The Mission of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce is to foster and promote growth

of the business and professional community while enhancing the quality of life in San Dimas. January 2013

Official Newsletter of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce

Successful Shop Local Campaign Generates

Over $130,000 in Receipts and 872 Entries Creating a Strong Local Economy Providing Marketing Opportunities

San Dimas Chamber of Commerce incentive to

shop local program helped showcase items and

services available locally, demonstrated the

financial impact that shop San Dimas and San

Dimas Chamber members has on the local economy, and educated

everyone about the importance of thinking and buying local.

Part of what a Chamber of Commerce does for a community is help

businesses connect with consumers and consumers connect with the local

businesses. The stronger we make our businesses by supporting them the

stronger our community gets through tax dollars being reinvested locally.

In addition, money spent in local businesses goes to support local jobs, local

schools, and local community programs. This is especially true for

businesses that are chamber members.

An extra component of the incentive campaign promoted local member

restaurants through the Where’s Lunch Wednesday weekly discounts and

several businesses offered special Hot Deal discounts to promote business.

Thank you to everyone for submitting your receipts and to our

campaign sponsors East Shore RV Park, Palace Pet Salon, San Dimas

Community Hospital and the City of San Dimas. Plans are already in the

works to make this an annual event due to the success and excitement

generated from the Holiday Shop Local Campaign. Visit the Chamber’s

website at www.sandimaschamber.com for a list of this year’s winners.

Elected Officials to Speak

at “State of the City”

Breakfast - January 3

Representing the Interests of Business with Government and Providing Networking Opportunities

Hear about City of San Dimas

accomplishments and learn about

upcoming future developments from the

Honorable Curt Morris, Mayor of the City

of San Dimas. Supervisor Michael

Antonovich will to offer insights on what is

happening at the County.

The $15 per person breakfast will be

held January 3rd from 7:30am-9:30am at

the San Dimas Canyon Clubhouse. Please

rsvp at 909-592-3818.

Discover San Dimas and Chamber Open

House to Showcase City, Chamber and More

Creating a Strong Local Economy Providing Marketing and Networking Opportunities

Bring in the new year and learn first hand

about all of the new Chamber programs being

started in 2013 in addition to the growing number

of benefits already available to members. Attendees

will also have the opportunity to meet with City

Council Members and the City of San Dimas

Planning, Public Works, Administration and Parks and Recreation

departments. The Gas Company, Edison, Waste Management, Golden

State Water, Bonita Unified School District, San Dimas Library, Sheriffs,

Fire, and our Legislative Representatives are also scheduled to attend.

Chamber membership plaques and new 2013 plaque stickers will be

distributed. A special area will be available to record member testimonial

videos and submit member shout outs. There will be drinks, food, prize

drawings and marketing specials available. Invite a guest to this free event

and get to know your community and chamber. We are here for you. San Dimas Chamber

Director Elected to

Coalition President

San Dimas volunteer and Chamber of

Commerce Director Mitchell Crawford has

been elected President of the San Gabriel

Valley Legislative Coalition of Chambers.

In this position Mitchell will work with

14 area Chambers in analysis and advocacy

on public policy legislation impacting the

business and economic climate of the San

Gabriel Valley.

“Our Chamber’s involvement in the

Coalition provides us with a stronger voice

with our county, state and federal

legislators when we advocate on legislation

on behalf of our membership.” Mitchell

said.

Recent advocacies taken by the

Coalition include support of local control of

Ontario International Airport, reasonable

time for ADA compliance, and a reminder

to US Congress and President about the

negative impact on the US economy if the

“fiscal cliff” issues are not resolved in a

timely and long-term way.

You can learn more about the Chamber

Coalition at www.sgvlcoc.info.

PAGE 2 THE PIONEER—THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF SAN DIMAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Toast of the Town Tickets Now

Available for March 21, 2013

James and Audree Rowe were not at the

December Holiday Mixer at the Glendora Country

Club and did not win the $325 Pot O’ Gold. That

means the Pot O’ Gold will be $350 at the January

17, 2013 Discover San Dimas and Chamber

Open House Mixer. Remember, you must be a Chamber

Member and be present at the mixer to win the free Pot O’

Gold. The Pot O’ Gold is awarded only to the name pulled.

