Pulse Beat February 2020 by City of Paramount

Event sponsor:

PULSE BEAT

JOB &COMMUNITY MARCH

Job & Community Fair

The Paramount Chamber of Commerce will hold its 20th annual Job & Community Fair on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Paramount Park, 14400 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723.

Admission and parking are free for the event, which is being sponsored by Total-Western, Inc.

Each year the Paramount Chamber welcomes 30 to 40 participating companies to engage directly with a wide variety of ready-for-hire job seekers. Companies will be able to hold private interviews with potential job candidates on the spot in reserved meeting rooms and possibly even hire that day.

A number of federal, state and county agencies and organizations also will be on hand to provide event participants valuable information about community services and resources.

Free workshops for job-seekers Workshops will include sessions on “How to create a winning résumé” and “Employer expectations and interview techniques.”

Free services will include résumé preparation and critique, as well as coaching on how to dress for an interview to make the best impression. These workshops and services will be provided by the Employment Development Department and the Southeast Los Angeles ofﬁce of America’s

Job Center of California, which is run by Hub Cities Consortium.

Honorary event co-chairs will be the City of Paramount, Assemblyman Anthony Rendon, State Senator Lena Gonzalez, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Hub Cities Consortium. For additional information about the Job & Community Fair, visit paramountchamber.com or call 562-634-3980

Event Sponsor:

Únase a nosotros el 14 de marzo en Paramount Park para nuestra Feria de Empleo y Comunidad

La Cámara de Comercio de Paramount celebrará su vigésima Feria Anual de Empleo y Comunidad el sábado 14 de marzo, de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. en Paramount Park, 14400 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723. La entrada y el estacionamiento son gratuitos para el evento, que está patrocinado por TotalWestern, Inc.

Cada año, la Cámara de Paramount le da la bienvenida a entre 30 y 40 empresas participantes para que participen directamente con una amplia variedad de personas que buscan trabajo listo para contratar. Las empresas podrán mantener entrevistas privadas con posibles candidatos para el trabajo en el lugar en salas de reuniones reservadas y posiblemente incluso contratar ese día. Una serie de agencias y organizaciones federales, estatales y del condado también estarán disponibles para proporcionar a los participantes del evento información valiosa sobre los servicios y recursos de la comunidad.

Talleres gratuitos para solicitantes de empleo—Los talleres incluirán sesiones sobre “Cómo crear un currículum ganador” y “Expectativas del empleador y técnicas de entrevista.”

Los servicios gratuitos incluirán preparación y crítica del currículum vitae, así como entrenamiento sobre cómo vestirse para una entrevista para causar la mejor impresión. Estos talleres y servicios serán proporcionados por el Departamento de Desarrollo del Empleo y la

PULSE BEAT

oﬁcina del Sudeste de Los Ángeles del Centro de Empleo de California, que es administrado por el Consorcio Hub Cities.

Los copresidentes honorarios del evento serán la Ciudad de Paramount, el asambleísta Anthony Rendon, senador estatal Lena Gonzalez, la congresista Lucille Roybal-Allard, la supervisora del condado de Los Ángeles Janice Hahn y el Consorcio Hub Cities.

Para obtener información adicional sobre la Feria de empleo y comunidad, por favor visite paramountchamber.com o llame al 562-634-3980

Image credit: Gerd

Altmann

(Pixabay)

What has Paramount done to address nancial challenges?

Next General Municipal Election is March 3

The next City of Paramount General Municipal Election will be held on March 3 for three seats on the City Council and Measure Y, a Public Safety and City Services initiative. e Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder/County Clerk is the primary source for voter registration and local election information, including sample ballots, voting by mail, early voting locations, and nding your polling place. To learn more, visit lavote.net/home/voting-elections

To be eligible to vote in an election, you must be registered. If you would like to receive a sample ballot in the mail, you must register at least 15 days prior to the election date. Voter registration forms may be obtained from Paramount City Hall at 16400 Colorado Ave., at the O ce of the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder/County Clerk, and at post o ces.

