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Jan. 2013

www.TulareChamber.org

Published date: Dec. 29, 2012

Update the
Who knowshow about the worlds biggest Cow?? How about a Native American Cultural Center? We sit right on a major corridor in the middle of the State. Since the world didnt come to an Nina Akin end in December, lets President/CEO look at 2013 as a new lease on life! Lets build on our strengths, lets do what we can to make Tulare better, why? Because we are Americans and thats what we do!!! Oh, and I guess I need to start making biscuits with all that flour!! I look forward to seeing you in the future. Get involved, be part of making Tulare GREAT!!We at your Tulare Chamber wish everyone a wonderful 2013. Make it your best year EVER !

Save the Date:

Tulare Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards
Friday, Jan 25, 2013 6pm - 10pm For tickets contact the Chamber 220 E. Tulare Ave. 686-1547

Chamber welcomes new board members and embraces another year of change!!
2013 is here, so; the end of the world was not Dec 21, 2012. Im not quite sure what I am going to do with the 50 lbs. of flour, the 50 lbs. of sugar and 50 gallons of water I now have but, this brings me to a very important question; preparedness and what if? The older I get the more I realize the importance of the What If. Its always a good idea to plan for the What If. I applaud my predecessors for taking care of the Tulare Chamber; Marc Limas and Lance Morris; who gave their hearts and souls to keeping things together in the midst of chaos, when Jennifer McCoun passed away. In remembrance, her picture still hangs in the hallway and many times I walk by and ask her to watch over us. So lets hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Lets build the ark called the Tulare Chamber; the boat that is going steer our businesses through this financial storm. Question, who is going to build this ARK? Answer, its going to be you; the community; the people who call Tulare, home. Its the people who raise their children here and want to see their grandchildren grow up here. You are the ones who can make or break Tulare, your community. I invite you to be a part of this adventure! Help us to make the Tulare Chamber the best Chamber in the entire central valley. We have the World Ag Expo!! , We have the Tulare Outlets! We have the Tulare County Fair! Tulare is a pretty cool place to live. Lets all get together and make something else to give the rest of the central valley something to talk about.

2012 Officers
Chair of the Board Kohler & Clark Screw Products, Inc

Art Clark

Immediate Past Chair Tulare Adult School Vice Chair of Membership CEO of the Tulare Fair

Marie Pinto

Tulare Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards

Large Business of the Year

Chair Elect Citizens Business Bank Vice Chair of Finance M. Green & Co.

Philip Smith

Geoff Hinds

Crystal Cota

Patrick Isherwood
Vice Chair of Governmental Affairs

Magnolia Health Care

With the Moyle family at the helm, theyve been serving the rehabilitation, shortterm and long-term care needs in Tulare since 1974. They have five skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers including a facility that specializes in Alzheimers and dementia care.
Lonnie Tiesiera and Ken Moyle

2012 Board
Tulare Historical Museum

Terry Brazil

Tulare County Fair Sterling & Smith Funeral Homes

Geoff Hinds

International Agri-Center

Kerissa Postma-Chapman Crystal Cota

M. Green & Co. Land OLakes

Ronald Smith John Thomas

Bank of Sierra JD Heiskell

Simone Frazier
Legal Counsel Horswill, Mederos, & Soares Tulare Regional Medical Center

Sue Ann Hillman Linda Nogues

Bacome Insurance Valley Business Bank

Dennis Mederos Sherri Bakke

Melissa Freitas
Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc.

