march business connection
DESCRIPTION
Woodland Hills~Tarzana Chamber of Commerce is the Greater West Valley business connection.TRANSCRIPT
Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce
Paul Davis & Alberta Bellisario Insurance Services
Deats Design
Hornstein Law Offices
RGEB Employee Benefits
Flash Frozen Photography, Inc.
Holiday Inn Woodland Hills
Valley Promotional Products
Westfield
California Lutheran University
Support Your Newsletter Sponsors
Canoga Park High School senior Michael Almodovar was named youth ofthe year by the West Valley Boys & Girls Club. Story on page 6.
Warner Center Marriott
March 2011Volume 65No. 12
Almost Exclusive!
Lee Levy Spins Poem!February Ambassador of the Month:Lee Levy, Nex Graphics & Invitations, p.9
Gov. Says What?VICA wants tax measure on ballot p.11.
Tibetan Food Tastes Like?Find out on p.18.
City Controller’s ForecastL.A. Controller Wendy Greuel p.9.
Teenager is a Boys &Girls Club success storyBy Dennis McCarthy, Los Angeles Daily News
“I was 14 and doing some reallybad things, and getting horriblegrades at my old school,”Michael says.
Hans GutknechtStaff Photographer, Daily News
New Members, page 7.Returning Members, page 12.
• Use your Chamber Discount Card and distribute it to employees• Whenever possible, patronize other Chamber Members
• Refer friends to Chamber Members• Invite associates to Chamber functions• Attend a Ribbon Cutting and learn about a Chamber
Member• Visit http://www.woodlandhillscc.net/ and see what’s
happening!
A Gentle Reminder...Avoid the Noogie!
OUR LEADERS!
GOLD LEADERProvidence Tarzana Medical Center Warner Center Marriott
SILVER LEADERMotion Picture & Television Fund
BRONZE LEADERSWestfield Topanga and Promenade Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills
SUPPORTER LEADERSHoliday Inn Woodland Hills/ Warner Center
Hornstein Law Offices Deats Design Hilton Woodland Hills Flash Frozen Photography
FRIEND LEADERSRGEB Employee Benefits Bel-Air Exteriors California Concierge
Fibrenew West gishSEIDEN IamFarmers~Paul Lawler State of the Art Images Liberty Mutual Northrop Grumman
Paul Davis and Alberta Bellisario Insurance Services Monarch Village Tarzana The Web Corner
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
DavidAsplund
WHTCC Chairman of the Board
Spring is a time ofrenewal, but with afinancial hangoverfrom the recessionand fresh concerns
over demonstrations in the Middle East, itmay not seem like the skies are clear andthe birds are singing just yet. But as theseasons teach us, spring is only thebeginning of something new and good, withthe full return of the harvest not cominguntil many months later.
So what can we renew now that will bearfruit in the months to come? Renewableenergy comes to mind. Our demand forenergy will not decrease but ourdependency on oil can. American innovationwith alternative and renewable energysources will fuel economic growth. Arenewed commitment to fiscal discipline inthe public sector also comes to mind as thegovernment budget process becomes highlypublicized. Our leaders need our supportand input as they Continued page 8.
Proud to be a WoodlandHills~Tarzana Chamber Member
By Diana Williams, Executive Director
We have a memberlogo just for you.You can proudlydisplay it on yoursignature and web-site. This is a state-ment to potential
and existing Customers/Clients. You are stating that you are a mem-
ber and belong to an organization thatis well-respected in the community.
You are stating that you support thecommunity and the mission statementof the Woodland Hills~TarzanaChamber of Commerce.
As a chamber member you are vali-dating your business standing in thecommunity.
Your membership displays yourcivic responsibility, sense of commu-nity affiliation.
Your profile on our website islinked directly to your website. Youcan provide a link in Continued page 11.
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View march 2011 Page 2
Chamber Report2 0 1 1 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
DAVID ASPLUNDChairman of the BoardProvidence Tarzana Medical Center
DIANE DEATS Executive Vice Chair, Chair of OperationsDeats Design
COLLEEN LANGFORDImmediate Past Chair (2010)Co-Chair EducationHoliday Inn Woodland Hills Warner Center
STEVE HORNSTEIN, CPAChief Financial Officer/Wine Festival ChairHornstein Law Offices
CATHERINE da GAMA GRI, E-Pro, WCRCorporate Secretary/Co-Chair InstallationRodeo Realty
ANN CARLTON BOSEChair Government AffairsSkyline Financial
BARRY S. COHNChair AmbassadorsRGEB Employee Benefits
MITCHELL DEARMANCo-Chair BeautificationWestfield Topanga and Promenade
DAVID FOXCo-Chair Financegish SEIDEN LLP
MAX HAGHIGHI, RHU CEOChair ProgramsSyndicated Insurance Agency, LLC
FRANCOIS KHOURYChair Special Events(Installation)Woodland Hills Hilton
SARAH LALOYANCo-Chair ProgramsMonarch Village Tarzana
PAUL LAWLERChair MembershipPaul Lawler Farmers Insurance
SEAN MCCARTHYCo-Chair Government/ Chair Beautificationusobituariesonline.com
TRACY MYALLCo-Chair EducationPremier America Credit Union
KATHY RAPPAPORTCo-Chair MarketingFlash Frozen Photography, Inc
DAVID N. RUBENCo-Chair OperationsRuben & Sjolander
PAUL SHIVELYCo-Chair EducationPaul Shively & Associates, Inc.
