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Feb. 2014

www.TulareChamber.org

Published date: Jan. 25, 2014

Update the
Download now: 2014 World Ag Expo mobile app

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce exists to serve its members and citizens by advocating for, and engaging in, efforts to encourage economic opportunity and business prosperity.

Save the Date:

Mark Your Calendars Advanced Meter Informative Breakfast! Please join us on Thursday, March 6th, 8-9am at the Tulare Chamber of Commerce Trade Room, as Southern California Gas Company presents an Advanced Meter Introduction, hosted by the Tulare Chamber. Breakfast will be served. Space is limited, so please call 686-1547 for reservations. March 10, 2014 - 12pm-1pm Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting Apple Annies March 14, 2014 - 5pm-7pm Business After Hours Event Charter Inn & Suites Hotel 1016 E. Prosperity Ave. March 18, 2014 - 8am-9am Ambassador Committee Meeting Tulare Chamber Banquet Room 220 E. Tulare Ave. March 21, 2014 - 5pm-7pm Business After Hours Event Dr. William Rand 935 North Gem Street September 26, 2014 - 6pm-9pm Crush Party Event COS Tulare Campus

Welcome to World Ag Expo

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce is honored to feature the International Agri-Center, 2013 Large Business of the Year recipient. The International Agri-Center will host the 2014 World Ag Expo from February 11-13. The hours of the show are Tuesday & Wednesday, 9a.m. to 5p.m., and Thursday 9a.m. to 4p.m. Tickets are $15 and available for purchase throughout the perimeter of the event. For additional information please visit their website! http://worldagexpo.com See it, touch it, kick the tires, ask questions and get answers at World Ag Expo, the largest annual agricultural exhibition in the world. More than 1,400 exhibitors are ready to discuss and demonstrate the latest and greatest prodStephen Cunha ucts, equipment and Chairman services for the busi2014 World Ag Expo ness of agriculture on 2.6-million square feet of exhibit space. It is my privilege to serve as the volunteer chairman for World Ag Expo this year! I have volunteered at World Ag Expo for 36 years and it is a deeply rewarding experience. About 50 committees of volunteers and 20 full-time staff have worked hard to create a successful threeday event for guests and exhibitors from around the world. As a pistachio grower myself, agriculture is the core of World Ag Expo and its roots run deep across many commodities from tree crops to livestock to alfalfa and vegetables. At World Ag Expo, our exhibitors are ready to demonstrate the latest savvy products to you. Take advantage of the many opportunities to create a more successful farming operation. Meet up with old friends and make new friends. The Expo is a people event where making connections can open new doors. While here, be sure to check out the free seminars about dairy, irrigation, new regulations, general agriculture and many other important topics. These are very exciting times in agriculture. World Ag Expo is the perfect place to explore great opportunities. Welcome, and have a great show!

World Ag Expo top 10 new products

Results are in for the 2014 Top-10 New Products competition! Congratulations to the following companies for their winning products! Be sure to visit each exhibitor at World Ag Expo, February 11-13, to see their products! n Automated Ag Systems Bandit Xpress, Spaces E22 n Mack Robotics, Inc. Bin Bot, Pavilion A, 1113 n Hammer Works Mfg., LLC JL4.8 & ML5.8 Long Handle Proprietary Zinc Composite Hammer Pavilion C, 3108-3208 n Sutton Agricultural Enterprises, Inc. CultiClean, Space L9 n CAFOweb CAFOweb Farm Credit Dairy Center, 6641 n DeLaval DeLaval Feed Pusher FPM300 Farm Credit Dairy Center, 6725-6730 and spaces DS93-DS96 n Lindsay Corporation New product will launch at World Ag Expo!, Space L40 n McCrometer, Inc. McMag3000Pavilion B, 2415 & 2416 n Advanced Reconnaissance Corp AgVu Building C, 3105, 3016, 3205, 3206 n GeoBlu Services GeoBlue Explorer, Building C, 3902

This event was originally in February of 2014. The Tulare Chamber of Commerce sincerely apologizes for the change in date for the Crush Party. The event will be held at the COS Tulare Campus, hosted by the Tulare Chamber Ambassadors and in partnership with the COS Foundation.

