Paramount Chamber Golf Classic Winners
It was a beautiful day for the Paramount Chamber Golf Classic played at Westridge Golf Club in Whitter. The sold out event was sponsored by Carlton Forge.
The tournament began at 11:30 am with a shotgun start and
April 2009
lunch provided by Eastern Meats & Deli and Transcom Services. Keeping golfers cool throughout the afternoon were beverages courtesy of Triangle Distributing. Tee prize bags containing a snack and gifts donated by Gateway Business Bank, Carlton Forge and Tip Top Towing were also given to each golfer.
The competition was tough as two teams tied for first place with a 57, the winner was decided by a one stroke lead on hole number 13. The third place team wasn’t far behind with a 59. Other winners included: Men’s Long Drive (Matt Knabe), Women’s Long Drive (Erin Stibal), Closest to the Pin winners (Bob Hurlburt, Mike Maloney, Norval Wooten and Greg Shamlian). Even though there were some great shots throughout the afternoon no one managed to sink the $25,000
hole-in-one sponsored by Cal Met Services.
As the afternoon came to an end golfers gathered for a barbequed dinner and awards program in the Westridge banquet room. The winning teams were recognized with awards sponsored by Supervisor Don Knabe and Lindsay Lumber. Following dinner a raffle was held along with special drawings for the Major Raffle Prize; a full set of King Cobra clubs, bag and covers donated by Fenico Precision
Castings and a special Mystery Prize donated by Paramount Petroleum; which turned out to be a Sony Playstation 3.
“It was a great tournament! The Chamber is very grateful to all of the sponsors and players who supported the event in this tough economy. The money we made will help us continue to provide services for the Paramount business community and help them make it through a very difficult time,” said Chamber President Kevin Lindsay.
First place Team Scramble from left: Vince Torres, Erin Stibal and Lt. Rod Armalin. Not pictured team member Matt Knabe.
Second place Team Scramble from left: Larry Sherman, Kris Kazarian, Greg Shamlian and John Andikian.
Third pace Team Scramble from left: Andrew Jackson, Lou Apodaca, Joe Smith and Darrell Jackson.
The Start of a New Term
In March, the Paramount City Council held its annual reorganization meeting, and it was my honor to be selected as your mayor for the next year. I thank my fellow Councilmembers for the opportunity and look forward to serving our community in this way. The Council also elected Tom Hansen as vice mayor.
Paramount has long been a wonderful example of all facets of a community coming together in a spirit of teamwork and optimism to create positive activity for residents and businesses. I’m proud to participate in such a congregation that has improved my hometown in so many ways. As the progress continues, it’ll be my pleasure to share the news with you on this page over the coming year.
Easter Faire This Month
Make sure to bring the kids to the City’s annual Easter Faire on Saturday, April 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Paramount Park.
The event will feature game booths, field competitions, a moon bounce, a petting zoo and many more fun activities. There will also be an egg hunt in the park and, of course, a visit by the Easter Bunny himself. The festivities are free, but vendors will be offering food for sale.
Paramount Park is located at 14400 Paramount Blvd. Please call (562) 220-2121 for more information.
New City Commission
The City of Paramount offers quite a few activities for our population of seniors including classes, excursions and a lunch program. As a way to maintain excellent communication and advice on issues for this segment of our community, the City Council has created a Senior Services Commission. This is made up of five residents who will meet monthly and provide input to the Council.
The initial Commission members, one appointed by each member of the Council, are Louise Goerlich, Henry Harkema, Ethel Hillyard, Patricia Locker and James “Jim” Stevens.
Paramount Kids on Earth Day
The City’s STAR After-School Program will celebrate Earth Day (April 22) with a week of activities that begin with all 1,600 students signing an Earth Day Pledge. The fun continues with the STAR kids participating in hands-on exercises like campus clean-ups, making crafts from recycled materials and reading stories relating to environmentalism.
