Paramount Students Attend
“Manufacturing Day” at ACE Clearwater
In October, Manufacturing Day 2014 was celebrated across the nation, as thousands of companies threw open their doors and hosted events to demonstrate the latest technologies — as well as the careers which can be found in manufacturing today. ACE Clearwater of Paramount, Torrance, and Compton was one of those hosts. ACE manufactures custom metal formed, welded and assembled components for the aerospace and power generation industries.
Nearly 350 students and teachers from surrounding communities visited the ACE facility. Fifteen different “work centers” were setup around the factory each provided unique demonstrations of steps in the manufacturing process. Included were raw material selection, 3D-mapping of surfaces (including students’ faces), drop hammer metal forming, Faro Arm precision dimensional mapping, computer-driven laser cutting, hand-motion computer controlling, welding simulations and a 3D printer in action. Students also learned about Google Glass and how it brings computers to an individual anytime, anywhere.
Manufacturing Day
Paramount student Gonzalo Jimenez at ACE Clearwater manufacturing day demostrates 3D-mapping software.
Representatives from Lincoln Electric demonstrate a welding simulator helmet.
Touch free software proved to be a big hit during the event.
Students use touch free interactive software to control the tarantulas on screen movements. Adding to the event was a remote controlled rotocopter which flew above and videoed the entire event. Guests were treated to a catered lunch and a day to remember.
Our City has long been full of happy times during the holiday season. From Thanksgiving to mid-December’s Snow Day, Paramount plays host to a series of warm and colorful celebrations, special events bringing the community together. Here is a glimpse at the upcoming events.
The City will present “Smarts, Arts & Healthy Hearts” this summer, a celebration of academic achievers, local artists, and the City’s focus on fitness.
“Smarts, Arts & Healthy Hearts” will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Paramount Park.
34th Annual Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner
If you are an artist living or going to school in Paramount and would like to show your work at the event, please contact the Paramount Recreation Department at (562) 220-2121.
Coming up on Thursday, November 20th, the City will once again celebrate our senior citizens during the 34rd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, a day of entertainment, dancing, raffle prizes, and a fine meal with all the trimmings. The doors to the
Art can be in a variety of media – painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, multi-media, and more. It can simply be exhibited or offered for sale.
We will provide a booth, a table, and chairs. Artists are responsible for arranging and displaying their artwork and need to be present during the length of the event. They are also responsible for the breakdown of the display.
Walk With Me at Relay For Life
Relay For Life offers an opportunity to honor cancer survivors, promote how individuals can reduce their cancer risk, and raise money to help end cancer. This year’s Paramount Relay for Life is scheduled for Saturday morning, May 3, at 9:00 a.m. at Paramount Park and goes for 24 hours.
Martinez Marchers. Come out and join us. It only takes an hour and a minimum donation of $10. For more information, please call (562) 743-3555.
Paramount Park gym will open at 10 a.m., the meal will be served at noon, with the event scheduled to wrap up at 1 p.m.
In order to attend you need to purchase a ticket. Tickets are available at the Paramount Park Community Center, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Resident Rates and Season Passes for Summer Swimming
For Paramount residents the cost is $2 per ticket. You must be 60 years of age or older and present proof of Paramount residency or a Senior Nutrition Program membership card.
Non-residents can buy tickets beginning November 4th at a cost of $5 each.
Business leaders from the Paramount Rotary Club and students from Paramount High School’s Corsairs will be serving the food. There will also be musical entertainment for dancing and a sing-along.
For more information about tickets or the event, please call (562) 220-2090.
Paramount Park is located at 14400 Paramount Blvd.
With summer just around the corner, swim season is near for our City pools. Paramount residents and PUSD families can receive special rates for recreational swimming at the Paramount Park pool – $1 per entry for youth (ages 17 and under) and $2 per entry for adults. In order to qualify for these resident rates you will need an identification band, which can be purchased for $1 and is good for the entire summer. Be sure and bring it with you every time you visit the pool this year. (Per-visit rates for non-residents or those without an ID band are $3 for youth and $4 for adults.)
