March 2009 Archives

   Steve and Kathy Gomez, real-estate agents at Rich Cosner's Prudential California Realty in Rancho Cucamonga, recently negotiated the sale of a 7,013-square-foot retail building in Victoria Gardens for $3.6-million.  The building, known as Pad No. 15, is at 8008 Monet Ave.  The buyer is Eternal Legacy Properties LLC, and the sellers were Victoria Gardens Mall LLC, Forest City and Investwest.  The Gomezes were the only agents involved in the transaction.  Information: (909) 980-6000.

   The Apartment Association Greater Inland Empire will participate in Maintenance Mania from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.  The national competition is for maintenance professionals to test their skills in various games and by building a race car from maintenance products and racing it down a 32-foot track.  Car check-in is at 11 a.m. followed by the competition at noon at the Scheu Family YMCA of Upland, 1150 E. Foothill Blvd.  Information: (909) 948-7625.

   Grand Terrace-based AmPac Tri State Certified Development Co., a certified lender for the U.S. Small Business Administration, has closed a $1.16-million loan for real estate acquisition and tenant improvements in Santa Ana.  The client, a counselor with more than 20 years in business, is the fourth female business owner AmPac has financed in the past year.  AmPac partnered with Promerica Bank, an SBA lender seeking to enhance the financing capacity of Latino entrepreneurs.  Information: (909) 915-1706 or www.tristatecdc.com

   The Fellowship of Local Businessmen and Women will hold a free discussion event Thursday on whether it matters what type of business you operate during tough economic times.  The meeting's speaker will be Al Montanez of Montanez Landscaping, who will talk about his own entrepreneurial story.  The event starts at 7 p.m. at 8647 Helms Ave., Second Floor, Rancho Cucamonga.  Information: (951) 453-9914.

   Union Bank N.A. has named Stuart Bernstein market president for Inland Empire and Orange County retail banking, according to a news release.  "As part of a comprehensive realignment of its retail banking group, Bernstein's position represents the addition of five new regional market presidents throughout California, as well as Union Bank's geographic expansion of its retail markets to five, from three," according to the release.  Bernstein has nearly two decades of banking experience.  He previously worked as a market president for Wells Fargo and was an executive vice president at Countrywide Financial Corp.

   For the second consecutive year, Lewis Apartment Communities in Upland has been awarded the National Multifamily Customer Service Award for Excellence by national consulting firm CEL & Associates Inc., according to a news release.  Additionally, 17 apartment communities were recognized for customer service in 2008, including Carmel Apartments, Del Mar, Del Mar II, Homecoming at Terra Vista, Sunscape II and Villa Capri in Rancho Cucamonga; Green Valley Apartments and Green Valley Crest in Chino Hills; Homecoming at Eastvale in Mira Loma and Sycamore Park in Ontario.

   The Inland Empire Executives Association, a local chapter of networking business owners and managers, is holding its annual membership drive, and many categories are still open.  The association does not allow any duplicate businesses in the same category within its membership.  Information: (909) 875-4413, or online at www.IEEA.biz

   The Pomona Chamber of Commerce will host the fifth annual Taste of Pomona Valley 5 - 8 p.m. April 13 at Avalon, the restaurant at Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona.  Cost: $25 for pre-sale tickets; $30 at the door.  If you would like to be a participant, a sponsor, purchase tickets or for more information, contact the chamber at (909) 622-8484 or by e-mail at info@pomonachamber.org

   Dale C. Van Wagner of Chino has contracted with World Financial Group Inc. to "help meet the financial needs of consumers in the greater Inland Empire area," according to a news release.  Van Wagner's focus will be expanding the company's local clientele and increasing its base of financial professionals.  Information: (909) 548-9023, or e-mail dvwwfg@yahoo.com

   The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has approved a $250,000 agreement with the state Employment Development Department to provide customized training and supportive services for veterans to help them make the transition from a military to a civilian lifestyle.  The county's Department of Workforce Development will provide services to 150 recently separated veterans.  The services will include customized training, vocational training, supportive services and job placement, according to a news release.  Veterans interested in information regarding training and transition assistance can call (800) 451-5627.