For this election, Los Angeles County is transitioning from polling places to Vote Centers with the new “Voting Solutions for All People” system. is new model allows voting at any Vote Center location in the county. You will also be able to register at the Vote Centers when you show up. Some Vote Centers will provide an opportunity to cast a ballot for 10 days leading up to Election Day.

To nd a variety of links about registering to vote, new Vote Centers, and Measure Y, visit the City’s homepage news feed at paramountcity.com and search for “election news.”

Frequently asked questions about Measure Y

Speaking of Measure Y, here are frequently asked questions about this initiative: Is Paramount facing any nancial di culties?

Paramount’s top priority is maintaining quality of life and public safety of all our residents while remaining committed to long-term nancial stability. Paramount is a thriving city, despite setbacks due in large part to the State taking $6 million a year since the elimination of redevelopment agencies, as well as rising costs for Sheri ’s deputies and other City services.

A Producer of Renewable Fuels Using

Animal Fats and Vegetable Oils

Paramount takes pride in its track record of being scally responsible and has taken a variety of steps to reduce costs. For example, the City has already reduced its workforce by 25%, reformed employee pensions and bene ts, restructured its organization to be more e cient, and built partnerships with entities like Long Beach Transit and the YMCA to start to address its nancial challenges. Does Paramount need to do more to address nancial challenges?

While the City has successfully managed its budget by dipping into its reserves, this practice is not a permanent solution, and the City needs a long-term revenue source to avoid a budget de cit of $3 to $4 million by 2025. at is why the City Council has placed Measure Y, a 0.75 cent sales tax increase, on the March 3 ballot.

What will funds produced by Measure Y be used for?

If approved by voters, Measure Y sales tax revenue would:

• Maintain levels of public safety, including Sheri ’s patrols and school safety o cers.

• Repair streets, sidewalks, and potholes.

• Address homelessness in our community.

• Prevent cuts to youth violence prevention and after school programs.

• Prevent cuts to senior programs.

• Keep parks and other public areas safe and clean.

• Provide quick responses to 9-1-1 emergencies.

• Maintain programs to attract new businesses and restaurants.

Would Measure Y local sales tax stay in Paramount?

Yes. Currently, Paramount receives 1 penny of each dollar collected from the 9.5% sales tax— the rest goes to the State and County. If approved by voters, 100% of additional funds produced by Measure Y will stay in Paramount.

Is there an example of why we should keep local revenue local?

L.A. County’s Measure H, intended for countywide homeless programs, has collected about $3.5 million from Paramount since July 2017. To date, the City has only received less than $184,000 in return. Current taxes are largely being used to bene t homelessness programs outside of Paramount. Have neighboring cities increased their sales tax?

Yes. Neighboring cities of Santa Fe Springs, Compton, Long Beach, Lynwood, South Gate, and Downey have already passed a sales tax increase—and the cities of Cerritos, Lakewood, and Norwalk have a similar sales tax measure on the March 3 ballot.

Would visitors to Paramount pay for Measure Y?

Yes, sales tax is paid by anyone who shops in Paramount.

How do Paramount residents feel about a local sales tax increase?

According to recent polling, 77% of Paramount residents would support Measure Y. Can we trust that Measure Y revenue will be used locally?

Yes. All funds from Measure Y will be used solely to fund City services here in Paramount. By law, no money could be taken away by the State or the County. Independent nancial audits will ensure public disclosure of all spending.

(From the Mayor’s Desk continues at the top of page 4.)

e 2020 Census and con dentiality

e 2020 U.S. Census will be taking place soon. It is essential that everyone be counted for a variety of reasons. But keep in mind that your responses to the census are safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Your answers can only be used to produce statistics. Your Census responses cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way—not by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), not by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), not by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and not by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Learn more about the Census Bureau’s data protection and privacy program at www.census.gov/privacy

Project Hope

9 -10 a.m.

