older. The facility is located at 9777 Seaaca St., Downey, CA 90241.
For more information, call 562-8033301 or visit www.seaaca.org.
Support the Pirate JROTC
The Paramount High School JROTC Pirate Battalion is a great group of local kids who spend a lot of time volunteering and helping our community.
They also represent the City across the state and country. Sometimes this takes a bit of cash to get where they’re going.
They have set up a GoFundMe account to help fund these activities. It’s at www. gofundme.com/ParamountJROTC.
See if you can have a positive impact on some very positive Paramount students.
Sign Up for Online Water Bill Payment
Many water utility customers have taken advantage of the City’s option to pay water bills online with a credit or debit card.
In order to create an account, you can visit www.paramountcity.com and go to the “Services” page of the website, then to “Utilities” and “Water,” where there will be
a link marked “Pay Your Bill Online.”
You can then pay a bill with a card, check your account information, and view both transaction and consumption histories. You can also set up an “auto-pay” feature using your credit card or debit card (a debit card must have a credit card logo).
The credit or debit card option is only available online, and cannot be utilized if paying by mail or at the City Hall customer service counter.
All regular terms and conditions of payment apply. For more information, please call (562) 220-2010.
Community Center Available for Events
Need a facility for a birthday party, quinceañera, or other special family event?
The Paramount Park Community Center’s hall is available for rent on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Capacity is 240 –275 people.
Call (562) 220-2090 for details.
City Offers Transportation Options for Seniors
Paramount has a number of ways that our senior population can get a ride around town or to a doctor appointment.
If you need to go to a specific location in Paramount, for instance, that is not along a bus route, Dial-A-Ride is available for seniors age 55 and older, disabled residents, and anyone living ¾-of-a-mile outside a regular City transportation bus stop.
Hours are Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. -
6:00 p.m., $1 per ride, kids under six free. Call First Transit 48 hours in advance for door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service, or for any questions, at (562) 633-2904.
The City offers a Medical Taxi Program designed to help seniors 55 years or older and disabled residents get to their medical and dental appointments within an approximate five-mile radius.
Hours are Monday - Sunday, 6:00 a.m.9:00 p.m., $2 per ride, with a limit of 20 trips per month. Call (877) 933-3396 to schedule a pick-up or for any questions.
And if you live in Paramount and are interested in joining our Senior Center but are not able to drive yourself, the free ENP Shuttle can give you a ride there.
Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service is available Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Call the Paramount Park Senior Center at (562) 220-2090.
Heritage Festival Coming Up
Mark your calendars – the City’s 2nd Annual Heritage Festival will be on Saturday, June 16 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Paramount Park.
Attractions and entertainment will include a Teen Challenge zone with a human gyro ride, Euro bungee, and a rock wall, and an inflatable zone with a corn maze obstacle, a 20-foot slide, and other jumpers.
The Cal Poly Pomona Petting Farm will be on hand, and provide stethoscopes for children to hear the heartbeats of the animals.
There will be a variety food trucks.
And Sonora Dinamita will perform from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
See you there!
Mayor, Peggy Lemons
Major Crime Declined Last Year
Major crime was down in Paramount during 2017 compared to the previous year. Part One crimes experienced an overall drop of 6%. Theft, arson, rape and robbery all had substantial declines.
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.
• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
If you look at the City’s ten-year trend, the figures are down by a substantial 18%. Even during the slight uptick in 2015 and 2016, the numbers were still way below 2008.
• 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.
When it comes to serious crime, you have to go back to the late 1960s and early 1970s to find comparable levels. This is thanks to the robust partnership between the City’s Public Safety Department and the Sheriff’s Department over these many years.
Neighborhood Watch Produces Action
• 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.
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.
The Neighborhood Watch program is very vibrant in Paramount. Last year there were 33 meetings held with 649 residents attending. These meetings cover all sorts of public safety topics, but one of the more consistent complaints expressed by attendees has been speeding.
Consequently, last year the City installed a permanent radar sign along Alondra on the east side of town. These signs are very effective tools at control-
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.
• 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 pas sengers.
ling speeding infractions, in that they really grab a driver’s attention and make them think about their speed.
