September 2009 Archives

Recall Information Systems Inc. has leased 169,732 square feet at 7875 Hemlock Ave., Fontana, according to costar.com.  The Georgia-based document- management company signed for 10 years.  Greg Lance of UGL Equis represented Recall.  Mark Zorn of Daum Commercial Ontario represented the landlord, Alere Property Group.

Greenball Corp. has signed a seven-year lease for the 250,430-square-foot warehouse at 13204 Jurupa Ave., Fontana, according to costar.com.  The tire supplier is moving from 10746 Commerce Way, Fontana, in early 2010.  Charles Belden, Kyle Kehner and Tim Pimentel of Cushman and Wakefield represented the landlord, Principal Life Insurance Co.  Jeff Smith of Lee and Associates represented the tenant.

The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo will take place Oct. 10 in the parking lot of Sam's Club, 3951 Grand Ave., Chino.  Sponsorships and vendor spaces are still available.  A private party for chamber members, expo sponsors and exhibitors and local officials will be held at the expo site at 5 p.m. Oct. 9.  Information: (909) 627-6177

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the nation's largest credit union for school employees, has promoted Erin Mendez to executive vice president and chief operating officer.  She is directly responsible for finance, facilities, information technology, strategic planning, strategic marketing, and automation and business services, which includes the online channel delivery, according to a news release.  Mendez joined SchoolsFirst FCU in 2003 and most recently was senior vice president of finance and information services.

Grubb and Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a real estate services and investment firm, represented Belmont and Grove Land Holdings LLC, a division of Panattoni Development Company, in securing a 63-month lease of 101,690 square feet of industrial space for Office Master Inc. at 1110 S. Mildred Ave., Ontario.  Roger Rhoades, senior vice president, Milo Lipson, senior vice president, and Michael Arens, associate, represented Belmont and Grove Land Holdings LLC in the transaction.  Office Master Inc., an office-furniture manufacturer, was represented by CB Richard Ellis in the transaction.

Mark Ress and Tom Burciaga of GotMobileMarketing.com will put on a seminar on "how businesses can leverage social media marketing and mobile marketing to drive more traffic to their Web sites and more foot traffic to their business" at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Cambridge College, 337 N. Vineyard Ave., Suite 100, Ontario.  Topics will include how to build a following on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, and how to take advantage of mobile marketing.  Cost: $25.  Information: (909) 248-4022.

The High Desert Opportunity committee announced that actor, author, economist and humorist Ben Stein will be keynote speaker for the 2009 business conference.  The 27th annual event will be held Oct. 15 at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville.  According to a news release, the goal of the event is to "support economic growth and stability by attracting businesses and jobs to the High Desert."  Information: (760) 245-7600; www.highdesertopportunity.com

Demand for new homes slipped again in August, a decline California home builders attributed to the discontinuation of the state home buyer tax credit program, the California Building Industry Association said this week.  According to statistics compiled by the Construction Industry Research Board, home builders pulled permits for 2,911 total housing units in August, down 5 percent from July.  The Construction Industry Research Board is forecasting permits will be pulled for just 39,500 total units in 2009.  That would be the lowest total on record.

Robert Rivinius has finished his 30-year tenure as president and CEO of the California Building Industry Association.  According to a news release, the association spent a year and a half seeking a successor and has appointed Elizabeth Snow to the position.  Snow previously was chief strategy officer for the California Dental Association.  According to the release, Rivinius will be staying on board as an executive adviser.

U.S. Banker magazine has recognized U.S. Bancorp in its selection of the "Most Powerful Women in Banking."  For the fourth year in a row, U.S. Bancorp's team of 56 female leaders ranked first among the Top Banking Teams for 2009.  Included in that list of leaders is Karen Racusin, senior vice president of consumer banking, who is based in Rancho Cucamonga.  "This has been an unprecedented year for all of us in the financial services industry, so I am extremely proud to see the hard work and leadership of all these women recognized by their peers," Richard Davis, chairman, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Bancorp, said in a news release. "Their positive attitudes and commitment to their customers, shareholders, colleagues, employees, communities and families through this economic downturn is a testament to the character and quality of leadership that will bring this economy back to its feet."

The International Franchise Association's West Coast Franchise Expo will take place Oct. 2-4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  "Potential investors interested in purchasing a franchised small business can examine hundreds of franchised concepts" at the event, according to a news release. The event is free for military veterans.  For registration information, go to www.franchise.org or call (201) 226-1130.

Altura Credit Union will hold workshops on how to understand and improve your credit score at four of its branches.  All classes will meet from 6 - 7:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served.  Dates and locations:

- Oct. 7 at 10725 Magnolia Ave., Riverside

- Oct. 13 at 40412 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Murrieta

- Oct. 22 at 320 S. Sanderson Ave., Hemet

- Oct. 28 at 36-101 Bob Hope Drive, Suite E9, Rancho Mirage

Space is limited, so reservations are requested.  Information: (951) 571-5369; or visit www.AlturaCU.com or e-mail ananni@alturacu.com

Reliv, a home-based nutritional supplements company, recently held its international conference in St. Louis. Among the attendees was local distributor, Kathleen Schwarz of Rancho Cucamonga.  Information: www.reliv.com