Business of the Year

Lonnie Tiesiera

TNT Quick Lube, Wash & Smog

Formerly known as TNT Automotive, this Tulare business was founded by Jim Pidgeon and Henri Camin in 1975. They have been active in countless local school teams, bands, and fundraisers of all shapes and sizes that support the youth of Tulare. Jim and Leon Snow, who joined Pidgeon after Camin left the business the first year, are still going strong and particularly active in local veteran affairs.
Jim Pidgeon, Bill Longan, Daniel Enriquiz, Simone Frazier, Kurt Lange

Professional Staff
President / CEO

Nina Akin

Sherry Carson
Office Manager Information Specialist

Interim Director of Membership and Sales Information Coordinator

LuAnn Miguel

Linda Howarth

Vickie Kuntz

is the official monthly publication of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce 220 E. Tulare Ave. P.O. Box 1435 Tulare, CA 93275-1435 686-1547 email: info@tularechamber.org web: www.tularechamber.org For advertising information call: Jennifer Guinn (559) 735-3235 the update is published in partnership with the Tulare Advance-Register

the update

Man of the Year

Dairyman Mark Watte

Mark is a former Tulare City council member, and volunteer at World Ag Expo. Vice Mayor Craig Vejvoda said, While there are many men in Tulare well deserving to be called Man of the Year.Mark Watte rises to the top of the list.

PERMIT NO. 232 TULARE, CA

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Lionel Pires, Mark Watte

Woman of the Year

Linda Grabowski
Linda is a former downtown business operator and active volunteer for many organizations, Relay for Life, Meals on Wheels, driving cancer patients to doctors for treatments, doing the books for the Samaritan Center Free Medical Clinic and also a Salvation Army board member who chaired or helped the annual Christmas Kettle Drive for many years.
Nina Akin, Linda Grabowski, Jackie Zupp

page 2 January 2013

December 29, 2012

PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

January Calendar
Tuesday, Jan. 1
We will be closed New Years Day and January 2nd.

College of the Sequoias Tulare Center Opens!

The first students of the COS Tulare College Center will walk through the doors on Monday, January 14, 2013! A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. This spring semester marks the Grand (soft) Opening with the first 85 sections of courses offered. A full menu of general education classes will be available along with specialty courses in the signature trade areas including Agriculture, Architecture, Drafting, Graphic Design, Aeronautics and Welding. Over 300 students will make the shift from Visalia to Tulare in January and we expect the Tulare enrollment to more than double for the fall semester for 2013. Check out our new COS Tulare College website at http:// www.cos.edu/Tulare/Pages/default.aspx This campus is being constructed with the Tulare Measure J and state matching funds and will complete the master plan for a three-campus college. The COS Hanford campus is now in year three and enrolls nearly 1800 students clearly demonstrating the demand for a college presence in the Kings County corner of our district. Their signature training programs include our Police Academy and Fire Safety certification. Finally the Visalia campus remains strong with over 8000 students enrolled and continues to boast one the best, most recognized Registered Nursing programs in the state!

Tuesday, Jan. 8
Ambassadors Lunch Meeting, 220 E. Tulare Ave. in the TRADE ROOM. For info contact Andi at the Chamber 686-1547

Monday, Jan. 14
Governmental Affairs Meeting. Apple Annies, 1165 N. Blackstone Ave., Tulare. Open to the public. Meeting starts at noon. This meeting is the second Monday of every month. Call the Tulare Chamber for info 686-1547.

Lets Talk BUSINESS!

During the past year, Ive interviewed the owners of nine local businesses in an effort to identify and communicate to our membership some of the characteristics that are consistent among performing organizations within our community. Some of these businesses are thriving in this challenging time; others are fighting for survival. They all share certain philosophies, however, which enable them to remain in competition as the economy cycles. Careful Planning: The owners of many of the firms I interviewed have planned very carefully at critical junctures during the development of their respective organizations. While I may appear to be stating the obvious, the fact is that many businesses do manage to survive and grow without considerable planning. The true test comes when the economy is contracting instead of expanding. At this point, the companies with the strongest equity position and most efficient operating model will survive. The others will disappear, into the night or into bankruptcy court. Mike Lane began laying the groundwork for an ownership transition at Lane Engineers, Inc. decades in advance of the actual change in management. When Larry Simonetti and Pat Teter eventually took up the reins they were prepared for the ride. Rob and Stacy Leal methodically moved Performance Dairy Service, Inc. through a series of steps designed to enhance the value and strategic position of their organization at every stage. Jeff Killion made the decision to move Gainsborough Studio into digital production against the recommendation of leading industry experts at the time; a move which undoubtedly contributed to the continuing viability of his business. Business owners make decisions every day, but once in a while they are faced with a decision that will be critical to the future of their organization. At these times, many of those interviewed recommend discussing the matter under consideration with trusted professionals for tax or legal implications and not rushing the decision. Although you may miss out on a few wonderful opportunities (think...going fast, buy now while supplies last), a careful, deliberate decision-making process will result in better long-term performance for your organization. Customer Service: Good service never goes out of style. In mature industries it may be the only way to differentiate oneself from the competition. People prefer to purchase goods and services from those they have a positive relationship with. A positive customer service experience, especially if something goes wrong and the concern is effectively addressed, can help foster a relationship that lasts for decades. Mike and Sofia Vejar are more than happy to get creative in the kitchen at Mikey Vs in order to mollify that tough to please toddler. John Camara makes sure that his technicians at Camara Auto Services, Inc. are consistently up-to-date on technological changes within the automotive industry. He doesnt want his crew stumped when you bring in your vehicle

