Paramount Chamber Installs New Officers and Recognizes Community Leaders
More than 100 people attended the Paramount Chamber’s annual Installation & Awards Luncheon. The event sponsored by Weber Metals was a great success and an opportunity to recognize some of Paramount’s finest. Several awards including; the
Presidents’ Award, Mayors’ Award, and the Award of Excellence were given to local businesses who have demonstrated their commitment to the City of Paramount and Paramount Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber also recognized several sponsors who contributed to Chamber events and programs including the Installation, Golf Classic, Fiesta, Job Fair, Pulse Beat, Welcome Program and more. In addition to the awards program the Chamber also installed Martin Johnson as President for 2010-
2011, Martin severed as President in 09/10 and was re elected to continue his leadership role. Johnson received recognition from local, state, and federal officials for his service as president and congratulations on his re election.
What’s inside
Chamber President Martin Johnson presents Ed Juno Vice President of West Coast Refining for Paramount Petroleum with the Paramount Chamber Presidents’ Award. Paramount Petroleum received the award for their outstanding contributions to the business and residential community.
Gus Exiga owner of Eastern Meats & Deli was presented the Award of Excellence by Chamber President Martin Johnson. Several nominations were received and reviewed by a chamber committee who named Gus the winner. He received the award for his generosity and commitment to the community.
Chamber President Martin Johnson presents Deborah Jameson of Lifegate Foursquare Church with the Ambassador of the Year award. Deborah received the award for her many contributions to the Chamber as an Ambassador.
Chamber President Martin Johnson presents Emmanuel Reformed Pastor Larry Dove with a the Special Recognition award. Emmanuel Church received the award for their continued support of the Chamber’s Welcome to Paramount program. Church volunteers hand deliver welcome packets to new residents and businesses on behalf of the Chamber.
President Johnson with sponsors John Loiler - Carlton Forge (Platinum Sponsor), Bill Winters - Paramount Petroleum (Platinum Sponsor), Rick Creed - Weber Metals (Gold Sponsor), and Joe Abed - Herald’s Garage (Gold Sponsor).
Paramount Chamber officers and directors for 2010-2011 from left: Past President - Bill Winters (Paramount Petroleum), Vice President - Dr. Max B. Martinez, Treasurer - Paul Dennis (Weber Metals), Dr. Tom Hansen, Director - Jacob Coe (Wal-Mart), Director - Ben Berg (Transcom Telecommunications), President - Martin Johnson (Carlton Forge), Director- Jon Tanklage (Marukan Vinegar), Director - Leigh Clausen (Gateway Business Bank), Director Brenda Olmos (Apple Care Medical), and Director - Kevin Lindsay (Lindsay Lumber) not pictured are Senior Vice President - Leonard Crespo (Total-Western) and Director - Darren Kurkowski (Bianchi Theatres).
Mayor Tom Hansen presented Marukan Vinegar USA with the 2010 Mayors Award for their many contributions to the Paramount Education Partnership, and commitment to the local community. From left: Mayor Hansen, Junichi Oyama - President of Marukan, Hitoshi Zamoto - Marukan General Manager and Jon Tanklage - Vice President National Sales.
Summer Program Offers
Paramount Kids Free Meals and Activities
The Paramount Unified School District and the City of Paramount’s Parks and Recreation Department is providing a Summer Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP) called Summer Fun Café for students at all kindergarten through 8th grade schools in the District. The session runs until August 20. No registration is necessary.
Taking place Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Café includes free breakfast and lunch for all participating students. In addition, there are outdoor sports and games along with arts and crafts, all, again, at no cost.
The program is being funded by a grant from the State of California. It also allows Recreation Department staff members from the STAR afterschool program – mostly young Paramount residents – to stay employed over the summer.
In addition, more staff members are being supplied by the Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority (SASSFA).
For more information about the program, please call (562) 220-2121 or (562) 602-6031.
Mayor’s Award Goes to Marukan Vinegar
I’d like to offer my personal congratulations to this year’s winner of the Mayor’s Award given at last month’s Paramount Chamber of Commerce Installation Ceremony. The choice for 2010’s business of the year was Marukan Vinegar USA.
The renowned producer of rice vinegar and ponzu marinades has been in business
for more than 360 years, since 1649. They established their American operations here in Paramount in 1974, so they are a longtime presence in our business community.
