February 2010 Archives
Highland optometrist Jan L. Cooper recently was re-elected as a trustee of the California Optometric Association's board of trustees. The group's annual meeting was held in Ontario at the end of January. "It is an honor and a privilege to represent my profession, and I find it fulfilling to work with such an excellent group of colleagues and staff in support of the California Optometric Association," Cooper said in a news release. "To serve my profession in this capacity is one of the greatest highlights of my professional career, and I see my service as another opportunity to support my profession, reach out to the community, build collaborative relationships, and assist in bridging gaps in health care delivery in service to the public." Cooper also will serve as chairwoman of the American Optometric Association's Community Health Center Committee, beginning in March, and is a member of the Dean's Advisory Council for Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry in Pomona. Cooper currently practices at the practice of James Espinosa in Highland.
The Inland Empire chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council recently welcomed its newest board members, Holly Hill, Doug Grove, Steve Harrington, Diane Sbardellati, and welcomed back Haviva Shane. According to the news release, the chapter's board used its January retreat to plan for 2010 events and activities, including new educational programs focused on credential maintenance, LEED GA and AP specialty test preparation and additional green bag lunches. The chapter also will also focus on new branch development, activation of more committees, according to the release. Information: www.usgbc.org
Carpenter ants will battle it out at the grand opening of the Gateway Science Museum this month, featuring animatronic displays built by Garner Holt Productions in San Bernardino. With bodies 5 feet long, one animatronic ant will partially pop in and out of a hole in a giant piece of decaying "wood" as the other flails its leg in a contest. In another area, a statuesque green praying mantis, 9 feet tall, shows off its six legs -- four for walking and two for grasping its prey. The sharp prongs on its upper appendages might clear up some questions about how a praying mantis can cling to a car that is speeding down a highway. Other giant insects that are part of the "Backyard Monsters" display will include a scorpion bigger than a couch and a huge dragonfly. Scott Burson of Garner Holt said the display was recently featured at the San Diego Museum of Natural History and the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. His company also recently finished a job fine-tuning the animatronic displays at Disneyland, including the "It's a Small World" ride.
Alaska Airlines will begin offering electronic boarding passes to passengers in several of the cities it serves, eventually including Ontario. Alaska Airlines customers flying from Anchorage, Alaska; Boise, Idaho; Denver; Las Vegas; Portland, Ore.; Seattle; and Spokane, Wash.; were scheduled to begin receiving boarding information and check-in with a mobile device late last week, according to a report from the Associated Press. The new service also works on sister carrier Horizon Air. Both are units of Alaska Air Group. The company said it will begin offering electronic boarding passes on Feb. 24 for passengers leaving San Jose and Fairbanks, Alaska. It will add Ontario, Burbank, Long Beach, Palm Springs, and Sacramento by late March, and other cities throughout the year, according to the Associated Press.
The Innovation Economy Corp. is launching a new program, the I.E. Initiative, a public-private partnership that aims to "provide economic opportunity and community resources that will create advancement, investment, development and growth in the region," according to a news release. The group, founded by Amro Albanna, CEO of Avisio Inc., will operate out of the Innovation Center, 1650 Spruce St., Riverside. Information: Albanna, 951-786-9474, ext. 221.
The Chino Investing In Real Estate Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Johnny Carino's Italian Grill, 3801 Grand Ave. The topic will be how investors can get tax deductions. Foreclosures and short sales as investment properties will be discussed. Admission is free. Dinner is the responsibility of the attendee. Information: 909-902-1800; 877-285-8669; www.weeklyclubs.com
The Yucaipa First! committee is publishing its first business directory, which "will bring together the Yucaipa business community and local shoppers," according to the Yucaipa Chamber of Commerce. The directory, to be published March 26, will be printed in magazine-style format and will include a listing of Yucaipa business by category. Advertising space is still available but must be reserved by noon March 12. Information: 909-797-9101.
The Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce will hold a business expo from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday at Gameworks, 4541 Mills Circle, Ontario. Cost: $25 per booth. Only one business is permitted per booth. General admission is free. Information: E-mail stacey@ranchochamber.org
Fontana's Community Assistance Program will offer a "Recession Survival Skills" workshop 6-8 p.m. March 4, 11 and 18 at Cypress Center, 8380 Cypress Ave. The class aims to teach "effective job searching, resumé strategies, interviewing skills, including tips on dressing for the job you want." Participants are encouraged to bring their resumés. Information: 909-803-1059, ext. 198; www.fontanacap.org
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce will hold the second annual America's Business Forum from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 3 at UCLA's Covel Commons, 330 De Neve Drive, Los Angeles. The topic of this year's event is "Creating Jobs Through Exporting." Individual meetings with representatives of the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service and other organizations will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 4. The event aims to "encourage Southern California manufacturing firms to more aggressively participate in the exporting opportunities in the Americas, primarily in Latin America," according to a news release. Cost: $225. Information: 213-580-7570.
The pace of home sales at California new-home communities was moderately lower than levels seen a year ago, the California Building Industry Association reported this week. 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 15 percent lower then December 2008. That's still an improvement from most months in 2009 in which year-over-year declines were substantially larger, according to the report. During December, 1,372 new homes and condominiums were sold in the subdivisions tracked by HWMI, compared with 1,607 in December 2008. Sales of single-family homes were down 25 percent, while sales of townhomes and "plexes" -- duplexes, triplexes, etc. -- were off by 5 percent and sales of condominiums were 18 percent higher than a year ago.
The Ahmed Team at Blackstone Realty will host the Upland Chamber of Commerce's Thursday luncheon featuring Eric Hanson of Inland Productivity Solutions Inc., who will speak on "What You Really Need to Know about Social Media." Check-in starts at 11 a.m., with lunch program beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Magic Lamp Inn, 8189 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga. Cost: $25 for members who make reservations by Monday; $35 for all at the door. Information: 909-204-4465; www.uplandchamber.org or www.discoverupland.com
McIntyre Law Group of Redlands will offer a free dinner seminar to senior citizens to provide information about developing an estate plan. The seminar will be held March 16 at the Ayres Hotel, 1015 W. Colton Ave., Redlands. Seating begins at 6 p.m. The seminar will feature attorney and law professor Nathan T. McIntyre, who will present the beneficial features included in a comprehensive estate plan, including such components as living wills, family trusts, health care directives, powers of attorney, IRA and asset protection, pour-over wills and estate planning letters. Seating is limited to seniors 55 and older who own their own home. Limit two reservations per household. Reservations are required. Information: 866-669-9266; www.mcintyrelawgroup.com
Pasadena-based Parsons was selected by Los Angeles World Airports for a $25 million, three-year, on-call professional construction support services contract. This contract includes various large airport construction projects at Los Angeles International Airport, L.A./Ontario International Airport and Van Nuys Airport, according to a news release. "Parsons was selected based on its extensive experience with LAWA and other major airport and aviation construction projects in a fully active aviation environment, as well as its ability to offer a multitude of project delivery methods," according to the release. Information: www.parsons.com
The Division of the State Architect has initiated a pilot program, named "E-Doc 101," to improve its submission process by switching to a paperless system. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly in the way it does business, the DSA is working exclusively with HMC Architects, which operates an office in Ontario, during the early phases of development. "It is an honor and a privilege to be the architectural firm selected by DSA for this groundbreaking program," Nancy Martin, who manages a department at HMC that is dedicated to interfacing with DSA on behalf of HMC's projects and clients, said in a news release. Information: 800-350-9979; e-mail tracy.black@hmcarchitects.com or www.hmcarchitects.com
The Cal State San Bernardino College of Extended Learning will host a workshop titled "Post-Award Management: Program Implementation," covering how to get grant-funded projects started while staying in compliance with funding agency requirements. The class is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 6 at the campus' Yasuda Center. Cost: $140, which includes materials. Information: 909-537-5981; cel.csusb.edu
Jones Lang LaSalle recently announced that four industrial brokers have joined the firm with the goal of expanding its influence in the Inland Empire: Managing Director Peter McWilliams, Executive Vice President Mike McCrary, Senior Vice President Ruben Goodsell and Vice President Scott Leichtenberg. They have focused their entire careers on the Inland Empire, according to a news release. The brokers are headquartered in the firm's downtown Los Angeles office. McWilliams, McCrary and Goodsell join the firm from Colliers International. Leichtenberg joins the firm from CB Richard Ellis Investors.