8206 Alondra Blvd., Paramount First four Fridays of each month Los primeros cuatro viernes del mes For information, contact Mike at 562-272-4962 or mike.mckown@erc.la

City Council

Holiday event volunteers honored

Groups that volunteered at the City’s recent holiday events were recognized at the January 14 City Council meeting. Volunteering at the Holiday Tree Lighting were members of Paramount High School Cheer, with advisor Lourdes Aguayo. During the Santa Train, Cheer also came out every night. Leading up to the train, members of MUSA, and president Erika Eras, put the candy canes and apples in the bags that were passed out to everybody on the four-day route, about 20,000 in all. At Breakfast with Santa and Snow Day, Cheer also helped, along with AVID Club from the high school and advisor Gloria Fernandez, volunteers from Paramount Adult School and advisor Hector Lujan, and members of Chapel of Change, led by Irene Ramirez. Front row, left to right: Theresa Ayala (parent of student volunteer), Erika Eras (MUSA), Alfredo Castro (PHS Cheer), Lorena Juarez (PHS Cheer), Lourdes Aguayo (PHS Cheer), Hector Lujan (Paramount Adult School). Back row, left to right: Councilmember Brenda Olmos, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, and Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer.

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

BARTENDER Part-time, including evenings and weekends. Call Leroy: 562-634-9001.

SKILLED LABOR OPPORTUNITIES SkillsetGroup currently has these positions available for rst, second and third shi s: Machine operator, sanitation, loading & unloading, forkli 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, CA 90723.

STATE FARM AGENT State Farm Agents help customers protect what’s important to them 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 experience. Contact Leroy at 818-845-4518.

MAINTENANCE WORKER Part-time, entry-level or skilled. Painting, locksmith work, lighting, general maintenance, minor or major plumbing repairs, upkeep and repairs in a senior citizens’ facility. Email Gaby at gaby@immpco.com or call 562-408-0801 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CREW WORKER Specialty construction. Will train. Installation of epoxycoatings, including preparation of concrete oors and other structures using various equipment. Long-term, 30+ hours, including some weekends. Report in person to TECHCOAT, 15720 Gar eld Ave., Paramount, CA 90723; M- 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

To place an ad, call the Chamber at 562-634-3980.

Lorena Juarez, representing the Paramount High Cheer Squad, led the Pledge of Allegiance to open the January 14 City Council meeting. From left: Councilmember Brenda Olmos, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Mayor Tom Hansen, Juarez, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, and Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer.

The City Council recognized National Personal Self-defense Awareness Month at its January 14 meeting. The observation is designed to educate women and teens about realistic self-defense options to protect themselves so they can avoid, escape, and survive possible assaults. Accepting the proclamation were Liliana Sanchez and Cassie Trost from Carlson Gracie, a mixed martial arts training facility in town. From left: Councilmember Brenda Olmos, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Mayor Tom Hansen, Sanchez, Trost, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, and Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer.

Public Safety

Crime rates declined 9% in 2019

The number of Part 1 violent/property crimes in Paramount fell to a total of 1,596 last year, compared to 1,761 in 2018. is is the fewest number of such crimes in the city since 1973, when there were 1,567. But remember that in 1973, Paramount had about 35,000 residents—today, that number is close to 56,000.

Overall statistics for 2019 revealed a steady 9% reduction compared to 2018. (See related charts below.)

Every property crime category had dramatic drops, except for a single-incident increase in arson. With violent crimes, there was one more homicide last year, though that number is less than the six from 2017. And an uptick occurred with robberies, which often involve meeting people for internet-related sales—which is why everyone should consider using the Safe Internet Purchase Exchange Zone at the Paramount Sheri ’s Station for these transactions.

If you look at the last 20 years, crime has dropped by 37%. is has been the result of the strong partnership among the City Council, the Public Safety Department, and the Sheri ’s Department over these two decades.

In fact, Paramount took an innovative lead in law enforcement approaches as far back as the 1980s. Some of those programs included:

• Being the rst “contract” city to place its logo on Sheri ’s vehicles to create a sense of community identity for deputies and residents alike.