Marukan Vinegar has over that time proven to be a generous neighbor. They hold a yearly open house for the businesses and residents who work and live adjacent to their facility. They have also made some healthy donations to the Paramount Education Partnership. In fact, they have really stepped up to the plate with PEP, which helps increase the levels of education for our residents.
A year ago, they gave a remarkable donation of $100,000. Last month, they added another generous donation of $10,000. For the last two years, at our PEP fundraiser, they have provided some of the best sushi I’ve ever eaten, free of charge. They also give of their time and expertise as a member of the PEP Business Participation Committee.
All of these contributions have shown Marukan’s dedication to making a difference in Paramount and giving back to the community. They have strengthened and enriched the City, and so received the Mayor’s Award, an accolade given to only the most deserving of Paramount businesses.
SASSFA Summer Youth Program Provides Student Workers At No Cost
The Paramount branch of the Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority (SASSFA) is a resource that provides free employment, training and business services to the residents of Paramount. It is located in the Paramount Firehouse Activity Center at 15538 Colorado Ave.
SASSFA has some exciting news for local businesses that are looking to stretch their budgets and are willing to hire area youth. SASSFA’s summer program provides youth workers immediately, and runs through September 15. SASSFA pays the youngsters $8.00 per hour and carries their Workers’ Comp, so there is no cost to the employer. The Paramount students will gain invaluable experience in the working world in trainee-like positions.
The employer is asked to be a mentor and role model, showing them workplace ethics and how to follow direction. For most of the youth, ages 14-19, this may be their first experience in the job market.
This government-funded youth employ-
ment program is designed to benefit the local economy and help employers. For more information or to take part, please call Cecelia Rodriguez at (562) 946-2237, ext. 264, Richard Velasquez (ext. 322) or Tom Henkenius (ext. 321).
Second Chance For Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations
The City will have its second “VaccineA-Thon” this summer at Paramount Park, 14410 Paramount Blvd. on Wednesday, July 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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. Plus, popular flea control products Advantage and Frontline Plus 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.
Pet licensing will be available on site, along with free educational materials and
general health care tips for dogs and cats. 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 Pet Clinic in conjunction with South East Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). For more information, please call (562) 220-2018.
Citywide Track Meet
The annual citywide track meet took place at the Paramount High School football stadium on June 12. The high school track team assisted staff from the City’s Recreation Department staff at the meet, which involved more than 300 students from all middle and elementary school in the Paramount Unified School District.
The events were the 50m run, 100m run, 800m run, 8x50m relay, 4x100m relay, 4x200m relay, one-mile run, high jump, long jump, softball throw and shot put. Overall winners were Paramount Park Middle School and Lincoln Elementary. Congratulations and thanks to all who came out for an exciting day of fun and exercise. Paramount Elks 1804 Presents a Night of Comedy & Magic Saturday, July 10, 2010 Dinner: 6:00 pm - Show: 7:30 pm $15 per person
Mayor, Tom Hansen
National Night Out in August
National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” was introduced in 1984. It has been held annually since then, on the first Monday in August, which this year will be August 2.
The 25th National Night Out last August saw more than 35 million people in 11,310 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide participate. Similar numbers are expected to take part this year.
In Paramount, a dinner is hosted for residents involved with Neighborhood Watch to thank them for being part of the program and helping to improve and maintain safe neighborhoods. This is also an opportunity for residents to meet other Neighborhood Watch members throughout the City and touch base with the Public Safety staff and Sheriff’s deputies.
Everybody in town can take part in the National Night Out in the traditional way by leaving their front porch lights on overnight on August 2.
Get Involved With Neighborhood Watch – It Makes a Difference
In Paramount, there are many active Neighborhood Watch teams operating in the City to provide extra eyes and ears for the Sheriff’s Department. Neighborhood Watch is a partnership in crime prevention. Residents come to know their neighbors, look out for each other’s welfare and property, and report suspicious activities. And it works – on average, areas with active Neighborhood Watch participation have much less crime than those without it.
At NW meetings, residents work with City and Sheriff Department personnel, expressing thoughts and concerns about issues in their neighborhood. Any number of things can be discussed at Neighbor-
hood Watch meetings. Apart from potential criminal behavior, these can include parking problems, street racing, street vendors and code enforcement issues – anything and everything that affects the quality of life for residents in Paramount. Residents are also informed of the many services and programs available to them, such as GRIP (anti gang), STAR (afterschool opportunities), PEP (educational help), PAT (preventing auto theft), CERT (emergency training), SASSFA (employment help), CPR/1st Aid and more.