The Inland Empire Economic Recovery Corporation will have a free seminar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to help struggling homeowners save their homes from foreclosure. The class will be at Central Park Community Center, 11200 Base Line, Rancho Cucamonga. The event will feature one-on-one counseling with various lenders, banks and nonprofit groups that have been pre-approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Information: www.ieerc.org
The state Office of Alcohol Beverage Control will conduct a "Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs" training course for owners, managers and employees who sell alcohol in San Bernardino. The training will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday in the basement conference room of City Hall, 300 N. D St. Participants will receive a 2-year LEAD certification card issued by the ABC. Early registration is recommended as the class is limited to 50 people. Information: 909-387-6288.
San Dimas manufacturer RCI Technologies' fuel purifiers were recently recertified by the Green Clean Institute, an independent third-party organization that reviews, researches and certifies various industrial services for their green credibility. According to a news release, the certification confirms the purifiers' environmental benefits, something that appeals to RCI's more eco-conscious customers. Information: 800-868-2088; www.rcitechnologies.com
A graduation is scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday at the Inland Empire Job Corps Center, 3173 Kerry St., San Bernardino. Fifty-five graduates will be recognized for completing training in their respective trades, from culinary arts to landscaping to office assistant work. Keynote speaker will be Wes Kriesel, CEO and president of Trusted Coaching. Information: 909-887-7154; 909-887-7126.
The Los Angeles Newspaper Group has formed a new partnership with AutoTrader.com to power online automotive classified listings. The new agreement allows users on LANG's nine daily newspaper Web sites, including dailybulletin.com and sbsun.com, to have instant access to the Internet's largest automotive marketplace where they can search for new and used cars and local dealer information.
Site users can also research and compare vehicles, view videos and read consumer reviews. In addition, the partnership will allow local AutoTrader.com dealers to showcase their inventory on LANG's Web sites and reach up to four million potential car shoppers in Southern California each month. This is incremental traffic over and above what is already generated on AutoTrader.com.
LANG President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Hamilton said, "We're extremely pleased to offer this new service to our loyal readers and online users, who represent millions of local customers for automotive products and services. Adding AutoTrader.com will help us drive even more traffic to our sites and make them even more content-rich and useful."
Commenting on his company's rationale, AutoTrader.com President and CEO Chip Perry said, "We find that these local media properties have very loyal readers -- both in print and online. By partnering with local media like LANG, we can expose our auto listings to even more people than we already attract in local markets by tapping into that loyalty. Local automotive dealers win because there are even more people looking at their listings, and visitors to the local media's site benefit by getting expanded local and national auto listings from AutoTrader.com."
LANG's new AutoTrader.com partnership is being launched simultaneously with the redesign of its "AUTOS" online channel, which now offers a new look, easier navigation and more robust content. According to LANG's vice president of interactive, Dan Vigil, "The partnership exemplifies our vision to be the community's hometown home page."
“The content of AutoTrader.com will make LANG Web sites the place to go not only for starting your day, catching breaking news while it happens or finding out what to do, but also for the largest selection of vehicle inventory from dealers and private sellers," Vigil said.
According to Hamilton, the Auto Trader partnership enhances the unique local content offered on LANG Web sites. "As the ultimate hometown home page, our goal is to be the source for virtually anything our readers need, from late-breaking news and information, to autos, jobs, real estate and more," Hamilton said.
Site users can also research and compare vehicles, view videos and read consumer reviews. In addition, the partnership will allow local AutoTrader.com dealers to showcase their inventory on LANG's Web sites and reach up to four million potential car shoppers in Southern California each month. This is incremental traffic over and above what is already generated on AutoTrader.com.
LANG President and Chief Executive Officer Fred Hamilton said, "We're extremely pleased to offer this new service to our loyal readers and online users, who represent millions of local customers for automotive products and services. Adding AutoTrader.com will help us drive even more traffic to our sites and make them even more content-rich and useful."
Commenting on his company's rationale, AutoTrader.com President and CEO Chip Perry said, "We find that these local media properties have very loyal readers -- both in print and online. By partnering with local media like LANG, we can expose our auto listings to even more people than we already attract in local markets by tapping into that loyalty. Local automotive dealers win because there are even more people looking at their listings, and visitors to the local media's site benefit by getting expanded local and national auto listings from AutoTrader.com."
LANG's new AutoTrader.com partnership is being launched simultaneously with the redesign of its "AUTOS" online channel, which now offers a new look, easier navigation and more robust content. According to LANG's vice president of interactive, Dan Vigil, "The partnership exemplifies our vision to be the community's hometown home page."
“The content of AutoTrader.com will make LANG Web sites the place to go not only for starting your day, catching breaking news while it happens or finding out what to do, but also for the largest selection of vehicle inventory from dealers and private sellers," Vigil said.
According to Hamilton, the Auto Trader partnership enhances the unique local content offered on LANG Web sites. "As the ultimate hometown home page, our goal is to be the source for virtually anything our readers need, from late-breaking news and information, to autos, jobs, real estate and more," Hamilton said.
BeautiControl and Necessary Nutrition LLC will host the Chain of Confidence Women's Forum from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Four Points Sheridan in Rancho Cucamonga. The event aims to unite "local women and community leaders to inspire and support one another while benefiting the community," according to a news release. The event will feature a panel of confident women including inspirational speaker and author Ursula Mentjes; Linda Smith, the founder of 4D College in Colton; Gwen Thibeaux, entrepreneur and author; Robin De-Ivy, certified nutrition specialist; and beauty expert Elise Rainey. The event will be moderated by Fran Boytos, national director for BeautiControl. Information: 951-259-5198; www.iechainofconfidence.com
Southern California home sales eked out a modest gain in January compared with a year earlier but fell sharply -- as they normally do -- from December. The median price paid rose above the year-ago level for the second consecutive month, but fell 6 percent from December as foreclosures and lower-cost inland markets claimed a higher share of sales, a real estate information service reported.
A total of 15,361 new and resale homes closed escrow last month in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino and Orange counties. That was down 31.2 percent from December's 22,328, but up 0.9 percent from 15,227 in January 2009, according to MDA DataQuick of San Diego. A decline in sales between December and January is normal for the season. On average, sales have fallen 28.4 percent between those two months since 1988, when DataQuick's statistics begin.
Last month the sales pattern shifted a bit, with a greater portion of transactions involving distressed properties and lower-cost inland homes. Meanwhile, sales in many pricier areas lost some of the steam they had built in recent months, though high-end sales still outpaced the year-ago level. The median paid for all Southland houses and condos sold in January was $271,500, down 6.1 percent from $289,000 in December but up 8.6 percent from $250,000 a year earlier. It was the median's second consecutive year-over-year increase. On a month-to-month basis, the median had increased or held steady for eight consecutive months before dropping 6 percent in January compared with December, according to the report.
Part of the January median's drop from December can be explained by the shift toward a higher portion of Southland sales occurring inland: The percentage of sales that were in the Inland Empire rose to 35.2 percent, up from 32.3 percent in December and the highest since it was 36.3 percent in May 2009.
Absentee buyers -- mostly investors and some second-home purchasers -- bought 22.3 percent of the homes sold in January. It was the highest for any month since at least 2000. San Bernardino County saw the highest percentage -- 30.2 percent -- sold to absentee buyers last month.
In San Bernardino County, a total of 2,252 homes sold in the month of January, down 11.1 percent from the previous January. The county's median home price dropped slightly from December's value of $154,000 to land at $150,000. That was 7.4 percent lower than the median price in January 2009.