ROSE GOLDWATERHistorian, Past President 1978
C H A M B E R S T A F F
DIANA WILLIAMS, Executive Director
JEN SVEJDA Director, Business Development
FELICIA PAUST, Executive Assistant
DEATS DESIGN, Newsletter Production
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Business Networking LuncheonWednesday, March 16th11:30AM –1:15PMWarner Center MarriottAddress: 21850 Oxnard Street.RSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday.Walk-Ins welcome add $5(818) 347-4737 Members $25, One Time Trial Guest $25
Tree Planting with Councilman Dennis P. ZineSaturday, March 19, 8 AMWhere: TBA (Ventura Boulevardbetween Canoga and Topanga)Who: Join your neighbors!Councilmember Dennis P. Zine’sWoodland Hills CoalitionMillion Trees Los AngelesItems to bring: Gardening gloves,sun block, hat and please wearclosed toes shoes. To volunteer orfor more information, please contactMTLA at (213) 473-9950 or [email protected]
Business Networking MixerWednesday, March 23rd 5:30PM – 7:30PM Maggiano's Little ItalyAddress: 6100 Topanga Cyn Blvd.RSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday(818) 347-4737 Members $0, One Time Trial Guest $10
march 2011 Page 4
Avoid the Line! Pay online
818.347.4737
Calendar of EventsMarch—
BreakfastLunchTree Plant
Mixer
April :BreakfastZ Awards Lunch
Mixer RSVPAccess to Capital EventThursday, March 24th 5:30 PM – 7:30 PMOne of the major barriers for today’ssmall business is access to capital.The Woodland Hills~TarzanaChamber of Commerce is partneringwith the Chatsworth/ Porter RanchChamber of Commerce and VEDC topresent a workshop that can helprefer/advise/package the best loanprogram to meet your needs.Kaiser Permanente Woodland HillsAddress: 5601 De Soto Avenue,Woodland HillsParking Entrance 5 (Off Desoto Ave.)Auditorium ARSVP to (818) 347-4737Free to Members, $10 Guests
Business Networking BreakfastWednesday, April 6th 7:00AM – 9:00AMSponsor: Bel Air Exteriors, Inc.
Larry Cohen and Herman DanieleyWoodland Hills Country ClubAddress: 21150 Dumetz Rd.RSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday. Walk-Ins welcome add $5No Jeans please at Breakfast Venue(818) 347-4737Members $20,One Time Trial Guest $20. There will be assigned seating.
See the calendar on the website for more details and more events!
New Member Orientation BreakfastWednesday, April 13thInvitation Only8:00AM – 9:00AMHilton Woodland HillsAddress: 6360 Canoga Ave.RSVP REQUIREDby noon on Tuesday (818) 347-4737
Z Awards LuncheonThursday, April 21st11:30AM – 1:30PMIn place of our standard LuncheonNotice Date ChangeWarner Center MarriottAddress: 21850 Oxnard StreetSelf Parking ComplimentaryRSVP REQUIREDContact Jose Martinez [email protected] (Mention you are a member of theWoodland Hills~Tarzana Chamber)(818) 347-4737Members and Guests $40 Tables and Sponsorships AvailableClick Here For More Information!
Business Networking MixerWednesday, April 27th5:00PM – 7:00PMNote Time ChangeNicola's KitchenAddress : 20969 Ventura Blvd.RSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday(818) 347-4737 Members $0, One Time Trial Guests $10
A guest or One Time Trial Guest is defined assomeone who is interested in membership inour community. It is our pleasure to welcomeyou to one of each event (1 breakfast, 1 lunchand 1 mixer). This begins your trialmembership. Your interest in membership is
very important to us. You will be recognizedand welcomed by our staff to one of eachevent. With respect to our valued members,we limit attendance to guests who areinterested in membership. More info atwoodlandhillscc.net/calendar
www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View march 2011 Page 5
W W W . C A L L U T H E R A N . E D U / W H
CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
Learn Local. Think Global. ADULT
DEGREEEVENINGPROGRAM
CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
Convenient evening and online classes!
Phone: 1-888-CLU-GRADE-mail: [email protected] Hills Center21052 Oxnard St. FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE
Bachelor’s degrees offered at our Woodland Hills Center:
Master’s degrees in Business & Education also available in Woodland Hills.
