Gemthe May ‘05 La Quinta Chamber of Commerce The Voice of Business Vol. XXII Issue #5 May 2005 While area restaurants were preparing food for the BizNet2005 Taste of the East Valley on April 5, five speakers provided some food for thought for the more than 200 attendees of the Symposium. It was sponsored by Rabobank and preceded the Business Showcase and Tasting. Some of the more interesting “morsels” were: Rick Daniels, president and CEO of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP), expressed concern about the lack of an educated workforce in the Valley. He said: “The key to economic development and recruiting industries is education and a trained workforce. Thank goodness for the vision of Cal State and UC-Riverside, plus the College of the Desert expansion—without them all of our business recruitment efforts are void.” He said, for example, if CVEP attracts software companies to the Valley, they will need welltrained employees in that field. James McKennon, CEO of the East Valley Tourist Development Authority, a subsidiary of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, wants more done to promote the Valley. He called the $5.6 million currently spent to tout the Valley “abysmal,” and added: “We need to do better—to become much more forceful in driving tourism to this Valley…” He cited Las Vegas as a competitor that spends more money. Mark Nickerson, managing partner of Prime Time International, a local farming and real-estate investment company, also voiced worry about area workers. He said: “Labor issues have to be resolved, and the only way we are going to get (agricultural) workers is from across the border. Something has to happen. If they cannot cross the border, it will be a huge economic impact.” Beth Allan-Bentley, who is market research manager with The Desert Sun, said: “Business follows rooftops. The thing I found fascinating—when I ran first quarter (2005) numbers—is that each year Palm Desert seems to lose a percentage point (in retail sales) to the East Valley. The East Valley is really growing, bringing in businesses and starting to compete with Palm Desert as the retail center.” Los Angeles developer Richard Weintraub, who recently purchased the land that houses Indio Fashion Mall, said: “My company has made a commitment to the city of Indio of between $200 million and $300 million.” While most of the discussion was positive about the East Valley’s growth, the speakers highlighted the need to bring more business to the Valley and to plan education and infrastructure. Daniels explained how CVEP is trying to help the Valley grow. “Our purpose is to expand the Valley economically to provide new businesses, and not necessarily heavy manufacturing,” he said. He said CVEP has identified five industries to recruit: healthcare; multi-media (film and TV production, broadcast, print, Web development, etc.); advanced technologies, such as alternative energies, geothermal renewable energy, research and development, and product testing; education; and recreation (includes ecotourism and golf). Daniels briefly touched on four other initiatives CVEP is involved with: the Salton Sea restoration, which “could become a recreation and wildlife asset;” increased film and TV production, which he called a “low impact industry that leads to greater exposure for the Valley;” a “business incubator strategy” with University of California-Riverside; and enhancing marketing. Their comments made it clear that the Valley needs to be prepared for its growth. McKennon said: “It’s very important, as leaders, that we address infrastructure issues in advance of the need to catch up.” He mentioned • Chamber Happenings . . . . .2 • Chairman’s Message . . . . . .3 • LaKwinta . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 • New Member Intros . . . . .5 • City Pages . . . . . . . . .9-12 • Member Discounts . . . . . .14 • Member News . . . . . . .15 • Member Anniversaries . . . .17 In This Issue MAYOR’S LUNCHEON Thursday, May 5 11:30 a.m. “Battle of the Media Giants” La Quinta Resort, Fiesta Ballroom MAY MIXER Wednesday, May 25 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Fountains at the Carlotta, Palm Desert SPOTLIGHT Prsrt Std U.S. Postage Paid Palm Springs, CA Permit No. 9 La Quinta Chamber of Commerce 78-371 Highway 111 La Quinta, CA 92253 BIZNET: STIMULATING EVENT Symposium Speakers Offer Bright Ideas For Business Growth Two new staff members have recently joined the La QuintaChamber of Commerce: Kae Hammond (below, right) and Debbie Whitener (left). Hammond, a Southern California native who moved to the Desert full-time three years ago, recently took on the new position of outside membership sales. While living in Chicago, she worked as a publicist for large companies including Disney and NBC. She also was an executive at J. Walter Thompson, specializing in media relations and new product launches for national accounts. When she moved to the Los Angeles area, she opened two Hallmark stores—in Thousand Oaks and Sunland. She still owns one of them. On her Chamber responsibilities, Hammond said: “My role is to go out in the community and meet the business owners. I have belonged to three different ones over the years, but I have never seen a Chamber that had the strength for business development this CHAMBER STAFF ADDITIONS Richard Weintraub fields a post-presentation question. please turn to page 5... please turn to page 7... 2 LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lqchamber.com MAY JUNE 4 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE 3:30 p.m. – Chamber 5 MAYOR’S LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m. - La Quinta Resort, Fiesta Ballroom Topic: “Battle of the Coachella Valley Media Giants” Moderator: Dan McGrath, Host of EZ-103.1’s Morning Coffee Show Panel: Radio: Ken White – KEZN-FM/EZ-103.1 Television: Ron Gleason, KMIR-TV Newspaper: Dominique Shwe, The Desert Sun Sponsor: KEZN-FM/EZ-103.1 11 THE BUSINESS NETWORK SUB-COMMITTEE 8 a.m. - Chamber EVENTS COMMITTEE 9 a.m. – Chamber 13 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 9:30 a.m. – Chamber 17 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 3:30 p.m. – Chamber 19 THE BREAKFAST NETWORK 7:30 a.m. – Kristina’s in the Cove Sponsor: Verizon SuperPages 24-25 VOLUNTEER LEADERS CONFERENCE & BUSINESS LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT Sacramento, CA 25 MIXER 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Fountains at the Carlotta 41-505 Carlotta Drive, Palm Desert 30 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY - OFFICE CLOSED 31 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 11:45 a.m. – La Quinta Resort & Club 6 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE 3:30 p.m. – Chamber 8 EVENTS COMMITTEE 9 a.m. – Chamber 9 POWER LUNCH 12 noon – Embassy Suites, Palm Desert Sponsor: Hewitt Tax Service 10 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 9:30 a.m. – Chamber 15 NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION 8 a.m. Chamber Office 21 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 3:30 p.m. – Chamber 24 INSTALLATION AND AWARDS LUNCHEON La Quinta Resort & Club, Fiesta Ballroom Emcee Craig Michaels 11:30 a.m. – Reception 12:15 p.m. – Luncheon 1 p.m. - Program 28 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 11:45 a.m. – La Quinta Resort & Club please note: Reservations are required for all Mayor’s Luncheons, Power Lunches & The Breakfast Network. COSTS: Mayor’s Luncheons - $25 for members/$30 for nonmembers with reservations 3 days prior to the event; $30 for members/$35 for nonmembers thereafter; $35 for member/ $40 for nonmember walk-ins. MIXERS - $3 for members; $5 for nonmembers POWER LUNCHEONS - Members only — $20 $20 with reservations 3 days prior to the event and $25 thereafter THE BREAKFAST NETWORK - Members only — $18 $18 with reservations 3 days prior to the event and $20 thereafter An additional fee of $5 will be charged if an invoice is required. We accept VISA & M/C ONLY The La Quinta Gem is the official monthly publication of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce. Circulation: 30,000. Distributed free to all residents, Chamber members and businesses in La Quinta. Additional distribution by subscription available for $25 per year. To advertise, subscribe, or submit articles, please contact the Chamber at (760) 564-3199. PLEASE NOTE: The opinions and views expressed in all editorial material are those of the writer or person interviewed and are not necessarily those of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, its Board of Directors, officers or of the advertisers in The GEM. The La Quinta Chamber of Commerce endorses no person, political candidate or opinion unless specifically stated. CHAMBER HAPPENINGS THE GEM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE CHAIRS CHAMBER PROFESSIONAL STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOLUNTEERS LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WORDSMITHS COMMUNICATION DIANE GLANZ, President/CEO RUTH FINHOLT, Events Coordinator KAE HAMMOND, Membership Sales IDALIA URIBE, Membership Coordinator-A/R-A/P PATRICIA WALSH, Membership Director DEBBIE WHITENER, Reception/Visitor’s Center MILDRED DONLEY JOAN MOLOUGHNEY JOANNE SNYDER 78-371 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA 92253 PHONE: 760-564-3199 FAX: 760-564-3111 BIZNET 2005 Chair Cosmo Cappellino, KEZN-FM EZ 103.1 EVENTS & PROGRAM COMMITTEE Chair Karen Bjorn, Palm Desert National Bank Vice-Chair Ken Napper, Modern Woodmen of America EDUCATION COMMITTEE Chair Stu Bailey, Pacific Western Bank LEGISLATIVE & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Chair Mark Harner, Pacific Western Bank MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COMMITTEE Chair Robert F. Sylk, Sylk Casino Group Vice-Chair Victoria Bailey, Desert Springs Publishing STU BAILEY, Pacific Western Bank VICTORIA BAILEY, Desert Springs Publishing KAREN BJORN, Palm Desert National Bank CATHY BRETZ, IID Energy COSMO CAPPELLINO, KEZN-FM EZ 103.1 JON P. GAFFNEY, Desert Sands Unified School District DON LANE, Desert Funding Resources ALEXIS LARSON, Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors Authority KEN NAPPER, Modern Woodmen of America TORY ROGERSON, Costco Wholesale KURT A. SPURGIN, D.C., Advanced Physical Health Center ROBERT F. SYLK, Sylk Casino Group DAVID HOWARD, CHAIR OF THE BOARD Cherokee Homes LEW E. PIPER, CPA, 1ST VICE CHAIR Boseant Piper & Associates CPAs SCOTT BROOKS, 2ND VICE CHAIR JESA Printing LINDA EVANS, SECRETARY John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital PEDRO RINCON, CPA, TREASURER DIANE GLANZ, PRESIDENT/CEO LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2004-2005 MISSION STATEMENT TO PROMOTE AND ENHANCE BUSINESS GROWTH, CIVIC WELL-BEING, AND A SOUND QUALITY OF LIFE. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES CREATING A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY. PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY. PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES. REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF BUSINESSES WITH GOVERNMENT. POLITICAL ACTION. 3 THE GEM MAY 2005 Greetings everyone. What a few busy months we have had and are going to have! I was happy to see many of you at BizNet 2005. What a great success the event was again this year. People were able to sample fare from great restaurants; win what seemed to be an endless supply of prizes; introduce themselves to potential clients; get helpful information; and put a face to our members’ businesses. Many of you also had a chance to feel the incredible energy of our local business environment created by our active members, volunteers and cities. Special thanks to the staff of each Chamber, the volunteers, the sponsors, Cosmo Cappellino, who was chair of the BizNet committee, and our host for the event—Spotlight 29 Casino. And now to other Chamber issues… it’s time to elect Board members. You, as members, have some important business to take care of this month—electing several new board members to a three-year term. Please take time to review the nominees, introduce yourself to them at an event, and get to know them, if possible. All of the nominees deserve our appreciation for their willingness to volunteer and serve on the Board and to represent our membership. Finally, as we approach June’s Installation and Awards Luncheon, I want to personally ask you to take the time to nominate businesses and non-profit organizations this year. You will receive information on how to nominate members who deserve our special appreciation. Having served on this committee, I know it is critical for the committee to receive in-depth input from members concerning their nominees. This detailed information allows the committee to select the best and most deserving candidate for each award. Have a great month. INSTALLATION AND AWARDS LUNCHEON UP NEXT by David Howard Chair, The Chamber Board of Directors DAVID HOWARD CHEROKEE HOMES Editor’s Note: If you want a chance to showcase your business in this Gem column, remember drop your business card in the basket at a monthly mixer. Maybe you’ll win the drawing.Then your company could be featured in the following month’s Gem and then on the Chamber’s Web site (www.lqchamber.com). Automated Telecom is the choice for your mobile communications. Our company has evolved with the wireless communications industry over the past few years and has been Nextel’s choice for nine years. If you want to know which communication services are right for your company, let one of our trained representatives assist you. We want to help you make one of the most important decisions for your business. Toñita Valencia, Sales Executive AUTOMATED TELECOM 73680 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone: 760-272-5064 • Fax: 760-423-0290 • ttvalencia@automatedtelecom.com How Do You Choose An Extraordinary Real Estate Agent? From out of the crowd… Extraordinary Service: Choose an agent who will personally handle your residential sale or purchase, be with you throughout the entire process, and will actually listen to what you want. Extraordinary Clients: Choose an agent whose satisfied clients confidently refer their friends and neighbors. Extraordinary Town: Choose an agent who truly knows the ins-and-outs of a sparkling gem of a city — La Quinta! Your extraordinary experience begins with a call to Jane Angwin. 760.574.6805 Automated Telecom NEW CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY—The Membership Services Committee recently completed the 2005-2006 Membership Directory. The brochure’s cover features a photograph of the newly developed “Old Town La Quinta.” If you did not receive your copy, please call the Chamber. 4 LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lqchamber.com June L. Arden Arden & Arden, Attorneys At Law Jean Baranowski Outsource Bookkeeping Etc. Anne Berman Lund & Guttry LLP, Certified Public Accountants Kim Breech The Power Place Kay Burden Windermere Real Estate Steve Christianson Aavant Bancard/ Transpay USA Dale A. Dodge Dale A. Dodge, CPA Dr. Terry Forward Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Debbie Frazer Mary Kay Cosmetics Jon Glanz Sandhills Mortgage Marshall Hankin La Quinta Compounding Pharmacy Dan Held The Beer Hunter Sports Pub & Grill Ray C. Jones Re/Max Real Estate Consultants Frank Marra Palm Desert Networks Fred Prescott American Realty Concepts After my “new year’s” commandments column, which outlined some behaviors that others might find annoying, some fellow La Quintans wrote me about their favorite “thou shalt nots.” And, it appears our behavior in grocery stores leaves much to be desired. So without further ado…here are some pet peeves about local grocery-store behavior. I know no one reading this indulges in any of these behaviors but, just in case you know someone who does, you can hand them this column! 1.Fudging in the 10-items-or-less line. You knew this had to be at the head of the list. I myself, who am saintly in all situations, have been known to go through the 10-item line with as many as 13. Okay, 14—once. But the lady in the red Bermuda shorts and striped top (you know who you are!) who unloaded 26 items (yes, I counted them) and then wrote a check (!) needs to brush up on her grocery etiquette. 2.Cashing a payroll check in the check-out line, especially without ID and without purchasing so much as a roll of Lifesavers. Stater Bros. is not a bank! 3.Suddenly remembering one last item. As the cashier rings up your final item, you just have to have Orange Marmalade, you know, the kind with the rind, that’s all the way back on Aisle 9, third row from the bottom right. Then leaving the line and taking the bag person with you to find said item and not returning for at least five minutes while the cashier and the other customers count to 10…20…100. 4.Daydreaming when it’s YOUR turn. Standing at the check-out counter— apparently deep in thought about black holes or the meaning of life—and waiting until the cashier gives you the total before you begin looking through your purse for your checkbook. 5.Next-in-line “jumper.” Waiting in line with four shoppers behind you, when a new cashier comes and takes the person behind you first to the next check out. 6.PIN eavesdropping. The person behind you steps up to the counter where you are punching in your debit card’s secret PIN code, in an attempt to rush you along. 7.Spot-in-line protection. Someone in front of you stands next to the grocery cart for a friend or relative who is still shopping, so that by the time the other person returns, there are twice as many items in the cart. Penalty! Go to the back of the line. These are just a few comments from your fellow La Quintan grocery shoppers. Go forth and shop politely, and in the immortal words from “Hill Street Blues,” “be careful out there!” Leslie Lafayette is a chamber member and owner/broker of Lafayette Properties. She lives at PGA West. Her opinions are her own. PLEASE…DON’T CALL IT LA KWINTA by Leslie Lafayette LESLIE LAFAYETTE LET’S BE COURTEOUS WHEN SHOPPING MEMBER BIRTHDAYS FOR MAY MARK YOUR CALENDAR: JUNE 24 for the 2005-2006 INSTALLATION AND AWARDS LUNCHEON Remember to make plans to attend the annual Installation & Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 24, at the La Quinta Resort & Club. At the Luncheon, the Chamber will recognize outstanding members who “go above and beyond the call of duty” in serving the community and their clients. Three types of awards will be presented: Community Service, Business of the Year, and Non-Profit. Mayor Don Adolph will serve as the installing officer for the 2005-2006 Board of Directors, and Craig Michael of A Musical Affair will act as emcee. The event also will include piano music by Steve Berliner. To make a reservation, call the Chamber at 760-564-3199. 