   Nicholas Chang and Richard Lee of NAI Capital's Ontario office represented Newport Beach-based Master Development Corp. in the lease of a 20,548-square-foot industrial building in the Upland Technology Center, 2038 W. 11th St.  According to the news release, the Claremont University Consortium leased the space for a five-year term, and intends to utilize the space for a book repository and special collections archive facility.  The tenant was represented by Nick Quackenbos of Quackenbos-Bell Commercial Real Estate.  Information: (909) 945-2339.

   Riverside corporate, business and real estate attorney Elio Palacios Jr. has opened his own law office.  Palacios previously served as a senior associate attorney at Best Best & Krieger LLP.  He is a graduate of Loma Linda University and UC Davis.  Palacios' office is at 11801 Pierce St. Suite 200, Riverside.  Information: (951) 710-3180.

   The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center will hold a free workshop on "How to Start Your Small Business" from 9-11 a.m. April 2 at the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce offices, 7945 Vineyard Ave., Suite D-5.  The SBDC business consultant will cover planning, financing, legal forms of organization and more.  Seating is limited, so pre-registration is recommended.  Information: (951) 781-2345, or online www.iesmallbusiness.com

   Pardee Homes has promoted John Anglin to senior vice president of construction and purchasing, according to a news release.  Anglin assumes his new position with the April retirement of Randy Myers.  Anglin is a 30-year veteran with the company who will oversee construction activities for Pardee Homes in all of its markets, including the Inland Empire.
Information: www.pardeehomes.com

   The Montclair Chamber of Commerce will host the annual State of the City address from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Montclair Community Center, 5111 Benito St.  The theme will be "Shop Montclair: Invest in our community." Local restaurants will provide a "Taste of Montclair," including samplings from community favorite Cafe Montclair.  Cost: $50 for chamber members; $55 for nonmembers.  Table sponsorships are available.  Information: (909) 624-4569.

   Colton-based Summit Career College will hold a free career outreach event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22 at the school's campus, 851 S. Cooley Drive.  The event will offer free assistance with everything from polishing job-interview skills to sprucing up a resume and pursuing a new career path. Information: (909) 422-8950.

   The College of Pharmacy at Western University of Health Sciences accepted a $50,000 gift from Walgreens on March 18, according to a news release from the school.  The pledge will help build a simulated model pharmacy within the Professional Development Laboratory, which is scheduled to open in January.  Information: Online at www.westernu.edu

   Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has announced a new addition to its Web site, www.californiamoves.com, where community guides provide free online information for consumers in 31 counties in California, including San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

   San Bernardino County's Investment Pool has earned another top rating from the independent credit-rating agency Standard & Poor's, county Treasurer-Tax Collector Dick Larsen has announced.  The county's rating of "AAAf" -- the highest possible -- means the pool "carries the smallest degree of risk and an expectation that any adverse economical factors would only cause a minor impact to the fund," according to Larsen.  Information: www.mytaxcollector.com

   California Bank and Trust will hold a seminar on the current banking climate and a product demonstration at 11 a.m. March 25.  The event, which will include lunch, will take place at the Pomona Chamber of Commerce office, 101 W. Mission Blvd., No. 223.  Reservations and information: (909) 622-1101, or e-mail sashi.taylor@calbt.com

   The Banning Redevelopment Agency will begin accepting applications for the Downtown Facade Improvement Program today.  The program provides loans and grants to downtown property owners to rehabilitate and remodel the exterior of their buildings.  Eligible work includes: architectural modifications, exterior refinishing, signage, lighting, doors windows and awnings.  Program boundaries: Livingston Street to the south, Alessandro Road to the east, Williams Street to the north and Fourth Street to the west.  Information: (951) 922-3171.