Desmond McLeish Inc., a public relations firm with offices throughout the region including their newest location in Redlands, recently announced the addition of its newest client, TWC Aviation of Van Nuys, to its roster of Southern California Customers.  According to a news release, the addition extends the firm's experience in aviation public relations.  Previous aviation clients include Aera Space Technologies, Allegro Air Charter, Guardian Air Services and the Guardian Jet Center.  Information: www.dmpublicrelations.com

Lenders Who Care, a nonprofit made up of mortgage lending professionals, will hold a seminar for homebuyers, titled "Understanding the Home-Buying Process in the Current Market," from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 in the multipurpose room of the Upland Public Library, 460 N. Euclid Ave.  The event is free and is educational only; there are no sales pitches, according to a news release.  Information: (877) 811-1592; www.lenderswhocare.org

The Yucaipa Chamber of Commerce will launch its Yucaipa First rewards card program at their general mixer, scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday at the Yucaipa Community Center, 34900 Oak Glen Road.  Rewards Card materials -- posters, rewards cards, informational flyer, validation stickers and customer handouts -- can be picked up at the mixer.  The program is designed to encourage shopping locally and generate store traffic for Yucaipa First sponsors and member businesses, according to a chamber news release.  Information: (909) 790-1841; or e-mail info@yucaipachamber.org

Rancho Cucamonga-based marketing firm Ignite Design & Advertising is now the official advertising agency of Ontario Reign hockey team, according to a news release.  Ignite Design & Advertising has developed marketing campaigns for San Antonio Community Hospital, the Inland Valley Humane Society and S.P.C.A. and the L.A. County Fair, according to the release.

Southern California Gas Co., a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, earned the top customer satisfaction ranking among natural gas utilities in the West and had the highest score among all utilities nationwide, according to the J.D. Power and Associates "2009 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study."  According to a news release, the study is based on a random survey of U.S. residential natural gas utility customers.  In the study, Southern California Gas Co. received a customer-satisfaction score of 671, the highest score among all natural gas utilities.  The J.D. Power and Associates study ranks 75 of the nation's largest natural gas utilities and this year interviewed more than 54,000 customers, according to the release.

PVW, a Montclair-based nonprofit, will hold an "Oktoberfest"-themed multi-chamber mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 555 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont.  The mixer will include the Chino Valley, Claremont, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland chambers of commerce and feature beer and wine tasting along with themed food items.  Cost: $15.  PVW is seeking area distributors, breweries and wineries to participate in the event as sponsors.  Community businesses also are sought to sponsor raffle prizes for the event.  Information: (909) 624-3555, ext. 239; or e-mail terri@pvwonline.org

Colton-based Hodgdon Group has announced that company President Aaron Hodgdon represented Ashley Furniture HomeStore in a lease transaction to occupy the former 42,000-square-foot Wickes Furniture Store building in the Sierra Commons shopping center in Palmdale.  The landlord, GRAE Ventures LLC in Los Angeles, was represented by Rick Edwards and Winston Lee of GRAE Ventures.  Hodgdon-Miank Construction, also based in the Inland Empire, will serve as contractor for tenant improvements, with Dan Wallner serving as the project manager.  Ashley Furniture HomeStore plans to open on Oct. 2.  Recently, the Hodgdon Group also represented Ashley Furniture Industries Inc. in the purchase of two industrial buildings in Colton.  Rick John of Collins Commercial in Ontario worked with Aaron Hodgdon in the transaction.

Rancho Capital Group, a Rancho Cucamonga-based mortgage company, will host a free home buyers seminar Oct. 28 at the Rancho Cucamonga Central Park Community Center.
 Information: (909) 322-0439; or e-mail jeff@ranchocapitalgroup.com

The San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual golf tournament at noon Oct. 9.  There still are sponsorship opportunities for the event, to be held at Shandin Hills Golf Course.  Information: (909) 885-7515; www.sbachamber.org

The Frontier Project Foundation, a nonprofit in Rancho Cucamonga, is teaming with more sponsors for its upcoming Green Tie Gala, which will show off its "one-of-a-kind environmental education demonstration building" on Oct. 17.  According to a news release, new supporters include Turner Construction Co. as the entertainment sponsor; the Inland Empire Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council as host of the VIP reception; and Farnsworth Group, Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water and Weston Solutions Inc. as enthusiast sponsors. Industry leaders have been working with the Frontier Project's parent, the Cucamonga Valley Water District, to plan a 14,000-square-foot sustainable building.

Vanir Development Co. Inc. will celebrate 45 years of being in business from 5 to 7 p.m. at the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce's "Business After Hours Mixer" on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 5 - 7 p.m., according to a news release.  The mixer will be held at Vanir Tower, 290 N. D St., Suite 900, in downtown San Bernardino.  There is a $5 cover charge, and the event includes hors d'oeurvres and refreshments.  You can RSVP or get more information by contacting (909) 885-7515 or sba.chamber@verizon.net

Pomona-based General Environmental Management Inc., a materials treatment manager, announced that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Santa Clara Waste Water, a 50-year-old wastewater-treatment business.  "(Santa Clara Waste Water) has treated more than 2 billion gallons of wastewater," a news release says.  "(The facility) is on five acres of land in Santa Clara Valley, along with a 12.7-mile pipeline from this facility to Oxnard's water reclamation center."

