November 2009 Archives
Bridge Stone Retail Operations LLC recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Firestone Complete Auto Care store in Riverside. The anniversary event began Nov. 20 with a recognition ceremony with BSRO executives and local community members. The public celebration continued throughout the weekend with raffles, prizes, refreshments, discounted services and family fun activities, according to a news release.
Fresenius Medical Care North America, operator of a network of dialysis facilities, recently named three of its San Bernardino-area dialysis facilities "Centers of Excellence" for achieving the "highest standards in patient care in 2008," according to a news release. This year's Center of Excellence award winners in the San Bernardino area are Fresenius Medical Care Rancho Cucamonga, Fresenius Medical Care San Bernardino, and Fresenius Medical Care Riverside. Information: (866) 434-2597; www.ultracare-dialysis.com
Drs. Tiffany Truong and Hoang Nguyen have purchased the freestanding retail property at 12385 Central Ave., Chino, from Vincent Paul DiSalvo Trust for $1.2 million, according to costar.com. They plan to open a dental office in the building, which they will share with a tenant, Custom Tile & Stone Inc. Eric Ramirez of MGR Real Estate represented the seller in the sale and the lease negotiation with the tenant. The buyers represented themselves.
Susan Pennington, a financial adviser for financial services firm Edward Jones, is inviting the community to attend a holiday open house at her office on Dec. 10. The event begins at 5 p.m. at 8744 19th St., Rancho Cucamonga. Light refreshments will be served. Information: (909) 941-6785
Students set to graduate from The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire in San Bernardino will showcase the best of their work when the school hosts its Graduate Portfolio Show on Dec. 15. Employers looking for talented, newly graduated professionals in the fields of Interior Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Culinary Arts and Media Arts & Animation are invited to attend the reception from 4-6 p.m. at the museum, 3425 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. Information and reservations: Brenda Medina, (909) 915-2192.
The Upland Chamber of Commerce is having a holiday party for its monthly "First Friday" networking meeting. The event, which is sponsored by Main Street Upland, starts at 7 a.m. Friday at La Villa, 792 W. Arrow Highway, Upland. Cost: $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Breakfast will be provided by Pine Haven Catering & Confections. Reservations are required by Tuesday. Information: (909) 204-4465; or e-mail realpeople@uplandchamber.org
The state Board of Equalization recently released information notifying wholesalers and distributors that it is illegal to sell flavored cigarettes or roll-your-own under the new federal U.S. Food and Drug Administration provision of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Under federal law, these products can no longer be manufactured, imported or sold in the United States and could be seized by federal, state or local law enforcement authorities. Information: www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts; ag.ca.gov/tobacco/directory.php
First American CoreLogic has released third-quarter data showing more than half of the mortgages in the San Bernardino-Ontario-Riverside metro area are "under water." The report shows 54.41 percent (474,265) of all residential properties with a mortgage were in negative equity as of September. Negative equity means that borrowers owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. Negative equity can occur because of a decline in value, an increase in mortgage debt or a combination of both. Nationally, nearly 10.7 million, or 23 percent, of all residential properties with mortgages were in negative equity as of September.
The distribution of negative equity is heavily concentrated in five states: Nevada (65 percent), Arizona (48 percent), Florida (45 percent), Michigan (37 percent) and California (35 percent). California (2.4 million) and Florida (2 million) had the largest number of negative equity mortgages, accounting for 42 percent of all negative equity loans.
According to the company's data, the average value for all properties with a mortgage is $270,200, but properties in negative equity have an average value of $210,300 or 22 percent less. The average mortgage debt for properties in negative equity was $280,000 and borrowers that were in a negative equity position were upside down by an average of nearly $70,000.
Recent state employment data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics paints a grim picture of unemployment in the state of California, with teens being hit especially hard. The state unemployment rate in October was 12.5 percent. The teen unemployment rate was 38.5 percent -- nearly four times the national rate. According to a news release from the Employment Policies Institute, California has the fifth highest teen unemployment rate in the nation, and it has increased more than 40 percent since October 2008. Information: www.epionline.org
According to statistics compiled by the Construction Industry Research Board home builders nationwide pulled permits for 2,815 housing units in October, down 6 percent from September and down 33 percent from October 2008. The data show permits pulled for single-family homes in October dropped 9 percent from September to 2,017, which is 14 percent lower than the same period last year. The report found multifamily permits totalled 798, up 5 percent from the previous month, and down 57 percent from a year ago. During the first 10 months of the year, permits were pulled for 29,901 units, down 46 percent from the same period last year when 55,632 permits had been issued. Single-family units were down 30 percent while multifamily units were down 64 percent. CIRB is forecasting permits will be pulled for just 36,000 total units in 2009, which would be the lowest total on record.
The California Energy Commission has awarded a $1 million grant to the UC Riverside College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology to "build a process demonstration unit to convert biosolids to clean synthetic diesel fuel."
The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Luncheon and Silent Auction on Thursday at the Western Hills Golf & Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Road, Chino Hills. A portion of the proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Chino Neighborhood House and Caring for the Hills. Cost: $40 per person. Participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for distribution to Chino Valley children. The chamber also is still seeking items for auction as well as sponsorships. Information: (909) 627-6177.
The U.S. Labor Department's Women's Bureau will hold a teleconference call titled "Financial Management at Year's End" 2-3 p.m. Monday. Saving, spending and managing credit wisely will be discussed. Speakers will include certified public accountant and personal financial specialist David George of Wealth Management Group LLP in Irvine, Erika Safran, a certified financial planner with Financial Asset Management Corp., and author Liz Pulliam Weston. A Q&A session will follow the presentations. Information: (202) 693-6767; www.dol.gov/wb; www.wiseupwomen.org
The California Credit Union League, based in Ontario, has approved an assessment on member credit unions for continuing a public advocacy program. According to an article in the Credit Union Journal, the assessment was slashed by 83 percent from 2007 in response to worsening economic conditions. The proposed assessment for 2010 was reduced again. "Spending on the 2010 version of the public advocacy campaign has been reduced to $1 million from $6 million and from paid media to earned media," according to the report.
The U.S. Labor Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs will present a webinar on the equal-employment-opportunity and affirmative-action provisions of federal contracts involving American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds 2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Companies that provide goods or services to a federal agency or goods or services to another company that supplies a federal agency may be considered federal contractors or subcontractors. The webinar will cover supply and service contractor obligations and what companies need to know and do to be in compliance. There also will be a Q&A session at the end of the Web program. Participants are encouraged to e-mail questions in advance. Information and registration: (800) 397-6251; www1.gotomeeting.com/register/695354184
The Pomona-based sales group for Lia Sophia, a direct-seller of jewelry, recently announced top honors for its team's outstanding sales accomplishments and professionalism, according to a news release. "Having just joined the fashion jewelry business, Dawn Abasta has earned this prestigious accomplishment in the first 15 weeks by attaining certain sales levels and by sharing Lia Sophia with other new advisers," it states. For more information, contact Dawn Abasta at www.liasophia.com/dawn4jewels
Construction of new homes in California continued to decline in October, prompting California homebuilders to call on state lawmakers to re-examine the benefits of the state new-home buyer tax credit enacted earlier this year, according to a news release by California Building Industry Association, the state's largest homebuilder trade association. "According to statistics compiled by the Construction Industry Research Board, homebuilders pulled permits for 2,815 total housing units in October, down 6 percent from September, and down 33 percent from October 2008," it states. "Permits for single-family homes totaled 2,017, down 9 percent from the previous month and down 14 percent from same period last year, while multifamily permits totaled 798, up 5 percent from September but down 57 percent from a year ago."
Susan Pennington, a local financial adviser with Edward Jones, a financial consulting firm, is inviting the community to attend a holiday open house at 5 p.m. on Dec. 10, at 8744 19th St., in Rancho Cucamonga, according to a news release. "We ... would like to express our appreciation for the confidence and support we receive year-round," Pennington said in the release. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Pennington at (909) 941-6785.
Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports, including the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, "could see its first year-over-year increases in more than two years beginning in early 2010," according to a report mentioned in a news release by National Retail Federation. A large portion of the Inland Empire's logistics business sector depends on exports and imports at the ports. "This could be the turnaround we've been waiting to see for a long time," said Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy, in the release. "There's not enough data yet to establish a clear trend, but we're hopeful that this is a sign of recovery."
Enspired Technology Inc., an Ontario-based computer information technology consulting firm, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Ultimate Internet Access Inc., an Ontario-headquartered solutions provider of high-speed Internet, e-mail, dial-up access, security issues, firewall issues and Web site development and hosting, according to a news release. "Through a referral agreement, the two technology companies will draw from each other's strengths to meet clients' computer IT, Internet, technology, Web, and security hosting needs," it states. For more information, contact President and CEO Josh Wrye at (909) 732-2215, or e-mail Info@EnspiredTech.com or visit www.EnspiredTech.com
Wells Fargo & Co. has announced that its Southern California team members, which include staff in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, pledged $589,000 to 980 local nonprofit organizations and schools through its annual Community Support and United Way Campaign, according to a news release. "This was the company's most green campaign to date, with nearly 100 percent of all pledges made online and the elimination of nearly all print marketing materials," it states. Companywide, team members donated $41.9 million to more than 25,000 nonprofits and schools through the campaign, which was a 21 percent increase over the combined Wells Fargo and Wachovia campaigns last year. Wells Fargo owns Wachovia. Overall, more than 160,000 team members participated in the campaign in some way.
National home prices, including distressed sales, dropped 9.8 percent in September compared to September 2008, according to a report by Santa Ana-based First American CoreLogic. "This was an improvement over August's year-over-year price decline of 11.1 percent," the report says. "On a month-over-month basis, however, national home prices declined by 0.4 percent in September 2009 compared to August 2009, reversing a five-month trend of positive appreciation. The August-to-September decline suggests the return of seasonal housing price patterns."
U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis has announced nearly $55 million in green job grants via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, including more than $83,000 for Mojave Basin Youth Corps Inc. in Adelanto. "The grants will support job training and labor market information programs to help workers, many in under-served communities, find jobs in expanding green industries and related occupations," a news release says. The two categories of grant awards announced are: State Labor Market Information Improvement Grants and Green Capacity Building Grants. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/pdf/GreenJobs.pdf
Temecula-based Applied Statistics & Management Inc., a provider of credentialing, privileging and provider information management software solutions, has appointed Atlanta-based Kevin Holder director of national sales. "Holder will oversee business development, sales and pre-sales activities and will be responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities for ASM's products and services," a news release says. Holder was formerly the business development manager for CertiFACTS On-Line and TMP Medical Listings, both in Atlanta.
The Southeast Regional User Group Conference will bring together more than 500 geographic information system software users April 26-28 in Charlotte, N.C., according to a news release from Redlands-based ESRI, a GIS software mapping producer. "Participants will discuss using geospatial technology to address today's issues and get guidance from peers and ESRI staff with varied specialties," it said. The "early bird" registration deadline to attend is Jan. 22. Submissions for presentations are due Jan. 8. Map gallery submissions are due April 2. For more information, visit www.esri.com/serug
Global Industrial of America Inc., a Rancho Cucamonga-based aerospace and industrial manufacturer-distributor, has announced its new Web site, www.GlobalIndustrialofAmerica.com
"Our goal is to provide our customers with a single resource where they can find components to meet a multitude of needs," said Marcel Millot, vice president, said in a news release. For more information, e-mail admin@globalinam.com, or call (951) 371-6914.