5 THE GEM MAY 2005 NEW MEMBER INTROS JASON GOLDSMITH, TARBELL REALTORS “All relationships are based on trust.” — Lou Holtz One of the most important aspects of a successful real-estate relationship is great teamwork. One of the reason’s Jason Goldsmith chose to team with Tarbell Realtors is it is the largest family-owned company in California, founded in 1926. Because of Tarbell’s family of companies, its clients enjoy consistency in the quality of services received, more control over the entire transaction lifecycle, and VIP care. Jason began his career in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a member of Airborne Fire Team Charlie. When returning from Desert Storm, he was honorably discharged. In San Diego he enjoyed a successful 12-year career with a large hospitality firm. He received several Finest Service awards and was selected as one of San Diego’s Top 40 under- 40 executives. Over the past several years, Jason has enjoyed success in the realestate market and has a sincere appreciation for the value of service, trust and accountability. “It is my commitment to you that as a team, our relationship will be successful,” he said. “La Quinta is my home, and I would love to share with you my enthusiasm for its many beautiful neighborhoods.” Jason Goldsmith www.CaliforniasAgent.com 760-604-2720 PAUL VAN VLYMEN, AIR EXPERTS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Paul van Vlymen is owner-operator of Air Experts Air Conditioning & Heating in La Quinta. Paul and his family have lived in La Quinta since 1993, and have seen tremendous growth and demand for air-conditioning and heating services. With 20 years of experience, Air Experts can fulfill your air-conditioning and heating needs. The company specializes in repairs, maintenance and installation. Since he lives in La Quinta, he is able to provide quick response time during the scorching summer months. Air Experts offers you honesty, dependability and competitive prices. Our motto: “Do the job right or don’t do it at all.” Paul Van Vlymen 760-777-1724 ISABEL STEVENS, WOODS REALTY Isabel Stevens, a real-estate consultant with Woods Realty, has 20 years’ experience negotiating successfully for her clients. She assists sellers and also buyers who want to obtain the American dream of home ownership. Isabel provides her clients with current information they need in considering any type of purchase, be it a first home, second home, vacation home, or an income/investment property. Her goal is for clients to feel secure and satisfied with their purchasing decisions. Your questions and inquiries will be answered promptly. Isabel Stevens 760-617-5491 E-mail: isabelstevens@verizon.net Just when you thought we would have a breather between general elections, the rules of the game appear to be changing. The November General Election in the off years (odd numbered years such as 2005) in California have been typically for local elections. This is changing in 2005. You may be aware (and soon will be become very aware) that Governor Schwarzenegger is aggressively pursuing placing three initiatives on the November ballot, if the legislature does not act. The Governor’s initiatives deal with redistricting, education reform and the budgeting process. The legislators have taken a page from the Governor’s handbook, and are promoting several initiatives of their own. The California State Chamber of Commerce has identified nine of these initiatives as “anti-consumer, antismall business and tax increases.” All these proposed initiatives are out for signature. At present, there is one initiative qualified for the November ballot and 65 initiatives out for signature…with seven pending with the Attorney General’s office, for titling and preparation of initiative summary. After a proposed initiative has been issued a title and initiative summary by the Attorney General’s office (about a 60-day process), the initiative’s proponent has five months to gather signatures. For an initiative to qualify for the ballot, it requires between 373,816 and 598,105 signatures, depending on whether it is a statute initiative (new law) or constitutional amendment initiative. It’s going to be a busy November. LEGISLATIVE REPORT by Mark Harner Chair, Legislative Committee MARK HARNER PACIFIC WESTERN BANK BIZNET: FOOD FOR THOUGHT ...continued from page 1 roads and traffic, schools, police and fire. He added: “The service industry is in horrible shape. If we can't service people, they will take their business elsewhere. Training our people, graduating them (from high school), and developing them so we truly have a strong economic engine is critical to our success.” While CVEP is focused on attracting new industries, Nickerson described one of the Valley’s oldest: agriculture. “Last year, (Valley agriculture) generated $600 million in produce sales alone from the area's four basic segments: dates, grapes, citrus, and fruits and vegetables.” Nickerson ended his comments with this promise: “The industry that used to be the engine of our economy will continue to be a resourceful, resilient and productive contributor to our growing economy.” Additionally, many in the audience seemed to be interested in Weintraub’s plans to revamp the Indio Fashion Mall. He said: “There is enormous demand for retail and multi-family living (in Indio). We propose the Indio Fashion Mall site be a ‘mixed-use’ development. We want to establish a center for the city (there), and create critical mass through housing to attract businesses and restaurants.” He envisions a “day and night environment” and said he plans to build new residences at the Mall above retail shops, “like a European town.” At the end of the Symposium, numerous attendees approached the speakers’ dais to ask questions and discuss issues in more detail. The Business Showcase opened immediately after the Symposium. Editor's Note: For more information about BizNet 2005, see Cos Cappellino’s column on page 7. To Patricia Walsh and Chamber Staff: Thank you so much for all your help. My first event was the breakfast at Kristina’s in the Cove. I had a chance to meet so many great people. Loretta from JESA Printing has been a huge help in getting my marketing going, along with Mark Anderson of Anderson Mailing. I have obtained embroidery jobs from that meeting and the Chamber members, and would like to thank them: Paul van Vlymen, Air Experts; Bill Branson, Dyson & Dyson; Melinda Law, Precious-N-Purrfect Pet Sitting. I look forward to meeting more members at future functions. Sincerely, Mary Cummins Phoebe’s Custom Embroidery M A I L B A G M A I L B A G 6 LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lqchamber.com The ultimate spa destination GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA *Valid Monday-Thursday, through May 26, 2005. Based on availability and not valid on holidays or in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Some black out dates may apply. Gratuities not included. We've Got Your Mother's Day Shopping All Wrapped Up. 50-Minute La Quinta Custom Massage and Desert Healing Water Treatment of Choice Desert Experience $130* 760-777-4800 LaQuintaResort.com Mother's Day Gift Certificates 760-564-4111 laquintaresort.com/gift/giftcard.asp 7 THE GEM MAY 2005 BizNet 2005 & Symposium was a HUGE SUCCESS…and, it was because of the support of the member businesses of the La Quinta, Indio and Coachella Chambers of Commerce. Many thanks to BizNet Committee members for doing such an outstanding job organizing a tremendously successful event. I’d like to recognize them: Beth AllanBentley, The Desert Sun; Maureen Byrne, Dyson & Dyson/MGM Group; Margit Chiriaco-Rusche, Coachella Chamber; Patricia Duarte, Ad Your Imprint; Ruth Finholt, La Quinta Chamber; Diane Glanz, La Quinta Chamber; Deborah Halbert, Indio Chamber; Mark Harner, Pacific Western Bank; Janie Hurtado, Indio Chamber; Sherry Johnson, Indio Chamber; John Kirkpatrick, Eaton-Kirk Advertising; Roger Perris, American Home Mortgage; Sandy Polimeros, Spotlight 29 Casino; and Lorie Williams, City of Coachella. BizNet has become the benchmark for business showcases in the Coachella Valley. The Symposium speakers were superb and spawned several newspaper articles, including in The Desert Sun and The Public Record, with regard to Valley growth. Each year, BizNet grows—it showcases more businesses, more restaurants and provides more contacts for attendees and the showcased Chamber members. The Showcase itself was a sellout, and booth spaces were added to accommodate increased demand for exhibitor space. A survey of Symposium attendees indicate that they were extremely pleased with the speakers’ effectiveness, knowledge and enthusiasm. Also, we talked to a few Showcase participants and here's what they had to say: Debbie Fink of Danmer Shutters: “For our first business-to-business expo here in the Valley, I felt we got as many qualified leads in two and one-half hours as we get in a business-to-consumer expo over two or three days. I will definitely participate next year, and come up with some business-tobusiness incentives to go along with the discounts we offered this year.” Doug Holmes, owner of PJ’s Desert Trophies, said: “We were very pleased. We got a good turnout and a lot of good contacts. We think it brought us a fair amount of business. This is our second time, and we will do it again next year.” Downey Savings executive Caryl Williams said: “BizNet is a wonderful and fun way to interact with East Valley businesses and promote your own. We look forward to it every year.” After a few weeks of wrapping up 2005 details, we’ll be looking for committee members to organize BizNet 2006. If you're interested in being on the committee for one of the Coachella Valley's most important business events, call the Chamber at 564-3199. BIZNET2005 REPORT by Cosmo Cappellino Chair, BizNet Committee COSMO CAPPELLINO KEZN-FM, EZ-103.1 NEW CHAMBER STAFF ADDED ...continued from page 1 