Each STAR student will also receive a commemorative Earth Day t-shirt to increase recognition on their school campus. In addition, they will participate in the City’s 1st Annual “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” poster contest.
Free Reusable Grocery Bags
With Earth Day in mind, residents may want to help combat the rash of plastic and paper shopping bags jamming our landfills and littering our roadsides. The City is offering a free reusable grocery bag for your shopping needs.
These sturdy bags – which are made out of recycled materials – are convenient to use and easy to store in your home or car. Residents can pick up their free bag at Paramount City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave., Paramount. There is a limit of one
bag per household.
The cost of the bags is being paid for by a grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board. The bags will also carry a message promoting the recycling of used motor oil and oil filters.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2000.
Paramount Participates in First-Time Home Buyer Programs
In today’s real estate market, it can be difficult for individuals trying to purchase their own home for the first time. Financing, down payment and closing cost issues can be intimidating challenges. But, for qualifying buyers, help can be available.
The City often gets inquiries about any first-time homebuyer assistance programs that might be available to Paramount residents. There are a few programs in which the City participates. To receive a flyer with more detailed information on these programs, please contact the Paramount Community Development
Department at (562) 220-2036. Here are some brief summaries. Mortgage Credit Certificate Program
This provides a tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax paid to the federal government. The credit is equal to 15% of the yearly mortgage interest paid. Participants must meet low-to-moderate-income guidelines. (Direct contact at 323/890-7235.)
Independent Cities Lease Finance Authority
This offers 20-year loans to pay for down payment and closing costs on a home purchase – up to 7% of the sales price. Participants must meet low-to-moderate-income guidelines. (Direct contact at www. ICLFA.org.)
Southern California Home Financing Authority
This provides a mortgage with a reduced interest rate and a grant of 3.5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs. Participants must meet low-to-moderateincome guidelines. (Direct contact at 323/890-7235.)
If all the economists were laid end to end, they’d never reach a conclusion.
– George Bernard Shaw
ACCOUNTING & INCOME TAX
Mayor, Diane Martinez
Paramount Heroes Honored by Red Cross
The City was well-represented on March 10 when the Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross held its Hometown Heroes Breakfast, which honors local people who did extraordinary things in the past year.
Dafne Sandoval was highlighted for saving her brother’s life. Dafne was a lifeguard for the City who learned her CPR and First Aid training through the Red Cross. On July 16, 2008, her brother Fernando came home from working late, looking stressed and not feeling well. After hearing a call for help, Dafne ran into the kitchen where Fernando was thrashing uncontrollably, having a seizure. Dafne told her father to call 9-1-1 and focused on trying to find out if Fernando was hurt. Since he was having a hard time breathing, their father opened his airway. Realizing that CPR might be necessary, Daphne placed her hands on his chest. She began to calmly ask Fernando to focus on breathing slowly. Suddenly he screamed out in pain because he had bitten his tongue and soon stopped moving and breathing. Dafne began giving two rescue breaths; when that was unsuccessful, she transitioned to performing CPR.
After a cycle of rescue breaths and two chest compressions Fernando began gasping for air. Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter, and Dafne told them what had been done, and gave a summary of her brother’s symptoms and allergies. The paramedics took Fernando to the hospital, where an exam showed that stress was the likely cause of the seizure. Everyone in the family is very proud of Dafne’s calm demeanor and composure, and Fernando is doing well.
Adriana Fuentes, Chris Fuentes, Alex Solano, Edgar Torres, Nelson Torres and Julio Martinez were commended for rescue attempts after a car accident. At
a block party in Paramount last Fourth of July an SUV went out of control, hit a car and then pinned an eight-year old boy against another car. People banged on the car window shouting: “Back up!” But the disoriented driver kept hitting the gas pedal. Chris and Alex and Nelson Torres pulled the intoxicated driver out and put the car in neutral. Then they began to push the SUV back. Adriana, a trained nurse, rushed immediately to the young boy and began to give him CPR. Suddenly, someone else began screaming that they were unable to find their little girl. She was pinned under the same SUV.