Officers
M. Green & Co. Chairman Valley Business Bank Immediate Past Chair

Crystal Cota

Golden State Paint & Body, Inc. Chair Elect Best Western Hotel Vice Chair of Finance

Mike Watson Tony Cota

Philip Smith

Director of State and Federal Programs Vice Chair of Membership

Marie Pinto

Board
Tulare Regional Medical Center International Agri-Center Valley Business Bank

Sherrie Bakke

Ronald Smith
Sterling & Smith Land O Lakes

Kerissa Chapman Melissa Freitas Linda Nogues

Bacome Insurance

Karen Bravo Diane Mathis

Lifestar Ambulance Cool Hand Lukes

Going to the worlds largest ag exposition in February? The 2014 World Ag Expo app will help you plan your visit and maximize your time at the show. The International Agri-Center, in cooperation with Western Farm Press and Penton offer the free World Ag Expo Mobile App for 2014 World Ag Expo, Feb. 11-13, at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, Calif. The new WAE 2014 Mobile App, sponsored by Trimble Navigation Inc. as a platinum sponsor and Valley Irrigation as a gold sponsor, plus others, will allow visitors to glean a wealth of World Ag Expo information instantly at their fingertips. The new app is available for all mobile platforms through the app stores for the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Blackberry, Android, or other web-enabled phones to allow visitors to receive important, up-to-the-minute news alerts and breaking news from World Ag Expo. Want to know quickly how to get from one area of the show to another? Its simplejust enter the name of the vendor or site in the app and it will guide you. The exhibitor map on the 2014 World Ag Expo Mobile App allows you to set up appointments with reminders, including 2014 Hay & Forage or BEEF Magazine seminars, and others. The app helps you: n Organize your World Ag Expo schedule. n Download exhibitor information and locations. n View maps of the show grounds. n See photos of the show. n Follow and join in on the twitter feed at #wae14. Mobile app/3

Don Schultz Ben Martins

Manuel Ortiz Ag Real Estate

Manuel Ortiz, Jr.

