GET CONNECTED! The Chamber is now on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+, and soon Foursquare! Are you following us on all these social media sites? If not, connect with us today. And please, send us anything you would like us to share about your business!
The Communicator N O V E M B E R
Director’s Corner: What Salons Offer
Written by Janell Zuidervaart
Have you ever wondered why there are so many salons? Have you ever wondered what the difference was between a spa, salon, full-service salon, barbershop, nail shop, medispa, and wellness center? Well, Ripon sure has a lot of them and I hope you visit the one that fits your needs. California regulates the “beauty industry” here in California. All technicians are required to attend school for a specified number of hours required for the trade they are looking to get licensed in. After completion, the technician has to take a state board test to become licensed and to be able to begin work. Inspectors make their way around to inspect shops and their technicians on a somewhat yearly basis to make sure we are following sanitation guidelines and all the other rules. Now, the above-mentioned categories of the “beauty industry” can be confusing. Barbershops typically specialize in men’s or boy’s haircuts and needs. Their technicians are licensed barbers, which is a different license than cosmetologists. Barbers are licensed to use a straight
HAPPY TURKEY DAY! NOV. 28
2 0 1 3
A medi-spa facility specializes in services that are more invasive, such as Botox, chemical peels, cellulite reduction, and their licensing required more classes and degrees.
razor to give you that smooth shave. Barbers typically work on a first come first serve basis. A spa typically is an environment that is quiet and serene. You may or may not be offered a robe when entering. A spa offers massages, facials, steam rooms, sometimes pedicures, manicures, and anything that usually smells pleasing and is very relaxing. A nail shop is specializes in manicures, pedicures, artificial nails, nail art and anything that pertains to your nails. Sometimes there is a hair station to accommodate the client who might need hair services as well. Their technicians fall in under the cosmetology license. Manicurists have a license for nail care only.
A salon and full-service salon are very similar. They both have licensed cosmetologists. They offer many services, hair care, skin care, nail care, massage, permanent makeup, spray and/or booth tanning, and any other beauty service you can think of. Wellness centers focus on your health. They offer a variety of services and classes that can lead you into a healthier lifestyle. Wellness centers are typically quiet and relaxing, their technicians are ready to pamper you to good health. The one similarity all of these categories have is retail products! A technician can lead you in the right direction as to what product(s) will benefit your individual needs, unlike the aisles in large retail stores. Prices in the salon or barbershops are often the same or lower than these big box retailers. Please support your local shops and buy your products and visit them for your services. We will appreciate it!
“Above-the-Line” Deductions
Contributed by Vermeulen & Company
“The attitude of Congress toward hidden taxes is not to do away with them, but to hide them better.” Many taxpayers believe that if they don’t itemize their deductions, all is lost. That’s not true. There are plenty of “above-the-line” deductions available to taxpayers, and overlooking these deductions will cost you tax dollars. The “line” being referred to is the line on your tax return representing adjusted gross income (AGI). Itemized deductions (along with personal exemptions) are “below-the -line” deductions, since they take place after AGI is computed. But “above-the-line” deductions can be used to reduce your AGI. And since
so many tax items are based upon AGI (such as medical and miscellaneous deductions, IRA and Roth contributions, passive loss allowances, and many more), reducing your AGI will not only reduce your taxes directly, but may also increase other deductions and credits that will lower your taxes even more. Some of the more popular above-the -line deductions include: Educator expenses. Teachers and other educators can deduct up to $250 spent on classroom supplies. Moving expenses. If your move is job-related, certain expenses can be deducted. Self-employment tax. 50% of self-
employment taxes can be deducted. Alimony. Alimony paid is deductible. Student loan interest. Up to $2,500 of interest paid on student loans can be deducted. Tuition and fees. Up to $4,000 paid for tuition can be deducted by some. Retirement plan contributions. You can deduct your traditional IRA contributions here--. Self-employed health insurance. Up to 100% of the health insurance paid by a self-employed person is deductible. While this list is not exhaustive, it gives you an idea of the diverse expenses that qualify as “above-theline” deductions.