one does. It’s really easy to be an advocate for and ‘sell’ this Chamber.” When residents, visitors or new business owners visit the Chamber office, the first person they’ll see is Whitener, who joined as receptionist in March. She succeeds Sherry Scribner, who took a position at a local business that is a Chamber member. Whitener, who was born and raised in Indio, lives in La Quinta with her 14-year-old daughter Rebecca. She has held various administrative positions in the Valley throughout her career. “I really like working here at the Chamber,” she said. “The people that work here are just great. Also, I like meeting the public and being able to tell visitors all the wonderful things about La Quinta—to share with them the great things to see and do here.” Dear LaLa, Thank you very much for the referral. The La Quinta Chamber’s staff has been such a great help in keeping our business running. We are so grateful for all your support and services that you provide to us and our community. Sincerely, Stacey Tilton Tilton Computers (T) 760-777-4338 (E-mail) info@tiltoncomputers.com www.tiltoncomputers.com M A I L B A G M A I L B A G 8 LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lqchamber.com March Mixer Breakfast Network Ribbon-Cutting On April 10, 2005, the new SilverHawk Apartments in La Quinta held its official ribboncutting ceremony. Pictured with Chamber CEO Diane Glanz (left to right) are SilverHawk executives: Shawn Conerty, controller; Patrick Antrim Jr., director of property management; and Victor Mahony, CFO. Several ambassadors and members also helped celebrate the SilverHawk opening. From left to right are: Member Clint Miller, Security Home Loans; Ambassadors Zsuzsana Pheil (ValPak), Trish Duarte (Ad Your Imprint), Brianne Maurer (Residence Inn by Marriott), Jean Dahl (associate member), and Greg Ferguson (New York Life); Board Member Tory Rogerson, Costco; and Member Holly Haas, Costco. A large crowd attended the March mixer, a joint event with the Indio Chamber that was held at Martha’s Village & Kitchen in Indio. Gloria Gomez (left) and Claudia Castorena (right), Martha’s Village co-founders, are thanked by Chamber CEO Diane Glanz. Anne Ylonen, of Photo La Quinta, won the Sonicare prize from Dr. William Hoolihan of Smile Artistry, who sponsored the March 2005 Breakfast Network. The meeting drew around 100 people and was held at Kristina’s in the Cove. 9 THE GEM MAY 2005 May means school is almost out and summer is almost here so, as you drive around town, watch out for an increased number of children crossing streets and playing in parks. Also, don’t forget to make reservations early to take Mom out to eat on Mother’s Day, May 8, at one of the many fine restaurants the City offers. May also brings Memorial Day, declared a legal holiday by Congress in 1971, which is observed annually on the last Monday in May in honor of the nation’s armed services personnel killed in wartime. City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of the holiday. Highlights of recent activities in and around the City are listed below. If you have any questions about any of these items, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 777-7100. • A Certificate of Occupancy has been issued for: Goodyear Tire store (Wal-Mart Supercenter); Cold Stone Creamery (Point Happy); Bobby J’s and Louise’s Pantry restaurants (east side of Washington near Avenue 47); and Thai Smile restaurant (One Eleven Center). • Sign Applications/Permits were submitted for Maxcy’s Grill and Party-Time (Wal-Mart Supercenter). • Site development permit has been submitted for a Wendy’s (NE corner of La Quinta Drive & Auto Centre Drive); site development permit filed by Costco for a 149,850 square-foot building, including a 4-island gas station and 85,000 square feet of commercial pad buildings on a 26.86-acre site (on Jefferson south of Highway 111). • Staff has performed more than 7,800 building inspections through the first quarter of 2005. • The Community Services Department has been working with the president of the La Quinta Sports and Youth Association to prepare for the upcoming baseball season. Recent work at the Sports Complex and La Quinta Park fields included cutting and cleaning infields, ordering and installing clay, and cutting away oleander bushes from the fence along the wash. • The library is still on track for a July 1 opening date. • Ford Motor Co. recently changed its coloring of standard police cruisers to black with four white doors (previously, the front two doors were white). This necessitated a modification of the City logo that will be placed on the new cruisers as they are brought into service. SILVERROCK RESORT ACTIVITIES • The multi-purpose trail and sidewalk along Jefferson Street are nearly complete; and construction of the trail and sidewalk has begun along Avenue 54. The maintenance building is nearing completion. • Play has been averaging 100-120 rounds during the week and 140-160 rounds on weekends, with approximately 50-percent play by residents and 50-percent by non-residents. • The first hole-in-one was hit on March 10 by Shawn Burke on the 8th hole, a 100- yard par 3. Congratulations, Shawn! • The SCGA handicap computer has been installed, allowing golfers to secure their handicaps and post scores. As residents of the City of La Quinta, you are fortunate to have two skate parks for families to enjoy. However, we have been experiencing numerous incidents where children are entering the skate park unsupervised. Any person under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult/parent. This is so that the parent or supervising person can assume full responsibility for the person using the skate park. The La Quinta Police Department would also like to encourage all skate-park users to wear all of the proper safety equipment, including a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads. This is to assist in the prevention of injuries. Also, as a reminder, NO BIKES ARE ALLOWED! The park was not designed for bike use, which can be very dangerous when mixed with skateboarders. Any violation of the posted rules and regulations is an infraction and is punishable according to the provisions of La Quinta Municipal Code 11.96.020. The police department will be conducting periodic spot checks to insure that users are in compliance and citations may be issued at that time. If you have any further questions regarding the La Quinta Skate parks and citations issued by the Police Department, please contact Deputy Heather Olsen at (760) 863-8950. LA QUINTA SKATE PARKS www.la-quinta.org City Scene By Deputy Heather Olsen, La Quinta Police Department FROM THE CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE CITY NOTES Calendar City May 3 City Council 3:00 p.m. May 9 Community Services Commission 7:00 p.m. May 10 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. May 11 Investment Advisory Board 5:30 p.m. May 12 Cultural Arts Commission 7:00 p.m. May 14 Concert Under The Stars 6:30 p.m. May 17 City Council 3:00 p.m. May 19 Historic Preservation Commission 3:30 p.m. May 24 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will be held at the Civic Center. Residents and others interested in attending any of the above meetings are encouraged to contact City Hall at 777-7000 to confirm dates and times of meetings. General Information: 777-7000 Building and Safety: 777-7019 Building Permits: 777-7012 Building Inspection Requests: 777-7153 Code Enforcement: 777-7050 Animal Control: 777-7050 City Clerk’s Office: 777-7025 City Manager’s Office: 777-7100 Community Development: 777-7125 Community Services: 777-7090 Finance: 777-7150 Public Works: 777-7075 Senior Center: 564-0096 Job Hotline: 777-7124 Street Sweeping Hotline: 777-7104 Graffiti Hotline: 777-7095 Pet Hotline: 777-7049 Shopping Cart Hotline: 1-800-252-4613 INTERNET/WEB SITE: www.la-quinta.org CITY HALL PHONE NUMBERS MAY 2005 10 LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lqchamber.com SILVERROCK RESORT PROJECT UPDATE Golfers Take in the Full SilverRock Experience Taking advantage of the gorgeous weather, Valley residents and visitors are enjoying wonderful golf play at the Arnold Palmer Classic Course. Yet you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the SilverRock experience. Golfers and non-golfers can now enjoy warm, delicious meals cooked in the newly-renovated kitchen at the SilverRock Retreat & Clubhouse. And they can take a little bit of SilverRock with them by visiting the pro shop. It’s filled with a variety of SilverRock items such as shirts, caps, glassware, and beautiful framed photography. “We are thrilled that people can now enjoy the full gamut of the golf experience,” said Randy Duncan, Head Golf Professional at SilverRock Resort. “Now they can come out and play a challenging round of golf and then sit down for a delicious meal on the patio while they watch the sun set behind the mountains. It’s really a luxurious experience.” La Quinta residents can enjoy this luxury for a fraction of the cost of a standard greens fee. La Quinta residents may purchase a Resident Card for $15 at the Community Services Department at La Quinta City Hall. The cards are being issued by appointment only. To make an appointment or to obtain more information about qualifying for and purchasing a La Quinta Resident Card, please call the Community Services Department at 760-777-7090 or go to www.SilverRock.org to download an informational brochure. And beyond golf-related activity at the SilverRock Resort site—the Redevelopment Agency Board recently approved an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with DDC Desert Development, which is the first step towards potential development of a hotel, a boutique hotel, and “casitas parcels” at SilverRock Resort. As part of the ENA process, there will be several public meetings, where community members and the Agency Board can provide input and ideas. Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at La Quinta City Hall.If you are interested in attending a meeting, please check the City’s website at www.la-quinta.org (you may review City Council and Redevelopment Agency agendas under City Clerk Department). The Arnold Palmer Classic Course, spearheaded by the City of La Quinta’s Redevelopment Agency, is the first undertaking of the SilverRock Resort project, which will eventually include high-end hotels, retail shopping, a second golf course, a permanent clubhouse, perimeter trails, and much more. To reserve tee times at the Arnold Palmer Classic Course, call 888-600-7272. For more information about the SilverRock Resort project, go to www.SilverRock.org or call 760-777-7035. LA QUINTA SENIOR CENTER MAY 2005 SCHEDULE City Scene MONDAYS 8:30 AM PUTTING (FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH) 9:00 AM EXERCISE CLASS 9:00 AM EXPERIENCED RUG HOOKING 9:00 AM KNITTING GUILD (FIRST MONDAY) 9:00 AM FREE IID ENERGY ASSIST. (BY APPT) 10:15 AM HATHA YOGA 12:15 PM DUPLICATE BRIDGE 12:30 PM SOCIAL BRIDGE TUESDAYS 9:00 AM WATERCOLOR LESSONSBEGINNING 9:00 AM HI-CAP (MAY10, ONLY) 9:00 AM CPR/FIRST AID (MAY 17, ONLY) 10:00 AM DOG TRAINING BEGINNING 10:00 AM GOLDEN TONES REHEARSAL 11:00 AM COMPUTER TUTOR (BY APPT) 11:30 AM DOG TRAININGINTERMEDIATE 1:00 PM ARTS & CRAFTS (FREE) 1:00 PM HEARING (MAY 17) 2:00 PM BRIDGE– INTERMEDIATE - DEFENSE 2:45 PM TAP DANCE - BEGINNING 3:00 PM ARTHRITIS TAI CHI 3:45 PM TAP DANCE – INTERMEDIATE WEDNESDAYS 8:30 AM BRIDGE - ADVANCED 9:00 AM EXERCISE CLASS 9:00 AM SKETCHING/ DRAWING CLASS 10:15 AM BRIDGE –BEG/INT. PLAY OF HAND 10:15 AM HATHA YOGA 12:30 PM ACBL BRIDGE THURSDAYS 8:30AM BRIDGE –ADVANCED 11:00 AM COMPUTER TUTOR (FEE/BY APPT.) 12:45 PM BALLROOM DANCE - BEGINNING 1:00 PM “QUILTERS FOR GOOD TIMES”(FREE) 1:30 PM MOVIE TIME (FREE) 1:45 PM BALLROOM DANCE –ADVANCED 3:30 PM BALLROOM DANCE - INTERMEDIATE 3:30 PM TAI CHI FRIDAYS 9:00 AM EXERCISE CLASS 9:00 AM BEG. RUG HOOKING (MAY 13 & 20 ONLY) 9:30 AM LEGAL COUNSEL (MAY 26 ONLY) 10:15 AM PILATES CLASS 10:30 AM FOOD DISTRIBUTION (FREE) 11:00 AM COMPUTER TUTOR (FEE/BY APPT.) 12:15 PM DUPLICATE BRIDGE 12:30 PM SOCIAL BRIDGE 12:30 PM COACHELLA VALLEY WOODCARVERS(FREE) COMPUTER CLASSES Hands-on classes include: Intro to the Computer, Internet Classes, Word Processing, Scanning, Photo Editing, Digital Photography, Printshop, and Laptops, plus many other computer classes. Call for more information SPECIAL EVENTS DESSERT COMPETITION LUNCHEON Thursday, May 16, 11:30 a.m. Good food, entertainment, and friendly conversation! Reservations are required. Fee $4.00. Monday, May 2, 8:30 a.m. FREE Putting Contest—prizes and fun! Thursday, May 19 FREE Medicare and Insurance Counseling with Naomi Bateman. Appointments are required. Thurs. & Fri., May 19 & 20, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. AARP Driver Safety Program. Cost is $10.00 per person. Pre-registration is required. Thursday, May 26, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Free Legal Consultation with Attorney David Grossman. Appointment is required. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, in May, 7:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. Mixed Doubles Tennis at Fritz Burns Park If you would like to participate call the Senior Center for details. Reservations required. LA QUINTA SENIOR CENTER 78-450 AVENIDA LA FONDA (760) 564-0096 The La Quinta Senior Center provides these opportunities as a service and does not endorse or recommend any service or business. Services rendered are the responsibility of the provider and the providee. Golfers enjoy a bite to eat and the view at the SilverRock clubhouse. The Pro Shop offers a variety of golf wear with the SilverRock insignia. 11 THE GEM MAY 2005 City Scene EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES SPECIAL EVENTS CONCERT UNDER THE STARS The Youth Mariachi Foundation and Fiesta Mexicana will perform at this entertaining event at the Civic Center Campus outdoor amphitheatre. A free musical event for the entire family! Date: Saturday, May 14 Time: 6:30 PM Place: La Quinta Civic Center (78-495 Calle Tampico) Cost: FREE OPEN MIC NIGHT #150204 For those who like to share poetry, songs, ad-lib, impersonations, rap, and more. This is your chance to express your talent. Performers will compete for prizes; give-away raffle for spectator, too. No outside food or drinks, please. Date: Friday, June 17 Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM Place: Coffee Break Café (78900 Avenue 47 Suite #100, behind the Target shopping center) Cost: $2.00 pre-register at City Hall or $4.00 at the door Ages: 13 through 18 years old Individuals or bands interested in performing should call the Community Services Department at 777-7026 by June 10. LA QUINTA SUMMER GOLF TOUR Advanced and novice golfers alike will enjoy the annual La Quinta Golf Tour, and have the opportunity to play some of the finest courses in the Coachella Valley! Enjoy excellent rates, the best tee times, fabulous greens, drawing prizes, points for prizes, and the overall grand prize to be presented to teams and singles during the awards banquet at the end of the tour. Register in either the two-person team or individual division. Divisions will compete separately. All tee times are Saturday mornings. The cost per player is a one-time registration fee of $50.00. Greens fees are separate, and include cart rental. Guests are welcome to participate for a fee of $10.00 per week, plus greens fees. Tournament play and point accrual begins June 11. Handicaps will be adjusted weekly beginning with your first round of golf. Those players with registered handicaps are required to notify staff at time of registration and must show proof of handicap with a Southern California Golf Association card. Both teams and individuals will be broken into flights. Reservations for tee times must be made by Wednesday 5:00 PM of each week by calling 777-7090. Please, no calls for tee times until Monday, June 6 at 8:00 AM. Proper attire and soft spikes are mandatory at each course. Greens Fees are paid weekly at each course before your tee time! Tee times are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis. Players have the opportunity to choose a flight and a competition category (team & single play). Handicaps will be adjusted on a weekly basis. You must stay in your handicap flight through the duration of the tour. If you do not have an established handicap, one will be established for you after your first round of golf. Golfers that have a Southern California Golf Association Handicap may use that handicap for the first round only. Flights will allow you to compete with golfers of your same ability. The registration deadline is Monday, June 6, 2005! Late registration will be accepted (if space remains) at $65.00 per person. This summer the golf tour will be limited to the first 100 registered participants. The La Quinta Summer Golf Tour fills quickly, so do not delay. Please contact the Community Services Department at 777-7090 for more information. FACILITY RENTAL INFORMATION Looking for the perfect spot to hold your next birthday party or family barbecue? Well, La Quinta has two beautiful parks available—La Quinta Park and Fritz Burns Park. Park rentals include the usage of the covered pavilion areas only. Park reservations include one, 4-hour block of time for a fee of $50.00 with an additional $50.00 deposit. Time reserved must include set-up and clean up time. Once the application and fees are accepted, staff is scheduled to secure the rental area and report to the renter at the beginning and the end of the rental time frame. Your deposit will be returned providing the area is left clean and undamaged. If you are planning a party with an inflatable bounce house, you must first submit an application for reservation at either Fritz Burns Park or the La Quinta Park. Your request must detail the date, time, type of function, number of attendees, and the company’s name supplying the jumper. Bounce Houses may only be rented from one of the insured companies listed by the City of La Quinta. Looking for a place to have a wedding, reception, party or community event? The picturesque Civic Center Campus has a gazebo and an amphitheater, which makes an ideal setting for outdoor events. Also available is the La Quinta Senior Center, which has a large MultiPurpose Room and kitchen for groups of up to 200 people. Please call 777-7090 for more information. All reservations are made by applying in person at City Hall. Total payment of fees and deposits are due at the time of application. No Exceptions! 