October 2009 Archives

AccuDiagnostics, a Rancho Cucamonga-based drug-testing company, is offering complimentary drug-free workplace policy consultations and supervisor training as part of National Drug-Free Work Week.  AccuDiagnostics will provide the consultations and supervisor training today, Oct. 22, as part of the U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored event.  The annual campaign, now in its third year, is designed to educate employers, employees and the general public about the benefits of a drug-free workplace.  All activities will take place at 9300 Santa Anita Ave., Suite 104, Rancho Cucamonga.  The drug-free workplace policy consultation runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Drug-free workplace supervisor training is from noon to 2 p.m. Information: (909) 481-3355.

The Princeton Review has once again recognized Cal State San Bernardino as having one of the nation's outstanding business schools.  CSUSB is part of the 2010 edition of "The Best 301 Business Schools," which went on sale Oct. 6.  "It is especially meaningful to be listed in the top 301 by the Princeton Review ranking system because it uses more than numeric data provided by our M.B.A. program," Karen Dill Bowerman, dean of the CSUSB College of Business and Public Administration, said in a news release.  "The Princeton Review also conducts a candid interview of about 65 of our M.BA. students with an 80-question survey on their experience here at CSUSB."  Information: www.cbpa.csusb.edu

Consumers will have an opportunity to shop for goods and services offered by African-American business owners from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Southern California Black Business Expo at the Moreno Valley Holiday Inn Express, 24630 Sunnymead Blvd, Moreno Valley. About 25 to 30 businesses will be participating.  Cost: $10. Vendor space also is available.  Information: (951) 313-1919, www.scblackbusinessexpo.com

Designers Aubrey Ward and Michael Jordan will present their interior designs in the 2009 Plantation Showcase House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Plantation on the Lakes, 10961 Desert Lawn Drive, Calimesa. The "Smooth Jazz Brunch" has been moved to Saturday. Admission is free. Food vouchers: $6.50.  The event will also be broadcast 2-3 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. on radio station KCCA-AM (1050), streaming online at www.kcaaradio.com
Information: (909) 561-0983, (909) 570-9524.

The Resource Center for Nonprofit Management will hold a workshop inspired by author Stephen Covey's book, "The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People."  The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the University of Redlands' Riverside campus, 3610 Central Ave., Suite 101.  The course will be facilitated by Ed Nicholls of The Right Way, a leadership training and consulting business in Corona.  Cost: $50 for Resource Center members; $60 for nonmembers.  Information: Kyra Wilson, (951) 686-4402, ext. 162; or e-mail kyrawilson@vcrivco.org; or go to www.vcrivco.org

Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits has announced the appointment of Maria C. Shepherd of Upland as an account executive-retail sales specialist for California, Arizona and Nevada.  Information: (800) 851-7740; www.hortica-insurance.com

Grubb & Ellis Co., a real estate services and investment firm, has announced that Ted Bradach, senior associate of the company's Investment Group, represented Wells Fargo Trust in the sale of a former Wickes Furniture store at 12704 Amagosa Road in Victorville to Ashley Furniture Industries Inc. for $4.2 million.  Ashley Furniture, represented in the transaction by Aaron Hodgdon of The Hodgdon Group, is expected to open a store in November.

Inland Empire chambers of commerce and business organizations will come together for the third annual Inland Empire's Largest Mixer 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center Way. Cost: $20.  Thousands of attendees are expected along with more than 200 exhibitors.  The event's hosts include the Corona, Hesperia, Highland, La Verne, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Riverside Hispanic, San Bernardino, San Dimas, Southern California Black and Yucaipa chambers of commerce.  Business organizations hosting are: American Marketing Association-IE, CHARO Community Development Corp., For You Network, Inland Empire Women's Business Center, the National Association of Women Business Owners-IE, and the Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Information: (909) 560-2800; www.iemixer.com

General Environmental Management Inc. in Pomona recently announced that it has signed a letter of intent with Cake Energy LLC to build and operate waste-to-energy facilities in the western United States.  "GEM has committed to entering the WTE market, and we could not have found a better partner than Cake Energy," GEM CEO Tim Koziol said in a news release. "Their technology is truly unique and revolutionary in dealing with the growing problem of managing primary sewage waste, also known as sludge."  The companies hope to build their first waste-to-energy plant in the next two years.

The Inland Empire chapter of the American Advertising Federation will hold its annual Inland Empire Media Auction from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Cafe Sevilla, 3252 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside.  The event raises money for advertising scholarships for local students.  "Local radio stations, newspapers, magazines, billboards and other media outlets donate ads or schedules to the event, which are then auctioned off to the highest bidder," according to a news release.  Donation of items and services are being accepted for the auction.  Information: Mark Landon, (909) 986-7502; aaf-inlandempire.com

San Bernardino County, Estrada Strategies and San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino are sponsoring a six-part Business Insight Series "designed to help Inland Empire businesses survive and thrive," according to a news release.  The series kicks off Oct. 29 with "How to Build a Powerful Team," featuring a panel of business experts and a keynote presentation by Chip Conley, CEO of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, California's largest boutique hotel company.  Additional sessions include: "Strategic Planning for Business Growth" on Nov. 19, featuring keynote speaker John King, principal at Culture Sync; "Change Management" on Jan. 28, featuring keynote speaker John Semcken, vice president of Majestic Realty and principal on the proposed NFL stadium in Industry; "The Art of Nurturing Your Customers to Capture New Markets" on Feb. 25; "Leveraging Information Technology for Future Growth" on March 25 and "The Art of Branding" on April 29.  All sessions will be from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Pines the casino, 777 San Manuel Blvd., on the San Manuel reservation near Highland. Cost: $65. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.  Information: Lori Estrada at (909) 476-3510
For sponsorship, contact Patty Holohan at (909) 794-3027, or by e-mail at psholoha@aol.com

Springboard, a nonprofit consumer credit counseling service, will host an identity theft awareness and prevention seminar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at its Riverside office, 1605 Spruce St. Speakers will include a representative from the U.S. Secret Service and from the Corona Police Department.  On-site document shredding will be available, courtesy of Rancho Cucamonga-based Southland Shredding.  Information: (800) 947-3752; www.credit.org

Diamond Bar-based Biosense Webster Inc., which works to diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared the company's CARTO-3 System, a three-dimensional imaging technology, for marketing.  Information: www.biosensewebster.com

Scarbrough Design Associates, a commercial interior design firm in Ontario, has been honored with an award from the American Society of Interior Designers for its work on the Sleep Disorder Center for Pomona Valley Hospital's medical building in Claremont.  Information: (909) 773-0411; e-mail info@scarbroughdesign.com

Local designers Aubrey Ward and Michael Jordan will present their interior designs in the 2009 Plantation Showcase House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Plantation on the Lakes, 10961 Desert Lawn Drive, Calimesa.  On Oct. 25, they will hold the annual Sunday Smooth Jazz Brunch at the same location.  Admission is free. Food vouchers: $12.50 (covers both days).  Several local businesses are participating in the event as well, including Landeros Furniture in Beaumont, Tom Bell Chevrolet in Redlands, Gary Richards Real Estate Co. in Yucaipa and Bob's Big Boy in Calimesa. Plantation on the Lakes is also one of the event's primary supporters.