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced a $4.5 million Economic Development Administration grant for the Inland Valley Development Agency and San Bernardino International Airport Authority to make airport pavement improvements, according to a news release.  "The project is expected to create or save 645 jobs and generate $21 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates," the release says.  Locke says the grant will rehabilitate "taxiways and aprons to support commercial passenger airline service."

San Bernardino resident Marcus Charles, a meat department clerk at the Food 4 Less in Highland, is a recipient of the Kroger Community Service Award.  According to a news release, Charles, with Food 4 Less for 30 years, earned the award for his extensive volunteer efforts.  Food 4 Less' parent company, The Kroger Co., established the Community Service Award in 2004 to honor outstanding community service.

The Pomona Chamber of Commerce is welcoming several new business members, according to a news release.  They are:  Dan's Dynamic Auto Repair, State Farm-Agent Nona Tirre, The Metropolitan at University Village, Repertory Opera Co., American Mobile Wash, Jamey Jimerson, Pomona Pop Warner Football and Cheer, J & J BBQ & Fish, Ms. Smith's Xcessories N Things, Dawson Co., Elite Medical Supply Inc., Driebe & Associates and Purrfect Auto Service.

Michael Polley, president of Upland-based 1st Commercial Realty Group Inc., announced that 2009 marks 20 years of managing commercial properties in the Inland Empire, according to a news release.  "We hit the milestone ... with a portfolio of over 4 million square feet," Polley says.  Polley, an Inland Empire native, employs 20 people and operates two satellite offices.

Union Bank's Chino Hills branch will host a job fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at 13225 Peyton Drive.  Scheduled to participate are Azusa Pacific University; San Bernardino County; Esparza & Associates; The Latin Business Association; McDonald's; New York Life; RS Recovery Services; Southern California Edison; Universal Marketing Solution and the University of Phoenix.  Information: (907) 517-1805.

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development department awarded $620 million to more than 500 communities across the country through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The Recovery Act made available a total of $1 billion through the Community Development Block Grant Program.  Included were several million dollars to area programs.

Area awards, intended to fund "community development and job growth," are: $171,310 to Apple Valley; $167,064 to Chino; $114,977 to Chino Hills; $323,639 to Corona; $512,349 to Fontana; $197,549 to Hesperia; $652,633 to Ontario; $275,195 to Rancho Cucamonga; $153,560 to Redlands; $357,396 to Rialto; $904,514 to Riverside; $951,548 to San Bernardino; $190,306 to Upland; $244,570 to Victorville.

San Bernardino County will receive about $2 million.  Riverside County was awarded about $2.8 million.  Los Angeles County will get about $19.3 million.

The Fellowship of Local Businessmen & Woman will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in the second-floor banquet room at 8647 Helms Ave., Rancho Cucamonga.  The topic for the evening will be how important the support of one's spouse is during these tough economic times.  Information: (951) 453-9914.

Hudson & Marshall auction company will hold home auctions through the end of this month throughout California, including several in the region.  Properties can be viewed by contacting listing agents to schedule an appointment.

   Auctions in the region include:
   * 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Holiday Inn Express in Hesperia.
   * 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Palm Desert.
   * 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Long Beach Marriott.
   * 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Riverside Marriott.

   Property details and bidding information may be found at www.hudsonandmarshall.com or by calling (866) 539-4172.

The Inland Cities Black Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly mixer 7 - 9 p.m. Oct. 1 at Worldwide Lending Services, 3270 Inland Empire Blvd., Suite 400, Rancho Cucamonga.  The organization is inviting all interested parties to attend the event.  Also invited to the mixer are members of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce and local chambers.  Reservations are requested, but not required.  Information: (909) 961-3677; or e-mail lenny@blackchamberofcommerce.org

State Sen. Bob Dutton will discuss the need for the California Legislature to make private-sector job creation its top priority at the Monday, Sept. 28, meeting of the Inland Valley Business Alliance.  The luncheon meeting will start at 11:30 a.m. at Antonino's Ristorante Italiano, 7945-D7 Vineyard Ave., Rancho Cucamonga.  Cost: $15 Reservations are requested.  Information: (909) 989-2232; www.ivbusiness.org

The Center for Educational Leadership will hold an open house at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Rancho Cucamonga Community Center in Central Park, 11200 Base Line Road.  The event will offer information on the educational facility's upcoming session, which focuses on business development and support for small business owners.  Information: (909) 477-2782.

CVB Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:CVBF), the Ontario-based holding company of Citizens Business Bank, has announced a $0.085 per share dividend for the third quarter of 2009. The dividend was approved Sept. 16, and will be payable Oct. 15 to shareholders of record as of Sept. 30.  This is the company's 80th consecutive dividend.  Information: www.cbbank.com

The Upland Chamber of Commerce will welcome workers-compensation consultant Tom Kirkeby as the guest speaker for the group's luncheon at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Magic Lamp Inn, 8189 Foothill Boulevard, Rancho Cucamonga.  The event is sponsored by Edward Jones Investments.  Cost: $25 if reservation paid by Sept. 22; $35 thereafter.  Information: (909) 204-4464.