World Ag Expo Schedule of Events

TUESDAY, FEB. 11 8:30am Opening Ceremonies BaNQuet HaLL HeRItaGe CoMPLeX 9am Gates Open 9:15am-10:30am WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 9:30am Playing of the National Anthem 10am-10:45am SEMINAR CENTER Hay & Forage Seminar - Predicting the 2014 Western Hay Market Speaker: Seth Hoyt, The Hoyt Report 10:00am WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Welcome and Introductions 10:05am World Ag Women Bags/Quilts & More Bags Valley Oak Quilt Guild, Ann Hinman, Tulare 10:15am-11:15am SEMINAR CENTER International Trade Seminar Going Global 10:30am-11:30am SEMINAR CENTER Dairy Seminar - Dont Just Make More Dairy Heifers Speaker: Jerry Wulf, President of Wulf Cattle 11:00am-12:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Hay & Forage Seminar - Top 5 Production Practices to Improve Alfalfa Yield and Profitability Speaker: Steve Orloff, University of California, Siskiyou County Farm Advisor 11:00am WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chef Larry Van Ness, Bella Notte, Tulare 11:15am-12:30pm WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 11:30am-12:30pm SEMINAR CENTER International Trade Seminar The New Global Consumer 12pm-1pm SEMINAR CENTER Dairy Seminar - Lunch-and-Learn: Commodity Market Risk Management 12:00pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chefs David & Greg Vartanian, Vintage Press, Jack & Charlies and Southern Pacific Depot, Visalia 1pm-2pm SEMINAR CENTER International Trade Seminar Importance of American-made Agricultural Machinery Exports to U.S. Economy 1:00pm-1:45m SEMINAR CENTER Hay & Forage Seminar - Closing the Quality Gap from Field to Feeding Speaker: Dale Hohlbauch, Hay and Forage Specialist, Garton Tractor 1:00pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chef Douglas MacMillan, Rosas, Pismo Beach 1:15am-2:30pm WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 1:30pm-2:30pm SEMINAR CENTER Dairy Seminar - Video Farm Tour: Scott Brothers Dairy Farms, San Jacinto, CA 2:00pm-3:15m SEMINAR CENTER Hay & Forage Seminar - Whats the Buzz About Shredlage? Moderator: Jamey Albrecht, Corn Product Manager, Mycogen Seeds. Panelists: Jed Asmus, January Innovation, Inc.; Darren Dias, Delta View Farm; Jared Fragoso, Dias & Fragoso Custom Chopping; Roger Olson, Shredlage, LLC. 2:00pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chef Fernando Gonzalez, Crawdaddys, Visalia 2:15pm-3:15pm SEMINAR CENTER International Trade Seminar How Will the Trans-Pacific Partnership Affect Agricultural Trade? 3:00pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Fashion Show Chelsea Street Boutique, Visalia 3:15pm-4:30pm WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 5:00pm World Ag Expo Closes WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12 7:00am Prayer Breakfast BaNQuet HaLL HeRItaGe CoMPLeX 9am Gates Open 9am-10:30am SEMINAR CENTER General Ag Seminar Obamacare: Where Do Ag Employers Go From Here? Speaker: Bryan Little, Chief Operating Officer, Farm Employers Labor Service 9:15am-10:30am WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 10:00am WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Welcome and Introductions 10:05am World Ag Women Table Setting: Manners, Methods & Secrets Elaine Bender, Tulare 10:30am-11:30am SEMINAR CENTER 2014 Milk Prices Speaker: Tim Hunt, Rabobank 10:45am-12:15am SEMINAR CENTER General Ag Seminar Sexual Harassment Training for Agricultural Supervisors Speaker: Santos Martinez, Labor Management Consultant, Farm Employers Labor Service 11:00am World Ag Women Stepping Into Style - How to Keep Looking your Personal Best Everyday Tiffany Nielsen, Exeter 11:15am-12:30pm WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 12:00pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Erasmo Rodriguez, Harris Ranch, Coalinga 12:00pm-1:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Lunch-and-Learn: What Does the Consumer Want? Speakers: Mary Anne Burkman, MPH, RDN, Program Director, Dairy Council of California; Jennifer Giambroni, California Milk Advisory Board 1:00pm-2:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Beef Seminar 5 Ways to be a Better Advocate Now Speaker: Amanda Radke, BEEF Daily Editor 1:00pm-3:00pm SEMINAR CENTER General Ag Seminar Implementing the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program Speaker: David Orth, General Manager Kings River Conservation District; David De Groot, VP 4Creeks, Inc; John Schaap, VP Provost & Prtichard; Casey Creamer, CA Cotton Growers & CA Cotton Ginners Associations 1:00pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chef Karl Merten, Caf 225, Visalia 1:15pm-2:30pm WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 1:00pm-3:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Panel Discusson: A Whole New Market Speaker: Tim Hunt, Rabobank 2:00pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chef Ben Martins, Cool Hand Lukes Steakhouse and Saloon, Tulare 2:00pm-3:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Beef Seminar Catching Up to Yesterday Speaker: Wes Ishmael, BEEF Magazine 3:00pm-4:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Beef Seminar A Twisted Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste ... A Comic Adventure Speaker: Leigh Rubin, BEEF Magazine 3:00pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chef Mike Vejar, Mikey Vs Cafe, Tulare 3:00pm-4:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Wisdom in Minutes 3:15pm-4:30pm SEMINAR CENTER General Ag Seminar The Food Safety Modernization Act: What Does This Mean to Farmers, Growers, Packers? Speaker: Mary Ellen Taylor, Public Affairs Officer, US Food and Drug Agency 3:15pm-4:30pm WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 5:00pm World Ag Expo Closes THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 6:30am California Ag Leadership Breakfast BaNQuet HaLL HeRItaGe CoMPLeX 9am Gates Open 3:15pm-4:30pm WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 10:00am WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Welcome and Introductions 10:00am-10:30am SEMINAR CENTER Irrigation Seminar Agricultural Activities of the Irrigation Association Speaker: John Farner, Irrigation Association 10:05am WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chef Jennifer Harvey, Ladybread Bakery, Exeter 10:30am-11:00am SEMINAR CENTER Irrigation Seminar Good Irrigation Efficiency by Increasing Distribution Uniformity Speaker: Bill Green, Center for Irrigation Technology 10:30am-11:30am SEMINAR CENTER Dairy Seminar Avoid Lawyers and Regulators Speaker: Anthony Raimondo, attorney, McCormick and Barstow; Kevin Abernathy, director of regulatory affairs, Milk Producers Council 11:00am-11:30am SEMINAR CENTER Irrigation Seminar Irrigation Automation with Wireless Telemetry Speaker: Jacob Christfort, Ranch Systems 11:00am WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chef Jeff Riggs, Tulare Adult School Culinary Arts 11:15am-12:30pm WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 11:30am-12:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Irrigation Seminar Leveraging Irrigation Technology in Drought Conditions - Tree, Vine and Row Crops Speaker: Pat Biddy, Irrigation Matters 12:00pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chef Christian Raia, West Hills College Culinary Arts, Lemoore 12:00pm-12:30pm SEMINAR CENTER Irrigation Seminar Polyethylene Tape and Tubing for MicroIrrigation: Technical Attributes that Contribute to High Performance Speaker: Mark Jablonka, The Dow Chemical Company 12:00pm-1:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Lunch-and-Learn: Commodity Market Risk Management 12:30pm-1:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Irrigation Seminar Volumetric Flowmeters Selection, Operation & Maintenance for Water & Irrigation Operators and Maintenance Personnel Speaker: Craig Pfaff, Seametrics Flow Meters and Controls 12:45pm-2:00pm WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 1:00pm-1:30pm SEMINAR CENTER Irrigation Seminar Pivot Applications in California 1:00pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Cooking Demonstration Chef Monica Santellan, Raisin Dough Baking Company, Visalia 1:30pm-2:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Irrigation Seminar Filters and Savings for Both Sides of Your Pump Speaker: Randy Delenikos, LAKOS Filtration Systems 1:30pm WoRLd AG WOMEN PAVILION World Ag Women Succulent Wreath Making Devon Brown, The Gardens at Cal Turf, Tulare 1:30pm-2:30pm SEMINAR CENTER Video Tour: Pirtle & Sons Dairy, Roswell, New Mexico 2:00pm-2:30pm SEMINAR CENTER Irrigation Seminar The Value of Educating Your Field Laborers for Drip Micro Speaker: Jim Anshutz, AG H20 2:25pm-3:30pm WoRLd AG EXPo AReNa Exhibitor Showcase & Mock Auction Facilitated by Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 2:30pm-3:00pm SEMINAR CENTER Irrigation Seminar Drip Irrigation Speaker: Paul McFadden, Toro MicroIrrigation 4:00pm World Ag Expo Closes