Key members of San Dimas-based Internet marketing agency WebMetro will lead a round table on business-to-business search engine marketing, present a session about online video for the direct marketer, and provide on-the-spot reviews of paid search/pay-per-click advertising and search engine optimization campaigns at the Direct Marketing Association annual conference and exhibition this week in San Diego.  The company's SEO (search engine optimization) director, John McCarthy, will conduct a "B-to-B Search Marketing" round table today.  Vice president of e-Marketing Michael Behrens will present "Online Video for the Direct Marketer" on Tuesday, Oct. 20, demonstrating with actual client case studies how video on a Web site has been used to increase conversions and customer engagement.  Information: (866) 922-4632; www.webmetro.com

The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County recently announced that of the $15.8 million in stimulus funding allocated by the federal government in February, about $11.7 million has been spent on local programs for work-force training, business retention and youth work experience, and $4.1 million is contracted to be spent on additional training programs the next year.  The federal government required that all money be allocated by June 2010 and spent by June 2011.  "As a board, we understood that research, assessment and planning was crucial to implementing successful programs quickly and effectively," Sandy Harmsen, executive director of the board, said in a news release. "We invested substantial energy into building programs tailored to the needs of our community. This strategic use of stimulus dollars created local jobs and a more qualified work force, benefitting both residents and local businesses of San Bernardino County."  Information: www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/WIB

San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane will host the 2nd District Chamber of Commerce Summit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Victoria Gardens' Celebration Hall, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga.  Cost: $20.  Information: (909) 987-1012

* West End Job Fair planned at old Ontario Airport terminal

* The Inland Empire's West End Job Fair is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the old Ontario Airport Terminal 1, 1940 E. Moore Way.  Information and registration: www.rcrda.us/WEJF

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has launched a campaign to "increase hiring of low-income individuals and public housing residents by state and local governments that receive HUD funds," according to a department news release.  HUD is contacting more than 3,000 state and local agencies, including public housing authorities, to document their efforts to hire low-income individuals and to contract with companies who hire them, the release says. Agencies that fail to comply may be debarred, suspended or denied participation in HUD programs, according to the release.  Information: www.hud.gov/section3

The Urban Land's Institute's 2009 Fall Meeting and Urban Land Expo Nov. 3-5 in San Francisco will include discussion of land-use related topics by leading experts.  Among the workshops listed at the event is "Downturn Demographics; Repositioning for Today's West," which will focus on issues facing the Inland Empire and similar regions that experienced rapid population growth before the recession.  The discussion will tackle the question, "What does it mean for a real estate recovery if population growth is slowing or possibly reversing in markets?"  Information: Trisha Riggs, (202) 624-7086, priggs@uli.org or Robert Krueger, (202) 624-7051, robert.krueger@uli.org

The Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow will be hosting a Military Retirees Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3.  The event is open to all retired Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Coast Guardsmen from the High Desert.  The annual event aims to increase the awareness of the services available to military retirees at the base.  Reservations are required by Oct. 30. Information: Cynthia Mosqueda, (909) 577-5893, or e-mail cynthia.mosqueda@usmc.mil

New Century Cos. Inc. in Santa Fe Springs recently completed a merger with Precision Aerostructures Cos. Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga.  Russell Armstrong of Crescent Financial Advisors Inc. worked with the companies on the transaction.  In a news release, Michael C. Cabral, CEO of Precision Aerostructures, said, "We are delighted the merger has been completed and I am looking forward to working with (New Century CEO David) Duquette in building a successful and profitable business for our customers, investors and stockholders."

Cal State San Bernardino kicked off its new International Business Mentoring Program on Friday with keynote speaker Lanie Denslow, founder and principal of World Wise Intercultural Training and Resources.  About 125 students and private-sector companies interested attended the event.  The program "helps to bridge opportunities between our local businesses and international markets using this great resource at our local college," said Moises Cisneros, economic development manager of Global Strategies & Business Services for the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency, which is working with the school on the program.  Information: Frank Lin, (909) 537-5700; e-mail flin@csusb.edu

The state attorney general has issued a consumer alert warning homeowners to "avoid individuals and businesses that charge up-front fees for foreclosure relief services in light of a just-enacted state law that makes this abusive practice subject to prosecution."  Recently signed Senate Bill 94 makes it unlawful for any licensed attorney or real estate agent "who negotiates, attempts to negotiate, arranges, attempts to arrange, or otherwise offers to perform a mortgage loan modification or other form of mortgage loan forbearance for a fee or other compensation paid by the borrower ... to claim, demand, charge, collect, or receive any compensation until after the attorney or agent has fully performed each and every service the licensee contracted to perform or represented that he, she, or it would perform."  If someone demands an up-front fee for foreclosure assistance services, you can report them to the Attorney General's Office at (800) 952-5225, or file a complaint at www.ag.ca.gov/consumers/general.php

The West End Executives Association will hold its fall mixer 5-7 p.m. Oct. 28 at MGR Real Estate, 1425 W. Foothill Blvd., Upland.  The event will include hors d'oeuevres by Buckboard BBQ & Catering in Upland.  Cost: free for members; $5 for nonmembers.  Reservations are requested.  Information: (909) 229-3425; carlson.rita@gmail.com or www.weea.net

Sixty-five Southern California hotels and 32 restaurants have earned the 2010 AAA Four Diamond Award, the Automobile Club of Southern California announced this week.  The Alpenhorn Bed & Breakfast in Big Bear Lake received its 10th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award.  It is the only location in San Bernardino County to receive the designation.
Also listed were the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon and Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula.