In Riverside County, 3,162 houses were sold in the month, down 4.8 percent from January 2009. The median home price was unchanged at $195,000.
In Los Angeles County, the median home price rose slightly to $325,000. Home sales saw a 15.4 percent uptick, coming in at 5,228.
A total of 15,361 new and resale homes closed escrow last month in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino and Orange counties. That was down 31.2 percent from December's 22,328, but up 0.9 percent from 15,227 in January 2009, according to MDA DataQuick of San Diego. A decline in sales between December and January is normal for the season. On average, sales have fallen 28.4 percent between those two months since 1988, when DataQuick's statistics begin.
Last month the sales pattern shifted a bit, with a greater portion of transactions involving distressed properties and lower-cost inland homes. Meanwhile, sales in many pricier areas lost some of the steam they had built in recent months, though high-end sales still outpaced the year-ago level. The median paid for all Southland houses and condos sold in January was $271,500, down 6.1 percent from $289,000 in December but up 8.6 percent from $250,000 a year earlier. It was the median's second consecutive year-over-year increase. On a month-to-month basis, the median had increased or held steady for eight consecutive months before dropping 6 percent in January compared with December, according to the report.
Part of the January median's drop from December can be explained by the shift toward a higher portion of Southland sales occurring inland: The percentage of sales that were in the Inland Empire rose to 35.2 percent, up from 32.3 percent in December and the highest since it was 36.3 percent in May 2009.
Absentee buyers -- mostly investors and some second-home purchasers -- bought 22.3 percent of the homes sold in January. It was the highest for any month since at least 2000. San Bernardino County saw the highest percentage -- 30.2 percent -- sold to absentee buyers last month.
In San Bernardino County, a total of 2,252 homes sold in the month of January, down 11.1 percent from the previous January. The county's median home price dropped slightly from December's value of $154,000 to land at $150,000. That was 7.4 percent lower than the median price in January 2009.
In Riverside County, 3,162 houses were sold in the month, down 4.8 percent from January 2009. The median home price was unchanged at $195,000.
In Los Angeles County, the median home price rose slightly to $325,000. Home sales saw a 15.4 percent uptick, coming in at 5,228.
The Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce will hold a panel discussion regarding the Local Taxpayer, Public Safety and Transportation Protection Act, scheduled for the November ballot. According to a news release, the measure prohibits the state from taking or borrowing local taxpayer funds dedicated to public safety, emergency response, transportation and other vital local services. The event is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. March 3 at Antonino's Ristaurante Italiano, 8045 Vineyard Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. Information: 909-987-1012.
Riverside County has appointed Ed Corser to serve as its new financial chief, according to a news release. Corser, 64, has spent more than 30 years working for cities and counties and was Riverside County's finance director from 1998 to 2004.
The Winery at Main Street in Yorba Linda will open this spring as a franchise of WNI West in Rancho Cucamonga. This is the fourth franchise to open in the area and the eighth in the United States, according to a news release. It will be located in historic downtown Yorba Linda, approximately one half-mile from the Richard M. Nixon Library. In a news release, company President Ken Lineberger said "We are enthusiastic about the expansion of our winery franchise system. Wine is a growth industry in any economic environment. We are proudly introducing winemaking to urban areas across America." Other locations are The Wine Tailor in Rancho Cucamonga, Wine Down in Chino Hills and The Canyon Crest Winery in Riverside. Information: 909-921-5431.
Seven Southland Internal Revenue Service offices will be among 200 nationwide that will open for business from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20, including the office at 290 N. D St., San Bernardino. "IRS employees will answer questions for taxpayers on the full range of tax law provisions, such as the new allowance for $2,400 of tax-free unemployment compensation benefits," according to an agency news release. "Free tax preparation and electronic filing for those who earn $49,000 or less will be available." Other Southern California locations are in Los Angeles, San Diego, El Centro, Santa Ana, El Monte and Bakersfield. Information: 800-906-9887; www.211.org
State Controller John Chiang recently released his monthly report covering the state's January cash balance, receipts and disbursements. The month's receipts rose above the governor's 2010-11 budget estimates by $1.28 billion, or 18.6 percent. "The positive receipts are welcome news, but the state cannot be lulled into a false sense of security," Chiang said in a news release. "Our chronic budget shortfalls require credible and sustainable fixes in order to protect taxpayers, local governments and state funded programs." The state now is projected to dip below its minimum $2.5 billion cash cushion March 30, and will not return to safe levels until April 16. Year-to-date receipts are ahead of budget estimates by $459 million, or 1 percent, but state payments also went out faster than expected. Disbursements through Jan. 31 were $586 million ahead of projections. January's financial statement and the summary analysis can be found on the controller's Web site at www.sco.ca.gov
Jeffrey Brown of Upland, a certified executive chef and certified culinary educator, received the 2010 American Culinary Federation Inc. Western Region Chef Educator of the Year Award earlier this month. Brown is an associate professor at the Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona. "The 2010 ACF Western Region Chef Educator of the Year Award pays tribute to an active culinary educator whose knowledge, skills and expertise have given culinary students leadership and guidance for the future," according to a news release. Brown will vie for the national title against three other candidates in August at the 2010 ACF National Convention in Anaheim.
Arrowhead United Way is funding a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program site at Goodwill Industries Clearance Center in San Bernardino to help low- to moderate-income tax filers free of charge. VITA is a program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service and the state Franchise Tax Board. The tax assistance is a collaboration between Cal State San Bernardino, AUW and Goodwill Industries. The university is providing student volunteers who have been trained in tax preparation. The program will be provided from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, through April 10 at 8120 Palm Lane, San Bernardino. Other times and locations also are available. To qualify for the tax assistance, participants must have made less than $60,000 in 2009; provide their Social Security cards; have copies of their W-2s, 1099s and other tax documents; and be present to sign the returns. Information: 909-884-9441; www.cbpa.csusb.edu/vita
Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports will be a full 25 percent higher during the first half of 2010 compared with the same period a year ago, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. "This is a dramatic turnaround over what we've seen during the past two years," Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs policy, said in a news release. "Increases in import volumes don't correspond directly with dollar volumes in sales, so caution has to be exercised when looking at these numbers. But retailers are clearly expecting to move more merchandise this year." U.S. ports handled 1.09 million "twenty-foot Equivalent Units" in December, the latest month for which numbers are available. That was unchanged from November but up 2.6 percent from December 2008 to break a 28-month streak during which monthly totals were lower than the same month the year before. One TEU is one 20-foot cargo container or its equivalent. At the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, a total of 6.1 million loaded TEUs were imported in 2009, a 17.3 percent decrease over the 7.3 million TEUs handled in 2008. The forecast for 2010 is for 7.6 million TEUs, an increase of 24.6 percent, according to the report. The first half of 2010 is estimated to post growth of 11.1 percent over the second half of 2009. Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by the consulting firm Hackett Associates, covers the U.S. ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., on the West Coast; New York and New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston and Savannah on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. Information: 202-783-7971; www.globalportracker.com
The San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone will host a workshop for business owners about the business and tax incentives it provides to help employers lower the cost of doing business. Available incentives and tax credits to be covered include the hiring tax credit, sales and use tax credit, business expense deduction, net interest deduction for lenders and net operating loss carryover. The event will take place 8:30-10 a.m. Thursday at the Gonzales Center, 670 E. Colton Ave., Colton. Reservations are required by Wednesday. Information: 909-382-4100, ext. 230; or e-mail info@sbvez.com
According to Executive Director Frank Garcia, the Pomona Chamber of Commerce is welcoming several businesses to its membership ranks this month: All Eyes Optometry, A-Plus Grocers Supply LLC, am/pm Mini Market on Reservoir Street, Cal Poly Pomona's Latino Business Students' Association, Towne Arco am/pm and Western University's Diabetes Institute. Information: 909-622-1256.