TUTOR DOCTORis an internationalorganization providingin home, one on onetutoring for students of all
ages, from Preschool to senior citizens, in ANY subject ,including standardized test preparation. All tutors are highlyeducated teachers, and/or have had much tutoringexperience.Services included:• Free in home consultation and assessment to determine
student’s personality, learning style and specificeducational needs.
• Education Consultant meeting with teachers, educatorsand therapists (optional)
• State of the art on line tutoring available (optional) • Details of each session sent to customer onlineWe are passionate about making a difference in our
student's lives by improving study skills, grades andconfidence. We also serve those with special needs.TUTOR DOCTOR happily makes house calls!Call for your free consultation now! (818 ) [email protected], www.hometutorsvalley.com.
Member Spotlight Tutor Doctor
LAW OFFICES20335 Ventura Blvd., Suite 203
Woodland Hills, CA 91364(818) 887-9401 • (888) 280-8100
[email protected]://www.HornsteinLawOffices.com
Call for a Free Consultation.STEVE H. HORNSTEIN, Attorney at Law, CPA, LL.M., CFP®
Estate Planning, Conservatorships, Probate, Trusts
Government Affairs
CommitteeLast Thursdayof the Month!
12 noon. Confirm location
with Chamber Site.
Penny SparkSoCal Home Improvement Referral Service(818) 883-5555, (626) 355-3200 http://www.schirs.com
Barrons Lipper RankingsWaddell & Reed made the top 5in several individual categories and maintained the pole 1st& 2nd positions for best overall fund family over a 5 year
period- a back to backwin for us! Stephen E. Rischall,Financial Advisor,Waddell & Reed Inc.15260 Ventura Blvd.Suite 940, ShermanOaks, CA 91403Office- (818) 465-0210x112, Mobile- (818) 675-6234www.rischall.wrfa.com
UCC Medium Business Honoree Lucie Volotzkyof Beds Unlimited Opening the first locationin 1985 and now celebrating 25 years inbusiness, with locations in Canoga Park,
Northridge and Woodland Hills, Lucie is active in sevenChambers and she knows the benefits membership provides.
www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber News march 2011 Page 6
ON THE RIGHT TRACKTeenager is a Boys & Girls Club success storyBy Dennis McCarthy, Columnist
The captain of the football team andhis mom leave their converted garageinArleta, where they've lived for the lasteight years, and head in differentdirections early Tuesday morning.
Michael Almodovar walks down theblock to catch the 158 Metro bus thatdrops him off an hour later about fiveblocks from Canoga Park High. He'llskateboard the rest of the way to school.Rebeca Almodovar drives over the hill toher jobs in Beverly Hills and other high-rent districts. She'll spend the daymopping, vacuuming, dusting andscrubbing toilets in other people's homes.She'll get home late, but hopefully in timeto see how her only child's day went atschool before he turns in. It's importantfor her to know.
They are as close as a single mom andher son can be, says Ricardo Hernandez,
Michael's mentor in the Boys & Girls Clubof the West Valley, and an assistantfootball coach at the school. It was fouryears ago that Rebeca walked into theattendance office at Canoga Park Highwith her son and asked Hernandez toplease give him a chance at a better life.
“I was 14 and doing some really badthings, and getting horrible grades at myold school,” Michael says. “I was definitelyheaded down the wrong path.” Four yearslater at 18, Michael is captain of theCanoga Park High football team that went7-3 last season, flirting with a 3.0 grade-point average, and will most likely beplaying football at Valley College after hegraduates this year. He wants to be an FBIagent. His future is bright - all becausethe Boys & Girls Club of the West Valleyand football put him on the right path.Hernandez saw a lot of himself in Michaelas he got to know the kid. He lived in atough East Valley neighborhood where youdidn't have to look very far to get in
trouble. He wasraised by asingle parent.He made it out.Michael had alot of questionsthat neededanswering andHernandez, 28,gave them tohim.
“Michael knew we'd (the club) be therefor him, no matter what,” he says. “Andwe were. I'm going to miss that kid, butit's time for him to move on.” This is thekind of success story we need to keeppounding on to show that nonprofitgroups, like the Boys & Girls Club, areessential to making any community better.It's not hype. It's just the truth.
“Here's Michael, living in a converted garage with his singlemom, getting in all sorts of trouble and failing at school,” says Jan Sobel, president of Boys &Girls Club of the West Valley.
“His mom wants a better life and schoolfor him so she brings him to Canoga ParkHigh. He joins the Boys & Girls Club, thefootball team, and meets a great malementor. He sees there's more to his futurethan gangs and bad grades. He realizeshis life is important.” There are 3,100 kidsin the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valleyright now - 85 percent of them livingbelow the poverty level.