12 LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lqchamber.com BRIDGE ADVANCED Instructor Pat Riensche is teaching an 8-week session of advanced play and conventions. Continues through May 11, from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. $80 per session and $12 per class drop-in fee. Textbook is $15. Seating is limited. BRIDGE: BEGINNING INTERMEDIATE: PLAY OF THE HAND Instructor Pat Riensche teaches techniques on “play of the hand” plus reviews bidding and defense. Continues on Wednesdays through May 11 from 10:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. $96 per session and $15 per class drop-in fee. Textbook is $15. Seating is limited. BEGINNING RUG HOOKING Learn the “old” art of hand-hooked rugs using 100-percent wool strips. Create your own rugs, wall hangings, mats, and more. Instructor Janelle Leslie teaches the basics of the art, design, dyeing and color. Classes will be Fridays, May 13 and May 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. $40 per session plus a material fee based on supplies needed. A complimentary class for new students is offered on May 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PILATES Come and join Instructor Sally Marshall and learn the “Pilates Method” of body conditioning. This is a unique system of strengthening and stretching exercises developed by Joseph Pilates more than 90 years ago. It improves posture, provides flexibility and balance, and creates a more streamlined shape. Suitable for everyone, even those with medical conditions and injuries. The 4-week session begins Friday, May 6, through May 27, from 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m. $20 per 4-week session or $8 per class drop-in fee. INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPUTER This class is a two-hour, hands-on introduction for those with little or no computer experience. Learn to turn on the machine, open a program, and use the keyboard and the mouse. Basic computer terms and vocabulary will be covered. May 4, from noon to 2 p.m. $30. Reservations required. INTRODUCTION TO WORD PROCESSING Level 1: This session uses Microsoft Works® software, which includes a simple word-processing program. We will create, print and save a letter using the computer to correct errors, change or add text and check spelling. Wednesday, May 11, from noon to 2 p.m. Fee $30 per class. Level 2: A two-hour session using Microsoft Works®, for students who wish to continue beyond the introductory class. We will create, save and print a document, using the computer to make text bold and underlined; move, copy and paste paragraphs; change the size and style of type to create an interesting format. Beginners should take the Introduction to Word Processing class as a prerequisite to this class. The class is scheduled for May 18 from noon to 2 p.m. $30.00. Reservations required. PHOTO EDITING 1 A two-hour lesson using Adobe PhotoShop Elements to prepare photos for storage, e-mail and printing. Learn to acquire photos from various sources (i.e. scanners, digital cameras or disks); crop and size a photo; correct brightness, contrast, and color balance. We will discuss which file type to use for saving images, how to reduce resolution for e-mail, and how to print images economically on photo paper. May 9, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. $30. Reservations required. The La Quinta Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. LA QUINTA SENIOR CENTER NEWSLETTER HATHA YOGA CLASS Learn the techniques and principles for unifying the body, mind, and spirit through the ancient eastern practice of Hatha Yoga. Instructor Jaime Carlo-Casella will teach you how to perform yoga postures, breathing, visualization, sounds, and meditation to increase flexibility, strength, vitality and peace. Appropriate for all levels. The 4-week session is April 25 through May 18, and will meet every Monday and Wednesday from 10:15 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Fee: $60 per 4-week session or $10 per class drop-in fee. TAI CHI Tai Chi is a slow moving exercise that can improve flexibility, coordination and balance as well as increase strength, stamina and energy. Instructor Noel Pittman has studied Tai Chi for more than 25 years. You will learn to increase your confidence and concentration. Thursdays, May 26 until June 23, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fee: $40 per 5-week session. Drop in fee is $12. There is a complimentary class May 19. ARTHRITIS TAI CHI This class has been designed and modified by doctors and Tai Chi experts for people with any sort of physical disabilities. (See basic Tai Chi description above.) Instructor Noel Pittman beginner’s class will run Tuesday, May 24 through June 21, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fee: $50 per 5-week session or $12 drop-in fee. A complimentary class for new students is offered the week of May 16. TAP DANCE CLASS Instructor Lorna Thompson offers beginning and intermediate tap-dance lessons. In the Beginners class, you will learn all the steps including the shim-sham buffalo, times step, etc. The Intermediate class is for those who have had previous tapping experience and want to explore new steps and routines. The 4-week sessions run Tuesday, May 17 through June 7. The Beginning class will meet from 2:45 – 3:45 p.m., and the Intermediate class will meet from 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Fee: $30 per 4-week session or $10 drop-in fee. SKETCHING/ DRAWING CLASS Instructor Kathy Dunham, a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists, Coachella Valley Watercolor Society and Watercolor West, will teach a 4-week session on technique, the elements of design, composition and layout using pencils, charcoal and ink. Class meets on Wednesdays April 20 through May 11 from 9 a.m. - noon. Fee: $60 for 4 weeks or $17 dropin fee. Supplies list will be discussed at the first meeting. BRIDGE INTERMEDIATE BRIDGE-DEFENSE Instructor Pat Riensche is teaching an 8-week session that reviews bidding and play, along with instruction on how to defend. The class continues through May 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. $96.00 per session and $15 per class drop-in fee. Plus $5 book fee. Seating is limited. 13 THE GEM MAY 2005 Cherokee Homes—(left) La Quinta Chamber Chair David Howard, Cherokee Homes, took time out from his Chamber duties to staff his company’s booth at BizNet 2005. Rabobank—(right) Vicki Bobbitt, Rabobank customer service manager in Palm Desert, and Jucival Dosantos, branch manager in Indio, greeted visitors at their busy booth. Rabobank (formerly Valley Independent Bank) sponsored the BizNet Symposium. (See article page 1.) Waste Management—Long-time Chamber member Deborah McGarrey, municpal marketing manager (center), and Jennifer Solciccioli, sales rep, staffed the Waste Management booth at the BizNet Showcase—offering information on recycling, plus free cookies. BizNet Committee—BizNet 2005 was organized by a team of area businesspeople from three Chambers (left to right): Beth Allan-Bentley, The Desert Sun; Patricia Duarte, Ad Your Imprint; Deborah Halbert, Indio Chamber; Diane Glanz, La Quinta Chamber; Sherry Johnson, Indio Chamber; Roger Perris, American Home Mortgage; Sandy Polimeros, Spotlight 29 Casino; John Kirkpatrick, Eaton-Kirk Advertising; Chair Cos Cappellino, KEZN Radio; Margit Chiriaco-Rusche, Coachella Chamber; Mark Harner, Pacific Western Bank; Janie Hurtado, Indio Chamber; Maureen Byrne, Dyson & Dyson/MGM Group; and Ruth Finholt, La Quinta Chamber. Not pictured: Lorie Williams, City of Coachella. JFK Hospital—Non-profit organizations, such as JFK Hospital and the Boy Scouts, also exhibited at the Showcase. JFK staff—Felice Chiapperini, JFK marketing manager (left) and Esteban Gutierrez, outreach coordinator —provided information on the hospital and its services. Kristina’s—Kristina’s in the Cove employees Monica Martin,officer manager, and Chef John Schumaker, enjoyed serving delicious pot roast and garlic mashed potatoes. COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE Contact: Tony Serva, 760-408-2067 Senior Discount (buyers or sellers). Call Tony Serva for information. Reduced commission for selling a property through Tony Serva. DANMER CUSTOM SHUTTERS Contact: Debbie Fink, 760-771-4002 Free molding upgrade. INNOVATIVE MULTIMEDIA ENTERTAINMENT Contact: Gary Reeves, 760-369-6565 10 percent off any event-planning or management services, excludes labor and rental costs. LE MIRAGE SALON AND DAY SPA Contact: Tammy Bigelow, 760-564-7915 10 percent off any service or product. 5-percent additional any time. THE CHAMBER IS WORKING TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION IN THIS VALUABLE MEMBER-TO-MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAM. “We enthusiastically encourage member companies—and their employees— to frequent Chamber members that offer these discounts,” said Robert Sylk, chair of the Membership Services Committee. To make the pot a little sweeter, the Chamber will provide the first 25 Member-to-Member cards to a company’s employees FREE. Additional cards will be provided at a nominal fee of 25 cents each. To obtain these cards for your employees, call the Chamber at 564-3199. 