TAE Inc., Architecture & Planning

Keith Reynolds

Professional Support
Patrick Isherwood
Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman General Counsel Horswill, Mederos, & Soares

Dennis Mederos

Professional Staff
Kathleen Johnson
Chief Executive Officer Information Coordinator Marketing and Membership

Linda Howarth
Lauren Rosen

Sherry Carson
Office Manager

Information Coordinator

Megan Mederos

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: (559) 735-3235 the Update is published in partnership with the Tulare Advance-Register
PERMIT NO. 232 TULARE, CA PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

the Update

PAID

page 2 February 2014

January 25, 2014

NetworKing Opportunities

Tulare Chamber the Update

Tulare Advance-Register

NEW MEMBERS
Tulare Christian School
In 1985, a small group of parents had a vision for a Christian school in Tulare. These parents had a conviction that their children should not only receive a sound academic education, but a strong Christian education using the Bible and Bible-based curriculum. TCS began its first school year with 45 students, 2 teachers, 4 grade levels, and a part-time aide and secretary. Weve grown to become a K - 8th grade school with the most exciting days ahead of us. Tulare Christian School is an independent, non-denominational, parent-sponsored Christian school. We believe a Christian school should have high academic standards, with each student being a good steward of the abilities God has given him. However, of greater importance is the spiritual growth of each child. If we educate only the mind and neglect the spiritual, we have failed. If we take care of the childs spiritual well-being, the academic falls right into line. The Bible, in a Christian school, is not just a subject, like reading or math. It should be the foundation of all learning. The application of Gods Word should be emphasized. Students in a Christian school should show evidence of biblical teaching in their lives by the testimony of how they act in school and outside of the school setting. The Christian school should be a training ground for young people, teaching them to live their lives for Christ in this world without conforming to the standards of the world. We do not exclude people who do not hold these same beliefs, but we do require that they acknowledge this to be the position of the school. By placing children in Tulare Christian School, the parents agree to allow them to be taught according to the beliefs and standards we have and not to contradict those beliefs at home. The school does not take this responsibility from the Christian family, but rather works closely with the family toward meeting the goals for their children. We provide the student the opportunity for prayer, Bible study, scripture memorization, weekly chapel, Christian missions, Christian example and leadership, Christian character and conduct, Christian attitude and behavior, along with basic academic studies. Educationally, the Christian school should adhere to sound time-tested teaching methods, such as phonics, math drills, etc. New fashionable, trendy ideas in education should be viewed very cautiously and examined in the light of Gods word. We welcome people from all racial backgrounds who desire a quality Christian education, and we admit English-speaking students of any race and national or ethnic group. Tulare Christian School exists to compliment the parents role in providing for the spiritual growth and sound academic education of each student. The Tulare Christian School Goals include: n To invite each student to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. n To provide each student a balanced, wide ranging, comprehensive, quality educational experience. n To encourage each student to apply spiritual and academic knowledge in daily living. For additional information regarding the enrollment process and tuition, please visit the Tulare Christian School website, http://www.tularechristian.org/. Please join the Tulare Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Tulare Christian School as a new member!