Thursday, Jan. 17
6pm - 7pm Tulare Chamber invite you ... ADA Compliance. Chamber office at 220 E. Tulare Ave. A seminar to help you get your Company ADA compliant. Reduce the possibility of lawsuits. Approximately 40% of all ADA lawsuits originate in California. Costs can be up to $4000 per violation, plus attorneys fees. You can contact John Atilano, a licensed ACCESSInspector at 688-5263 or john@laneengineers.com Please reserve a seat.

Friday, Jan. 18
6pm - 7pm Community Game Night Bingo. Twin Oaks Assisted Living Center, 999 North M St. Participation is Free. For info call 684-1001 or visitwww.twinoaksalc.com.

Saturday, Jan. 19
9am - 4pm Introduction to Lean/Six Sigma for Small Business. Charter Inn and Suites, 1016 E. Prosperity, Tulare. This one-day seminar will teach you how to utilize the Lean/Six Sigma methodology to reduce variation, eliminate waste, and increase your bottom line. Cost: $199 for more info call 300-0192 or register onlineat www. mettifogoconsulting.com. Space is limited.

Saturday, Jan. 19
3:30pm - 4:30pm January Fund RaiserEncore Theatre. Call 686-1300 or visit www.tulareencoretheatre.org

Saturday, Jan. 19
6pm - 9pm Disney & Kids A Celebration Reunited. Heritage Complex, 4450 Laspina Street, Tulare. Contact Gina Maness, Ticket Chairman at 303-5639, $35 donation.

Monday, Jan. 21
Deadline for the Chamber Newsletter. 220 E. Tulare Ave. Deadline for articles, member news and save the date items. For info call the Chamber 686-1547.

Monday, Jan. 21
Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Friday, Jan. 25
6pm - 10pm Tulare Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards. Heritage Complex. Man and Woman of the year. Small and Large business of the year.

Saturday, Feb. 2
Groundhog Day

Saturday, Feb. 23
6:30pm - 9 pm A night of Wine, Cheese & Chocolate to benefit the Tulare Historical Museum and celebrate Tulares 125 years.

Please send your event dates to lhowarth@tularechamber.org.