WesCorp Credit Union has shown up on the radar again after its failure earlier this year. A lawsuit has been filed by several California credit unions against former executives who worked at the San Dimas-based corporate credit union, according to The Credit Union Journal, a trade publication. The suit alleges that several credit unions have been forced to pay special fees by their regulator, the National Credit Union Administration, to make up for its national fund that absorbs failing credit union losses. WesCorp was saddled with billions in losses stemming from mortgage-backed securities.
Goodwill Southern California
was recognized Oct. 29 as the 2009 Disability Friendly Employer of the Year by the
American Health Congress
in partnership with the
Jobing Foundation. According to a
news release, the award "recognizes employers who make tangible efforts
to enable persons with disabilities achieve their true potential.
Employers must demonstrate best practices in making reasonable
adjustments to enable persons with disabilities to gain employment and
benefit from opportunities to increase their skills and widen their
experience." Lowell King,
the Inland Counties regional operations officer for Goodwill Southern California, accepted the award. Information: (888) 446-6394; www.goodwillsocal.org
Citizens Choice Healthplan HMO,
a
Medicare Advantage
prescription drug plan, has been approved by the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
to expand its service area to include portions of the Inland Empire in
San Bernardino and Riverside counties, according to a news release. The health plan currently contracts with
Loma Linda University Medical Center, St. Bernardine Medical Center
and
Community Hospital of San Bernardino,
along with seven medical groups, offering more than 180 primary care and 750 specialty physicians. According to the news release, the health plan was ranked as the
"leading value-based Medicare Advantage plan" in the Inland Empire for
2010. Information: (866) 646-2247; www.citizenschoicehealth.com
West Coast University in
Ontario has announced that it will start a Bachelor of Science program
in business administration with an emphasis in health-care management. Classes begin Feb. 1. The school gained approval from the
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
to offer the degree at its Los Angeles and Ontario campuses. Information: www.westcoastuniversity.edu
The
Credit Union Journal
has reported that the National Credit Union Association has assigned
Kent Buckham to be the first
director of its Office of Consumer Protection. Buckham was director of
NCUA's Office of Corporate Credit Unions for six years before serving
as head of the agency's
National Examination Team, which
monitored special cases of large troubled credit unions. The team is
being disbanded, according to the report. The new office will begin in
January to monitor credit union compliance with consumer rules and
regulations and investigate consumer complaints, according to the
Journal's report.
John Morrissey
of
MGR Real Estate
has announced the sale of a 17,537-square-foot industrial building at 2050 Hellman Ave., Ontario. The building sold to
Mariner's Village Investment LLC
for approximately $1.17 million. The seller,
Douglas Shand Trust,
was represented in the sale by Morrissey and
William Flaherty
of MGR Real Estate.
Nicholas Chang
and
Richard Lee
of
NAI Capital
represented the buyer.
The Bureau of Land Management has published a Notice of Intent to conduct an environmental review on the impacts of the proposed Daggett Ridge Wind Farm Wind Generation Project. AES Wind Generation has applied to the BLM for a right-of-way on public lands to construct a 82.5-megawatt wind-generation power plant on 1,957 acres, of which 1,577 acres would be on land managed by the BLM and 380 acres would be on land owned by AES Wind Generation. The project site is southeast of Barstow and southwest of Daggett. Information: (951) 697-5233; www.ca.blm.gov/barstow
Pomona resident Dawn Abasta has been recognized among jewelry company Lia Sophia's "Excellent Beginnings Program Achievers" for her sales accomplishments. Abasta has earned the acknowledgment in her first 15 weeks by attaining certain sales levels and by recruiting new Lia Sophia advisers. Information: www.liasophia.com/dawn4jewels
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have announced that people with Medicare and their family members can begin to review their 2010 coverage options through Medicare's new online tools. Beneficiaries will find several enhancements on the Medicare Health Options Compare and Prescription Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov
Beneficiaries will be able to make changes to their health and drug coverage from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31.
The Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management and the Drucker Institute at Claremont Graduate University have presented Drucker Centennial Leadership Awards to: John Bachmann, chairman of the Drucker-Ito School Board of Visitors, member of the Drucker Institute Board of Advisors and a CGU trustee; Bob Buford, chairman of the Drucker Institute Board of Advisors; and Masatoshi Ito, the Drucker-Ito School's most significant supporter. All three were recognized at a dinner this month.
The Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual officer installation and awards banquet Dec. 4 at The Orchard by Partners Pantry, 38490 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen. The event will start with cocktails and a silent auction from 6 to 7 p.m. Dinner and the program begin at 7 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Cost: $45 per person; $80 per couple Information: (909) 790-1841.
Savage BMW owner Peter Savage has announced the opening of his newest dealership, Mini of Ontario in the Ontario Auto Center. It occupies what used to be Savage BMW's used-car building, according to a company news release. Mini of Ontario will be a separate entity from Savage BMW, the release states. Mini of Ontario is one of the first of a round of new dealerships being opened in the U.S. by Mini. Information: (909) 390-7888; www.miniofontario.com
Essex Realty Management was recently awarded a property management assignment for a diversified portfolio of office, industrial and retail properties totaling 700,000 square feet, including Canyon Springs Marketplace and other office holdings in Riverside. TDA Investment Group, the adviser for the properties, contracted with Essex Realty Management. Linda Webber, principal and executive vice president of Essex Realty Management, will be overseeing the portfolio from an executive level.
The state Board of Equalization recently released information reminding Californians that sales of many seasonal items, such as Christmas trees and firewood, are taxable. In addition, purchases of many holiday items, such as holiday cards and books, are taxable even when purchased from an out-of-state seller, according to the news release. "Consumers are reminded that use tax is due on purchases they make from out-of-state retailers online -- even if the retailer does not charge California tax," the release states. If you plan to sell any of these items this holiday season, you should register with the BOE and obtain a seller's permit. Generally, there is no sales tax exemption for charities, nonprofits, and civic organizations, according to the release. Those planning to sell only during the holiday season should apply for a temporary seller's permit. Information: (800) 400-7115; www.boe.ca.gov
Beacon Property Management Inc. has purchased the office building at 8247 White Oak Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, for $1.06 million from Capital Holdings Inc., according to costar.com. The buyer plans to occupy the property.
Privately held Mid Oaks Investments LLC has acquired San Bernardino-based C&M Fine Pack Inc. Mid Oaks will integrate C&M Fine Pack with its current disposable food-service products manufacturers, Dispozo Products and Wilkinson Industries, which will have combined revenues in excess of $300 million. The company will serve the restaurant, grocery, food processing and institutional markets such as schools, health care and commissaries, according to a news release. C&M Fine Pack manufactures disposable food packaging for North American restaurant, food service, food processors and retail industries. Information: www.cmfinepack.com
The Drucker Institute and the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University have announced the release of "Drucker Now," a new iPhone App available for free download from the iTunes store. Designed by Apptango, "Drucker Now" includes: Drucker Apps, a twice-monthly release of usable insights on work and life that ties Peter Drucker's writings to the hottest issues of today, all supplemented with original video and audio interviews The Drucker School of Management's iTunes U channel, which offers cutting-edge lectures by school faculty along with gems from the Drucker Archives The Drucker Institute's Twitter feed Videos from the Drucker Institute's YouTube channel "The Drucker Difference" column in BusinessWeek online, written by Drucker Institute Executive Director Rick Wartzman.
The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration will begin conducting a review of Southern California's transportation planning process the week after Thanksgiving. To provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the transportation planning process carried out by the Southern California Association of Governments and its partners, there will be a public listening session at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at SCAG's main office in Los Angeles. Videoconferencing connection will be available at SCAG's San Bernardino County office in the Santa Fe Depot, 1170 W. Third St., Suite 140, San Bernardino. It will also be available at the Riverside County office, 3403 10th St., Suite 805, Riverside. Oral and written comments may be presented at the meeting. Written comments can also be sent via e-mail to cert.review@fhwa.dot.gov or by regular mail. Public comments will be accepted through Dec. 15. Information: (213) 202-3953.
Southern California Gas Co. has earned the top customer satisfaction ranking among natural gas utilities in the West and has the highest score among all utilities nationwide, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. The study is based on a random survey of U.S. residential natural gas utility customers. "To be recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for customer satisfaction is a tribute to the outstanding commitment of our employees to meet our customers' needs every day," Debra L. Reed, president and CEO of Southern California Gas Co., said in a news release. 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 news release, the scores are based on six factors: billing and payment; price; corporate citizenship; communications; customer service; and field service.
The Inland Empire chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties held a "Virtual Bus Tour" on Nov. 11 at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The event is NAIOP's annual review of the local commercial real estate industry. According to a news release, NAIOP reported at the event that 6.9 percent of the 27.4 million square feet of Southern California office inventory is located in the Inland Empire. Southern California vacancy rates for office space were reported at 23.5 percent with an asking average lease rate of $2.07 per square foot. The Inland Empire accounts for 22.7 percent of the Southern California industrial market, only second to the Los Angeles market, according to the report. NAIOP also reported that leasing activity in Southern California is slightly up this year with year-to-date figures at $15.3 million. Figures on the retail sector of the Inland Empire include total inventory of 106 million square feet with 608 total centers. According to NAIOP, the overall retail market vacancy rate is 11 percent and overall asking rate is $2.14 per square foot. "The presentation by NAIOP highlighted Victorville as one of California's fastest growing cities and that Victorville affords opportunity to new and expanding businesses," according to the report. Also mentioned was Victorville's Southern California Logistics Airport development. The Kosmont Cos.-Rose Institute's Cost of Doing Business Surveys named Apple Valley one of the least costly cities for doing business.
Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge recently was elected president of the National League of Cities during the 2009 Congress of Cities and Exposition. He will serve a one-year term leading the board of directors in shaping the group's priorities and directing the organization's advocacy, research and membership activities, according to a news release. Loveridge also is a past president of the League of California Cities.
Best Best & Krieger LLP, a law firm based in Riverside, has appointed attorney Eric Garner to another two-year term as managing partner. This is Garner's third term as managing partner. He also serves as chairman of the International Bar Association's Water Law Committee, according to a news release. The firm also recently voted business attorney George Reyes into another two-year term on its executive committee. He has been with the firm since 1978.
Pan Vida Distributors has sold the industrial facility at 5507 Brooks St., Montclair, for $2.67 million to a private buyer, according to costar.com. The buyer plans to operate a medical supply manufacturing/distribution center there. Nicholas Chang, Richard Lee and Teresia Knight of NAI Capital Inc. represented the seller. David Wu of Grubb & Ellis represented the buyer.
Forsythe Appraisals LLC, a provider of residential real estate appraisals, has opened a branch office in San Bernardino to serve the Inland Empire, the High Desert and the Palm Desert and Murrieta areas. The branch will be managed by Ed Harm, former branch manager in San Diego. Information: (909) 931-1720.
The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual holiday luncheon and silent auction on Dec. 3 at Western Hills Golf and Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Road, Chino Hills. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit Chino Neighborhood House and Caring for the Hills. Cost: $36 per person, if received by Nov. 25; $40 per person thereafter. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to for distribution to Chino Valley children. Sponsorships also are still available, and the chamber is still seeking items for the silent auction. Information: (909) 627-6177.