State Controller John Chiang recently unveiled a new actuarial report that shows California faces a $51.8 billion bill to pay for health and dental benefits for state retirees. "Even as we try to claw our way out of the recession and provide needed cash to the state's coffers, we cannot ignore the promise that we made to pay health and dental benefits for current state employees and retirees," Chiang said in a news release. "I urge lawmakers to reduce the impact on future generations by putting additional dollars into the annual payments so that we can invest those funds, grow that money and tackle our obligation in a responsible manner." The unfunded obligation as of June 30 grew $3.6 billion, from the $48.2 billion obligation identified in the prior year. The 2008 figure was lower than expected primarily because the California Public Employees' Retirement System used surplus funds to reduce that year's increase in health care premium cost rates for the CalPERS self-funded plan. Unlike state pensions, which are covered by pre-funding and investment returns, California pays for retiree health benefits on a "pay-as-you-go" basis as the costs come due each year. The actuarial report and a chart comparing its findings with those in the two prior reports can be found on the controller's Web site at www.sco.ca.gov
Sweet Af-Hair Salon in Rancho Cucamonga recently changed locations after six years on Base Line. The new location is in Allmark Plaza, 10078-A Arrow Route, Rancho Cucamonga. The company moved in the beginning of January. The store is managed by Frederick Dowd, who has been in the salon business for more than 20 years. The salon is owned by Lena Kinney. The salon will celebrate its new location from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today with food, drinks, jazz and networking opportunities. Information: 909-980-2595.
CREW Inland Empire will host a luncheon focused on "how athletics enhance personal and professional growth," featuring Bobbi Becker, manager of Metropolitan Water District. "Becker will share insights on how athletics can help professionals in building bridges, instilling confidence, and expanding business development opportunities through a variety sports," according to the news release. The lunch event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Ontario Airport, 2255 Convention Center Way, Ontario. Cost: $35 for CREW members; $45 for nonmembers. Price includes lunch. Reservations are required by Tuesday. Information: www.CREW-IE.org
Terra Doran has joined Southern California Realty Associates in Chino Hills as a real estate consultant. Doran specializes in residential real estate and will handle all of the Inland Empire, according to a news release. She can be reached at 760-985-6299. The company also has recently been recognized as Certified Short Sales and Properties in Foreclosure Specialists, according to broker Jack Ritoli.
Claremont's Senior Citizens Program will offer a seminar on "Power of Attorney: Advanced Health Care Directives and Property Management" from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Joslyn Senior Center, 660 N. Mountain Ave. The workshop will be presented by Stephen Jones, an attorney at Jones and Brayton Law Firm in Claremont. Information: 909-399-5488.
The Inland Empire Women's Business Center, in partnership with Oxygen Funding, will host a free workshop Wednesday on the topic of alternative financing resources. The seminar will be led by business-financing expert Don D'Ambrosio, who will introduce some of the nontraditional cash solutions available to companies, including factoring and accounts-receivable financing, and discuss improving cash flow and increasing profits. The event is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Inland Empire Women's Business Center's office, 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino. Information: 909-890-1242 or visit www.iewbc.org
The Inland Empire Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners will hold its first "legislative day" at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario. The event aims to "educate women business owners on key legislative issues that impact small business owners and to teach business owners about local, state and national government programs available to assist small business in their growth and expansion." Topics will include government contracting opportunities, business-friendly legislation, Small Business Administration resources and more. Cost: $25 for students and Business Marketplace members; $35 for NAWBO members and corporate partners; $50 general admission. Information: www.nawbo-ie.org
Riverside Community College will be holding its fourth annual CareerFest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16. The event is free and open to the public. The event planners are still seeking companies interested in participating. Information: Clarissa Andrews, 951-222-8072, or e-mail clarissa.andrews@rcc.edu
Colliers International recently directed the three-year lease renewal of 73,320 square feet of industrial space in Rancho Cucamonga to Gale Pacific, a manufacturer and distributor of advanced polymer fabrics, for $874,041. The building at 9180 Center Ave. is owned by Competition Specialties, which occupies 29,196 square feet of the building. The tenant's previous five-year lease included 54,600 square feet of space. Barrett Woods of Lee & Associates represented the tenant.
Martin Atkins, onetime drummer for Nine Inch Nails and founder of the band Pigface, will speak at noon today at Cal Poly Pomona on how to carve out a career in the music business. The seminar will cover strategies to sustain a career, gaining sponsorships, practice guerrilla marketing and engaging in other entrepreneurial activity, according to a news release. The event, in Building 24, Room 101, is open to the public. Information: www.tstouring.com
Wells Fargo & Co. announced that it has "reshaped its commercial banking leadership team in California in an effort to double its commercial banking activity over the next five years." According to a news release, Rob Yraceburu, a 25-year California banker based in Fresno who oversees the Central California Division, will take on responsibility for the Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego. John P. Manning, a 23-year industry veteran who manages the Los Angeles Division, will add the Long Beach market. MaryLou Barreiro, a 23-year industry veteran who manages the Fulton Wells Regional Commercial Banking Office in Anaheim, will take on responsibility for the San Gabriel Regional Commercial Banking Office.
The Inland Empire Chapter of the American Advertising Federation will host a luncheon for local ad agencies and businesses to learn re-branding techniques at 11:45 this morning at Copies and Ink, 10722 Arrow Route, Rancho Cucamonga. Guest speaker Mike Weisman, founding partner and president of DGWB Advertising and Communications in Santa Ana, will lead the workshop. Cost: $20 for members and students; $25 general admission Information: 909-921-1062; aaf-inlandempire.com
Elite Reward Cards LLC and the Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau have announced that "they are joining forces in 2010 to promote an economic stimulus package for businesses while providing exceptional savings for consumers," according to a news release. Beginning in April, visitors will be encouraged to patronize local merchants like the Page One Café, Red Hill BBQ, Dickey's, J&M Café, Spires and Taqueria restaurants while they are in town for convention center events. They will receive instant discounts on their purchases at select local businesses, officials said. Information: 800-455-5755; e-mail info@ontariocvb.com/
The Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Foundation has announced the winners of its inaugural nursing scholarship competition. Five scholarships were to students enrolled in area nursing schools. The recipients are Cameron Vargas of Highland, a student at Four-D College in Colton; Esteffany Martin-Vega of Highland and Yvonne Esquivel of Redlands, both Cal State San Bernardino students; Audrey Hueso of Ontario, a student at Chaffey Community College; and Jill Kaiser of Calimesa, who attends Mt. San Jacinto College. Each will receive $3,000 for school tuition.
The Montclair Chamber of Commerce's February "Member-to-Member" networking breakfast will be sponsored by OPARC, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities and their families. OPARC President and CEO Ron Wolff will discuss the nonprofit's employment and community services. The breakfast is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Thursday at Hometown Buffet, 5247 Arrow Highway. Cost: $10 for chamber members; $15 for nonmembers. Information: 909-624-4569.
Hundreds of workers remained locked out of the world's second-largest borate mine in a contract dispute in the Mojave Desert town of Boron. About 560 employees were turned away Jan. 31 from the Rio Tinto Borax mine. The workers have refused to approve a contract that their union contends would turn many positions into part-time jobs. The company disagrees but says it needs changes to compete. Union spokesman Craig Merrilees said Tuesday that union members from around the country have been donating money and groceries to help the miners.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has voted to return nearly $200,000 in fees collected from small businesses by the county Fire Department for storing small amounts of carbon dioxide for soda machines, according to a news release. "These fees were levied based on an interpretation of an old state law that wound up hurting numerous small businesses and nonprofit groups," 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said in a news release. "In these difficult times, we need to make sure we are supporting small businesses to grow our economy and create jobs. We should not apply regulations that provide no benefit to public safety but could drive business away." As many as 1,500 businesses and other groups were potentially affected by the fee, according to the release.