because it is making an odd noise. The team at Hancock A/C & Heating communicates constantly in order to ensure that your problem is handled by a team member with the right combination of skills. Coach Craig Hancock changPhilip Smith es the batting order if necesVice President, sary to make sure your job is Citizens a repair if possible, instead of Business Bank a replace. When customers are treated with consideration and respect, positive relationships are developed. Those business owners who provide technical services in particular (think A/C or automotive) may first meet a new client during a moment of personal crisis. People who are unable to repair their own car or cooling system (like me) are frequently anxious and uncertain when faced with such a challenge. Technicians who take the time to explain the nature of the problem and answer questions thoroughly may develop a rapport with the client and improve the strength of the client relationship as a result. Regulatory Compliance: No matter what industry youre involved in there is likely some degree of regulatory risk applicable to your enterprise. It is important to treat regulatory risk as carefully as you would such things as premises security or cash controls. Failure to comply with reporting or performance criteria may result in financial penalties. Many of the business owners I spoke with focus considerable time and resources on staying ahead of the regulatory curve. Michael Schoenau works with so many different government agencies at Valley Air Crafts that the list looks like a bowl of alphabet soup. He approaches regulatory compliance with the same attention to detail he gives to maintaining the flight capabilities of the airplanes and helicopters he services. Ben Curti ensures that his team at Curtimade Dairy, Inc. maintains the necessary quality levels through the entire supply and distribution chain. From what goes into the cow to what comes out of the cow there are guidelines to be followed; after all, people are drinking that milk. Mike Ellis of Betty Brite Cleaners knows that he is going to have to comply with new technological requirements for his dry cleaning equipment at regular intervals. He also has to build the cost of compliance with air and water quality standards into his pricing structure. Ill definitely have a few special interest groups to thank when the cost of a freshly laundered shirt goes up. The Tulare Chamber of Commerce holds monthly meetings in which topics of regulation and pending legislation are discussed. All Chamber members are invited to these meetings. You may have a particular question you wish to have answered, or simply desire an update on recent governmental decisions at the city, county or state level. Please contact Chamber staff at (559) 686-1547 if youre interested in attending. I hope to see you there.

Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who renewed their membership during the month of November.
Lonnie Smith, MD Creatine Flowers Under the Arbors Edge Patty Rocha CrossFit Tulare Tony & Mary Nunes Tulare Hospital Foundation Will & Clarice Tiesiera Simoes, Ribeiro Dairy Aguirre Printing & Embroidery Ruben Figueroa JR Thompson Four Seasons Hauling Altsys Solar Inc. Stainless Works Specialities Turnup Seed Electric Service Executive Building Service Boys & Girls Club Golden Valley Graphics Langston Companies Sandy Land Kennels Barcellos Dairy Something Chic Big Brand Tires Valley Pump and Dairy Systems Inc. Ray & Laura Johnston Ind. Meridian Pools Clean Source Cental Valley Sweeping Tulare United Methodist Church Bayer Crop Science Carvalhos Pool Service Direct Distributing Farmers Ins. - Julie Chavez Agency Touch of Class Salon & Day Spa Western Metal Comp T-Shirt Express J&A Manufactoring Monteiro Trucking California Turf EQ Christina Vieira - Life Shots Dist. Kathy Wallace Cribbs Project Willis Jewelers Marlea Luiz State Farm Ins. - Sherrie Munday Bob Wilbur Julie Fernandez Beberia Farms Tule Branch Farms Total Concept ENT Total Property Management Darcy Phillips

Members Renew Chamber Investment

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tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

