PULSE BEAT PULSE BEAT
June 2011
Paramount Chamber, Paramount Petroleum and Paramount SASSFA Partner for 2011 Job Fair
The Paramount Chamber of Commerce recently held its 11th annual Job Fair. The event sponsored by Paramount Petroleum was attended by more than 350 potential employees. The Paramount SASSFA Workforce Center worked hand in hand with the Chamber to attract employers from the retail, manufacturing, and service industries to the event. In addition to employment opportunities the Job Fair offered visitors the chance to have a resume prepared free of charge or have their existing resume critiqued. The event also included workshops on How to Create a Winning Resume and How to Interview. According to Paramount Chamber President Martin Johnson, “The Job Fair is one of our favorite events. It exemplifies what the Chamber is all about; promoting economic growth. Everyday the Chamber helps a new business get started or helps an existing business solve a problem. But, there is something really special about helping someone find a job.”
What’s inside
Paramount Petroleum employees Kisha Smith, Ernesto Flores and Annina Tomjack greet job seekers at the Paramount Chamber 2011 Job Fair sponsored by Paramount Petroleum.
Student Art Winners Celebrated
Every year, the Paramount Traditional Artists Guild sponsors an art contest for Paramount’s kindergarten through high school students. This year – the 13th annual show – 11 Paramount K-8 schools, four middle schools, Paramount High, Paramount High West Campus and Our Lady of the Rosary all took part. There were a record 1,234 total entries – the numbers increase with each passing year.
The winners will receive special recognition by the Paramount City Council at its June 7th meeting, when they will also receive their cash awards. Congratulations to all of the following:
First-Place Winners
Kindergarten – Emely Ramos (Wirtz)
1st Grade – Isabella Meza (Gaines)
2nd Grade – Brigett Rocha (Gaines)
3rd Grade – Eulian Morales (Roosevelt)
4th Grade – Jose Velazquez (Lincoln)
5th Grade – Oscar Cardona (Lincoln)
6th Grade – Jesus Lopez (Paramount Park)
7th Grade – Ourapun Thong (Zamboni)
8th Grade – Daniel Jauregui (Zamboni)
9th Grade – Lesley Chavez (PHS West)
10th Grade – Karen Mora (PHS)
11th Grade – Fernando Cisneros (PHS)
12th Grade – Lawrence Diggins (PHS)
Special Award Winners
Best Use of Color – Ryan Torres (4th – OLR)
Best Composition – Christopher Williams (8th – Zamboni)
Chamber of Commerce – Alexander Gonzalez (6th – OLR)
Superintendent’s Award – Benjamin Rocha (10th – PHS)
Chairman’s Award – Daniel Zavaleta (12th – PHS)
Commissioner’s Award – Alberto Cuevas (7th – Alondra)
Mayor’s Award – Benjamin Rocha (10th – PHS)
Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations
The City is providing its annual low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats in the community at two special “Vaccine-A-Thons” this summer. The
first will be Wednesday, June 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the second will be held Wednesday, July 20, also from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. They will take place at Paramount Park, 14410 Paramount Blvd.
Rabies vaccinations (required for all dogs under California law) will be priced at $5 each (plus a $2 medical waste disposal fee). This is a $10-$15 savings over traditional prices. A complete selection of other pet vaccinations will be available at discounted prices, with special combination “packs” created to allow pet owners even greater savings when they purchase multiple vaccinations.
Popular flea control products Comfortis, Advantage and Frontline may be purchased at special prices. You can also have a microchip registration done for identification purposes (if your pet is ever lost) for only $45. Plus, there will be nail trimming available for $10-$15.
Pet licensing can be done on site, and free educational materials and general health care tips for dogs and cats will be distributed. Checks and cash will be accepted.
Please remember – dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers.
All services are provided by licensed veterinarians from Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. in conjunction with South East Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). For more information, please call (562) 220-2018.
Volunteers Come Out To Clean Up
The latest in our revitalized series of Volunteer Clean Up days was conducted on Saturday, April 30. My personal thanks go out to the approximately 130 volunteers that included folks from various Paramount churches as well as students from PUSD. Breaking off into groups, these community members cleaned up two local homes that had some maintenance issues and helped a City Public Works crew paint the wrought iron perimeter fence at Jefferson School.
The City’s contracted trash hauler, CalMet Services, provided three bins for debris removal, as well.
Thanks, again, to all for showing your public spirit in this commendable effort.