   The office of Rep. David Dreier, R-San Dimas, will host a job fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 8 at the Goldy S. Lewis Community Center, 11200 Base Line, Rancho Cucamonga.  Partners in the job fair include the San Bernardino County Department of Workforce Development, San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board, California Employment Development Department and Rancho Cucamonga.  Information: (909) 575-6226 or (888) 906-2626.

   McIntyre Law Group of Redlands will return to the University of Redlands Casa Loma Room to offer another free dinner-seminar to local senior citizens.  Attorney Nathan T. McIntyre will deliver his "Legacy Wealth Estate Planning" seminar, which provides information about developing an estate plan.  The event will start at 6 p.m. March 25.  Seating is limited to seniors 55 and older who own their own home.  Reservations are required and are limited to two per household.  Dinner will be catered by Bon Appetit.  Information and reservations: (909) 798-5780 or www.mcintyrelawgroup.com

   Financial adviser Christopher Wiloughby will present a free seminar titled "Financial Blunders: Lessons We Never Learn" about preserving and protecting assets at 10 a.m. on March 18.  The free class will be at the Joslyn Senior Center, 660 N. Mountain Ave., Claremont.  Information: (909) 399-5488.

   The Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce will host the 17th annual State of the City luncheon at 11:30 a.m. March 19 at the Yucaipa Community Center, 34900 Oak Glen Road.  Verizon is the official corporate sponsor of this event.  Mayor Dick Riddell and City Manager Ray Casey will give a report on the city's accomplishments, developments and financial status.  Partners Pantry will be catering the event.  Reservations must be received by Friday, March 13.  Cost: $25.  Sponsorships are also available.  Information: (909) 790-1841, or via e-mail at info@yucaipachamber.org

   The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board will host a job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18 at Barstow Community College's gymnasium, 2700 Barstow Road.  The event will feature numerous High Desert employers from a variety of industries, according to the news release.  All job seekers are invited to attend.  Information: Mike Holtz, (760) 252-8626 or via e-mail at mholtz@ed.sbcounty.gov

   Andy Taylor, chief executive officer of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, will speak at a luncheon edition of Cal State San Bernardino's "Executive Briefings" series.  The event is from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 12, in the Obershaw Dining Room of CSUSB's Upper Commons.  Taylor's presentation about his 40 years in the automotive business is sponsored by CSUSB's College of Business and Public Administration and the Business Alliance.  Registrants will receive a boxed lunch.  Cost: $25.  For members of the Business Alliance, students, faculty and staff, the cost is $20.  Information: (909) 537-5771.

   Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii will open its newest location Saturday in Rancho Cucamonga.  From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., coffee lovers can receive a free 8 oz. Kona coffee and enjoy live music and performances by hula dancers.  The store, at 11460 Kenyon Way No. 108, is owned by Dave and Sheryl Wagner.  Information: www.badasscoffee.com

   The San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone and Targeted Management Company Inc. will host a workshop for local business owners to provide information about the tax incentives available to businesses in the enterprise zone.  The event is scheduled from 8 to 9:30 a.m. March 24 at the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency's office, 201 N. E St., Suite 301, San Bernardino.  Reservations are required by March 20.  Information: Wendy Clements, (909) 382-4100, ext. 230; or via e-mail at info@sbvez.com

   The San Antonio Hospital Foundation is presenting "Climbing out of the financial crisis" with Redlands-based economist and speaker John Husing at a luncheon on March 20 at 11:30 a.m. for $25 per person.  Paid reservations are required by March 12. Seating is limited. RSVP to Martha Reinoso (909) 920-4962 or mreinoso@sach.org

   The event will be held at Aita Auditorium, 999 San Bernardino Road, Upland.

   For those interested in the nursing industry, the NurseWeek Career Fair will be held at Ontario Convention Center on March 31, from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.  The doors open at 8 a.m. There is free admission for registered nurses and graduate nurses.  Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume.  The convention center is located at 2000 E. Convention Center Way.