Together, 20 men and women surrounded the SUV and began to lift. They were able to get the front tires onto the curb, creating space enough for the frightened and tearful little girl to be removed. Police and paramedics arrived soon after and took both children to the hospital. The young boy did not recover, but the young girl was released after being treated for cuts and bruises. Each of these heroes stressed that the rescue was a team effort and that everyone pulled together.
Arrests Linked to Graffiti Tracker
The City contracts with Graffiti Tracker to keep tabs on the graffiti in town that the graffiti crew cleans up. Photographs of the vandalism are catalogued and analyzed and the system has allowed deputies to identify the most active instigators based on the frequency of their particular graffiti.
Thanks to the Tracker, in 2008 there were 23 arrests that came about after deputies found a substantial number of linked incidents. In 2009, so far, there have been seven arrests.
Make Your Flowers Last Longer
Fresh flowers make everyone’s day! Whether you receive them as a surprise or buy them for yourself. Fresh flowers don’t last forever but here are some tips to make them last a little longer.
-For a lose bouquet of flowers take a sharp knife or scissors and cut a small amount from the ends at an angle before placing them in a clean vase of water.
-For flowers received in a vase add water and top off the vase. For flower baskets lined with foam add fresh water
every day.
-Add a drop of bleach to the water, this is an inexpensive way to keep the water free from impurities and bacteria, flowers like clean water.
-Keep fresh flowers in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Any source of heat will affect the bloom and life of freshly cut flowers.
Consumers Are Now Able to Take More Control of Health-Care Expenses
By Maria F. Galli
Are you looking for a way to trim your health-care costs, reduce your federal income tax liability and potentially save more for your future?
As part of the Medicare Prescription Drug legislation signed into law in 2003, you may now be able to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) which, when used in conjunction with a high deductible health plan (HDHP), helps individuals save for qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.
All earnings in an HSA are tax deferred and distributions are tax free if used for qualified medical expenses, including
long-term care premiums. This allows you the opportunity to pay for your medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. In addition, any unused HSA funds may be withdrawn after you turn age 65 with no penalty; the funds will be taxed as ordinary income.
HSAs are portable, with rollover provisions, allowing you the opportunity to move funds from one HSA to another. If you obtained an HSA through your employer and change jobs, you can roll over your HSA into a new HSA and take the funds with you.
HSAs are important, particularly for those who are under or uninsured, small business owners or anyone facing the challenge of affording quality health insurance coverage.
Contact your local insurance agent for more information on HSAs.
Handling Bill Paying During a Financial Crisis
Many circumstances can derail even the best financial plans and leave you with less money than you need. However, paying the most important bills first and communicating with creditors for the ones you can’t pay can help you minimize the damage until you’re back on your feet.
Your monthly obligations may include:
• Mortgage or rent. Your mortgage or rent should be the first bill paid each month. However, if making payments is impossible, let your lender or landlord know – they may be willing to work with you. Is your mortgage or rent affordable longterm? If not, you may want to look for a less expensive place to live or refinance with more affordable terms.
• Car loan. Since your car can be repossessed if you miss payments, paying on time is important. However, if you’re not able to do that, ask your lender if you can skip a payment or two or pay back missed payments gradually. If you can’t reach an agreement or resume payments, you may want to sell the car before it’s repossessed.
• Utilities. Delinquent utility payments can cause your service to be
suspended or terminated, but some utilities are more important than others. If a service isn’t absolutely needed – for example cable, cell phone, internet – you may just want to cancel it. If it’s essential, call the utility company and ask if a payment arrangement is possible. Also inquire about assistance programs for people facing economic hardship.
• Student loans. If no payments are made for 180 days, you are considered in default, with possible consequences including tax refund interception and wage garnishment. However, borrowers can often avoid delinquency by asking for a forbearance or deferment.