• Maintaining a regular core of o cers serving the City, where previously there were hundreds of rotating deputies.

• Creating a small storefront Sheri ’s substation, which over the years moved to bigger locations and in 2002 was upgraded to full station status.

• Being the rst city served by the Sheri ’s Department to institute a Community Service O cer Program, which consists of non-sworn employees who respond to certain calls, thus relieving sworn o cers of many routine duties and allowing them to focus on more serious crimes.

• Instituting the “Beat System” in which the city is divided into four quadrants or “beats,” each with speci c o cers assigned there so that they can learn more about quality-oflife issues a ecting residents.

• Launching a prevention-oriented e ort called the “Good Neighbor Program” to train landlords and managers about things like tenant screening and how to identify criminal activity.

Scholarship application deadline: Feb. 14

Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to students attending a community college, $3,000 to those attending an accredited four-year state university (including vocational, trade and technical schools), and $4,000 to those attending a University of California campus or a private four-year university.

For current scholarships, applications must be turned in to Paramount City Hall (16400 Colorado Ave.) or the Paramount City Yard/Recreation Oﬃce (15300 Downey Ave.) by the end of the day on Feb. 14, 2020.

Hard copies are available at Paramount City Hall and the Paramount City Yard/Recreation Oﬃce. You can also download copies from the City of Paramount website at paramountcity.com

Requirements for applying for a PEP scholarship:

• You must be a Paramount resident or a Paramount Uniﬁed School District (PUSD) student.

• You must have a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED high school equivalency certiﬁcate).

• You must enroll in an accredited program and be working on an associate’s degree or a ﬁrst bachelor’s degree.

• You must have a minimum cumulative high school grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0.

• You must submit a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aide (FAFSA).

• Dream Act AB 540 students are welcome to apply.

Caribbean-themed PEP

Sponsor Social will be April 24

All business sponsors that donate to the PEP Scholarship Fund are invited to the Sponsor Social on Friday, April 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Avenue in Paramount.

It will be fun night of great food, casino games, and good company, all in the name of supporting education in Paramount. This year there will be a Caribbean theme.

Donating to the fund or sponsoring the event are great ways to promote your business to the community at large.

All donations are made to the PEP 501c3 non-proﬁt entity and are taxdeductible.

The generosity of the Paramount business community has helped make dreams of college become a reality for many local students. Since 2004, 377 PEP scholarships worth $1.145 million have gone to Paramount young people, contributing to new local records for college attendance.

For some of these students, PEP scholarships have made the diﬀerence in whether or not they could continue their educations. For all recipients, such assistance has been important.

If you’re interested in sponsorships or other contributions, please call 562-220-2121.

Membership RENEWALS

We’re very grateful that the businesses below have renewed their Paramount Chamber of Commerce memberships, making our valuable services possible.

Mattco Forge, Inc..................................................................................21 years 16443 Minnesota Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Paramount Furniture 20 years 16450 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

New Commandment Baptist Church 17 years 15548 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

Praise Chapel Christian Fellowship 16 years 8024 Somerset Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

David Maciel, State Farm Insurance Sales Leader 12 years david.maciel.coa3@statefarm.com

Marukan Vinegar USA, Inc...........................................................12 years 16203 Vermont Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa 11 years 7610 Rosecrans Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Medical Waste Services 10 years 7321 Quimby St., Paramount, CA 90723

CFR Rinkens LLC: Car Transport 3 years 15501 Texaco Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

West Coast Arborists, Inc 2 years

2200 E Via Burton, Anaheim, CA 92806

Paramount Hope Dialysis..................................................................2 years 8319 Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

February 4 • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ribbon-cuttings: Casa de las Flores & Marali Beauty

At their locations: 8009 & 8011 Somerset Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723. Lunch and networking. RSVP at 562-364-3980 or Paramountchamber.com (also see page 10).