The state Department of Housing and Community Development recently announced the awarding of $25.2 million from the federal HOME Investments Partnership Program to 32 cities and counties in the state, including Upland. The HOME Program provides funds for a variety of affordable housing programs, including downpayment assistance, housing rehabilitation, first time home-buyer and tenant-based rental assistance. Full list of awards: www.hcd.ca.gov/fa/home/2009HOMEAwards.pdf
Information: (916) 322-1560; www.hcd.ca.gov/fa
FedEx Ground, the small-package ground delivery service of FedEx Corp., has recognized Jorge Calderon of Corona for achieving 10 years of safe driving without a preventable accident. According to a news release, Calderon has been a truck driver for 10 years with FedEx Ground and works out of the company's Anaheim facility.
Three Arrowhead Regional Medical Center nurses graduated recently from the Colton hospital's operating room training program for registered nurses. According to a hospital news release, "The training program was developed in 1999 in response to a shortage of specialized operating room nurses. The program continues to educate nurses who become an essential part of the medical center's operating room staff." Since the program was re-initiated in 2005, 16 operating room nurses have gone through the program, and 15 have remained at the hospital, according to the release. The three recent graduates -- Darla Montoya, Janisse Yabut and Kelly Giesy -- plan to stay and put their training to work at Arrowhead Regional, the release said. Information: www.arrowheadmedcenter.org
Terra Vista Town Center in Rancho Cucamonga is introducing free WiFi to the center and is using new LED lights for its holiday décor. WiFi is at three spots: Target/Big 5 Sporting Goods, Aaron Brothers Art & Framing, near the large fountain, and DVDPlanet/Old Navy east to Bally Total Fitness. The new lighting consumes 90 percent less energy than regular lights, according to a center news release. Information: www.TerraVistaTownCenter.com
The state Board of Equalization has announced the expansion of its available online educational products to include the virtual replication of small business fairs and nonprofit seminars. According to a news release, "These online products are a cost-effective, convenient way for taxpayers to learn about the BOE tax programs and how to comply with California tax laws." The site will offer contact information, presentations, videos, audio recordings and more. Information: www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/tpsched.htm
The California Housing Finance Agency received $3.8 billion of credit support for its variable rate debt from the Treasury Department. The credit is part of the Treasury Department's liquidity program for state housing finance agencies, according to a news release. The state agency also said it has received approval to sell about $1.6 billion in new bonds through the Treasury Department's program. The "bonding authority will be used to resume lending programs for first-time home buyers and affordable multifamily housing that had largely been on hold due to disruptions in the financial markets," the release said. California Housing Finance Agency plans to introduce new 30-year, fixed rate mortgage programs for first-time home buyers early next year, in partnership with existing and additional lending partners around the state, the release says. Information: www.calhfa.ca.gov
Evans & Co., 101 S. Sixth St., Redlands, has received the city's Green Action Award for "their efforts to reduce their own carbon footprint and aid the environment even outside of their local community," according to a news release. Salon owner Cheryl Evans received the award this week. In addition to remodeling the business with energy-efficient construction materials, Evans & Co. encourages customers to recycle empty beauty product containers by giving them discounts on products bought at the shop when they return the empty containers for recycling. Evans & Co. also is involved in A Matter of Trust, which uses hair clippings to make oil spill hair mats, according to the city news release.
The state Board of Equalization has sent letters to 14,924 retail businesses in 14 ZIP codes, including 92223 in Beaumont and 91710 in Chino, notifying them of upcoming visits by agency specialists. They will be canvassing the areas to ensure that businesses are properly registered and paying taxes, according to a news release. The visits are part of the Statewide Compliance and Outreach Program. Information: (800) 400-7115; www.boe.ca.gov
Glen Miller, spokesman and property manager for The Shoppes at Chino Hills, has announced that PM Realty Group is the new property management company for the shopping center. The center has been under the court-ordered receivership of Cordes & Co. since July, after its owner, Opus West, filed for bankruptcy. "Most of the staff is the same. We just have a new general manager," Miller said. "The company is dedicated to making the transition as smooth as possible to the retailers here. The consumers shouldn't notice any change. The Shoppes is still open for business." The new general manager is Richard A. Jones. Information: (909) 364-1386; www.pmrg.com
Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy has opened its first California branch at 2724 N. Waterman Ave., Suites G and H, San Bernardino. Inland Empire Health Plan announced in October that as of Nov. 2, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy is its "exclusive provider of specialty disease management services for IEHP members with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and Crohn's disease." Information: (888) 720-4450; www.diplomatpharmacy.com
The 2009 Veterans Economic and Business Development Summit was held Nov. 19 at the Planes of Fame museum at the Chino Airport. The event will focus on new trends and resources available to small businesses owned by veterans. Information: (951) 571-6459; e-mail linda.martinez@rcc.edu
The new 7-Eleven in Norco has had to reschedule its grand opening. The celebration will now take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at the new store, 1091 Sixth St. The Laker Girls will be on hand for the ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., and franchisees Tejvir and Sherry Walia will offer raffle prizes, free samples and meal deals.
General Environmental Management Inc. in Pomona recently announced that it has completed the acquisition of Santa Clara Waste Water, an environmental-services company focused primarily on treating wastewater. According to a company news release, "GEM financed the acquisition through the issuance of six promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $9 million, along with warrants for the principals of SCWW to purchase 425,000 shares of GEM's common stock. The notes bear interest at 6.5 percent per year." Two promissory notes, which total nearly $3.8 million, can be converted into 15 percent of GEM's common stock, according to the release. Information: www.generalenvironmental.com
Redlands attorney Nathan T. McIntyre has joined the faculty of the University of La Verne College of Law. According to a news release, McIntyre will be an adjunct professor and begin teaching estate-planning law at the Ontario campus in January. "Many areas of the law are ever-changing, and this is especially true when it comes to estate-planning law and modern estate-planning practices," McIntyre said in the release. "It is important for law students to learn about the crucial aspects of estate-planning law, and the mechanisms that are available to help people protect their assets and preserve their legacy." Information: (866) 669-9266; www.mcintyrelawgroup.com
The Faith Based Business Fellowship held its monthly meeting on Nov. 19 in the second floor banquet room at 8647 Helms Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. The speaker was businessman-turnedmissionary Arturo Sanchez of Casa Betesda in Nicaragua. Sanchez operates five churches, several orphanages and a rehabilitation center. He has been a missionary for the past 12 years. Information: (951) 453-9914
1st Commercial Realty Group Inc., which is based in Upland, continued its celebration of its 20th anniversary with a brokerage open house on Nov. 19 at its Palmdale offices, 619 W. Ave. Q, Suite B. "We have a significant commercial presence in the Antelope Valley and High Desert, and we wanted to celebrate our good fortune with those that have helped our customers through excellent leasing and market support," president and CEO Mike Polley said in a news release. The catered event was hosted by Polley and regional manager Brenda Neilson and was open to all commercial real-estate professionals. Reservations: Irma Rios, irma@1st-comm.com
Chino Basin Water Conservation District is in the process of expanding their operations with a new LEED-certified environmental learning center. To help create the most updated and effective programs for students that will meet California's new Environmental Education Initiative standards, CBWCD hired Debby Figoni, a water conservation specialist and education coordinator. According to the news release, Figoni will work with the California Regional Environmental Education Community, local water agencies, schools and other interested parties to create "exciting and effective water conservation programs that will produce positive behavior change." Information: (909) 267-3230, or e-mail dfigoni@cbwcd.org
Avoiding and responding to litigation was the topic for a recent Inland Empire Planned Giving Roundtable meeting on Nov. 19 at Redlands Community Hospital's Weisser Education Pavilion, 350 Terracina Blvd. Reynolds Cafferata, partner with tax law firm Rodriguez, Horii, Choi and Cafferata LLP in Los Angeles, spoke about "Avoiding and Responding to Litigation: Advice for the Charity and Practitioner." Cost was: $20 for members; $25 for non-members. For more information, contact Susan Kean, (909) 389-0740, or e-mail susan.kean@verizon.net
Waterside Center LLC in Ontario, a joint venture of The Hileman Company LLC and PCCP LLC has signed Pasadena-based Community Bank to a six-year lease at the 16-acre master planned Waterside Center. According to a news release, the bank is relocating its existing Ontario office from 430 N. Vineyard Blvd. The six-year lease is valued at $1 million.
In a separate transaction, legal publishing company Personnel Concepts, which signed a five-year lease in late 2008 for 23,000 square feet in the three-story 75,000-square-foot Waterside Center I, has signed a lease expansion for an additional 4,000 square feet in a transaction valued at $350,000. Waterside Center was represented in both transactions by Taylor Ing of CB Richard Ellis. Community Bank and Personnel Concepts were represented by Ing and Michael Day of CB Richard Ellis.
For high school seniors interested in pursuing a creative arts education, the Art Institute of California -- Inland Empire is participating in the "Art Institutes and Americans for the Arts Poster Design Competition," which awards a full-tuition and other scholarships to study at a participating Art Institutes school. Contestants will be asked to create original poster artwork that expresses the slogan, "Life is Better With Art In It." Deadline for entries: Feb. 5. Information: www.artinstitutes.edu/poster
Hong Kong-based
i.Tech Dynamic has announced that
its SolarVoice 908 solar-chargeable Bluetooth headset has earned an
International CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Award.
Ontario-based
Sino Regent Services handles
i.Tech's U.S. sales and marketing and is the company's exclusive
distributor in the Americas. Award winners were selected "for
outstanding design and engineering in 36 categories of consumer
electronics products," according to a company news release. Information: www.itechdynamic.com
The December meeting of the
Safety Forum of the Inland Empire
will cover the topic, "Effective Safety Training -- Unleash Your Expertise." The event's guest speaker will be
Katherine Abbott,
founder of
Abbott Communications,
a training and consulting company. The group "works to reduce injuries and save lives by providing safety
education and training to employers in the Inland Empire," according to
a news release. The meeting will take place at 8:30 a.m. Dec.
15 at the Goldie Lewis Community Center, 11200 Base Line Road, Rancho
Cucamonga. Cost: $10. Information: (909) 625-9650; www.safetyforuminlandempire.org
The
Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce
will hold its monthly lunch meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Yucaipa Community Center, 34900 Oak Glen Road. The keynote speaker for the event will be state Sen.
Bob Dutton,
R-Rancho Cucamonga. The event will be catered by
Asaderos Authentic Mexican & Seafood Restaurant.
Cost: $15 for chamber members; $20 for nonmembers. Reservations are required by Nov. 17. Information: E-mail info@yucaipachamber.org or visit www.yucaipachamber.org
The
Drucker Society of Georgia
is launching Thursday, the 100th birthday of the late management thinker
Peter F. Drucker,
whose namesake business school is at
Claremont Graduate School. "The mission of the Georgia chapter is to improve the lives of young
people in Georgia by applying Peter Drucker's principles in conjunction
with Georgia educational, government, community and business leaders,"
according to a news release.