Looking for business space? The Chamber is renting office space

IMMEDIATELY
The Chamber has two rooms available to rent in the downstairs portion of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce building located at 220 E. Tulare Avenue. The rooms are approximately 200 square feet, and tenants have access to parking and restroom facilities that are located upstairs. The dimensions of the rooms are 11x176 and 16.3x13.9. The spacious rooms are available to rent at $300/ month and can be viewed by appointment. Please contact the Chamber at (559) 686-1547 for more details.
Entrance to building

RENEWING MEMBERS
Lawrence & Shirley Coelho Lucio Hay Company Frank De Pietro and Sons, LLC NAMI Tulare Co. Sids Upholstery Magnolia Health Corp. Iron Craft Saputo Dairy Foods USA, Morningstar n T-Bar Dairy - Barcellos Farms n Tulare Cabrillo Civic Club #12 n Lane Engineers Inc. n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n Robert Reynolds Suncrest Bank Tulare County Septic Tank Tulare Emergency Aid Council, Inc. Amaral Dairy Service Golden State Paint & Body, Inc. Idas Direct Mortgage Western Metal Company A & W Restaurants Eric Cribbs Anthony DeRose

Parking lot

Host your next event in the

Chamber Trade Room

The Tulare Chamber boasts a beautiful banquet room for seating of up to 60 with a maximum capacity of 80 standing. The room is well-suited for bridal showers, baby showers and professional luncheons. The Chamber provides tables and chairs and access is granted to restroom facilites during the event. Please contact the Chamber at (559) 686-1547 for details on hosting your next event in style!

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Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California now accepting scholarship applications

Cabrillo Civic Club of Tulare County #12 would like to announce that high school seniors can pick up applications from their counseling office or online at www.cabrillocivicclubs.org. Please note the following details regarding requirements for applicants: n Students must be of Portuguese

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descent. n Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. n Students must possess a 3.5 GPA or higher. n Deadline is March 15, 2014. Please contact Dulcie Nunes at (559) 688-8070 for more information.

Cars on K set for April 5 in Tulares Downtown

Dedicated Employee s
The Chamber welcomes those interested to register for this annual, exciting event to be held on Saturday, April 5 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Cars on K is a classic car show that offers food, entertainment and various prizes for attendees. Vintage cars line K street from San Joaquin to Inyo during the event, enabling enthusiastic car owners to showcase their four-wheel toys. There were more than 100 participants in 2013 and the Chamber is excited to continue the tradition that has established itself in downtown for years now. For many, restoring classis automobiles is not only a hobby but a way of life. A multitude of car clubs have developed in the Central Valley, bringing all walks of life together and bridging the gap between generations. One such club, the Small Town Cruizers, is a group of more than 100 members who are all automobile enthusiasts that are as passionate about their rides as they are their community. They fundraise each year in order to give back to the community and

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for over 5

0 years

Circles of Excellence
A program of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce
Directors Circle
Farm Credit West International Agri Center Tulare Outlet Center Valley Business Bank JD Heiskell & Company Lagomarsino Group Land O Lakes Res-Com Pest Control Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino Tulare Regional Medical Center Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register

Presidents Circle

Ambassadors Circle
Acclaim Auto & Truck Accessories Bank of Sierra

Citizens Business Bank Educational Employees Credit Union Horswill, Mederos & Soares Law Ofce KJUG Radio Magnolia Health Corporation Merle Stone Chevrolet Sturgeon & Beck Inc. Southern California Edison Will Tiesiera Ford

Cars on K 2013

The Tulare Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize these members who have gone above and beyond membership investment in 2013. Their support is instrumental in the growth of the Chamber.

many of them look forward to the Cars on K event. Discounts will be given to those who register by Friday, March 21. Registration begins at 7:00am on the day of the event and participants are allowed to line-up from 7:00am to 9:30am. All entries must be lined up by 10:00am or their car will not be judged. Placement is decided on a first come first serve basis.

Tulare Chamber the Update

Tulare Advance-Register

MEMBER NEWS

February 2014 page 3

January 25, 2014

Happy Trails Riding Academy names 2014 Board

Happy Trails Riding Academy is proud to announce the 2014 Board of Directors. Roland HillPresident (Porterville), Russ Desch-Vice President (Visalia), Jim Sullins-Treasurer (Visalia), Laura Morrelli-Secretary (Visalia) and Andre Gaston-Past President (Visalia). Members at Large include Kim Givich (Visalia), Larry Mapes (Tulare), Gary Brown (Visalia), Jennifer Pendergraft (Visalia), Dr. Neal Spiro (Hanford), Linda Nogues (Tulare), Dr. Terry McKittrick (Dinuba), Cliff Vasquez (Visalia), Patty Rocha (Tulare) Ron Willenborg (Visalia) and Kendra Fowler (Visalia). Happy Trails Riding Academy is a non-profit program that enriches the lives of children and adults with physical, mental and emotional disabilities through therapeutic horsemanship, providing a unique opportunity for selfimprovement and independence while offering a challenging alternative to traditional therapy. For more information on Happy Trails Riding Academy please contact Leslie Gardner at (559) 688-8685.