PAGE
2
American Legion Crab Feed Sat., January 11, 2014 6 p.m. Drinks 7 p.m. Dinner Ripon Community Center $45 per person The area’s longestrunning and best-of-thebest crab feed is presented again this year by none other than Ripon’s American Legion
Post 190! The Crab Feed will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 - a great way to begin your new year! There will be no host cocktails from 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. featuring all-youcan-eat crab, green salad, baked potato, fresh & fancy French bread, dessert, wine, & coffee. Raffle and spirited dancing to take place after dinner (to work off all of
that crab you overindulged in!). The event will be held at the Ripon Community Center. Tickets are $45 per person and must be purchased in advance - no tickets at the door. Must be 21& over to attend. Tickets are available from Darryl Bartels, State Farm Insurance (201 S. Stockton Ave., 5992174). For more info, please contact Ken Lawson (5994714).
Casino Entertainment Scholarship Fundraiser On Saturday, November 16 from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Clinton McCausland Post 190 will be holding their first annual Casino Entertainment Scholarship Fundraiser. The fundraiser will be held at Post 190 Hall (206. S. Stockton Ave, Ripon). Light appetizers will be served. Price is $40 per
THE
COMMUNICATOR
person. You must get your tickets in advance, so be sure and call 923-3141 to purchase your tickets. It will be a fun-filled night so don’t miss out on this great event! And don’t forget to invite friends and family for a night of gambling for a good cause!
NOVEMBER
2013
PAGE
Does Attractiveness Equal Success? Do attractive people possess a greater advantage in business, or are they at a disadvantage? As the adage goes, “don’t judge a book by its cover”. Well, I think a lot of people missed the memo. Understandably, descriptive phrases such as “attractive” and “goodlooking” are subjective and open to interpretation by individuals, but science doesn’t discriminate in this realm – humans are hardwired to seek beauty. Studies show that this natural selection process, though subconscious, does afford geneticallygifted individuals to reap more rewards in life, and receive more preferential treatment than those lacking the luck of the gene pool. Daniel Hamermesh, professor of economics at the University of Texas at Austin and author of the book, Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful, adds that sex appeal is not the only measure of success for attractive people. “Attractive people also tend to [possess] other desirable personality traits, like higher selfconfidence.” These factors correlate with their good looks — further enhancing their appeal to others. One situational experiment that
delved deeper into uncovering this beauty vs. brain connection (or “lookism”) was conducted by ABC’s 20/20. Here, two male and two female actors – some good looking, others to a lesser extent – were planted in fictitious scenarios of “helplessness” out in public. Keeping all study conditions constant, each actor undertook their staged performance, and solicited passersby to come to their aid. As hypothesized, the better looking actors received warmer reactions from the public than that of the lesser attractive actors. Psychologists familiar with the experiment reported that the public who unknowingly participated in this experiment were not displaying prejudice, rather, they were reacting out of genetic instinct. Add to this a recent article from the Business Insider which cites a European study about beauty’s affects while job hunting. Here, Italian researchers designed an experiment to discern what, if any impact beauty has when Europeans look for jobs, and whether ethnic or regional biases are experienced by job candidates. Study evaluators crafted a single, yet fictitious resume for a field of 10,000 imaginary male and female job candidates of varying European descent. Only the candidate’s headshot and contact information was
3
By Jen Knapp of Good.co
altered prior to each job application. Study results recorded the highest callback rate of 54% from the most attractive Italian female subjects, and a 47% callback rate from the most attractive Italian male subjects. Conversely, the less attractive females garnered the worst callback results, ranking at only 7%, with less attractive males scoring slightly better at 26%. One caveat uncovered from this study revealed that while both genders from the Argentinean and Italian studies benefited from lookism, an Israeli study of legitimate job candidates discovered that their country’s attractive males experienced a significant boost, while their country’s attractive females were subjected to discriminatory practices, citing evidence that “female jealousy among other attractive women [exists] in the workplace.” So, it does appear that progeny of gifted gene pools can experience advantages in business, but it also can apparently backfire. In the words of Derek Zoolander: “I’m pretty sure there’s a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking. And I plan on finding out what that is.”
“Attractive people also tend to [possess] other desirable personality traits, like higher selfconfidence.”