• Credit cards. While you could be sued or have accounts go to collections if you stop making payments, credit cards are less important than a mortgage or a car loan, and most creditors do not take legal action right away. However, avoid completely ignoring creditors. If making payments is difficult, you may want to talk to them about hardship programs.
P ARAMOUNT A WARDS N IGHT
At the March 17 meeting of the Paramount City Council, Mayor Gene Daniels ended his one-year term as mayor. Representatives of numerous public officials were on hand to present him with plaques and proclamations.
The meeting also saw the Council make presentations to members of the community.
Deputies Matthew Landreth and Cesar Mayorga, both of whom were assigned to the City in 2008, were commended on their excellent police work that helped the Department produce another year of lower crime statistics.
And, finally, the staff of the new Fresh and Easy Market in town, including store manager Mondo
(in
were at the meeting to present the Paramount Education Partnership with a $1,000 donation.
National Women’s History Month was proclaimed in Paramount with members of the Paramount Women’s Club, which has been a presence in town since 1926.
White
the rear),
Cherie Shih, manager of the Paramount Branch of the County Library system who was retiring, was congratulated and thanked on her five and a half years of running the facility.
Jessie Cheng representing U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.
Luis Ma�
Paramount Recreation Director Vince Torres standing in for State Assemblymember Isadore Hall.
L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe’s district representative Erin Stibal.
From the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Capt. Christy Guyovich.
La Fonda Riggins of the Los Angeles County Fire Department with Firefighters from Station 31 in Paramount.
Paramount Chamber of Commerce Past President Leonard Crespo.
Paramount Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez, who presented Daniels with a plaque and a scrapbook commemorating the past year.
Contribute to PEP Fundraiser and Invest in Education for Paramount
The 6th Annual Fundraiser for the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) will be held on Friday, June 26 at Progress Park Plaza. This year’s affair will be a fun-filled Casino Night and feature an unforgettable array of fresh, seasonal Japanese cuisine and great wine/sake. The PEP Fundraiser has been very successful over time, producing a total of $180,000 for scholarships to local students with financial need.
This event offers a great sponsorship opportunity for businesses to support a worthy cause while gaining extensive publicity exposure. Sponsors will receive recognition on all event printed materials, on the City’s website and here in the pages of the Pulse Beat.
Also, as part of the Casino Night festivities, attendees will be able to “cash in” their winnings for a variety of items. Contributors are invited to join the cause by donating something to be used for this purpose. All proceeds from the evening will go toward PEP college scholarships for students in need.
PEP is an alliance of the City of Paramount, the Paramount Unified School District, and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. It is dedicated to providing programs and services that improve academic skills through literacy and math enrichment programs, homework help, English as a Second Language Classes, the Math, Engineering & Science Achievement (MESA) program and more. Sponsorship in the program is an important investment in the community, as it helps students and families reach better education opportunities and a brighter future.
All donations will be made to the PEP 501c3 non-profit entity, so they will be tax deductible. If interested in sponsorship or making a donation, please contact the Recreation office at (562) 220-2121 no later than May 15.
Inventions
B Y E THEL H ILLYARD
Some people think motherhood and apple pie are the best inventions ever. Being of the female persuasion, I can’t knock motherhood, but apple pie should not exclude other pies such as lemon, pecan, chocolate, etc, etc.
Other inventions come to mind such as the telephone and the electric light. Thomas Edison did bring us out of the darkness and light up our lives. Alexander Bell helped promote communication and in hind
sight created a monster of sorts. Between the two they created a whole new world of electronics which is a lot better than sending up smoke signals; in today’s world the EPA would have a thing or two to say about that.
But with all these miraculous inventions, my vote goes to the guy or gal who came up with the left hand turn lane. It’s a blessing to anyone who drives a car in downtown traffic. I say at the very least he or she deserves a gift certificate!
Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Celebrates 79th Anniversary!
Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to celebrate its 79th year in business. Owner Don Skala, attributes the company’s success to “...providing value added services through professional employee development and implementing the best practices to establish loyal, long-term relationships with our customers.”
Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditionings’ residential and commercial clients have experienced the best in service and customer satisfaction since 1930. From plumbing, sewers and drains to heating and HVAC services, Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditionings’ technicians will promptly recommend and perform responsible and economical solutions.
With additional locations in Brea and in Norwalk, commercial and residential clients benefit from the same exceptional services in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Mr. Skala also believes in being a good corporate citizen in the communities he serves. He is a member of 18 different Chambers of Commerce and holds positions on many boards. He also believes in career opportunities for his employees and encourages them to grow with the company through professional development and on-the-job training. For more information, visit Downey’s site at www.downeyplumbing.com . Mention this press release and save $20 off your service call
WANTED
BODY & PAINT TECHNICIAN WITH TOOL EXPERIENCE. Trouble-shooting. Apply at Herald’s Garage, 8124 E. Alondra Blvd, Paramount. 562-633-2136, Ask for Joe.
Seeking hard working, energetic, bilingual (Spanish/English), and sales oriented individuals with a strong interest in educating the community about INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL PRODUCTS that help individuals protect their families and their financial well being. A positive attitude and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service to the community are required. Please Contact Maria Galli, 562-817-5620. Email resume to maria@galliagency.com or fax resume to 562-817-5621
WE’RE HIRING! – Contact Ventana Home Fashions – sales@ventanadms.com - Fax: 562-633-0022 For exciting employment opportunities Email or fax your resume today! Positions include, training, benefits, job advancement for qualified candidates. Experience in In-Home sales helpful but not necessary. We will train the right person!
CARLTON FORGE WORKS, a manufacturer of high technology seamless rolled rings and closed die forging for the gas turbine engine industry. We currently have these positions available: INSPECTOR.
Qualifications: Candidate must have a 2 year minimum inspection experienced with strong technical and people skills. Excellent verbal, written and organizational skills are required. Candidate must be able to Inspect In-process parts and fully machined parts with standard tools. The candidate must know GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 Must be able to read blue prints, Engineering diagrams and sketches. Experience using a variety of measuring tools: micrometer, Dial Indicators Height Gage, Calipers, etc. JOB DUTIES: Inspect Forgings visually and dimensionally, fill out proper inspection reports, drive a fork lift, able to work night shift, able to work in a Forge Shop environment.
Fax resume Or E-mail resume to: cfwjobs@cfworks.com or Apply in person at: Carlton Forge Works, 7743 E. Adams St., Paramount, Ca. 90723 (562)633-1131 (562)633-3590 Fax. EOE/M/F/V/H – NO RESUMES OR APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT JOB TITLE.
Mon. - Fri.
Embassy Suites in Downey Undergoes Extensive Renovation and Celebrates New Leadership
Embassy Suites in Downey has completed a three-month, $8 million renovation, which appropriately coincides with the appointment of new General Manager, Maurice Casaus. The renovation consists of an overhaul of all 219 suites as well as bathrooms and public areas including upgrades to their lobby, fitness center, meeting rooms and the Firestone Grill & Lounge. Casaus is a welcomed addition to the changes that are happening at the hotel, bringing 15 years of experience to this venture. As General Manager, Casaus will direct all areas of the hotel’s operations including: guest
services, sales and marketing efforts, and hotel administration.
“Based on Maurice’s outstanding record in hotel management, we are confident that he will be instrumental in ensuring the success of this newly renovated and improved Embassy Suites hotel,” said Rick Gabrielsen, area vice president, Hilton Hotels Corporation. “Maurice will be a strong asset as we gear up for the hotel’s grand re-opening.”
The renovation also included a seismic retrofit of the building. The hotel is owned by RLJ Development, LLC based in Bethesda, MD, and managed by Hilton Hotels Corpora-
Seniors MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Exercise class every Monday 11 am to 12 pm
Fee: 1$ per class
Held at Paramount Park
Bingo
Tuesdays 11 am to 12:30 pm
Donation $1 for 3 Cards
Cash Prizes!