Grubb and Ellis has released its third-quarter Office Market Snapshot for the Inland Empire. Key points:
* Office vacancies increased to 23.6 percent.
* Average asking rents for Class A space were down $0.03 to $2.17 per square foot, compared with a quarter earlier. Asking rents for Class B space decreased $0.01 to $1.63 per square foot compared with a quarter earlier.
* Approximately 74,000 square feet of sublease space was added to the market, bringing the year-to-date total to 489,331 square feet.

   The analysts concluded that the decline in construction deliveries and less space being put back on the market for lease indicate a stabilization of the vacancy rate.  However, declining vacancy and rising rental rates aren't likely to appear in the Inland Empire office market until job growth resumes in the white-collar sectors, according to the report.  On the investment side, the number of distressed properties is set to increase in the months ahead as payment becomes due on lingering notes, the report says.  Sale activity on foreclosed properties will increase in 2010, creating opportunities for investors and owner occupants, the report continues.  Full report: www.grubb-ellis.com/research

The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers that purchasing a new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle could qualify them for a deduction for the state and local sales and excise taxes on their 2009 returns.  New vehicle purchases made between Feb. 16, 2009, and Jan. 1, 2010, qualify for the deduction under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  For limits and more information, go to www.irs.gov

Omnitrans has garnered top transit marketing honors from the American Public Transportation Association for its "To us, cheap and easy is a compliment" marketing campaign.  Omnitrans board Chairwoman Penny Lilburn, mayor of Highland, and Vice Chairman John Pomierski, mayor of Upland, accepted the award at a ceremony held in conjunction with the association's annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.  The "cheap and easy" ads appeared on buses and bus shelters during the San Bernardino Valley public transit agency's Fall 2008 marketing campaign.  Omnitrans earned first-place awards in two print media subcategories, bus shelter posters and transit ads, along with the grand prize for print media.  Information: www.omnitrans.org

International Aerospace Enterprises Inc. in Ontario has received a contract of $5.4 million for military aircraft spare parts to be delivered prior to the end of the fiscal year, according to a news release.  The addition of this contract with previously announced contracts total $10.25 million in sales for the company's first 9.5 months of operation, according to the release.  Information: www.iae247.com

San Bernardino-based Stater Bros. Markets has completed the sale of Santee Dairies to Dean Foods, America's largest processor and distributor of milk and other dairy products, according to a news release.  "At Stater Bros., we try to do the 'Right Thing ... for the Right Reason.' The right thing is to sell Santee Dairies to Dean Foods to ensure the continued growth of Santee," Stater Bros. President and CEO Jack Brown said in the news release.  Stater Bros. will continue to purchase Santee dairy products, including Stater Bros., ValuTime and Knudsen milk, and Arnold Palmer tea products, according to the release.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched online training for women who own small businesses.  "Winning Federal Contracts: A Guide for Women Entrepreneurs" is designed to "help women entrepreneurs learn about the federal procurement process and to prepare them to compete for contracting opportunities," according to an SBA news release.  Information: www.sba.gov

West Coast Whoopies Bakery in Calimesa has announced a partnership with Unified Grocers, the largest retailer-owned wholesale grocery cooperative in the West.  Independently owned grocery stores throughout Southern California now can carry West Coast Whoopies' whoopie pies through Unified Grocers.  For more information on West Coast Whoopies, visit www.westcoastwhoopies.com

The Inland Empire chapter of California Society of Tax Consultants will meet at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Doubletree Hotel in Claremont. Speaker John C. Keil will discuss ethics.  Two hours of federal credit will be given for attendance.  Information: Priscilla Lerma, (909) 983-3716.

PhD Computing, a Web development company in Ontario, has entered into a partnership with Rackspace Hosting, a Web hosting and cloud computing company.  "This is a natural partnership that will allow both companies to better serve our respective client bases," Robert Patrick, president of PhD, said in a news release.  "PhD provides world-class Web development, cloud computing application development and technical migration services to Rackspace customers, and in turn Rackspace offers our customers outstanding hosting services, including virtualization, PCI and HIPAA compliant infrastructure, and cloud computing services."

Cal State San Bernardino's Inland Empire Women's Business Center will offer a workshop 6-8 p.m. Oct. 22 for aspiring and existing business owners on what is necessary to incorporate a business.  "Legal Forms of Organization" will be held at the center's office, 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino.  Cost: $15 if pre-registered online; $20 at the door.  The course will be taught by Gary Foltz of Gary Foltz Professional Law Corp.  Information: Nicole Kinney at (909) 890-1242; www.iewbc.org

Best, Best and Krieger LLP has hired Steven G. Martin, an environmental consultant-turned-attorney, to join its environmental and natural resources practice group as an associate, according to a news release.  Martin will be based at the firm's Riverside headquarters.

Victor Valley Community Hospital has appointed Sue Thomas-Channel and Dr. Y. Joe Kwon to its governing board of directors.  Thomas-Channel is senior vice president/regional manager of American Security Bank.  Kwon is a retired High Desert radiation oncologist, who founded the High Desert Joint Cancer Program in 1981 and was president of the Inland Empire unit of the American Cancer Society.  Information: (760) 843-6180.

The International Economic Development Council gave the city of Rialto an award for its "sustainable development program" at IEDC's annual conference this month in Reno, Nev.
Competing in the category of Sustainable and Green Development by organizations serving areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000, Rialto won the award for the development of the Rialto Regional Biosolids Processing Facility, according to the news release.  The facility was constructed by EnerTech Environmental Inc. in partnership with the city and the city's redevelopment agency.

The Southern California Honda Dealers Association is accepting nominations for the 2010 Honda Helpful Awards.  The program, which is part of the ongoing Honda Helpful campaign, is back for the third year, and aims to "recognize Southern Californians who offer their time and resources to assisting those in need," according to a news release.  Nominations can be submitted at www.socalhonda.com.  The nomination period ends Nov. 1.  Winners will be announced in January.