• If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.
For more information about Neighborhood Watch, please call (562) 220-2002.
Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders
Paramount Sheriff’s Station Offers Variety of Services
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.
The Paramount Public Safety Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department combine to bring the finest law enforcement services to the residents of Paramount. The Paramount Sheriff’s Station, located at 15001 Paramount Blvd., is a prime example of this relationship.
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.
Sadly, too many young people first become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. Project LEAD is designed to avoid that scenario.
The facility offers a number of services for the public. Among those are: filing crime reports; reporting suspicious activities and talking to deputies; paying parking violations and vehicle impound release fees; and responding to, or reporting, code enforcement complaints. Deputies are also available at the Station to interview victims and criminal suspects.
The Paramount Sheriff’s Station hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on holidays. The phone number for the Station is (562) 220-2002.
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.
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
ber that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule
Paramount residents can contact the Sheriff’s Station about having Volunteers on Patrol keep an eye on your home or property
Healthy Paramount event took place on January 24th at Paramount Park. Dr. Hassan Riaz from Mercy Medical Group came out to talk to our Paramount Residents about living a healthy life style. Guests were able to ask questions and find out about ways that they can make healthy choices and changes to their daily lives.
Promote 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 15th Annual College Scholarship program.
All business sponsors that donate to the PEP Scholarship fund are invited to the Sponsor Social on Friday, April 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Avenue.
This year’s festive theme is Havana Nights.
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, almost 300 scholarships worth over $800,000 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 year’s fundraiser 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.
The Social event features great food and fun casino-type games. Your donation is an important investment in our community. If interested in sponsorships or other contributions, please call (562) 220-2121.
Students – Apply for a PEP Scholarship
All Paramount residents who are college-bound or currently in college, and all Paramount Unified School District students, are eligible to apply for a PEP scholarship.
Current college students can get an “In-College Scholarship Application” for the PEP scholarship in the following places:
Hard copies are at Paramount City Hall, the Paramount City Yard/Recreation Office, and the Chamber of Commerce. Copies can also be downloaded on the City of Paramount website (www.paramountcity.com).
The finished applications need to be turned into Paramount City Hall or the Paramount City Yard/Recreation Office by the end of the day on March 16, 2018.
Graduating seniors attending Paramount High School or Paramount residents graduating from a high school outside of Paramount need to complete the “Common Scholarship Application” that allows them to apply for seven other local scholarships, in addition to PEP, with just the one application.
These applications are also available at City Hall, the Paramount City Yard/Recreation Office, and the Chamber of Commerce. For Paramount High School students, the “Common Scholarship Application” are also available through their academic counselors at PHS.
PEP scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to students attending a community college and $3,000 to students attending an accredited four-year state university within the U.S, including vocational/trade/technical schools. This jumps to $4,000 if attending a University of California campus or a private four-year university in the U.S.
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
Paramount Chamber Welcomes New Ambassador
Name: Mr. Tony Rodrick Warfield, Credit Consultant Company: United Credit Education Services Company Address: Paramount, California Office Phone: (424) 298-1726
Major Product or Service? Credit Restoration; Financial Education How Long in Business? One Year
Why Did You Join the Chamber? To connect with other growing businesses in the area. Where Were You Born?
Helena, Arkansas
Education/Training? United States Air Force, Financial Education Services Academy.
Civic Affiliations? Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paramount Chamber of Commerce.
What is Your Favorite Saying? What We Learn We Share Latest Accomplishment: New Home Purchase Philosophy: Purpose is Life
If You Were Granted 3 Wishes What Would They Be?
• End all racism
• Unify the American community
• End all hunger in African Countries
NeW M eMBeR
NeW M eMBeR
Tony Rodrick Warfield
Cl seR LOOK
Advanced College – Reinvigorated, Renewed Resource for Local Students
The City of Paramount is a “learning community” where the importance of education for all residents is stressed through outreach efforts like the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP). The Paramount Chamber of Commerce is a major contributor to this message through PEP because the business community knows that it needs a skilled workforce for the economy to thrive.