Four-D College in Colton will award 262 degrees in vocational nursing and certifications for other health care programs. Graduates will be participating in the winter graduation ceremony on Feb. 19 at the Ontario Convention Center. Students from both the Colton and Victorville campuses will participate in the voluntary graduation ceremony, according to a news release. Information: 909-783-9331; 760-962-1325; or www.4DCollege.com
Edward Jones, an investment firm with an office in Rancho Cucamonga, recently launched a new mutual funds advisory program called Edward Jones Advisory Solutions. According to a company news release, "The annual fee-based program allows investors with more than $50,000 to invest to select from 24 fully-discretionary research models." Each of the models has a specific objective and investment strategy and may include a combination of mutual funds and exchange traded funds, according to the release. Information: Windy Wilson, 909-941-6785; or visit www.edwardjones.com
The High Desert Opportunity committee recently announced that NBA legend and business entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson will serve as keynote speaker for the 2010 High Desert Opportunity business conference in October. The annual event will be at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville and aims to draw "out-of-the-area" business owners, commercial real estate brokers, developers and site locators to the High Desert region. Information: 760-245-7600; www.highdesertopportunity.com
Executive banker Russell Moore of Upland has been appointed a new member of the board of directors for Providence Speech and Hearing Center in Orange, according to a news release. Moore is president and chief operating officer at Orange Community Bank in the city of Orange. According to the news release, "Moore has a history of expanding the strategic value of financial institutions, and has served in the banking industry for over 30 years." Information: 714-221-0961; e-mail mcarrillo@pshc.org
Cal State San Bernardino's College of Extended Learning offers an intensive one-day workshop on Dreamweaver, a Web authoring tool for Web development professionals. "Introduction to Dreamweaver" will include lecture, demonstration and hands-on computer activities. The workshop applies to two professional certificates offered by the college, Web Page Design and Computer Graphics and Design. Classes may be taken individually with no obligation to complete a certificate. The course will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 20 at the campus' Yasuda Center. Cost: $149 per person. Information: 909-537-3910; e-mail cgalvan@csusb.edu
Ingen Technologies Inc. in Yucaipa, a manufacturer of respiratory medical devices, recently announced that it has received a purchase order from Gary Call, chief medical officer at Bingham Memorial Hospital in Blackfoot, Idaho, according to a news release. "The company's Oxyview Nasal Cannula is gaining recognition in the respiratory market as Ingen targets its projected $200 million annual sales market for the product to hospital markets worldwide," it states.
Grubb & Ellis Co., a real estate brokerage and investment firm, has announced that David Burback has been named managing director of the company's Ontario office. "In his new role, Burback will have responsibility for managing and growing Grubb & Ellis' presence throughout Northern Orange County and the Inland Empire," a news release states. Burback joined Grubb & Ellis in 2005. Prior to this, he was a principal at Northwest Realty Advisors for six years. Earlier, he spent 14 years with CB Richard Ellis.
Community Bank, a Pasadena-based institution with five branches in the Inland Empire, has donated $1,000 to Camp Fire USA -- Mt. San Antonio Council to help support the launch of Camp Miss Independent, according to a news release. "The goal of Camp Miss Independent is to promote financial literacy and independence among girls between the ages of 13 - 18," it states.
The Westside Action Group and Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception for newly-appointed San Bernardino County Sheriff Department Deputy Chief Ron Cochran on Feb. 4 at Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center in San Bernardino.
According to a news release, thousands of California businesses must register with the California State Board of Equalization to report and pay use tax, the BOE reminded taxpayers today. "A new use tax registration and reporting law requires qualified purchasers to file returns by April 15 of each year, reporting all purchases subject to use tax from the previous calendar year beginning with purchases made during 2009," it says. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov or call 800-400-7115.
Business owners are invited to learn about non-traditional financing resources that can assist with their cash flow needs at the Inland Empire Women's Business Center. The center, in partnership with Oxygen Funding, is hosting a free workshop on Feb. 17 to educate local business owners about "alternative financing resources they can utilize to encourage business growth," according to a news release. "Business financing expert Don D'Ambrosio will introduce some of the non-traditional cash solutions available to companies, including 'factoring' and 'accounts receivable financing,' and discuss improving cash flow and increasing profits," it states. The event will be at the center, from 6-7 p.m., located on 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino. For more information, or to register, call 909-890-1242, or visit www.iewbc.org
Eric Garner, a water attorney at the Riverside-based Best Best & Krieger law firm, is taking part in a lecture series on sustainability issues in Southern California, according to a news release. Garner is addressing California's water situation on Wednesday in a lecture sponsored by the UC Riverside Extension. The series runs until March 3.
Index Fresh, a Bloomington-based avocado packing-shipping company that is owned by growers, has announced the appointment of Ann O'Neill as national sales representative. According to a news release, she will 'be responsible for expanding the company's growth in the eastern U.S. O'Neill brings 26 years of experience in the produce industry.
Riverside County Supervisor John Benoit will host a Scam Stopper Seminar, with presentations from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the Riverside County Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly Program and the California Department of Consumer Affairs at 10 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Joslyn Senior Center, 73-750 Catalina Way Palm Desert. A complimentary lunch will be served following the presentation. To RSVP, call 760-863-8211.
The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board and Workforce Development Department are "ready to assist (businesses) at no cost with the following services: recruitment assistance; funds to train new employees; labor market information; pre-screened qualified applicants; access to a large applicant pool; facilities available for recruitments; layoff prevention assistance; outplacement of laid-off workers; and hiring tax credits." according to a news release. For more information, call 800-451-JOBS.
Murrieta-based Left Behind Games Inc., the parent of Inspired Media Entertainment, a leading publisher of Christian video games, announced that Family Christian Stores will expand its PC game titles to include Inspired Media's " Left Behind," " Tribulation Forces," " Keys to the Kingdom" and " Charlie Church Mouse" games, according to a news release. Family Christian Stores has nearly 300 retail locations.
The Southern California Black Business Expo is coming to Moreno Valley on March 20. It will take place at Holiday Inn Express, 24630 Sunnymead Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The expo is an opportunity to network and tell potential customers about goods and services, according to a news release. Admission is $15. To purchase tickets or find out more about being an exhibitor, visit www.scblackbusinessexpo.com or call 951-313-1919.
Alfredo Martinez-Morales has been named managing director of the Southern California Research Initiative for Solar Energy, a new collaboration between researchers, industry and government based at UC Riverside's College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology. "Martinez-Morales will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the initiative and moving forward its multiple goals," a news release states. The center was created to advance solar energy technologies, train professionals for the industry, nurture new businesses and assist commercial and residential energy users in identifying appropriate applications for solar energy.
Redlands City Manager N. Enrique Martinez has been named a member of the National League of Cities 2010 Leadership Training Council. Martinez is the only non-elected government official on the council, which is traditionally made up of local elected leaders from across the nation, according to a news release. The institute promotes excellence in municipal leadership.
The Inland Empire chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners is sponsoring the Amazing Women Awards Dinner, "Diamonds in Our Own Backyard." The event honors "exceptional women business owners and community leaders," a news release states. Winners will be announced at the event. It will take place at 6 p.m. April 28 at the Ontario Doubletree Hotel. For more information, visit www.nawbo-ie.org
The San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, 546 W. Sixth St., is inviting businesses to visit a Koffee Klatch meeting on any Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. to meet other business owners that share a "desire to grow (their) client base through doing business locally," according to a news release. For more information, call 909-885-7515.
Universal Surveillance Systems, a Rancho Cucamonga-based manufacturer of loss-prevention technology, has announced that industry executive Jerry Kendall has been appointed senior vice president of global sales and service. Formerly executive vice president of a division that covers North and South America, which is now a subsidiary of Tyco International, Kendall brings more than 20 years of experience in loss prevention, executive management, sales and technology, according to a news release.
The Housing Opportunities Collaborative of the Inland Empire and Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Riverside, are holding a free foreclosure prevention workshop from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Crossroads Church, 2331 Kellogg Ave., Corona. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. "We're dedicated to assisting struggling homeowners and helping to stabilize our community," Rose Mayes, who chairs the collaborative and is executive director of the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, said in a news release. "We're pleased to partner with Congressman Calvert's office to provide education and hope to homeowners desperate to save their homes."