   Broadcasting from Inland Center Mall in San Bernardino, the IE News Hour -- a radio talk show hosted by Lou Desmond -- was recently started to give local business and government professionals a voice on matters happening in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.  The show's Web site states: "Through interviews with newsmakers, politicians, business owners and others, we will bring the listener a broad perspective on the issues of the day that matter to those of us who reside in the 'I.E.'."  The IE News Hour runs from 5 - 6 a.m., Monday - Friday, on KTIE 590 radio station.  For more information, visit: www2.ktie590.com/subpages/ie-news-hour/ie-news-hour.html

   Andy Butcher has been named president of Riverside-based Luxfer Gas Cylinders U.S.A., the nation's largest manufacturer of aluminum and composite high-pressure cylinders. Butcher has general management and administrative responsibility for manufacturing facilities in Riverside and Graham, N.C., as well as a sales and distribution network that serves customers around the world.

   The College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific at Pomona-based Western University of Health Sciences has appointed Michael Seffinger chair of the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.  Seffinger, who came to COMP in 1999, is a tenured associate professor of Family Medicine, Neuromuscoloskeletal Medicine, and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.  "His plan is to improve the opportunity for students to learn, train future teachers in OMM, and develop physical, mechanical and rehabilitation departments," according to a news release.

   Rialto Business and Education Summit will be held on March 26, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Wilmer Amina Carter High School, 2630 N. Linden Ave. Guest speakers include John Husing, Redlands-based economist; Gary Thomas, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools; and Brian McGowan, California's deputy secretary of Economic Development and Commerce.  For more information, call (909) 875-5364.

   The San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, 546 W. Sixth St., is holding a discussion on March 25 regarding the proposed Omnitrans sbX bus service line.  Chamber members can ask about how the bus line, which is slated to run along E Street, will affect businesses.  The discussion is from 7:30 - 8:45 a.m., during the chamber's usual monthly koffee klatch meeting.  A representative from Omnitrans will be there to answer questions and give an update on the bus line goals.  Non-chamber members are invited to attend.  Call (909) 885-7515 for more information.

   Morgan Stanley's Global Wealth Management Group, based in New York, has announced Kathy Lynn Tully -- a senior vice president and wealth adviser in the firm's Ontario office -- has been named to Barron's first list of America's "Top 1000 Advisers: 2009 State-by-State," according to a news release.  The list is a select group of individuals who are screened on criteria such as assets under management, revenue produced for the firm and quality of service provided to clients.

   In the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario region, 379,037, or 44.8 percent, of all properties with a mortgage had negative equity as of Dec. 31, according to newly released data from Santa Ana-based First American CoreLogic.  An additional 34,397 mortgages in the region, or 4.1 percent, are near negative equity.  On a national level, more than 8.3 million U.S. mortgages, or 20 percent of all properties with a mortgage, had negative equity.  California ranked first with more than 1.9 million borrowers having negative equity, followed by Florida (1.3 million) and Texas (498,000).

   On April 9, the 2009 Southern California Transportation and Logistics Summit will address key issues facing the transportation and logistics industry in Southern California and the nation.  The event will be held at Doubletree Hotel Ontario Airport, 222 N. Vineyard Ave. in Ontario.  Discussions include sustainability, the emerging green supply chain, workforce and economic stimulus, upcoming transportation regulations and potential government funding/stimulus to aid in industry compliance, according to a news release.  The event will run from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.  More information: www.tlsummit.net

   A free retirement planning fair for members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) will be held on March 18 at the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center Way.  The fair will be 9 a.m. -- 4 p.m. CalPERS members include all state employees, all classified public school employees, all California State University employees, County of Riverside, all Riverside County Schools, all San Bernardino County Schools, San Bernardino Unified School District, Santa Ana Unified School District, Riverside Transit Agency employees, and employees of the cities of Anaheim, Corona, Ontario, Riverside, San Bernardino and Santa Ana.