Advanced College is an important tool for local students as they pursue their education beyond high school to better their chances of economic success. This is true for recent high school graduates or folks looking to start a new career.
The college opened in the late 1990s. The operation today, however, has a fresh approach, different faculty, and innovative outlook with new ownership under Dr. Gurpreet Singh.
Not only has Dr. Singh produced these profound changes, he also brings a vital advantage to his students – ownership of hospitals and clinics. “The majority of our students are in a healthrelated field and they can benefit from these locations,” said Campus Director Frederick Poblete. “Few colleges can make that claim, normally just big universities. We’re a small college but attached to these wonderful facilities.”
As stated, Advanced College concentrates on careers in the healthcare
industry. Courses include Vocation Nursing, Phlebotomy, Medical Billing / Medical Front Office Assistant, Physical Therapy Aide, Massage Therapy, an AS Degree in Surgical Technology, and an AS Degree in Healthcare Management.
There are, additionally, classes for English as Second Language, Computerized Accounting, and an AS Degree in Business Administration. International students are encouraged to enroll through F1 & M1 visas.
Advanced College has another benefit for students thanks to its relationship with kaplan University. While Advanced focuses on Associate degrees, if a grad wants to earn a higher degree
they have the ability to transfer to kaplan for a Bachelor’s or Master’s.
Classes at Advanced – which has national accreditation through the Council on Occupational Education – can be taken on campus and online, which provides flexibility and convenience. Financial aid is available for those who qualify and there are placement preparation and assistance programs for employment.
The new ownership has committed to a strong presence in the community.
“We’ve joined the Paramount Chamber of Commerce, which is a great organization and a very active chamber,” Poblete said. “We are going to be very active, too, in their events. And since a lot of our employees and students are from
Paramount, we will be engaged in the community, visiting the high schools and offering community groups free use of our large classroom for meetings.
“We are extremely pleased to bring this reinvigorated learning resource to Paramount and the surrounding cities,” Poblete continued. “All of our instructors and staff are highly qualified and very talented. We’re here to provide a fine education for our students and guide them to successful careers.”
Advanced College also has a campus in Stockton and will be opening one soon near Modesto.
The local campus is at 13180 Paramount Blvd., South Gate; (562) 4086969; advancedcollege.edu.
ribbon Cutting at Advanced College on Paramount Blvd. in South Gate.
Presenting certificates from left City of Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons, Paramount Chamber Sr. Vice President Jon Tanklage (Marukan Vinegar uSA), Campus Director Fred Poblete, Dystanie Flores (Office of Senator ricardo Lara), Lynda Johnson (Office of Supervisor Janice Hahn), Gabriela Cid (Office of Congresswoman nanette Diaz Barragán.
Showing the new surgical training room is Advanced College’s Surgical Technology instructor Dr. Abraam khalil, MD. Looking on is Tim Hickok (Penta Pacific Properties), Mayor Peggy Lemons and Lynda Johnson (Office of Supervisor Janice Hahn).
Excited
TAG Art Show
Location: Progress Park Plaza West
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE
STUDENT SHOW
StudentS from Paramount (PuSd and our Lady of the roSary)
Saturday, February 24, 2018 (8 Am – 6 Pm)
Sunday, February 25, 2018 (1 Pm – 6 Pm)
Combined Student and aduLt Show
StudentS from Paramount and artiStS of Southern CaLifornia
Saturday, march 3, 2018 (8 Am – 8 Pm)
demonStration and aduLt awardS
Sunday, march 4, 2018 (2 Pm – 5 Pm)
American Legion Post #134 Flagpole Renovation
The task of repainting the Flagpole at the American Legion Post here in Paramount was accomplished in January. Scaffolding was donated by Don Moore. They began painting on Thursday January 18 and finished in two days. Sunday January 21st, about 30 gathered to watch the Color Guard dedicate and and raise the flag.
Community News
Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
On January 25th some incredible volunteers from as far away as Moreno Valley showed up to count the homeless on the streets of Paramount. This very important process will determine what type
of resources the City will receive to help the homeless in our community. Mayor Lemons extended the sincere thanks from the City of Paramunt to everyone who volunteered to help on a very cold night.