They're all starting to realize their livesare important. Michael was voted 2010Youth of the Year for his club and is incontention to be named the statewideBoys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. “Mymom's really proud of me,” the captain ofthe football team said Tuesday. Sheshould be, kid. And you should be proud ofher. For more information on the Boys &
Girls Club of the WestValley go towww.wvbgc.org. Dennis McCarthy'scolumn appears in theLos Angeles Daily
News on Tuesday, Thursday and [email protected].
Photo: Hans Gutknecht
Ensele Art GalleryShowcases WHTCCTalent.WHTCC member KathyRappaport’s photos areinfluenced by her travels tovarious parts of the world. Toher, photography is aboutcapturing the essence of theplace. She describes her workas a balance between modernthemes with a journalisticapproach.
Courtesy of Reza Gostar,calabasas.patch.com
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net New Members march 2011 Page 7
My Instant Guru, Inc. 6303 Owensmouth Ave. 10th FL.Woodland Hills CA 91367 (877)430-4878 Fax (877)530-4878 www.myinstantguru.com My Instant Guru has been servingSmall and Medium sized businessin the Southern California Areasince 1999. We specialize indesign, setup and 7x24 monitoringand maintenance of computer net-works. Networks that are proac-tively managed have fewer prob-lems resulting in less down time,increased productivity and lowercosts. Contact us today to learnmore how our IT services can sup-port your business.
ADP Small BusinessServices 6300 Canoga Ave. #400 Woodland Hills CA 91364 (818)592-3619 www.adp.com ADP is the industry leader in pro-cessing payroll, integratingemployee benefits and streamlininghuman resource services to compa-nies of all sizes. We’ve been inbusiness since 1949 and have atriple A Standard & Poor’s creditrating; we will be around tomorrowto support your business needs.
Phillips Graduate Institute 5445 Balboa Blvd. Encino CA 91316 (818)654-1753 Fax (818)654-1772 Web: www.pgi.edu
Safir MediterraneanCuisine 19940 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills CA 91364 (818)713-9090 www.SafirCuisine.com
eNetFusion Inc. (The Creative CommunicationsCompany) 12401 Luna Place Granada Hills CA 91344 (818)723-4932 www.enetfusion.com
Saving Lives SFV Drug &Alcohol Coalition 741 Gayley Ave. Los Angeles CA 90024 (323)702-3166 Web: UnderConstruction
Madelia Marketing 5245 Don Pio Dr.Woodland Hills CA 91364 (310)795-1558 Fax (888)494-6048 www.MadeliaMarketing.com
Mattress Tree 21530 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills CA 91364 (818)836-4852 Web: www.mattresstree.com
CPR Cell Phone Repair 21787 Ventura Bl. in Warner PlazaWoodland Hills CA 91364 (818)854-6850 www.cpr-losangeles.com
The Inner Health &Wellness Center 18740 Ventura Blvd. Ste 301Tarzana CA 91356 Phone: (818)776-1661 Fax: (818)774-0123 www.TheInnerhealthCenter.com Here at the Inner Health &Wellness Center we offer severalHealth and Aesthetic services.Chiropractic care for back, neckand other joints muscles and nerveissues, specializing in post auto-mobile accident care. We offerCellulite reduction and bodysculpting treatment using theFrench LPG Endermologiemethod. We also offer the newspot fat "melting" using the newZERONA cold laser system. Bothwork great! Individually and incombination. Lastly, we offerColon Hydrotherapy for systemcleansing and several digestionconcerns. Visit us atwww.TheInnerHealthCenter.com
Servpro of Woodland Hills/ Tarzana Brandon Hedding 20942 Osborne St. Unit HCanoga Park CA 91304 (818)882-4556 Fax (818)882-1462
The Arbors at WarnerCenter 6333 Canoga Ave. Woodland Hills CA 91367 (818)883-3935 Fax (818)883-1429 www.arborsapartmentslosangeles.com The Arbors at Warner CenterApartment Homes is a beautifultropical oasis situated in the heartof Warner Center in WoodlandHills. Our community features anunparalleled array of amenities,lush landscaping, and a top notchmanagement team that truly cares.We're conveniently located withinwalking distance to transportation,dining and entertainment.
WelcomeNew Members!
We encourage you to make the most of your membership by becoming involved;
join a committee, attend meetings, participate in events.Let us get to know you!
Don’t wait!Place your ad in the
Buyers Guide TODAY!
Contact Kymm Thorntonwith any questions about the eDirectory or advertising at [email protected] or call 818 317-8776Ask Jen how to do a ribbon cutting. 818.347.4737
ACT NOWPlace your 1/3 page or larger WHTCC Buyers Guide Ad Before March 25th and get 13 months at the 12 month ad rate! 1 Additional AD MONTH FREE!
