January 2009 Archives

   For the quarter ended Dec. 31, Riverside-based Provident Financial Holdings Inc. has reported a net loss of $6.51 million, compared with net income of $1.04 million in the comparable period a year ago.  According to a news release, "The decrease in the second-quarter results was primarily attributable to an increase in the provision for loan losses, partly offset by an increase in non-interest income, an increase in net interest income (before the provision for loan losses) and a decrease in operating expenses."

   The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center will hold a class on "Developing an Effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program" from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 12 at the West End Business Resource Center, 9650 Ninth St., Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga.  The course will be taught by a representative of Cal-OSHA who will also discuss the special requirements and assistance for small businesses, Cal/OSHA consultation services, and the high hazard program.  Cost: $30.  Information: (951) 781-2345, ext. 246; http://www.iesmallbusiness.com

   Dentist Terry Davis purchased the Redlands medical office building at 1329 Barton Road from Danmark Realty LLC for $1.1 million, according to costar.com.  The buyer plans to relocate his dental office there in April.  Mark Stanson of ETI Commercial represented the seller.  Matt Millett of Coldwell Banker Commercial Lazar & Associates represented the buyer.

   Emrise Corp., a manufacturer of defense and aerospace electronic devices and communications equipment, announced Thursday that it has been awarded a $2.6 million, three-year contract by the Federal Aviation Administration.  Under the contract, the Rancho Cucamonga company will supply a custom featured version of its Halcyon Universal Data Test Set to be installed as part of a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar program to upgrade communications technology in the nation's commercial and military aviation control networks.

   According to a news release, the contract provides for an initial release of Test Sets valued at approximately $830,000 that are scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2009. The company expects to receive a subsequent release from the FAA, for delivery later this year, of additional Halcyon Universal Data Test Sets valued at more than $800,000, with the balance of the units covered by the award to be delivered over the term of the three-year contract.

   ProLogis announced Thursday that Kaiser Commerce Center in Fontana is now fully occupied with a new lease agreement of 484,000 square feet to a leading third-party logistics provider.  ProLogis customers at Kaiser Commerce Center include LG Electronics, Wal-Mart, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg's and Southern California Edison.  The utility leases roof space for a 2.4-megawatt solar installation.

   WhiteBoard Partners in Ontario will hold a "brown bag" meeting Feb. 5 for business owners, managers and other leaders to discuss 2009 business strategies.  The meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month.  The Feb. 5 event is sponsored by WhiteBoard Partners and hosted by Mission National Bank, 800 N. Ferrari Lane, Ontario.  The session is free and begins at 11:30 a.m.  Information: http://www.wbpllc.com

   The Pathways initiative of Inland Empire United Way is once again collaborating with the Boys and Girls Club of Fontana and Pomona, Mentone Senior Center & Library, Northtown Community Center, Cal Poly Pomona Downtown Center, Cal State San Bernardino and Cal Poly Pomona to offer free income-tax clinics.  Cal State San Bernardino and Cal Poly Pomona accounting students are providing free income-tax preparation services for the low-income community and senior citizens.  Students are trained to prepare basic federal and state resident tax returns.

   Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program sites are:

   Cal Poly Pomona Downtown Center, 300 W. Second St. -- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday, Feb. 14 through April 11.

   Boys and Girls Club of Pomona, 1420 S. Garey Ave. -- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday, Feb. 14 through April 11.

   Mentone Library & Senior Center, 1331 Opal Ave. -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday, Feb. 6 through April 10.

   Northtown Community Center, 10071 Feron Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday, Feb. 7 through April 11, except Feb. 14.

   Fontana Boys & Girls Club, 7723 Almeria Ave. -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 7 through April 11, except Feb. 14.

   Information: (888) 435-7565 or http://www.sbvita.org

   After seeing growth in the U.S. marketplace in 2008, Paragon Airheater Technologies in Corona is setting its sights on international growth for 2009.  For 2008, the company recorded a 177 percent increase in sales orders, a 71 percent increase in customers and a 38 percent increase in service business, according to a news release.  The company has planned major events in February in Europe, the Middle East and India.

   The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is offering speed networking the second Wednesday of the month beginning in February.  The event begins with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. followed by networking for an hour beginning at noon.  Cost: $15.  Seating is limited to the first 30 people, with only one representative from an organization for maximum exposure.  Information and reservations: (909) 793-2546; www.redlandschamber.org

   PacWest Bancorp, which operates Pacific Western Bank branches in Chino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, has announced net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $9.6 million, compared to net earnings of $9.6 million for the third quarter of 2008.  According to a news release, the "net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2008 included adjustments related to restricted stock amortization and income taxes, which increased net earnings by $3.1 million, or $0.11 per diluted share." The decrease in net earnings, excluding these items, resulted mostly from lower net interest income and higher provision for credit losses.

   Brandguard Vents, owned by San Bernardino firefighter Brent Berkompas, and MonierLifetile, a manufacturer of concrete tile roof systems, have announced they have signed a three-year supply agreement.  Brandguard Vents will be available in all U.S. markets beginning with Southern California and the Southwest immediately, Northern California on Feb. 5; and the remaining U.S. markets on Feb. 15, officials said.

   The Building Industry Association's Baldy View Chapter and Jobing.com have partnered with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" to give local youth on-the-job experience, according to a news release. Through Jobing.com's Job Shadow program, students in the local Jobcorps and Mojave Basin Youth Corps have been offered the opportunity to learn construction skills during the building of a house in the Inland Empire for the television program.

   A coalition of regional builders and suppliers has stepped forward to donate their time and materials to make this project a reality.  They include Murphy Construction Co. in Hesperia, SC Homes Inc. in Newport Beach, Steeno Design Studio in Hesperia and David L. Manwarren Corp. in Rancho Cucamonga.  Information: www.biabuild.com/extreme

   Proactive Packaging & Display Inc. of Ontario and Stockton and Maxco Supply Inc. of Parlier have signed a multi-year strategic alliance agreement, according to a news release.  The partnership aims "to better serve the agricultural industry's packaging needs, with the ultimate goal of producing premium packaging with as little impact on the environment as possible."  Proactive's part of the alliance is "to supplement customer options in the actual printing of the packaging boxes, with Proactive having broadened its use of litho printing and heightened the use of flexo printing for ag packaging products," according to the release.

   Cal State San Bernardino's College of Business and Public Administration's Business Alliance will kick off its 2009 Executive Briefings breakfast lecture series today with speaker Eddy Sumar, president and founder of ER Consulting in Rancho Cucamonga.  The morning lecture will be held on campus in the Obershaw Dining Room.  Continental breakfast is at 7 a.m., followed by the presentation from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

   Cost: $25 per session, or $175 for all eight sessions; for members of Business Alliance, CSUSB faculty and staff, the cost is $20 per session or $150 for all eight sessions. The fee for CSUSB students is $50 for the entire series, refundable at the end of the series with 100-percent attendance.  Information: (909) 537-5771 or www.cbpa.csusb.edu/community/events/ExecBrief.html

   Families with household incomes of less than $45,000 are invited to take advantage of free tax preparation services being provided by the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County.  Fourteen Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites will offer weekend and evening hours and have bilingual volunteers to assist taxpayers.  Free tax preparation begins at these sites Saturday.

   Locations include: Mount San Jacinto College's satellite office in Banning, the Glen Avon Library, the Palm Desert Library, the Casa Blanca Family Learning Center, the Eastside Library and Cybrary in Riverside and the Louis Robidoux Library in Rubidoux.  Information: (951) 955-4900 or http://www.capriverside.org

   Attorney Gary Foltz will discuss "How to Incorporate Your Business," focusing on the various types of organization and the pros and cons of each.  The class starts at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, 1201 Research Park Drive, Riverside.  Cost: $40. Information: (951) 781-2345 or http://www.iesmallbusiness.com

   Redlands-based regional economist John Husing will be the featured speaker at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's next breakfast event at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Doubletree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard Ave.  Cost: $20 with pre-registration; $25 at the door. Information: http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=696072

   Individuals pursuing career opportunities in the field of education are invited to attend an Education Job Fair at Cal State San Bernardino. The event begins at 9 a.m. Feb. 7. Information: (909) 537-5250, or online at http://career.csusb.edu

   Sovereign Investment Co. sold the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse at 74740 Highway 111 in Palm Desert to private investors for $5.7 million, according to costar.com.  Glen Kunofsky of Marcus & Millichap represented the seller.  Kathleen Howard of NAI Capital's Palm Desert office represented the buyer.