February 12 • 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

State of the City Luncheon

At Progress Park Plaza: 15500 Downey Ave., Paramount, CA 90723. Please RSVP at 562-364-3980 or Paramountchamber.com (please also see page 16).

February 19 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ribbon-cutting for Central City Human Services

At the o ce of Dr. Lakha: 8534 Rosecrans Ave., Paramount, CA 90723. RSVP at 562-364-3980 or Paramountchamber.com (please also see page 10).

March 12 • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ribbon-cutting for Metro Plywood & Hardware

At their location: 15733 Colorado Ave., Paramount, CA 90723. RSVP at 562-364-3980 or Paramountchamber.com (please also see page 10).

March 14 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Paramount Chamber Job & Community Fair

At Paramount Park: 114400 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723. Hosted by Paramount Chamber of Commerce and sposnored by Total Western. Free admission and free parking for this event (please also see the related story on page 1).

March 17 • 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Ribbon Cutting for Kaizen Dental

At their location: 8813 Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723. Lunch and networking. RSVP at 562-364-3980 or Paramountchamber.com. (please also see page 10).

March 27 • 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting for Halibut Window Film

At the Paramount Chamber: 15357 Paramount Blvd., Paramount CA 90723. RSVP at 562-364-3980 or Paramountchamber.com. (please also see page 10).

Helping to Preserve Your Lifestyle

MICHAEL PETTIT Agency Owner

562.219.6266

mpettitinsurance@aol.com PO Box 1253 Bellflower, CA 90707 CA Lic.# 0613132

Our goal is to give you as many options as possible by:

• Protecting your Lifestyle wit the wise use of “Living Benefit” and Final Expense Life Insurance

• Protecting you income against a Critical Illness, Accidental Injury or Cancer

PETTIT INSURANCE AGENCY

l o caldining

LOCAL DINING

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. Visit the following businesses to receive the discounts listed below. But remember, these offers are available only to Paramount Chamber members!

Attorney & Legal Services

Lerma Law O ce (562-272-4353):

15% discount on initial retainer fee or at-rate service.

Automotive

Herald’s Garage (562-633-2136): 15% discount on labor and a free engine light reset.

Beauty

Family Cutz (562-408-2733):

$3 o regular haircut, 10% o color service. Comeback Barber Shop (310-920-5090):

$17 haircut for Chamber members.

2rue Beauty Salon (562-952-1951): $25 haircut and blow out.

Cleaners

Alert Cleaners (562-634-4602): 10% discount on any dry cleaning. Communications

Transcom Telecommunications (562-630-1200, ext. 221): 10% o equipment (business phone services).

Contractors

H1 Floor Covering (424/785-5551): 15% o rst visit.

Jones Sca old Co. (800-266-3864): 10% o net rental of sca old equipment. Data Base Services

NEXTSTEP (877-305-6932): Free needs analysis and special Chamber member discount rate.

Dental

Paramount Dental Care (800-266-3864): Free whitening. Free exam. Free cancer screening

Financial Services

SG Tax Services (562-630-4004): $25 o tax preparation for Chamber members and their employees.

United Credit Education Services (424-298-1726): $50 o $99 enrollment fee.

Vicky Professional Services (562-634-1178): 20% o bookkeeping and accounting service.

Flowers

Diana’s Flowers (562-529-5045): Free local delivery and free balloons.

Case de las Flores (562-469-8776): 25% o any arrangement.

Funeral Services

Palacios Funeral Home (562-972-5429): 5% o services.

Hotels & Motels

Embassy Suites Hotel (562-861-1900): 15% o best available room rate (subject to availability). Ask for “Chamber rate.”

Insurance

2000 Insurance Service (562-602-0001): 25% o new business.

Medical

Azul Homecare Partners (562-862-9249): 10% o medical supplies (call Giselle Ortegon). Clínica Médica Hispana (562-630-1991): 25% discount.

Hansen, Thomas D.C. – Chiropractor (562-634-0985): 25% o initial visit.