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net New Members march 2011 Page 8
LION Auto Body 6652 Lankershim Blvd., Suite C North Hollywood CA 91606 (818)255-5411 Fax (818)255-5563
SunWize Technologies 14511 Myford Road, Suite 240Tustin CA 92780 (866)436-7353 www.sunwize.com
NCM Cinema Networks Cari Weiss 26868 Cold Springs St.Calabasas CA 91301 (818)880-2029 www.nationalcinemedia.com
The Inner Health &Wellness Center 18740 Ventura Blvd. Ste 301Tarzana CA 91356 (818)776-1661 Fax (818)774-0123 TheInnerhealthCenter.com
#0D60724
Calendar of Events is on Page 4
818.888.2280 flashfrozenphotography.com
[email protected] Ventura Blvd., Suite 3
Woodland Hills, CA 91364 in the French QuarterVentura County Woman Business Owner of the Year
FREE? YES! with your membership.Build or update your online profile.
www.woodlandhillscc.net
Be friendswith your Chamber Staff on Facebook,
LinkedIn: Diana Williams,
Jen Svejda, Felicia Paust
You are invitedto a community tree planting!
Who Join your neighbors, Councilman Dennis P. Zine,Ralphs and Million Trees Los Angeles to green our community
When 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2011
Where Ralphs Store located at 21909 Ventura Blvd.Woodland Hills, CA 91364In Northwest section of parking lot close to Topanga Cyn. Bl.
Items to bring: Gardening gloves, sun block, hat and please no open toe shoes. Planting will take place rain or shine.
Volunteer or for more information, please contact MTLA at (213) 473-9950 or email [email protected] acknowledgement toWoodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of CommerceDuesenberg-Topanga LLC & Topa Management Company and Woodland Hills Community Coalition
Continued from Chairman’s Message take on the almost impossible task of keeping government lean whilemoving the economy forward through education and jobs growth.
Okay, so we can’t solve all the world’s problems, but what willrenewal look like for you this spring? A renewed sense of purpose anddedication to your business and your employees are always good.How about a renewed commitment to your business relationships,contacts and network? Is it time to renew that Chamber of Commercemembership? At last, you can never go wrong by renewing yourcommitment to friends, family and loved ones. Mother’s Day,Graduations, Father’s Day, vacations…go out and enjoy them all. Lifeis much more than work.
David AsplundDirector, Business Development & Physician RelationsProvidence Medical Institute, Valley Service Area(818) 391-8929 mobile
www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View march 2011 Page 9
Local Unemployment Projected toDrop to 11.7%. City's General FundRevenues To Be the Lowest Since2006-07 (Los Angeles) -With the Cityof Los Angeles facing a $350 millionbudget deficit next year, the City'schief accountant, City ControllerWendy Greuel, released the economicforecast for the City of Los Angelesfor the upcoming fiscal year 2010-
11. "I'm pleased that our localunemployment rate is projected todrop from 12.4% to 11.7%, howeverthere are still far too many Angelenosout of work and we project that theCity's economic growth with be slowand sluggish in the coming year,"said City Controller Greuel."Overall,we expect the City to receive $6.336
billion in revenue nextyear, which is $130million less than the$6.466 billion the Cityis expected to receiveduring the current
fiscal year. Additionally ,the City'sGeneral Fund is projected to receive$4.25 billion in revenues, a decreaseof $126 million since 2006-07."The Controller provides thiseconomic forecast to the Mayor andCity Council each year so they canhave all of the relevant fiscalinformation as they create the City'sbudget for the following year. "The Mayor and City Council cannot -and should not - count on anincrease in tax revenue to helpbalance the City's massive budget
deficit for next year," said CityController Greuel. "While weanticipate tax revenue for the currentyear to be dramatically lower inalmost every category, we projectthat 4 of the 7 tax revenue streamswill actually increase next year.Unfortunately the anticipateddecrease in property tax willoutweigh any other revenueincrease." With the City already facing a $54million budget deficit this year and aprojected $350 million deficit nextyear, the Controller urged the Mayorand City Council to act quickly, butstrategically as they make thenecessary cuts to balance the City'sbudget.Some of the highlights of the reportinclude:• For fiscal year 2011-12, theController anticipates that propertytax receipts are expected to decreaseby $24 million.• The Controller also projects thatbusiness tax and licenses permitsand fess will decrease, while salestax, utility users tax and transientoccupancy tax will increase.• Additionally, for the fiscal year2011-12, the Controller projects thatthe City will receive a decrease invarious transfers from other funds,including Special Parking RevenueFund - $10 million, Power RevenueFund - $4.8 million and Telecom-munications Development Account -$4 million.• The Controller anticipates the Cityneeding to borrow $450 million in Taxand Revenue Anticipation Notes(TRANs) next year to cover cash flow. • The City will be required to pay$628 million in debt service nextyear.