   Four local brokers were recognized as among NAI Capital's top producers and awarded Capital Club status by the company.  The 2008 top producers will be recognized for their achievement at an awards ceremony to be held next month at the Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles.  Local awardees are Chris Hauso, Brandon Beauchemin and David Wick from the company's Ontario office, and David Moore from the company's Riverside office.

   WhiteBoard Partners in Chino Hills has launched a new free business planning course, Quickplan D.I.Y.  The course contains eight instructional videos, a MS Word business plan template and a MS Excel financial model template, available at the company's Web site. Information: Online at http://www.wbpllc.com/quickplan/

   The Highland Chamber of Commerce will launch a new program Feb. 13 in an effort to promote local eateries and raise funds for chamber activities.  The first "Dine Out Highland" event will be at JP's Mexican Villa, 7750 Palm Ave.  For the day, 10 percent of each customer bill will go to support the chamber.  Information: (909) 864-4073, or e-mail hcoc@highlandchamber.org

   In response to budget constraints restricting conference attendance for credit union staff, Rancho Cucamonga-based CO-OP Financial Services announced this week that it is waiving registration fees for its annual THINK 2009 event.  This will save credit unions more than $450 each.  The complimentary registration for the event, scheduled for April 5 - 8 near Austin, Texas, applies to staff members of credit unions only, and does not include guest, golf and equipment rental fees.  Information: (800) 782-9042, ext. 7001, or online at http://www.co-opfs.org/THINK

   The Claremont Chamber of Commerce will hold a new member orientation at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the chamber's office, 205 Yale Ave.  The event is an opportunity for new members to learn about member benefits.  Attendees will also be able to meet chamber staff, board members and chamber ambassadors.  Reservations are required by Feb. 2. Information: (909) 624-1681.

   Fontana is hosting free Community Assistance Program classes for adults at the Cypress Neighborhood Center, 8380 Cypress Ave. Class topics are "Master the Job Interview" offered from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 3; "Couples and Money" from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 12; and "Understanding Your Credit Report" offered from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 26. Information: (909) 428-8374, or visit http://www.fontanacap.org

   The city of Murrieta, the Economic Development Corp. and Commerce Bank of Temecula Valley will present the free "Secret of Success Forum" 2-5 p.m. Feb. 24.  The event will be at City Hall, 24601 Jefferson Ave.  It will focus on manufacturing opportunities and industrial properties available in Murrieta, among other topics. Reservations are required. Information: (951) 461-6009, or e-mail ghunter@murrieta.org

   The Zonta Club of Redlands has welcomed 10 new members: Ellen Cope, Caroldyne Swedlove, Monique Vinson-Wilks, Dawn Saunders, Michelle Boland, Danielle Garcia, Sherry Shipley, Laura Koger, Marilyn Johnson and Francis Razor.

   Zonta is an international service organization of business professionals working to improve the legal, political, economic, educational and professional status of women. Information: Online at http://www.zonta.org, or call Ellie O'Brien at (909) 793-6032.

   The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. today at Chick-fil-A, 3640 Grand Ave., Chino Hills. This is a new location for this week only. Cost: $8 for chamber members; $10 for nonmembers. Information: (909) 627-6177.

   Lenders Who Care, a nonprofit organization of mortgage professionals, is holding a homebuying seminar Feb. 4 at the Upland Public Library. The free event, "Understanding the New Federal $7,500 Tax Benefit and Overview for First-Time Home Buyer Programs," will start at 6:30 p.m.  Resources offered include national directories of affordable lending programs, housing agencies and certified Lenders Who Care lenders.

   The nonprofit was conceived of and created in 2004 by Julie Miller and a group of concerned mortgage professionals, including Tim Harrison, based in Upland. Information: (800) 499-3075, or via e-mail at classes@consumermortgageadvocate.org, or online at http://www.lenderswhocare.org

   San Bernardino councilman Rikke Van Johnson has been appointed to represent the city in 2009 at the Inland Valley Development Agency and the San Bernardino International Airport Authority.  "We will be doing everything we can to bring economic redevelopment to the area in and around the San Bernardino International Airport," Johnson said in a news release.

   Matt Florez, who took over his father's McDonald's franchise at age 18, will open his fourth and largest franchise in February. Florez, who is now 28, will open his new location on Feb. 21 at 1208 N. Mount Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino. A full day of activities will include food specials, giveaways, and appearances by Ronald McDonald and local dignitaries.
Florez has hired 65 local people for the staff.

   Corner Bakery Cafe has opened a new location at The Commons shopping center in Chino Hills. This is the restaurant's 31st location in the greater Los Angeles region. The restaurant is at 4517 Chino Hills Parkway, Suite 205. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The company also offers catering. Information: (909) 597-7664 or http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com

   The Pomona Chamber of Commerce and Valley Vista Services will hold a networking event at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Glass House bar, 200 W. Second St. in Pomona. Information: Online at http://www.pomonachamber.org

   Injection molding and plastics processing machine manufacturer Engel Machinery Inc. has purchased the industrial building at 2012 Cecilia Drive, Corona, from RAI Investment Group LLC for $1.37 million, according to costar.com.  Matt Rossman, Brian Hall and Larry Null of Lee & Associates represented both sides of the transaction.

   Nara Bank has sold the building at 1138 E. Sixth St., Corona, to private investors for $1.2 million, according to costar.com.  The 20,031-square-foot facility, built in 1956, reportedly is 60 percent vacant.  The new owners plan to rent a portion of the unoccupied space.  Scott Hook and Cory Waxman of Marcus & Millichap represented the seller.  John Lee of Calvest Realty Advisors represented the buyer.

   Registration is now open for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership's 11th annual Economic Briefing, scheduled for April 8 at the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Way.  The business expo portion of the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the briefing luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m.  Cost: $69 per person; $660 per table of 10. Information: (951) 368-9691.

   Kiwa Bio-Tech Products Group Corp., which has its U.S. headquarters in Claremont, announced earlier this month that Lianjun Luo resigned from his position as chief financial officer after his employment agreement with the company expired on Dec. 31. Luo will still be acting as a director of the company.  The board of directors appointed Wei Li to be interim CFO until a new CFO is appointed.  Li became the CEO and chairman of the board on March 12, 2004.  The board also appointed Xin Ma vice president in charge of the company's accounting and finance operations.

   Diverse Careers Inc. is inviting job seekers and employers to participate in an employment event Feb. 24 in Ontario.  The Inland Empire Career Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard Ave. The event is free to job seekers. Employers and recruiters interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at this event should contact Marcel Abandonato at (951) 479-1350 or marcel@diversecareers.com. Information: www.diversecareers.com

   Dr. Gary Gugelchuk, a mainstay of theWestern University of Health Sciences' senior administration, has been named the Pomona school's executive vice provost for academic development and effectiveness.  Gugelchuk has been on staff at Western University for more than 20 years.  In his new role, Gugelchuk will "be responsible for overseeing the development and effectiveness of the university's academic enterprise and support units, and assuring alignment of these areas with the university's strategic objectives," according to a news release.

   Intermodal transportation services company TRX Inc. has signed a five-year lease for 52,167 square feet at 10725 Sierra Ave., Fontana, according to CoStar.com.  David Consani, James Koenig, Joey Sugar and Darla Longo of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord, LNR Property Corp.  Jeff Huberman of Lee & Associates represented TRX.

   Rancho Cucamonga-based Emrise Corp., a multi-national manufacturer of defense and aerospace electronic devices and communications equipment, announced Thursday that it has received a $1.2 million order from "a major U.S. military prime contractor for digital switches to be used in a multi-year defense program for shipboard installations of multi-function, centralized information systems."  Full shipment of the order is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2009.

   The state Board of Equalization is encouraging purchasers of tangible personal property who have not already paid tax on these purchases to register with the tax board for the In-State Voluntary Disclosure Program to pay their use tax.