Lakha Medical Clinic (562-602-8877): Alena Skin Care–Free consultation. Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center (562-865-9600)–10% o any laser or cosmetic surgery Procedure.

Plumbing & Heating

Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (562-861-1234): 10% o HydroJet service and/or 10% o 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.

T & C’s Screen Printing ((310-292-8508): Free two-color set-up on screen printing. Free set-up on embroidery ($50 value) on a 24-shirt minimum.

Real Estate

Century 21 Allstars–Mark Sourial (562-745-8171): Free market evaluation of your property.

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 Paci c Properties (562-699-1922): Free market value opinions on commercial and industrial properties.

Real Estate Homes & Investments (562-200-1164): 20% discount. Ask about preferred pricing for Chamber members.

The R.M. Cool Company (562-630-6000): Ask about preferred pricing for Chamber members.

Restaurants

Café Corleone (562-408-6100): 10% discount on all food purchases.

Café Camellia (562/866-2824): 10% discount on food purchases.

Casa Adelita (562-408-2360): 10% o (may not be combined with other specials).

Casa Gamino (562-634-6225): 10% discount on food purchases.

Del n Seafood & Market (562-630-1928): 10% o any order.

El Compa Restaurant (562-630-1068): 10% discount on all food purchases.

Gus’s Deli, BBQ & Grill (562-630-2802): 10% o all food purchases.

Mariscos El Parihuete (562-408-1661): 10% o on food purchases over $10.

Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa #1 (562-529-5110): 10% discount on all food purchases.

Pika Tortas Ahogadas (562-529-5787): 10% discount on all regular-priced food items (excludes combo deals).

Shakey's Paramount (562-630-6090): 10% discount o regular-price large or medium pizza.

The Hummus Factory, Downey (562-622-2300): 20% o any order.

Skating Rinks

Paramount Iceland (562-633-1171): 10% o admission and skate rental.

Wellness & Health

Spiritual Quest (877/535-2267): 50% o salt lamps only.

Wholesalers & Distributors

Rayvern Lighting Supply, Inc. (562-634-7020): 5% o xtures and ballast orders (commercial distributor of lighting and xtures).

To learn more about this discount program,

BARBER SHOP

(For more information, please see the Calendar of Events on page 6)

Ceremonies

January 16, 2020 8008 Jackson Street

Paramount, California

January 23, 2020 15719 Downey Avenue Paramount, California

Casa de las Flores & Marali Beauty Salon & Supply (joint ribbon-cutting) • February

4 • From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Lunch and networking • At their locations: 8009 & 8011 Somerset Blvd., Paramount • RSVP to 562-634-3980 or Paramountchamber.com

Central City Human Services • February 19 • From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • At the o ce of Dr. Lakha: 8534 Rosecrans Ave., Paramount • RSVP to 562-634-3980 or Paramountchamber.com.

Metro Plywood & Hardware • March 12 • From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Lunch and networking • At their location: 15733 Colorado Ave., Paramount • RSVP to 562-634-3980 or Paramountchamber.com.

Kaizan Dental • March 17 • From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Lunch and networking • At their location: 8813 Alondra Blvd., Paramount • RSVP to 562-634-3980 or Paramountchamber.com

Halibut Window Film • March 27 • From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Lunch and networking • Atthe Paramount Chamber of Commerce o ce, 15357 Paramount Blvd., Paramount • RSVP to 562-634-3980 or Paramountchamber.com

Embassy Suites hosts three Chambers of Commerce at January mixer

MPromote your business to the whole community for a year!

Moonlight Mingle

ore than 120 guests showed up to network January 15 at the “Moonlight Mingle” mixer hosted by Embassy Suites by Hilton in Downey for the Commerce Industrial Council, Montebello Chamber of Commerce and Paramount Chamber of Commerce. Part of our Paramount contingent is shown below in the top photo. Many thanks to all those who put on this lovely event!

Advertise in the new 2020 edition of the Paramount Residential Resources and Business Guide

Delivered directly to every home and business in Paramount and distributed all year long at various locations around town, this useful little book is a great way to make sure your business message keeps getting across to customers and clients.