Yucaipa has launched a new online information service designed to help the city's businesses to "operate more efficiently and successfully during these challenging economic conditions," according to a city news release.  The Web-based service, Tools for Business Success, is accessible from the city's home page, www.yucaipa.org, in the Community Development Department section.  The information and business-support services are free. Topics range from step-by-step directions on how to start a new business, to international trade and planning for natural disasters.  Information: John McMains, (909) 797-2489, ext. 231; or e-mail jmcmains@yucaipa.org

Vendor spots are still available for businesses at the Daily Bulletin's health fair, to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Shoppes at Chino Hills.  The title sponsor for the fair is Pomona Valley Hospital.  Vendor packages include advertisement space in the newspaper's special section, to be published Oct. 3, as well as booth space at the event.  Sponsorships also are still available.  For pricing information, please call (909) 483-9398.

The Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa is offering a complimentary one- or two-night mid-week stay to all U.S. military servicemen and servicewomen who are part of the Warrior Foundation, an organization that supports wounded and disabled military men and women.  The offer is valid Sunday through Thursday until Dec. 30, based on availability.

Corona-based Super Nova Resources Inc., along with "Son of a Gun" Johnny Fratto -- a regular guest on the "Howard Stern Show" -- announced that they are working on an agreement in which Fratto will partner with Greenlink Interactive, a division of Super Nova, to introduce its technology to the world, according to a news release.  Fratto is heard on Stern's national radio show.  Super Nova and Greenlink Interactive are technology-driven service companies that have developed hardware, software and methodologies for customers in a number of venues.  Fratto owns Beverly Hills Choppers.

Voit Real Estate Services' Commercial Brokerage division, the broker arm of Voit, has directed four transactions in Southern California, one of them in Rancho Cucamonga, according to a news release.  Pre-Owned Office Systems Inc., a company specializing in the sale of new and pre-owned office furniture, has signed a five-year lease on a 74,695-square-foot industrial property for $1.8 million.  The property is at 9448 Richmond Place, Suites A and B, in Rancho Cucamonga.  "The property is in a 174,850-square-foot distribution facility, which is occupied by several tenants," the release states.

NAIOP Inland Empire -- a chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association -- is seeking submissions from property owners and brokers to showcase their industrial, office, retail and mixed-use properties in the Inland Empire during a virtual bus tour on Nov. 11, according to a news release.  The deadline for submission has been extended to Sept. 30.  Sponsorship opportunities are available.  The event will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. at Ontario's Citizens Business Bank Arena.  Information: Rob Evans at (951) 324-0350 or rob@naiopie.org

Angel Santiago, a member of the board of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency -- a Chino-based water wholesaler and wastewater-treatment agency -- has been named one of three vice chairmen of the 37-member board of directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.  Santiago will fulfill the unexpired vice chair term of Marcie Edwards, a representative of Anaheim who recently retired from the board.  The term runs through December 2010.  Santiago had represented Fontana and portions of Rialto and Bloomington on the IEUA board.

The San Bernardino-Ontario-Riverside area ranks No. 4 on RealtyTrac's list of foreclosure filings for August, according to a report released on Sept. 10 by the Irvine real-estate data firm.  It means that one out of every 80 households in the region were in default, in foreclosure or scheduled for the auction block for that month.  "Six California metro areas documented foreclosure rates among the top 10 in August," a news release states.  Nationwide, foreclosure filings were reported on 358,471 properties, "a drop of less than 1 percent from the previous month, but still an increase of nearly 18 percent from August 2008."  One in every 357 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing in August.  Nevada, Florida and California posted the top state foreclosure rates.  Six states accounted for more than 60 percent of the national total.

The University of La Verne has completed its three-story, 40,000-square-foot Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center -- which, upon final approval, will be the first Silver LEED-rated "green" building in La Verne, according to a news release.  "Designed by Gonzalez Goodale Architects of Pasadena and constructed by K.A.R.  Construction of Ontario, the Campus Center is the final piece of the university's three-stage, $26.1 million Campus Center Project, which included expansive renovations to the Sports Science and Athletics Pavilion, creation of the Frank and Nadine Johnson Family Plaza and construction of the Campus Center," the release states.

Halloween Adventure, a seasonal Halloween store, has opened in the Inland Center mall in San Bernardino and Galleria at Tyler mall in Riverside.  Each store hires about 30 people for temporary positions during the weeks leading up to Halloween.  The store -- its headquarters is based in Canoga Park -- will open 20 stores across Southern California this year.

Diverse Careers Inc. is inviting job seekers and employers to participate in the Inland Empire Career Fair on Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marriott Ontario Airport, 2200 E. Holt Blvd.  "Job seekers and employers are encouraged to participate," a news release states. "This recruiting event is open to everyone and is free to all job seekers."  Diverse Careers is a job board Web site and career fair management company in Southern California.  Some of the exhibitors are:  Aflac, DeVry University, California Employment Development Department, ESRI, Farmers Insurance, the FBI, FedEx, Independent Capital Management, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Prudential Financial, San Joaquin Valley College, Southern California Edison, Telecare Corporation, The Art Institute, Trilogy Financial Services, University of Phoenix and Wells Fargo.  Employers and recruiters interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the event should contact Marcel Abandonato at (951) 479-1350.

C.W. Driver has hired Lynne Cooper as business development manager for the construction firm's Ontario office, according to a news release.  "She has the primary responsibility of developing business for the Ontario office and for expanding the firm's market share within the Inland Empire," it states.  Cooper has been involved in the development of business for large and notable firms in the Inland Empire for nearly 20 years.  She is a former president of the California/Northern Nevada Chapter of the Council for Educational Facility Planners -- International.