Cal State San Bernardino's College of Extended Learning will offer a "program evaluation" workshop to those working in the field of grant development and management. Implementing effective program evaluation techniques can lead to successful future funding, according to a news release. The course will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 27 and cover such practices as how to write clear program objectives, monitor, track and report progress and outcomes, and use effective evaluation tools to ensure that your grant-funded project is on track. It will be held at the campus' Yasuda Center. Cost: $140. Information: 909-537-5981; cel.csusb.edu
The Inland Empire chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners will hold its first "Legislative Day" at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. "The purpose of the Legislative Day is to educate women business owners on key legislative issues that impact small business owners and to teach business owners about local, state and national government programs available to assist small business in their growth and expansion," according to a news release. Among the topics that will be addressed at the meeting are government contracting opportunities for businesses, business friendly legislation, resources from the Small Business Administration for business owners and legislation that business owners should oppose. Legislators or their staff will serve on a panel moderated by the Inland Empire group's board members and will answer questions generated. Information: www.nawbo-ie.org
The rate of people in San Bernardino County buying businesses last month was nearly double that of January 2009, according to new figures from bizben.com. A total of 38 businesses changed hands in January, compared with 20 sales recorded the same month last year. Largest contributors to that total were Ontario and Upland with six sales each. Four sales were recorded in Rancho Cucamonga and in San Bernardino. "It isn't surprising to see a big jump in activity after a slow period when the demand is building but not yet expressed in the market," said Peter Siegel, founder and CEO of bizben.com, in a news release. "People were hesitant to make a decision because they were waiting to see where the economy was headed. The state also showed a strong increase in small and mid-sized business sales in January. California recorded 24 percent more transactions last month compared with the first month of last year, according to the release.
Maureen Malone, chief operating officer at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, recently was awarded a $29,000 scholarship to attend the California Health Leadership College, according to a news release. Malone, who joined Arrowhead Regional's administrative staff in 2008, has 25 years of experience in health care administration.
General Environmental Management Inc. in Pomona recently announced that its stock purchase agreement with Luntz Acquisition LLC, a subsidiary of PSC Environmental Services LLC, pursuant to which the company has agreed to sell General Environmental Management Inc. and its subsidiaries, is on target for a closing date on or before March 1. The closing of the sale is still subject to the approval of shareholders and other customary closing conditions, according to a company news release. The company will hold a shareholders' meeting to submit the purchase agreement for approval on Feb. 19.
Hollywood Video locations in the Inland Empire are among those slated for closure as part of Movie Gallery Inc.' s filing Wednesday for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company, which operates Movie Gallery, Hollywood Video and Game Crazy stores, will close 805 locations nationwide, about a third of its total. This is the company's second trip through bankruptcy court in three years. The company is struggling with competition as more people choose to stream videos online from Netflix Inc. and other services or pick up $1-per-night rentals at Redbox kiosks. In the past three years, the company has closed more than 2,400 of its stores, leaving about 2,600 still open, according to court filings Tuesday. Despite moving to shut down unprofitable locations, the company said it continued to see "significant" losses in 2009. Annual revenue fell $546.3 million, or 28 percent, to $1.4 billion. Inland Empire closures include:
Claremont: 2090 N. Mills Ave.
Colton: 125 W. Valley Blvd.
Fontana: 16120 Foothill Blvd., 16803 Valley Blvd
Grand Terrace: 22471 Barton Road
Pomona: 2085 S. Garey Ave.
Rancho Cucamonga: 12899 Foothill Blvd., 9750 Base Line
Rialto: 1605 S. Riverside Ave.
San Bernardino: 4235 N. University Parkway.
Yucaipa: 34544 Yucaipa Blvd.
"Health Care Reform and the Impact on Your Business" will be the topic of a Friday morning panel discussion hosted by the Cal State San Bernardino College of Business and Public Administration, as well as the college's Business Alliance. The session is scheduled for 8 a.m. in the Santos Manuel Student Union Events Center. Cost: $25 per person, which includes breakfast and parking; $15 for Business Alliance members. Presenters include Stephen Inrig, a professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dev Gnanadev, medical director at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, and Chuck Carlsen, a senior benefits manager at ESRI in Redlands. Information: 909-537-5771; e-mail sbrown@csusb.edu
The Comfort Suites Ontario Airport, 1811 E. Holt Blvd., recently received a Platinum Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International Inc., the franchiser of the Comfort Suites band. The award designates the hotel as being among the top performing properties in the United States, one of only 11 hotels in the state to receive the distinction. "The hotel has demonstrated an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to providing superior service. Additional award criteria are evaluated by Choice Hotels through its official annual property ranking report," according to a news release. Information: 909-605-0700.
The San Bernardino Valley chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at the San Bernardino Elks Club for lunch and to hear James Bruce Joseph Sievers, author of "An American in Love with His Country." Cost: $15. Reservations are required by Feb. 8. Information: 909-886-7370.
American States Water Co. in San Dimas announced this week the approval of a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share on the common shares of the company, its 295th consecutive dividend payment. According to a company news release, American States Water has seen an aggregate annual increase in its dividends for more than 55 years. Dividends will be payable March 1 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 12.
The Yucaipa Chamber of Commerce will hold a new member orientation event 8-9 a.m. Feb. 11 at its office, 35139 Yucaipa Blvd. The orientation will cover the benefits of chamber membership and how to take advantage of them. Reservations are required. Information: 909-790-1841.
The Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau recently rolled out a customizable event marketing program, according to a news release. "Our goal is to provide the resources an event planner needs to save money on their events," CEO and President Bob Brown said in the release. "The Ontario Convention Center is more than just a building. We have a highly skilled team at the bureau full of ideas to help planners save money when marketing their events." The "Event Marketing Program" is available to all event and meeting planners who work directly with the bureau and the Ontario Convention Center. In addition to this promotion, the Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau has also launched two destination marketing promotions, including a promise to either meet or beat any "Request for Proposal" an event planner sends the bureau. Third-party meeting planners with Helms Briscoe and Conference Direct also receive an instant 10 percent commission upon confirmation of an event. The Ontario Convention Center will also provide the group up to a 20 percent rebate to the master account if the event is confirmed and held in 2010. Information: Amita Patel, 909-937-3002.
Anatomic Global, a mattress manufacturer in Corona, recently announced that it is joining five of its suppliers in donating "transitional" mattresses to Haitians displaced by the devastating earthquake last month. The first 500 mattresses were shipped from Southern California in late January, and were distributed through Parakletos International and Calvary Chapels. Several thousand mattresses will continue to be shipped until the company reaches its goal of supplying 200,000, according to a news release. Joining Anatomic Global are FXI Foamex Innovations, UPS, Deslee Textiles USA, Royal Packaging and the Brookwood Companies. Information: www.ecomfortmattress.com
Colliers International, which has a location in Ontario, has tapped Nick Foussianes as executive managing director of the Southern California Client Solution Design division of Corporate Solutions, the firm's global corporate-services operation. The move is part of the company's global expansion, which includes combining operations for Colliers and FirstService Real Estate Advisors. Foussianes will be based in San Diego.
Sycamore Urban Properties recently announced that the majority of the 42 single-family homes in Apple Valley that were foreclosed on are now occupied. The investment company acquired the homes in The Vineyards and Mira Monte neighborhoods Sept. 16 and restarted a sales program within 96 hours, according to a news release. Jeff Petrus with Lee Entitlements managed the "re-grand opening" and completion of the homes. Information: www.sycamoreprops.com
The Quality Inn Ontario Airport hotel recently received a Platinum Hospitality Award from the brand's franchiser, Choice Hotels International Inc. The hotel is at 514 N. Vineyard Ave. "As a top-performing property among the company's more than 4,800 U.S. franchised hotels, the Quality Inn Ontario Airport hotel is among the top 3 percent of properties within the Quality brand," according to a news release.