   For more information, visit www.calpers.ca.gov/retirementplanningfairs

   For those interested in nanotechnology, the Donald F. Averill Applied Technology Training Center in San Bernardino will host "Nanotechnology: An Industry for Job Creation and Education" on April 2, from 8 a.m. - 4:20 p.m., and April 3, from 8 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.  The event is free, and the location is 114 S. Del Rosa Dr., San Bernardino.  For more information or to register for the event, contact Albert Maniaol at (909) 382-4074, or e-mail amaniaol@sbccd.cc.ca.us

   Also, a free "Scanning Probe Microscopy Workshop" event is being held April 1 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the center.  You must register, and seats are limited to 100 people. To register, call or e-mail Maniaol.

   At the closing session of the 2009 National Governors Association Winter Meeting in Washington D.C. on Feb. 23, ESRI -- a Redlands-based geographic information system software company -- received a Public-Private Partnership Award for its work with the state of Maryland Governor's Office of the Governor, according to a news release.  ESRI was acknowledged for its role in developing GIS-based performance-measurement applications MD iMap, GreenPrint and BayStat.

   A San Bernardino County office planned next to the courthouse in Joshua Tree will be designed to meet a nationally recognized energy and water efficiency standard, according to a contract awarded by the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.  The 29,400-square-foot office will be designed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Standard.

   Two homeownership classes offered to Riverside County employees and residents will be coming to Temecula and Riverside.

   More information: www.freehomeownershiphelp.org

   The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program West Valley Chapter, in partnership with the California Department of Corporations, is inviting seniors age 55 and older to attend a training session for the Seniors Against Fraud (SAIF) program.  The purpose of is to recruit senior volunteers to make presentations to small groups of seniors.  The volunteers will be taught about about the techniques used by scam artists against the elderly and tips to combat fraud.  The training session will be held March 30, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Ontario Senior Center, 225 E. B St. Pre-registration is required.  Call (909) 482-0355.

   The Inland Empire Women's Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino will hold a workshop on Saturday, March 7, to help people who are considering launching a new business or who already operate their own businesses.  "Successful Start-Ups: The ABCs of Starting Your Own Business" will present the steps to take when starting a business.  The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the center's office, 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino.  The cost is $15 if pre-registered online or $20 at the door.  For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Nicole Kinney at (909) 890-1242. Or register online at www.iewbc.org

   Free tax-preparation sites are now open in the Inland Empire to assist lower-income and senior taxpayers through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.  Taxpayers should bring following items: photo ID and valid taxpayer ID numbers like a Social Security number; all pertinent tax documents like W-2 forms and all 1099 forms; a copy of last year's return if available (2007 tax year); other relevant financial information about income and expenses, bank accounts. For the location of your nearest VITA or TCE site, call 2-1-1 or (800) 829-1040, or visit www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/vita/sites.asp

   The Claremont Chamber of Commerce has formed a committee called Claremont Young Professionals.  The committee targets the young, talented work force and was created to "strengthen the vitality of Claremont and surrounding areas by providing a network of professional development, social opportunity, economic development and community service programs," a news release says.  On March 19, the chamber will introduce Claremont Young Professionals and the Inaugural Fundraising Mixer starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Packing House Wine Merchants, 540 W. First St.  For more information, call (909) 624-1681, or e-mail maureen@claremontchamber.org

   Find out how to spend your money wisely when selling your home at a class offered by UC Riverside.  "Staging Your Home to Sell" will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at UCR Extension, 1200 University Ave.  The course fee of $65 includes parking.  More information: (951) 827-5801, or e-mail arts@ucx.ucr.edu

   The Rancho Cucamonga Redevelopment Agency is planning two workshops.

   The Foreclosure Prevention and Assistance Workshop will offer foreclosure-prevention information, visits with financial counselors and assistance from participating lenders.  It will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Rancho Cucamonga Central Park, 11200 Base Line.  Attendees should bring all income, expense and loan information.