E-Waste and Large-Item Pick-Ups
When it comes to cleaning house, remember, also, that CalMet provides free curbside pick-up service for all unwanted electronic waste that, by law, must be recycled (computers, televisions, microwaves, cell phones, telephones, stereos, typewriters, fax machines, PDAs and more). This service is available to homes, apartments and mobile home parks. Simply contact CalMet at (562) 634-5420 to schedule a pick-up at your residence or to ask any questions about the program.
In addition, CalMet picks up large, oversized items like furniture or appliances that won’t fit in a regular trash container. (Dumping these things in alleys, streets, sidewalks or any public right-of-way is illegal, and adjacent
property owners could be fined for such dumped items.)
Call (562) 259-1239, extension 244, to schedule a pick up. Cost: free for residences; $15 for commercial accounts.
July 4th Tidiness
To keep the “clean” theme going, don’t forget, as the Fourth of July looms before us, to remove the residue from our streets and driveways after the fireworks fun.
During the celebration of our nation’s independence, we can have a good time while staying safe and showing respect for those around us. Check out this issue’s On Patrol column for details on legal fireworks – which types can and cannot be bought and when they can be used in town.
Mayor, Daryl Hofmeyer
Fireworks Alert
The City of Paramount would like to remind you that we have a “zero tolerance” illegal-fireworks ordinance with the following restrictions:
• Only Safe and Sane fireworks can be set off anywhere in the City on July 3rd and July 4th only. Setting them off on any other date can result in a $250 fine.
• You must be 16 years or older to buy Safe and Sane fireworks.
Only Safe and Sane fireworks are allowed in Paramount. All others – like bottle rockets, firecrackers and M80s – are illegal.
Violation of the above restrictions, and use of illegal fireworks, can result in a fine up to $1,000.
Please clean up after the fun so the streets of Paramount aren’t left a mess. For more information please call (562) 220-2002.
Alerta Fuegos Artificiales
A la Ciudad de Paramount le gustaria recordarles que tenemos un reglamento de “Cero Tolerancia” sobre el uso de fuegos artificiales ilegales con las siguientes restricciones:
• Los fuegos artficiales “Safe and Sane” solo pueden ser encendidos los dias 3 y 4 Julio. El encenderlos cualquier otro dia puede resultar en una multa de $250.
• Debera ser del 16 años de edad o mayor para poder comparar fuegos artificiales “Safe and Sane.”
Solo los fuegos artificiales “Safe and Sane” son permitidos en Paramount. Todos los otros – como cohetes que vuelan al aire, o cohetes tronadores y M80s – son ilegales.
La violacion de cualquier restriccion, o el uso de los cohetes ilegales, puede resultar en una multa de $1,000.
Para mas informacion, favor de llamar al (562) 220-2002.
Members in the News
Rules for Business Banners in Paramount
As a tool to help businesses with advertising, the City of Paramount enacted a special ordinance in 1993 that allows the use of hanging banners.
Each business is permitted one banner, except for businesses located in corner suites (which can have two banners) and businesses occupying single-unit buildings (which can use four banners). One banner is permitted per building side.
All banners must be professionally manufactured, and they need to be installed flat against the wall or facade and anchored at all four corners – they can’t hang in midair, be suspended only by the top edge, or be strung between buildings or trees. Businesses utilizing banners need to get a no-fee permit from the City, and renew it on a yearly basis. (It’s a simple, one-page form.)
This type of marketing can be of great benefit. There can, though, be a downside – if not maintained, banners can wear out and create a bad visual image. Paramount and its businesses have focused on creating an attractive cityscape, something a tattered, untended banner can compromise.
The banner ordinance in Paramount is meant to provide an effective advertising tool for local merchants. If these signs become damaged, or if they hang badly, it’s in everyone’s best interests to set them straight and make repairs.
Summer Vacation Home Checks
Now that summer is upon us, if you are planning to take a vacation this year, remember that 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.
Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.
Kimberlyʼs Dance Studio has become a fan favorite at the MLS Chivas Soccer games. The KDS dancers have been invited to attend private Chiva Girls rehearsals as well as perform half-time alongside the Chiva Girls. Kimberly Gonzalez said, “This is an experience the girls will treasure forever. It is an opportunity for them to grow and know that they can accomplish anything.”
Children
Paramount College Students Benefit From This Year’s Scholarship Donations
The business leaders and the school kids of Paramount came together this year in a generous outpouring of educational support with overwhelming donations to the Paramount Education Partnership’s scholarship fund for 2011.
PEP’s 8th Annual Benefit Auction, held in April, attracted a big turnout of community members who enjoyed an evening of fantastic food and lots of fun playing casino-style games for a good cause. The business community gave mightily. After expenses, $83,850 went directly into the scholarship fund, while prizes worth an additional $14,000 were given away at the event.