MEMBER NEWS

January 2013 page 3

December 29, 2012

Leadership Tulare and the long arm of the law

While drugs and gangs are the biggest sources of crime in Tulare, police and prosecutors have their hands full given the two biggest challenges they face today. The 2012 Tulare Leaderships Law Enforcement Day heard about those challenges while being given a rare view behind the blue wall. One of those challenges is taking limited funding and focusing resources where they can do the most good, even if other things have to be left by the wayside. The other challenge we heard about is AB 109, which basically was a state belttightening that dumped many prisoners in the lap of the county, overburdening local jails and manpower. In essence non-serious, non-violent and non sexual offenders no longer go to prison, where they served the bulk of their sentence, followed by supervised parole. But AB 109 made those criminals the responsibility of county jails, where they are released early due to overcrowding, and although put on probation when released, no conditions are imposed and they cannot be picked up for parole violations, Tulare Police Chief Jerry Breckinridge told the class. It becomes more of a revolving door than it was beforethere arent any teeth left for us, Breckinridge said. Thefts, car burglaries, home burglaries and auto theft are on the rise, but with AB 109 putting criminals back on the street it means law enforcement decision makers have to take a hard look at where their resources are going. The Tulare Police Department had an officer assigned to the auto theft task force but he was pulled because of budget cuts. Whether he rejoins it once the department is fully staffed again is among the tough choices Chief Breckinridge faces in todays economic climate. Would I rather put my resources somewhere where Im going to get some bang for my buck where when we do something they actually go to prison, versus just spinning our wheels taking people to jail and theyre right back out again? Were faced with that dilemma right now, the chief said. Tulare still has a full service police agency, where they respond in person, but they hope to also introduce online reporting in hopes it not only reduces response time, but should make it easier for people with all the technology at their fingertips. And it has never been more important to form business and neighborhood watch groups to help police have more eyes and ears watching for crime. But its not just about boots on the street as insiders like to refer to the officers on the front line. While personnel from the police department, the District Attorneys Office, and the Public Defenders Office spoke of the challenges they face today, it was also a day to showcase the successful side of law enforcement. Like the agricultural crime unit which has more than a few tricks up its sleeves for nabbing criminals in the act. It has task force members from 13 counties throughout this region. Many of its members have farming or ranching experience, and all network with each other trading inside information and tips. It was particularly fascinating to get a peek at some of the hidden camera devices they use in sting operations. We also learned about the free owner applied number program an invaluable anti-crime approach for farmers, business people, and general public alike that uses a unique code so stolen goods can be returned to their owner, even if they were recovered outside the jurisdiction. A program all the more vital with theft on the rise. Through a variety of presentations on divisions like workers compensation and insurance fraud, consumer and real estate fraud, and cyber crimes including internet crimes against children, the class also saw many of todays investigators, officers, and lawyers are forensic and computer specialists who wield a keyboard and search cyberspace for many criminals. Time and time again we saw how the

network of knowledge, readily shared across departments and jurisdictions, give police and prosecutors a stronger presence despite diminishing resources, and address problems like gangs, which often target much more than one community. In fact details about the gang problem and the task force tackling it was the only area we didnt hear enough about, because members were away at a seminar; but is expected to be provided at a future date. The day made it more than obvious police do a lot more than just drive around handing out tickets, or putting people in jail and writing reports. If you want to truly appreciate what goes on outside your bubble and the forces fighting it for you take advantage of the departments willingness to let you take a ride along with officers on patrol. We are. Each month between September and May the Tulare Leadership Class spends a day taking an inside look at vital agencies and operations that form the lifeblood of a community.

Member News
Schapiro Study: Chamber Membership is Effective Strategy A national survey of 2,000 adults reveals that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy because two-thirds of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community. [ Kudos to the young man working at Grocery Store Outlet who carried my grocery bags to my car and then opened my car door for me. [ Valley Commerce Bancorp, parent of Valley Business Bank, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.08 per share. The dividend will be paid on or about December 27, 2012 to shareholders of record as of December 6, 2012. The cash dividend will be the third paid by the company in 2012. The two prior cash dividends were each $0.04 per share and were paid on June 28, 2012 and September 27, 2012. The Board increased the December dividend to $0.08 per share as a one-time benefit to shareholders due to uncertainty over dividend tax rates after 2012. The Board anticipates considering future quarterly cash dividends following the end of the second quarter of 2013. OTHER INFORMATION: Valley Commerce Bancorp stock trades on NASDAQs Over the Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol VCBP. Valley Business Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Valley Commerce Bancorp, is a commercial bank that commenced operations in 1996. Valley Business Bank operates through Business Banking Centers in Visalia, Tulare, and Fresno, California and has branch offices in Woodlake and Tipton, California. Additional information about Valley Business Bank is available from the Banks website at http://www.valleybusinessbank.net. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: In addition to historical information, this release includes forward-looking statements, which reflect managements current expectations for Valley Commerce Bancorps future financial results, business prospects and business developments. Managements expectations for Valley Commerce Bancorps future necessarily involve assumptions, estimates and the evaluation of risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expectations. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent managements expectations as of the date of this release. Valley Commerce Bancorp undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions

to the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect events or circumstances after today, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. [ Bay Area physician and former Abortionist, Dr. Vansen Wong will speak at Tulare-Kings Right to Lifes Annual Roe v. Wade Memorial Observance on Tuesday, January 22nd, 7:00 - 8:30pm, at GateWay Church in Visalia. The gathering will be held on the 40th Anniversary of this landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision. I believe that abortion has erased the value of human life, said Dr. Wong. We have created language, philosophy, and institutions that legitimize ending the lives of unborn babies without reflection on what we are doing Where will the killing stop? Wong will share his personal story of conversion, repentance, and how God is using him to be an advocate for Life. He now speaks at rallies for Berkeley Students For Life and 40 Days For Life. Dr. Wong has spoken at UC Berkeley, Marin Catholic High School, UC Davis medical school, and at this years Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco. He continues to practice medicine in Roseville, California, and serves as Medical Director for Alternatives Pregnancy Center. We welcome everyone to join us in this time of intercessory prayer as we seek Gods forgiveness, healing and direction. The event is free of charge. For more information, please call (559) 732-5000, visit www.tkrl.org, or email kelly@tkrl.org. [ The Tulare Baseball Association (TBA), located at 1001 H street in Tulare, is in the middle of a light project and is soliciting support from local businesses. Last spring, one wooden light pole came crashing down on field #2 after a hard rain. Luckily, this took place on a Sunday when no children were around. Additionally, another light pole was leaning significantly and suffering from dry rot. It was a matter of time before this pole and other poles began to fall also. With safety at the highest concern, the TBA decided to remove all lights and start removing poles that were deemed unsafe. The wooden poles used for the lights are out-of-date, and not up to code. In order to provide a safe lighting environment for children to play baseball TBA will have to install lights that are mounted on Aluminum Poles. The cost to replace the previous lighting system and install the new up-to-code lighting system will

be approximately $180,000. Some of this money will be donated by various companies in town with in-kind donations. Additionally, TBA has secured financing for about half of these costs. TBA is soliciting local businesses to help make up the difference. TBA is selling various size banners to be displayed along J Street, permanent signs to be

Smith, MD for their six years of service on

mounted on the new light standards, and TBA is even willing to work with a business on park naming rights if a long term commitment can be made. TBA would like to thank Tulare businesses for their continued support of our league. Many businesses help out by sponsoring teams, fundraiser programs, and players themselves. If you are interested in helping TBA with their Light Project, please contact Kevin Covert, co-fundraising chairperson at 967-4159, Mike Powell, co-fundraising chairperson at 901-6054 or Brett Miller, TBA president at 679-2675. Remember: Dont let them turn out the lights on Tulare Baseball!!! [ Tulare Regional Medical Center announced its 2013 Governing Board. Rosalinda Avitia and Sherrie Bell were sworn onto the Tulare Local Healthcare District Board of Directors on December 5, 2012, by Honorable Walter Gorelick. Also during the brief community ceremony, Roger McPhetridge, Chairman and President of the Board of Directors thanked, Prem Kamboj, MD and Lonnie

the District Board, followed by acknowledgements from Assemblywoman Connie Conway and Supervisor Pete VanderPoel. The first meeting of 2013 Tulare Local Healthcare District dba Tulare Regional Medical Center Board of Directors was scheduled for Monday, December 10, 2012, 4:00 p.m. Evolutions Fitness and Wellness Center. [ Momentum Broadcasting announced today that effective December 3, 2012, KJUG-AM 1270 Classic Country music will become Living Water Radio, offering the best in Inspirational and Religious programming to the entire South Valley. Broadcasting at five thousand watts daytime, 1270 AM is one of the best radio signals in the South Valley. Said program director Adam Jeffries, We are looking forward to serving the interests of the religious community in the Visalia-Porterville-Tulare-Hanford area, with quality inspirational programming from the very best national speakers, and local community congregations. Momentum Broadcasting is a privately held radio company headquartered in Visalia, California. Momentum Broadcasting also operates Country Music Station KJUG-FM, Hit Music station Z104.9, and Classic Rock radio 99.7 Classic Rock. For additional information: Bill Lynch, General Manager, Momentum Broadcasting, (559) 553-1509, or via email at blynch@momentumbroadcasting.com