$350 Pot O’ Gold Drawing to be held

at Discover San Dimas Open House

Order Required Posters Today

California law requires employers

to post state and federal notices

explain workers’ rights to employees.

Each year there are changes and

additions to the required

postings, which means every

employer must display an updated poster in an area

that is accessible to all employees. Failure to comply

can result in severe penalties and fines by the State of

California. Call us at 909-592-3818 to order yours today.

Promotion Opportunities Available

in 2013 Business Directory and

Community Guide

Make your reservations now for

the Eighth Annual Toast of the

Town on March 21, 2013. This

elegant cocktail party is THE social

event of the season. You’ll

experience the finest cuisine from

local restaurants and delight in the

tastes of award winning wines all

while enjoying live musical entertainment. You will have

the opportunity to win prizes, participate in a cash

drawing and mingle with your friends and neighbors.

This great event will be held at the Stanley Plummer

Community Building at 245 East Bonita Avenue in San

Dimas from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Reservations are open to

everyone over the age of 21 and early bird pricing is only

$30.00 per person.

The San Dimas Chamber hosts this outstanding

community event as a way to promote local restaurants

and businesses and provide networking opportunities. For

reservations or to find out how you can promote your

restaurant or business contact us at 909-592-3818 or visit

the San Dimas Chamber’s website at

www.sandimaschamber.com.

As a Chamber member and business associate, you

have an excellent opportunity to promote your company in

the San Dimas Chamber’s best printed resource guide

available. To give members the best value and most

visibility, the San Dimas Chamber has contracted with

Directory and Maps USA to produce the new full-color

guide, which will offer interactive features and increased

online exposure. Call Sheri Furin with Directory and

Maps at 909-593-9985 to reserve your spot today.

PAGE 3 THE PIONEER—THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF SAN DIMAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

City Manager Congratulates School,

Reviews Year and Looks Ahead

Chairman Issues New Year’s

Resolution Challenge

Congratulations to Shull School for

being named a National Blue Ribbon

School. This prestigious award is the

result of dedicated educators and staff,

active and involved parents, and a whole

lot of good students. We are proud of the

accomplishments of Shull School and all of

the schools in the Bonita Unified School

District. A special open house event is

planned for January 16, 2013 at 6 pm at

the Plummer Community Building to recognize Shull School

for this accomplishment. Please join us.

2012 was an active year for San Dimas – from the city’s

perspective the single most significant event of the year was

the State’s action to dissolve Redevelopment.

Redevelopment has been such a successful and effective tool

to improve and benefit our community. However, we must

move forward without this resource. Last year the city

completed major budget adjustments to responsibly address

the elimination of redevelopment. Those adjustments will

allow San Dimas to continue to provide essential city

services. The budget adjustments were significant enough

however, that the city has explored options to further

strengthen the city’s finances. The city is proposing that

San Dimas voters approve an increase in the local tax paid

by visitors that stay in San Dimas hotels and commercial

campgrounds from 8% to 12% effective July 1, 2013. This

proposal will be on the March 5, 2013 municipal election

ballot. Because the occupancy tax is paid by visitors staying

in local hotels, the proposal will not be a tax increase for

San Dimas residents. In addition, the tax is collected locally

and is sent directly to the city to be used for a broad variety

of city services.

2013 promises to be another steady year of progress on

several fronts. We anticipate additional residential

development activity; and some retail sites are attracting

the interest and investment of some new businesses. We

look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Please contact us at city hall with any questions 909-394-

6200. Happy New Year.

The most successful New Year’s

resolutions are those that are simple,

realistic and involve a team effort. Let the

San Dimas Chamber of Commerce help

you be successful in your resolve for a

more productive and prosperous 2013.

I challenge each of you to make one of

the following resolutions your own:

Get out: Running your own business

can be lonely especially if yours is a one-person shop or

home-based business. Resolve to mix and mingle with like

-minded individuals at the Chamber’s monthly mixers.

The food is always great and the company is even better.

And, it’s free!

Shout out: The most effective way to grow a business

is through word of mouth. The Chamber offers multiple

opportunities to get the buzz going. Attend our monthly

breakfasts and give a hearty endorsement of a fellow

Chamber member during “Shout Out” time. Encourage

your customers to do the same.