Published by the Paramount Chamber of Commerce, this is more than just a standard business directory. Our guidebook offers all-new community resources and information that will keep readers using it month after month. Various full-color ad sizes are available, as well as different listings. Your ad could be particularly effective if you make special offers or include coupons for discounts.

By advertising in the Paramount Residential Resources and Business Guide, you’ll also be supporting the Paramount Chamber—and the community at large.

For information or an appointment, please call:

BUSINESS CORNER

10 tips for attracting new customers

By Rieva Lesonsky • This article orginally appeared on smallbizdaily.com on January 17, 2020.

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to increase your customer base? Here are 10 tried-and-true tips to help you attract more customers.

1. Oﬀer new customers discounts and promotions. Consumers today are still looking for value and deals. Lure them into your business by o ering new customers introductory discounts or specials, such as “buy 2, get 1 for half-price” or free gi -wrapping for their rst three purchases. Bargains like these can attract new customers who have been considering doing business with you but needed an incentive to actually change their shopping habits. en track what they buy and which o ers they redeemed so that you can better target them with future marketing messages that cement their loyalty.

2. Ask for referrals. Once you gain a customer’s loyalty, put that to work for you by asking them for referrals—one of the best ways to get new customers. But you can’t be passive and wait for your current customers to bring colleagues, friends and family to your business. Instead, take control and create a systemized approach and actively solicit referrals from your satis ed customers. Build referral-generating activity into the sales process. Send follow-up emails to make sure customers are happy with their purchases, and if they are, then follow up with another email asking for a referral. Consider o ering incentives if the sale price warrants it. is approach also works well for real estate agents.

3. Re-contact old customers. Go back to your lapsed customer contact list and market to former customers who haven’t done business with you for awhile. Create a regular schedule to do this, say quarterly, and select customers you haven’t seen in six months. Reach out to them via email, direct mail, text or phone with a “we miss you message,“ o ering some type of deal or promotion if they’ll come back.

4. Network! ere’s no better way to raise brand awareness than meeting new people, telling them who you are and what you do. Join your trade association, your local chamber of commerce and networking organizations. Attend events. If you own a local business, even going to PTA meetings can be a good networking opportunity. Approach networking with a “How can I help you?” attitude, rather than thinking “What’s in it for me?”

5. Update your website. Online search is the primary way both consumers and business-to-business (B2B) buyers nd new businesses. at means your website has to do the heavy li ing so that customers can nd you. Review your search engine marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) tactics and techniques, including making sure your site is mobile-friendly. Even your site design makes a di erence. Too many graphics can slow your site’s load-speed, which is a customer turn-o . If you don’t have the expertise in-house, hire a website design company or SEO expert to help.

6. Partner with complementary businesses. Team up with businesses that have a similar customer base but aren’t directly competitive, and strategize how you can market to one another’s customers to drive new business. It’s a smart way to attract new customers without spending a fortune. For instance, if you sell baby products, working with a business that sells maternity clothes would be a great partnership.

7. Promote your expertise. You can generate interest and even create buzz, attracting new customers and getting more business from your existing client base, by showcasing your industry expertise. Volunteering to speak on industry panels or giving a webinar or workshop, speaking at industry events or to groups your target customers belong to, or holding educational sessions are just a few ways you can make a good impression on potential new customers and clients. is technique works particularly well for B2B business owners.

8. Take advantage of online ratings and reviews sites. Both in the B2B and B2C (business-to-consumer) worlds, potential customers frequently turn to online ratings and review sites before they do business with a company they’re not familiar with. So make sure you monitor those sites, responding to any complaints. Make the most of good reviews by linking to them on your website. Post signage in your store, o ce, restaurant or other location encouraging customers to add their perspectives. Social proof is powerful, and new customers are more likely to give your business a try if they see others praising it.

9. Participate in community events. Surveys show that most people like to support local, independent businesses. Raise your pro le in your community by participating in charity events and organizations.