Thank you Tulare Chamber Members for helping us have a Successful Membership Drive !!!!
62 NEW MEMBERS Strong
Moving Forward in 2013 with a strong Chamber of Commerce for Tulare !!!

page 4 January 2013

December 29, 2012

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

tulare chamber the update

Tulare Advance-Register

10 Tips for the First-Time Business Owner

Advice from a young entrepreneur in the trenches
I write Entrepreneur.com s Young Entrepreneur column because I believe there are far too few resources directly addressing the nonacademic trials and tribulations young entrepreneurs face along their journey. Whenever possible, I encourage up-and-comers and established entrepreneurs to mentor the next generation of dream-seekers; for it is this insight and insider education that will provide the foundation for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. With that, here are 10 pieces of advice that I wish someone had given to me before I launched my first venture. 1. Focus. Focus. Focus. Many first-time entrepreneurs feel the need to jump at every opportunity they come across. Opportunities are often wolves in sheeps clothing. Avoid getting side-tracked. Juggling multiple ventures will spread you thin and limit both your effectiveness and productivity. Do one thing perfectly, not 10 things poorly. If you feel the need to jump onto another project, that might mean something about your original concept. 2. Know what you do. Do what you know. Dont start a business simply because it seems sexy or boasts large hypothetical profit margins and returns. Do what you love. Businesses built around your strengths and talents will have a greater chance of success. Its not only important to create a profitable business, its also important that youre happy managing and growing it day in and day out. If your heart isnt in it, you will not be successful. 3. Say it in 30 seconds or dont say it at all. From a chance encounter with an investor to a curious customer, always be ready to pitch your business. State your mission, service and goals in a clear and concise manner. Fit the pitch to the person. Less is always more. 4. Know what you know, what you dont know and who knows what you dont. No one knows everything, so dont come off as a know-it-all. Surround yourself with advisors and mentors who will nurture you to become a better leader and businessman. Find successful, knowledgeable individuals with whom you share common interests and mutual business goals that see value in working with you for the long-term. 5. Act like a startup. Forget about fancy offices, fast cars and fat expense accounts. Your wallet is your companys life-blood. Practice and perfect the art of being frugal. Watch every dollar and triple-check every expense. Maintain a low overhead and manage your cash flow effectively. 6. Learn under fire. No business book or business plan can predict the future or fully prepare you to become a successful entrepreneur. There is no such thing as the perfect plan. There is no perfect road or one less traveled. Never jump right into a new business without any thought or planning, but

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dont spend months or years waiting to execute. You will become a well-rounded entrepreneur when tested under fire. The most important thing you can do is learn from your mistakes--and never make the same mistake twice. 7. No one will give you money. There, I said it. No one will invest in you. If you need large sums of capital to launch your venture, go back to the drawing board. Find a starting point instead of an end point. Scale down pricey plans and grandiose expenditures. Simplify the idea until its manageable as an early stage venture. Find ways to prove your business model on a shoestring budget. Demonstrate your worth before seeking investment. If your concept is successful, your chances of raising capital from investors will dramatically improve. 8. Be healthy. No, Im not your mother. However, I promise that you will be much more productive when you take better care of yourself. Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, not a 9-to-5 profession. Working to the point of exhaustion will burn you out and make you less productive. Dont make excuses. Eat right, exercise and find time for yourself. 9. Dont fall victim to your own B.S. Dont talk the talk unless you can walk the walk. Impress with action not conversation. Endorse your business enthusiastically, yet tastefully. Avoid exaggerating truths and touting far reaching goals as certainties. In short, put up or shut up. 10. Know when to call it quits. Contrary to popular belief, a smart captain does not go down with the ship. Dont go on a fools errand for the sake of ego. Know when its time to walk away. If your idea doesnt pan out, reflect on what went wrong and the mistakes that were made. Assess what you would have done differently. Determine how you will utilize these hard-learned lessons to better yourself and your future entrepreneurial endeavors. Failure is inevitable, but a true entrepreneur will prevail over adversity.