   The Voluntary Disclosure Program allows taxpayers to report and pay their use tax liability subject to a three-year statute of limitations.  The tax board could otherwise conduct an audit and, in most cases, go back eight years, according to California law.  A 10-year statute of limitations may apply in some instances, and no statute of limitations applies in the case of fraud.

   Under the In-State Service Industry Program, businesses that have been identified by industry group and other factors as likely to have incurred a use tax liability are being contacted by letter and asked to report any use tax due for the past three years.  Since the letters to these businesses disqualify them from Voluntary Disclosure Program participation, the letters further explain that the tax board reserves the right to conduct an audit that may go back more than three years.  Eligible service businesses that have not yet been contacted are encouraged to become Voluntary Disclosure Program participants to obtain a certain three-year look-back period.

   Applications and publications: http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/isvdprog.htm

   Information: http://www.boe.ca.gov/ads/news06.htm

   The Upland Chamber of Commerce will have an economic development forum starting at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 27 at the chamber office, 215 N. Second Ave., Suite D.  City and school representatives discuss issues affecting the Upland business community.  The forum's purpose is to create and support a positive business climate.  Information: (909) 204-4465.

   The U.S. Census Bureau will mark the 15-month countdown to the 2010 census with the grand opening today of its census office at 11820 Pierce St., Riverside, according to a news release. The Riverside office is one of 12 local census offices opening this month. During peak operations, the census office will employ about 1,500 people from the surrounding area.  Information: (951) 324-2010.

   The La Verne Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Videbytes, a company that produces low-budget high-tech solutions, to allow members to add video commercials to their Web sites and be featured on the chamber's site. Information: (909) 593-5265.

   The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce will hold a Black Leadership Summit on Jan. 30.  According to a news release, elected officials, their representatives, chief executive officers, business owners, managers and pastors have been invited to attend.  According to the release, "The goal of the summit is to determine three specific topics for the chamber's concentration during 2009."

   Richard Lapidus, associate dean of administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has accepted the dean position for the Cal Poly Pomona College of Business Administration. He begins July 1.

   Solares Family Day Care in Beaumont announced Wednesday the opening of the first family day care in the country to offer the Daycare WebWatch service for families. Parents can log in to view their child and their daily activities on a live video feed from their child's classroom.  Information: (951) 727-7789, by e-mail at lizsolares@gmail.com, or online at http://www.solaresfamilydaycare.webs.com

   Employers Group will offer a seven-module Compensation and Benefits certificate program starting Feb. 18 at the Inland Empire office, 3200 Guasti Road, Suite 100, Ontario.  The courses, which will take place Wednesdays through May 13, are designed for human resources professionals responsible for benefits planning and administration as well as compensation design, analysis and implementation.  Cost: $1,395 for Employers Group members, $1,995 for nonmembers.  Information and registration: (800) 748-8484 or http://www.employersgroup.com/traininganddevelopment/certificateprograms/comp/

   The American Business Women's Association's Inland Empire chapter will host a dinner meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Marie Callendar's, 1625 Industrial Park Ave., Redlands.  A representative of the Automobile Club of Southern California will speak about current driving laws.  Reservations are required.  Cost: $15.  Information and reservations: (909) 886-0939.

   Westwood College's School of Justice will hold a two-day career event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 28 - 29.  The free event will take place at the Westwood College Inland Empire location, 1399 E. Foothill Blvd., Upland.  There will be 12 agencies scheduled each day and two agencies scheduled each evening.  Agencies planning to attend include the Los Angeles Police Department, Border Patrol, California Highway Patrol, San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, Pinkerton Government Services and Securitas.  Information: (909) 931-7599, ext. 61333.

   Consolidated Pump & Supply has purchased the industrial building at 410 Business Center Court in Redlands from private investors for $1.65 million, according to CoStar.com. The buyer is the sole tenant in the building, which is part of the Redlands Business Park. The sale was a direct negotiation between buyer and seller.

   Ritmo Latino, a store that sold books, movies and music, closed its Ontario store on Monday and will be replaced by T-Mobile next month.  Mareya Chavarria, district manager, said "the economy and the music industry" were factors in the store's closure.  Music consumers are making their purchases online now, she said. With the decrease in sales, the store's owners were unable to keep up with the bills.  Ritmo Latino's Ontario location opened 13 years ago at 101 N. Euclid Ave. and sold "all types of music," from Latin, salsa to jazz, Chavarria said.  The store's Fontana location, at 9810 Sierra Ave., opened three years ago and remains open for business.

   U.S. Bancorp posted a 72-percent drop in earnings in the final three months of last year -- its eighth straight quarterly profit decline -- as credit costs and securities losses climbed, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

   For the fourth quarter of 2008, the Minneapolis-based bank, which recently acquired Downey Savings & Loan and PFF Bank & Trust, reported net income applicable to common shareholders of $260 million, down from $927 million a year earlier. The company set aside $1.27 billion during the quarter to cover bad loans.  This compares with a loan loss provision of just $225 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 and $748 million in the third quarter of last year.

   U.S. Bancorp received $6.6 billion from the Treasury Department last fall as part of the government's capital purchase program.  As part of the transactions, U.S. Bancorp agreed to assume the first $1.5 billion of expected losses on Downey's assets and the first $100 million of expected losses on PFF's assets. Any losses above that will be absorbed under a loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC.

   Lakeshore Plaza, a six-story office building in theDos Lagos master-planned community in Corona, has received LEED green building certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, representatives announced Monday.  The office project is the first commercial office LEED project in San Bernardino and Riverside counties to be certified under Core and Shell, according to the council's Inland Empire chapter.

   The online auction of 16 Brava condominiums in Palm Desert on LFC Group of Companies' residential real-estate Web site FRE.com has generated interest from nearly 200 visitors a week since its launch Dec. 17, according to a news release.  The traffic, which has required the hiring of extra on-site staffing, has come as a result of the partnership between Family Development and LFC, according to the release.  The bid deadline is March 5. The auction information office, at 1050 Via Fortuna, is open from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.  Information: (760) 776-8600 or http://www.FRE.com/265R8

   Temecula Valley Bancorp Inc. announced Tuesday that Stephen H. Wacknitz has announced his retirement from the holding company and bank's board of directors following his departure from its day-to-day management team last month.  Wacknitz was one of the founders ofTemecula Valley Bank, which opened its doors in 1996, and was its president and CEO from inception. The company operates branches in Ontario, Temecula, Murrieta, Corona and in San Diego County.

   The Lake Arrowhead Community Services District will not be issuing late fees during the transition to monthly billing, officials said. No new late notices will be generated until Feb. 10.  Monthly bills with the billing period end date of Jan. 9 are due Feb. 9, and late fees will be applied to those accounts if payment has not been received on that day.  Information: (909) 336-7100 or http://www.lakearrowheadcsd.com

   Pomona-based Auto-Graphics Inc., a library automation technology company, announced Tuesday the development of AGent Iluminar, "a next generation Web services application for the company's library automation platform," according to a news release.  The company stated that the new product "provides a more visual and interactive user experience to facilitate social networking, effortless navigation and 'drag and drop' customization capabilities for an improved user experience and administrative workflow."

   A group of business owners is organizing a new community networking event, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at 101 E Redlands Blvd., Suite 215, Redlands.  The 90-minute class will be for business owners and those looking to start their own businesses.  The event is free, but reservations are required.  Information: Shane Ripley at (909) 557-3605, or via e-mail at advisershane@yahoo.com

   The Pomona Valley chapter of the National Association of Women In Construction is sponsoring a mechanics' lien law seminar at 9 a.m. Feb. 13 at Pomona Valley Mining Co., 1777 Gillette Road, Pomona.  There will be a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m.  According to a news release, "Attendees will learn how to navigate the course to successful collections through learning the effective use of mechanics' liens, stop notices, payment bonds, critical time frames for protecting your rights, effect of bankruptcy on mechanics' liens and much, much more."  The seminar will be presented by construction attorney Sharon Bangs of Crawford & Bangs LLP.  Preregistration is required by Feb. 8.  Cost: $50 for association members, $65 for nonmembers.  Information: (909) 982-7911 or via e-mail at NAWIC140@msn.com

   The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce is coordinating three upcoming trips. The first is March 10 - 24 to the South Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand, and the cost is $4,599. The second trip is Sept. 29 - Oct. 8 to Ireland, including the cities of Dublin, Kilkenny and Limerick, and the cost is $3,149. The third is May 10 - 21 to Italy, including Rome, Papal Audience, Assisi, Florence, Padua, Venice, Murano and Oberammergau, and the cost is $6,179.  Information: (909) 627-6177.