Thanksgiving Trash/Street Sweeping
There will be no garbage collection on Thanksgiving, which falls on Thursday, November 27th this year. If that’s your normal trash day, service will be on the next day, Friday, November 28th.
If you have any questions, please call CalMet Services at (562) 634-5420.
You can buy the ID bands beginning on May 19 at the Community Services and Recreation Office at 15300 Downey Ave. They can also be purchased at Paramount Park Pool beginning June 14. Proof of residency (photo ID and current utility bill) or proof of PUSD enrollment (current-year school ID) are required to obtain an ID band.
As to the holiday street sweeping schedule, there will be no service on Thursday,
Also available to residents and PUSD families this summer are season passes for use at both Paramount Park and Orange pools.
These passes ($20 Youth/$30 Adult) will provide you with admission to the pools all summer without having to pay the entrance fee each time you go. In addition, they will give you priority entry during recreational swim hours. If you buy a pass, you do not need to purchase or wear the aforementioned ID bands. But you do need to show the same proof of residency or
Please call (562) 220-2121 with any
November 27th or Friday, November 28th, and no makeup.
16th Annual Tree Lighting
families. A special registration event will be held at Progress Plaza East (15500 Downey Ave.) on May 19 only from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Remember to bring proof of residency (photo ID and current utility bill) or proof of PUSD enrollment (current-year school ID), with you, along with proof of age.
Remember to join your friends and neighbors at the City’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Paramount Pond. This year’s 16th seasonal kick-off will be on Wednesday, December 3rd. Entertainment begins at 5:00 pm. with the main event starting at 6:00 p.m.
The Pond is located at the intersection of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
Starting on May 20, you can register in person at the Community Services and Recreation Offi ce (15300 Downey Ave., Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and Paramount Park Community Center (14400 Paramount Blvd., Monday - Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.).
Featured entertainment will include local dance companies, church choirs, and the marching band and choir from Paramount High School.
Plenty of refreshments will be available for the large crowd of holiday celebrants. For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
You can register online (www.paramountcity.com on the Parks & Recreation page) starting May 20. If you don’t have an online account already, you will need to create one at the Recreation Department office at 15300 Downey Ave. Again, bring proof of residency or PUSD enrollment and proof of age.
Buy Your Tickets for Breakfast With Santa
All registration for non-residents begins June 2.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
Sign Up for Summer Day Camp
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 13th when Paramount Park will once again become a winter wonderland as Santa Claus returns to town for a breakfast and snow day from 8 a.m. till noon.
Also on May 19, residents can register either online or at the Recreation Office (15300 Downey Ave.) for the City’s Summer Day Camp.
Children ages 5 to 12 are eligible to participate in the camp, which runs from
Breakfast with Santa will feature a pancake and scrambled egg meal, holiday craft-making, giveaways, and entertainment. There will be plenty of snow for sledding and you can take photos with Santa (a professional photographer will also have packages available for purchase).
Registration for summer swim lessons begins on May 19 for residents and PUSD
June 16 through August 8. The cost is $75 per week, per child, and the program operates from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for July 4.
In addition to being a safe and fun place to spend the summer, the camp also provides a healthy breakfast and lunch, as well as swim lessons.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
The event itself is free, but you need to buy a ticket for the meal. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase between November 3rd and December 12th (Mondays through Fridays only). Presale breakfast tickets are $5 per person, which also gives you access to the fast-pass lane. (The price of a ticket at the door on the day of the event is $5 per person, first come, first served, but with no fast-pass access.)
Please note that breakfast will not be served after 11:00 a.m., so get there early.