The Federal Correctional Complex in Victorville is hosting the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Western Regional Job Fair on Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to a news release. The job fair will be held at the prison's central administration building, 13777 Air Expressway Blvd.  For information, call (760) 530-5700.  The federal prison system is recruiting employees for the following locations: Atwater, Dublin, Herlong, Lompoc, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Safford, San Diego, Seattle, Sheridan, Terminal Island, Tucson and Victorville.

GE Capital Corporate Finance has announced it is the "administrative agent" for a $151 million credit line to Kumho Tire USA Inc., the Rancho Cucamonga-based distributor of Seoul, South Korea-headquartered Kumho Tire Co. Inc.  "GE Capital Markets served as co-lead arranger," a news release states. "The loan will be used for working capital needs." J.B. Kim, president and CEO of Kumho Tire USA, said "GE Capital has served Kumho since 2006 ... (and its) significant financial commitment helps us meet our day-to-day working capital needs."

The Montclair Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly networking breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at HomeTown Buffet, 5247 Arrow Highway, Montclair.  Cost: $10 for chamber members; $15 for nonmembers. Information: (909) 624-4569; www.montclairchamber.com

Tech Data Corporation, an information technology products distributor, has opened its 25,000-square-foot West Coast integration center in the company's Fontana logistics center. According to a company news release, "the new facility enhances Tech Data's TDIntegration Services, enabling IT resellers to more efficiently and cost-effectively deploy custom-configured solutions anywhere in the country."  Information: (800) 237-8931.

The Highland Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Supporting Education program has launched for the year.  The grant application period is Sept. 1 through Nov. 1, with grants of $250 per classroom being awarded Nov. 24.  The program is designed "to provide local elementary teachers with additional resources to integrate a specific classroom activity, project or learning trip that will enhance their curriculum and promote the continued academic development of local students," according to the chamber's Web site.  The Business Supporting Education Grant Program is available to all public and private kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers at a school in Highland.  Information: (909) 864-4073.

Ontario-based CVB Financial Corp. and its subsidiary, Citizens Business Bank, recently announced that it has fully repurchased all of the preferred stock sold to the Treasury Department under the Capital Purchase Program Troubled Asset Relief Program in December.  According to a company news release, CVB Financial Corp. paid $130 million to the Treasury to buy back the preferred stock, plus a final dividend payment of $226,000.  Dividends paid to the Treasury totaled $4.7 million.  Information: www.cbbank.com

ESRI President Jack Dangermond will speak at the inaugural Gov 2.0 Summit in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 9.  Dangermond, a pioneer in geographic information system software development, will discuss GeoEnabling Gov 2.0, according to a news release from the Redlands-based company. ESRI also is a platinum sponsor of the event.  Information: www.esri.com/gov20

The Southern California Health Care Summit will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario.  The event's mission is to "identify solutions to providing the highest quality health and health care to as many people as possible," according to a news release.  Topics at the summit will include the future of health care, the business of health, health information technology, public health and more.
Discount tickets available for those registering before Sept. 15.  Information: (951) 275-5800; or e-mail brittany@tmgonline.com

Cal Poly Pomona graduate Brian Meek has joined the Los Angeles service center of Marmon/Keystone Corp.  Meek will serve as western regional product manager for white metals, and has 20 years experience in the industry.  Information: www.marmonkeystone.com

The Commission on the 21st Century Economy will hold a public meeting in Los Angeles at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the UCLA Collins Alumni Conference Room, 325 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles.  The commission was established by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to "re-examine and modernize California's out-of-date revenue laws that contribute to our feast-or-famine state budget cycles," according to a news release.  The meeting will include a public comment period and presentation by the commission.  Information: www.cotce.ca.gov

The Inland Empire Economic Partnership will host its annual Chairman's Reception from 6 - 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Best Best & Krieger, 3750 University Ave., Suite 300, Riverside.  The networking event will be attended by the IEEP board of directors and other Inland Empire business and community leaders.  Information: (951) 779-6700; www.ieep.com

Weller Truck Parts has purchased the industrial building at 9355 Cherry Ave., Fontana, from private investors for $1.26 million, according to costar.com.  Dave Fults and Jeff Linden of CB Richard Ellis represented the seller, while Walter Arrington, also of CB Richard Ellis, represented the buyer.

The Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce will again host the Grape Harvest Festival at Victoria Gardens Oct. 2 - 4.  Sponsorships, exhibit spaces and advertising opportunities still are available.  Also, as part of the festivities, there will be a multi-chamber mixer from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 2.  Information: (909) 987-1012.  Or: www.ranchochamber.org

The Inland Empire Economic Partnership board of directors has selected Dan Rendler to serve as chairman in 2010, following the three-year term of Arrowhead Credit Union CEO Larry Sharp, who will step down as chairman in December.  Rendler is regional director of Southern California Gas Co. and San Diego Gas and Electric, both Sempra Energy companies.  The agency also announced that Vincent McCoy will serve in the newly created position of chief operating officer.  McCoy is director of the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, a position he has held since May 2002.