14 LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lqchamber.com MEMBER-TO-MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAM COOL IT! Do you need air conditioning repair, installation, or maintenance? Call Air Experts, La Quinta’s very own in-town, quick-response, A/C and Heating professional. With more than two decades of experience, Air Experts reputation has been built by client recommendations. If you use us, you’ll understand why. (760) 777-1724 15 THE GEM MAY 2005 Animal Samaritans “Jammin’ for the Animals,” a fundraiser for Animal Samaritans SPCA, is 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2005, at Augusta Restaurant, 73-951 El Paseo Drive, Palm Desert. At 11 a.m., brunch will be served and a fashion show presented, followed by a live jam session at 12:30 p.m. The event also will feature a live auction and raffle. During the fashion show, designer clothing from Troy’s will be modeled by members of the Animal Samaritans SPCA's Angels for Animals Auxiliary. Three Dogs Bakery will provide treats for the models’ dogs, and Ritzi Rover Pet Grooming will dress the animals in outfits that match those of the models. The models will wear jewelry from Denise Robergé. The jam session will feature such well-known desert entertainers as Bill Marx and Tibor Lesko, Carole Hampton, and Johnny Meza and Lola Rossi. Joey English will act as master of ceremonies and auctioneer. Tickets are $150 per person, and tables of four, six, eight and 10 are available. Tickets for the Jammin’ session only are $50 per person. For reservations and information, please call 760-343-3477, ext. 303. Founded in 1978, Animal Samaritans SPCA is a non-profit welfare organization with a“nokill” shelter, low cost spay/neuter/vaccination services, animal adoption and education programs. Ewing Builders CDS Construction, a commercial and residential general contractor in the Valley, recently created a new brand identity—Ewing Builders—and moved into new corporate offices in Palm Desert. The company is named for its principal partner, Brian Ewing. According to its press release, Ewing Builders “has seen its business grow steadily, increasing gross volume each year, and expanding personnel to over 25 permanent employees. Over the last nine months, Ewing Builders has completed over 60,000 square feet of commercial construction in the valley, including Marshall’s, PetSmart, Louise’s Pantry Restaurant (a 3,575 sq. ft. restaurant that opened in March), Payless Shoes, and Golf Etc., along with 16 custom homes currently under construction in Palm Springs.” In a separate news release, Ewing Builders said it is nearing completion of another La Quinta restaurant—Bobbie J’s Barbeque. Brian Ewing serves on the board of directors of the Building Industry AssociationDesert Chapter, and co-founder Lisa Bailey serves as vice president of the Desert Contractors Association. Granite Construction Co. Granite Construction Co. recently announced two staff changes: Mark Cole was promoted to Southern California Region employee development leader and Matt Seehawer was promoted to project manager of an Indian Wells Village project (sewer main lines and storm drains). Cole had been Granite’s structures superintendent. He will assume his new duties on June 1, 2005. Married with two children, Cole has worked on several Granite projects, including Pala Road, the Bonsall Bridge and the I-15 Baker project. Seehawer started work for Granite in 2005. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering management from Oregon State, and is working on obtaining a master’s degree. He lives in Yucca Valley with his wife and two sons. In other news, Jay McQuillen Jr., Granite Southern California branch manager, was named to the Oregon State University Academy of Distinguished Engineers. The program, established in 1998, honors outstanding Oregon State alumni for their contributions to the engineering profession and the university. McQuillen earned a master’s degree there while teaching courses in construction engineering management. A registered professional engineer, he started his Granite career as a project engineer in 1986, and now oversees Granite operations in five counties. In early March, Granite Construction announced a quarterly cash dividend of $.10 per common share, payable April 15, 2005 for stockholders of record on March 31, 2005. Granite is one of the nation’s largest diversified heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Law Offices of Dale S. Gribow Attorney Dale Gribow was recently selected for 2005 Leadership Coachella Valley. Since moving to the Valley, he was named 2004 “Man of the Year” by the City of Palm Desert, and has been president of several charities. While living in the Los Angeles area, he was named “Man of the Year” six times, and Beverly Hills and Los Angeles declared “Dale S. Gribow Day” four times. Mas Entertainment Mas Entertainment, a La Quinta-based television-production company, performed principal photography on a 30-minute television program, “Desert Styles,” that aired on Time Warner Cable in April. The show is hosted by Robi Anderson and was produced and directed by Thomas Vito. Shot entirely in the Valley, the segment was about local Linda Sullivan receiving a makeover. Other area organizations involved were: Dot at The Gardens on El Paseo (wardrobe); Dr. Mark Sofonio, a plastic surgeon in Rancho Mirage; the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa (full day of spa treatments); Karl Vasquez (hair cut and coloring); and Kitty St. Amand of Younger by Tonight (make-up application). Beth Smith of Haleiwa Joe’s in Rancho Mirage arranged dinner for the cast and crew. Mas Entertainment has begun pre-production on the next segment, featuring a man’s makeover. Rabobank On April 6, 2005, Valley Independent Bank (VIB), a subsidiary of Rabobank International, announced that the United States Comptroller of the Currency had approved its application to convert to a national banking charter. The change became effective Monday, April 4, when VIB officially changed its name to Rabobank, National Association (Rabobank, N.A.). VIB was previously chartered in the state of California. Rabobank is a global financial services leader providing institutional and retail banking and agricultural finance solutions in key markets around the world. Rancho La Quinta Country Club Joan Bardwell recently joined the Rancho La Quinta Country Club Resale Division as a broker associate. Previously, she was a broker associate with Dyson & Dyson. She has more than 30 years’ experience in California real estate. According to a press release: “Of the $20 million in real estate she sold in 2004, a high percentage were Rancho La Quinta Country Club homes.” Bardwell moved to the desert in 1999 from Morgan Hill, Calif., following a real-estate career in the Bay area. She was twice nominated Realtor of the Year, and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award in 2000. She also served as an executive board member of the local board of realtors. A graduate of San Jose State University, she has held her realtor’s license since 1973 and her broker’s license since 1981. Soroptimist of La Quinta-Coachella Valley This service organization will host its annual “Making a Difference for Women” luncheon noon on Thurs., May 5, at the Hyatt Grand Champions Hotel in Indian Wells The event will honor Dr. Maria Sheehan, president of College of Desert. The annual award is given to an outstanding woman in the community whose work has made a difference in the lives of other women. According to Anne Harpenau: “Dr. Sheehan’s contribution to education as instructor, counselor and administrator has been invaluable to both the colleges she has served and the students that have benefited from her innovative new programs and leadership.” Tickets are $40. To make a reservation, call Bev Montgomery at 760-564-3317. MEMBER NEWS 16 LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lqchamber.com SBA Workshop for Small Businesses The SCORE and the Small Business Administration are offering a “Business Plans and Finance” Workshop, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thurs., May 19, 2005, at the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. $20. Location: 3985 University Ave., Riverside. Reservations: 951-652-4390 Pursuing Four-Day Workweek The California Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring legislation to permit individual workers and their employers to mutually agree to a four-day workweek. In a newsletter, the Chamber says the bill, AB 640, will help employees achieve greater flexibility in work schedules and will give employers the ability to be more responsive to employee work/life needs. In California, current law requires that overtime compensation be paid for work performed by an employee in excess of 8 hours in a single day, regardless of whether the employee works fewer than 40 hours in that week. Income & Spending Increased in February According to an Associated Press March 31, 2005, article, Americans' incomes rose by 0.3 percent in February while consumer spending climbed by 0.5 percent, based on a Federal Government report. The article continues:“The Commerce Department said the gain in spending followed a much smaller 0.1 percent increase in January and reflected the fact that auto sales rebounded last month after having fallen in January. The 0.3 percent rise in incomes was attributed to a surge of 262,000 new jobs in February, the biggest increase in four months. Further solid gains in both incomes and consumer spending are expected in the months ahead as the consumer continues to be a driving force in the economy. Analysts said the February gains in incomes and spending showed that the economy was being propelled this year by continued strength in employment growth and consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of total economic activity.” Opposing Increase in Maximum Tax Rates The California Chamber of Commerce recently opposed proposed legislation that would increase the maximum tax rates, which was heard in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. Regarding AB 6, the Chamber said that the bill increases the tax burden on small and medium-sized businesses by increasing the maximum tax rates to 10 percent and 11 percent and the alternative tax rate to 8.5 percent. It further states that “increasing taxes on small and medium-sized businesses will not address or resolve California’s budget crisis. California is already the most expensive state in the country in which to do business.” Unemployment Tax Amnesty