Sponsor a local fun run, organize a holiday “toys for kids” donation or supply a Little League team in your city with equipment. All this raises your pro le, which helps attract new customers.

10. Bring a friend. is idea is similar to referrals but requires customer participation. O er “2-for-1,” “buy one, get one free” or “bring a friend” deals to get your loyal customers to introduce their friends and colleagues to your business. For instance, a restaurant could o er a “buy one entrée, get a second for free” special to attract more customers. ink of this as a starter list. Add your own ideas. e key is to get started now, so that when next year rolls around, you’ve expanded your customer base.

Tel: 562.633.2300

Fax: 562.633.2345

www.wardprop.com • Rose@wardprop.com

PARAMOUNT 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

2019 was another highly active and productive year for the City of Paramount. Here’s just a partial list of the many highlights:

COMMUNITY EVENTS

• Second Annual Eco-Friendly Fair was a big success—100 fruit trees were given away.

• Nearly 900 residents participated in Clutter-free Paramount community cleanups.

• e Heritage Festival turned Paramount Boulevard into a giant street fair.

• Friday Night Market began next to the Civic Center with food booths, arts and entertainment—and quickly became a huge hit.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

• An opinion poll showed that 66% of residents feel that the quality of life is better in Paramount than in neighboring cities.

• More than 300 residents, businesses and community leaders were recognized at City Council meetings; numerous community groups led the Pledge of Allegiance.

• An awareness campaign was launched for the upcoming U.S. 2020 Census.

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Crime dropped by 9% to the lowest overall number of crimes since 1973 (see the related story on page 5).

• Eight Neighborhood Watch meetings were held.

• “Co ee With a Deputy” and “Tacos With a Deputy” events provided interactions between residents and Sheri ’s Department deputies.

• Residents received $20,000 in rebates toward home security systems.

• A new City Council subcommittee addressed community-wide parking concerns.

• A new drop-o lane brought enhanced student safety at Lincoln School.

HELPING THE HOMELESS

• Ten homeless people received shelter, and services were provided to 55 more.

• Belongings of 12 homeless individuals were safely stored.

• We received a $154,000 Los Angeles County grant to help our homeless neighbors.

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIONS

• Paramount became a “Tree City USA.”

• We received Los Angeles County’s Green Leadership Award for sustainability e orts.

• Paramount won the Beacon Award for sustainability e orts for the second year in a row, moving from the Silver to the Gold level.

• We joined the Clean Power Alliance—residents and businesses are now using at least 33% renewable energy and lowering their power costs.

• We installed two electric vehicle charging stations for public use.

RESIDENTIAL PLANNING

• Five residential rehabs were performed on homes for low-income residents.

• Two single-family home developments with a total of 20 units were approved, 12 of which sold for close to $600,000 each.

• We convinced Metro to change Light Rail Line construction plans, saving several residential properties.

PRESERVING INFRASTRUCTURE

• We repaved 17 roadway segments covering 4.2 miles.

• We replaced 6,851 square feet of sidewalk, 1,448 feet of curb and gutter and 932 square feet of driveway aprons.

• We demolished the old fountain at All-American Park and replaced it with a new basketball court.

• Litter-abatement e orts were intensi ed with the purchase and deployment of new street trash cans and street signage.

ADVANCES IN EDUCATION

• e community donated $162,398 to Paramount Education Partnership (PEP), which gave out 48 college scholarships in 2019.

• e Je erson School garden for students was rebuilt.

• Internship programs were created for students enrolled in Paramount USD’s Odyssey STEM Academy that teaches science, technology, engineering and math.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• e City entered into partnerships with the YMCA for a swim program and with Long Beach Transit for transportation services, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.

• Paramount was awarded $500,000 from the state budget for park improvements.

• A $2.9 million grant from the State of California is being used for a bikeway and pedestrian path project.

• Paramount won an award from the Government Finance O cers Association for outstanding annual nancial reporting for the 32nd year in a row.