   The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce's January Mixer is being hosted by Chino Commercial Bank, from 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday at 14345 Pipeline Ave.

   Twenty emerging graphic designers, some of whom are new graduates of San Bernardino-based The Art Institute of California, Inland Empire, and others who will be soon, recently showcased projects they've been working on for nonprofit agencies the past few months. Citizen Designer is a program the art school created last July, matching the students with nonprofits that had specific needs for developing promotional materials that would make a high impact on prospective clients and donors.

   Ali Sahabi, president of Corona-based developer SE Corp., was honored on Sunday at the Riverside Clergy Association's annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday -- an event that this year also celebrates today's inauguration of President Barack Obama. Sahabi was chosen for the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award based on his long-standing efforts to give to the community and to help those in need.

   The Labor Department has awarded nearly $123 million to 68 community colleges and community-based institutions that competed successfully under the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants Initiative. The San Bernardino Community College District is receiving $2 million for careers in nanotechnology.

   Medina International Holdings Inc. (OTCBB: MIHI) -- which manufactures commercial fire, rescue, police and patrol boats -- announced that its subsidiary, Harbor Guard Boats, will be attending and exhibiting at the Intersec Trade Fair and Conference. The conference was scheduled from Sunday to today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It's the largest and most comprehensive security and safety event outside Europe.

   Irvine-based MonierLifetile, a manufacturer of concrete tile-roof systems, and Brandguard Vents, manufacturer of flame- and ember-resistant vents, announced that they have signed a three-year supply agreement. Brandguard's vent products -- created and sold by a San Bernardino firefighter -- work to prevent rapidly spreading wildfire through overlapping baffles in the vents.

   The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and the Workforce Investment Board -- in partnership with Apple Valley -- is sponsoring a business assistance workshop that will bring together resources for businesses to help them increase sales, reduce costs and find financing. The workshop is from 8-10:30 a.m. Jan. 29 at the Apple Valley Country Club, 15200 Rancherias Road.

   A Roni Deutch tax franchise recently opened in Upland. It specializes in tax preparation for individuals. The tax business is located at 583 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite 7. Information: (909) 297-5721.

   San Jacinto, Hemet, the Riverside County Economic Development Agency and the Hemet-San Jacinto Economic Development Corp. are sponsoring a free workshop 1 - 5 p.m. Jan. 28 on How to Survive in 2009 at the San Jacinto Community Center, 625 S. Pico Ave.  Presentations will be provided by the Riverside County Workforce Development Center, Mount San Jacinto College, Inland Empire Small Business Development Center and other organizations.  Attendees also will have an opportunity to participate in a free business assessment.  Reservations are required. Information: Jan Catron at (951) 537-6354 or via e-mail at jcatron@sanjacintoca.us

   San Bernardino-based Johnson Safety Inc., a manufacturer of consumer electronics and vehicle entertainment systems, has announced the recipient of its Myron & Davis Distributor of the Year award for 2008.  For the third year running, the recipient is Fort Worth, Texas-based Progressive Concepts Inc.  The award was presented by Myron & Davis' western regional sales manager, Matthew Overpeck, to PCI Group Purchasing Director Brian Craig at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

   Michael Camacho, the newest board member of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and Terry Catlin, who has served for the past 12 years, were officially seated at the board's Jan. 7 meeting.  Catlin was elected board president at the meeting.  Angel Santiago, who has been on the board since 2002 and represents Fontana and portions of Rialto, was elected vice president and the agency's representative to theMetropolitan Water District of Southern California.  Camacho was elected secretary/treasurer.  Catlin was also elected to represent the agency on the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority board and John Anderson was elected to be the alternate.

   Congressman Gary Miller, R-Diamond Bar, has been tapped to be the ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee's new Subcommittee on International Policy, Trade and Technology.  The panel has jurisdiction over international monetary policy, international finance and banking, international financial and monetary organizations, including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and promotion of international trade in financial services.

   Entries for the annual ADDY Awards competition are due between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to a statement from the American Advertising Federation Palm Springs-Desert Cities. Late entries will be assessed a late fee and will be accepted until Jan. 29. Incomplete entries will not be accepted.  All work is eligible if it first appeared in the media or was used from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008.  The awards ceremony and gala will be held March 21 at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel. Information: www.desertadfed.com

   Tamara Schulze of Corona and Rachel Wilk of La Verne have become independent consultants with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct-sales company featuring easy-to-prepare gourmet products. Information: http://www.tastefullysimple.com

   The College of Extended Learning at Cal State San Bernardino is offering two one-day workshops for aspiring graphic and Web page designers: Introduction to Photoshop on Jan. 24 and Advanced Photoshop on Jan. 31.  Cost: $149 each. Classes will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the college's Yasuda Center, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino.  Information: (909) 537-5981 or http://cel.csusb.edu

   Concentra has announced the opening of its new flagship medical center at 9405 Fairway View Place in Rancho Cucamonga.  Dr. Paul Umof, who has practiced in the region for more than 20 years, will be medical director at the new center, and will be joined by Dr. Hunt, Dr. Mohr, Physical Therapy Director Sharon Ramos, and an extensive clinical staff.  The new Concentra Medical Center is open 24 hours. Information: (909) 481-7345.

   Upland TEAM Referral Network is hosting an invitation day 8 - 9 a.m. Jan. 28 at Molly's Restaurant, 388 N. First Ave. Business owners, independent contractors and local sales representatives are invited to come and network with other business professionals. There is no cost to attend. Information: (909) 985-8881.

   Corona-based Paragon Airheater Technologies surpassed its sales projection, ending the 2008 year strong, according to a news release. The unpredicted growth experienced during this fall's sales boom involved the Paragon High Performance Sealing Solution product line; DuraMax Radial, DuraFlex Circumferential and Bypass Seals, and Turnkey Implementation of the Basketed Elements. Paragon has announced its results as follows: 177 percent increase in sales orders; 71 percent increase in customers; and 38 percent increase in service business.

   The Phillips Ranch chapter of the TEAM Referral Network will hold an open networking event at noon Wednesday Jan. 21 at the City Broiler, 12959 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills. Information: Simon Lim, (626) 715-9340.

   Madeline Zuckerman, president of Madeline Zuckerman Public Relations & Marketing Inc., recently announced that the agency has opened a new office in Rancho Mirage, California.

   The agency is headquartered in Newport Beach. Information: www.zuckerman-marketing.com

   Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University, along with the Drucker Institute, announced Friday that Rick Warren and Minglo Shao have been added as chairmen of the Drucker Centennial.

   Warren is the pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest and is the author of "The Purpose Driven Life."  On Tuesday, he will deliver the invocation at Barack Obama's presidential inauguration.

   Shao, a member of the Drucker Institute Board of Advisors, is the founder and chairman of Bright China Holding Ltd., an investment group that operates in Los Angeles, Hong Kong and major cities in China. He also heads the Peter F. Drucker Academy, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to researching and teaching Drucker's management ideas in China. Information: www.drucker100.com

   The newly constructed Comfort Suites at the Barstow Outlets hotel, 2571 Fisher Blvd. in Barstow, is now open.  Owned and operated by Elite Experience Inc. in Whittier, the Comfort Suites at the Barstow Outlets features 83 guest rooms and a meeting room/banquet facility that can accommodate up to 100 people. Rates begin at $144.99. Information: (760) 253-3600.

   Upland Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to an open house 5 - 7 p.m. Jan. 28. The event, which will include refreshments and door prizes, will be held at the chamber office, 215 N. Second Ave., Suite D. Information: (909) 204-4465.

   McIntyre Law Group of Redlands will offer free seminars to provide information about the importance and value of developing a proper estate plan.