Show Your Stripes! iHeartRadio's Show Your Stripes is a community initiative launched by Clear Channel, the media and entertainment company in America with the largest reach, to generate awareness around the issue of veteran unemployment, encourage businesses to hire skilled veterans and help those transitioning out of the military find jobs. With over $75 million in radio, digital and out-of-home resources dedicated to this initiative in just one year, iHeartRadio's Show Your Stripes is the single largest
public service campaign in Clear Channel's history. To help deliver the message that hiring veterans is a smart decision for businesses, iHeartRadio's Show Your Stripes will harness the power of the biggest superstars in the music and entertainment industries to showcase real-life military stories as part of a robust radio and outdoor campaign designed to create lasting career opportunities for returning veterans. Through partnerships with groups like Monster.com and Military.com, the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce and others, iHeartRadio's ShowYourStripes.org provides users with a variety of the most valuable resources available in one centralized, easy-to-use destination. Show Your Stripes not only allows businesses to post jobs on their website but also provides valuable resources for veterans, helping them transform their military experience into job related skills. Visit showyourstripes.org and see how your business can help those who have served our country.
Source: showyourstripes.org
PAGE
4
Christmas Open House November 16 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. Magpie Antiques, Divine Décor, & Cozy Nest You are invited to celebrate the holiday season with a Christmas Open House on November 16 from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Shops included are Magpie Antiques & All Things Inspiring (140 S. Walnut Ave.), Divine Décor (204 W. Main St.), & Cozy Nest (309 W. Main St.). Please come and enjoy refreshments, enter to win door prizes and be inspired for your holiday season with beautiful antiques, vintage findings and unique gifts.
November Events Calendar Be sure and join us for these great events! Please note: there will be no November Evening Mixer, December
Friday, November 1
Monday, November 11
Monthly Morning Coffee
Veterans Day
Ripon Fire Department 142 S. Stockton Ave.
Salute those who have so bravely served our country. Chamber will be closed in honor of holiday.
Friday, November 8
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration
Ribbon Cutting & 25 Year Anniversary Celebration
All Dolled Up Hair Salon
Almond Valley Chiropractic
4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
150 N. Wilma Ave. # 9
1444 W. Main St. # D
7:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Morning Coffee, or December Evening Mixer.
Thursday, Nov. 28 & 29 Thanksgiving Holiday Happy Turkey Day! Chamber will be closed.
Preview of December Events Monday, December 2 Ripon Christmas Tree Lighting Veteran’s Memorial 7:00 p.m. Corner of Locust & First St.
Thursday, December 5 Taste of Ripon $25. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
THE
COMMUNICATOR
NOVEMBER
2013
PAGE
For Gasoline Prices it’s January Déjà Vu All Over Again Contributed by Central Valley Business Times California drivers are now paying gasoline prices not seen since the end of January, following five weeks of declines at the pump, according to price surveys Friday. The state average is $3.753 a gallon for regular on Friday – 3.2 cents lower than last week. The national average is now $3.315, which is down 4.5 cents in a week’s time. “The last time averages were this low was at the end of January, although prices are still about 15 to 20 cents higher than they were at the lowest point of the year on Jan. 1,” says Jeffrey Spring, a spokesman for the Automobile Club of Southern California. “Heading into November and December, there should be more downward pressure on gas prices provided there are no refinery issues or other incidents, because those months see lower fuel demand and the cheaper winter blend of fuel is being sold in California,” Mr. Spring says. Looking at figures from earlier in the week, Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst for the price comparison website GasBuddy.com, says that at $3.361 per gallon on Monday, the national average was lower than the same day last year for the 76th day in a row. Mr. Kloza predicts that the nation as a whole will break the earlier
record, an 82-day streak, by the weekend. GasBuddy analysts also believe that there is a great chance that before year’s end, U.S. gasoline prices will dip to levels not witnessed since February 2011, when the Arab Spring was in progress. “U.S. oil Inventories surged to the highest level since last June and close to a record for supply at this time of year,” writes Phil Flynn, senior market analyst with the Price Futures Group in Chicago. “We’re in a longer-term downtrend with retail gasoline prices because of reduced demand, increasing U.S. production of oil as well as increased refining capacity for gasoline,” says Mr. Flynn. The market average price of selfserve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area on Oct. 25 is $3.766, which is 3.5 cents lower than a week ago, the AAA says. In San Diego, the average price on Oct. 25 is $3.765, which is 3.1 cents less than one week ago, according to the AAA’s figures. The highest average price in California on Friday, Oct. 25 continues to be in San Francisco where it's $3.882, although that’s down 1.8 cents from a week ago, the AAA reports. The lowest average price is in Modesto for the second week in a row at $3.610, down 3.6 cents