   A Business Assistance Workshop, hosted by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board, will be on March 18, from 8 to 11 a.m., at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, 12505 Cultural Center Drive.  Reservations are required.  Contact Vanessa Gilmore at (909) 387-9851 or vgilmore@wdd.sbcounty.gov

   Employment attorney Danuta Tuszynska, a local employment attorney, will address members of the Business Alliance and the community at the sixth lecture at Cal State San Bernardino's Executive Briefings series today March 5.  The event begins at 7 a.m. with a continental breakfast, followed by Tuszynska's lecture at 7:30 a.m. in the Obershaw Dining Room of the Upper Commons.  The cost of the lecture is $25; members of the Business Alliance, students, faculty and staff pay $20. To register, visit www.cbpa.csusb.edu/community/events/ExecBrief.html

   For more information, call (909) 537-5771.

   ProLogis, a global provider of distribution facilities, announced it has leased about 400,000 square feet of distribution space in Ontario to a footwear designer, manufacturer and retailer.  The new customer will occupy space at ProLogis Park Ontario Airport, a new 681,000-square-foot facility located off the 15 Freeway between the 10 and 60 freeways.  The business park has about 1.9 million square feet in six buildings. In January, ProLogis announced a 282,000-square-foot lease with Safelite AutoGlass at the same distribution center.

   Gear Technology in Rancho Cucamonga, an international precision gear manufacturer, has been awarded ISO 9001:2000 and AS9100B:2004 certifications, signifying the highest standards of quality, safety and manufacturing efficiency, by the International Standards Authority Registrar.  Gear Technology has been manufacturing precision gears for some of the world's largest aerospace, military and commercial manufacturers since 1986.

   Twenty-three AT&T stores in San Bernardino and Riverside counties helped raise money through the "Get $100 and Help a Child With Cancer" campaign.  Customers who purchased AT&T Advanced TV and wireless service received $100 back and were encouraged to donate a portion of that savings to the Los Angeles-based PADRES Contra El Cancer, a nonprofit committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and their families. On Friday, Feb. 28, AT&T announced a $200,000 donation to the organization.

   Cal State San Bernardino's division of information, resources and technology -- in partnership with the California State University system and California Community Colleges -- is hosting the seventh annual Secure IT information technology and network security conference.  The conference started Wednesday and continue today and Friday and 6 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Los Angeles.  The conference is addressing threats to information security as well as responses to the increasing risk of security breaches and data infiltration, identity theft and cyber terrorism.  For More information: www.secureitconf.com

   Or Lorraine Frost at (909) 537-5100 or lfrost@csusb.edu

   You can explore ways to build your credit, reinvent your business and consider building a new business to increase cash at the "Reinventing Yourself After Bankruptcy" class held on March 31, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Norco Campus of Riverside Community College.  To register, e-mail Robin@RobinHardy.net

   State Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free-tax preparation service event for low- to middle-income taxpayers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 25 at the San Bernardino Employment and Training Agency, 600 N. Arrowhead Ave., Suite 300.  Interested taxpayers should make an appointment by contacting office of Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter's office, D-Rialto, at (909) 820-5008.

   Ad sales are being made for the Chino Valley Business Directory and Community Guide, put together by the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce.  The end of ad sales is March 31. Contact Debra at (949) 589-0892 or at debra@dirmapsusa.com

   Lifespan Inc., a medical data technology company in Palm Desert, has been approached by a major partner wishing to assist in the implementation of the home-based medical-testing systems and electronic medical record (EMR) technology acquired by Lifespan and described as the Advanced Medical division.  The company will be focusing its efforts on implementing these technologies.

   The Advanced Medical technology and system are focused on connecting leading-edge, home-based medical diagnostic and testing equipment securely through any wireless device to the client's electronic medical record portal.

   Catherine Pelley, the new chief executive at Victor Valley Community Hospital in Victorville, began her job on Monday.  Pelley was CEO of St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley from 1996 to 2002, and CEO of Glendale Memorial Hospital in 2008.  "She brings with her a broad depth of experience and knowledge in health care and hospital administration," a news release says.