San Bernardino contractor Chris Marshall will begin rehabilitation this month on two 19th Street multifamily units recently acquired by the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, according to a news release. The units are part of a project to reduce blight in the area. The two fourplexes will have remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, new carpeting and doors, new roofs, windows, decks and lawns, according to the news release. Walls, electrical fixtures, heating and air-conditioning units and fireplaces will be repaired and brought up to building codes. When the project is complete, the apartments will be rented out by nonprofit Mary Erickson Community Housing. Information: Sam Hughes, 909-963-5020.
OPARC, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with disabilities and their families, will host a multichamber mixer from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 23 at the nonprofit's administration office at 9029 Vernon Ave., Montclair. The Montclair, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Chino and San Bernardino chambers of commerce will be participating. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1950s clothing for the event, which is 1950s Rock 'N' Roll Sock-Hop.
Samuel Cox of Phelan has been named district general agent for the Victorville district of Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Co. He is a member of the African-American Chamber of Commerce. Information: 760-792-0035; e-mail at samuel.cox@coloniallife.com or www.ColonialLife.com
In order to keep its customers up-to-date on company and industry news, San Dimas-based fuel purifier manufacturer RCI Technologies recently launched "Solutions," an e-mail newsletter. The newsletter will be sent to the inboxes of RCI's customers, company representatives and distributors, engineers and other interested readers, according to a news release. It will include "information on RCI's new products, company news, technical advice and other fuel-related items of interest." Information: 909-305-1241; e-mail news@rcitechnologies.com
The Comfort Suites hotel in Redlands was recently announced as a recipient of a prestigious 2010 Platinum Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International Inc., franchisor of the Comfort Suites brand. The local hotel is one of only 11 hotels in the state and 15 hotels within the brand to receive "Platinum Award" status. Information: choicehotels.com
According to the Rancho Cucamonga Redevelopment Agency Web site, the 50,000-square-foot furniture showroom that once housed Wickes will open again today as the newest Linder's Furniture location. Linder's has been in business for the past 27 years serving customers from its Orange County and South Bay locations. Rancho Cucamonga will mark its first official entry into the Inland Empire. The location will be the company's largest and is scheduled to open today. Information: www.lindersfurniture.com
Californians' demand for gasoline decreased 0.4 percent and diesel declined 11.1 percent in October, compared to October 2008, according to figures recently released by the state Board of Equalization. Californians used 1.246 billion gallons of gasoline during the month, compared with 1.252 billion gallons in October 2008. The October decrease in consumption is the first decline in six months. The previous five months showed small increases in consumption when compared to the previous year. According to the BOE's figures, gasoline sales generated approximately $318 million in sales tax during October, $27 million less than the previous year. Diesel fuel sold in California during October totaled 224 million gallons, compared with 252 million gallons the year previous. Information: www.boe.ca.gov
James F. McNulty has been elected a director of American States Water Co. to serve until the company's annual meeting in 2011 or until his successor is elected. McNulty was also elected a director of two of the company's subsidiaries, Golden State Water Co. and Chaparral City Water Co.
The state office of Alcohol Beverage Control will conduct free "Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs" trainings for owners, managers and employees who sell or serve alcohol in San Bernardino. The training is certified by the state and includes information related to state and local alcohol laws, liabilities, community standards, checking ID, identifying and refusing sales to minors and identifying and refusing sales to intoxicated persons. The training is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. Monday in the basement conference room at San Bernardino City Hall, 300 N. D St. Seating is limited, so participants are urged to call. Information: 909-387-6288.
A nanotechnology technician's training session through the San Bernardino Community College District that starts Monday is full, but there are openings for the session starting April 5. The training is free to participants thanks to a grant from the Department of Labor's Employment Training Administration. The classes are at the Donald F. Averill Applied Technology Training Center, 114 S. Del Rosa Drive, San Bernardino. Some portions are held at UC Riverside. The training consists of 90 hours of lecture and hands-on instruction. There is an option of taking day (2-5 p.m.) or evening (6-9 p.m.) classes. Information: 909-382-4001; www.attctraining.org
The National Association of Women in Construction Inland Valley chapter No. 140 will hold a "Mechanics' Lien Law" seminar from 8:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 19 at Pomona Valley Mining Co., 1777 Gillette Road, Pomona. Shaaron Bangs of Crawford & Bangs LLP will host the half-day seminar, which will cover effective use of mechanics' liens, stop notices and more. Reservations are required by Feb. 14. Cost: $50 for members; $65 for nonmembers. Information: 909-982-7911; e-mail nawic140@msn.com
Redlands-based Virtual Images recently worked with 20th Century Fox to produce nearly 2,000 Ultra-3D movie posters for the blockbuster film "Avatar." The posters were distributed throughout the United States and internationally. The company specializes in 3-D marketing products. Information: www.viu.com
Virginia Burley, vice president of instruction at Mt. San Antonio College, will speak at the Industry Manufacturers Council human resources luncheon at noon Feb. 9 at Pacific Palms Conference Resort, One Industry Hills Parkway, Industry. Cost: $20. Information and reservations; 626-968-3737.
Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter, D-Rialto, was among state lawmakers to be recognized in 2009 by the California Small Business Association for dedication to issues of most importance to small business. "Small businesses play a vital role in the ever-growing California economy and particularly in the 62nd District," Carter said in a news release. "When small businesses succeed, the whole community benefits."
The National Association of Women in Construction Inland Valley Chapter No. 140 will hold its monthly general meeting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Antonino's Ristorante Italiano, 7945 Vineyard Ave., Suite D-7, Rancho Cucamonga. Michelle Skiljan, director of the Inland Empire Women's Business Center, will discuss "2010 Intentions: Goal Setting & How to Get There." Cost: $30. Reservations are required by Feb. 9. Information: 951-202-4484; e-mail nawic140@msn.com
"Health Care Reform and the Impact on Your Business" will be the topic of a morning panel hosted by the Cal State San Bernardino College of Business and Public Administration, as well as the college's Business Alliance. The session is scheduled for 8 a.m. Feb. 5 in the Santos Manuel Student Union Events Center. Cost: $25 per person, which includes breakfast and parking; $15 for Business Alliance members. Presenters include Stephen Inrig, a professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dev Gnanadev, medical director at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, and Chuck Carlsen, a senior benefits manager at ESRI in Redlands. Information: 909-537-5771; e-mail sbrown@csusb.edu
Laura J. VanVleet of Ontario was recently selected as 2009 Super Van Operator Rookie of the Year by the American Moving & Storage Association. She is the first woman to win any Super Van Operator award in the program's 28-year history, according to a news release. VanVleet has been driving commercially for three years with no accidents or traffic citations for American Relocation & Logistics in Santa Fe Springs, a Mayflower Transit agent. VanVleet will receive a leather jacket, a gold ring and other prizes at AMSA's 2010 Education Conference & Expo scheduled next month in Phoenix.
Real estate agent Dianna Alwerth recently joined Elite Realty Group at 33694 Yucaipa Blvd., Suite 4, Yucaipa. Alwerth has worked in Inland Empire real estate for nine years. "I am excited about the new opportunities the move to Elite Realty Group will provide," she said in a news release.