Mark Ress and Tom Burciaga of GotMobileMarketing.com will put on a seminar discussing how businesses can use social media and mobile marketing to increase traffic on their Web sites and help their businesses.  The seminar will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, 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; www.gotmobilemarketing.com

The Inland Empire Women's Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino will hold a workshop on launching a new business.  The free class, "Successful Start-Ups: The ABCs of Starting Your Own Business," will take place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Corona Public Library, 650 S. Main St.  Participants will receive contact information for government and business entities that are part of the start-up process, as well as information about available funding sources, according to a news release.  The workshop is offered by the Corona Women's Business Partnership, which is organized by the Inland Empire Women's Business Center in collaboration with the Corona Business Assistance Program.  Information: (909) 890-1242; www.iewbc.org

Ruben Estrada of Estrada Strategies will be the keynote speaker at the next installment of the Inland Valley Business Insight series.  The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in the lobby of the Redlands Inland Valley Bank, 1200 N. California St.  "Talking points will include work-force investment dollars, on-the-job-training dollars and SBA funding," according to the news release.  Reservations and information: Renee Moreno at (909) 583-9126 or e-mail renee@inlandvalleybank.com

The local chapter of the American Advertising Federation is hosting a workshop on Friday, Oct. 16, to help attendees learn to build PDF documents.  The workshop will be led by Kelly McCathran, a certified technical trainer and Adobe expert.  The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m., at Copies & Ink, 10722 Arrow Route, Suite 102, Rancho Cucamonga.  Cost: Free for AAF members and students; $10 for non-members.  Information: John McCarthy at (909) 921-1062; or aaf-inlandempire.com

Fernando Perez, a Farmers Insurance agent in Fontana, has completed the Career Agents Course at the University of Farmers training facility in Agoura Hills. The five-day course aims to enhance agents' professional skills.  Information: www.farmers.com

North American Medical Management California Inc. and Humana Inc. recently announced in a news release that a long-term agreement has been reached that will allow Humana's Medicare Advantage members to receive medical care through PrimeCare Medical Network Inc., an affiliate of NAMM in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.  Information: (866) 355-6152; humana-medicare.com

A rash of recent mailings that appear to be official state documents has drawn the attention of the state Secretary of State's office and the state Attorney General's office, which filed suit against the individuals and companies responsible late last week, according to a news release.  The mailings in question appear to come from a state agency, Business Filings Division, and claim businesses are required to fill out the documents and return them with a $235 fee under the California Corporations Code, or their corporation will be suspended, according to the release.  These mailings do not represent any government agency. According to the Secretary of State's office, the actual fee for a Statement of Information ranges from $20 to $25.  If you have received a solicitation letter that seems misleading or confusing, you are asked to contact the state Attorney General's office at (800) 952-5225; or through the Web site, www.ag.ca.gov

Shawn Ecklund of Raymond James Financial Services in Upland is hosting a discussion of current market conditions with featured speaker Erik Kidd, regional director of Neuberger Berman, and special guest, author Brad McColl, who wrote "Leveraging Your Banker."  The event will be at noon, Oct. 16.  Reservations and information: Melisa Delgado at (909) 981-8996.

The Inland Empire Women's Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino will hold a workshop 9-11 a.m. Oct. 20 on "effective management of finances to help people who are Considering Launching a Business or who already operate their own business," according to a news release.  The class, which will be taught by a representative from Lucia & Co., 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: Nicole Kinney at (909) 890-1242; www.iewbc.org

Gear Technology, an international precision gear manufacturer in Rancho Cucamonga, has signed an annual contract with Raytheon Systems Ltd. to manufacture eight high-performance gears to be used by the U.S. military, according to a news release.

The San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Centers for International Trade Development, will host a free workshop for local business owners on "How to Embrace Foreign Markets," according to a news release.  It will run from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Oct. 21 at the office of the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency, 215 N. D St., Suite 201, San Bernardino.  Reservations are required by Oct. 19.  Information: Wendy Clements, (909) 382-4100, ext. 230; or e-mail info@sbvez.com

Georgia-based Southeastern Mills Inc. has acquired Superior Quality Foods in Ontario, according to a news release.  Superior Quality Foods manufactures food bases and flavors, gravy and sauce mixes and seasoning blends for retail and industrial customers.  Jim Wallace, president and owner of Superior Quality Foods, will remain with the company and be general manager of the division.

The Franchise Tax Board is reminding taxpayers that Oct. 15 is the deadline to file their 2008 state income-tax return to avoid late filing penalties.  State law contains an automatic extension for personal income-tax returns.  ReadyReturn and CalFile will be available through the deadline on Franchise Tax Board's Web site, ftb.ca.gov.  Installment payment plans also are available on the Web site for taxpayers who face financial trouble.

The Homeownership Education Learning Program will hold a course for potential homeowners titled "How Do I Buy a Home in This Market?"  The free class will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Inland Valley Association of Realtors' auditorium, 3690 Elizabeth St., Riverside.  Topics will include current market trends, when and why to get pre-approved, conventional and government loan programs, property taxes, available city/county buyer programs and how to choose a real estate and loan professional.  Information: www.freehomeownershiphelp.org

On Thursday, International Aerospace Enterprises Inc. in Ontario announced that the company has received a $4.1 million contract for military aircraft spare parts, the second to be received by the company in two days. The previous contract, announced Wednesday, was for $3.3 million.  This contract put IAE over its first year's projected goal of $5 million in sales, according to a news release.

The California Association of Community Managers announced that 16 community association managers from the Inland Empire have been awarded the statewide designation of "Certified Community Association Manager" in the past few months.  The designation is awarded to community managers who have "completed CACM's stringent educational curriculum program and fulfilled a minimum requirement of work experience in the field of community association management," according to a news release.

The managers are: Irina Bondareva with Weldon L. Brown Co. Inc. in Riverside; Amber Meyer, Robyn Lesh, Charlie Magnan, Roseanne Zemming and Misty Lamb with Cannon Management Co. in Riverside; Roberta Adkins with Euclid Management Co. in Upland; Gloria Lazarony with Professional Community Management of California Inc. in Riverside; Valerie Grillo with Canyon Lake Property Owners Association in Canyon Lake; Tanisha Scott with Professional Community Management of California Inc./Solera at Apple Valley in Apple Valley; Marla Miller with Professional Community Management of California Inc./Solera Diamond Valley Community Association in Hemet; Hallie Kirkingburg with Transpacific Management Service in Corona; Jamila Pearson-Stoker with the Prescott Companies in Temecula; Dave Potter with Condominium Management Services in Claremont; Renee Norman with East Highland Ranch in Highland; and Kimberly Evans with Professional Community Management of California Inc./The Colony at California Oaks Homeowners Association in Murrieta.  Information: www.cacm.org

The Upland Chamber of Commerce will hold a business mixer 5-7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Nationwide Insurance, 8880 Benson Ave., Suite 100, Montclair.  Information: (909) 596-3200.