Big cash donors were led by the Office of L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe ($25,000) and Marukan Vinegar (USA), Inc., Paramount Petroleum Corporation and Weber Metals ($10,000 each).
Beyond this, the annual Pennies for PEP fundraiser was held in every classroom on every campus of the Paramount Unified School District. The generosity of our kids came to a whopping $10,095.
Leading campuses were Hollydale (with elementary and middle schools) at $2,455.31 and Roosevelt Elementary with $1,643.89. For individual classrooms, Ms. Diaz’s Room 2 at Roosevelt School (K-5) raised $400.02 and
Ms. Marquez’s Room 43 at Hollydale School (Middle) gave $244.78. The City will be throwing a pizza party for the two classes and the principals from each school will be recognized at the September City Council meeting.
Every school and every student, along with the administrators at the District office, are to be thanked and commended for their giving impulses.
The combined total of $93,945 that was raised this year will be available for the scholarship program. This will pay for 24 scholarships for Paramount students attending a university, community college or trade school. (Any extra money will be rolled over for next year’s scholarships.)
The recipients for 2011 will be announced in June. Students applying are graded in a number of categories, including academic achievement, an essay, academic recommendations, extracurricular activities and, most importantly, financial need.
Each and every year the support PEP receives from the community allows the opportunity to give these scholarships.
“Thank You” does not begin to cover the appreciation.
For a complete list of this year’s cash and prize donors, please turn to CityScape on the inside back cover of this Pulse Beat.
PARAMOUNT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Representatives from Marukan Vinegar (USA), Inc. presented their $10,000 PEP Scholarship donation to Paramount City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal. At left, Yoshi Tsumura, CFO, at right, Taijiro Sasada, President. Marukan also supplied fresh sushi to the PEP fundraiser event, free of charge.
Small-Town Feeling in Heritage Walk, Paramount’s Newest Neighborhood
When the City of Paramount purchased and demolished a number of rundown and blighted properties across Orange Ave. from Zamboni School, it went looking for a partner to develop a quality neighborhood of single-family, detached homes on the cleared site.
It was very important to the City that the houses be constructed with the highest quality and best craftsmanship, but also be affordable enough to keep the dream of homeownership within reach of the community’s particular demographics.
Paramount found its ideal collaborator in Olson Homes, a local developer that has specialized in creating innovative and affordable in-town communities in established neighborhoods for over 20 years. The company – recipient of America’s “Builder of the Year” Award – is creating Heritage Walk, the first development of its size and scope in Paramount since the mid-1990s.
“Our company was founded specifically to assist cities in solving the critical shortage of affordable housing in urban areas,” said Scott Laurie, Olson Homes’
President and COO. “Working with the officials in Paramount has been extremely smooth and productive. Everybody has been on the same page from day one, wanting to improve the housing stock with a superior project. It’s very exciting, and Heritage Walk will be a jewel for that part of the city.”
The grand opening for the model home at was held May 14. Not only did hundreds of community members come out to take a tour and enjoy the festive Country Fair theme with food, games and other fun events, but four of the soon-to-be-built homes were sold on the spot.
“The City of Paramount has done a tremendous amount of work and planning over the years to highlight its finest qualities, qualities that are the epitome of small-town America,” noted Vice President of Forward Planning Allison Kunz Olson. “Heritage Walk, with its 17 homes and tree-lined streets, echoes this feeling and will appeal to a variety of lifestyles and families seeking the right mix of extra space and privacy.”
The homes will be LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design, an internationally-recognized “green” building certification system). With Spanish-styled architecture, they will offer 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, attached 2-car garages, private rear yards and 1,302 square feet of living space.
“Olson Homes’ uniquely designed communities have been a bright spot in the housing market over the last few years,” said Joe Perez, Community Development Director with the City. “The idea of helping cities revitalize them -
selves with creativity and thoughtful solutions, while making home ownership attainable for a wide number of people, has led to our projects being very successful. Heritage Walk in Paramount is a perfect realization of this goal.
“Everyone in the community is encouraged to visit the site,” Perez continued. “As we like to say, Heritage Walk is where life is ‘paramount.’ And everyone is welcome.”
Visit HeritageWalkParamount. com to see and learn more.
Paramount Chamber President, Martin Johnson with John Reekstin, Senior VP of Development for the Olson Company
Joe Perez, Director of Planning and Community Development receives a recognition award from John Reekstin for the Planning Departments help with the Heritage Walk project.