SoCalGas begins installing Advanced Meters

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) customers will be able to view their daily gas usage information online as SoCalGas begins installing Advanced Meters in Tulare County. The SoCalGas upgrade to its natural gas metering system involves adding a small batterypowered communication device on existing residential and business customers meters throughout Southern California. The new device only turns on for a fraction of a second a daya total of less than two minutes a yearto securely and safely send natural gas usage data from a customers home or business to SoCalGas customer centers. SoCalGas will make the usage information available for the customer to view online the next business day. SoCalGas is continually innovating and looking for ways to better serve our customers. We believe our advanced meter system will offer benefits for our customers, community and environment, said Jeffery Walker, director of the advanced meter project at SoCalGas. Advanced meters will help customers monitor and adjust gas usage, helping families and local businesses save energy and money. They will also help reduce some 140,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year as we take service vehicles off the road every day. The detailed information advanced meters provide will help customers better understand and manage gas use and costs, enabling them to quickly identify and respond to sudden usage spikes and take steps to conserve. Later this year, customers will able to sign-up for weekly alerts and get up-to-date information on usage and billing status via text or email messages. Customers will also enjoy greater privacy and security, no longer having to provide physical access to their property for monthly meter reading. Installations will take about 15 minutes and be completed by SoCalGas energy technicians during business hours. In most cases, customers will not need to be present and natural gas service wont be interrupted. Natural gas bills will continue to be based on a monthly read of usage. The advanced meter device cannot communicate with other appliances inside the home, turn on or turn off gas service and will only be active for a fraction of a second each day to read and send gas usage data. No personal information will be sent and usage data will be encrypted for added security. The battery life of the device is expected to be 20 years, with SoCalGas providing any needed maintenance. SoCalGas expects the advanced meter system will enable operational and environmental savings over its lifesavings that will be passed along to customers in reduced overall rates. In all, SoCalGas is planning to upgrade approximately six million natural gas meters with the new communication device, installing them throughout the SoCalGas service territory through 2017. SoCalGas is conducting a comprehen-

AdvancedMeter Meteris iscoming! coming! Advanced

With advanced metertechnology, technology, With advanced meter you will be able to: you will be able to: View your dailyand and View your daily hourly gas usage hourly gas usage Receive an up-to-datebill bill Receive an up-to-date and bill alerts and bill alerts See new Ways to Save See new Ways to Save section in My Account section in My Account
Visit socalgas com Visit socalgas com (search ADVANCED ) for more information. (search ADVANCED ) for more information.
2013 Southern California Gas Company. All copyright and trademark rights reserved.

2013 Southern California Gas Company. All copyright and trademark rights reserved.

Chamber offers QuickBooks workshop

As a benefit to its members, the Tulare Chamber of Commerce is pleased to offer a QuickBooks workshop for small businesses. The workshop will be offered on two different days, Wednesday., Feb. 4 and Wednesday, March 5 in the Trade Room at the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, 220 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare, CA 93274. n QuickBooks Basics 8am-Noon n QuickBooks Payroll & Sales Tax 2-5pm The workshop, presented by M. Green and Company, will be taught by Lance Wilkins: n QuickBooks Certified Pro Advisor in all versions since 1999 n Member of InTuit Trainer/Writer Network n Teaches for the California CPA Education Foundation n Has written QuickBooks training materials for Intuit, Inc. Just some of what you will learn: QuickBooks Basics n Writing checkings, creating customer invoices and payments, using accounts receivable and accounts payable, bank reconciliation and more. Payroll, Sales Tax, and 1099s: n Setting up and using QuickBooks to print 1099s at year end n Setting up and using different sales tax codes; creating sales tax reports for government forms, etc. n Setting up payroll, processing payroll, paying payroll tax liabilities, payroll reports, etc. Cost for chamber members is $20, $30 for non-members. Reservations are required. Call (559) 686-1547.

sive information campaign, starting with notifying customers several weeks before installations begin. SoCalGas will also work closely with local community-based organizations to help customers learn about the project. Customers can also Farm Press, Southeast Farm Press, and Southwest Farm Press. Western Farm Press is a cosponsor of World Ag Expo and publishes the official Expo magazine and show guide. The Mobile App will help our attendees gain the most value from their World Ag Expo experience, said Jerry Sinift, International Agri-Centers chief executive officer. To download the WAE 2014 Mobile App: For iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad Users: From your mobile device, visit the app store, search for WAE 2014, and click on the free button to take you to the

visit SoCalGas website, socalgas.com/ advanced or call toll-free at (800) 4272200 or (800) 342-4545 in Spanish for more information. A SoCalGas advanced meter installation video is at http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=BI04jL12qC4.