   The seminars, featuring attorney Nathan T. McIntyre, are planned at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 3 and 1 p.m. Feb. 4 in the conference room of the Hampton Inn and Suites Ontario Mills, 4500 E. Mills Circle.

   Seating is limited. Reservations are recommended. Information and reservations: (909) 798-5780 or http://www.mcintyrelawgroup.com

   The Inland Empire Women's Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino will hold a one-day workshop on the crucial elements of a business plan 9 - 11 a.m. Jan. 24.

   The workshop -- open to aspiring and current women business owners -- will be at the center's office, 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino. Cost: $15 if pre-registered online; $20 at the door.

   Information and registration: Nicole Kinney at (909) 890-1242 or online at http://www.iewbc.org

   Molina Medical received a Standards of Excellence award from the California Association of Physician Groups (CAPG) for achieving meritorious status, according to a news release.

   CAPG is the nation's largest professional association representing physician groups practicing in the managed-care model. Molina has offices in Riverside, Pomona, Ontario, San Bernardino and Fontana and Riverside.

   Partners Pantry is holding open houses 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday for its new events center in Oak Glen.

   The Orchard Events Center is at 38490 Oak Glen Road.  Information: (909) 335-9895, (909) 797-2629 or http://www.theorchardevents.com

   The Inland Empire Economic Partnership will hold its annual real-estate update 8-10 a.m. Feb. 4 in Celebration Hall at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center's Celebration Hall in Rancho Cucamonga.

   The event's moderator will be Don Brown of Lee & Associates' Victorville office. A discussion panel will be made up of Tom Pierik of Lee & Associates' Riverside office; Rick John of Collins Commercial; John Kalmikov of Lee & Associates' Riverside office; and Greg Wattson of Opus West Corp.

   Reservations are required by Jan. 28. Cost: $30.  Information: E-mail events@ieep.com

   Registration: http://ieepreupdate.eventbrite.com/

   Sponsorships are still available. Interested parties are asked to contact Cari Mendez at (951) 779-6700 or via e-mail at cmendez@ieep.com

   Art Institute of California-Inland Empire hosted its first Graduate Portfolio Exhibit on Dec. 18. In a news release, Career Services Director Cindy Jones said, "This was a great opportunity for our nine graduating students to showcase their work, especially to employers, but also to friends and family."

   All graphic design students maintain portfolios of their college work while at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire. These portfolios are now complete for Raysa Cerna, Anthony Guevara and Rachel Makowski, who are receiving the program's first bachelor's degrees, and for Regina Cortez, Elizabeth Horn and Salvador Vazquez Jr., who are receiving associate degrees.

   Some of the employers in attendance included: The Inland Empire Weekly, Think Tank Design, Dameron Communications, SBL and Manila Design.  Information: (909) 915-2100 or www.artinstitutes.edu

   On Tuesday, Seventh Street Development and CB Richard Ellis announced the completed demolition of the long-standing Blue Heron Paper Plant in Pomona's newly-transformed Western Gateway.

   This paves the way for the proposed reuse of the 20-acre site. Seventh Street Development, in partnership with Genesis Real Estate Fund II, is working with CB Richard Ellis to market the proposed Valley-71 Business Park to potential buyers and tenants, with plans to secure the commitment of at least 200,000 square feet prior to beginning construction.

   Wells Fargo Bank is providing the acquisition and construction financing.  CBRE industrial market experts Lynn Knox, Barbara Emmons, Garrett Carter and Darla Longo are representing Seventh Street Development in the marketing of the buildings.

   Practical Solutions Organizing offered a free organizing workshop at CitiBank in Yucaipa on Monday to encourage 30 attendees to get organized for the new year, according to a news release.

   The course was taught by Cathy Bates, the owner of Practical Solutions and a Golden Circle Member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.

   Practical Solutions also will be offering a workshop called "Effective Paper Management" in March. Information: (909) 810-3719, or online at www.psorganizing.com

   StoneCreek Co. announced the recent completion of Claremont Medical Plaza, a 50,000-square-foot class A medical office building. The two-story building, at 1601 Monte Vista Ave., is 85 percent preleased, with anchor tenant Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center slated to occupy more than 35,000 square feet. Initial tenant occupancies are planned for February 2009.

   CB Richard Ellis's John Oien, Cynthia Hllywa and Natalie Bazarevitsch represent StoneCreek Co. in leasing Claremont Medical Plaza.

   The project also incorporates a public art work, "Multi-Verse," at its main entry, created by local artist Kipp Kobayashi.

   Cal State San Bernardino will host the 2009 Business Alliance Executive Briefings series over the next three months, beginning Jan. 29.  All sessions, with the exception of the March 12 event, will be from 7 to 9 a.m. at the university's Obershaw Dining Room, second floor.  The March 12 briefing by Andy Taylor will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

   Cost: $25 per session or $175 for all eight sessions.  For Business Alliance members, CSUSB faculty and staff, the cost is $20 per session or $150 for all eight sessions.  For CSUSB students, cost is $50 for all eight briefings, refundable at end of series with 100 percent attendance.

   Information: (909) 537-5771.

   A luncheon workshop for marketing and advertising opportunities will be presented Jan. 22 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.

   Sponsored by the Inland Empire chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the workshop will be led by Susan Oxarart, marketing director at the arena.

   Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and is free to AAF members and students who belong to the local chapter. Cost for non-AAF members is $10 and $5 for members of the California Inland Counties chapter of the American Marketing Association. Reservations are required by Monday.

   Call (909) 921-1061, or make them online at www.aafinlandempire.com/events.html

   The automotive program at San Gorgonio High School has earned certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, according to a news release.

   NATEF certification, which is good for five years, means the program meets rigorous industry training standards in at least four major areas of industry specialty. Almost all students in the advanced courses hope to pursue careers as automotive mechanics.

   For them, the NATEF certification can provide an edge in the current job market.

   Scottrade, a branch-supported online investment firm, has promoted David Paik to manage its Chino office at 14529 Ramona Ave. As branch manager, Paik is responsible for branch operations, managing personnel and customer service.

   The Inland Empire 66ers will receive the 2008 Creative Marketing Award at the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce's annual community awards and installation dinner tonight.

   Laura Tolbirt, director of corporate communications for the Inland Empire 66ers, also will be sworn in as the vice president of the Highland chamber at the event.

   Entrepreneur magazine has listed Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., a franchise company that provides heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality services, No. 143 in its 2009 "Franchise 500" list.

   The company ranked No. 245 in 2008.

   In a statement, Gary Long of the Gary Long A Plus Aire Serv franchise in Rancho Cucamonga said, "Aire Serv focuses on providing customers with the best possible service and overall experience, so it's rewarding and humbling to be acknowledged like this."

   San Bernardino's Inland Center Mall and AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort are collecting supplies and Valentine's Day cards for servicemen overseas.

   Requested supplies include magazines, black boot socks, foot powder, batteries, baby wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, beef jerky, snack bars, single serve drink mix, microwavable soups, deodorant, etc.

   The list of requested supplies can also be found at www.inlandcenter.com and at the Inland Center's Guest Services Center. Stop by the collection box at Center Court to donate.

   Inland Center will be collecting today through Feb. 3 at the Guest Services Center.  The mall is at 500 Inland Center Drive in San Bernardino.

   Temecula Valley Bancorp Inc., the holding company of Temecula Valley Bank, recently announced organizational changes to the bank's Small Business Administration loan division as part of its new strategic initiatives.

   David H. Bartram, senior executive vice president and president of the SBA division, announced his voluntary departure from the bank.

   Stephanie Bitters, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the SBA division, will take the helm.

   A one-day workshop to help business owners learn how to use their financial statements will be presented from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 20 by the Inland Empire Women's Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino.

   The workshop, "How to Read and Understand Your Financial Statements," will be taught by a representative of from Lucia and Co. CPAs Inc. at the center's office, 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino.

   Cost: $15.  Information and registration: Nicole Kinney at (909) 890-1242; www.iewbc.org

   The Green Valley Initiative released a statement Monday in support of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's request for $11.8 billion in clean- and green-tech funding from President-elect Barack Obama's proposed economic stimulus plan.