Keep in mind, also, that any resident who reports criminal activity through Neighborhood Watch can remain totally anonymous if they so choose.
The Sheriff’s Department needs everyone’s help in protecting our community, because a deputy cannot be present everywhere at all times. And since neighbors know better than anyone what happens on their street, this is a good way to do your part for public safety.
Neighborhood Watch groups can also help residents prepare for natural disasters and set up plans for checking on neighbors after disasters hit.
Anyone in town can become a part of Paramount’s Neighborhood Watch program. Call the Public Safety Department at (562) 220-2002. Our Neighborhood Watch Coordinator is Angel Arredondo.
Summer Vacation Home Checks
With summer here, and vacation time with it, 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.
MARK THE CALENDAR
Paramount Chamber Fiesta
I NSTALLATION & A WARDS L UNCHEON
S PONSORED BY : W EBER M ETALS
Mayor Tom Hansen presents a plaque to Martin for his service as President in 09/10. Max Reyes representing Assemblyman Isadore Hall with a certificate of recognition for Martin’s service as President.
Directors and officers receive recognition for their year of service. From left: Chamber President Martin Johnson, Vice President Dr. Max B. Martinez, Treasurer Paul Dennis, Director Tom Hansen, Director Leigh Clausen, Incoming Past President Bill Winters, Director Brenda Olmos, Director Ben Berg, Director Jon Tanklage, and Outgoing Past President Kevin Lindsay.
Vice President Dr. Max Martinez congratulates Chamber President Martin Johnson on his re election. Jesse Cheng representing Congresswoman Linda Sanchez presents Martin with a letter of recognition for his service as President.
Martin Johnson with sponsors Don Tomeo - Fenico Precision Castings (Silver Sponsor), Bill Kalpakoff - Cal Met Services (Silver Sponsor), Pastor Larry Jameson - Lifegate Foursquare Church (Silver Sponsor), Gus Exiga - Eastern Meats & Deli (Bronze Sponsor), Ben Berg - Transcom Telecommunications (Bronze Sponsor) and Kevin Lindsay - Lindsay Lumber (Bronze Sponsor).
From left: Ambassador - Ella Marie Bailey (Paramount Women’s Club) Martin Johnson, chamber president, Board Liaison - City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal, Ambassadors Debbie Jameson (Lifegate Foursquare Church), Karen Sonnenberg (Total-Western), Annina Tomjack (Paramount Petroleum) and Darlene Harris (State Farm Luis Acosta). Board Liaison Leal and Ambassadors were recognized for their contributions to the Chamber
Ed Juno Joins Dedicated Team at Paramount Petroleum
Paramount Petroleum has been a member of the local community for almost 70 years. The Paramount refinery is part of a trio of facilities owned in California by Texas-based Alon USA, including one in North Long Beach and a recently purchased site in Bakersfield. In January 2010 the Company brought industry veteran Ed Juno on board as its vice president of West Coast refining with the responsibility for all three refineries
“I’ve been in this industry since 1974, starting with Conoco and working with companies like Penzoil and Citgo all across Oklahoma, Louisiana and Wyoming,” Juno remarked. “I was given this great opportunity to join Alon in January, and it’s a real honor to become part of a company with such a positive reputation.
“One of the things that made this position attractive to me was the very positive relationship between the refinery and community,” Juno continued. ”I’ve been around a lot of refineries, and the Paramount refinery is the cleanest and quietest I’ve ever been in. The motivation to be a good neighbor has resulted in the refinery implementing some of the
pep
best odor and noise control systems in the industry.
“I also learned early that I would be working with a highly dedicated and competent group of employees,” Juno said, “Safety, quality and the importance of being a good neighbor in this community are priorities that seemed to be felt and practiced by every employee at the refinery. I was impressed that the refinery employees conduct ‘Neighborhood Patrols’ many times day and night to ensure there are no negative impacts on residents.”
Of course, there were other factors in Ed and his wife Karen’s decision to come west. For Karen, the choice to move to Southern California was an easy one after braving a few very cold Wyoming winters.