Temporary Parking Permits For RVs
You can buy tickets at a variety of locations in town: STAR After School sites (between 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. each day); the Recreation office (15300 Downey Ave. from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.); the Paramount Park Community Center (14400 Paramount Blvd., 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.); and the Paramount Petroleum Community Learning Center at Spane Park (Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
Also with summer in mind, and the possibility of friends or relatives coming for a visit, here’s a brief review of the City’s Recreational Vehicle (RV) parking ordinance.
RVs registered to Paramount addresses cannot be parked on public streets within the City. But the City allows for the temporary on-street parking of RVs that are not registered to a Paramount address.
For more, please call (562) 220-2121.
The permit must be obtained by a resident and the vehicle must be parked in front of their address.
Christmas Train To Begin Its Run December 8th
For out of town visitors, permits may be issued for a maximum of 31 days per household per calendar year. Permits will be issued for a maximum of 14 consecutive days per permit with a 72-hour timeframe between permits.
The vehicle will be moved for street sweeping.
As he has every year since 1969, Old St. Nick will also visit all the neighborhoods in town on The Santa Express Christmas Train. His current journey runs from Monday, December 8th through Thursday, December 11th and begins each day at 3:00 p.m.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2002.
The schedule of stops can be found in this issue’s CityScape, which is located on the inside back page of the Pulse Beat. For more information, call (562) 220-2121.
“Until we’re educating every kid in a fantastic way, until every inner city is cleaned up, there is no shortage of things to do.”
–
– Bill Gates
Marcus Garvey
Crime Keeps Going Down
The City’s Public Safety Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department measure the number of Part 1 violent and property crimes throughout the year to compare with the previous year’s activity.
Paramount’s crime statistics for the 3rd quarter of 2014 versus the same period last year show an overall decrease of 14.7%.
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:
• If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.
Declines were seen in homicides, burglaries, theft, and arson, with the largest drop in robberies and auto theft. There were slight increases in assaults (due primarily to domestic assaults which are difficult to prevent) and rape (which in all cases have been between acquaintances).
• 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention.
Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders
These figures represent a dramatic and continuing decline. Violent crime in Paramount is at levels not seen since the late 1960s. The number of property crimes in Paramount is the lowest since the late 1970s.
• 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.
Safe Shopping Tips For the Season
• Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, long enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph. Most crashes happen with less than three seconds reaction time.
Paramount has its own dedicated District Attorney – Kelly Tatman – who works out of the Sheriff’s Station. Her duties include making sure that criminal investigations and prosecutions in town receive full attention and don’t fall through the cracks at the larger County D.A.’s Office.
With the holiday season here, and people doing their shopping, keep these easy safety-related tips in mind when out and about.
•Never leave packages, bags, cell phones, purses, or other valuable items in plain sight in your vehicle. Place these items in your trunk, where they cannot be seen from outside your car.
•Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
•If possible, try to shop in pairs. Robbers often focus on, and target, solo shoppers.
•Always park in a well-lighted area.
• 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.
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.
•Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
•Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
•Carry small amounts of cash. Your front pocket is ideal for carrying cash.
Sadly, too many young people first become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. Project LEAD is designed to avoid that scenario.
•Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, bus stops, and on buses and other rapid transit.
•Never leave children in the car unattended.
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.
A ticket for $159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.
•Never buy items from someone who approaches you in a parking lot. These are often stolen goods.
•Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “conartists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:
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.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen, or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Never text and drive.
• Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel.
Vacation Home Checks
• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving.
At the end of the program, the kids will participate in a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate of completion from the D.A.’s Office at a meeting of the Paramount Public Safety Commission.
If you are a Paramount resident and have plans to be out of town during Thanksgiving or any part of the upcoming holidays, you can contact the Sheriff’s Station for a vacation home check.
• 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.
Summer Vacation Home Checks
The City’s Volunteers on Patrol will periodically take a look around your home or property while you’re gone. (This service is available throughout the year, not just during the holidays.)
• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player, or other devices while driving.
Call (562) 220-2002 for more information.
With summertime approaching, remember that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule a home check.
• Pull over and stop to read maps.
• No grooming.
• No reading.