7 New Year Resolutions You Can Make For Your Business
By Jennifer lobb
Jennifer is an alum of the University of Denver. She enjoys spending time identifying ways in which non-profits and small businesses can develop into strong and profitable organizations while promoting strong community growth.
A new year is upon us, and for many of us that means taking inventory of our lives, deciding where we can improve and making resolutions to guide us through our journey to improvement.
While we typically think of resolutions as personal promises, the sentiment can and should extend to professional organizations. By making company-wide resolutions, small business owners, managers or individuals in other leadership roles
Are You Prepared for An Emergency?
By Maria F. Galli
State Farm Insurance
562-817-5620
Every year we face possible disasters - earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes and winter storms. If a disaster strikes your home, are you and your family prepared? Do you know where important documents, medications, and essential supplies are in case you have to evacuate? Do you and your family know how you would get out of your house, what you would do with your pets, where you meet each other if you get separated? Do you have a single point of contact you can call to let others know you’re safe?
If not, now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait until faced with a disaster to begin thinking about emergency preparations. No matter what potential disaster you might face, there are basic items everyone should have in their emergency kit:
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered radio (don’t forget extra batteries)
• Non-perishable food items and a manual can opener
• Bottled water
• Medications
• First-aid supplies
• Important family documents in a waterproof container
• One complete change of clothing and sturdy footwear
These items should be in a backpack or other easily portable bag that is stored in a safe place for quick retrieval. Each family member should have their own kit. At least once a year rethink your kit and replace batteries, food and clothes.
In addition to an emergency kit, be sure your family has an evacuation plan and communications plan. Every member of your household should be fully aware of what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. Additional information on being prepared for a disaster is available from emergency assistance organizations. Contact your local Police or Fire departments for more information.
Earthquake Preparedness Tips
Living in California, means living with earthquakes. They can happen at any time. Are you and your family prepared? If not, you may want to familiarize yourself with these earthquake safety tips.
The best protection during an earthquake is to get under heavy furniture such as a desk, table or bench. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Fatalities often happen when people run outside of buildings and get hit by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass and falling objects.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has information to help you prepare for all types of disasters, including earthquakes. Here are a few:
• Check your home for hazards – make sure shelves are fastened securely to walls; large, heavy objects and breakable items are stored on lower shelves; pictures and mirrors are hung away from areas where people sit and sleep; check for defective electrical wiring and gas leaks as these pose potential fire hazards
• Have disaster supplies on hand – flashlights; portable battery-operated radio; first aid kit and essential medicines; emergency food and water; hand operated can opener; cash and credit cards; sturdy shoes
• Develop and emergency communication plan – in case family members get separated, have a designated place to meet; ask an out-of-state relative to be your family contact and make sure everyone has the phone number
A little advance planning can help you and your family weather disasters of any kind more safely. And remember ... earthquake damage is generally not covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy, so make sure to include your local insurance agent in your planning.
You can pick up a free Disaster Survival Guide at the Paramount Sheriff’s Staion at 15001 Paramount Blvd. Ste. E, Paramount, CA 90723. You can also find the Los Angeles County Survival Guide available on line in 16 languages at https://www. lacounty.gov/emergency-survival-guide.
can promote growth, increase the bottom line and improve company morale.
Not sure what types of resolutions you should make? Here are seven that will be important for a strong 2018.
1. Connect With Your Employees
Owning or running a business comes with a unique set of challenges and responsibilities, many of which are fundamentally different from those that your employees will encounter over the course of a year. And while the job titles and responsibilities may be different, connecting with your employees on some level is essential if you want to have a successful year.
Hold a semi-regular “all-aboard meeting,” host company activities or simply be present to show your employees that they’re valued, that you recognize the effort they put in and that you’re accessible and available to them if needed. Employees who recognize these values in their leaders are more likely to take pride in both their position and the company.
2. Become a Better Delegator
Learning to effectively delegate (and avoid micromanaging) is a challenging task for individuals in leadership positions. However, it’s also a practice that should be embraced. Not only does delegation free up time, energy, and mental space for other tasks, it also works to develop and hone the skills that your employees will need if you want your business to run smoothly.