From 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 26, the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Highland Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse will host the annual Discover Highland and Safety Saturday event.  The chamber is recruiting vendors to reserve business expo booths.  The event aims to "bring businesses and the community together in supporting a strong local economy, promoting household safety and providing valuable networking opportunities between business owners, residents and public service agencies," according to the chamber's Web site.  Information: (909) 864-4073; www.highlandchamber.org

Arlon Inc., a manufacturer of printed circuit board materials in Rancho Cucamonga, recently celebrated the completion of 11 years of operation with no lost-time injuries.  Almost 30 percent of the workforce at the plant has been with Arlon during the 11-year period, according to a company news release.  "Reaching this new achievement reinforces the fact our people are committed to making safety a long-term effort," Bob Carini, president of Arlon Electronic Materials, stated in the release.  Arlon Inc., originally known as Keene Technologies, has been in Rancho Cucamonga for more than 25 years.  Information: www.arlon-med.com

The Small Business Administration has revised its standard operating procedure for financing of goodwill in re-sale transactions, according to a news release from the International Franchise Association.

The new guidance, effective Oct. 1, states:
*  If the intangible amount is less than $500,000, lenders may finance 100 percent of goodwill without restriction.
*  If the intangible amount is greater than $500,000, lenders may finance 100 percent of goodwill, provided that the purchaser injects 25 percent or more into the transaction as equity.  This may include standby seller financing (two-year minimum) as a portion of the equity injection.
*  Additionally, language forcing lenders to explore seller financing on all transactions was stricken from the document. Lenders will have the flexibility to determine if seller financing is appropriate on a transaction by transaction basis. 

Information: www.sba.gov

The California Space Authority, which has an office in San Bernardino, is co-hosting the fourth annual Supplier Transformation Forum with Boeing Satellite Systems on Oct. 7 in El Segundo.  The event aims to help aerospace suppliers be better partners with "industry prime contractors" as a way of better positioning the state in the global marketplace, according to a news release.  Aerospace suppliers, industry professionals, work-force and economic-development professionals, academia, students and professionals in supply chain, program or engineering management are encouraged to attend. Confirmed participants include Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, the Department of Energy, Cal State Los Angeles, USC, CMTC and Ace Clearwater.  Early registration ends Sept. 8.  Reservations deadline is Sept. 23.  Information: E-mail christine.purcell@californiaspaceauthority.org

Those who retired during the 2008-2009 academic year were: Linda Burgess of Lucerne Valley, Susan Finsen of Redlands, Carol Haviland of Colton, Fred Hebein of Yorba Linda, Jose Hernandez of San Bernardino, Mary Cannon of San Bernardino and Randi Miller of Riverside.  According to a university news release, the faculty members were recognized at the annual retiree luncheon in June hosted by campus President Albert Karnig and sponsored by the university's human resources department.

The Investing in Real Estate club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Johnny Carino's Italian Grill, 3801 Grand Ave., Chino.  The topics for this month's event will be negotiating seller financing and how to get started in apartment investing.  The event is free for participants who register online.  Dinner is the responsibility of the participant.  Information: (877) 285-8669.

The Federal Aviation Administration will give a "5 Year National Award" for excellence in aviation safety to Southern California Aviation, the aircraft storage facilities at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville.  According to a news release, Southern California Aviation earned the award by providing aviation and Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety training to 100 percent if its staff.

The state Board of Equalization is sending letters to 16,000 retailers in 16 ZIP codes notifying them of upcoming visits by agency specialists.  This month's affected ZIP codes include 91711 in Claremont.  Board of Equalization specialists will be canvassing the areas to ensure that businesses are properly registered and paying taxes, according to a news release.  The new enhanced compliance effort began in September 2008, and 152 ZIP codes have been notified.  Agency specialists have visited more than 84,300 businesses statewide, officials said.  "The BOE specialists will conduct checks for seller's permits of all storefronts and other known business locations," according to the release. Business owners will be asked business-related questions.  The release also stressed that owners should not be asked for personal financial information.  Information: (800) 400-7115; www.boe.ca.gov

Riverside-based Altura Credit Union will hold an estate planning workshop at three locations this month covering such topics as health-care directives, powers of attorney and wills, according to a news release.  Workshops will be held from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. the following dates:  Sept. 17 at 3451 14th St., Riverside.  Sept. 22 at 320 S. Sanderson Ave., Hemet.  Sept. 30 at 40412 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Murrieta.  Reservations are requested.  Information: (951) 571-5391; www.alturacu.com

Or e-mail drose@alturacu.com

Inland Center in San Bernardino is kicking off its fall season by launching InspireYourStyle.com and a $10,000 sweepstakes.  Entries are being accepted through Oct. 12.  The site also offers "an in-depth array style quizzes, polls, trend alerts, Q&As and much more," according to a news release from the mall.