   The owners of Century 21 Excellence in Rancho Cucamonga, Ray Mejia and Luis Oliver, have announced The Patino Team has joined their office, according to a news release.  Mayor Don Kurth and law-enforcement officials on Friday celebrated the event.  The Patino Team has been in real estate for more than 15 years and achieved "the highest awards Century 21 has to offer," the release said.  For more information, call (909) 758-4318.

   Until April 1, the public is invited to comment on the 2009 applications the Bureau of Land Management has submitted to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division.  The grant application process is a key part of the partnership between the bureau and California, which issues grants to a variety of entities to improve or mitigate off-highway vehicle recreation.

   The draft 2009 applications encompass about 90 projects, from law enforcement, facility development, trails, restoration work and other projects proposed throughout the bureau's 16 field offices in the state.  The applications are online at http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/

   The Pomona-based historic preservation firm Spectra Co. received an award of excellence from Long Beach Heritage for its Villa Riviera project in Long Beach.  The Long Beach Heritage Awards Benefit was held Feb. 19 on the Queen Mary.  The annual event honored 10 individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the preservation of the architectural and cultural heritage of Long Beach.  Spectra Co. performed a variety of preservation and restoration techniques on the $15 million project.

   The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce says that one of the most cost-effective marketing packages available for your business is the Chino Valley Business Directory and Community Guide.  The end of ad sales will be March 31. Contact Debra at (949) 589-0892 or at debra@dirmapsusa.com

   The directory will also be an interactive directory online and on disk.  It will feature links to advertisers' websites on www.chinovalleychamber.com

   Banner Bedding Inc., a mattress manufacturer, leased 48,334 square feet at the warehouse at 1501 Cooley Drive, Colton, from FNL/Colton Partners.  The 123,469-square-foot facility was built in 2004 in east San Bernardino.  It contains 27 loading docks, two drive-in bays, 30-foot clear height and heavy power.  Michael Chavez of Lee & Associates represented Banner Bedding.  Mark Zorn of DAUM Commercial Real Estate represented FNL/Colton Partners.

   Corona-based Paragon Airheater Technologies -- a supplier of air preheater replacement parts and basketed element products -- has embarked on a mission to expand its manufacturing capacity to accommodate the company's international growth and recent high volume of sales orders.

   A joint venture with a United Kingdom-based facility to manufacture Paragon's product lines for the international market has been announced. Paragon plans to implement the manufacturing processes and procedures used in both its Mexico and California facilities at the new plant in the first quarter of 2009.

   Paragon plans to announce new sealing products to the market and is expecting a large increase in manufacturing volumes.

   Midori Financial LLC has sold 24687 Monroe Ave., Murrieta, to Eichenberg Holdings LLC for $1.4 million, according to costar.com.  The 5,100-square-foot office building was constructed in 2007.  Scott Forest and Jim Nadal of Grubb & Ellis/Westmar represented the buyer and the seller.

   Sue Hyland of Claremont is the newest member of the Los Angeles County Fair Association board of directors, effective immediately.

   Hyland, owner and chairman of the board of the Claremont Club, has been a member of the Fair Association since 2004. She serves as chairwoman of the Fairplex Child Development Center fund development committee, on the Fairplex Education Foundation board of directors and chairs the Claremont subcommittee for the Big Yellow Bus Partnership Program. She also recently served on the Capital Campaign Cabinet for the Child Development Center.

   Hyland's position on the LACFA board fills that held by Larry M. Rinehart, who retired in January. Rinehart was named director in 2002. Information: www.fairplex.com

   Construction is beginning on a 850,000-square-foot bottling plant at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville after Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. settled a lawsuit last week with a local group called Grow Victorville Smart.

   The settlement says Dr Pepper Snapple Group's electricity at the plant must come from renewable energy sources, and the carbon emissions from any natural gas burned must be offset by making adjustments in the company's chain, according to Cory Briggs, attorney for Grow Victorville Smart.

   Greg Artkop, spokesman for the beverage company, said the plant is slated to begin operations in first quarter 2010 and will employ 200 workers.