John Reekstin, Senior VP of Development for the Olson Company and Vice Mayor Peggy Lemons cut the grand opening ribbon for the new Heritage Walk homes. They are joined by staff from the City and the Olson Company.
Yu Chi Yang and Tommy Hsiao celebrate the purchase of their new Heritage Walk home with a ribbon cutting. From left: Karen Bennett Sales Counselor for the Olson Company, Yu Chi Yang, Tommy Hsiao, and Kim Stanton, Lender for Bank of America.
Mangia! Mangia!
Café Corleone is now serving breakfast
what does that mean? According to owner Alicia Costa it means Frittatas and Sicilian style Eggs Benedict. “We had a lot of customers asking if we were open for breakfast especially on the weekends. So we put together a menu including traditional American dishes and some Italian favorites like the Frittatas and Sicilian Eggs Benedict. We hope the community will support our efforts and we look forward to serving them.”
HELP WANTED
When 4 + 1 Doesn’t Add Up
By Maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance
562-817-5620
Early on, we learn 4 + 1 = 5. But, with teens, when does it not add up? The Answer: When risky driving is involved. In a recent National Young Driver Survey conducted by a major insurance company and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 5,665 students shared their views of teen driving. The evidence from this survey shows four risk factors cause 84% of teen crashes.
Inexperience
About two-thirds of fatal teen crashes involve driver error – making mistakes due to inexperience and distractions. Give your friends time and space to learn to drive before pressuring them for rides, and never encourage risky driving.
Distractions
A teen driver’s fatal crash risk increases by three to five times if there are two or more passengers in the car. A driver who talks on a mobile phone is four times more likely to be involved in a serious crash, regardless of whether the driver uses a hands-free cell phone. Be aware of the changing road environment by keeping your eyes and mind on the road.
Speed
The faster you drive, the longer it takes you to stop. Speed is involved in approximately 38% of fatal crashes involving male drivers ages 15 – 20. Speed limits on the road were set for perfect driving conditions.
Fatigue
The effects of driving while tired are similar to the effects of drinking and driving. Three-fourths of teens report having seen other teens driving noticeably tired. Drivers younger than 25 years cause the majority of drowsy driving-related crashes. Rest up when you are tired from studying or extracurricular activities.
These four factors often cause crashes. One other factor can lead to a crash, even fatal injury.
Lack of seat belt use
Teens who do not wear seat belts in all seating positions are more likely to wind up in the crash statistics. Wear a seat belt every time you ride in a car.
Learn more about teen driver safety! Driving can add up to success when you are safe behind the wheel. Talk with your local insurance professional about safety programs that can help your teen become a safer driver, and help save some money, too!
After the Recession: Threats and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Unfortunately few operating businesses are immune to the effects of the recent credit crunch. As the threat of possible inflation and rising prices continues, oftentimes available credit will tighten. Small business owners may be left to restock inventories with less liquidity. This effect can quickly snowball and cause serious liquidity and credit problems. Keeping lines of credit open and maintaining an additional cash buffer may ease the pressure a bit. Business owners can also look for loans from less traditional sources. A permanent life insurance policy, for example, provides death benefit protection, but can build equity in the form of cash value you can borrow against should you need to.
Opportunity: Retirement Contribution Tax Deductions
Many business owners are so certain they will be able to fund their retirement through the sale of their business that they don’t bother to make any other retirement plans. The reality is, a sale might not be easy and there are attractive opportunities for current tax deductions through qualified retirement plans.
Traditional plans remain popular and include IRAs, 401(k)s, SEPs and SIMPLEs. They allow employers to take a tax deduction on contributions. The 412(e)(3) plan may allow certain small business owners to make potentially higher initial tax deductible contributions. You should consult your tax or legal advisor prior to establishing a qualified retirement plan.
Opportunity: Increased Unemployment Results in Larger Employee Pool
For employers looking to bring on new employees, the down economy may actually benefit their business. Increased unemployment has flooded the employee pool with more highly qualified candidates than ever before. Employers shouldn’t overlook potential candidates because of the stigma of having been laid off. The job market presents the opportunity for small business owners to attract and retain big business talent at small business costs. It may also be wise to hire commission-based employees, often known as “pay for performance.” Employers will find an increasing number of qualified individuals that may have never considered commission-based compensation before, willing to give it a try.
This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by Christopher T. Hicks, Agent, 562.989.1232. CA Ins. Lic #0664003, New York Life Insurance Company.