Held at Paramount Park
Oil Painting Class Every Thursday 9 am in Rooms 1 & 2
Sign up at the class $3 per lesson
tion, based in Beverly Hills, CA. To showcase their brand new look to the local community, the hotel hosted a multi-chamber grand re-opening reception including the Paramount, Downey, Commerce, Santa Fe Springs, and Vernon Chambers of Commerce. This star-studded evening event revolved around an Academy Awards theme (including a Charlie Chaplin look-alike) to piggy back with the 81st Annual Academy Awards held a few days later at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles. The event drew over 350 attendees from the local business community. Not only did the Hotel showcase its new look, but attendees were invited to sample the culinary creations of their new Executive Chef, Chef Zaya, a well known celebrity in the local community.
“The extensive renovation will enable the hotel to provide guests with superior accommodations and
a highly satisfying stay overall,” said Casaus, general manager. “Our spacious suites will continue to appeal to business travelers by affording more space to work and relax than the average one-room hotel accommodations in the local market. Families also will continue to enjoy spreading out within the two separate rooms.”
Located at 8425 Firestone Boulevard in Downey, the hotel is 18 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport and 10 miles from Long Beach Airport. It is conveniently located within 2 miles of 4 major freeways, making it easy to get to Long Beach, Orange County and downtown Los Angeles. The hotel features over 6,000 square feet of meeting space including 7 meeting rooms, the Firestone Grill and Lounge as well as a complimentary business center, indoor heated pool, and a small gift shop.
Paramount Women’s Club
“Painless” Cost Cutting Measures to Streamline Your Business
VIVIAN SHIMOYAMA
When was the last time that you took a hard look at your cost of doing business?
The major expense to any business is in the payroll and employee benefits. But when a business owner looks at their bottom line they recognize that a key asset to the company is skilled and loyal workers. So in order to manage cost cutting during a difficult economy it will take going through the line item detail in your projected budget in order to save dollar$, and make $en$e of keeping the non essential costs off the books.
Management reports and tools from your accountant, bookkeeper, or financial systems can assist you in making timely and informed decisions on where you can cut costs and streamline your business. Here are some questions to ask yourself in making this a ‘painless’ process:
1.) Where are my greatest expenses? Your business advisors or in house financial systems can give you valuable information on where your greatest expenses are and year over year increases in expenses. Consider looking at each line item to analyze those essential items. Keep in mind the mission of your company, providing quality products and services, and a safe workplace are typically number one on the list for essential.
2.) If I had to consider cutting expenses in the area of payroll what steps can I take in order NOT to eliminate jobs? The greatest assets of a company are the people, the skills that they contribute to the company, and ways
that they provide quality customer service. And when business does get better, consider what it would cost to retrain a new worker. Some measures to consider in consideration of the workforce would be to take payroll cost reductions in phases.
• Attrition – Do not backfill when a person leaves the company unless the position is essential to the operations. Are there ways to redistribute the work or cross train others?
• Reduction in Hours – Look at ways to reduce each workers hours in order to save a job. Management may find it essential to reduce hours during downturns, but sometimes when it is possible people will voluntarily go on a leave, reduce their hours, or adjust their schedules due to personal needs and in an effort to assist a business owner in keeping the workforce in place.
• Tax Credits – Is your company in an enterprise zone or are there tax credits that may assist my company? Enterprise zones offer tax credits that can be for current tax year, and with the proper documentation can go back in years. Get information on employee tax credits from your accountant or a business advisor that specializes in enterprise zones and small business tax credits in order to get the most benefit.
• Rates for Employee Benefits – Benefits costs continue to rise, but this may be a time to reevaluate the company healthcare and benefits costs and get quotes to continue to provide quality benefits at a lower cost.