Real-estate agents Kris and Kim Darney will host a free community workshop from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. every Thursday in September aimed at clearing up the short sale process.  According to a news release, topics to be covered include recourse and nonrecourse loans, tax ramifications, income property, and second lien holders.  The classes will be held in Suite 212 at Citizens Business Bank, 818 N. Mountain Ave., Upland.  Information: (909) 391-2338; or e-mail support@shortsalesellit.com

The Inland Empire Economic Partnership will hold a water summit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Riverside Convention Center, 3443 Orange St.  The event will bring together Inland Empire water leaders to discuss "a proactive approach to stabilizing water supplies that sustain our regional economy," according to a news release.  Keynote speaker will be Lester Snow, director of the state Water Resources Department.  Cost: $40 per person; $300 per table of 8. Sponsorships are available.  Reservations are required by Sept. 17.  Information: www.iewatersupply.eventbrite.com

Or e-mail events@ieep.com

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market plans to open a store in Rancho Cucamonga store on Sept. 30.  A grand-opening celebration is planned beginning at 10 a.m. It will include the store's presentation of a $1,000 donation to a local nonprofit.  The store, at Foothill and Day Creek boulevards, will employ 20 to 30 people.  The company plans to hire people from the neighborhood, according to a company news release.

T&R Co., a Rancho Cucamonga manufacturer of landscape tree boxes and distributor of plastic nursery pots, hanging baskets, flats and trays for wholesale nurseries and greenhouses, has announced the appointment of George Graeber as its new Northwest sales representative covering Northern California and the rest of the Pacific Northwest.

Applications are being accepted for the first time for graduate training in materials science and engineering at UC Riverside, according to a news release.  The proposal to establish the interdepartmental graduate program was approved Aug. 24.  Alexander A. Balandin, a professor of electrical engineering, is director of the new program.  Overall, 39 UCR faculty are participating in the program, including 29 engineering faculty representing all of the College of Engineering's departments.

The Halloween Bootique, a seasonal costume store, has opened in Victoria Gardens at 12455 Victoria Gardens Lane, Suite 140, Rancho Cucamonga.  Friends of the owner, Suzie Gomez, and fellow small-business owners are sponsoring free entertainment, pictures and baked goods from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.  Information: (909) 899-0399.

J.D. Diffenbaugh Inc. has completed construction of Highland Springs Medical Center in Beaumont for Loma Linda University Medical Center.  The project was developed by Lillibridge Healthcare Services Inc., a private health-care real-estate firm.  The medical office building will be populated by Loma Linda University Medical Center faculty physicians as well as community providers and will serve residents of Beaumont, Cherry Valley, Banning, Cabazon, Calimesa, Yucaipa and Oak Glen.

The Inland Empire chapter of the Association of Commercial Real Estate Executives will hold a "Brokers' Forum" starting with registration at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Ontario Ayres Hotel and Suites, 1945 E. Holt Blvd.  The event will feature a panel of Inland Empire real-estate brokers who will "discuss the current and future state of the market," according to a news release.  Panel speakers are Natalie Bazarevitsch and Brian McDonald of CB Richard Ellis in Ontario; Jeff Ruscigno of Lee & Associates in Riverside; Joseph Brady of BradCo Companies in the High Desert; Maggie Montez of CB Richard Ellis in Indian Wells; and Scott Forest and Jim Nadal of Grubb & Ellis/Westmar in Temecula.  Reservations are required by Sept. 10.  Information: (951) 689-1200; www.acre-ie.org

The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center will hold a one-day "Business Bootcamp" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12 at its office, 1201 Research Park Drive, Suite 100, Riverside.  The class will be broken up into two sessions.  The first session will focus on selecting a business model and developing a business concept.  The second will focus on developing a business plan.  Cost: $30 if pre-registered; $40 at the door.  Information: (951) 781-2345; www.iesmallbusiness.com

The Southern California Honda Dealers Association has announced the opening of the nomination period for the 2010 Honda Helpful Awards.  The program recognizes Southern Californians who offer their time and resources to assisting those in need.  Residents are encouraged to visit a participating Honda dealership or go to www.socalhonda.com to nominate an inspiring friend, family member, neighbor or co-worker whose life and the lives of others would be considerably improved by a new Honda.  Each submission must be accompanied by a written explanation outlining the reasons the nominee should be awarded a car, how the car will benefit their work and which Honda model would be most useful.  The nomination period is open through Nov. 1. Winners will be announced in January.

U.S. Development Group LLC has announced that it will begin construction on the West Colton Rail Terminal, a new ethanol hub.  According to a company news release, "construction of the facility will occur in two phases.  The first phase, in Rialto, will consist of a manifold transfer system that will begin receiving and offloading ethanol railcars in the fall of 2009. The second phase includes full unit train capability and ethanol storage.  It will be located on an adjacent site in Colton, and is scheduled for completion in mid 2010."
Information: www.us-dev.com

The state Board of Equalization announced Tuesday that extensions for filing, audits, billing, notices, assessments and relief from subsequent penalties are available for individuals or businesses impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
Emergency relief for taxpayers and fee payers may include extensions for filing returns or payments, relief of interest and penalties, and copies of BOE tax records, according to a news release.  This emergency relief is available to any taxpayer or fee payer who, as a result of the recent wildfires, cannot meet tax filing and payment deadlines.  Information: (800) 400-7115, www.boe.ca.gov

Standard & Poor's has issued a rating of AA to a pending series of Mojave Water Agency financial instruments, effectively reducing the agency's cost of borrowing.  According to a news release, "Taxpayers and water consumers in Mojave Water Agency's service area will benefit because the cost of borrowing money will be lowered and more of the Agency's cash will be available to buy water."  Standard & Poor's issued the rating to the Apple Valley-based agency on Tuesday.  Fitch Ratings, another of the three leading U.S. financial ratings services, most recently gave the water agency an AA- rating.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched a new online training course aimed at strengthening contracting opportunities for small businesses, according to a news release.
The training course, "Recovery Act Opportunities: How to Win Federal Contracts," is being led by SBA and the Department of Commerce.  The course is available on the SBA Web site, www.sba.gov

The course is indexed by subject matter, and includes links to additional contracting resources.

