A Publication of the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce
JULY 2011 • VOL. 17 NO. 7
City Officials Share Vision, Future Development Plans
8158 Painter Avenue Whittier, CA 90602 phone (562) 698-9554 fax (562) 693-2700 info@whittierchamber.com www.whittierchamber.com Supporting the Business Community Since 1914
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Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce Presort Std. 8158 Painter Avenue US Postage PAID Whittier, CA 90602
Whittier, CA Permit No. 1
We Mean Business
At the recent Chamber-sponsored State of the City event, over 130 members of the Whittier Chamber, community leaders and residents were pleased to learn that, despite a challenging economy, city leadership continues to make infrastructure improvements a priority and is working on making future development processes more streamlined. “We want to take the necessary steps now so we are prepared to act quickly when the economy improves and opportunities come our way,” shared City Manager Steve Helvey. “The State of the City event provides a great example of the type of leadership we have from Whittier’s City Council and City staff. We commend them for looking out for the long term interests of Whittier and taking steps to ensure the viability of our future without having to cut services or raise taxes,” stated Chamber President Ben Greer. Whittier officials, Chamber leaders, residents and business owners alike celebrated a huge victory when, on June 10, 2011, the State Public Works Board approved the sale of the 73 acre Nelles property to Brookfield Homes. “This is a project we have been actively supporting for a number of years and we are thrilled that it is finally happening,” said Greer, also Chair of the Chamber’s Economic
Development Committee. Residential, commercial buildings and some historic preservation are all potentially part of the scope of the project. “We are about a year to 18 months from seeing anything happen on the site while the developer meets conditions established by the state,” concluded Helvey. The City budget was one issue that officials discussed. In 2004 car dealerships in Whittier provided $2 million in sales tax revenue back to the City. This past year only $500,000 in sales tax was generated by the car dealers still in business in town. Despite a shortfall of nearly $2 million, City leaders have been successful in balancing the budget through cuts, reserves and revenue enhancements. “Whittier is very fortunate to own water rights. We don’t use all the water we own so we sell it to generate revenue estimated at $1,500,000,” stated Assistant City Manager Jeff Collier. The sale of City-owned water is one way Whittier is using its natural resources to generate income. Mineral extraction from the local hills could also produce greatly needed revenue through the sale of natural gas and oil although Helvey noted that, “the City Council hasn’t made a decision or taken a position on oil drilling in the Whittier hills. They want to see the facts.”
July 11, 2011- Mineral Extraction Public comment meeting at Parnell Park 6:00 p.m. Not a public hearing before the Planning Commission or City Council. Public hearings will be scheduled later in the fall. This is the opportunity for the public to submit written or verbal comments regarding the draft EIR.
Other items discussed included the revision of the Uptown and Whittier Boulevard Specific Plans. “These Plans give you the rights to do some things you want to do, and these guidelines will allow you to get it done faster,” explained Helvey. With regard to the Uptown area, officials commended the Uptown staff and board for being invested in area improvements. Uptown will continue with sidewalk repairs and has recently begun a Sunday Market Place event. In addition, Council approved a Parking Management Plan for Uptown that addresses current and future parking needs. The recommendation includes parking meters and an additional parking structure. As far as new development is concerned, even with the economic downturn, Whittier is still a good place to do business and there Continued on page 4
Chamber Offers “Summer Camp” Educational Series for Businesses Summer is a great time for vacations, family reunions and relaxing at the beach. Although you may take some time off from your business during this time of year, your business does not stop during your absence! While the Chamber’s B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Seminar Series) program, in partnership with the City of Whittier, takes a little summer break, members still have the opportunity for some valuable education as part of our new “Summer Camp” series in July. On three consecutive Wednesdays in July, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Whittier Chamber office, members can learn more about Social Media, HR issues and Self Defense from Chamber experts in their respective fields. The first seminar on July 13 is “Facebook (and other Social Media) 101.” Presenter Alex Manriquez, owner of My Social Calling, will show attendees “nine easy ways to use Social Media to boost your business.” She will cover topics like whether your business should have a personal (profile) page or business (fan) page;
why Twitter is a good marketing tool; and other social media sites that could be helpful to you. “I am very excited to partner with the Chamber to educate businesses on how to use social media. Nothing takes the place of opportunities to build personal relationships – like those you can get from belonging to the Chamber – but there are other things you can do to increase the exposure for your business,” explained Manriquez. The second seminar “HR Boot Camp” will be on July 20. Rebecca Byrne will be leading the Boot Camp with topics such as non-exempt vs. exempt employees, interviewing and hiring and return to work issues. “These are all topics that every employer needs to know,” said Rebecca Byrne, a consultant with HR Direct Response who specializes in providing Human Resource consulting support and direction to small and mid-size businesses through retained partnerships or on a project basis. “A lot of common mistakes can be avoided by knowing the law and learning the correct ways to do things,” she explained.
The last “Summer Camp” seminar on July 27 is on “Self Defense in the Workplace.” Presented by trainers from the Aloisio Silva Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, this special class will help you learn simple and effective self defense skills and common sense precautions that will help you feel safer in any situation. “We know that many employees work different schedules and often leave their place of business in the dark. The demonstrations we will do, and skills we will teach, will incorporate Brazilian JiuJitsu and Muay Thai moves that will focus on anti-kidnapping, rape prevention and releasing the threat,” explained trainer Natalie Andrade. “This Summer Camp series is a great way to get expert advice on a variety of important topics. Just bring your own lunch and we will fill you up with good information!” explained VP of Business Information Leighton Anderson. The seminars are $10 each, or all 3 for $25. Registration and payment deadline is July 8th and can be made online in the Chamber Mall at www.whittierchamber.com or by calling the Chamber office at (562) 698-9554.
Wake Up Whittier
(12907 Bailey Street • Whittier, CA 90601)
July 20, 2011 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Whittier City Mayor Pro Tem Owen Newcomer and ABC 7’s Danny Romero joined cancer survivors and their families for the kick-off Survivor Lap at the annual Relay for Life held last month. For more Community Celebration photos see page 11 See page 11 for Concert Schedule