   The Green Valley Initiative, a regional economic development strategy being implemented in San Bernardino and Riverside and San Bernardino counties, has urged the governor to allocate some of the funds received from the stimulus package to the two-county area, according to the release.

   A copy of the letter that GVI initiative Chairman Ali Sahabi wrote to the governor is viewable online at www.greenvalleynow.org

   The Redlands Chamber of Commerce will offer speed networking the second Wednesday of the month beginning in February. The event begins with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. followed by networking for an hour beginning at noon.

   Cost: $15. Seating is limited to the first 30 people, with only one representative from an organization for maximum exposure.

   In addition, the chamber will hold a business-to-business networking event at noon Jan. 27 at the chamber, 1 E. Redlands Blvd.

   Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch and business cards. Information: Robin Tambouris, (909) 793-2546.

   According to project architect Marcus Guerrero of Upland-based Williams Architects Inc., the Upland Animal Services Shelter is rapidly taking shape.

   The company recently finished the steel superstructure for the building and plans to complete the facility in the fall. The state-of-the-art shelter will include a surgery center, indoor and outdoor kennels, kitten and puppy areas and wards for sick animals.

   Williams Architects designed the facility to be kid-friendly and has incorporated "get-acquainted" rooms and outdoor play/exercise areas into the design.

   Rich Blanco, owner of RMB Printing & Promotions, will be honored at the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce's community awards and installation dinner as the Business of the Year on Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Castaway Restaurant, 670 Kendall Drive, San Bernardino.

   The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with a social hour and no-host bar followed by the dinner, program and silent auction. Blanco moved his business from Orange County to Highland in 2003, bringing with him his 30 years of experience in the print industry, according to the news release.

   Others who will be honored at the awards ceremony are: Marva Washington, Citizen of the Year; Ernest Wong, City Staffer of the Year; Nathan Gastineau, Police Officer of the Year; and John Toon, Firefighter of the Year.

   Additional honor recipients include Inland Empire 66ers, Kim Palacios, Suzanne Browning, Cathy DeHart, Bonnie Mitchell and Shirley Starn.

   Information: (909) 862-6606, or online at www.rmbprinting.com

   World-renowned speakers from top organizations, including the founder of Travelocity.com and campaign manager for the Obama 2008 campaign, will be headlining CO-OP Financial Services' THINK 2009 event on April 5-8 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas.

   For the first time, CO-OP, which is headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, will also be hosting a Q&A blog and podcast with some of the speakers starting in late January.

   Cost: $599 per credit union if registered by March 2. Register by Jan. 30 and receive 25 percent off. That's only $449 per credit union. After March 2, the fee is $64.

   Information: www.co-opfs.org/THINK

   Edgar Barraza has been named assistant vice president of finance at Altura Credit Union in Riverside. Prior to joining Altura, Barraza was the assistant vice president and financial analyst for California Credit Union based in Glendale.

   Altura is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school or worships in Riverside and San Diego counties, as well as selected cities in San Bernardino and Orange counties.

   The Inland Empire chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) has announced the 2009 ADDY Awards competition.

   The ADDY Awards recognize honor the finest in creative advertising throughout the Inland Empire, according to a news release. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Jan. 30. Late entry deadline is Feb. 6 with a $10 late fee per entry.

   The awards gala will be held March 20 at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

   Information: Online at www.aaf-inlandempire.com/addy.html, or call Andrew Wilkin at (909) 390-1239.

   The Inland Empire Women's Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino will hold a four-part workshop starting Wednesday Jan. 14 on how to develop a business plan for existing or prospective business owners.

   The workshop will offer attendees the time, equipment and direction to develop their own business plans, including their entrepreneurial vision, product description, target market, operation plan and financial projections.

   The workshops will be held Wednesdays, with the three other sessions on Jan. 28, Feb. 11 and 25, at the center's office, 202 East. Airport Drive, Suite 155, in San Bernardino. Cost: $80 pre-registered online.

   Information: Nicole Kinney at (909) 890-1242, or online at www.iewbc.org

   Credit union veteran Linda Pettit is the new president and CEO of the California Center Credit Union in Rancho Cucamonga. Pettit, a Corona resident, succeeds RaAnn Wood, who was named deputy commissioner of the division of credit unions at the California Department of Financial Institutions in November.

   Pettit's career spans more than 25 years of working with credit unions, specializing in strategy development and implementation for sales, marketing, and operations for both retail and commercial applications, according to the news release.

   Pettit attended Cal Poly Pomona and the University of Phoenix and has a Bachelor of Science degree in business management.  Information: www.calcentercu.org

   The Inland Empire chapter of the Urban Land Institute will host roundtable discussions to address on the region's land-use issues at an event titled "Preparing for '09."

   Issues to be discussed include transportation, sustainability and residential development. 

   The event is from 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 Thursday at Eagle Glen Golf Club, 1800 Eagle Glen Parkway, Corona. Cost: $55 for ULI members, $75 for nonmembers.

   Information and registration: (800) 321-5011 or inlandempire.uli.org

   NAI Capital represented a private investor in the nearly $6 million purchase of an approximately 8,500-square-foot restaurant building at 74-740 Highway 111 in Palm Desert.

   The building is currently occupied by Ruth's Chris Prime Steakhouse, which has 19 years remaining on its lease.  Kathleen Howard, Elizabeth Parker and Jill Howard of NAI Capital's Team Howard represented the investor in the purchase.

   The seller was TRT - Sovereign RC Holdco LLC.

   The American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation has approved Western University of Health Sciences' plan to open an additional campus in Lebanon, Ore., to train osteopathic medical students.

   The College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, the founding college of what is now WesternU, received approval to move the first two years of the university's Northwest Track Osteopathic Medical Student Program from WesternU's main campus in Pomona to Lebanon.

   The first class will matriculate in August 2011.  Information: www.westernu.edu

   Registration is are now being accepted for two courses in human-resources management offered by the College of Extended Learning at Cal State San Bernardino.

   "Employment Recruitment and Selection" begins Jan. 20 and will cover such topics as planning staffing needs, job analysis and descriptions, and recruiting methods.  "Health, Safety and Security Requirements" starts Jan. 22 and will focus on establishing effective workplace health, safety and security policies, practices and procedures.

   Both courses meet 6 - 9 p.m. for 10 weeks from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Yasuda Center at Cal State San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino.  Cost: $420 each.  Information or to register: (909) 537-5981 or cel.csusb.edu.

   Pomona College in Claremont has been named the "Best Value" among liberal arts colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine in its February 2009 edition.

   According to a news release, the rankings "combine outstanding economic value with exceptional education." Among the affordability measures considered were "cost after need-based aid" and "average debt at graduation."

   Claremont McKenna College was ranked No. 12 and Scripps College No. 35.

   Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market recently announced the launch of a school fundraising program called "Shop for Schools."  For every $20 spent at a Fresh & Easy store, participating schools can get a $1 cash donation.

   All eligible kindergarten through eighth-grade schools within a three-mile radius of a Fresh & Easy store can participate in the program. Shop for Schools will run from Feb. 1 through March 31. Eligible schools have been sent a registration form to participate in the program and must register for the program by Jan. 23.

   Information: freshandeasy.com/shopforschools.

   Upland's Scheu Family YMCA, 1150 E. Foothill Blvd., will host the Upland Chamber of Commerce's mixer 5-7 p.m. Jan. 21.  The YMCA is at 1150 E. Foothill Blvd.

   The event will include refreshments and a 50/50 opportunity drawing. Information: (909) 204-4465.

   Scholarships are available for current and incoming Cal State San Bernardino students for the 2009-2010 academic year, and the university's financial-aid and university advancement offices will present a series of workshops to share information about how students can qualify and apply.

   Scholarships at CSUSB are available for both merit and need-based applicants.

   Scholarship workshops will be held 3-4 p.m. Jan. 22 and 10:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 26 in the Lower Commons Panorama Room. The deadline to apply for a 2009-2010 CSUSB scholarship is 5 p.m. Feb. 6.

   Information: (909) 537-5227 or finaid.csusb.edu.

   Rancho Cucamonga-based Colorep Inc. a leader in sustainable textile solutions, has named David Anthony to its board of directors, according to a news release.