Dogs in Parks
• No watching videos.
• Try not to get too involved with passengers.
Paramount residents can contact the Sheriff’s Station about having Volunteers on Patrol keep an eye on your home or property while you’re gone.
Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.
Here’s a reminder for all dog owners in town – according to the Paramount Municipal Code, your pooch is not allowed in City parks, even if they’re on a leash and especially if they are not. Please keep this in mind for the courtesy of the many humans that use our parks.
Close to town, however, an off-leash dog park recently opened in Hollydale Regional Park on Century Blvd. west of Garfield Ave. This new facility features separate spaces for large and small canines.
Simple Strategies for Better Event Marketing
Friday, May 16, 2014 - 10am to 12pm
Attend this presentation and learn how to use the power of event marketing to get potential and existing customers to take four key actions: • Sign up • Speak up • Show up • Follow up Good marketing is about eliciting a physical and measurable response. In this practical and engaging seminar, you will learn how to find, convert, and keep new and existing customers through effective event marketing. You will also learn best practices related to the who, when, where, and what that makes an event a memorable experience. Learn how events can engage customers. Take your events to the next level using e-mail, social, traditional, and internet marketing tools. Fee: $20
(Make checks payable to LBCC SBDC) For
Paramount Chamber President Jon Tanklage (Marukan Vinegar uSA) with Maria Mac Lean (Paramount Chamber Membership Director) at the October Networking Breakfast. President Tanklage rode his bike to the breakfast to promote a cycling league fund-raiser for
volunteers.
Ambassador Deborah Jameson (Lifegate Foursquare Church) receives Ambassador of the Quarter award from Chamber President Jon Tanklage (Marukan Vinegar uSA).
Learning Center Hours Adjusted for Thursdays
In conjunction with PEP, the City of Paramount operates the Paramount Petroleum Learning Resource Center at Spane Park, 14400 Gundry Ave.
The Center offers various programs and classes for residents. These include an adult aerobics class (Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.), a class for adults who have basic English language skills and need reinforcement in grammar, writing, speaking, and reading, and parenting classes and workshops.
The Center also offers Homework Help that supports K-12th-grade students in their classroom activities and assignments.
Homework Help takes place MondayThursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, since PuSD students get out of school at 1:30 p.m. every Thursday, the Learning Center’s new schedule on that day each week will now be 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on these classes and programs, please call (562) 220-2121 or (562) 220-2250.
Volunteer at the Center
The Paramount Petroleum Learning Center at Spane Park is also looking for
volunteers who are willing to put in 2-12 hours a week as tutors for the Homework Help program. It’s a great opportunity for a fulfilling way to give back to the community. Training is provided and a background check is required.
For more information on becoming a Homework Help volunteer, please call (562) 220-2132 or e-mail Suleyma Rosales at srosales@paramountcity.com. Or you can stop by the Community Services and Recreation Department at 15300 Downey Ave. to pick up an application.
Free Adult Computer Class Through Cerritos College
The City and PEP work with several outside agencies to provide learning opportunities for the community: Helpline, Long Beach St., and the California Association of Bilingual Education (CABE). Cerritos College will now be part of that group by holding a basic computer training class at the Learning Center for adults who have no experience with computers. The free classes will begin in January. For more information, please call (562) 220-2250.
City Council Recognizes Louise Goerlich
At its October meeting, the Paramount City Council recognized Louise Goerlich, who was leaving the City’s Senior Services Commission, which she joined in 2009. The Commission is an advisory board for the Council on issues affecting the senior citizens of Paramount. From left: Councilmember Gene Daniels, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Goerlich, Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer, and Vice Mayor Tom Hansen.
Volunteers “Pitch In” To Wipe Out Graffiti
The City’s Public Works Department provides all tools and materials as well as basic instruction. Paramount’s contracted trash hauler, CalMet Services, provides bins for debris removal.