Planetree
has inducted
HMC Architects
in Ontario as a founding member of the
Visionary Design Network,
an honor bestowed on only five firms in the nation. According to a company news release, the announcement took place in
October after the certification committee completed at two-day site
visit to HMC and to an HMC client,
Loma Linda University Medical Center. Planetree
"recognized HMC Architects for their design excellence in healing
environments, evidence-based design practice, and promotion of
sustainability in healthcare environments," according to the release. Information: www.hmcarchitects.com
The
Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce
will be holding its annual holiday luncheon Dec. 3, and it is
encouraging chamber members to participate by providing a service
certificate, product or gift certificate for use in holiday baskets
that will be part of the silent auction. Proceeds will benefit
Chino Neighborhood House
and
Caring for the Hills.
The names of all donors will be listed on the baskets. Information: Andy Ronquillo, (909) 627-6177
The
U.S. Small Business Administration
recently announced a three-year agreement to "expand and deliver
entrepreneurship training for service-disabled veterans of the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan." The agreement with SBA's
Office of Veterans Business Development
will "support the expansion of the year-long Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV)," according to a news release. The management training and mentorship program aims to "maximize small
business programs for veterans, service-disabled veterans,
reserve-component members, and their dependents or survivors." Additionally, the SBA launched an online contracting tutorial on www.sba.gov as part of its efforts to expand services to veterans and service-disabled veterans. Veterans and military spouses who own small businesses can use the free
online course to learn "how to identify and take advantage of federal
contracting opportunities," the release states. Information: www.sba.gov/patriotexpress
The
State Compensation Insurance Fund
has filed a 5 percent rate increase in collectible premium, to be
applied to new and renewing workers' compensation policies effective
Jan. 1, according to a news release. Doug Stewart,
State Fund interim president and CEO, attributed the increase to "medical inflation." "Although manual rates increased 8 percent with this filing, other
changes to the rate filing will result in an overall 5 percent increase
in collectible premium," according to the release. Information: (877) 405-4545; www.scif.com
According to figures turned in by
BizBen.com -- Businesses for Sale in California,
58 businesses were sold in San Bernardino County in October. The monthly average in June to September was 45 sales. Ontario recorded the highest number of deals, with 10 closed escrows during the month, according to BizBen.com. There were seven completed deals in Rancho Cucamonga, and the third highest level of activity was in Chino with six sales. There currently are about 320 businesses for sale in the county, according to the site. Statewide, 1,314 businesses were sold in October, a boost in activity
compared to the figures posted in June through September, when the
average was about 1,000 per month.
September
new-home sales in California continued to remain below levels seen a
year ago, but the year-over-year declines have continued to shrink, the
California Building Industry Association
has reported. The monthly
CBIA/Hanley Wood Market Intelligence New-Home Sales and Pricing Report
showed that sales in new-home communities of 10 units or more were 11 percent below the same month a year ago. Sales of single-family homes were down by 17 percent, while sales of
townhomes and "plexes" -- duplexes, triplexes, etc. -- were down 11
percent and sales of condominiums were 12 percent higher than a year
ago. Compared with the same period last year, the median base price of homes sold dropped by 6 percent. In the San Bernardino-Ontario-Riverside metropolitan area, new-home
sales dropped 33.1 percent in September, compared to the year-ago
period. Median home prices, however, have begun showing signs
of mediating. While September's median price of $284,740 was down 16.7
percent from September 2008, it was up 1.5 percent from August.
Sky Blue Pools Repair & Supply Inc.
in Diamond Bar has relocated to a new space at 23545 Palomino Drive in
the city. The new location offers "easier access and parking, plus our
new facility is larger, helping to provide a more comfortable shopping
experience," co-owner
Theresa McGregor
said in a news release. Information: (909) 860-0176.
The
Art Institute of California -- Inland Empire
has appointed
Jonathan DeAscentis
as its new dean of academic affairs. "We welcome Jon to our campus," school President
Emam El-Hout said in a news release.
"His experience in the creative fields of interactive media,
communications and liberal studies will be an asset to our own highly
creative students." DeAscentis began his career with The Art Institutes more than nine
years ago at the Orange County campus. He has also worked at the Los
Angeles campus as associate dean of Academic Affairs. Information: (909) 915-2100; www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire
Rancho Cucamonga resident
Claudia Pohl has been named national
vice president of the American Dental Assistants Association. According to a news release, the trade group represents more than 250,000 dental
assistants in the United States. Pohl, a certified and registered
dental assistant for 34 years, has been active with the association on
the state and national level for several years. She is a graduate of
Cal State San Bernardino
and is RDA program director at Citrus College in Glendora.
A new
7-Eleven will open in Norco, at 1091
Sixth St., on Nov. 21. To mark the event, a grand opening will take
place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include a ribbon-cutting
ceremony, musical entertainment, balloon animals and face painting.
There will also be free samples, meal deals and a raffle.
Dec. 1 is the registration deadline for those applying for the
New Investment Scholarship
at the
University of Redlands. To qualify
for the program, students must apply and enroll in the U of R's School
of Business by Dec. 31. A new slate of classes begins in early January
at the school, which has campuses in Redlands, Rancho
Cucamonga/Ontario, Torrance, Orange County, Riverside, Temecula,
Burbank and San Diego. The scholarship allows students to receive the last class of their
programs for free. Students who withdraw from school are not eligible
for the scholarship unless a reinstatement to the scholarship program
is granted. Information: (888) 999-9844; www.redlands.edu/sbscholarship
The
Southern California Associated Governments
will hold a regional workshop titled "Doing Our Part for a Sustainable
California -- Are we on Target?" The update is scheduled from 8 a.m. to
2 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention
Center Way. Reservations are required and there are just a few spaces
left. Information: (909) 937-3000, www.scag.ca.gov/sb375workshop/#reghere
The
Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship's
annual
Spirit of the Entrepreneur awards
event will take place Wednesday at the Riverside Convention Center. The
event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and
awards at 7 p.m. Entrepreneurs from throughout the Inland Empire are
finalists for Spirit Awards this year. Cost: $100 per person, or $900 for a table of 10. Reservations are requested as seating is limited. Information: (909) 537-3708, www.inlandspiritawards.com
The
San Bernardino Community College District,
in partnership with
UC Riverside, will offer its second
free nanotechnology technician's training program on Feb. 1. The
program is funded by a grant awarded under the
Community-Based Job Training Grants
as implemented by the
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment & Training Administration.
The
course consists of 90 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on
training that introduces participants to nanocharacterization, micro
and nanofabrication, materials characterization, device
characterization, electronic devices and optoelectronic devices,
according to a news release. Classes will take place at the Donald F. Averill Applied Technology Training Center, 114 S. Del Rosa Drive, San Bernardino. Information: (909) 382-4001, e-mail amaniaol@sbccd.cc.ca.us or visit www.attctraining.org
Forever 21 is set to open
its new 94,000-square-foot site Saturday at the Inland Center mall in
San Bernardino. In addition to Forever 21 apparel and accessories, the
store will house three of the retailer's other concepts:
Heritage 1981,
a lifestyle brand for men and women,
Faith 21,
the new extended-size line, and
Love 21,
the new women's line. "We are pleased to expand in the San Bernardino market and bring with
us an unmatched retail experience and some solid job opportunities
during this challenging economic climate," company Executive Vice
President
Larry Meyer
said in a news release.
The
Orange County Transportation Authority
honored coach operator
Philip Rosin
of Chino as its Employee of the Month for October. Rosin was honored for remaining accident-free on the job for 30 years,
according to a news release. He also was noted for maintaining an
"outstanding attendance and customer relations record as an OCTA coach
operator."
Robert Wilson,
vice president of operations at
Bluestar Properties -- Victorville,
recently was installed as the 2010 president of the
Apartment Association of the Greater Inland Empire.
According to an association news release, "Wilson has been an active
member with AAGIE and is a real estate agent, licensed contractor, and
has received the
California Certified Resident Manager
designation from the
California Apartment Association." Information:
www.bluestarsocal.com
Golden Eagle Moving Services Inc.
in Upland was recently honored by its parent company,
United Van Lines, for "exceptional
professional achievement." The company received the President's Club
Award, honoring agents who have generated at least $1 million in sales
during the past year, the Hauling Achievement Award, a Customer Choice
Award and the Performance Excellence Award. Information: www.unitedvanlines.com
PermaCity Construction Corp.
of Los Angeles and
Mark Parton Construction Inc.
of San Bernardino County have formed a new company,
PermaCity Inland Empire,
with
Mark Parton acting as president and
CEO. According to a company news release, the new group will be
designing and installing photovoltaic systems throughout the Inland
Empire, including residential, commercial, nonprofit and governmental
entities. "The formation of the partnership is timed to take great advantage of
the city of Yucaipa's recent adoption of California Assembly Bill 811,"
according to the release. "The bill allows municipalities to provide
low-interest loans to residences and businesses for energy efficient
and renewable energy projects." The loan is re-paid at the same time and in the same manner as property taxes and is transferred when the property is sold. Information: (909) 797-7554; e-mail mark@permacitycity.com
The Inland Empire chapter of the
California Society of Tax Consultants
will meet Nov. 18 at the DoubleTree Hotel Claremont, 555 W. Foothill
Blvd. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6 p.m. Keynote
speaker will be
Kristopher Cowles,
regional vice president of
ING,
whose topic will be "Just the Facts on Annuity Tax." Two hours of federal credit will be given for attendance. Information: Priscilla Lerma, (909) 983-3716.
Danielle Rowan, owner of the Corona-Norco Stroller Strides program, was the recipient of the Franchisee of the Year Award at the company's national conference Oct. 16-17 in San Diego. According to a news release, Rowan also was given the Instructor of the Year Award last year for "teaching exceptional Stroller Strides classes and helping moms make strides in fitness, motherhood and life." Information: (888) 213-2353, or e-mail drowan@strollerstrides.net
Alexandria Gales, a 2008 graduate of Cal State San Bernardino, received two Emmy awards at the 61st Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards, according to a CSUSB news release. Gales, an associate producer at KCET's (Channel 28) "SoCal Connected" news magazine show, received an Emmy for the documentary, "Inside Locke High," in the educational reporting category. A video clip of the documentary can be viewed at kcet.org/socal/2008/12/inside-locke-high.html. She received a second award for the "SoCal Connected" show in the category of the "informational/public affairs series" for her overall work on the project.
GMI, a regional provider of security, janitorial and construction services, has named Robert Hurd its new business development manager for the Inland Empire and Orange County. According to a company news release, Hurd's experience includes acting as director of custodial services at Opportunity Village, which focused on employing people with intellectual disabilities, and custodial superintendent at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.
The Upland and Rancho Cucamonga chambers of commerce will hold a joint mixer 5-7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Upland Sports Arena, 1721 W. 11th St. The mixer will be hosted by ServPro of Upland and San Antonio Heights. Refreshments will be provided by the arena's new restaurant. Information: (909) 204-4465.