Paramount Petroleum has received frequent honors for its service and contributions to the community. They have twice received the City of Paramount Mayor’s Award and twice received the Paramount Chamber of Commerce President’s Award, most recently at the 2010 Chamber Installation. They are the largest corporate contributor to the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP), and the
Pizza Party for Penny Champs
The kids of Room 43 at Hollydale School raised $349 in spare change for the Pennies for PEP campaign. It was the largest amount donated by a class in the Paramount Unified School District. To thank them, the City and School District threw a congratulatory pizza party on June 8.
Paramount Petroleum Community Learning Center at Spane Park was named in honor of the Company’s contributions to the program. The Company’s neighbor outreach is also targeted to local schools. Recently, refinery management gave presentations to the science class at Paramount High School and then invited and hosted the 65 students to a tour of the refinery to show them the operations and educate the kids on job opportunities in the industry.
In addition to being impressed
with the facility, Juno again cited Paramount Petroleum’s wider responsibility. “The long history of this facility, and the support and acceptance of the refinery by the community, creates a great sense of duty here. We’re dedicated to safety, environmental stewardship and doing our part to improve the community. We are proud to be counted among all the other businesses and government and education leaders who have worked so hard to make this community what it is today.”
A total of $8,664 was raised by kids at all schools in PUSD for PEP scholarships. (The amount will cover nearly three whole scholarships.)
Joining the kids at the party were (from left in the back row) teacher Christy Marquez, Paramount Mayor Tom Hansen, PUSD Board of Education member Alicia Anderson and Hollydale Principal Susan Marilley.
•FREE- Advertisement in Paramount’s Best Read Newspaper
•FREE- Listing on the Paramount Chamber
•FREE- Two Listings in the Paramount
How to Build your First Business Website
If you always wanted to build a website but thought it was too hard, then this is the class for you. We will teach you how to build a basic website no matter your level of proficiency. We will show you the tools that it will take to make a functional website that will attract customers. Thursday, July 29, 2010 Paramount Chamber Business Resource Center 15357 Paramount Blvd.,
$45.00 per person (Payable to SBDC) Reservations:
OUTSIDE SALES AND BODY & PAINT TECHNICIAN WITH TOOL EXPERIENCE. Trouble-shooting. Apply at Herald’s Garage, 8124 E. Alondra Blvd, Paramount. 562-633-2136, Ask for Joe.
AMFED SALES, a toner and office product company in Paramount CA, is currently seeking an inside sales representative. Applicants must have at least two years sales experience, strong phone skills, and computer skills. This position is commission based and work hours are from 9am to 5 pm Mon-Fri. Please send resume to frank@amfedsales. com or fax to 562/272-0186 Attn: Frank Vasquez”
Modern and authentic Mexican grill in the city of Paramount seeking MANAGERS, EXPERIENCED COOKS (COCINEROS), AND FOOD / CUSTOMER SERVICE. Be part of a new and growing restaurant that is to open around July 15th - August 1st. Looking for cheerful, polite and fast people who are Spanish bilingual, food service experience is a definite plus. Solicitamos cocineros. Se habla español. Phone: 562688-4674 • Email: marvinmeraz@gmail.com • Fax: 562-790-8079
2009-2010 Notice of Delinquency
The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is in the process of mailing out 196,185 notices of delinquency to taxpayers informing them that their property taxes for the 2009-2010 tax year are delinquent and will default on July 1, 2010. at that time, a $15.00 redemption fee will be assessed and the taxes will be subject to additional penalties of 1.5% per month.
Treasurer and Tax Collector, Mark J. Saladino, cautions that if residential property remains in a tax default status
fro more than five years, the property can be sold at public auction. Non-residential commercial property is subject to public auction if it is tax defaulted for three or more years in accordance with State law.
Any taxpayer wishing to discuss the receipt of this notice or requiring additional assistance may call the Proptax line at 1888-807-2111. Information is also available on Los Angeles County Property Tax Portal at http://lacountypropertytax.com.
El Camino College Compton Center
Offers Summer Session
El Camino College Compton Center has plenty of seats available for its summer sessions and students are encouraged to register now. The six-week session begins July 12, 2010. Fees are $26 per unit.
While many educational institutions have reduced or cut their summer class offerings, El Camino College Compton Center is offering a full complement of transfer and degree
Ask The Expert
courses, career and technical education programs, and online classes this summer.
For information about summer sessions and fall semester and to apply and register, visit our website at www.compton.edu or call 310-900-1600 ext. 2050. Check out the searchable schedule online to find the classes you need at the times convenient for you.