Special thanks go out to the latest “Pitch In, Paramount” volunteers who came out on a Saturday in October. A total of 50 individuals from the schools and churches were separated into two groups. One group painted over graffiti on walls north of Rosecrans Avenue facing the Los Angeles River, in addition to removing weeds and brush from the area. The second group finished painting the wrought iron fence along the stables on Orange Avenue and Century Boulevard and also did some weeding.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to “give back” to the community, and want to take part in a future “Pitch In, Paramount” outing, please call (562) 220-2057. Laptops – Iphones and Tables
Ace Clearwater Vice President Gary Johnson shows students how to use Google Glass.
Coating application for drop hammer metal forming results in metal boxes at left of photo.
Demonstration of computer driven laser cutter.
“Light Up A Life” and Leave A Legacy
It is such a common practice to give gifts to our loved ones to celebrate who they are and what they mean to us, especially during the holiday season. It is during these special festivities that we shine a light on who they are to us; even for those we have lost in our lives, we shine a light in their memory.
“Light u p A Life” is a signature program traditionally promoted by hospices across the u .S. that Pathways participates in every year. A donation of $20 provides a light on the “Light u p A Life” holiday tree. In addition, the name of the person being honored or memorialized is listed on the “Light u p A Life” scrolls displayed by the trees during the month of December at libraries in Paramount, Lakewood, Cerritos, and Long Beach. On Monday, December 15th from 7 – 8 p.m. a meaningful tree lighting ceremony will take place at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza in Lakewood. This touching ceremony provides an opportunity to honor and remember those we love and those
who have passed on. It’s open to anyone who would like to attend, free of charge and no reservation is required.
At last year’s ceremony Eleanor Flores, the wife of hospice client, Richard Flores spoke on her family’s behalf about how much her husband’s volunteer Jim Ostach changed their lives.
“I don’t know what I would do without Jim,” said Eleanor Flores, “Not only is he helpful to my family but he has also become a good friend. So thank you Jim, so much for everything you do for us.”
Whether it is providing extra assistance in caregiving, help with hospice, or guidance through grief, Pathways Volunteer Hospice delivers compassionate support to families and individuals dealing with illness and loss. All services are free. For more information on Pathways programs and services, or how you can participate in “Light u p a Life”, call 562-531-3031 or contact Vickie at Vickie@pathwayshospice.org or visit the website at www.pathwayshospice.org
Mexican Restaurant
Community Education Classes Now Offered by El Camino College Compton Center
El Camino College Compton Center recently launched a new Community Education Program offered in partnership with Compton Parks and Recreation and El Camino College Community Education. The program provides a variety of classes intended for professional development and personal enrichment. The ECC Compton Center Community Education classes will be conducted at the Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center, located at 301 N. Tamarind Avenue, Compton, CA 90220.
The non-credit, community-
driven classes and workshops begin in October/November with more class offerings planned for the future. Most classes meet one day per week and range from one meeting to eight-weeks in duration. Current class offerings for this fall include computer basics for technophobes; computer basics boot camp for plus-50 adults; singing; and candle making.
Enroll now! Pre-registration is required. To register, or for more information about fees and available classes please call 310660-6460 or visit: www.ECCommunityEd.com
HelP WAnted
CALIFORNIA OuTREACH ORGANIzATION
ALExANDER HAST (310) 926-7699, 15929 GARFIELD AVE, PARAMOuNT We ARe looKINg foR voluNTeeRS To help uS WITh hANdlINg AND GIVING OuT THE FOOD & FOR DONORS WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP uS WITH FOOD OR MONEY CONTRIBuTIONS THAT ARE TAx DEDuCTIBLE. PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION (310) 909-9019.
Now hiring, AuTO MECHANIC, BODY AND PAINT TECH., AND OuTSIDE SALES ACCOuNT MANAGER Email Heraldsgarage@gmail.com or visit Herald’s Garage 8124 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount.