State Controller John Chiang on Tuesday released his monthly report covering California's cash balance, receipts and disbursements in October. While year-to-date revenues remain below the amended 2009-10 budget's estimates by $854 million, October receipts were up 7.1 percent, or $285 million. "October's receipts are a welcome break from a largely negative trend line for the last two years," Chiang said in a news release. "However, high unemployment, excessive borrowing, an ailing construction industry and legal challenges to the budget remain real threats to the state's cash outlook." With expenditures running $1.2 billion below projections and $1 billion in additional external borrowing, the state's overall cash position on Oct. 31 was $1.2 billion ahead of projections, according to the release. Personal income tax-revenues for the month were 0.4 percent, or $10.5 million, above estimates. Corporate taxes were up 151.3 percent, or $248 million. Sales taxes came in at 8.9 percent, or $102 million, below expectations. Information: www.sco.ca.gov
Total Transportation Logistics Inc. in Mira Loma was honored recently by its parent company, Mayflower Transit. The company received the Million Dollar Club award at the $14 million level, recognizing Mayflower's top revenue producers. The company also received the Hauling Achievement award, recognizing "exceptional service support of the Mayflower system through participation in the van line's fleet operations," according to a news release. Information: www.mayflower.com
The Inland Empire Economic Recovery Corporation will hold a free foreclosure-prevention seminar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Sultana High School's multipurpose room, 17311 Sultana St., Hesperia. Homeowners may meet with representatives from nonprofit housing counseling agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. They also can meet one-on-one with participating banks and lenders. There also will be information on the foreclosure process, short sales and more. Information and registration: www.ieerc.org
Laser Island at 207 E. Foothill Blvd., Upland, is celebrating its first anniversary with specials this week through Friday. The laser-tag company won an international award for best TV/cable commercial -- the Golden Phaser Award was presented to Laser Island by the International Laser Tag Association. Information and special specifics: (909) 982-0044, www.laserisland.com
September's foreclosure rates in the San BernardinoOntario-Riverside metro area increased in September over the same period last year, according to a report from First American CoreLogic. According to recent data, the rate of foreclosures among outstanding mortgage loans was 6.04 percent for the month of September, an increase of 2.48 percentage points compared to September 2008, when the rate was 3.56 percent. The national foreclosure rate was 2.93 percent for September. The mortgage delinquency rate also increased in the Inland Empire. For September, 16.59 percent of mortgage loans were 90 days or more delinquent, compared to 11.20 percent for the same period last year.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center's Corona division held a national hiring event from 3 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The event, which is part of an effort to fill more than 1,500 science and engineering jobs throughout Naval Sea Systems Command's 33 sites, was be held at John F. Kennedy Middle College High School on Riverside Community College's Norco campus, 1951 Third St. Job seekers met with Navy personnel to learn about civilian employment opportunities with the Navy's largest systems command, ranging from science, engineering, math and physics to business, contracts and logistics. Information: www.corona.navy.mil/hiring
Assemblyman Bill Emmerson has named the Frontier Project Foundation in Rancho Cucamonga the 63rd District's Green Business of the Quarter. If you know of a green business in your community and would like to submit a nomination request for Assemblyman Emmerson's Green Business of the Quarter, please call Emmerson's district office at (909) 466-9096.
The Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Foundation recently announced that it will award five scholarships, each worth $3,000 for school tuition, to deserving nursing students as part of an effort to develop an adequate and diverse nursing work force in the Inland Empire. According to the hospital news release, registered nursing or licensed vocational nursing students must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited nursing program in San Bernardino or Riverside counties, must reside in Riverside or San Bernardino counties and meet other requirements to be eligible. Applications must be received by Dec. 1, and winners will be announced in January. Application, instructions and a complete list of eligibility requirements are available online at www.arrowheadmedcenter.org
Two Cal State San Bernardino students were awarded Rising Star scholarships at the Inland Empire Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America's Polaris Awards dinner Oct. 21 at the Castaway Restaurant in San Bernardino. Senior Elizabeth Ebie and junior Grace Rudatsikira are members of the Cal State San Bernardino chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Both students are pursuing bachelor's degrees in communication studies at CSUSB.
Bruce Norris, a Riverside-based real estate consultant, hard money lender, investor and educator, has been appointed to the executive committee of the Real Estate Research Council of Southern California, a nonprofit organization headquartered at Cal Poly Pomona. The council gathers and analyzes statistics involving employment, building permits, new and existing home sales, deeds, notices of default and foreclosures as well as trends involving construction lending, residential purchase lending, office and industrial vacancy rates, apartment vacancy rates and rents throughout Southern California.
The Internal Revenue Service in partnership with the American Association of Retired Persons is looking for volunteers to assist in preparing tax returns next year at various sites throughout Southern California. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. According to a news release, all volunteers receive "comprehensive AARP Tax-Aide training in cooperation with the IRS." Individuals with good computer skills are especially needed to assist in transmitting returns electronically. Training generally begins in early January, according to the release. Volunteers can help in five capacities: return preparer, computer/IT specialist, greeter, media specialist or fundraiser. Information: (888) 687-2277; www.aarp.org/taxaide
The Resource Center for Nonprofit Management in partnership with the University of Redlands will present a workshop titled "Time Management for Busy People" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at the university's Riverside campus, 3610 Central Ave., Suite 101. The class will be facilitated by Carolyn Ortman of CKO Marketing and Training Group in Riverside. Information: Kyra Wilson, program director, (951) 686-4402, ext.162; e-mail kyrawilson@vcrivco.org; or visit www.vcrivco.org
Auto-Graphics Inc., a library automation solutions provider in Pomona, has announced a partnership with software development company Index Data LLC to provide integrated search and discovery software to the library industry. "Our companies share a common vision of putting the customer first with the goal of jointly developing and integrating standards-based software solutions," said Paul Cope, president of Auto-Graphics, in a news release. "This partnership allows us to more effectively utilize an open systems approach to deliver software and unmitigated access to data for our library partners."
Cal State San Bernardino's Energy Efficiency and Infrastructure Upgrade Project has been awarded the 2009 Energy Project of the Year: National by the Association of Energy Engineers. The award "is given each year to individuals and organizations that have achieved national and international prominence in promoting the practices and principles of energy engineering and energy management," according to a news release. This also is the third year in a row that the university's facilities services department has received best practice awards from the UC/CSU/CCCC Sustainability Conference for the energy efficiency programs that have been implemented on campus. Information: www.csusb.edu
ExecuTrain, which has a location in Ontario, has been chosen as one of the top 20 IT training companies by Training Industry Inc. The company provides corporate training and has 150 locations worldwide. Nishtha Goel is the general manager of the Inland Empire site, 3200 Inland Empire Blvd., Suite 220. Information: (909) 483-1670; www.executrain-ca.com
The National Retail Federation has released an updated consumer alert about common household items being sold through some online auction sites, warning that these items could be stolen or tainted, posing health risks to consumers. NRF also added specific electronics and food items to its list. For the organization's consumer alerts, visit its Web site at www.nrf.com
Andi Campognone Projects, 558B W. Second St., Pomona, will hold a grand-opening reception 6-9 p.m. Nov. 14. The event will present the company's new offices and exhibition space in the Pomona Arts Colony and will include a painting exhibition of The New Irascibles, featuring the work of Philip Argent, Daniel Brice, Max King Cap, Alex Couwenberg, Jimi Gleason, Robert Kingston, Andy Moses, Thomas Pathe, Roland Reiss, Greg Rose and Mark Zimmermann. Information: (909) 629-4500.
Altura Credit Union has launched a "UCR Furlough Loan Program" to help Altura members who are university employees and are taking unpaid days over the 2009-2010 school year, according to a credit union news release. For specific information, contact David Fisher, manager of the University Avenue branch in Riverside, at (951) 248-9000, or visit www.alturacu.com/ucrfurlough
Montclair Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kelly Johnson and other business leaders recently met with state Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod, D-Montclair, as part of the Small Business Advisory Council, according to a chamber newsletter. The meeting was conducted by California Small Business Association President Betty Jo Toccoli. Topics discussed included the proposed business net receipts tax, water issues, health and workers' compensation insurance.
Colton-based Brithinee Electric recently announced that Xin "Crystal" Xue has joined the company. Xue is a recent doctoral graduate in mechanical engineering from UC Riverside. Her original research is in wireless sensor technology for motor or generator condition monitoring, according to a company news release. "We are excited Crystal is joining Brithinee at this time. Her expertise is greatly valued, and this new research promises to create better solutions to monitoring motor systems," Wally Brithinee, president of Brithinee Electric, said in the release. "Motors are so critical to modern life that we are extremely pleased to contribute to this developing technology. We hope to be the first to commercially install these new sensors."
The state Division of Workers' Compensation has launched "Bring 'em Back," a campaign providing information to small business employers about how to apply for reimbursement for purchases they make to help injured employees stay working while they recover. Any employer with fewer than 50 full-time employees, whose employee was injured on the job after July 1, 2004, may qualify for reimbursement of up to:
● $1,250 for workplace modifications that bring a temporarily disabled employee back to work.
● $2,500 for workplace modifications that bring a permanently disabled employee back to work.
According to the agency, reimbursement can be for any of the following expenses, provided they are prescribed by a physician or are reasonably required by work restrictions laid out in a medical report: modification to the work site, equipment, furniture, tools or any other necessary costs reasonably required to accommodate an employee's restrictions. Information: (510) 286-6990, or e-mail DWCReturntoWork@dir.ca.gov
Visit the Web site at www.dwc.ca.gov, and click the "Bring 'em Back" link in the right navigation pane.
The Pomona Chamber of Commerce will hold a mixer 5-7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the dA Center for the Arts, 252-D S. Main St. Also, the chamber will hold a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. that day for new State Farm Insurance agent Nona Tirre at her office, 1011 N. Towne Ave. Information: (909) 622-8484, www.pomonachamber.org
Khim Fugate, associate administrator and chief nursing officer at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, was selected recently to participate in the California HealthCare Foundation's Health Care Leadership Program, according to a news release. The program is designed to "equip talented professionals with the skills needed to positively impact health care policy and delivery in California," according to the release. Fugate was one of just 30 individuals selected to participate in the program.
The National Association of Women in Construction, Inland Valley Chapter No. 140, will hold its monthly general meeting at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Antonino's Ristorante Italiano, 7945 Vineyard Ave., Suite D-7, Rancho Cucamonga. Sheree Neudoerffer, an industry consultant from CIT, will discuss blending multiple generations in the workplace. Reservations are required by Nov. 10. Information: (909) 982-7911; or Marlene Hargrove at (951) 202-4484; nawic140@msn.com
Ingen Technologies Inc., a medical device manufacturer in Yucaipa, recently announced that it has hired Irvine-based Anton & Chia LLP as its new auditing firm. 'We found a firm that can meet our filing schedule," Scott R. Sand, chief executive officer and chairman of the board, said in the news release. "Our legal and accounting team is working very close with the SEC and the new auditors to complete and file the 10-KSB ending May 31, 2009, and subsequent 10-Qs to bring current our filing obligations." Information: www.ingen-tech.com
CREW Inland Empire, a member organization of the Commercial Real Estate Women Network, will address new lending standards at its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Ayres Suites Ontario Airport, 1945 E. Holt Blvd., Ontario. The event, "Are You Stimulated Yet? How Government Policies and the Financial Market Meltdown Are Impacting Commercial Real Estate," will feature expert speakers, including moderator Erik Hernandez, senior vice president at Lee & Associates in Ontario; Karen Racusin, senior vice president and Southern California regional manager for U.S. Bank; Deborah Gallagher, senior vice president and director of SBA lending for Community Bank, and John H. Renken, founder and president of The Renken Co. Cost: $35 for members; $45 for nonmembers. Reservations deadline is Nov. 17. Information: www.CREW-IE.org
Altura Credit Union is offering a new workshop series, "Making Yourself Marketable," which focuses on resume writing, networking and interviewing skills. All classes meet from 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays at Altura's headquarters, 2847 Campus Parkway, Riverside. Class dates and topics are:
● Nov. 11: Networking: Face to face vs. social media
● Nov. 18: Skills review with professional recruiters
● Dec. 2: Networking mixer
● Dec. 9: Resume and networking review, and feedback Cost: Free for Altura members, $20 for nonmembers.