   As managing director of 21 Ventures, Anthony sits on the board of Agent Video Intelligence, 3GSolar, BioPetroClean, Juice Wireless, VOIP Logic, WorldWater & Solar Technologies and Open Energy Corporation.

   Anthony is an experienced entrepreneur and venture capitalist, according to the release.

   Castello Cities Internet Network in Palm Springs has brought Dale F. Doelling on as chief market analyst for its Web site, bullion.com.

   Doelling has been a commodities trader and market technician for more than two decades, according to a news release.

   The California Foreclosure Institute will present a free workshop for beginning investors on how to get started finding and buying foreclosure properties. Reservations are required.

   The class is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the San Dimas Public Library, 145 N. Walnut Ave.

   Information: (888) 285-0101 or www.foreclosureworkshop.net

   Ingen Technologies Inc., a Yucaipa-based medical device manufacturer of the new Oxyview and OxyAlert product, has hired Dr. Lee Hoffman to head up the new marketing program that will target pulmonologists in the United States, according to a news release.

   Information: www.ingen-tech.com

A representative of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program will be available from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the James L. Brulte Senior Center, 11200 Base Line, Rancho Cucamonga.

   The HICAP rep will provide Assistance will be provided on Medicare and HMOs for filing claims, understanding coverage and evaluating policies.

   The center is at 11200 Base Line Road.  Appointments: (800) 434-0222 or (951) 697-6565.

   Year-over-year cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports, including the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, fell for the 17th straight month in December, completing the slowest year since 2004, according to the monthly Port Tracker report released Thursday by the National Retail Federation and IHS Global Insight.

   Volume for the year was estimated at 15.3 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units, compared with 16.5 million TEU in 2007, a decline of 7.1 percent.

   "Between the economy and the customary winter impact of the slow season, port traffic is very weak," IHS Global Insight economist Paul Bingham said. "Port traffic is projected to continue to be very slow due to the underlying weakness in demand."

   All U.S. ports covered by Port Tracker -- Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston and Savannah on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast -- are rated "low" for congestion.

   Information: (202) 783-7971 or www.nrf.com/PortTracker

   The Diamond Bar Community Services Department will present free seminars on reverse mortgages at 1 p.m. Jan. 14 Wednesday and 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Diamond Bar Center, 1600 S. Grand Ave.

   Participants will be offered information about reverse mortgages, options and recent changes that affect homeowners. The center is at1600 S. Grand Ave.  Preregistration is required. Information: (909) 839-7070.

   Cal State San Bernardino has been selected by the Carnegie Foundation as one of 119 U.S. colleges and universities in its 2008 Community Engagement Classification.

   Carnegie's Community Engagement Classification consists of two categories: Curricular Engagement and Outreach and Partnerships. CSUSB has been recognized and honored with a designation in both categories for its ongoing community outreach and student participation through partnership and service learning programs that include area schools, school districts and civic organizations.

   Information: (909) 537-5793 or partnerships.csusb.edu.

   Shaklee Corp. distributors Linda and Jesus Valdivia of Rancho Cucamonga have announced that the company, a natural nutrition company, founded in 1956, will hold a series of meetings across the country Jan. 10 Saturday for those interested in joining the direct-sale company.

   The meeting starts at 9 a.m. and will be available for viewing online. Information: (909) 938-8405 or www.shaklee.net/ljvaldivia

   Lee Reeder has been named executive director of or the Chino-based Santa Ana Watershed Association in Chino.

   According to a news release, Reeder is now "responsible for implementation of policies set by the board of directors as well as annual goals and objectives, and financial, program and administrative management of the association."

   The topic of the Fontana Chamber of Commerce's monthly Breakfast with the Chief will be identity theft.

   The event will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. Jan. 20 at Fontana Park/Jessie Turner Center, 15556 Summit Ave.  Reservations are required by Jan. 14. Information and reservations: (909) 356-7155.

   The Ontario Convention Center has expanded its technology services to include "Webinars" and Webcasting. The convention center already offers Voice over Internet Protocol, DS3 and Wi-Fi Internet services.

   "Adding these to our existing services allows our clients greater flexibility," Bob Brown, general manager and CEO of the convention center, said in a statement. "With budgets being cut, travel may not be an option for companies right now. This gives them a viable alternative to conduct their business without breaking the bank."

   Information: (888) 385-6338.

   The sole creative writing Master of Fine Arts program offered in San Bernardino County will launch at Cal State San Bernardino in the fall 2009.

   The new writing program is accepting applications through April 1. General applications for admission to the university run through March 1. A two-year terminal studio arts degree, the MFA program requires writers to choose a concentration in fiction or poetry and, by the end of the program, produce a publishable, book-length manuscript.

   Information: (909) 537-5824.

   Michael Lopez, who operates a Kirby Distributorship in Rancho Cucamonga, recently won a trip to the Four Seasons Resort in Las Vegas as part of the company's Challenge of Champions "Learn, Grow Achieve & Prosper" campaign. Earlier this year, Lopez won a trip to Paris.

   Information on the Kirby company: Online at kirby.com.

   On Tuesday, Rep. Congressman Joe Baca, D-San Bernardino, introduced legislation to provide all public elementary and secondary school teachers in the United States with the opportunity to receive $25,000 in student loan forgiveness, according to a news release.

   "The Teacher Education Assistance Creating Hope for our Future Act provides $25,000 in loan forgiveness under both the Federal Direct Loan program and the Federal Family Education Loan program as long as a teacher has taught full time for five consecutive years at any public school in the nation," according to the release.

   Previous government loan -forgiveness programs for teachers have only provided relief to teachers who have taught specific subject matters, such as math and science, or in high-needs and difficult-to-staff rural or inner-city teaching districts.

   The Upland Chamber of Commerce's January membership luncheon will be sponsored by Inland Productivity Solutions and feature guest speaker Anthony Jacobs, a postal inspector for the U.S. Postal Service.

   Jacobs will discuss identity theft and mail security. The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 22 at the DoubleTree Hotel Claremont, 555 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont.

   Reservations are required by Jan. 19. Cost: $25 for chamber members, $35 for nonmembers. Information: (909) 204-4465.

   The state Board of Equalization announced Wednesday that it will extend its Taxpayer Information Section call center operating hours from Jan. 12 through Feb. 2 "in an effort to reduce wait times and better serve taxpayers during this peak return filing period."
   Taxpayers can call (800) 400-7115 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays starting Jan. 12; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 30; and 8 a.m. to midnight Feb. 2.
   In addition to extending hours, more call center representatives will be available to answer phone inquiries. Depending on the volume of calls, hours may be extended further to assist taxpayers.
   The Board of Equalization also has a field office at 3737 Main St., Suite 1000, Riverside, available to assist taxpayers.  Information: (951) 680-6400.

   On Tuesday, Temecula Valley Bancorp Inc. announced "new strategic initiatives as part of the company's ongoing efforts to reduce operating expenses."

   According to the news release, the company expects savings of $10 million as a result of the new initiatives, which include staff reductions of 36 full-time positions across all levels of the business, a redefining of the company's operating footprint and the closure of Small Business Administration loan production offices outside the state.

   Associated with the changes, the company expects to incur an estimated one-time severance charge of approximately $158,000 in the first quarter of 2009, according to the release.

   Attorney Bruce Matlock will be the guest speaker for the Labor Law Update 2009, presented by the West Inland Empire Employer Advisory Council, in partnership with the Employment Development Department.

   The seminar will take place from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Jan. 14 at Etiwanda Gardens, 7576 Etiwanda Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. Cost: $20 for EAC members, $30 for non-members.

   Reservations are required by Thursday.  Information: http://ceacorg/region_7/ west_inland_empire_eac/

   The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center will hold a workshop on "How to Start Your Small Business" from 9-11 a.m. Jan. 22 at the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency office, 201 N. E St.

   The seminar is free thanks to the support of the city of San Bernardino. The course will cover topics such as being an entrepreneur, business planning, small-business financing and more. Information: (951) 781-2345, or online at www.iesmallbusiness.com

   Personnel Concepts in Ontario is advising employers that the Americans With Disabilities Amendments Act, which took effect at the onset of 2009, "makes it significantly easier for employees to request 'reasonable accommodations' for a now-broadened definition of what constitutes a disability."