Cal State San Bernardino's Inland Empire Women's Business Center will offer a workshop Tuesday, Oct. 13, on online branding and marketing strategies.  The free course, titled "Online Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business Now," will be held 9-11 a.m. at the center's office, 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino.  Information: (909) 890-1242; www.iewbc.org

Chaffey College is introducing a simulation-based entrepreneurship course, "Small Business Planning and Entrepreneurship," using SimVenture, an award-winning simulation that allows students to set up a virtual company and run it.  The 10-week course will start Oct. 17 in Room WH-142 at the Rancho Cucamonga campus, 5885 Haven Ave.  The course will be run by Zaf Neemuchwala of Yellow Sequoia Solutions and Education.  Cost: $50, plus a $70 materials fee.  Information: (909) 652-6041 and (909) 652-6045.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has recognized the Green Valley Initiative with a Clean Air Award, according to a news release.  The initiative was one of eight award recipients honored Oct. 2 at the 21st annual Clean Air Awards luncheon at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.  "The award was issued in recognition of the (initiative's) regional and collaborative programs to promote clean and green industry in Riverside and San Bernardino counties," according to the release.  Information: www.greenvalleynow.org

The Best Western Pine Tree at 12018 Central Ave. in Chino has received the Best Western Chairman's Award, the hotel chain's highest honor for outstanding quality standards.  The Chairman's Award "recognizes Best Western International hotels scoring in the top 5 percent of all 2,400 North American properties in cleanliness and maintenance," according to a news release.  Qualifying hotels must also meet the company's requirements for design and high customer service scores.  Information: (909) 628-6021.

ABF Freight System Inc., which operates a site in Fontana, has been cited as an "innovator in information technology" by Information Week magazine, which lists ABF in its "2009 Information Week 500."  The 500 companies were revealed Sept. 14 at an awards ceremony at the St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach.  Information: www.abf.com

The Business Journal of Milwaukee recently reported that CUNA Mutual Group, based in Madison, Wisc., is selling its member service and lending support call center, The LoanLink Center, to Rancho Cucamonga-based CO-OP Financial Services, a credit union-owned electronic funds transfer network.  The acquisition, effective Oct. 31, will give CO-OP "another way to offer members 24-hour access to their credit union accounts and will help sustain and expand credit union call center support," according to the Business Journal.  Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

UC Riverside's Bourns College of Engineering has been chosen to receive one of three 2009 Claire Felbinger awards for Diversity from ABET, the accrediting body for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology.  The Felbinger Award recognizes "U.S.-based educational units, individuals, associations and firms for extraordinary success in achieving or facilitating diversity and inclusiveness in the technological segments of our society," according to a news release.  UC PresidentMark Yudof has been invited to accept the award at the ABET Commission Summit, scheduled for Oct. 28 in San Antonio.

Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Don Kurth recently was appointed to the faculty of the department of health policy and management in the Loma Linda University School of Pubic Health.  Kurth, an associate professor, has taught at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine for 12 years.  In addition to his teaching position at Loma Linda University, Kurth owns the Alta Loma Medical Group and Urgent Care Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

Cal State San Bernardino recently honored several employees for "outstanding service to the university," according to a university news release.  Diane Podolske, director of Community-University Partnerships and service learning programs, and university police Sgt. Lee Fields were named winners of the "President's Outstanding Employee Awards."  Diana Quijano, an administrative support coordinator in the College of Education, and Erika Quinonez, a development associate in the College of Arts and Letters, were each honored with the "President's Special Achievement Award."

Ten other employees were recognized as divisional winners. They were: Dorothea Cartwright, John Ruttner, Carolyn Stevens, Holly Wells, Kevin Beecher, Josh Thomas, Candace Johnson, Shantharum Pai, Monica Alejandre and Julie Bullock.

Pomona-based General Environmental Management Inc. has retained General Pacific Partners, a financial advisory firm, to "explore and assist in the evaluation of wastewater business acquisition opportunities in California and the western United States," according to a company news release.  The company expects to complete its acquisition of Santa Clara Waste Water by Nov. 1, as part of its overall strategy to shift the focus of its business to water treatment and the waste-to-energy market.

The San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 to provide information about an upcoming trip to London and Paris. The meeting will be at the chamber's office, 546 W. Sixth St., San Bernardino.  The trip is scheduled for April 22-29. Information: (909) 885-7515; e-mail sba.chamber@verizon.net

The state Board of Equalization has announced that extensions for filing, audits, billing, notices, assessments and relief from subsequent penalties are available for businesses or individuals impacted by the Sheep Fire, which burned more than 7,000 acres near Wrightwood.  More information: www.boe.ca.gov or (800) 400-7115.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has recognized the Green Valley Initiative with a Clean Air Award for its promotion of good environmental stewardship in the Inland Empire.  The initiative was one of eight Clean Air Award recipients honored Oct. 2 at the 21st annual Clean Air Awards luncheon at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.  The initiative is a regional economic development effort to create jobs through the promotion of clean industries in the Inland Empire.

Humana Inc., one of the nation's largest health-care and supplemental benefits firms, announced Tuesday, Oct. 6, an expansion of its Medicare offerings in California.  According to a news release, starting Nov. 15, people eligible for Medicare in San Bernardino, Riverside and Fresno counties can enroll in a Humana Gold Plus HMO plan taking effect Jan. 1, 2010.

Stirling Capital Investments announced it has secured a 25,146-square-foot lease with Pacific Aviation Group at Southern California Logistics Center, a 2,500-acre commercial and industrial complex in Victorville near Southern California Logistics Airport.  According to a news release, Pacific Aviation Group, "a leader in the aviation sales and distribution marketplace," plans to commence operations on Oct. 15.  The company's new corporate headquarters will be at 18499 Phantom, Suite 17, in the newly constructed Global Access Business Center, "which consists of two Class A multi-tenant industrial buildings totaling 223,773 square feet," the release says.