Reservations are requested. Information: Ricki McManuis at (951) 571-5310, rmcmanuis@alturacu.com
● Nov. 11: Networking: Face to face vs. social media
● Nov. 18: Skills review with professional recruiters
● Dec. 2: Networking mixer
● Dec. 9: Resume and networking review, and feedback Cost: Free for Altura members, $20 for nonmembers.
Reservations are requested. Information: Ricki McManuis at (951) 571-5310, rmcmanuis@alturacu.com
Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon has contracted Synergy Information Solutions in Palm Desert as network consultant and architect for a new project. The project enables slot machines to communicate via Ethernet with the Morongo Winners Club system, which gives customers more information about activities and events throughout the casino. Information: www.synergyis.us
Shawn Arena has been selected as the manager of Chino Airport by the San Bernardino County Department of Airports. Arena had been deputy aviation director at Des Moines International Airport in Iowa, where his responsibilities included the management of airport operations, security, construction projects and parking. Information: www.chinoairport.org
The board of directors of American States Water Company in San Dimas recently approved a one-centper- share increase in its quarterly dividend. The dividend of $0.26 per common share will be payable on Dec. 1 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 12.
Professional Community Management of California Inc. recently announced that Alisa Toalson has been promoted to the position of director of community management, overseeing new developments in the Inland Empire. In addition, she will "focus on building relationships with new home builders and educating them on the homeowner association industry," according to a company news release. Information: www.pcminternet.com
NAIOP Inland Empire will host its annual virtual bus tour highlighting industrial, office, retail and mixed-use properties throughout the Inland Empire. The event, scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 11, will take place at Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 E. Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario. Cost: $60 for NAIOP members; $40 for NAIOP Developing Leaders; $100 for general public. Information: www.naiopie.org
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board has announced that " The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $110.50 in 2010," according to a news release. "However, most Medicare beneficiaries will not see an increase in their monthly Part B premiums in 2010 because of a 'hold-harmless' provision in current law." Railroad retirement and Medicare beneficiaries will receive notice from the Social Security Administration about other income-related premiums by December.
Riverside-based Altura Credit Union has reported "a significant improvement in its bottom line results compared to the same period last year" for the third quarter, according to a news release. Net income totalled $1.8 million. "The results for the third quarter suggest economic conditions in the region are beginning to show improvement," the news release said. Altura was "well capitalized" by federal regulatory standards as of Sept. 30.
The Employers Group is presenting its "Workplace Employment Law Updates" event on Nov. 13 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ontario Convention Center. The cost for members is $225, and for nonmembers, $325. For more information, visit: www.employersgroup.com/WELU.shtml or e-mail training@employersgroup.com. Or call (213) 765-3967. Speakers from the Disney Institute, Richard Simmons and employment law attorneys will show businesses the latest workplace trends and legislation facing employers in 2010, including "legal updates, best practices and need-to-know business knowledge," according to a news release.
The Inland Empire's industrial vacancy rate edged up during the third quarter of 2009 to 15.4 percent, compared with 11.9 percent in the year-ago period, according to a news release by Colliers International, a real estate services firm. On a national level, "the industrial vacancy rate edged up ... hitting 10.5 percent. This represents a new high for the decade and marks the eighth consecutive quarter of increasing vacancy."
The Ultimate Speed Networking Event was held Tuesday at Citrus City Grille at Riverside Plaza, where Kat Shepherd, the CEO of TheUltimateProfessional.com , hosted speed networking sessions. Participants networked face to face before alternating their seating arrangements and paring up with another business owner nearby in the same room, sharing business cards and information about their business.
Sares-Regis Group and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management have acquired a 390,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution building in Redlands from BlackRock for $11.5 million in the first purchase made by a new strategic alliance of the buyers "that is targeting high-quality industrial buildings throughout Southern California that offer value-add possibilities via leasing and management," according to a news release. The venture's new asset is at 9425 Nevada St. in a built-out master-planned development called Pioneer Industrial Center. The transaction was brokered by the Cushman & Wakefield team of Jeffrey Cole, Chuck Belden and Ed Hernandez from the brokerage firm's Orange County office, who represented both parties in the sale.
Grubb and Ellis Co.' s Ontario office recently completed the following transactions:
● Mary Meeks bought an industrial building at 422 Smith Ave., Corona, from CTC Properties LLC. Randy Lockhart and Steve Sprenger represented the seller in the transaction. Tom McCrystal of Point Enterprises Inc. and Eric Fiske of Daum Commercial Real Estate Services represented the buyer.
● Covington and Crowe LLP subleased office space at Empire Towers IV at 3800 Concours, from Cushman and Wakefield of California Inc. John Daciolas of Grubb and Ellis represented the lessee in the transaction. Marc Selznick of Unire Real Estate Group represented the lessor.
● 2020 Communications Inc. leased 1,524 square feet of office space at Civic Center Plaza II at 10565 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, from the Glover Family LLC. John Daciolas represented the lessee. Tony Phu of Colliers Seeley International represented the lessor.
● Taicon Corp. leased industrial space at Oaks Business Park at 13831 Oaks Ave., Chino, from William I. Feldhorn Trust. Mitch Fisher represented the lessor in the transaction. Agnes Highley of Lee and Associates represented the lessee.
● Mary Meeks bought an industrial building at 422 Smith Ave., Corona, from CTC Properties LLC. Randy Lockhart and Steve Sprenger represented the seller in the transaction. Tom McCrystal of Point Enterprises Inc. and Eric Fiske of Daum Commercial Real Estate Services represented the buyer.
● Covington and Crowe LLP subleased office space at Empire Towers IV at 3800 Concours, from Cushman and Wakefield of California Inc. John Daciolas of Grubb and Ellis represented the lessee in the transaction. Marc Selznick of Unire Real Estate Group represented the lessor.
● 2020 Communications Inc. leased 1,524 square feet of office space at Civic Center Plaza II at 10565 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, from the Glover Family LLC. John Daciolas represented the lessee. Tony Phu of Colliers Seeley International represented the lessor.
● Taicon Corp. leased industrial space at Oaks Business Park at 13831 Oaks Ave., Chino, from William I. Feldhorn Trust. Mitch Fisher represented the lessor in the transaction. Agnes Highley of Lee and Associates represented the lessee.
The Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa ROP will be honored in the 30th annual Golden Bell Awards program of the California School Boards Association. The award was won in the Partnerships and Collaboratives category for Operation More Opportunities Now Exist for You (MONEY), under the direction of Lynnae Pattison. MONEY, which is funded by federal grants, was authorized by the county's Workforce Investment Board. "The two-year program increases employment and earnings by developing work/career potential and improves long-term employability by enhancing academic and occupational learning," according to a news release. Information: (909) 793-3115; www.cryrop.org
The Inland Empire Economic Partnership will hold its inaugural energy summit, "Energy, Economics and the Environment: Creating a Sustainable Future," from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the DoubleTree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario. The keynote speaker will be Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board. The event's sponsors are Southern California Gas Company and Southern California Edison, as well as San Bernardino County's Economic Development Agency. Cost: $50. Sponsorships and exhibit space still available. Information: Cari Mendez, (951) 779-6700, ext. 239
Mecum Loma Linda LLC has purchased a fully leased medical office at 25865 Barton Road in Loma Linda for $3.24 million from Meridian Property Co., according to costar.com
The building is part of the Loma Linda Professional Center, at the southeast corner of Barton Road and Mountain View Avenue. Loma Linda University Medical Center has a 10-year triple-net lease on the subject property. Drew Wetherholt of Marcus and Millichap represented the seller. David Kaufman, also with Marcus and Millichap, represented the buyer.
The California Air Resources Board fined waste-removal company Edco Disposal Corp. $219,500 last month for emissions violations in 2005 and 2006, according to a recent news release. Edco failed to perform the annual smoke-inspection test on some of its diesel trucks as required by law at its facilities on Agua Mansa Road in Riverside County, Armour, Buena Park, Escondido, Fallbrook, Federal, Long Beach, Ramona and San Marcos facilities.
California gasoline demand rose by 2.2 percent in July compared to the same month of the previous year, according to recently released figures from the state Board of Equalization. Demand for diesel fell a substantial 11.2 percent in July from the same period in 2008. This is the third month of slight increase in gasoline consumption. Californians used 1.284 billion gallons of gasoline in July, generating about $310 million in sales tax, $109 million less than the previous July. Diesel fuel sold in California during July totaled 215.77 million gallons. Information: www.boe.ca.gov/sptaxprog/spftrpts.htm
The state attorney general recently forced Student Loan Xpress Inc. to provide $112.7 million in debt relief to students facing a debt for helicopter flight instruction they never received. Of the $112.7 million, about $25.5 million will go to California residents who did not receive training they paid for, according to a statement from Attorney General Jerry Brown's office. The company was the "preferred student loan provider" for Silver State Helicopters, which had 34 campuses in 17 states, and included 2,700 students who paid about $69,900 each. In California, the company operated flight schools in Chino, Sacramento and El Cajon. The school filed for bankruptcy in February 2008, but Student Loan Xpress demanded that borrowers repay the full cost of the loans, according to the release. After several months of negotiations, state attorneys and Student Loan Xpress agreed to forgive an additional 2.5 percent of student loans if the adjusted loans are repaid within five years; refrain from providing negative information to credit-reporting agencies with respect to any loan restructured; and forgive interest between the dates Silver State Helicopters filed for bankruptcy protection and the end of 2009. Student Loan Xpress will also pay $125,000 in legal expenses to the states. Information: settlementquestions@gmail.com
The U.S. Small Business Administration is proposing increases in the size definitions for three broad commercial sectors, according to a recent news release. The changes would expand access to SBA's financial assistance, contracting and other programs. "SBA is examining every industry to ensure that existing size standards are based on current economic data, and SBA will propose to revise those where it believes it is necessary. The newly proposed rules give the public an opportunity to review and comment on SBA's proposed standards as well as on the data and methodology that SBA uses to evaluate and revise size standards," the agency said in the release. Comments can be submitted on the proposed rule by Dec. 21 at www.regulations.gov where they will be posted. Comments can also be mailed to Khem R. Sharma, chief, Size Standards Division, 409 Third St. SW, Mail Code 6530, Washington, DC 20416. E-mail is also available at sizestandards@sba.gov
Information: www.sba.gov/size and click on "What's New."