   The company has issued a comprehensive ADA Amendments Act Compliance Kit to help employers understand and implement the new mandates. Information: (800) 333-3795, or online at www.personnelconcepts.com

   The San Bernardino Community College District, in cooperation with the Inland Empire chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Bernards and Ecotype Consulting, is offering a LEED Test Prep two-day training.

   The intensive class will provide a complete overview of the LEED 2.2 New Construction Rating System to supplement a candidate's preparation for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design New Construction Accredited Professional Exam.

   The training is scheduled from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Jan. 15, and 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 16 at the Applied Technology Training Center, 114 S. Del Rosa Drive in San Bernardino.

   Cost: $250. Registration is required by Friday.  Information and registration: Call (909) 382-4074, or contact via e-mail at amaniaol@sbccd.cc.ca.us

   Lewis Apartment Communities is hosting a job fair from 3-6 p.m. Jan. 13 at Homecoming at Terra Vista, 11660 Church St. in Rancho Cucamonga.

   The company will be accepting applications for multiple positions, including property manager and maintenance technician. The company has 17 apartment communities in the Inland Empire. Information: (800) 735-7368 or at www.lewisop.com

   On Tuesday, Cal State San Bernardino's Institute of Applied Research and Policy Analysis released its monthly Inland Empire Report on Business for December 2008.

   The report indicates continuing decline in the region's economy. According to Shel Bockman and Barbara Sirotnik, co-directors of the institute, and Lori Aldana, project coordinator for the institute, the region's purchasing managers index remained below 41.1 percent for the third consecutive month, coming in at 35.8 percent for the month. October's figure was 35.7 percent, November's was 39.6 percent.

   A number below 50 means the manufacturing sector is contracting.

   At the same time, slight improvement was seen in the local employment index, which increased from 27.4 percent in November to 34.5 percent in December. Still, the index is well below the 50 percent baseline figure, indicating that employment continues to decline.

   According to the report, the commodity price index decreased slightly from 33.3 percent last month to 32.1 percent this month.

   Production and new orders, the most important indices making up the PMI, also continue to drop. The production index dropped to 35.7 percent in December from 44 percent the prior month, and new orders dropped from 44 percent to 34.5 percent.  Supplier deliveries remained at 45.2 percent.

   San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual installation dinner and mini business expo from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Hilton San Bernardino, 285 E. Hospitality Lane.

   Spaces are available for the business expo, and booths are $150 each. Information: (909) 885-7515.

   Safelite Autoglass has signed a lease with ProLogis for the 282,000-square-foot industrial property at 4060 E. Francis Ave. in Ontario, according to costar.com.

   The glass repair and replacement services provider will be the facility's first tenant.

   The City of Fontana will offer several mini-workshops in January through the city's Community Assistance Program.

   Seminars are free and include "Time Management" from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 20; "Preserving Home Ownership/Preventing Foreclosure" from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 22; "Goal Setting" from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 27, and "Road Map to Financial Freedom" from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 29.

   All classes are at the Cypress Neighborhood Center, 8380 Cypress Ave. Information: (909) 428-8374, or online at www.fontanaCAP.org

   Spectra Company, a historic restoration firm based in Pomona, has appointed Chris Covany as estimator/project manager.

   According to a news release, he "will be responsible for managing the reconstruction of large historic public works projects." Covany has more than 13 years of construction experience with an emphasis on the reconstruction, preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings.

   Covany has worked on California landmark projects including the Ano Nuevo State Park's Historic Creamery Horse Barn and Dickerman Barn, Will Rogers State Historic Park's landscape, barns and residence; Cascade Ranch State Park, and Hearst Castle's Roman pool complex. Information: werestorebuildings.com

   Christian Business Partners invites Christian business owners, private contractors, independent service providers and aspiring business owners to join them.

   The group's meetings include a motivational message, prayer, and the opportunity for all present business owners to be recognized along with their services.

   The group's next meetings will be from 8 - 9:30 a.m., Feb. 7, at Emmanuel Family Church, 1902 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 140, in Redlands and at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 34215 Avenue E, in Yucaipa. Information: (909) 556-2121.

   Employers Group will hold a Leadership Skills Series from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Jan. 21 - Feb. 4, at the company's Inland Empire office, at 3200 Guasti Road, Ste. 100, in Ontario.

   The courses include instruction in effective communication, motivating others, dealing with conflict, and the nuts and bolts of supervisory laws.

   Cost: Members $795, Non-members $1,195.  Information: (800) 748-8484, or online at www.employersgroup.com

   Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa awarded Emergency Medical Technician I certificates to 123 students on Dec. 19.  The 18-week EMT I program trains students in basic emergency care, including CPR, splinting and patient assessment.

   EMT I graduates interested in continuing to the next step apply to the college's EMT-Paramedic advanced life support program, and must complete required courses in anatomy and physiology, as well as serve as EMTs full-time for six months or part-time for 1,000 hours.

   Earning an EMT I certificate is also a step towards applying for the school's Fire Academy. Receiving awards at the commencement were Christopher Thomas for highest overall score; Thomas West received the Field Award; Liezl Barrett garnered the Clinical Award; Brian Thomas received the Most Improved award; and Delaney Dabney earned the Special Award for Outstanding Service and Dedication to the EMT-B program.

   Brad Freeman has joined Sperry Van Ness Real Estate Services LLC as senior advisor in the firm's Ontario office, at 800 N. Haven Ave.

   According to a news release from the company, the move "has expanded (the firm's) expertise in the Inland Empire commercial real estate market."

   Freeman has more than six years of commercial real estate experience, and specializes in the sale of troubled assets and seriously challenged properties in the Inland Empire, according to the release. Information: www.svn.com

   Certified Towing has purchased a Riverside warehouse facility from Riveroaks Enterprises for $1.25 million. The 20,000-square-foot facility, at 5887 Fremont St., was built in 2000.

   Michael Collins and Noah Samarin of Collins Commercial Corp. represented both sides of the transaction.

   Conexant Systems Inc., a supplier of semiconductor solutions for imaging, audio, video and Internet connectivity applications, has announced that Jean Hu, an alumnus of Claremont Graduate School, has been promoted to the position of chief financial officer and senior vice president of business development.

   Hu has been with Conexant since 1999. She earned a doctorate in economics from CGS.

   Joe and Heska King, owners of Heska's sandwich shop in Redlands, are raising money so they can open a coffee shop in Mentone. The Sugar Shack was set to open nearly two years ago on Mentone Boulevard.

   The Kings got county approvals, but could not get loans to finish the business, Joe King said.

   They are selling 365 entryway bricks for $100 each and more bricks for $50 each.  The Sugar Shack will be completely staffed by college students, King said.  Heska's, which is in the Stater Bros. shopping center on Lugonia and Wabash avenues, has been in business 11 years, King said.

   Information: (909) 389-9976.

   The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco has announced that Patricia E. Yarrington, vice president and newly appointed chief financial officer of Chevron Corporation, has joined as new directors, effective Jan. 1.

   Yarrington has a degree in Political Science from Pomona College in Claremont, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

   Edwards Mansion in Redlands will hold an open house from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 18 to show off some new additions and enhancements.

   In 2005, the owners Don and Sue Wilcott started with a solar power system, which cuts down on the electric bill. The west lawn gazebo and enhancements to the chapel were next, and the pergola and cypress garden were finished in summer. The resident florist now has an office in the mansion, and there is a new loft with a bed and kitchen area for guests.

   Edwards Mansion is at 2064 Orange Tree Lane. Information: (909) 793-2031; edwardsmansion.com

   The Old Spaghetti Factory is rolling back prices on classic pasta dishes to celebrate its 40th anniversary nationwide.

   On Tuesday at dinner, a complete meal -- including a salad, entree and dessert -- will cost about $3. The Old Spaghetti Factory's kids' meals will cost about $2.

   Guests will have their choice of six complete dinner items. The special anniversary menu includes spaghetti with tomato, meat, mushroom or clam sauce, and the signature spaghetti with mizithra cheese or the Manager's Favorite, all for about $2.35 to $3.45 per person.