According to Colliers International, a commercial brokerage research company:

* The industrial vacancy rate in the east Inland Empire was 23.3 percent in the third quarter of this year, according to a report released.  Vacancy rates were expected to keep climbing and rental rates to keep dropping in the fourth quarter.  The weighted average asking rental rate in this market was 32 cents per square foot.

* In the west Inland Empire, the industrial vacancy rate was 10.8 percent in the third quarter. Vacancy rates were expected to drop in the fourth quarter while rental rates keep dropping.  The weighted average asking rental rate in this market was 35 cents per square foot.

* The office vacancy rate for the Inland Empire in the third quarter stood at 23.7 percent.  Vacancy rates were expected to keep climbing and rental rates to keep dropping in the fourth quarter.  The weighted average asking rental rate in this market was $1.97 per square foot.

Stater Bros. "planned an enthusiastic welcome" for the final group of Stater Bros. employees to move into the grocery chain's corporate offices and Norton Distribution Center in San Bernardino, according to a news release.  On Monday, Oct. 5, a ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the opening of the 155,000-square-foot Stater Bros. Support Services Building.  "Over 500 Stater Bros. employees from throughout the company were present to celebrate this long awaited event," the news release says.  The move to the new Stater Bros. corporate offices and Norton Distribution Center has spanned a two-year period.  "The Stater Bros. Norton Distribution Center is the largest under-one-roof distribution center in America's supermarket industry," the release says.

The Hesperia Community Redevelopment Agency purchased 53.25 acres on Highway 395 from Hamann Cos. for $3.8 million, or $71,400 per acre, according to CoStar.com.  The property, zoned I-1, is currently an auto racetrack that is mostly dirt road and raw land. Hesperia will be holding the land for future development.  Both sides used in-house representation.

The Inland Empire chapter of Financial Executives International will meet from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 21 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario.  The featured speaker will be Andy Mindlin of Realworld Marketing Inc., who will discuss tips to understanding marketing and sales and strategies to growing revenue.  Cost: $50 for members; $75 for nonmembers; free to qualified guests.  Information: (973) 765-1019 or e-mail ie@financialexecutives.org

The U.S. Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board recently launched the redesigned recovery.gov Web site with a new interactive Web map based on Redlands-based ESRI's geographic information system software.  The map shows where American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds have been awarded as well as recipient information.  "Smartronix, the professional solutions provider heading up the redesign, uses ESRI's ArcGIS Server to manage recovery data from federal agencies and display it on the map," according to the news release.  "ArcGIS Online services provide the basemap, and the ArcGIS API for Flex delivers easy navigation."  Information: www.esri.com/recovery

The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, in the parking lot of Sam's Club in Chino.  Information: (909) 627-6177.

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton recently was awarded a Palliative Care Implementation Grant for $245,334 from the California HealthCare Foundation, to implement ARMC's Palliative Care Service program.  According to a news release, ARMC was awarded about $30,000 in seed money this year, which enabled the hospital to design the program.  ARMC will use the grant to implement an inpatient Palliative Care Consultation Service over two years for patients with chronic and life-limiting illness, including those near the end of life. The period of the grant is from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2011.  ARMC's PCS program expects to see about 144 patients in the first year, and about 288 patients in the second year.  Information: www.arrowheadmedcenter.org

The benefits of increased globalization and free trade far outweigh the job losses that have accompanied such changes, according to a nationally-recognized author who will speak on the topic this week in San Bernardino.  Daniel Griswold, director of the Center for Trade Policy Studies at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C., will speak at noon Wednesday, Oct. 7, as part of Cal State San Bernardino's Business Stimulus Series.  The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with registration and networking at the campus.  Cost: $30.  The Business Stimulus Series is sponsored by the Economic Development Agency of San Bernardino County in partnership with CSUSB's College of Business and Public Administration.  Information: Moises Cisneros, (909) 387-9856 or mcisneros@ed.sbcounty.gov or Pamela Rescheske, (909) 387-9847.

Inland Empire United Way in Rancho Cucamonga has appointed Stuart I.R. Haniff as the new director of resource development.  Haniff comes to the organization with 20 years of continuous fundraising, administration, and health care management experience, including leadership, resource development, planned giving, and operations, according to a news release.  Information: www.ieuw.org

The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County was recently recognized by the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration for administering an effective Summer Youth Employment Program, according to a news release.  The Workforce Investment Board participated in a national best practice Webinar as "a feature example demonstrating for other workforce investment areas its model and methods of transitioning program participants into year-round youth and adult WIA services," according to the release.  San Bernardino County was one of three boards from across the country to be highlighted for its successes.

Ramin Peyghambari of the Quality Inn Ontario Airport hotel has received the Staff Service Excellence award from Choice Hotels International Inc., which recognizes "properties and individuals in the Choice family that have demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence," according to a news release.  The award is part of the Awards for Property Excellence awards program from Choice Hotels, franchisor of the Quality brand.  Information: choicehotels.com.

The Inland Empire Economic Partnership will host its inaugural Energy Summit on Nov. 6 in Ontario.  The event's presenting sponsors are Southern California Gas and Southern California Edison.  The event, "Energy, Economics and the Environment: Creating a Sustainable Future," will include an exhibit expo, featuring leading companies in energy-related industries, and two panel discussions -- "Energy, Economics and the Environment" and "Sustainable Success."  The summit will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario. Cost: $50.  Information: (951) 779-6700, ext. 239; www.2009energysummit.eventbrite.com

The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Chino Police Department are advising the business community to be aware of a company named UAC, or Universal AdCom, which is soliciting local businesses to purchase advertising space on an emergency preparedness magnet that will be distributed to residents, according to a chamber news release.  The sales people say they are the "project coordinator for the city of Chino" and use language that implies they are either working with or are closely associated with the city.  Although the company does produce magnets that include local business advertising, the city is not in business or affiliated with the company.  The release said the company might also use the name Premiere Impressions.

Brian Hall, vice president at Lee & Associates' Riverside office, has been named one of the recipients of the 2009 Developing Leaders Award, presented by NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.  Hall is the Developing Leaders chairman and a board member for NAIOP Inland Empire.

Pomona-based Multi Regional Multiple Listing Service (MRMLS) and the Bay Area's MLSListings Inc. have reached an agreement to provide subscribers with search capabilities for Southern and Northern California property listings through Tarasoft Matrix, according to a news release.  The expansion will "help more than 50,000 real estate professionals better assist their clients in looking to relocate as well as grow their business through referrals," according to the release.