Mobile App

(continued from page 1) n Download brochures and videos. n Find your actual location on the World Ag Expo grounds. We believe the 2014 World Ag Expo app will greatly enhance participants experience at this years World Ag Expo, said Greg Frey, vice president of Penton and publisher of Farm Press. Farm Press is a member of the Agricultural Group at Penton which publishes Western Farm Press, Delta

install screen. For other phone types, including Blackberry, Google Android, and all other web-enabled phones: Point your mobile devices browser to http://m.core-apps. com/wae2014. You will be directed to the proper app download for your device. The 2014 World Ag Expo will include 1,600 exhibitors displaying the latest cutting edge technology and equipment on 2.6 million acre feet of show grounds. The average attendance at World Ag Expo is about 100,000 individuals from about 70 countries.

Iron Grip 236052

Pitching Wedge 236094

page 4 February 2014

January 25, 2014

PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Tulare Chamber the Update

Tulare Advance-Register

February Calendar
Wed., Feb. 5, 2014
Tulare Christian Schools Annual Sock Drive - Helping Our Local Families. Socks can be dropped off at the school office, 470 N. Gem Street, Tulare. Drop off can be done 2:30pm-3:30pm. For more information contact Socorro Mercado, 559-7236484, or Amy Babb, 559-250-3901.

Tulare Leadership class takes a look at Economic Development

By Jordan Leal and Jose Alvarado
Leadership Class of 2014

ServiceMaster by Benevento helping Women in Need

Wed., Feb. 5, 2014

Tulare United Methodist Church Mens Fellowship, 228 West Kern Avenue, 5 pm

Sat., Feb. 8, 2014

Little Kickers Soccer, Garden School, 9 am

Mon., Feb. 10, 2014

Deadline for the Chamber Newsletter, 220 E. Tulare Ave. Governmental Affairs Meeting, Apple Annies, 1165 N. Blackstone Ave., Tulare, All day Mens Softball, Prosperity Park, 6:30 pm Planning Commission meeting, Tulare Public Library, 491 North M St., Tulare, 7 pm

Tues., Feb. 11, 2014

Tulare United Methodist Church Womens Fellowship, 228 West Kern Avenue, 10 am Tulare Safety Council Meeting, Apple Annies Restaurant, 1165 N. Blackstone, 12 pm Police Citizens Complaint Review Board Meeting, Tulare City Hall, 411 E. Kern Ave., 5:30 pm Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Claude Meitzenheimer Community Center, 830 S. Blackstone, 6:30 pm Co-ed Volleyball, Tulare Youth Center, 7 pm

Thurs., Feb. 13, 2014

Afterschool Soccer Games, Elk Bayou Soccer Complex, 5 pm

Monday, Feb. 17, 2014

Community Game Night Bingo, lots of food, fun and prizes, PARTICIPATION IS FREE! Twin Oaks Assisted Living Center, 999 North M St., 6 pm, for additional information, contact Lisa at 684-1001.

Tues., Feb. 18, 2014

Community Game Night Bingo, Twin Oaks Assisted Living Center, 999 North M St., 6 pm

Sat., Feb. 22, 2014

Little Kickers Soccer, Garden School, 9 am Tulare Historical Museum: Night of Wine, Cheese and Chocolate, 6:30-9:30 pm

Mon., Feb. 24, 2014

Planning Commission meeting, Tulare Public Library, 491 North M St., Tulare, 7 pm

On December 19, Tulare Leadership had the opportunity to explore the topic of economic development and its important role in our c o m m u n i t y. O u r d ay began with a presentation by Lori Dunagen, Leal Enterprise Zone manager and Karin Ford, vice-president and Chief Operating Officers for the Economic Development Corporation of Tulare County. Lori presented some of the issues the EDC deals with and the services they provide Alvarado to promote small and big business in the City of Tulare. The mission of the EDC is: To attract, support and retain business and industry for the communities of Tulare County. Karin spoke with us about the business recruitment process and why big businesses should be attracted to Tulare. Tulare boasts a central location, direct access to highways and major markets and the availability of labor due to our countys high unemployment rate. The availability of land and many incentive programs, including permit fast tracking and an interest free 5-year deferral of development fees for qualified projects and permitting consulting, also make Tulare desirable. We also met with Gil Jaramillo, a representative for Tulare Countys Small Business Development Center. The SBDC is a non-profit organization and is a free service offered to any current or new small business. Gil offers free consulting and planning for any individual hoping to start a new small business in the Tulare-Kings region. This center is a great resource that should be taken advantage of by anyone who has aspirations of opening up their own business. Following lunch at Mikey Vs, our group took a tour of downtown Tulare and spoke with some of the local business owners. We made a point of addressing