Dr. G. Richard Olds, an internationally recognized tropical disease authority and chairman of the department of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, has been appointed vice chancellor of health affairs and founding dean of the medical school at UC Riverside. Olds will assume his new position by Feb. 1. Olds will earn an annual base salary of $525,000 and will have the opportunity to earn annual performance-based compensation of up to $100,000, according a university news release. His compensation will be funded initially with private funds donated to UCR for the start-up of the medical school, according to the release. Information: www.ucr.edu
The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino has announced the finalists for this year's Spirit of the Entrepreneur awards program. The 2009 finalists are:
● SERVICE INDUSTRY ENTREPRENEUR Marty Kaufman of Accent Computer Solutions Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga; Allison Mackenzie of E.S. Babcock and Sons Inc. in Riverside; Mike Santana of Santana's Auto Body in Ontario
● EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR Ben Cook of Hangar 24 Craft Brewery LLC in Redlands; Sarah Cullins of Finesse Personnel Associates in Riverside; Erik Ricardo of Double Barrel Environmental Services in Riverside
● TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEUR Steve Boland of Alta Advanced Technologies Inc. in Ontario; Kusum and Mukund Kavia of Combustion Associates Inc. in Corona; James Winsor and Shannon Illingworth of Automatic Vending Technologies Inc. in Corona
● SUPPORTER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP Robert Saenz of the Inland Empire Small Business Financial Development Corp. in Ontario; John Tillquist of the Riverside Community College District in Riverside
● GENERAL ENTREPRENEUR Mike Cachat of Jenson USA in Ontario; Terry Shearer of Organize.com in Riverside; Greg and Andrea Stringer of Stringer's Gift Baskets in Temecula
● SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR Lois Carson of Community Action Partnership of Riverside County in Riverside; Sheri Davis of the Inland Empire Film Commission in Riverside; Gina Vaughn-Mays of the United States Veterans Initiative Inc. in Riverside
● INNOVATOR ENTREPRENEUR Mike Konrad of Aqueous Technologies Corp. in Rancho Cucamonga; Michael Pak of Vantage Vehicle International Inc. in Corona; JD Wang of reRubber in Ontario
● FAMILY BUSINESS Joe, Mark and Luke Maiberger and Anne Maiberger-Kopacz of P&R Paper Supply in Redlands; Gene, Steve, John and Robert Tuccinardi of TMI Products Inc. in Corona; Jeff, George Doug and Dave Wiens of Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula The award recipients will be announced at the IECE's seventh annual black-tie gala Nov. 18 at the Riverside Convention Center. Tickets for the gala are $100 per person, and tables of 10 can be purchased for $900.
Information: (909) 537-3708; www.inlandspiritawards.com
● SERVICE INDUSTRY ENTREPRENEUR Marty Kaufman of Accent Computer Solutions Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga; Allison Mackenzie of E.S. Babcock and Sons Inc. in Riverside; Mike Santana of Santana's Auto Body in Ontario
● EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR Ben Cook of Hangar 24 Craft Brewery LLC in Redlands; Sarah Cullins of Finesse Personnel Associates in Riverside; Erik Ricardo of Double Barrel Environmental Services in Riverside
● TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEUR Steve Boland of Alta Advanced Technologies Inc. in Ontario; Kusum and Mukund Kavia of Combustion Associates Inc. in Corona; James Winsor and Shannon Illingworth of Automatic Vending Technologies Inc. in Corona
● SUPPORTER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP Robert Saenz of the Inland Empire Small Business Financial Development Corp. in Ontario; John Tillquist of the Riverside Community College District in Riverside
● GENERAL ENTREPRENEUR Mike Cachat of Jenson USA in Ontario; Terry Shearer of Organize.com in Riverside; Greg and Andrea Stringer of Stringer's Gift Baskets in Temecula
● SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR Lois Carson of Community Action Partnership of Riverside County in Riverside; Sheri Davis of the Inland Empire Film Commission in Riverside; Gina Vaughn-Mays of the United States Veterans Initiative Inc. in Riverside
● INNOVATOR ENTREPRENEUR Mike Konrad of Aqueous Technologies Corp. in Rancho Cucamonga; Michael Pak of Vantage Vehicle International Inc. in Corona; JD Wang of reRubber in Ontario
● FAMILY BUSINESS Joe, Mark and Luke Maiberger and Anne Maiberger-Kopacz of P&R Paper Supply in Redlands; Gene, Steve, John and Robert Tuccinardi of TMI Products Inc. in Corona; Jeff, George Doug and Dave Wiens of Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula The award recipients will be announced at the IECE's seventh annual black-tie gala Nov. 18 at the Riverside Convention Center. Tickets for the gala are $100 per person, and tables of 10 can be purchased for $900.
Information: (909) 537-3708; www.inlandspiritawards.com
A $25,000 grant from US Bank will allow SoCal CDFI, a multi-bank consortium operating in the Inland Empire, to continue its plan to offer small, working-capital loans to businesses in low- and moderate-income areas. According to a news release, the program initially was designed with state Loan Guarantee Program providing a 40 percent to 60 percent guarantee, and Riverside providing an additional 35 percent guarantee. The program was threatened when the state suspended its loan-guarantee program. The grant from US Bank allowed the program to be resuscitated.
State Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod, D-Montclair, will host a free workshop to inform local businesses about "how they can utilize the enterprise zone program to save money and jobs," according to a news release. The event, scheduled 8:30-10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, will cover information about tax credits and incentives available to businesses in the San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone. It will be held at the Gonzales Center, 670 Colton Ave., Colton. Reservations are required by Nov. 10. Information: Wendy Clements at (909) 382-4100, ext. 230, or info@sbvez.com or visit www.sbvez.com
MC Cargo Group bought the industrial building at 15864 Arrow Blvd., Fontana, from a private investor for $1.36 million, according to costar.com
John Mulrooney of Lee & Associates represented the seller, and Tal Siglar of DAUM Commercial represented the buyer.
Under the terms of a recently released settlement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the GATX Corp., the railway will pay a $5,000 penalty and donate a mercury analyzer for failing to immediately notify authorities of the 2008 release of ammonia at their Colton rail car repair facility. "The GATX Corp. has since taken steps to ensure its procedures are followed and installed equipment to prevent any similar releases in the future," according to a news release. The railway also will donate a mercury analyzer valued at $20,700 to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Information: www.epa.gov
The state Attorney General's Office is calling on 10 major banks and loan servicers to "detail their plans to assist homeowners facing dramatic monthly payment increases on Pay Option Adjustable Rate Mortgages," according to a news release. "Homeowners with Pay Option ARMs are sitting on ticking time bombs that the lending industry has the power to defuse," Attorney General Jerry Brown said in a news release. "Unless these banks and loan servicers act quickly, hundreds of thousands of mortgages will reset across the state, creating a new wave of foreclosures." The office's request was to: Bank of America Home Loans & Insurance; Wells Fargo & Co.; JP Morgan Chase & Co.; Litton Loan Servicing; ResCap LLC; Ocwen Financial Corp.; OneWest Bank; American Home Mortgage Servicing; Saxon Mortgage Services Inc. and Select Portfolio Servicing. The companies were asked to respond by Nov. 23. Information: (800) 952-5225; www.ag.ca.gov
The San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone recently announced that the state Department of Community Development has awarded the zone a new Targeted Employment Area, with an effective date of Oct. 15, 2006, and will be retroactive. The approved area consists of 42 census tracts in Colton, San Bernardino and unincorporated portions of the county. Targeted Employment Areas allow residents of designated low-income areas to help qualify enterprise zone employers for hiring tax credits. Employers engaged in business in the enterprise zone may claim a hiring tax credit for qualified employees during their first five years of employment, and receive a tax reduction for a percentage of the employee's wages. Employees who reside in the Targeted Employment Area qualify. Information: www.SBVEZ.com
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors recently adopted a new policy to encourage county departments to "consider energy and water efficiency and other environmental factors when purchasing products and services," according to a news release. The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing policy aims to "reduce waste and to prompt county vendors and service providers to be more environmentally friendly," the release states. The county Purchasing Department is developing standard practices that will identify environmentally preferable products and services, list hazardous substances targeted for reduction and provide legal language for county bids and contracts.
EnerPath, a Redlands company that works throughout the U.S. and Canada to help homeowners and businesses become more energy efficient, received the city's Green Action award this month. Green Action awards are an initiative started by Redlands Mayor Jon Harrison to honor "individuals and organizations who have implemented programs to reduce their impact on the environment and contribute to a sustainable future for the city," according to a news release. Harrison presented the award to EnerPath CEO Stephen Guthrie at the company's Redlands office. EnerPath has operated in Redlands nearly 20 years.
Metrostudy, a national housing data and consulting firm with a division in Riverside, found that new housing starts in the region have shifted to a more affordable price range. The highest volume of starts is in the $250,000 to $325,000 price range, the report found. Previously, the $325,000 to $424,000 price range dominated housing starts. The company conducts a count of 100 percent of all new housing units in subdivisions within the market area each quarter. The company uses finished vacant inventory as a key indicator of the health of housing inventory within markets. Representing 39 percent of total Inland Empire inventory, finished vacant housing decreased to 2,098 units, a decline of 7 percent since the second quarter of 2009 and a 41 percent decline since the third quarter of 2008, according to the report. Typically, finished vacant inventory in Southern California markets comprises 18 percent of total inventory during normal market conditions. Closings exceeded starts in the third quarter, according to Metrostudy. New housing starts totaled 1,350, a 3 percent decline from the second quarter and a 9 percent decline from the third quarter of 2008. Meanwhile, closings were up from the previous quarter 14 percent, to 1,975.
Lenders Who Care, a nonprofit organization of mortgage lending professionals, will hold an "Overview of First-Time Homebuyer Programs" 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Upland Public Library, 460 N. Euclid Ave. The free consumer education class aims to help home buyers make informed decisions about the real estate market. Information: (877) 811-1592; www.lenderswhocare.org
Arizona-based International Aerospace Enterprises Inc. -- which has its main operations in Ontario -- has announced that it has received a contract totaling $2.45 million for military aircraft spare parts. According to the company news release, the contract calls for the delivery of the parts before the end of this fiscal year. Contracts totalling $16 million have been received by the company since the return of company President Saffet Uslu from his trip to the Middle East earlier this year, according to the release.
Bemus Landscape Inc., based in San Clemente and operating in the Inland Empire, has received two awards recognizing the company's commitment to environmental stewardship. The company has been awarded a national Merit Award from the Professional Landcare Network, as well as the Judges Beautification Award from the California Landscape Contractors Association of Orange County. "These awards are a result of Bemus' commitment to ensure that the quality and integrity of each property is maintained," Jon Parry, general manager of Bemus Landscape, said in a news release. "We are honored to receive these awards recognizing our efforts in improving and beautifying the environment. They reflect the type of quality and environmentally friendly landscape management philosophy Bemus is committed to on its projects." Information: (888) 557-7910; www.bemus.com
The Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce is notifying businesses of a possible identity theft scam. Businesses have been receiving calls from someone posing as a chamber representative, asking to update members' information. The request is not being made on the chamber's behalf, chamber officials said. Chamber officials said the only chamber representatives who will be contacting members for any contact or profile information are Estella Samreth, Pamela Emenger or Lyn Clementes. Information: (909) 790-1841; www.yucaipachamber.org
New-home construction in the state dipped again in September, the California Building Industry Association said. According to statistics compiled by the Construction Industry Research Board, home builders pulled permits for 2,920 total housing units in September, down 1 percent from August. When compared with September of last year, production in 2009 was off by 36 percent. Permits for single-family homes totaled 2,150, down 2 percent from the previous month and down 12 percent from September 2008. Multifamily permits totaled 770, up 0.5 percent from August but down 63 percent from September of last year. The CIRB also announced it is revising its forecast downward from 39,500 total units to 37,700 total units for 2009, which would be the lowest total on record.