Information Interested businesses can gain more information about the California Chambersponsored legislation that would establish an Unemployment Insurance amnesty program by visiting the California Chamber’s Web site at www.calchamber.com. Supporting Vocational Education The California Chamber of Commerce is supporting several proposed laws that apply to education. They are: • AB 1425, which creates flexibility for community colleges to hire vocational and career technical teachers without violating the colleges’ statutory requirement to have 75 percent of faculty be hired full-time. • AB 1608, which requires the governing boards of schools teaching the 7th- and 8th- grades to provide education on available career technicaleducation fields. • AB 1609, which requires school-district accountability report cards to include data on the programs the district offers on vocational education and career-technical education. • SB 665, which improves job-development counseling to H.S.students. • SB 794, which assigns community colleges to work with other education segments to improve the transition of career technicaleducation students. • SB 845, which expands the pool of eligible teachers for career technicaleducation programs. • SCA 10, which amends the California Constitution to emphasize the importance of career technical-education in the public schools. More Workers’ Comp Decreases in Future? In early April, the California Chamber of Commerce Alert newsletter reported that the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) recommended a rate reduction of 10.4 percent. Although the rate reduction is only advisory and still requires approval by California’s insurance commissioner, it would be the third rate decrease since Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the reform bill in April 2004.Also, the California Chamber recently testified in support of adopting proposed permanent disability rating-schedule regulations. According to the Alert newsletter: “These regulations are one of the last steps in the implementation of SB 899, the Chamber-supported workers' compensation package signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger last year. The Chamber believes that the immediate adoption of these regulations will provide much-needed reform to the workers’ compensation system.” OF MEMBER INTEREST… © 2003 The New Yorker Collection from cartoonbank.com. All Rights Reserved. 17 THE GEM MAY 2005 5 years Jim Cathcart, La Quinta Palms Realty Carmen Cervantes, La Carreta Mexican Foods Dianne Downey, Journal Broadcast Group, Inc./ KMIR-6 Ondral Girtley, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. Dale Grinager, Tri-State Land Surveyors & Civil Engineers Mark Moran, Mark S. Moran & Associates Rick Nunez, La Quinta Barber Shop Michael Shovlin, Shovlin Companies Don Swindel, Paragon Signs 4 years Joe Aceves, La Quinta Cab and Tours Larry Borses, Help-U-Sell Desert Cities Realty Ozzie Ceja, William Bower Associates Inc. Marian DiPietro, Devane’s Patrick C. Schruben, Express Frames 3 years Jerry Effron, J & J Consignments & Heirlooms Gail Greenberg, LG’s Prime Steakhouse Melinda L. Law, Precious-N-Purrfect Pampered Pets Dennie Marks, Contact 1, Inc. Bette Myers, Valley Creditors Service (GETM, Inc.) Jimmy Tatosian, Burrtec Waste Industries Clark Tylee, Embassy Suites-Palm Desert Resort Jeff Walser, Landmark Golf Club 2 years Isabel Fioretti, Coachella Valley Properties, Inc. Kim Herrera, Toner-Ink Stephen R. Nieto, South West Concepts Linda Puckett, Mary Kay Cosmetics Steve Yeoman, JCL Financial Inc. 1 year Diane Adolph, Coachella Valley on Stage, Inc. Jeff Atkins, 360 House.com Noelle Bertram, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill Jerry Cort, SalesAction, Inc. Paul Davis, D.C., Golf Health & Performance Center Doug Hesse, Coachella Valley Closet Designs Jay Hicks,World Savings Real Estate Loan Group Monica Imperial, Lexi Floral & Gifts Melanie McCallum, The Falls Prime Steakhouse & Martini Bar Kelly Marshall, Real Estate Company RJ Mayer, Robert Mayer Corporation Gene Molenkamp, Mountain View Country Club Simon Moore, La Casita Nueva Mexican Grill Patricia Nugent, Primerica, a Member of Citigroup Gina M. Reyes, La Quinta Postal Connection Tami Ryan, At Your Service Tom Vito, MAS Entertainment May 2005 C HAMBER A NNIVERSARIES For a growing number of Americans, snoring can cause more than a few sleepless nights. According to the American Sleep Disorders Association (ASDA), more than 50 million Americans suffer from a snoring disorder. Thought of as just an “annoying” problem that plagues certain people, snoring disorders actually may result in potential health problems with longterm affects if not properly treated. Snoring results from not receiving an adequate amount of air while sleeping. As snorers fall asleep, their muscles relax, causing their airways to become partially blocked and the throat structures to vibrate as air flows through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. “Snoring can be an annoying and embarrassing problem for many who suffer from the condition. Most people underestimate its effects,” said Arif Shaikh, M.D., Board Certified Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist on the medical staff at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital. According to Dr. Shaikh, loud breathing sounds (referred to as “snoring”) made during sleep relate to a narrowing in the upper airway, at the base of the tongue. The sound that snoring causes is from the uvula, the flap of tissue that hangs down in the archway that moves up and down. Dr. Shaikh added that there are two types of snoring: hard and soft. Soft snoring results when the muscle tone of the soft palate, which keeps the air passage open in the throat for adequate breathing, weakens. Breathing then becomes noisy when the soft palate becomes a vibrating noisemaker as the air moves across it. Hard snoring occurs when there is a physical obstruction such as bulky tissue blocking the air passage. Both types of snoring can result in various heath problems, the most prominent being constant fatigue and exhaustion. Lack of sleep night after night due to snoring can cause sleep apnea, according to American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA). Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing during the night for one minute or longer. It is estimated that this can occur more than 100 times in one night. The person usually wakes up for a short period of time, which ends the apnea attack. Many don't even remember waking up. Common treatments for a snoring disorder include Continued Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), a nose mask and compressor pump that pushes air through narrow airways; a sleep mask, which covers the nose and keeps the airway open during sleep; and minor surgical procedures on the soft palate to tighten the flap of tissue. For more information on snoring disorders or for a physician referral, please call 800-343-4JFK (343-4535). WHEN SNORING BECOMES A NIGHTMARE! from JFK Memorial Hospital Gemthe For Brilliant Results… Place An Ad In The July Issue. Reserve Your Space By June First. 564-3199 18 LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lqchamber.com THANK YOU. OUR 2005 DIAMOND SPONSORS 19 THE GEM MAY 2005 Welcome New Members WE APPRECIATE YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND WELCOME YOU TO THE AREA’S “BUSINESS RESOURCE CONNECTION.” ACCLAIM INSURANCE SERVICES, INC. Sheri A. Martin 50-182 Calle Maria La Quinta CA 92253 (760) 564-2395 P/F sherimartin@yahoo.com Category: Insurance Services AIR EXPERTS AIR CONDITIONING – HEATING Paul Van Vlymen PO Box 94 La Quinta CA 92247-0094 (760) 777-1724 P Category: A/C-Heating C & S SALES Andrea Fehring 13200 Estrella Gardena CA 90248 (800) 327-7002 P (310) 538-2814 F andrea@cssales.com www.cssales.com Category: Graphic Design DANMER CUSTOM SHUTTERS Debra Fink 54-620 Avenida Obregon La Quinta CA 92253 (760) 771-4002 P (760) 771-3466 F Debbie.fink@danmer.com www.customshutter.com Category: Interior Design DESERT E SELLER Cheri Behlman 55-706 Brae Burn La Quinta CA 92253 (760) 771-3463 P (760) 771-0321 F deserteseller@aol.com Category: Consignment GONSTEAD FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Jeremy Moffitt, D.C. 80-150 Highway 111, Suite C-5 & 6 Indio CA 92201 (760) 863-0435 P (760) 863-0436 F gonstead@verizon.net Category: Chiropractic Referred by: Bob Bradach-Jackson Hewitt Tax Service MCW NETWORKING, INC. Al Sweeney 75-110 St. Charles Place # 11-B Palm Desert CA 92211 (760) 776-1211 P (760) 773-5441 F info@mcwnetworking.com www.mcwnetworking.com Category: Computer Consultant NICOLAS P. HEMES, MARKETING CONSULTANT Nicolas P. Hemes 79-405 Highway 111, Suite 9, #287 La Quinta CA 92253 (760) 221-1236 P hemes@msn.com Category: Marketing Consulting PHOEBE'S CUSTOM EMBROIDERY Mary Cummins 77-955 Calle Tampico # D La Quinta CA 92253 (760) 396-4686 P (760) 396-4692 F phebs@aol.com www.ISTITCH4U.com Category: Promotional Products/Logo T-Shirts SAFEHOUSE OF THE DESERT Karen Merritt 42-600 Cook Street, Suite 201-A Palm Desert CA 92211 (760) 674-8408 P (760) 674-9923 F kmerritt@operationsafehouse.org www.operationsafehouse.org Category: Non-Profit Club/Organizations Referred by: Mark Moran-Mark S. Moran & Associates WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE Jane Angwin 47-250 Washington St., B La Quinta CA 92253 (760) 574-6805 P (760) 777-8926 F jangwin@windermere.com Category: Real Estate-Residential 20 LA QUINTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.lqchamber.com davido.extraxim@gmail.com