3. Focus on Education & Development
Learning a relevant new skill will make you a more efficient leader, and the same is true for your employees. By focusing on education and growth throughout the year, you can improve operational efficiency, increase product/ service quality and foster an innovative and creative environment. Further, the opportunity to improve or develop new skill sets can translate to employees who are more confident and satisfied in their current positions.
4. Understand & improve Your Finances
Do you know your credit score? Are you needlessly wasting money or leaving dollars on the table? For some, the financial aspect of owning a business can be daunting, but failure to become intimately acquainted with your financial situation can lead to big problems in the future. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to evaluate things like your credit score and spending. Doing so will empower you to make important and impactful decisions about future efforts, improving your YOY financial report.
5. Make Energy Conservation a Priority
There are a lot of costs associated with running a business, and though there are many ways to cut down on spending, one variable expense that often goes unaddressed is energy. By focusing on energy efficiency, business owners can cut unnecessary spending while creating a more consciousness workplace, something that can improve your brand perception over time.
Conservation can be as easy as working with employees to create an energy efficiency plan, or, if your budget allows, replacing outdated equipment or making structural changes that decrease usage.
6. Make Every Meeting Count
Love them or hate them, meetings are an essential part of any successful business. However, poorly run meetings, or too many meetings, can have an adverse effect on productivity. Take inventory of existing meetings and determine their overall efficiency and effectiveness. You may find that some meetings are simply unnecessary, while others are necessary but should be more structured.
Depending on the size and structure of your business, you may not be involved (or even know about) ever meeting held, and so it’s important that this resolution trickles down to your management team.
7. Become a Better Communicator
Effective communication strategies are important in our personal and professional lives, and as a business leader, your ability to communicate effectively impacts both internal and external relationships. Clients, vendors and other partners rely on your ability to communicate needs, wants and expectations, and the same is true for relationships with your employees.
When implemented as a companywide goal, improved communications will lead to stronger employee and interdepartmental relationships. As such, teamwork becomes more efficient, goals are achieved and positive change takes place. In fact, each of the resolutions you make will become much easier to keep when communication is improved.
Start the New Year off right by seeing it as an opportunity to make a fresh start. Take the time to review your company from a cultural, financial and operational standpoint, and identify where you can make positive improvements. With those insights, you’ll be well equipped to make resolutions that focus on the goals and values necessary to move your company forward over the next 12 months.
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
Serving the community for over fifty years
Major Sponsor of Dictionaries for 3rd graders PUSD Monthly/Yearly Scholorships for PHS seniors Donate to Vets in L.B. Vets Hospital m eetings every m onday night 7:30 pm
HALL FOR RENT
Weddings * Quinceaneras * Birthdays Max 250 people - (562) 884-1357 8108 E. Alondra Blvd • 562 633-1804 www.paramountelks.org
at noon every Tuesday at Progress Plaza Park (15500 Downey Ave.) for fellowship, lunch and an informational program. Do the Club’s activities sound like fun to you? If so, please be our guest for lunch. For more information call President John Boogaard at (562) 881-0334 or Secretary Dean Mouren-Laurens at (562) 633-3224. Please visit our website at ClubRunner.ca/Paramount . We hope to see you soon!
P aramount C hamber
n etworking b reakfast
The recent Networking Breakfast was held on January 25th at Progress Park and sponsored by AppleCare Medical Management – a Part of OptumCare. It was an enjoyable time of getting to know the businesses in the community. Besides the beautiful breakfast there were table top displays and Spin to Win prizes. Several came away with free ad opportunities in the Pulse Beat.
We listened to an enthusiastic speaker, Scott Madsen of Crowdfund Better on crowdfunding possibilites. He was extremely informative about the wide range of platforms and details that go into develping the right crowdfund campaigns for your growing business. Many questions were asked and answered that helped shead some light on this frontline type of investing.
Prize was awarded for the business card drawing to krystle Morris of Dr. Max Martinez, DDS, FAGD, FACD.
Prize was also award for Most interesting Table Top Display to Calvin Ford from Advance College.
Suzane Jones of Jones Scaffold Co. playing Spin to Win!