In the year since its implementation, the Clean Trucks Program at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has reduced emissions equivalent to the amount produced by 200,000 automobiles on Southern California's highways, according to a news release.  When the next stage of the program goes into effect Jan. 1, nearly all of the trucks serving the ports will meet emissions standards of 2007 model year trucks, the release says.

San Francisco and San Francisco County are working with Redlands-based ESRI and NAVTEQ to implement a pilot program that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, according to a news release.  The project is part of a commitment with the Clinton Global Initiative.  Using ESRI's ArcLogistics software, San Francisco will optimize its fleet operations and reduce its carbon footprint.  NAVTEQ's detailed map data is built into the ESRI routing solution and will enable efficient route planning, officials said.  At the CGI 2009 annual meeting, held in New York City Sept. 22 - 25, ESRI President Jack Dangermond announced ESRI's commitment to the endeavor and described San Francisco's pilot program.  This commitment includes a grant of ESRI's route optimization software ArcLogistics to local governments in large metropolitan areas.  Information: www.esri.com/arclogistics

Changes under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to U.S. Small Business Administration loan programs have led to a rebound in SBA-backed loans for small businesses and greater access to capital, according to a news release.  In the eight months since the Recovery Act was signed into law, the SBA has "supported more than $11.3 billion in lending to small businesses through its two largest loan programs and seen its average weekly dollar volume increase by more than 60 percent in comparison to the weeks before the Recovery Act," the release says.  In San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties, SBA small business lending was up 102 percent in the fourth quarter compared with the second quarter of fiscal Year 2009, when the Recovery Act was first announced, according to the release.  Information: www.sba.gov

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, which has branches in Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands and San Bernardino, has promoted Robert Martinez to vice president of collections.  He will oversee a new collections system for the credit union, the nation's largest for school employees, according to a news release.

The next opportunity to receive training for a career in aviation maintenance begins soon at the School of Aviation Technology at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville.  The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board recently approved $95,000 for equipment for the school, and county supervisors provided $500,000 of an earlier contribution of $750,000 to get the school started.  The school's first class began in March.  Space is available for the Powerplant Certification Program, a 50-week vocational program that will begin this month.  Information: Melinda Weiss, (760) 243-1904.

The Inland Valley Business Alliance business expo will take place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Dave & Busters at Ontario Mills, 4821 Mills Circle.  About 25 businesses will be promoting their products and services in a trade show-style setting.  A few exhibit spaces remain available.  Cost: $15 for alliance members; $25 for nonmembers.  Expo admission: $5.  Sponsors include Dave & Busters, Diversified Securities, Haven Chiropractic, SCE Federal Credit Union and Vacuum Metalizing Co.  Information: (909) 989-2232; www.ivbusiness.org

Cal State San Bernardino's Inland Empire Women's Business Center will hold a workshop on Tuesday to help business owners establish their accounting system using QuickBooks accounting software.  The workshop will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the center's office, 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino.  The course, to be taught by certified public accountant Beth Bockenhauer, will cover day-to-day business bookkeeping functions, including invoicing, purchasing and banking.  Cost: $15 if preregistered online; $20 at the door.  Information: Carla Ulloa, (909) 890-1242; or www.iewbc.org

Voit Real Estate Services' commercial brokerage division handled the seven-year lease on a new 137,523-square-foot building in Chino for Westinghouse Lighting Corp., according to a news release.  The company will use the building -- at 6718 Bickmore Ave. -- as its regional distribution facility.  Peter Castleton of Voit Real Estate Services' brokerage division's Irvine office represented Westinghouse Lighting Corp. in the transaction.  Jim Koenig of CBRE represented the landlord, Manulife Financial.  Westinghouse Lighting Corp., which manufactures and markets lighting products, is relocating from Santa Fe Springs.  Information: www.westinghouselighting.com

The Inland Empire West End Job Fair will take place Oct. 29 at L.A./Ontario International Airport.  Organizers are accepting registrations from companies interested in participating. There is no cost for employers to participate.  Businesses and organizations that are currently offering full-time or part-time employment opportunities in the areas of professional/managerial, technical, clerical, sales, service, and other positions are welcome to attend.  In addition to saving money on recruitment efforts, participating businesses will also be afforded free advertising and publicity as part of a special supplement being produced and distributed by the Daily Bulletin.  Registration: www.RCRDA.us/WEJF.

Once registration information has been received, Inland Empire West End Job Fair staff members will review the registration and follow up with the company to confirm their space at the event.  The event is being organized by the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland; the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board; L.A./Ontario International Airport; First Presbyterian Church of Upland; the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin; and state Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga.  The event is also receiving additional support from state Sens. Bob Huff, R-Walnut, and Gloria Negrete-Mcleod, D-Montclair, as well as Assembly members Bill Emerson, R-Rancho Cucamonga, Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills, and Norma Torres, D-Ontario.

Ingen Technologies Inc., a medical device manufacturer in Yucaipa, announced that it has signed contracts with Emergo Group Inc. to debut the company's Oxyview Nasal Cannula at the world's largest health-care exhibitions.  On Nov. 18, Emergo Group will introduce the new product at MEDICA in Germany. Next, on Jan. 25, the product will be presented at the Arab Health Exhibition & Congress.  Information: www.ingen-tech.com

The Quality Inn Ontario Airport hotel recently received the Best Renovation/Re-design Award from Choice Hotels International Inc.  The award is part of the Awards for Property Excellence program from Choice Hotels, franchiser of the Quality brand.  The Quality Inn Ontario Airport hotel is one of only six Choice brand hotels in its state to receive a 2009 APEX Award.  Information: choicehotels.com.

The National Credit Union Administration on Wednesday liquidated the Members' Own Federal Credit Union in Victorville and accepted Alaska USA Federal Credit Union's offer to purchase and assume the credit union, according to an agency news release.  Alaska USA Federal Credit Union purchased and assumed Victorville credit union's assets, loans and shares, and members should see no interruptions in service, officials said.  Members' Own Federal Credit Union had $85 million in assets and served 11,000 members.  With assets of $4.1 billion, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union serves about 375,000 members in Alaska, California and Washington state.