BILINGuAL SALES in English & Spanish with basic computer skills. Also looking for WAREHOuSE EMPLOYEE with inventory, order-picking, and/or uPS experience. Please call 562-408-1984 and ask for Ivette or send an email to mimi.kim@ptminconline.com for Mimi.
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!
C ity S ervi C e S
NeW M eMBeR
10 Tips – How is Your Business Growing?
So your business is growing –but how? Transitioning from wearing many hats and working side by side with your team as a small business owner to planning and managing your staff from a macro level may require some change. As you shift to managing your business, take into consideration the ten tips below to affirm your business is built to flourish.
1. p lanning is Key. Targeting goals like new market opportunities abroad or new service offerings for example, will help you identify the resources, infrastructure, processes and systems needed to create the appropriate growth strategy for your business. As you identify your goals define: which resources are within reach, which goals require investment, the costs to your business in pursuing the goals and the appropriate deadlines. As you progress, continue to adapt your plan.
Positively
Paramount Civic Center
2. Budget: Although most of your budget will relate to costs, thinking about your budget differently by identifying areas that lend to growing your revenue or expanding reserve accounts is just as crucial. Identify the expenses that are specifically allocated for growing revenues and pin the necessary plan(s) to reach those revenue goals over the short and long term, any funds saved on expenses can be placed into a reserve for infrastructure investment or new growth opportunities.
3. Wait for the Right Opportunities. New opportunities can always arise: open locations, new service offerings, licensing or business acquisition opportunities. Examine the resources within reach, the investment, and most importantly whether the opportunity fits into your long term strategy for growth. Does the opportunity encourage
Paramount Places!
Paramount’s Civic Center Plaza is a beautiful botanical oasis, a one-acre garden-like public space with walking paths, benches and dynamic fountains. It links City Hall, Suburban Medical Center and the County Library as a cohesive whole while opening up a larger downtown corridor tying the Pond and the Iceland skating rink together. A special feature is a small park area around the historic “Hay Tree,” which dates back to Paramount’s days as the leading dairy producer in the state. City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave. Bianchi Paramount Theatres
Eleven state-of-the-art luxury theatres. Featuring stadium seating, digital sound system, and a meeting/ banquet/party room 7770 Rosecrans Avenue at Paramount Blvd.
Paramount Iceland
Home of the world famous zamboni Ice Machine. Featuring one of the largest indoor ice skating arenas in existence. An historical landmark, with a rich tradition as an Olympic training facility 8041 Jackson St. Paramount Pond
A decorative, restful public plaza, featuring a bronze sculpture garden with nearby coffee house and eateries Corner of Paramount Blvd. & Jackson St.
Paramount’s Outdoor Art Museum
9 By 9 By 9 .................................................................................................Spane Park, 14400 Gundry Ave.
Boxes ...............................................................................................Corner of Downey Ave. & Jefferson St.
Conversation ...............................................................................................City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave.
Come on Dad .............................................. Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
Crack the Whip ........................................... Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
Defiance .............................................................Southwest corner of Paramount Blvd. and Rosecrans Ave.
Delineation ................................................................................................. City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave.
family ..........................................................................Century Place Apartments, 13810 Paramount Blvd.
fluid ............................................................................... Paramount County Library, 16254 Colorado Ave.
Going for the Goal ...................................... Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
hole In one ...............................................................................Lyons Industrial Park, 14528 Garfield Ave.
Kai Koo VII ..............................................................................................Alondra Blvd./West of Hunsaker
Modified Box ........................................................Paramount Community Center, 14400 Paramount Blvd.
Origami Pony ...................................................................................... Progress Park, 15500 Downey Ave.
Passage ........................................................................Trammel Crow Industrial Park, 14350 Garfield Ave.
poetry in motion ..........................................................................................................14429 Downey Ave.
Polished Performance ................................. Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
Save the Whales .......................................................................Paramount Petroleum, 14700 Downey Ave.
solar sails .........................................................................................................Alondra Blvd. & L.A. River
sonatina ......................................................................................................City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave.