June 29th – July 4th
Farmers Market
Date: Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Price: Free Departs at 9:00 am
Returns: approximately 6:00 pm
Registration: Currently taking place
Father’s Day Celebration
Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Price $1.75 per person
Doors open: 10:30 am
Lunch served: 1:30 pm
Independence Day Celebration
Date: Thursday, June 30, 2011
Price $1.75 per person
Doors open: 10:30 am
Lunch served: 1:30 pm
Laughling Excursion
July 5 - July 7
Tuesday-Thursday
Departing on Tuesday, 9:00 am and returning Thursday at 5 pm
$97 per person (Double Occupancy)
$117 per person (Single Occupancy)
Sign-up: Currently taking place
10 Tips for International Trade
BY RIEVA LESONSKY
Are you thinking of doing business internationally? Exporting your products overseas exposes you to a whole new world of customers. Here are 10 tips for taking your business global.
1. Start small. To begin, pinpoint one country that has a strong demand for your product, well-established transportation methods and a good banking system. Unless you’re fluent in another language, it’s easiest to start with an English-speaking country.
2. Do your homework. Market research is essential to understanding the culture, business practices, legal issues, competitors and consumers in the foreign market you’re trying to enter.
3. Consider ecommerce. If you want to sell direct to international consumers, online sales are a simple place to start. Your website should welcome international customers and
clearly state which countries you ship to.
4. Choose the right partners. Depending on your goals, you may need agents, distributors, bankers, freight forwarders, brokers and other strategic partners to export successfully. Do your due diligence on each company and be sure you feel comfortable with the relationship before proceeding.
5. Nurture strong relationships. Keep in regular communication with your overseas partners and give them the same attention you give U.S. vendors or distributors. Email has made international communication easier, but you’ll still need to talk by phone and visit in person from time to time.
6. Ensure payment . Your business bank’s international trade department can help you check references for an overseas customer, choose the best payment methods and take the appropriate steps to ensure you get paid.
7. Be flexible. You may need to adjust
In Memory of Helen Melton
Helen Melton was born in Heyburn Idaho to Tom and Nellie Schodde. She attended Compton High and Compton Junior College, from which she graduated in 1936. She met an married Ardith Melton with whom she had a daughter, Barbara Jean. The Melton’s settled in Paramount in 1941 where Helen worked as an accountant for the Sierdsma Hay Company. When not working Helen enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, and traveling the world. She made most of her own clothes, and won many awards for her creations.
In the mid-1940’s Helen served as a Girl Scout troop leader for 15 years. This was just the beginning of her devotion to community service. In 1947 she joined the Paramount Women’s Club and remained an active member until her death. She was a member of the Paramount Lady Elks, Paramount Tepic Sister Cities Association, Friends of the Library, and Eastern Star. She was a long-time member of the Paramount Methodist Church where she cooked many turkey dinners.
Helen volunteered at Rancho Los Amigos and Charter Suburban Hospital, she also served as member of the Paramount Parks and Recreation Commission from the City’s incorporation in 1957. She was an active
member of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce, for which she received a Woman of the Year award in 1968. In the 1970’s she served as a county commissioner, for which she was recognized by LA County as Commissioner of the Year in 1979. Four decades later, in recognition of her seven decades of extraordinary service to her community, Helen was named Woman of the Year for California’s 27th Senate District by Senator Alan Lowenthal, for which she was invited to Sacramento and honored at a ceremony with First Lady Maria Shriver. Her name and biography are now on the wall of the California State Museum.
your products, services, marketing materials and sales practices to fit local customs, preferences or regulations. Listen to your foreign partners’ suggestions and be ready to make changes as needed.
8. Speak their language. Although English is often touted as the international language of business, there are still many potential customers who don’t speak English. Be sure your advertising, sales and promotional materials are translated into the language/s that will reach the most customers.
9. Make a commitment. Exporting offers great rewards, but only if you invest the appropriate time, effort and resources in a long-term commitment. If you look at exporting as a backup plan, focusing on overseas markets only when your U.S. sales slump, you are less likely to succeed.
10. Get help. Experts such as those at your local Small Business Development
Center can put your business on the road to international success by helping you with everything from financing to finding trade partners.
Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Rieva Lesonsky also works with the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network. 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.
BUSINESS WORKSHOP
SMART MARKETING AND PROMOTIONAL TACTICS
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 * 10 am to 12 pm
In this workshop we explore marketing ideas for the small business owner. Topics to be discussed include: Analysis of who the customer is, How to reach the customer, Develop a Marketing Budget, Marketing Effectiveness Analysis, and Marketing Strategies. Fee: $20