Lee Levy Nex Web Designs& Graphics Ambassador ofthe Month, FebruaryThe Woodland Hills Chamber is a
fantastic placeIf you enjoy networking face to
faceI've been a member now for over
two yearsI've networked, made friends, got
over public speaking fearsI remember the first mixer that I came too,
A little intimidated, what do I do?The friendly green ribbons introduced me around
At my first event, some new friends I had foundThe breakfasts are fun, the MC's are great
We have guest speakers that come and educateTen seconds we have to introduce and tell
Go over 10 seconds and you'll hear the bellSome speeches, some lines, and good humor too
And Mr. Bob Epstein, looking to sue (LOVE U BOB!)I started to network with many of you
Over coffee, at mixers, and some lunches tooI learned a lot of things about this chamber
For this reason I became ambassadorNow I am the lucky one who does this great deed
Introduce new members, or give a great leadOnce a month hosting a satellite lunch
Sharing new ideas with a terrific bunchAll this in turn has grown my business
A single event I try not to missNew members, and guests I offer this to you
Please come to events, this will work for you too!Remember like everything else that you do
Give it your all and all will WORK FOR YOU!Sincerely, Lee Levy, Nex Graphics & Invitationswww.nexgraphics.com, [email protected](818)-888-8235 (888)-390-9004
A $54 millionbudget deficit this yearand a projected $350
million deficit next year
CITY CONTROLLERWENDY GREUEL'S
ECONOMIC FORECASTFOR 2011-2012
Ed Grisso 6250 Canoga Avenue, Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91367 800.425.1633 - 818.301.5399 (F)
E-mail: [email protected] http://www.valleypromotionalproducts.com/
Something onYour Mind?
Something worthy of our fabulous“Connections”newsletter?
email [email protected]
Don’t wait!Place your ad in the
Buyers Guide TODAY!
Get Your Business on a Site with4,000 Unique Hits a Month!Place your 1/3 page or larger WHTCCBuyers Guide Ad Before March 25th andget 13 months at the 12 month ad rate!1 Additional AD MONTH FREE!
Receive 13 months at the 12 month rate! 1 MONTH FREE!when you act by March 25!
The Community Buyers Guide
• Hosted on the WHTCC website, which currently gets 48,000 hits per year
• Links to advertisers’ websites and offers
• Can be updated quarterly
• Crisp zoom and fluid flipping
• Internal and external links
• Search feature and easy navigation
• Users will be able to print and email the directory, allowing the viewership of your ad and business to grow!
Contact Kymm Thorntonwith any questions about the eDirectory or advertising at [email protected] or call 818 317-8776
Click here to preview.
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View march 2011 Page 11
VICA backs placing tax extension on ballot.
Support of vote does not includesupport of tax increases
The VICA (Valley Industry and Commerce Association) Board ofDirectors voted to support Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to place taxextensions on a June special election ballot. Brown’s plan includes afive-year extension for income and sales tax hikes from 2009,maintaining higher fees for vehicle licensing and diverting some staterevenues to local governments. The endorse-ment of putting theseitems before the voters does not include VICA’s support for the taxesthemselves. However, VICA feels that it is important for voters to havethe opportunity to weigh in on these tax measures. Once on the ballot,VICA would again review the proposals through its committee processand take a separate vote on each proposition. VICA’s bylaws require atwo-thirds majority vote to take a position on ballot items.
Continued from Diana Williams Chamber Report.your correspondence to your profile, to your directory ad, toyour newsletter ad/article or a featured ribbon cutting orevent.
All of our green correspondence has a link to yourwebsite as long as you provide us the link!
You can be called from an iPhone and most cell phonessimply by finding you in the Woodland Hills~TarzanaChamber of Commerce directory online.
Proudly present your Woodland Hills~Tarzana ChamberAdvantage card to all businesses. Our Member to Member
discount is a great way to Shop Locally to fuel oureconomy. You and your employees may be pleasantlysurprised at your yearly savings by taking advantage of theAdvantage Card. If the business you present the card todoes not know about this card, simply state that it’s forchamber members and that it provides discounts throughoutthe Greater West Valley.
We thank you for your support and we are proud to haveyou in our chamber community.
Rates have dropped• Medicare Supplements• Medicare Advantage plans• Employee bene#ts• Life, Health, Disability and• Long Term Care Insurance
It’s Time to Shop Your MedicareSupplement Plans!
818-888-0880 • www.pdinsure.com • License #’s 0669770 and OA02225
1/8 page . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Junior page . . . . . . . . $350
1/4 page . . . . . . . . . . . . $200 Full page: . . . . . . . . . $400
1/2 page . . . . . . . . . . . . $300 Add $150 for back cover
Web site banner, 3 months. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250
Email blast the whole membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125
Advertise with CONNECTIONSYou’re reading it! Prices for advertising...