Speedskater ................................................. Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd. stand by me ..................................................................Progress Community Center, 15500 Downey Ave. suffer the little Children .............................................Northwest corner of Paramount Blvd./Jackson St.
Sustenance ....................................................................................................................15125 Garfield Ave. the Die is Cast ..........................................................................Lyons Industrial Park, 14528 Garfield Ave.
tribute to henry moore .........................................................Paramount Petroleum, 14700 Downey Ave.
Unfolding Star ........................................................................... Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Ave. untitled .......................................................................................................City Yard, 15300 Downey Ave.
Upholding .................................................................................................. City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave. Vestige ..................................................Garfield Park, Northwest corner of Garfield Avenue and Petrol St. Zamboni Machine Replica ......................... Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
steady growth and push you to scale your business? Does it add a short term surge which might pose serious pains in the future? Ask the right questions, pay attention to your market, and even ask your customers for their insight, if appropriate.
4. Drive with Technology: Do you have the appropriate technology and software in place to measure and maintain growth? Reviewing client information is crucial for collecting primary insight like purchasing patterns, conversion rates, and the success of your efforts. You can then use your current client data to forecast, plan launches and prepare for the future. Other technology can assist in the review of your HR information, budget, recordkeeping, delivery and inventory processes. Remember to weigh the benefits of new technology with the costs; consider solutions that allow your business to run more efficiently or help improve your product/service.
5. Cross Check: Growth can sometimes cause stresses; quality or even customer service can suffer. Check in with your clients, send a survey or correspondence with information on what’s new or a simple “how are we doing?” Reviewing responses can help uncover your strengths and weaknesses. Then, direct attention to any areas in need of maintenance and build up your strengths. Apply the same practice internally and set high expectations from the onset for your outputs. Establish new processes like requiring other departments to check contracts before release for example.
6. Keep the Core values Alive: It might look tempting to create all new values or standards for your business as you grow, however, consider how your deepest values have allowed your business to grow thus far. Stay true to the fundamentals and be the champion of those values for not only your customers, but your employees as well. Ensure the company culture along with its early values grow together with the business and do not get left behind, especially when hiring new talent.
7. Find Great People, And then Delegate: You might love marketing, but learning to delegate is key to achieving your macro goals. Even when your passions are areas of excellence, consider your personnel needs after evaluating your budget. Review where it may be beneficial to hire talented individuals to help manage duties and make sure new management can be trusted with your business vision. Then, delegate the necessary tasks. Free webinars on recruiting from
LinkedIn: http://business.linkedin. com/talent-solutions/recruitingbest-practices-webcasts.html
8. Inspire Open Communication: Open communication throughout your business allows important messages, goals, or changes to be delivered in sync. Establish an easy method for connecting with your staff like monthly or quarterly phone conferences, webinars, or internal newsletters –ask for feedback or comments. Assure communication is always open among important partners, staff, and customers.
9. Invest in Your Brand Promise: Branding is about your promise to your customer and the differentiation between you and your competitors. Is it time to rebrand or revamp your current branding? What do you want your brand to say about your business? Assure you live up to your brand promise company-wide and that your employees know they communicate your brand message to your customers. Think about investing in a strategy to implement consistency throughout the company from new employee training programs, to template marketing materials, to use of new marketing channels. Investing in creating a style guide for example that shows consistent use of your business colors, logo, and quality on printed material, delivery trucks, uniforms, emails, order forms etc. strengthens the long term recognition of your company.
10. If Necessary, Bridge the Gap: If you are ready to make the appropriate investments in your business now but need extra funding to bridge the gap, expansion capital may be an option. Remember to match the funding (i.e. line of credit, business loan, commercial loan) with the size of the investment. For larger investments, seek longer term loans. Before you seek financing, review and update your business plan and consult with an SBDC advisor to review the financing options available to you. The SBDC can also help you package your loan and shop it to Network financial partners to assist you in securing the best rates and opportunities.
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