Give Your Grand Children the Gift of Life
By Maria F Galli State Farm Galli Agency
When you are trying to choose just the right gift for your grandchildren, you can have a tough time sifting through the newest trends and fads. Last week it was this pop star, next week it may be a new cartoon character. On top of that, you don’t want to get something that won’t last 10 minutes out of the package.
One gift that will last for many years is a life insurance policy. There are many reasons why it can be an excellent gift for your grandchild.
• Affordability – The younger the child’s age, the lower the premiums.
• Protection – Illness or injury may affect a child’s ability to purchase life insurance coverage later in life. Coverage purchased now will continue to provide protection, even if a child’s health
changes, provided premiums are paid as required by the policy.
• Financial Security – Life insurance can be the foundation for a strong financial plan. The child may be able to borrow against the accumulated cash value (with interest charged) to pay for future expenses. While loans decrease death benefits and cash surrender values, the proceeds can be used for important expenses such as a college education or the purchase of a home
Giving a gift of life insurance to your grandchild can be one of the most significant things you do during your lifetime.
He or she may not understand at the time how important the gift is, but should grow to appreciate it in the future. Take the guesswork out of your gift shopping. Life insurance is a gift that will last a lifetime, talk to your local insurance agent for more information.
Pathways’ “Friendly Visitor” Hospital Program
Claire, a 32 year-old patient at a local hospital recovering from knee surgery, lies in her bed wondering when she will be well enough to walk on her own again. As she starts to feel a bit sad and lonely, in walks a friendly visitor from Pathways to cheer her up. Claire is relieved that the visitor is not another nurse with a shot, but a friendly face offering her company. They chat for awhile about Claire’s surgery, but the conversation soon turns to gardening, a passion they both share. After they have both discussed their favorite type of potting soil, Claire begins to get sleepy. Before the volunteer leaves, she offers Claire a book or two to read at a later time. Claire happily accepts the offer and chooses two
books from the book cart the volunteer had wheeled in earlier. Claire thanks her for the happy distraction and soon falls asleep. The volunteer wheels the cart out of the room and makes her way to the next room on a mission to cheer up another patient.
Hospital rooms are lonely especially if you are there for a long stay. That is why Pathways launched the Friendly Visitor Hospital Program. Their goal is to visit patients, add some cheer to their day and provide a little friendly relief from their pain and discomfort. If being a friendly visitor in a hospital sounds like something you would be interested in, Pathways wants you! Please contact Meg Fisch for more information at (562) 531-3031.
10 Tips to Get Your Personal & Business Credit in Order
While your business is in its early stages and still building a credit record, potential creditors may look at your personal credit to decide whether to do business with your company. That’s why it’s important to get your personal and business credit in order from the beginning. Here are 10 steps for doing so.
1. Check your personal credit report. The three major credit bureaus are required to give consumers a free credit report once every 12 months. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to get your reports. Correct any errors you find.
2. Get credit cards under control. You do need credit cards to establish a credit score. When evaluating your creditworthiness, creditors compare your available credit to the amount you use. Keep balances on each card to 20 or 30 percent of the available credit. Pay cards in full and on time each month.
3. Decrease debt. Paying off debt boosts your credit score. However, if you pay off a credit card, don’t close the account. Having too few cards or having only newer cards can hurt your credit score.
4. Choose a business bank. Consider all the financial services you might need and whether the bank can provide them. Don’t forget about community banks and credit unions, which often have excellent services for small businesses.
5. Get business credit cards. If your personal credit is weak, ask about “secured” business credit cards. You will need to put down a deposit (typically $500 to $1,000) against your initial credit line. As you establish a payment history, you can increase your credit line.
6. Establish business lines of credit. Make sure your paperwork (tax ID number, business bank account, financial statements and business plan) is in order before approaching vendors. Once you’ve obtained credit, pay on time.
7. Ensure transactions are reported. Businesses are not required to report transactions to credit reporting agencies, so before you choose a supplier, ask whether they do so. Only use suppliers who report your information; otherwise, you won’t build a credit history.
8. Seek diversity. To build a stronger credit record, establish different types of credit, including revolving credit, trade credit, loans and leases.
9. Minimize debt. Keep business debt at a reasonable level for your industry and situation. Creditors will be leery if they see your company has excessive debt.
10. Monitor your business and personal credit on an ongoing basis. Your business banker can help ensure that you’re doing everything possible to keep your credit in good order.
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
Paramount Chamber
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.
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