* Creating a strong local economy

* Promoting the community

* Providing networking opportunities 

* Representing the interests of business with government

CHAMBER NOTES

September 23, 2008

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

DID YOU KNOW......... "Ninety-six (96) Chamber members were recognized as the "Best of Yuba-Sutter" in the Appeal-Democrat's annual publication that is distributed in the newspaper.

"'TIS THE SEASON TO SHOP LOCAL:" This season, "The buck stays here." The Chamber's Shop Local Committee will launch the holiday campaign on October 10 at the Yuba City Centennial Closing Ceremonies when 1,000 free discount cards are given out. Another 4,000 discount cards will be distributed through Chamber businesses. Businesses will be receiving information about this unique discount card program in the October mailer. The six-month program is a starting point in a campaign to keep shoppers using our local businesses this holiday season and includes Valentine's Day. The cost of the program is $75 and includes your listing in Business Today, publicity materials, Shop Local buttons and the discount card. Call the Chamber at 743-6501 for more details or go online to www.yubasutterchamber.com. 

BCB DEADLINE - Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. is the deadline for a pre-paid $12 reservation for Friday's Business Connection Breakfast. The cost at the door is $15. This month's topic is, "Chamber Services," and it will include an overview of Chamber programs such as Tourism, Shop Local and Government Affairs. In addition, we will discuss the annual Chamber survey results. The breakfast is at Sopa Thai Cuisine, 700 Plumas Street, Yuba City, at 7:30 a.m. Call 743-6501 to make a reservation.

THINK PINK: A couple of businesses have let us know that they will have special promotions in recognition of "Pink October," Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you are having a promotion, please let us know and we will compile a list of participating businesses in the community. Send your information to mjones@yubasutterchamber.com or lnicholson@yubasutterchamber.com. It can also be faxed to 741-8645 or mailed to P.O. Box 1429, Marysville, CA 95901.  If anyone would like to volunteer as a Course Marshal on October 4^th for the 5K Run/Walk please contact Daniel Martinez, 674-9761 or dmartinez@mh3law.com.

This Week's Chamber Events

Tuesday, September 23, 5:30 p.m., Ribbon Cutting:  Del Taco, 1078 Harter Parkway, Yuba City.  All Yuba-Sutter Chamber members that attend the Ribbon Cutting receive 1 free combo meal.  Valid this evening only.  

Thursday, September 25, 5:30 p.m., Ribbon Cutting:  Marcello's Italian Restaurant's new Pizza Trailer, 1235 Bridge St, Yuba City.  Wine and appetizers will also be served inside.

Friday, September 26, 7:30 a.m., Business Connection Breakfast:  "Chamber Services" is the September topic and will be held at Sopa Thai Cuisine's new banquet room at 720 Plumas St in Yuba City.   The cost is $12 with your reservation by Wednesday, September 24, 4:00 p.m., $15 after that.  Special thanks to the September breakfast sponsor, Chapman University, and the 2008 breakfast series sponsor, Colusa Casino Resort.

Upcoming Chamber Events

Monday, September 29, 5:30 p.m., Ribbon Cutting:  Fotine's Simply Greek Café, 301 C St, Marysville.  Enjoy complimentary wine, Greek appetizers, and entertainment from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for the Grand Opening.

Thursday, October 2, 5:30 p.m., Ribbon Cutting:  The Happy Viking Sports Pub & Eatery, 741 Plumas, Yuba City.

Friday, October 3, 8 - 9:30 a.m., MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP!  Learn how to use your membership with the Chamber to the Maximum Advantage.   Whether you are a new or established business, recent member or hitting your 50-year anniversary with the Chamber, you will learn something different that can help you promote your business.

You will meet some of the Chamber Leadership and Staff, see how the web site is benefiting your business, and get tips on networking to get the most out of Ribbon Cuttings, Business after Hours and Business Connection Breakfasts. There is no cost to attend this orientation, just a chance for you to gather more information about what your membership can do to enhance your business.  Continental breakfast included.  Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce annex, 429 10^th St, Marysville.

Other Member Community Business Events & News

Thursday, September 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Champions are Born, Losers are Made!  Based on the book by John Di Lemme, this seminar will show you how to break free and take control of your life.  Become the Champion that you were born to be and begin again to believe in yourself.  Demolish fear, procrastination, and the lingering self-doubt that has kept you from pursuing the dreams and desires that are welling up within you.  Presented by Bill Loyd of FindSuccessWithin.com and held at the Yuba College Regional Small Business Development Center, 1227 Bridge St, Ste C, Yuba City.  Registration is $30 per person.  To register, call 530-329-5798 or visit www.findsuccesswithin.com/championsareborn. 

Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Harvest Moon Fall Festival.  Presented by Stephens Farmhouse, local crafters will sell and display homemade fudge, jams and jellies, hand-crafted items, jewelry, candles, homemade soaps and much more.  Stephens Farmhouse, 6219 Sawtelle Rd, Yuba City.  (7 miles south on Hwy 99)

Thursday, October 2, 1:00 p.m., Save the Date!  The 2^nd Annual Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament is hosted by the League of California Cities; Sacramento Valley Division at the Lincoln Hills Golf Club, 1005 Sun City Lane, Lincoln CA.  The event, which includes mayors and council members from cities across the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Nevada also draws some of the best amateur golfers in Northern California who compete for the right to hold the Mayor's Cup.  The tournament, a fundraiser for CitiPAC, is part of the League's ongoing effort to protect local revenue, some of which funds programs for economic development, affordable housing, road improvements and public transportation.  Individual participation is $250 and includes 18 holes of golf, participation in the $25,000 cash prize "hole in one" competition, box lunch, a ticket to the reception and BBQ dinner and chance at winning the Mayor's Cup.  For sponsorship opportunities, event registration or more information, contact Charles Anderson at (916) 798-2231 or by email canderson@cacities.org.

Friday, October 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day Odyssey.  Hosted by Yuba College, this event showcases alternative transportation technologies - a pathway to energy independence.  There will be Vehicle and Information displays and Exhibitors to help the community learn more about creating a Green Yuba-Sutter.  There is no cost to attend and will be held at the Center of the Yuba College campus, 2088 N. Beale Rd in Marysville.  For more information or to register (registration due by September 22), contact Miriam Root at Yuba College, 741-6726.  For information regarding the national program, contact Judy Moore, National AFV Day Odyssey Co-Coordinator at (304) 293-7882 or visit the website at www.NationalAFVDayOdyssey.org. 

Friday, October 17, 8 a.m. to Noon, Sexual Harassment Certification Training.  Sponsored by the Yuba/Sutter/Colusa Employer Advisory Council and the State of California Employment Development Department, the guest speaker for this workshop is Frank Sanderson, California Regional Manager of TOC Management Services.  Mr. Sanderson has 30 plus years of experience in Risk Management, Human Resources and Industrial Relations and has conducted nearly 200 Preventing Sexual Harassment classes.  Registration fee is $45 for members, $50 for non-member or $75 the day of event.  Fee includes continental breakfast and seminar materials and registration must be received by September 30 to guarantee a spot.  Event location is the Hillcrest Plaza Room, 210 Julie Dr in Yuba City.  For more information call the Yuba/Sutter/Colusa EAC at 671-3950.  Registration forms are also available at the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce office at 429 10^th St in Marysville.

Friday, October 17, 6:00 pm, Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction Fundraiser.  Spaghetti dinner, salad & garlic bread will be served from 6-7 pm, with entertainment and auction to follow.  Tickets are $5 per person, $20 for a family of five, and children 5 and under are free.  Tickets available at MCAA office or at the door.  The event will be held in the Marysville High School cafeteria.     

Thursday, October 23, 6-7:30 pm, First-time Home Buyers workshop.  Presented by Butte Community Bank, you'll learn all the steps required to purchase a home, including how to qualify for first-time homebuyer benefits and programs.  The topics covered are what to expect throughout the loan process, how your credit score affects your mortgage interest rates and fees, the meaning of common real estate terms and how to access various city and county down payment assistance programs.  There is no fee to attend, a light meal is provided and reservations are required.  For more information and reservations visit www.buttecommunity.com/workshop or call 1-888-842-8883.  The workshop will be held at Sutter Yuba Association of Realtors, 1558 Starr Dr, Yuba City.

Monday, October 27, 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Getting Started with Government Contracting.  This workshop will cover the certification qualifications, benefits and application websites for several Federal and state certifications.  Presented by The Federal Technology Center and held at the Yuba Community College District's Small Business Development Center, 1227 Bridge Street, Ste C (behind Umpqua Bank) in Yuba City.  There is no fee to attend.  Register online at www.TheFTC.org or call toll free (866) 382-7822.

Thursday, November 13, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Small Business ExPO & Matchmaking Fair, Bonanza Inn, Yuba City. Sponsored by the California Public Utilities Commission and Comcast, the fair will help small business owners to learn about business opportunities with state government agencies and utilities. Individual appointments can be made with these agencies to go over the paperwork process. To date, 28 vendors representing a variety of agencies will be on hand. Eighteen will be part of the matchmaking segment, which allows business owners to make individual appointments with the agencies. To register for a matchmaking session e-mail smallbiz@cpuc.ca.gov. Caltrans, the Small Business Development Center, Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce and the Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation are assisting with planning locally.

Next Issue of Business Today

Monday, September 29, 2008, Sponsor:  AIG Advisor Group/Ryan Wealth Management Inc

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.