Circles of Excellence
A program of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce

Presidents Circle
J.D. Heiskell & Company Lagomarsino Group Res-Com Pest Control Saputo Cheese USA, Inc Southern California Gas Company Tulare Advance Register Tulare Outlet Center Tulare Regional Medical Center

Directors Circle
International Agri Center Land O Lakes

Ambassadors Circle
Acclaim Auto & Truck Accessories Adair & Evans, An Accountancy Corporation Bank of the Sierra Citizens Business Bank College of the Sequoias Horswill, Mederos & Soares Ruan Transportation Corporation Sturgeon & Beck, Inc. Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino TF Tire & Service Valley Business Bank Will Tiesiera Ford-Mercury, Inc.

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize these members who have gone above and beyond membership investment in 2012. Their support is instrumental in the growth of the Chamber.

Welcome New Board members 2013 - 2016!!

Manuel Ortiz Jr.
Manuel Ortiz Jr. was born and raised here in Tulare and is self employed as a Real Estate Broker specializing in agriculture real estate in Tulare & Kings Counties. He has been involved over the years with 4-H and FFA. He served as Tulare High School FFA president Boosters four years and started one of the first boosters clubs that helped support 4-H & FFA students at the Tulare County Fair Sale. He also served from 1988-1992 on the Tulare County Farm Service Agency Advisory Committee. Manuel also spent time with Tulare Chamber events back in the 90s and has been a Tulare Chamber member for twenty-Nine years. He currently is an Ambassador for the Chamber and will be entering in to his first year serving on the board for the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. Manuel spent thirty-seven years farming, Custom Farming and a spray business that was started in 1978, and other agriculture business that included a trucking business and raising beef cattle. Manuel received his Bachelors Degree from Fresno Pacific University in 2003. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and also serves on his Churchs finance Council Committee where he and his wife Mary attend St. Ritas Church. Manuel & Mary have three children between them and three grandchildren. Manuel Ortiz is sponsored by Manuel Ortiz Real Estate.

WHAT AT YOUR AT YOUR

RETREAT?
COMPANY

YOU DID

Mike Watson
Mike Watson was born in Corcoran and raised in Porterville. He graduated from Monache High School, attended Porterville College and is a proud graduate of the California Highway Patrol Academy. Mike has been married to Francine since 1992 and they have 3 kids Zachary 19, Matthew 18 and Alexis 16. Mikes family opened Golden State Paint & Body in Porterville in 1987. He learned the business from the bottom up and in 2000 left the business to pursue a career with the CHP. In 2004, the opportunity to come back to the family business and expand Golden State Paint & Body in to Tulare was too good to pass up. He has enjoyed getting to know the people of Tulare and looks forward to a bright future in the city. Mike Watson is sponsored by Golden State Paint & Body.

Keith Reynolds
Tulare Native Keith Reynolds is the president/ CEO of TAE Inc., Architecture/ planning which is celebrating its 40th anniversary during 2012. Keith was born at the Tulare District Hospital and graduated from Tulare Union High School. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in the architecture program at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia. From there he continued his education at the school of Environmental Design at Cal Poly Pomona. Upon returning to Tulare he went to work at TAE alongside his father and brother. Shortly after receiving his license to practice architecture, he became the manager of TAE and a few years after that purchased the company from his family. Keith has been actively involved in the architectural industry for in excess of 30 years. As a way to give back to his community he became a member of the Kawanis club serving for over 20 years. Keith became a member of the City of Tulare Housing and Building appeals board where he is currently serving as the boards chairman. Professional affiliations include the AIA and the International Code Council. Due to Keiths varied interests, you may find him involved in construction, riding off road motorcycles, driving a buggy at the coast or desert, wrenching on a muscle car or piloting a radio controlled airplane. He has four children, and along with his wife Darla, calls Tulare his home.

Contact Veronica at 559.787.2551 or

Veronica@wondervalley.com
VS-0000212429