RealtyTrac today released its Metropolitan Foreclosure Market Report for the third quarter, which shows that cities in California, Florida and Nevada again accounted for the 10 highest foreclosure rates among metro areas with a population of 200,000 or more. But five of those Top 10 metro areas reported decreasing foreclosure activity from the third quarter of 2008, while many other metro areas with Top 50 foreclosure rates reported sharp increases in foreclosure activity. The Inland Empire remained in the Top 10 regions but dropped to No. 6, with a rate of 3.37 percent. Las Vegas posted the nation's highest metro foreclosure rate, with 5.13 percent of its housing units receiving a foreclosure filing during the quarter -- nearly seven times the national average. Despite a 13 percent decrease in foreclosure activity from the previous quarter, Merced posted the nation's second-highest foreclosure rate, with 3.72 percent. Foreclosure activity in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area in Florida also decreased but still registered the nation's third-highest metro foreclosure rate -- with 3.67 percent. Other metro areas in the Top 10 were the California areas of Stockton (3.53 percent), Modesto (3.39 percent), Riverside-San Bernardino, Bakersfield (2.88 percent) and Vallejo-Fairfield (2.85 percent), along with the Nevada's Reno-Sparks metro area (2.67 percent) and the Florida metro areas of Port St. Lucie (2.63 percent) and Orlando-Kissimmee (2.57 percent).
San Bernardino County's Economic Development Agency, Estrada Strategies and San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino are presenting the Business Insight Series, a six-session workshop featuring business experts "focused on a core business strategy critical to succeeding in this challenging economy." The series kicked off in late October. The first speaker is Chip Conley, founder and CEO of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, a boutique hotel company and author of "Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo." Conley's topic will be "How to Build a Powerful Team." The event is from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and includes lunch. All sessions will be held inside The Pines at the casino, 777 San Manuel Blvd. Cost: $65. Information: (909) 476-3510; www.businessinsightseries.com
Ingen Technologies Inc., a medical-device manufacturer in Yucaipa, announced an increase in first-quarter sales for 2009 as compared to 2008. Ingen reported sales of $106,483 in the quarter ended Aug. 31. This represented an increase from sales of $987 in the same quarter of 2008. Profit was reported at $67,679. Information: www.ingen-tech.com
The state Compensation Insurance Fund and UC Berkeley's Center for Infectious Disease and Emergency Readiness are holding a free seminar in Ontario to help businesses plan for the H1N1 influenza and a possible pandemic, according to a news release. The event begins with registration and breakfast at 8 a.m. Nov. 3 at the DoubleTree Hotel Ontario, 222 N. Vineyard Ave. The workshop is "designed for business owners, HR managers, health and safety leaders, and risk and security managers." Information: Karen Moon, (909) 384-4742; www.scif.com
Chino Commercial Bancorp, the parent company of Chino Commercial Bank, recently announced a net earnings increase of 26.5 percent for the quarter ended Sept. 30. The company's net earnings for the period were $95,080, compared to $75,136 for the same quarter of 2008. The net earnings for the most recent quarter represent $0.13 per diluted share, as compared with $0.10 per diluted share from the same quarter last year. The company's profit year-to-date was up 9.5 percent to $287,878, or $0.39 per diluted share, as compared with net earnings of $263,012, or $0.35 per, diluted share for the same period last year.
The state's Compensation Insurance Fund and UC Berkeley's Center for Infectious Disease and Emergency Readiness are holding a free seminar Tuesday, Nov. 3, in Ontario to help businesses plan for the H1N1 influenza and a possible pandemic. The event is for business owners, human resources managers, health and safety leaders, and risk and security managers. Representatives from the American Red Cross, San Bernardino and Riverside counties' departments of public health, and California Emergency Management Agency will all be at the event to provide resource and training materials. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel Ontario, 222 N. Vineyard Ave. Information: Karen Moon, (909) 384-4742; www.scif.com
Tenants Together, an organization for renters' rights, is expanding its hot line for tenants in foreclosure situations in California. Since emerging in March, the hot line has served nearly 2,000 tenants, mitigating the impact of the foreclosure crisis on tenants by helping them learn and assert their rights, according to a news release. As part of the expansion, the hot line has added a full time program coordinator, increased the number of trained volunteer counselors and added an online intake form and other Web-based resources. Information: (888) 495-8020; www.tenantstogether.org/hotlineintake
P&G Accounting will sponsor a Small Business Summit from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 517 N. Mountain Ave., Upland. The free event is open to small-business owners and self-employed individuals. Topics covered will include ways to lower taxes using allowable business deductions, the most efficient form of structuring your business, federal and state tax guidelines and much more, according to a news release. Information and reservations: (909) 912-0183.
The L.A. Football Stadium has teamed up with Joe Barter LLC to preset the "Joe Jobs Expo" on Jan. 15 at the Pacific Palms Hotel and Conference Center, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, Industry Hills. The organization is projecting that 20,000 job openings will be "up for grabs" at the event. Participants can choose to attend either the 9 a.m.-to-noon or 2-5 p.m. session. Limited parking restricts attendance to about 1,250 people per session. More than 100 companies will be represented in addition to the stadium employment opportunities. Cost: $5. Information: (213) 300-3871; www.JoeJobsExpo.com
AT&T recently announced that its U-Verse products now reach more than 3 million living units in the state, including many cities in the Inland Empire. The U-verse services, which include television, high-speed Internet and telephone, launched in the state in 2006. According to a company news release, AT&T has invested nearly $7.9 billion in its California wireless and wireline networks, which helped facilitate the rollout of U-verse services in the state.
The roof of a 458,000-square-foot industrial building in Chino is now providing as much as one million watts of solar power to the Inland Empire. This is the second installation in Southern California Edison's plan to place solar panels on hundreds of otherwise unused commercial rooftops across Southern California. The site is owned by Multi-Employer Property Trust, whose investment adviser is Kennedy Associates. During the next five years, Edison will install, own and operate 250 megawatts of solar-generating capacity.
WCV Commercial Properties has secured a four-year lease totaling 185,342 square feet and valued at $2.69 million with Dirt Cheap Inc., a landscape services company. The space is at 1100 S. Etiwanda Ave., units A & B, in the Etiwanda Distribution Center in Ontario. Mike McCrary and Jeff Bellitti from Colliers International represented owner WCV Commercial Properties in the transaction. Anthony Naticchioni of NAI Capital represented the tenant.
Employees of Redlands estate-planning law firm McIntyre Law Group recently completed a weekend of training at the annual fall summit of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys in San Diego. Attorney Nathan T. McIntyre, operations manager Christine McIntyre, paralegal Ashley Wallace and marketing director Steven Sabel attended the national conference to receive updates and specialized training in the very latest in estate-planning practices, according to a news release. McIntyre Law Group's practice is devoted to estate law, probate law and elder law planning. Information: (866) 669-9266; www.mcintyrelawgroup.com
CIP Real Estate has secured 11 leases in the past three months in the Empire Towers office park in Ontario. CIP Real Estate owns four of the five Empire Towers buildings in partnership with Guggenheim Real Estate.
The transactions included:
● Merrill Lynch/Bank of America, which has renewed a lease valued at more than $1.06 million at 4141 Inland Empire Blvd. The ownership was represented by Phillip J. Woodford of CB Richard Ellis and Merrill Lynch/Bank of America was represented by Myron Galchutt of Newmark Knight Frank.
● Sedgwick Claims Management renewed a lease valued at $1.5 million at 3633 Inland Empire Blvd. Sedgwick Claims was represented by Wyatt Prichard of CIP Real Estate and Sedgwick Claims Management was represented by Vindar Batoosingh of CBRE.
● XO Communications has signed a new lease valued at more than $400,000 for property also located at 3633 Inland Empire Blvd. The ownership was represented by Vindar Batoosingh of CBRE and XO Communications was represented by Darren M. Eades of Jones Lang LaSalle.
● Windsor Foods signed a lease expansion at 4200 Concours. This transaction was valued at approximately $370,000. Wyatt Prichard of CIP Real Estate Property Services represented both parties in the transaction.
● Word & Brown signed a lease expansion for $485,000 in the nine-story tower at 3633 Inland Empire Blvd. Word & Brown was represented by Jason Hoffman of Mohr Partners.
● Mutual of Omaha signed a lease valued at $300,000 for a new regional office at 3633 Inland Empire Blvd. Mutual of Omaha was represented by Adam X.
Espinoza of Grubb & Ellis and the ownership was represented by Philip Woodford and Vindar Batoosingh of CBRE's Ontario office.
Other leases: National General Insurance Co., American Justice Mitigation, Kaiser Ventures, Powell Electronics and Fidelity National Title.
The transactions included:
● Merrill Lynch/Bank of America, which has renewed a lease valued at more than $1.06 million at 4141 Inland Empire Blvd. The ownership was represented by Phillip J. Woodford of CB Richard Ellis and Merrill Lynch/Bank of America was represented by Myron Galchutt of Newmark Knight Frank.
● Sedgwick Claims Management renewed a lease valued at $1.5 million at 3633 Inland Empire Blvd. Sedgwick Claims was represented by Wyatt Prichard of CIP Real Estate and Sedgwick Claims Management was represented by Vindar Batoosingh of CBRE.
● XO Communications has signed a new lease valued at more than $400,000 for property also located at 3633 Inland Empire Blvd. The ownership was represented by Vindar Batoosingh of CBRE and XO Communications was represented by Darren M. Eades of Jones Lang LaSalle.
● Windsor Foods signed a lease expansion at 4200 Concours. This transaction was valued at approximately $370,000. Wyatt Prichard of CIP Real Estate Property Services represented both parties in the transaction.
● Word & Brown signed a lease expansion for $485,000 in the nine-story tower at 3633 Inland Empire Blvd. Word & Brown was represented by Jason Hoffman of Mohr Partners.
● Mutual of Omaha signed a lease valued at $300,000 for a new regional office at 3633 Inland Empire Blvd. Mutual of Omaha was represented by Adam X.
Espinoza of Grubb & Ellis and the ownership was represented by Philip Woodford and Vindar Batoosingh of CBRE's Ontario office.
Other leases: National General Insurance Co., American Justice Mitigation, Kaiser Ventures, Powell Electronics and Fidelity National Title.
National Grid Gas in the United Kingdom recently selected Redlands-based ESRI geographic information system software for its gas distribution front-office transformation program. The agency plans to "improve operational efficiency and enhance customer service" with ESRI's GIS and other IT upgrades, according to a news release. National Grid chose ESRI from a global pool of all major GIS vendors.
The nonprofit USA Help Inc. has released its first list of Certified Specialists on its Web site, www.freehomeownershiphelp.org
The list is made up of real-estate professionals from the Inland Empire and San Diego County who enrolled in a two-day certification class aimed at promoting "a higher level of fiduciary responsibility and ethical standards in the industry," according to a news release. Information: www.freehomeownershiphelp.org
Area anti-fraud practitioners have established an Inland Empire chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, a prominent international professional organization. The chapter's inaugural event was held 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Orchard Room at the Sheraton Ontario Hotel, 429 N. Vineyard Ave. Ontario Councilman Alan Wapner will preside over the inauguration of the chapter, and Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Jeanne Roy will deliver the featured presentation, according to a news release. David Wall, interim president of the local chapter, will administer the oath to all founding members. The event is open to all anti-fraud professionals. Information: (909) 793-2406; e-mail djorge@eadiepaynellp.com
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