from last week, the Auto Club says. For what might be the lowest price in the state, head to Turlock in the Central Valley there are now at least three places to buy gas for $3.35 per gallon (a penny less than last week) – a supermarket, a big box store and a gas station, according to the price comparison website GasBuddy.com. Where has it gone, that BeverlyHills Shell station where for 32 weeks it clung to the title of selling the state’s priciest gasoline with what seemed like a chiseled-instone $5.09? GasBuddy does not list it at all this week. Instead, the website’s volunteer price spotters have to settle for the mere $5.03 per gallon that is being charged by a gas station in South San Francisco. For the cheap gas, again this week it’s Missouri. And for what might be the lowest posted price in the nation, drive over to Des Peres where a Shell station wants but $2.71 per gallon – 21 cents less than what could be found a week ago in Missouri, according to GasBuddy.com.
Bethany Home Organ & Piano Concert As part of their 50th Anniversary celebration, Bethany Home is hosting an Organ and Piano Concert on Sunday afternoon, November 17th, at the Zion United Reformed Church. Come enjoy the sacred music of Glen De Jong and Kelli Sikma at 3:00 p.m., as together we give thanks to God through music.
“We’re in a longer-term downtrend with retail gasoline prices.”
5
PAGE
6
Coping with the Holidays
Contributed by Hospice of San Joaquin
“Everyone grieves differently, whether the grief is recent or seasoned, there are ways to make the holidays more bearable.”
THE
Losing a loved one is a painful, traumatic and difficult experience. Often the feelings of loss become more intense during the holidays making grief feel more daunting. “At Hospice of San Joaquin we know that some people have a bittersweet, painful and overwhelming holiday season following the loss of a loved one,” shared Carrie Lane, M.Div, CT, Bereavement Manager at Hospice of San Joaquin. “We encourage everyone to be sensitive to themselves by honoring their journey through grief.” Everyone grieves differently, whether the grief is recent or seasoned, there are ways to make the holidays more bearable. “A new approach to the season might open doors to the celebration of the memory of the lost loved one.” Lane added, “Spend some time thinking ahead of time about how you want to
COMMUNICATOR
celebrate the days ahead and may your holidays be full of peace and hope.” If you feel you need help during this holiday season, Hospice of San Joaquin offers FREE Workshops for adults who are facing the holiday season after the loss of a loved one. The workshops are scheduled as follows: In Tracy: Wed., November 6, 5:30pm - 8:30pm In Manteca: Sat., November 9, 9:00am - 12pm In Stockton: Sat., November 9, 9:00am - 12pm In Stockton: Wed., Nov. 13, 5:30pm - 8:30pm If your schedule does not allow you to attend a workshop, you may benefit from the following recommendations: Set Limits for Yourself — Holidays add additional stresses to our already busy lives. Try to simplify rather than overwhelm yourself. Do only as much as you can manage emotionally and physically. Ask and accept help when you need it. Express Your Feelings — Holidays often magnify feelings of loss. It is natural to feel sadness. Share concerns, apprehensions, and feelings with a friend or write them in a journal. Plan Ahead — Talk with your
family about your holiday traditions and events. Decide what you most want to do. Involve other family members or friends in the planning process. Take Care of Yourself — Holidays can be emotionally and physically draining. Grieving, too can be exhausting. Take time to rest. Plan for healthy meals. Allow yourself a nap or time for quiet prayer or meditation. Resist Isolation — The love and the enjoyment of being with those who love you can nourish you and help you heal. Consider New Traditions — Your circumstances have changed. You may need to consider changing some of your usual holiday traditions as well. New surroundings, meals, or other rituals can be healing. Even a simple change may make you feel more comfortable. Remember Your Loved One — Now is the perfect time to share memories of your loved one with family and friends. They may bring smiles and tears, both of which are normal. You may choose to honor their memory in a creative way such as lighting a memorial candle, hanging a special ornament or decoration for them, or writing that person a letter. The memories that you have of your loved one is a legacy that continues no matter the season.