The San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone, in partnership with Targeted Management Company Inc., will host a workshop aimed at educating local business owners about the incentives of the enterprise zone.  Topics will include hiring credits, sales and use tax credits, business expense deduction, net interest deduction for lenders and net operating loss carryover.  The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sept. 22 in Suite 301 of the Economic Development Agency offices, 201 N. E St., San Bernardino.  Reservations are required by Sept. 18. Information:  Wendy Clements, (909) 382-4100, ext. 230, or info@sbvez.com

The Inland Empire Network Partners September meeting will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at Felipe's Mexican Grill and Cantina, 5771 Pine Ave., Chino Hills.  The guest speaker will be Harry Perdew, author of "It's More Than Words: Reading People from the Outside In."  Information: (909) 636-1905.

ITT Educational Services Inc. has signed a five-year lease for 19,800 square feet of space at Lakeshore Plaza, a six-story Class A, LEED-certified office in the mixed-use community of Dos Lagos in Corona.  According to a news release, the agreement represents the largest lease transaction in the city in the past 18 months, according to Voit Real Estate Services' Commercial Brokerage division.  ITT Educational Services plans to use the space for instructional programs and services for residents of Riverside and north San Diego counties.
Information:  (949) 851-5100; www.lakeshoreplaza.net

The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center will hold sexual-harassment training from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 10 at San Bernardino County's Business Resource Center, 9650 Ninth St., Suite A, Room 2, Rancho Cucamonga.  The two-hour seminar will provide people with information on what sexual harassment is, how to provide training for employees, how to deal with sexual harassment in the office and more. The presentation is open to both business owners and start-up entities.  Cost: $25, checks payable to Fredericks Benefits.  Pre-registration is strongly advised because seating is limited.  Information: (951) 781-2345; www.iesmallbusiness.com

California gasoline consumption rose slightly in the month of May, and diesel consumption continued its decline, according to a report released Monday by the state Board of Equalization.  Gasoline consumption rose by 3.5 percent from April, and was 0.6 percent higher than a year ago.  Diesel consumption declined by 4.8 percent from April and was 7.0 percent lower than a year ago.  Gasoline sold for use on California roads in May totaled 1.29 billion gallons; diesel sales totaled 209 million gallons.  Information: www.boe.ca.gov

The Southern California chapter of the Society for Advancement of Management will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Costa Mesa.  The evening's presentation will be on the topic of financial planning, and will feature speakers Jim Farhadi of Cambridge Financial Partners and Bert Salazar, co-founder of the firm.  Cost: $40 for nonmembers; $35 for members; $30 for students.  Information: (714) 637-3236.

The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual business expo Oct. 10 in the parking lot of Sam's Club in Chino.  Sponsorships and booth spaces are still available.  Rates for participation will increase after Sept. 25.  For full information, call (909) 627-6177 or visit www.chinovalleychamber.com

The Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce will host a free seminar for new or aspiring entrepreneurs from 9 - 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at the chamber, 7945 Vineyard Ave., Suite D-5.  "How to Start Your Small Business" will include information on business planning, financing, legal forms of organization, licensing and permits.  It is sponsored by the Rancho Cucamonga Redevelopment Agency and will be presented by a Small Business Development Center consultant.  Reservations are recommended.  Information: (951) 781-2345; www.iesmallbusiness.com

The 12,000-square-foot truck terminal at 11001 Beech Ave., Fontana, has been purchased from Alford Properties LLC by a private trust for $1 million.  The buyer will occupy the property doing business as A.M. Ortega Construction, according to costar.com.

Debbie Lantz, co-owner of the Diamond Center in Claremont, recently attended a series of educational seminars, workshops and courses at the Independent Jewelers Organization's fall conference.  IJO is an international buying group and education organization of independent retail jewelers with almost 900 members worldwide, according to a news release.  The Diamond Center is at 147 Yale Ave. Information: (909) 399-9133; www.lantzdiamondcenter.com

A private trust has purchased the medical office building at 25845 Barton Road, Loma Linda, from Meridian Loma Linda LLC for $2.97 million, according to costar.com.  The building is part of the Loma Linda Professional Center at the corner of Barton Road and Mountain View Avenue.  The property was 100 percent leased to Loma Linda University Pediatrics.  Drew Wetherholt of Marcus & Millichap represented the seller, while Brett Cervantes, also with Marcus & Millichap, represented the buyer.

Calling all new supervisors, supervisors for less than a year and those interested in being promoted to supervisor.  Cal State San Bernardino's College of Extended Learning's Supervisory Skills Development Certificate will present a class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 and 17 at the Yasuda Center on campus.  Topics include "Your Role as Supervisor," "Leading With Confidence," "Building Effective Teams," "Decision Making and Problem Solving" and "Time and Project Management," according to a news release.  Course instructor is Daniel Logue, president of Logue & Associate's, a business and human resources consulting firm.  Cost: $269 per person or $255 per person for three or more from the same organization.  Information: (909) 537-5975 or online at cel.csusb.edu.