Check the Chamber website to find an event to attend this week.
www.woodlandhillscc.net/event_listings.php
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net Renewing Members march 2011 Page 12
Renewing Members19 8 5Warner Center MarriottClay Andrewswww.marriott.com/laxwc
Michael & Sons PlumbingMichael B. Kwit
19 9 6Louisville High SchoolSister Myra McPartland, S.S.L.www.louisvillehs.org
2 0 01California Concierge LLCSusan Hamerskywww.calconcierge.com
2 0 0 4CapitalSource BankJanet Gleasonwww.cpaitalsourcebank.com
Canoga Park/West HillsWork Source CenterVenise Joneswww.worksourcecalifornia.com/centers/locations/san_fernando.htm
2 0 0 6Tarzana CommunityCultural CenterArlan Berglaswww.mytarzana.org
U Frame It GalleryAdrianna Cruz-Ocampowww.uframeitgallery.com
1- 800-GOT-JUNKJohn Nakamawww.1800gotjunk.com
2 0 0 7Neverland Nannies &DomesticsMichelle Damaswww.neverlandnannies.com
2 0 0 8Bel Air Exteriors, Inc.Michael Weissenbornwww.belairexteriors.com
Gladius Rapid IT (TheFastest IT in LA)Max Avrukinwww.gladiustechnologies.com
Arbonne InternationalPauline Steinbergwww.arbonne.com
2 0 0 9Push LoungeShane Sanderswww.PushLoungeLA.com
The Venetian PalaceRay Andonianwww.venetianpalace.com
2 010Bruce Horvet, D.C., Q.M.E.Sarah Horvetwww.ChiropractorHorvet.com
Waddell & Reed FinancialServicesMatt Stadelmanwww.rischall.wrfa.com
Digital Visual MediaKeith McPhersonwww.acoolad.com
ATTENDa ribbon cutting this week!Check Website fordetails!
Calendar of Events Page 2
Dennis Zine CA State Assembly
Kathy Rappaport Zine’s Field Deputy
Brad Sherman LAPD Senior Lead Officer
Fran Pavley CA State Senate
Bob Blumenfield U.S. House of Representatives
Julia Brownley L.A. City Council
Henry Waxman CA State Assembly
Dianne Feinstein WHTCC Ambassador Chairman
Max Haghighi WHTCC Chairman
Brent Rygh WHTCC Programs Chair
Sean Dinse U.S. House of Representatives
Barry Cohn LAPD Senior Lead Officer
David Asplund U.S. Senate
Octaviano Rios, Jr. WHTCC Marketing/PR Chair
Know your community?
Riddle Me This!
Published by Deats Design818.887.7203 - deatsdesign.com
go to http://deatsdesign.com/spoof/spoof.pdf for your copy
Magazine
GainYour Business!
www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View march 2011 Page 13
The Chamber is actively seeking ways to improve our community and, in so doing, we would like to invite you to consider LEADER LEVEL support.
THE WOODLAND HILLS~TARZANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is experiencing phenomenalgrowth! We offer businesses, large and small, benefits that are unique to their growth.Larger businesses are able to showcase that “community matters” through specialsponsorships to the Chamber. Small businesses gain by beautification and increasingdesirability to promote our community. We welcome you to become members and to be apart of the successful growth of Woodland Hills~Tarzana Chamber of Commerce!
Why you want an Exclusive LEADER LEVEL:• Your logo will be placed on our LEADER Banner which is displayed at each WHTCC event.
• You have a great platform to be recognized with the largest Chamber in the SanFernando Valley. You will meet people, including civic leaders, not only in our communitybut well beyond.
• You maximize public relations and marketing opportunities to improve and increasemembers' visibility with the Chamber’s sphere of influence.
• One stop shopping.Your membership is paid and you choose where the remaining fundsare allocated. 01/01/2011-12/31/2011
• Your LEADER LEVEL Support membership is tax deductible. We are a nonprofit 501(C) 6.
• Our many high profile programs and events are well attended and community recognized.
• To showcase your community support through media marketing on our website and thetemplate e-mails recognizing your support.
• We are in a strong position for governmental advocacy that supports our members,businesses and our community. You are automatically a member of the United Chambersof Commerce with your WHTCC membership.
We are working hard to promote a vibrant sense of community! You can strengthen andhelp beautify Woodland Hills and Tarzana by supporting the Chamber of Commerce.
Your contribution enables us to continue accomplishing great results.
• Unite Community and Business.• Strengthen our local large and small businesses.• Work with Public Service Organizations to ensure public safety and quality of life issues.• Advocate legislative issues that affect local business environments in our community.• Community betterment and beautification to increase desirability where you and youremployees live, work and play.
Let's support each other and help our community be the Southern California model ofbusiness growth and living desirability!
Community Recognition
for
Jen saysBeing clear
on what you dois important to potentialbuyers aka prospects. Whenyou describe your business,beware of such phrases as‘we kinda do this’ or ‘wesort of do that’. You wantthe interested partyconfident in your service. Be clear, confident& brief!
~Brought to you by: Jen's tipof the day, who IS the Directorof Business Development forthe Woodland Hills-TarzanaChamber of Commerce
JEN SVEJDAWHTCC
Director, BusinessDevelopment
‘‘
’’
By Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield
Under thefederal healthcare reform,parents havebeen given a newbenefit - they cankeep theirchildren insureduntil the age of
26 under their workplace health carepolicies. Unfortunately, the state planson taxing this benefit, undermining itsvery purpose.
Federal income tax law was changedto prevent the value of this incrementalbenefit from increasing federal incometax obligations. California has not yetfollowed suit.
That is why I am authoring Assembly
Bill (AB) 36 to conform our stateincome tax laws to the feds. Absentthis change, under existing state taxlaw, the value of health coveragethat an employer provides to adultchildren, not defined as a dependent,results in additional taxable incometo the employees.
We need to make this simple reformso that our tax code is not an obstacle for parents to keep theirchildren insured, especially in thistough job market. Young adults havethe lowest rate of access toemployer-based insurance. As youngadults transition into the job market,they often have employment thatcomes without employer-sponsoredhealth insurance.
Further information about AB 36 isavailable online athttp://www.leginfo.ca.gov.
www.woodlandhillscc.net Chamber View march 2011 Page 14
IT Q&A by Michael Hosey
Question sent by Jeff Yorke, Franklin Advantage
Q. My XP computer performance has sloweddown drastically, what can I do to speed it up?
A. Slow computer speed can be related tomany different causes. There could be aninordinate number of installed programs (manythat you don’t use or need) on the computer orthere could be a lot of temporary files that theoperating system uses when surfing the web(also known as cookies). I would suggest doingthe following in this order.
1) Go to Start (located at the bottom left of yourscreen), select Control Panel, then Add/RemovePrograms. Look at what programs are installed.If you find programs that you do not use, youcan uninstall them. 2) Next, you'll want to clean your temporaryfiles. This step may take awhile if you havenever cleaned it before. Go to Start, select AllPrograms, Accessories, then System Tools andDisk Cleanup. The system will then scan yourhard drive and give you the option to removeold files. Remember to make sure you check thelast box titled “Compress Old Files.”3) Finally, after you have completed thesesteps, you should defragment your hard drive.A fragmented hard drive is much like a filingcabinet that is no longer alphabetized. Thatmeans that it takes longer for the computer tofind the files it needs and results in a slowerexperience. Go to Start, All Programs,Accessories, System Tools and DiskDefragmenter.
Send questions to:[email protected]
Why Does This KeepHappening
To Me?
A Tax Cut for Health Care
Dancers kick off February tree planting withWoodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce
and Woodland Hills Neighborhood Council!
Maria Torres of Exotifit and her dancers warm up before the February treeplanting. www.exotifit.com, [email protected]
Join us for the next WHTCC Tree Planting with Councilman Dennis P.Zine on March 19 at 8am.
We'll plant trees on Ventura Boulevard between Canoga and Topanga Canyon.Items to bring: Gardening gloves, sun block, hat and closed toe shoes.
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net Ribbon Cuttings march 2011 Page 15
Ask Jen: JEN SVEJDADirector, Business Development. 1.818.347.4737
Allbright Windows Coverings ribbon cutting. It was great to see the huge show of support forAllbright Windows Grand Opening at their newlocation! Allbright Window Coverings, (818)786-227116681 Roscoe Blvd., North Hills CA91343www.allbrightwc.com
RIBBONCUTTINGSPh
oto:
Jim
Bra
mm
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How to:get a Ribbon Cutting or a
mixer for yourself?
Serving authentic Himalayan cuisine from Nepal,Tibet and India. We use only fresh locally grownvegetables and fruits, and mountain grown herbsand spices direct from Nepal. All of our dishesuse the finest ingredients and are prepared witha light touch to enhance your dining experience.Let us know how you would like your foodprepared, mild- spicy.Tara's Himalayan Cuisine19737 Ventura Blvd., Woodland HillsCA91364Phone: (818)932-9572Web: www.tarashimalayancuisine.com
The Studio is a unique boutique fitness and dance centerintended to promote healthy living while making you feelright at home. The Studio: A Place For Balance, Pilates,
Yoga, Dance.... Fun. The Studio: A Place For Balance, 21133 Costanso St., Woodland Hills CA91364
Phone: (818)887-6268 Fax: (818)887-6267Web: www.TheStudioForBalance.com
http://www.woodlandhillscc.net Committees march 2011 Page 16
C O M M I T T E E SOne of the most effective ways to leverage your Chamber membership
and raise your profile is to become active on a committee.
Your Government Affairs CommitteeMeets the Last Thursday of the Month
Noon. Call for location.
ProgramsMax Haghighi
818 332-1566 ext [email protected]
BeautificationSean McCarthy818 389-1876
MembershipPaul Lawler
EducationColleen Langford
Marketing/PRKathy Rappaport818 888-2280
AmbassadorBarry Cohn
Government AffairsAnn Carlton Bose
Special Events Committee ChairFrançois Khoury818 595-1000
Call the office to be an eventsponsor.
1.818.347.4737Yeah!