Living trusts and other estate-planning documents will be discussed at a free workshop offered by Altura Credit Union at branches in Riverside and Rancho Mirage.  The workshop will include information about health-care directives, powers of attorney and wills, according to a news release.  The Riverside workshops will be held from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at 6403 Riverside Ave. and Oct. 27 at 10725 Magnolia Ave.  The Rancho Mirage workshop will meet from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at 32-101 Bob Hope Drive, Suite E9, Rancho Mirage.  Reservations and information: (951) 571-5391; www.alturacu.com or e-mail drose@alturacu.com

Future Energy Corp. will sponsor the Upland Chamber of Commerce's chamber summit slated for 11 a.m. Oct. 22 at Victoria Gardens' Celebration Hall, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane will be the guest speaker.  Cost: $20.  Reservations are required.  Information: (909) 204-4465.

The College of Business and Pubic Administration at Cal State San Bernardino is seeking alumni to meet for a networking event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Ontario Convention Center.  Karen Dill Bowerman, dean of the business college, will present an update on college activities as part of the evening's program, according to a news release.  Deborah Meredith, an alumna of the college who now is a recruiter for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, will share her experiences in a presentation titled "Tips and Tricks of the Interview Process."  Information and reservations: Shelly Brown, (909) 537-5771, or e-mail sbrown@csusb.edu

The state Board of Equalization has released June gasoline consumption figures, as well as total figures for the second quarter of 2009, which marked the first quarterly increase since the first quarter of 2006.  In June, gasoline demand rose 1.6 percent as Californians used 1.234 billion gallons of gasoline for the month.  In the second quarter of 2009, gasoline consumption increased 0.45 percent, according to an agency news release.  Californians used 3.773 billion gallons of gasoline in the quarter, compared with 3.756 billion gallons in the second quarter last year.  Gasoline sold in June generated about $301 million in sales tax, an estimated $104 million less than last year, according to the release.  Diesel fuel sold in California in June totaled 223.6 million gallons, down 14.2 percent from the previous June's total.  Diesel consumption declined 8.8 percent in the second quarter as Californians used a total of 653 million gallons, according to the release.  Information: www.boe.ca.gov or www.taxes.ca.gov

KVCR-TV (Channel 24), the PBS station based in San Bernardino, will host a free town-hall meeting on foreclosure prevention at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Cesar Chavez Community Center at Bobby Bonds Park, 2060 University Ave., Riverside.  The event aims to help homeowners avoid fraudulent loan-modification programs and suggest where they can find reliable help.  Speaking will be the former Norco mayor and founder of USA HELP, Chris Sorensen, an executive of Springboard, and Jason Yancey, the mortgage assistance program coordinator at Operation HOPE.  More information: (909) 384-4330.

The Claremont Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Village Venture from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 in Claremont Village.  Admission to the arts and crafts fair will be free.  The event is sponsored by Cloud Nine Paper in Claremont.  Many other chamber members will be participating.  Information: (909) 624-1681, or e-mail contact@claremontchamber.org

The Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce will present its inaugural Grape Harvest car show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Sunday, Oct. 4, at Victoria Gardens.  The car show will be held in conjunction with the 70th annual Grape Harvest Festival taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- Oct 2, 3 and 4.  The festival includes arts and crafts, wine tasting, grape stomp, entertainment, food and opportunity drawings.  Cost: $1.

Mark Dowling, administrator of the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency, has joined the board of directors of the county Workforce Investment Board, according to a news release.  Dowling was appointed by county Supervisor Gary Ovitt.  "The Workforce Investment Board partners with the county's largest industry sectors to identify workforce needs, create training programs and prepare residents for in-demand jobs," according to the release.  Dowling has 18 years experience in economic and community development, and currently serves as the Economic Development Agency administrator for.  He is the former chairman of the county Planning Commission and was previously vice president and a partner at De Oro Properties LLC, a real estate development company.

The Daily Journal has named Eric Garner, managing partner of Riverside-based Best Best and Krieger LLP, as one of the top 100 attorneys in California for 2009.  Garner was singled out for his chairmanship of the International Bar Association's Water Law Committee, according to a news release.  His term began Jan. 1 and he is the first American named to the leadership role.  Garner is based in Riverside but oversees all BB&K offices.

Yipin Pigments Inc., a manufacturer of iron oxide pigments with its U.S. headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga, will hold an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at its new facility, 9843 Sixth St., Suite 105, in Rancho Cucamonga.  The company moved to the area in July and is looking to expand within the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, according to a news release.  Information: (909) 243-7394

Falken Tire Corp. in Fontana, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, has been donating to the Pacific Electric Trail project.  Starting in 2008, when the company built a rest stop on the trail, the company has committed to an annual donation for the next 10 years.  Falken Tire Corp. will celebrate its anniversary Friday, Oct. 2, at the site of the donated rest stop with city officials.

The Southern California chapter of the Society for Advancement of Management will hold its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8.  Robert Bartlett, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Pacific Mercantile Bank, will give a report on the banking industry.  The event will be at the Titan Student Union center at Cal State Fullerton.  This is the fourth in a series of presentations by SAM on the financial situation in the USA.  Cost: Students admitted free; others for $10.  Information: (714) 637-3236; or e-mail cdoubek@prodigy.net

The Inland Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women In Construction will hold its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Antonino's Ristorante Italiano, 7945 Vineyard Ave, Suite D-7, Rancho Cucamonga.  The evening's keynote address will be given by NAWIC Region 12 director Ellen Colglazier and will be on the topic "Building Bridges to the Future."  Cost: $30.  Reservation deadline is Oct. 7.  Information: (909) 982-7911; Marlene Hargrove at (951) 202-4484; or e-mail nawic140@msn.com

The Center for Litigation and Consumer Real Estate Education in Big Bear Lake has developed a program to help homeowners get a refund in small-claims court from loan-modification scammers.  Alan Sims, CEO of CLCREE, claims that about 200,000 Inland Empire homeowners have been the victim of these scams.  "The average money lost is between $1,500 and $3,500 per homeowner," Sims said in a news release.  "That is approximately $200 million to $700 million dollars in consumer fraud."  Interested homeowners should e-mail CLCREE at info@CLCREE.org.  CLCREE also is working with the San Bernardino County Bar Association to educate attorneys and the public through small-claims court town-hall meetings.  Additional programs offered will assist the homeowner in filing individual arbitration actions against mortgage lenders and will be available in the coming weeks, according to the news release.  Information: www.CLCREE.org