   Monrovia-based Trader Joe's is recalling three private label products.  The company said there have been no confirmed cases of illnesses or adverse effects.  For details, call (626) 599-3817.  The recall includes: Sweet, savory and tart trail mix bars, 7.4-ounces, UPC 68686; Trail mix fruit and nut bar, 1.6-ounces, UPC 91954. Trader Joe's has stores in Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Chino Hills, Redlands, Corona, Riverside, Temecula, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and La Quinta.

   A local manufacturing index shows the Inland Empire's manufacturing sector continues to shrink for the fifth consecutive month.

   "With the continuation of bad economic news ... it is no surprise that the PMI (Purchasing Manager's Index) remains low (at 34.7)," said researchers Shel Bockman and Barbara Sirotnik in a report published Monday by the Institute of Applied Research and Policy Analysis at Cal State San Bernardino.

   A PMI below 41.1 over three straight months means the sector's shrinking has become a trend, the report says.

   "The local employment index has been below the 50 baseline figure for over a year," the report says.  Also, two key PMI indicators -- the production and new orders indices -- stayed below the 50 mark for the sixth straight month.

   Altura Credit Union has developed a free workshop for job seekers titled "Resume Writing and Interviewing Tips."  The class will provide pointers on how to write a resume for today's market and how to make a great first impression once you score an interview.  The workshop is being offered from 6 to 7:30 March 11 at the credit union's Operations and Technology Center, 2847 Campus Parkway, Riverside. Reservations are requested by March 9.  Information: Andrea Nanni, (951) 571-5369.

   Lee & Associates has completed a two-year lease for a 4,000-square-foot commercial warehouse space at 11126 I Ave., Hesperia.  Ryan Travis, a sales and leasing agent at Lee & Associates' Inland Empire North office, represented both the tenant, 1-800 Radiator, a national retailer specializing in distributing radiators, and the landlord.

   The board of directors of the Montclair-based Monte Vista Water District recently elected officers for the next two years.  Sandra S. Rose of Chino was re-elected president.  Maynard Lenhert of Montclair was re-elected vice president, and Tony Lopez, also of Montclair, was re-elected auditor.  The water district provides retail and wholesale water services to Montclair, Chino Hills and portions of Chino.

   The state Board of Equalization announced gasoline figures Thursday that show Californians used less gasoline in November than in the same month the previous year.  The amount was down 35 million gallons from the prior year, a decline of 2.8 percent.  Californians used a total of 1.2 billion gallons of gasoline in November, compared with 1.23 billion gallons in the previous November.  Diesel fuel sold for use on California roads totaled 204 million gallons in November, an 11.4 percent decline from the same month in 2007.  The Board of Equalization is able to monitor gallons through tax receipts paid by fuel distributors.  Information: www.boe.ca.gov/sptaxprog/spftrpts.htm

   Weingarten Realty has facilitated the lease of 1,300 square feet of space in Chino Hills Marketplace to Gladiator Insurance Agency.  Christine Jensen handled lease negotiations on behalf of Weingarten Realty.

   The American Advertising Federation's Palm Springs-Desert Cities chapter has announced the selection of this year's judges for its annual advertising competition, the ADDY Awards.  Brian Johnson, an art director at The Glenn Group in Reno, Nev.; freelancer Ellen Shakespeare; and Stan Byers, who teaches visual communications at the University of Nevada, Reno; will judge an anticipated 300 entries.

   Winners will be announced at the annual ADDY Awards Ceremony and Gala event, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. March 21 at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel.  Cost: $125 for members, $150 for nonmembers and $1,000 for a table of 10.  Advance purchase is required.  Information: (760) 325-2882 or www.desertadfed.com

   Employees of Vistar in Ontario, which distributes snacks and supply items for vending machines and concessions, were recognized by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter for raising $26,439 for cancer research at the organization's 2008 Light the Night walk in Riverside.  Vistar was the society's top corporate fundraising team in the Inland Empire in 2008.  Planning is under way for the 2009 Light the Night Walk, to be held Aug. 22.  Information: www.lightthenight.org/ocie