3.) Can my lease be renegotiated or would it make more sense to own a com-
mercial building rather than pay rent? At a recent small business forum, a business owner shared her experience of saving over 25% on company lease expenses by renegotiating their business lease. Another financial expert makes suggestions to business owners to look for commercial property now, prices are dropping and there are favorable interest rates offered through the Small Business Administration and economic stimulus for 504 and 7(a) loan programs for small business owners.
4.) Does it make sense to conduct an energy audit? For those companies that make products or deal with high costs due to refrigeration, manufacturing, logistics/distribution systems and more, it may make sense to have your public utility company perform an energy audit to make recommendations on reducing energy costs. During the energy crisis many business owners were forced to look at these costs. This may be a time to take a second look. Sometimes these audits require changes that have upfront costs so the business owner has to weigh the longer term savings. For example -- After conducting an energy audit a business owner that had an open area for retail space, warehoused and manufactured products but had operating hours during the day decided to save money through replacing some of their lighting needs with natural lighting through improved skylight systems.
5.) Can we bundle our communications and technology costs? The technology and communications company have many programs to pull internet, cell phones, land lines, and all the services that are technology driven together into programs that offer lower bundled costs. The trick is to assess the company’s needs first and then decide on those essential services that should be bundled into a cost effective program. Do you need all those cell phones, land lines (and all the special services), unlimited minutes, websites, internet based processing of payment services? Answer some of the questions and then get a bundled quote.
may refer your business to others. Are there ways to utilize internet based tools to project manage sales force leads and proposals so that marketing and sales efforts are coordinated and real time documented? Analyze the ROI, ask new questions, and be open minded to technology and cost effective ways of doing more with less (less expenses that is!)
7.) Finally ask your employees what they recommend to build efficiencies in the operations. There are always ways that we can say – “Did well. Do better.” Are there ideas and recommendations that your employees can make to build more efficiencies in the operations? Not every idea can be implemented, but when ideas area evaluated in terms of cost savings, those dollars can add up. This question could be an article in itself. but when I recently asked a corporate executive to give me some suggestions on ways to go paperless, I found that the answers not only were time savers, but would comfortably and painlessly help to eliminate the stacks of reports and papers around me. And, more than the physical elimination of the stacks is the expense of time to review and file all that work. Do I need to print this email? Do I need to keep a hard copy of this report? What electronic methods can I use to archive my essential records? Keep going ...
Here is a next steps for you, please share your cost cutting ideas with other business owners. With all our creative minds working together the elimination of non essential costs can be a way to help keep our workforce in place, and maintain our businesses with ‘painless’ cost cutting measures that build the foundation for current stability and future growth.
6.) One of my highest expenses is in marketing and sales – should we cut? Keeping marketing and sales efforts in place is an area that most business owners would agree is essential during an economic downturn. Consider evaluating the effectiveness of programs and individuals, and where dollars can be shifted to provide a greater return on investment for less cost. There are new technologies that can reduce cost and continue to build brand, outreach to potential and current customers, and manage the customer relationship and close the sale. So, what are some of the new ways to market a business and build a referral base? Consider social networking tools such as FaceBook, MySpace, twitter, texting, blogs, professional social networks, and more to reach a wider audience and build relationships with a community of people who
I am signing off with my last column, and would like to introduce you to the new permanent Long Beach SBDC Director, Bret O’Connor who will be onboard to share business advice and expertise in the upcoming months. “Wishing you all the best as you grow your business and a special thank you to the Paramount Chamber for a partnership that helps all of us stay connected in order to provide economic impact to our community!” Vivian Shimoyama is the Interim Director of the Long Beach SBDC. The Business Corner is brought to you by your local Small Business Development Center and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. The LB SBDC is hosted by Long Beach City College and provides training and one-on-one consulting services in such areas as business planning, marketing, access to funding resources, procurement/contracting assistance, legal, accounting, international trade, technology, web development, and other business specialty areas. Bilingual consultants (Spanish speaking) are also available. To make an appointment call: (562) 570-4574, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu
