* Creating a strong local economy

* Promoting the community

* Providing networking opportunities 

* Representing the interests of business with government

CHAMBER NOTES

May 20, 2008

A weekly summary of events, activities and information of interest to members of the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce.

DID YOU KNOW.........?  "Chamber representatives serve on the Yuba County General Plan committee, the Sutter County General Plan committee and the Yuba City Economic Development Task Force."

Member Notes

CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED: The Chamber office will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TAKES POSITIONS: The Government Affairs Committee has decided to support Proposition 98 and oppose Proposition 99, which address the use of eminent domain by the government. The group also voted to oppose Measure R, which seeks to transform Sutter County from a general law county to a charter county form of government. In arriving at its decision, the GAC noted that it did not believe a change in government is necessary. It further expressed concerns about the impact on the county during the two years a charter committee would have to write a charter, and costs that would be incurred. The GAC is made up of 20 Chamber members, 10 of whom are also board members. They hear from representatives on both sides of an issue before making a decision.

LEGISLATIVE LUNCH RESERVATIONS: The next Legislative Lunch will be held Friday, June 6, with Sen. Sam Aanestad as the featured speaker. Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa will also attend for the special lunch theme, "State of the State. Where do we go from here?" Aanestad and LaMalfa will discuss issues of interest and importance in Sacramento including the state budget and deficit and what local businesses can expect in the coming year. The lunch is at Hillcrest Catering/The Plaza Room in Yuba City and starts at 11:45 a.m. The cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Call 743-6501 for reservations.

CHAMBER CHALLENGE ONLINE: The "Chamber Challenge" is now available for viewing online at www.yubasutterchamber.com. The "Chamber Challenge" is a game show with three contestants answering trivia questions, including about the local community. The winning participant receives $500 for the charity of their choice. The next show airs Wednesday, May 28^th at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, May 30^th at 8 p.m. on Comcast Channel 19. Our thanks to Comcast and the Chamber Challenge committee for their support.

MEMBER SURVEY: More than 200 members responded to our annual member survey. A representative from the California Chamber of Commerce met with the board to go over the results and help formulate ideas for improving our services to members. Many members stressed the importance of economic development, tourism and supporting the community as key roles for the Chamber. We are interested in your specific ideas and comments about ways you believe the Chamber can better serve the business community and the Yuba-Sutter region. Send your comments to lnicholson@yubasutterchamber.com.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AWARDS: Thanks to the sponsors of the annual Workforce Development Awards. This year the Chamber awarded more than $20,000 to 19 individuals studying and planning to work in the Yuba-Sutter area. Our event sponsor was Pacific Gas & Electric and the Award Ceremony Sponsor was Hudspeth Corporation. Donors included the Appeal-Democrat, Carl's Jr., Comcast, Frank M. Booth, Inc., Golden Valley Auto Body, Larry Geweke Ford, Pacific Gas & Electric, Sutter Community Bank, Sutter County Office of Education, Sutter-Pointe Measure M Owners Group, Umpqua Bank, Valley Contractors Exchange, Yuba County Office of Education and Yuba-Sutter Builders & Developers Association.

This Week's Chamber Events

Thursday, May 22, 5:30 p.m., Ribbon Cutting:  His and Hers Pet Shop, 323 D St, Marysville. 

Don't miss their Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Upcoming Chamber Events

Thursday, May 29, 5:30 p.m., Ribbon Cutting:  Shooting Star Children's Art Studio, 325 D St, Marysville.

Friday, May 30, 7:30 a.m., Business Connection Breakfast:  "E-Commerce" is the May topic, with featured speaker   Michael Saccomano, Counselor at the Yuba College Regional Small Business Development Center.  Join us at Boyd Hall, 1895 Lassen Blvd in Yuba City.  $12 with a reservation by Wednesday, May 28, 4 p.m., $15 after.  Thanks to Colusa Casino Resort, the 2008 Business Connection Breakfast sponsor. 

Other Member Community Business Events

Throughout the month of May, Smart Cycling Seminars:  Learn how to safely commute, run errands and travel by bicycle.  Door prizes are awarded at each seminar and bicycles are not needed for this training.  Snacks will be provided. 

Tuesday, May 20, 5:30-6:30PM

Amicus Literary Arts Center

413 D Street, Marysville

RSVP : Kara or James Davis, (530) 237-6402, booklovers@amicusbooks.com

Wednesday, May 21, 5:30-6:30PM

Fremont-Rideout Conference Center

989 Plumas Street, Yuba City

RSVP: Community Health Education Line, (530) 751-4245

Thursday, May 22, 12:00-1:00PM

Yuba County Government Center

915 8th Street, Conference Room 2, Marysville

RSVP: Kathy Gregg, Yuba County Public Works Dept. (530) 749-5426, kgregg@co.yuba.ca.us or

Angela Spain, City of Marysville, (530) 749-3904, aspain@marysville.ca.us

Tuesday, May 27, 6:30-7:30PM

Yuba City Racquet and Health Club

825 Jones Road, Yuba City, CA

RSVP: Beth Tortosa, (530) 673-6900 x 207, beth@ycrc.com

Wednesday, May 28, 12:00-1:00PM

Yuba County Library

303 2nd Street, Marysville

RSVP: Rebecca Markussen, (916) 709-6415, progress@visproservices.com

Wednesday, May 28, 10:00 a.m., The Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority invites to be present at the Official Groundbreaking for the Feather River Setback Levee at 1000 Anderson Avenue in Marysville.  Special guests include 1986 and 1997 flood survivors.  Please RSVP to 749-7841. 

Next Issue of Business Today

Monday, May 26, 2008, Sponsor:  Sutter North

If you are reading this copy on our website and would like to begin receiving it via e-mail, e-mail the Chamber at chamber@yubasutterchamber.com with your request.

www.calchamber.com  That's all you need to know to keep up with the daily events going on in the state business economy. The web site offers daily headlines of ongoing action and legislation and an easy, quick way to keep informed of business happenings.