Lenders Who Care, a nonprofit mortgage lending resource for consumers, will host a course aimed at helping homebuyers navigate the current market. The workshop is scheduled from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday at the Rancho Cucamonga Neighborhood Service Center, 9791 Arrow Route. The course will also be offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Upland Public Library, 460 N. Euclid Ave. Information: 877-811-1592; www.lenderswhocare.org
The 2010 ESRI California/Hawaii/Nevada Regional User Group Conference will be Feb. 3-4 at ESRI's new conference center at its headquarters in Redlands. The conference is a forum for ESRI users from California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Islands to "learn how they can best apply geographic information system (GIS) technology in their field," according to a news release. ESRI President Jack Dangermond will speak to the group about how planners, engineers, scientists, and other professionals can incorporate GIS into planning processes and scientific studies to design a better future for the world. Clint Brown, ESRI's director of product engineering, will give the keynote address. Information: www.esri.com/cahinvrug
Homeowners with FHA- insured mortgage loans who are experiencing financial hardship are now eligible for loss-mitigation assistance before they fall behind on their mortgage payments. Previously, these homeowners were not eligible for such assistance until after they had missed payments. The Helping Families Save Their Home Act of 2009 expanded the Federal Housing Authority's authority to use its loss-mitigation tools to assist FHA borrowers avoid foreclosure to include those facing "imminent default." A borrower in danger of "imminent default" is defined as an FHA borrower who is "current or less than 30 days past due on the mortgage obligation and who is experiencing a significant reduction in income or some other hardship that will prevent him or her from making the next required payment on the mortgage during the month that it is due," according to an agency news release. A "forbearance agreement" is an agreement by the loan servicer to postpone, reduce or suspend payments due on a loan for a limited and specific time period. Information: www.hud.gov
Ernst & Young LLP recently announced the open nomination period for its Entrepreneur of the Year awards in the Greater Los Angeles area. The deadline for applications is March 19, and the awards ceremony will take place June 22 at the Beverly Hilton. Award winners are selected by a panel of independent judges, including local business owners -- many of whom have won the award in the past -- as well as area leaders from civic organizations and academic institutions. Information: Sandra Feldner Vandergriff, 213-977-3253, or e-mail sandra.feldnervandergriff@ey.com; or visit www.ey.com/us/eoy
Fifty-four Southern California vehicle repair shops have earned the Automobile Club of Southern California's AAA Approved Auto Repair Quality Service Award for customer satisfaction and service quality. Among the winners are three area shops: All Car Specialist and Euclid Valero, both in Ontario, and Grand Mobil in Diamond Bar. The Quality Service Award honorees were selected from nearly 650 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities in Southern California, which are independent businesses regularly inspected by the Auto Club, according to a news release. "To receive an award, a repair shop has to meet Auto Club standards for a consecutive two-year period," according to the release. Those standards include having no more than one complaint from an Auto Club member, a minimum of 99 percent customer satisfaction rating during two consecutive annual surveys and no facility deficiencies during either of the Auto Club's annual shop inspections or the bimonthly shop reviews. Information: 800-713-0003; www.aaa.com.
Freddie Mae's Southern Cooking will hold a grand-opening event from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at the restaurant's new location, 13677 Foothill Blvd., Suite H, Fontana. Mayor Mark Nuaimi is scheduled to appear at the celebration, which will include music and prizes. Information: 909-899-6237; www.freddiemaes.com
The Faith Based Business Fellowship will hold its monthly meeting at 7 tonight in the second-floor banquet room at 8647 Helms Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. Al Gutierrez of A.G. Engineering and other local business owners will discuss a local economic turnaround in 2010. Information: 951-453-9914.
This past year was record-setting when it came to foreclosures in the Inland Empire, according to a new report released today by RealtyTrac. The San Bernardino-Ontario-Riverside metropolitan area came in fourth in the nation among statistical areas with a population of 200,000 or more. The region logged 126,376 houses in some level of foreclosure during the year, equating to about one in every 11 houses receiving a notice of default in 2009. That compares with 112,284 notices in 2008, when the region ranked No. 6 in the nation. Nationwide, California accounted for nine of the top 20 metro foreclosure rates, followed by Florida with eight, Nevada with two and Arizona with one. Information: www.realtytrac.com
A jobs summit sponsored by Rep. Joe Baca, D-San Bernardino, that was originally scheduled for this morning, has been moved to Monday. The purpose of the event was to "exchange ideas on job creation in the Inland Empire and take the local ideas and input to Washington to contribute to the national dialogue," according to a recent news release. The event will now be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday at the Fontana Center Stage Theater, 8463 Sierra Ave. Information: 909-885-2222.
NAI Capital commercial real estate brokerage recently announced that Michael Charles Meade Jr. has joined the firm's Palm Desert office as vice president specializing in investment sales and commercial leasing, effective immediately. Information: 760-346-1566; or e-mail mmeade@naicapital.com
The Upland Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly "First Friday" networking meeting at 7 a.m. Feb. 5 at the Carnegie Building, 123 E. D St., Upland. The event is sponsored by P&G Accounting, and the keynote speaker will be Peter Ellena, who will address how business owners can save money on taxes. Breakfast will be provided by Buckboard BBQ & Grill. Cost: $10 for chamber members; $15 for non-members. Reservations required by Feb. 2. Information: 909-204-4465; e-mail realpeople@uplandchamber.org
The Center for Litigation and Consumer Real Estate Education is taking appointments at its new office in Centennial Plaza, 101 E. Redlands Blvd., Suite 215-E, Redlands. Appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The organization began conducting outreach programs for homeowners facing foreclosure and seeking loan modifications in August. They aim to help homeowners who have been victims of loan modification scammers. Information: 909-584-8820; or 909-754-9902.
Coco's Bakery & Restaurant will hold a grand opening event from 3-7 p.m. Thursday for its new location near Ontario Mills, at 4360 Mills Circle Road, Ontario. The event will include coffee tasting, appetizers, food samples and more. Information: 909-987-3032.
Grubb & Ellis Co., a real estate services and investment firm, recently announced that Chuck Hunt, executive managing director of its Los Angeles office, has been promoted to oversee the company's newly created Southern California region. He will oversee the company's Ontario, Anaheim and Newport Beach offices, and will "work closely with the individual market leaders to improve profitability, recruit professionals and expand client relationships," according to a company news release.
The Small Business Administration's January Web Chat will highlight "exporting basics and general SBA capital and credit programs for small business owners," according to an agency news release. The chat, scheduled at 1 p.m. Thursday at www.sba.gov, aims to help business owners "find out if they are ready for exporting and learn more about how to get started." The chat will be hosted by Richard Ginsburg and Patrick Tunison of the SBA's Office of International Trade. They will answer questions for one hour. Web chat participants may post questions before the chat by visiting web.sba.gov/livemeeting/Jan10 and posting their questions online. There is an archive of past chats available at www.sba.gov/tools/monthlywebchat/index.htm
The San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone will host a workshop to educate local business owners about the business and tax incentives the program provides. The seminar will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Gonzales Center, 670 E. Colton Ave., Colton. A continental breakfast will be provided. Reservations are requested by Feb. 17. Information: 909-382-4100, ext. 230; or e-mail info@sbvez.com
Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona will host the sixth International Congress of Behavioral Optometry from April 8 through 11. The event will take place at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario and on the school's Pomona campus. WesternU, the Optometric Extension Program Foundation and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association International are co-sponsors of the event. The OEP Foundation puts on ICBO every four years, rotating between Europe, Australia and the U.S. The conference attracts 400-450 optometrists, therapists and other professionals who work with rehabilitation. The focus of this year's meeting is "A Collaboration of Eyes and Brains." Informatin: www.2010icbo.org
Ingen Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of respiratory medical devices in Yucaipa, recently announced that "current quarter sales represented an increase of 17.7 percent from sales in the quarter ended Nov. 30, 2008." According to the news release, sales increased in response to the introduction of the Oxyview Nasal Cannula unit, which incorporates a cannula with Ingen's Oxyview unit. The company also announced that it has reduced its debt to the note holders by $2.3 million, and expects to reduce the entire balance by March. Information: www.ingen-tech.com
The Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce and the city will present the annual State of the City address by Mayor Don Kurth from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Etiwanda Gardens, 7576 Etiwanda Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. Cost: $35 for chamber members; $40 for nonmembers. Information: E-mail stacey@ranchochamber.org or visit www.ranchochamber.org
The state Treasurer's Office has revamped its Web site's home page and created a Twitter account to help better inform the public, the media and bond investors, according to a recent news release. The home page redesign "makes it easier to find information about California's bond finance program, including the status of voter-approved GO bonds and the state's credit ratings. It highlights current state budget and cash flow data," according to the news release. The site is at www.treasurer.ca.gov
The office is now on Twitter as well, at twitter.com/stonewsroom
The feed includes the office's latest news and announcements.
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