Help out: The Chamber sponsors a number of events

during the year including Western Days, San Dimas

Birthday Barbecue and Toast of the Town. The success of

these events depends on a small group of volunteers, who

work tirelessly from set up to clean up. Come on out and

lend a hand. You’ll meet some wonderful people and you’ll

be doing something positive for your community.

Help yourself: Set aside a few

hours a week to market your business.

Whether it’s ordering new business

cards, creating a website or cold calling

for potential clients. If you don’t invest

in yourself, why should anyone else?

Prepare for the Big One: It’s not a

matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Stop

procrastinating and start preparing.

Check out the Disaster Planning

Toolkit for Small to Mid-Sized

Businesses on the Chamber’s website

under Resources/Business Assistance.

Providing Networking Opportunities

Join us for coffee and networking on

Tuesday, January 8 at the San Dimas

Chamber of Commerce office. Come

anytime between 8:30am and 9:30am.

This month’s sponsor is Keller

Williams-Lori Alvarez Team.

For sponsor or event information

call us at 909-592-3818 or email us at

info@sandimaschamber.com.

Chamber Coffee Hour Chamber Workshops

Providing Business Tools for Success

January 23 Topic - YELP. Learn

how easy it is to use YELP to promote

your business and others by creating a

profile and getting reviews.

Seating limited. RSVP online at

www.sandimaschamber.com or call us

at 909-592-3818 for more details. Let

us know if you have a specific topic you

want covered in the future.

City Manager,

Blaine Michaelis

Chairman,

Elaine Regus

Welcome To Our Newest Members

D & M Publications (Publications)

Sherri Furin

602 Amigos Drive Ste. H, Redlands, CA 92373

(909) 748-0244 www.atlantic4us.com

Business Bulldogs (Business Consults/Financial Planners)

Pat and Tony Ponzo

1702 Gainsborough Road, San Dimas, CA 91773

(626) 482-0554 www.businessbulldogs.com

MTO Clean (Janitorial service, Commercial Cleaning)

Nikki Hoar

345 W. Foothill Blvd. #C, Glendora, CA 91741

(626) 914-1678 www.mtoclean.com

Gaston Termite & Pest Control (Pest Control)

Theresa Loose

142 E. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773

(909) 592-0330

Better Home Financial, Inc. (Mortgage Loans)

Wally Nikowitz

151 W. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773

(909) 394-5626

Police Tax Telephone: (626) 354-1775

Address: 121 E. Bonita Ave, San Dimas, CA 91773

Police Tax provides outstanding tax services to their

clients because of their dedication to professionalism,

responsiveness, and quality. Knowing firsthand the

sacrifices a public service professional makes in every

area of their lives to serve the community, Kevin

Chinnook founded Police Tax, to give back to those who

give so much.

With a background in local and federal law enforcement,

we know of the correct tax write-offs that other tax

professional may not be aware of.

Our customers will are proud to say how professional and

knowledgeable, Kevin and his staff are. They take the

stress of filing taxes away and make the process fast and

easy. By being part of the Chamber, Police Tax is hoping

to be a more active member of the community.

For information, contact Police Tax at 877-700-9110 or

info@policetax.com, www.policetax.com.

Chamber Member Spotlight

Are you reading your monthly Pioneer Newsletter? One LUCKY CHAMBER WINNER is announced

in a specially marked Pioneer mailing each month.

Members In The News

Welcoming the New Members

at the December Breakfast.

Coffee Hour sponsored by

Partee Insurance Assc., Inc.

Little Miss San Dimas and

Mayor Curt Morris at the

Holiday Extravaganza.

Heart of the Village wins

Downtown Holiday Window

Decorating Contest.

L & G Enterprises promotes

their products at Chamber

Holiday Boutique.

Chamber Examines Los Angeles

County Clean Water Parcel Tax

The San Dimas Chamber, along with other Los

Angeles County Chambers, the San Gabriel Valley

Legislative Coalition of Chambers, and the Los Angeles

County Business Federation, are examining the pros,

cons, and costs of the Program. This group has engaged

a dialog with the Los Angeles County Department of

Public Works to voice concerns about various

components of the proposed bill. Some of the current

concerns include the need for considering a reduction of

fees paid by property owners who have already taken

steps to mitigate the water runoff, and a sunset clause

for review of the program in 25 – 30 years.

As we learn more about the proposed legislation we

will report our findings to you. Learn more about the

proposed legislation at www.lacountycleanwater.org.