NOVEMBER
2013
PAGE
New Members and Member Renewals A warm welcome to our new members:
AdvantAGE Home Design
All Dolled Up Hair Salon
Almond Valley Chiropractic
Freedom Fire Protection
Jax Kettle Korn
Jumping Things
Pat Van Dorst
And a big thank you for our members that renewed last month:
Agape Villages
Blush Boutique
Canal Street Grille
Howell Construction
Soroptimist International
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc.
Stewart Property Services
Tri Valley Lending
Main Street Floral
XCcel Physical Therapy
Be sure and welcome new members to our Ripon community and to patronize fellow Chamber businesses!
REO’s Espresso & Food
Don Moyer
The Corner Stop Eatery
Prinda Thomas Massage
This, That & More
Ripon Shell
Zoom Imaging Solutions
Taste of Ripon You are cordially invited to the 18th annual Taste of Ripon on Thursday, December 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price is $25 per person and tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office. Another great way to participate in Taste of Ripon is to make your business one of the businesses more than 300 revelers will visit. Not only is this a great opportunity for a fun evening, but this is yet another way to bring people into your business,
familiarize them with your services and products, and make valuable one-on-one connections with potential customers. Included in this month’s newsletter is a flyer with an application to be a featured business. If you are interested in this opportunity, kindly return the application by November 25. We look forward to partnering with our local businesses again this year for a success, fun, community-oriented event.
Almond Valley Chiropractic Open House Almond Valley Chiropractic will host an Open House on Wednesday, November 13 from 7-10am and 3-6pm, at 1444 West Main St, Ste D, Ripon, to acknowledge 25 years of service to Ripon. Dr. Darwin Van Wyngarden, owner of the practice, started his career in Ripon in 1988. Originally from Iowa, he attended Palmer College of Chiropractic before settling in California. He was joined in practice in 2001 by his wife, Dr. Mary Pat. Born in New York, she too attended Palmer College, and practiced in Connecticut for 12 years before moving here to practice in Ripon.
"We are excited about this Open House, and celebrating this huge milestone with the town that has been so very good to us. One of the things that has been very important to us over the years, is giving back to the community, and encouraging others to do the same. As such, the Open House will include a canned food drive, and the food will be given to Ripon Interfaith Ministries. We hope many of our patients and others from the town will contribute." Additionally, new patients are being accepted during the Open House, and will receive a consultation, examination
and x-rays (if needed) for only $25. All proceeds will be donated to Ripon Interfaith Ministries, to help the less fortunate during the upcoming holiday season. The Ripon Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:45pm. Food from Ripon restaurants and local chefs will be served all day, and the Cupcake lady will arrive at 3:00. There will be free chair massages, hourly door prizes, and tours of the office. For more information, please call 599-2699.
Taste of Ripon Thursday, December 5 Tickets are $25 and available for purchase at the Chamber Office. Must be 21 & over to attend. Scan for more info!
7
PRESORT STD AUTO U.S. POSTAGE PAID RIPON, CA
Ripon Chamber of Commerce
929 West Main Street Ripon, CA 95366 Phone: 209.599.7519 Fax: 888.556.4944 Website: riponchamber.org info@riponchamber.org Keeping Ripon’s Business Community Vibrant
Ripon Christmas Tree Lighting Monday, December 2 7 p.m. Veteran’s Memorial (Corner of Locust & First) Complementary Hot Cocoa and Cookies On Monday, December 2, Ripon’s Christmas Tree Lighting festivities will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial beginning at 7 p.m. Evening will feature voices from the Ripon Christian choir, a season’s blessing from Pastor Glen Shirk of Ripon Grace Brethren Church, and of course, hot cocoa and yummy cookies! All are welcome so bring your family and Christmas spirit!