the downtown situation, since it seems to be a sector of the city with potential for great improvement. While on our tour, we spoke with some of the local business owners including Irenes Hope Chest and Lionel Pires, owner of TF Tires. Irenes Hope Chest is a non-profit thrift store and their primary goal is to provide struggling individuals an opportunity to work and maintain a healthy routine while providing a variety of products, from bed mattresses to clothing. At TF Tires, Lionel spoke to us about the prospect of Tulare taking advantage of an initiative known as the Property-Based Improvement District (PBID) in order to improve the downtown area. The PBID requires majority vote from the property owners in the area and if passed could provide enhanced security services, enhanced maintenance services, marketing of the area and event production, small business training, parking management and many other services. If adopted, property owners would determine the boundaries of the PBID and how much they are willing to spend to support the district. Our visit with Lionel was an interesting look at a potential avenue for effectively improving our downtown with support from our business owners and community. The day concluded with a visit to City Hall and a discussion with Traci Myers, Deputy Community Development director, and City Manager Don Dorman. Traci and Don discussed some of the important issues Tulare faces regarding business zoning and its effects on business recruitment and retention. They described the potential benefits of re-zoning some areas of Tulare to incentivize business investment in the area. We also spoke about a large processing plant that plans to build on the west side of Tulare and its potential to provide a boost to our local economy and decrease unemployment. Overall, it was a very successful day as we were able to get to the core of some of the major concerns and issues Tulare is faced with regarding economic development and some of the strategies being employed to solve problems and promote business in Tulare.

We are proud to announce a new type of support offered through ServiceMaster by Benevento. We have partnered with the nonprofit group, Cleaning For A Reason. Cleaning For A Reason is committed to providing the gift of a clean home, while women are undergoing treatment for any type of cancer. The goal is to focus on the womens home, so they can focus on their health. The foundation, Cleaning For A Reason, was officially formed in May 2006 as a Texas non-profit corporation. They recruit maid services that voluntarily clean womens homes free of charge. Cleaning For A Reason provides services in the United States and Canada. ServiceMaster by Benevento is happy to be able to assist women in the Tulare and Visalia areas. The maid services take on two patients at a time, each of whom receives one general house cleaning per month for four consecutive months. To apply for this special program, visit the website at www. cleaningforareason.org. One of the patients that received assistance from ServiceMaster by Benevento said: My community is small, and I wasnt sure if there was a company in Visalia aware that Cleaning For A Reason existed, and then ServiceMaster by Benevento contacted me. I was their first breast cancer experience. I will never forget that day because that call made me close my eyes and smile, and I hope I was a good first time experience for them First and foremost, I hope there is a cure someday soon, but until then, those who benefit from the generosity of participating companies, I can only hope will be as grateful as I and as happy for the experience. For questions or more information please contact Melissa Kaminski, Commercial Business Development, ServiceMaster by Benevento, at 559-8054051 or melissak@smcbenevento.com. I am also available to speak about the program to any groups or organizations that you might be involved in that could help promote these services to women in need.

County Seeking Prospective Foster Parents

Tulare County Foster Care Licensing staff members are now offering personal orientations for prospective foster parents, in addition to the regularly scheduled meetings. Tulare County Foster Care Licensing holds a group orientation at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month at its 26500 S. Mooney Blvd. office. The individual orientation meetings are new and were developed in order to be more accessible to prospective foster parents, explained Anita Ortiz, of Tulare County Foster Care Licensing. We have such a need for foster parents that we decided to have staff available throughout our normal office hours in order to be more accommodating and, hopefully, encourage more people to go through the orientation and training, Ortiz explained. Foster care is a program that provides shelter to children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment, or because their parents are ill or incarcerated. The shelter may be emergency, short-term care or longer term. There are nearly 1,000 children in the Countys foster care program, and there are not enough foster care homes. Of particular need are foster parents prepared to take in siblings or teenagers, and parents willing to respond to emergency placement needs. People who are interested in becoming foster parents will need to attend an orientation meeting, and meet requirements such as being at least 18 years old, being financially able to support their own family, having no criminal record and a clear health screening and being certified in CPR and first aid. Whenever possible its best to keep children in familiar schools and communities during tough times, Ortiz said. When we have people in all areas of the county who are willing and qualified to be foster parents, it is better for the children. To schedule a personal orientation, or for other information, call (559) 6230581.

Ruth Medlin 236051

Tucoemas 236050